Personal injury claim issues are shrouded with both myths and unexplained beliefs that make the injured victim’s confusion so profound that they even shy away from pursuing compensation. These claims do not only involve motor vehicle accidents, fall accidents or work injury but many more. You would benefit from understanding these claims better so that you can make proper decisions regarding your legal rights. It is important especially in Pennsylvania, dispelling these myths will allow you to make better decisions about your claim. Here are the top 5 myths regarding personal injury claims that are inaccurate.
Myth 1: “I Don’t Need a Pennsylvania Injury Lawyer for a Simple Claim”
The first and foremost common issue as per the injury claims in Pennsylvania is the misunderstanding where it is said that “you don’t require the services of a Pennsylvania negligence lawyer when you have a simple claim”. Many people assume that they can work out their claim on their own without hiring an attorney, particularly when the injuries appear to be slight or the opponent’s insurer appears friendly. Undoubtedly, these assumptions are extremely naive because every claim contains its complexities. Injuries and damages with an insurance policy can quickly get complicated. An insurance company will always attempt to offer you a minimum settlement. Not having a skilled attorney on your side will be costly.
A personal injury lawyer pennsylvania can ensure you understand your rights, help navigate the legal complexities, and handle negotiations with the insurance company. In some cases, hiring a Pennsylvania injury lawyer can even result in a higher settlement, as they are well-versed in assessing the true value of your case.
Myth 2: “Personal Injury Claims Always End in Court”
Another common myth is that personal injury claims always end in a lengthy and expensive court battle. While it’s true that some cases go to trial, most personal injury claims are settled out of court. In fact, studies have shown that around 95% of personal injury cases are resolved through settlements rather than trial. This is because both parties usually prefer to avoid the time, cost, and uncertainty that comes with a trial.
A competent Pennsylvania injury lawyer will fight hard for you and make every effort to obtain an just settlement from the insurance company without having to go to court. In situations where a reasonable offer is not presented, you can sue them. But the reality is, an overwhelming proportion of claims are resolved by way of a settlement, and your lawyer’s main goal will be to secure the compensation that you are entitled to without dragging you through the trial.
Myth 3: “I Can Only Claim Compensation for My Medical Bills”
Even though medical expenses are one of the items included in personal injury claims, lots of victims wrongly assume that the scope of compensation is no more than these expenses. This is far from the truth. In Pennsylvania, you can claim compensation for a wide range of damages beyond medical expenses, including:
- Lost wages: You are entitled to compensation for gone earnings if due to the injury you are unable to work.
- Pain and suffering: This accounts for both physical pain and emotional grieving associated with the injury.
- Loss of quality of life: You may be entitled to compensation for any loss of enjoyment in your life which results from the underlying injury.
- Future medical expenses: These expenses can also be included in your claim to the extent your condition reasonably anticipates continued supervision or treatment.
A Pennsylvania injury lawyer will help you calculate all potential damages and ensure that every aspect of your injury is considered when seeking compensation.
Myth 4: “I Can Only File a Personal Injury Claim Within a Few Days of an Accident”
Many people think they have to file a personal injury claim almost immediately after an accident, or risk losing their right to compensation. In reality, Pennsylvania law allows you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This is known as the “statute of limitations.” However, it’s always wise to consult with a pennsylvania personal injury attorney as soon as possible after an accident.
Waiting longer to file a claim can potentially reduce your chances of collecting crucial evidence or recalling details which could eventually aid your case. Moreover, insurance companies tend to take longer to respond and issue offers so allowing your attorney time to investigate the case thoroughly can be advantageous.
Myth 5: “The More Severe My Injury, the More Likely I Am to Win My Case”
It is often assumed that the degree of one’s injury correlates with winning a claim, which in this case is only a half-truth. Yes, having a severe injury does imply a claim for higher compensation, but winning a claim is much more multidimensional than that. Your injury still needs to be linked to the other party’s fault. With serious injuries, your odds of winning the case improves, but you would still need to collect evidence that links the other party’s negligence to directly causing your injury. A qualified Pennsylvania injury lawyer will make sure all the bases are covered by collecting evidence, talking to witnesses, and working with experts to prepare for the case.
Moreover, certain claims may have balanced blame or contested liability, which may further complicate the claim. For example, in the case where both parties share some blame on an accident, your claim on compensation would depend on how much blame you carry. Pennsylvania operates on a “modified comparative negligence” system meaning you can put in a claim as long as you are not more than 51% liable for the accident. A lawyer specializing in Pennsylvania injury claims can relieve you of these burdens and will work towards ensuring maximum compensation on your behalf.
Conclusion
Claiming compensation for personal injury in Pennsylvania poses certain challenges. Furthermore, the presence of myths and false information makes the process even more overwhelming. The truth is that having a Pennsylvania injury lawyer on your side makes a significant difference in ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve. An experienced lawyer will help you through every step ranging from insurance negotiations to pursuing full compensation for all your damages.
If you’ve been injured in an accident, don’t let these myths discourage you from seeking legal help. Contact a Pennsylvania injury lawyer today to discuss your case and take the first step toward securing the compensation you need to move forward with your life.