Do I Need to Hire a Personal Injury Attorney?
Not sure if you need to hire a personal injury attorney? The first thing you need to consider is if you have been injured in an accident or through negligence. Once you have figured this out, there are still many other things to think about. Below are some considerations to make as you decide, “Do I need to hire a personal injury lawyer?”
Not sure if you need to hire a personal injury attorney? The first thing you need to consider is if you have been injured in an accident or through negligence. Once you have figured this out, there are still many other things to think about. Below are some considerations to make as you decide, “Do I need to hire a personal injury lawyer?”
What Type of Accident Occurred?
Many types of accidents require a lawyer's expertise, including car accidents, medical malpractice, and even injuries from falling. As long as someone else was responsible for your injury, you can still hire a personal injury lawyer.
The type of accident determines what kind of lawyer to hire and how to pursue a case. The type of accident and injury can also determine how much insurance will cover and how much money you could potentially win if the case goes to court. The only thing you need to remember is that someone else has to be at fault — a personal injury lawyer won't be able to help much with an accident you caused (or something that no one caused).
Did You Sustain a Traumatic Injury or Permanent Disability?
These types of injuries usually have favorable outcomes in their cases. This success is because people who sustain a traumatic injury may not be able to work or care for themselves until their injury heals. This means that you would incur “future damages” that the defending insurance company would have to provide for.
If you have been permanently disabled, you should pursue ample compensation from the defendant. Hiring a personal injury lawyer is the best way to make sure you get all the compensation you will need for the rest of your life. Any professional lawyer will talk to medical professionals and financial experts to assist them in making sure you get the right value for your injury claim.
Are Multiple Parties Involved?
If multiple parties are involved, it is more likely that you will need to hire a lawyer. Multi-vehicle accidents, product liability claims, and medical malpractice claims are examples that generally involve multiple parties. These cases also generally generate more difficult and drawn-out claims.
Having multiple parties makes the negotiations and legality of cases more difficult, so hiring a lawyer for cases involving multiple parties is a good idea. An attorney will handle the intricacies of multiple-party cases with grace.
Is the Case Going to Court?
Often, personal injury cases do not end up going to court. Most of the time, the parties can reach an agreement or settlement through negotiations. No side wants to endure the lengthy court process and risk losing. If there's a way out, they'll often take it.
You can choose to have a personal injury lawyer by your side as you work through these negotiations with the defending insurance company. This professional will help you navigate the negotiations and achieve the best possible outcome.
However, sometimes cases don't go so smoothly. If you don't want to settle for a specific amount of money or the defendant refuses to admit wrongdoing, you might have to go to court.
If your case goes to court, you'll definitely want an attorney at your side. Representing yourself can quickly go south. Going to court for a personal injury case involves many minute legal details that lawyers know inside and out, unlike most people.
What Type of Lawyer Should I Hire?
As mentioned earlier, the answer to this question depends on what type of accident you were involved in. If you were involved in an auto accident, you need to hire a car accident lawyer in Kingston, PA. Make sure you have the details of the accident from the police report before calling a lawyer.
If you were injured because of medical malpractice, you need to hire a medical malpractice lawyer in Kingston, PA. Lawyers' offices make it simple for you to find the right type of lawyer based on the accident that occurred. Just make sure you gather all the evidence you can get for a claim before you call them. This preparation will help an attorney develop a case for you as smoothly as possible.
Contact Selingo Guagliardo for a Personal Injury Lawyer
At this point, you should be more familiar with the inquiry of “Do I need to hire a personal injury lawyer?” Now, it's time to seek the compensation you deserve.
No matter what type of accident you've endured, you should still consider hiring an attorney to help you with all the financial and legal aspects of filing a claim. This will not only make the process easier for you, but it may also give you an advantage over the defending insurance company.
So, do you need to hire a personal injury attorney? Contact Selingo Guagliardo today to schedule your free consultation. We can help you to go forward with your life and leave this troubling period behind you.
What Does Having No-Fault Car Insurance in Pennsylvania Mean?
The state of Pennsylvania follows the no-fault car insurance system. Under this system, your insurance company covers the costs for any medical treatments or out-of-pocket expenses for anyone involved in the car accident. This means even if you are not the one who caused the accident, your insurance must pay for any expenses for injuries. Most insurance companies in Pennsylvania allow you to opt-out of the no-fault system when you purchase insurance. The insurance company is responsible for letting you know what exactly opting out means.
The state of Pennsylvania follows the no-fault car insurance system. Under this system, your insurance company covers the costs for any medical treatments or out-of-pocket expenses for anyone involved in the car accident. This means even if you are not the one who caused the accident, your insurance must pay for any expenses for injuries. Most insurance companies in Pennsylvania allow you to opt-out of the no-fault system when you purchase insurance. The insurance company is responsible for letting you know what exactly opting out means.
LIMITED TORT VS. FULL TORT CAR INSURANCE COVERAGE
There are two options you have when purchasing car insurance in Pennsylvania. With these two options, drivers in Pennsylvania must meet the state-required coverage minimums. The following explains the differences between the two options:
Limited Tort. This option limits the rights to compensation for you and passengers when the other driver caused the accident. With this option, you can seek compensation for medical expenses. Limited tort coverage does not apply to other non-monetary losses or pain and suffering. You can seek compensation for such injuries if they are deemed serious by the insurance company. These injuries include major impairment of a body function and permanent disfigurement.
Full Tort. With this option, the insurance company will cover ALL medical treatments, out-of-pocket expenses and non-monetary losses including pain and suffering.
These types of coverage only apply to expenses related to injuries. They do not apply to expenses related to damages of your vehicle. You can file a claim for damages against the driver who is at-fault. It’s also important to note that if you are in an accident, sometimes your injuries will exceed the minimum coverage of the at-fault driver. If this is the case, the at-fault driver will have to cover any expenses for injuries from their own assets.
QUESTIONS ABOUT A CAR ACCIDENT?
If you have been in a car accident and need compensation for your injuries, you should call the auto accident attorneys at Selingo Guagliardo to help you today. Call 570-287-2400 or fill out our online contact form.
Is Negligence Increasing Concussions Among Girls Playing Soccer?
For a few years, more and more scientific studies about Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) have flooded the media. This degenerative brain disease is commonly found in veterans and athletes—most notably football players. As a result, many parents have banned their young boys from playing football. Now, some are beginning to see that this disease could be just as dangerous to girls. And they want officials in charge to make up for the negligence of not protecting these female athletes.
For a few years, more and more scientific studies about Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) have flooded the media. This degenerative brain disease is commonly found in veterans and athletes—most notably football players. As a result, many parents have banned their young boys from playing football. Now, some are beginning to see that this disease could be just as dangerous to girls. And they want officials in charge to make up for the negligence of not protecting these female athletes.
IS FAILING TO PREVENT CONCUSSIONS NEGLIGENCE?
U.S. Soccer Federation governs a nationwide sports league with 1.7 million girls registered to play. This organization has many rules and requirements to ensure safe playing, but some Pennsylvania parents don’t think those rules go far enough.
In recent studies, researchers have found that modern Kevlar headgear can help protect players from concussions. Yet, U.S. Soccer has not implemented headgear requirements into its youth league rules. This has resulted in a lawsuit filed by the parents of two teenage girls who suffered concussions while playing soccer with the group.
The lawsuit claims negligence on the part of U.S. Soccer and its member, the U.S. Youth Soccer Association. The suit claims that in spite of evidence showing that headgear works, the organizations have failed to implement the safety measures. This is further compounded by the fact that the league does mandate other safety devices such as shin guards and other equipment.
This is just one case in a rising trend of parents holding schools and sports leagues responsible for concussion injuries. Though most of these cases have been focused on predominantly male sports, experts are realizing female-oriented sports can be just as dangerous. Some believe that head injuries in soccer and cheerleading may even exceed how many occur in boy’s football.
If you suspect your child’s safety is being disregarded by the coaches or rule makers in the sports they play, contact an attorney. An attorney may help spur change with your local sports organizations and help protect your child. For more info about using a lawsuit to affect real change, keep following the blog at Selingo Guagliardo.
Categories
How Often Are Mesothelioma Lawsuits Filed in Pennsylvania?
When it comes to mesothelioma, there is good news and bad news. The good news is, as time passes, fewer cases of the sickness are being discovered. The bad news is that more asbestos lawsuits may have been filed in 2017 than in 2016. Even more surprising is Pennsylvania’s role in the lawsuits filed once these cases are discovered.
When it comes to mesothelioma, there is good news and bad news. The good news is, as time passes, fewer cases of the sickness are being discovered. The bad news is that more asbestos lawsuits may have been filed in 2017 than in 2016. Even more surprising is Pennsylvania’s role in the lawsuits filed once these cases are discovered.
HOW MANY MESOTHELIOMA LAWSUITS WERE FILED IN PENNSYLVANIA?
Mesothelioma is a deadly lung cancer that usually occurs after a person has breathed in asbestos particles. This disease can often take years to develop, and there are few treatment options available. Worse yet is the fact that asbestos was at one time a very popular heat barrier. It was used in construction, clothing and even car brake pads. However, the discovery of this mineral’s deadly effects has led to a nationwide ban and lawsuits as affected individuals try to find compensation for their damages. Apparently, Pennsylvania is at the center of these lawsuits.
According to a report compiled by Washington, D.C. consulting firm KCIC, Pennsylvania has the second highest number of asbestos related lawsuits filed nationwide. Philadelphia is a particular hotspot. In 2015, 88 mesothelioma cases were filed in Philly, and in 2016, 97 more cases found their way to court filing rooms in the city. That increase continued in 2017 as 128 cases were filed that year.
WHAT DO THESE FILINGS MEAN?
As many predicted and feared, mesothelioma cases are continuing to develop years after banning the use of asbestos in all products and construction. This is because we are still discovering new places the substance was used and never reported. Sometimes, employers will also neglect their duty to ensure that their work environments are safe from asbestos. This can lead to lawsuits, considering that these personal injury cases are often the only way for victims and their families to get compensation for their medical bills.
To learn more, keep following the Kingston personal injury law firm Selingo Guagliardo—a helping hand when you have been hurt.
How Important Is Social Media to Your Personal Injury Case?
A personal injury lawsuit can be a very complex and delicate legal proceeding. The slightest turn in testimony or evidence can have a ripple effect that changes the entire course of a case. This sensitivity is increased tenfold due to the prevalence of social media. Pictures, videos and other posts of a person’s day-to-day life give people a rare glimpse into how others live, but such a window into your life could prove disastrous to a personal injury case.
A personal injury lawsuit can be a very complex and delicate legal proceeding. The slightest turn in testimony or evidence can have a ripple effect that changes the entire course of a case. This sensitivity is increased tenfold due to the prevalence of social media. Pictures, videos and other posts of a person’s day-to-day life give people a rare glimpse into how others live, but such a window into your life could prove disastrous to a personal injury case.
HOW DO SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS AFFECT PERSONAL INJURY CASES?
An auto accident lawsuit in the Monroe County Court of Common Pleas is shaking up the legal landscape in Pennsylvania. A judge has ordered that the defendant in this case be allowed to access the Instagram account of the plaintiff, despite the account being set to private. This after the defendant showed the court images from the Instagram account—when it was still set to public access—which showed the plaintiff participating in physical activities that her alleged injuries should preclude.
Though the plaintiff has argued that the account is private, at one point it was public, and it was made clear to the court that the account may contain information that relates to the litigation of the case. Earlier in proceedings the plaintiff had also denied she maintained a social media account. However, when presented with evidence of her Instagram account, she admitted that she misunderstood the question and claimed the account.
These revelations have most likely hurt this plaintiff’s personal injury claim. Even if she has a sound explanation for the posts that appear on social media, pictures and video are powerful evidence that could place doubt in the minds of those deliberating a case. This is why an experienced attorney will ask clients to avoid social media during their personal injury case. With the role of social media increasing in our nation’s courtrooms, being aware of your footprint online is becoming vital to every lawsuit.