If you’ve been injured, chances are that you are filing a personal injury claim in Pennsylvania for the first time. If that’s the case, it can be a confusing process (for many Pennsylvanians, this process is still confusing, even if they are filing a personal injury claim for a second or third time).
Here is what you need to know if you are filing a Pennsylvania personal injury case in the Commonwealth.
What Are The Limitations?
One thing you definitely need to know is that certain limitations determine whether you will even be able to file a personal injury lawsuit in Pennsylvania. You have two years from the date of your injury to file a personal injury claim.
Fortunately, this does not mean that you have to complete your personal injury claim within two years; only that you have to file the paperwork. Two years may seem like a long time, but it can go by fast, especially if you are focused on recovering from a serious personal injury.
Many Pennsylvanians end up missing this two-year deadline. If you do miss the deadline, you will not able to claim any compensation for your personal injury.
When Should I Consult An Attorney?
Given Pennsylvania’s two-year statute of limitations, we recommend consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible after your injury. Your attorney at Siddons Law Firm will help you get the ball rolling on filing your Pennsylvania personal injury claim, ensuring that you do not miss any deadlines. Aside from the statute of limitations, the sooner you contact a lawyer, the sooner you can get the compensation that you will need following your injury. Delaying this process can only hurt you.
The Steps Of A Personal Injury Lawsuit In Pennsylvania
For those wondering, here are the basic steps of most personal injury lawsuits in Pennsylvania (they could vary, depending on the specifics of the case):
- An injury occurs
- An attorney is hired
- A complaint is filed
- The complaint is served on the defendant
- Pre-trial litigation
- Settlement or Trial
In Pennsylvania — as in just about every other state — most personal injury cases are settled before they reach the final stage of going to trial. In other words, settlement is typically the final step in a personal injury case in Pennsylvania.
Most businesses and insurers will attempt to settle for much less than the damages you received. This is why you need a shrewd attorney from Siddons Law who can negotiate a settlement in your favor.
Work With Our Personal Injury Attorney Today!
Attempting to settle a personal injury case yourself (without the help of an attorney) will net much less money than an experienced attorney would. That is why it is recommended that you do not attempt to negotiate a settlement on your own. If an attorney’s fees are a concern, keep in mind that most attorneys collect fees after you have settled. This means that you have nothing to lose when hiring a Pennsylvania personal injury attorney.
