Butler County Personal Injury Attorney

Understanding Personal Injury Cases

Pursuing a personal injury claim is a complex process. You need to consider the nature and impact of your injuries, as well as the financial implications, such as medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. To navigate this process successfully, it's essential to have an experienced Butler County personal injury lawyer representing you. Our firm can help you file a claim, manage it from start to finish, and represent you in a personal injury lawsuit if necessary.

Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Cases

Pennsylvania, like other states, has a statute of limitations for filing personal injury lawsuits. It's crucial to take action within the specified timeframe, as failing to do so may result in your case being dismissed and your right to seek damages being lost.

In Pennsylvania, the following statutes of limitations generally apply:

• Two years from the date of injury when the injury was immediately discoverable.
• Two years from the date the injury was discovered or reasonably should have been discovered when the injury was not immediately discoverable.
• Two years from the date of death in wrongful death cases.

While there may be exceptions, such as cases involving injuries to children or claims against government officials or agencies, it's advisable to take action sooner rather than later. Contacting our team promptly allows us to investigate your claim, gather evidence on your behalf, and negotiate with the insurance company for a fair settlement.

Recovering Damages in a Personal Injury Case

The specific damages and their overall value in your case depend on various factors, including the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, and degree of fault, if any. However, certain damages are generally available to most personal injury claimants.

You may be entitled to compensation for:

• Emergency medical expenses
• Hospital and ambulance fees
• Co-pays and medication costs
• Medical devices and equipment
• Surgeries and other treatments
• Ongoing medical care
• Rehabilitation and physical therapy
• Future medical expenses
• Lost income, wages, and benefits
• Loss of future earnings
• Lost or reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress and trauma
• Costs related to in-home assistance and care
• Future expenses associated with the injury

In addition to these compensatory damages and others, punitive damages may be recoverable in certain cases. These damages aim to punish defendants for gross negligence, willful or wanton conduct leading to injury, or intentional harm.

At Luxenberg Garbett Kelly & George, we meticulously review our clients' cases to determine the damages they may be entitled to and the potential value of their claims. Our goal is to secure every penny you are owed, even if it means taking your case to trial.

Understanding Pennsylvania's No-Fault Car Insurance System

Pennsylvania follows a no-fault car insurance system, similar to several other states. This means that anyone driving a passenger vehicle in the state must carry no-fault insurance, also known as personal injury protection (PIP) insurance. Injured drivers and vehicle passengers can file PIP claims with their own auto insurance providers to receive compensation for certain covered losses after an accident.

However, PIP insurance does not cover non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, and its limits may be inadequate to cover the full extent of economic damages, including medical expenses and lost wages. In such cases, eligible individuals may pursue third-party claims against the at-fault driver's insurance company or sue the at-fault driver directly, stepping outside the no-fault system. Meeting the state's "serious injury" threshold is necessary to proceed with such claims.

If you've been involved in a car accident in Butler County or the surrounding areas, we strongly encourage you to consult an experienced personal injury attorney at Luxenberg Garbett Kelly & George. Our team can review your case details and help you determine if you have grounds for a third-party claim or lawsuit. We offer free consultations, and our attorney fees are only collected if we successfully recover compensation for you.

To arrange a complimentary consultation, please call (724) 576-8855 or reach out to us online using our contact form.