A personal injury case can result from a car, truck, motorcycle, bicycle, scooter, pedestrian accident, or if a person or business causes someone to be injured because a dangerous condition existed at their store or on their property. In instances where you’ve experienced injury or illness due to the negligence, incompetence, or lack of professionalism from a healthcare provider – be it a doctor, nurse, medical facility, clinic, laboratory, or any other medical professional, the medical intricacies and the legal stipulations surrounding such a case are often intricate and multifaceted.
A personal injury that can give rise to a potential legal claim is an injury that occurs to your person (body), mind, or emotions, due to someone else’s carelessness. For example, while walking in a store, you slip and fall due to a puddle of water that had been on the floor for weeks without any attempt by the store to clean the puddle, rectify the cause of the puddle or post signs warning of the possible danger from the puddle. If you suffer a physical injury from the slip and fall, such as breaking an arm, you may have a personal injury claim against the store owner for your physical injury.
The amount of damages granted by a court is primarily based on the severity of the injury. An easy way to estimate the severity of the injury is by looking at the medical bills, the type of injury, and the length of time of recovery. If you feel that you may have been injured due to someone else’s carelessness, it is very important to seek legal advice to determine
- Whether you have a viable legal claim,
- Whether the expense of hiring a lawyer to handle your claim will be worth the outcome of the legal action and
- Ensure that you bring legal action in a timely manner so that you are not barred by a state’s statute of limitations.
Occasionally, no matter the severity of your injury or the extent of your medical expenses and lost wages, you may need a personal injury lawyer. This need generally arises when an insurance company or governmental body declines to propose any reasonable settlement. In such circumstances, obtaining some compensation — the sum a personal injury attorney can procure minus the legal fees — is preferable to receiving nothing at all.
Accidental Death
Legal claims can arise from a death if the death results from the negligent act of another person, such as an automobile accident or medical malpractice. In such circumstances, state law typically grants the spouse, children, and/or legal heirs of the deceased person (decedent) the right to pursue monetary damages on their own behalf, on behalf of the decedent, or on behalf of the decedent’s estate.
Generally, two types of claims can arise from a death that results from negligence:
- Wrongful Death Claims and
- Survival Claims.
A Wrongful Death claim arises when a state’s statute grants a relative of the decedent, such as a surviving spouse, child(ren), or parent, the ability to seek damages as a result of the death. Alternatively, a Survival statute allows a decedent’s claims to “survive” death and be brought by the decedent’s estate. It is important to consult with an attorney to determine whether your state has a Wrongful Death or Survival statute and whether you have a viable legal claim.
Over fifty years ago the Leeson law practice was built on three fundamental pillars that continue to guide the law firm today: the deliberate commitment to the growth and development of others, an unwavering dedication to integrity, and a dedication to a strong work ethic. Clients who seek legal services from Leeson & Leeson will be provided with services that meet, or exceed, the levels of proficiency that the Leeson family has maintained for the last fifty years.
Leeson & Leeson represents people throughout all of Eastern Pennsylvania, including those injured in Lehigh, Northampton, Bucks, Schuylkill, Carbon, and Monroe counties. Leeson & Leeson’s law office is conveniently located in the heart of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. If you are in need of an experienced personal injury lawyer or wrongful death attorney, be sure to contact the legal team at Leeson & Lesson today.