Accidents can happen anywhere — on the road, at work, in a store, or even while walking through your neighborhood in Kingston. In just moments, an unexpected injury can leave you facing medical bills, missed paychecks, and long-term uncertainty about your future.
Knowing your legal rights and understanding how personal injury claims work in Pennsylvania can make a big difference in protecting your future. An experienced Kingston personal injury lawyer at Fellerman & Ciarimboli, Law PC can help you fight for the full compensation you deserve.
If you were injured due to someone else’s actions, it is helpful to understand whether you have a claim, what damages you may be entitled to, and what steps to take next.
What Is a Personal Injury Case?
A personal injury case arises when someone is injured because another has failed to use reasonable care. Most personal injury cases arise through negligence, but some may be brought due to intentional misconduct.
To prove negligence, the following elements must be established:
- The defendant owed you a duty of care
- They breached that duty
- That breach caused your injury
- You suffered damages
Every case is different. The sooner you act after an accident, the better your chances of preserving evidence.
What are the Most Common Types of Personal Injury Claims?
Personal injury law covers situations where someone suffers harm due to another person’s careless, reckless, or intentional behavior.
Some of the most common types of personal injury cases include the following:
- Car accidents
- Slip and fall accidents
- Truck accidents
- Dog bites
- Motorcycle accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Construction accidents
- Product liability
- Nursing home abuse
- Brain injuries
- Medical malpractice
- Wrongful death
No matter how your injury occurred, if someone else’s carelessness caused you harm, you may have the right to seek accountability and financial recovery for what you’ve lost.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer?
Most personal-injury cases in Pennsylvania are handled on a contingency fee basis: you don’t pay upfront attorney fees — the attorney is paid only if compensation is recovered through a settlement or verdict.
The attorney’s fee is usually a percentage of the settlement or verdict, and the agreement should clearly outline the percentage and any additional costs that may be subtracted from your recovery.
How Much Is My Personal Injury Case Worth?
Each case is different, but the following factors often impact what a personal injury case is worth:
- The cost of medical treatment
- The severity of injuries
- Time missed from work
- The insurance coverage available
- Whether you’re partially at fault
- How your life is impacted by the injury
An experienced attorney can review your specific circumstances and help you understand what your claim might be worth.
What Damages Are Available to Accident Victims?
In Pennsylvania, the law recognizes both tangible and intangible losses, which are generally divided into two main categories: economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages cover your financial losses, including:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Property damage
- Out-of-pocket expenses
Non-economic damages recognize the emotional suffering endured due to the accident and may include:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Loss of consortium
- Emotional distress
A thorough assessment by a skilled legal team is crucial to ensure all of your losses are considered and you can pursue the full compensation you truly deserve.
How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for most personal injury cases is two years from the date of the accident. If you do not file your lawsuit within that time frame, you may lose your right to pursue compensation.
Speaking with an attorney as soon as possible can help ensure your claim is preserved.
What Happens if You Share Fault for the Accident?
Pennsylvania uses a modified comparative negligence rule that allows you to recover damages if your share of fault is 50% or less. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. If your fault is 51% or higher, you will be barred from recovering compensation.
For example, if your damages are $100,000 and you are found 30% at fault, you would recover $70,000. In many cases, determining fault is complex and requires investigation and resources — an attorney can evaluate how these rules apply to your situation.
What Steps Should You Take Immediately After an Accident?
Your actions in the immediate aftermath can help protect your rights.
Consider taking the following steps after an accident:
- Seek prompt medical attention
- Report the accident
- Document the scene: take photos of the location, damage, your injuries, and conditions that contributed to the accident
- Gather witness information
- Contact an attorney as soon as possible
You should also avoid giving a detailed recorded statement to an insurance adjuster without consulting an attorney.
Contact the Kingston Personal Injury Lawyers at Fellerman & Ciarimboli, Law PC for a Free Consultation
If you’ve been injured in or near Kingston, PA, and believe someone else is at fault, don’t wait to get the guidance and support that you need. The sooner you speak with an experienced personal injury attorney, the sooner you can begin the process of preserving evidence, establishing liability, and building a strong case for maximum recovery.
Don’t let deadlines slip by, and don’t accept the first offer before knowing your full rights and options. Contact Fellerman & Ciarimboli, Law PC today at (570) 714-4878 for a free consultation with a dedicated Kingston personal injury attorney.
