A personal injury can have a devastating effect on the injured person and their family. Unfortunately, a momentary lapse in judgment or oversight can lead to an accident, causing physical, emotional, and financial damage to the victim. Although nothing can make up for permanent disability or long-term effects, compensation can provide you with financial resources to care for your needs.
At Conlon Tarker, P.C., we know that medical treatment costs can be overwhelming, especially when your injuries prevent you from earning a consistent income. To discuss your legal options, contact our Clarion County personal injury attorneys at your earliest opportunity.
How is Fault Determined in a Personal Injury or Accident?
Most personal injury cases revolve around one person using less than reasonable care, resulting in harm to another. This is known as negligence. A successful negligence claim involves establishing the following:
- Duty of care: The wrongful party had a duty to use a certain standard of care. For example, a Pennsylvania property owner has a legal obligation to ensure their property is free of hazards to keep visitors safe.
- Breach of duty: Through either an act or omission, the wrongful party fails to uphold their duty of care. In a slip-and-fall, this would involve a property owner failing to clear their front steps.
- Causation: The wrongful party’s actions directly caused the injured party to suffer harm. This is the most challenging part of a personal injury case to prove, requiring that you link the at-fault party’s actions to your injuries.
- Damages: As a result of your injuries, you suffered measurable losses. In a personal injury case, this typically includes lost wages, medical expenses, and pain and suffering. You do not have a valid personal injury claim unless you sustained damages.
What Type of Compensation Can I Potentially Recover?
Personal injury victims in Clarion County may be able to recover the following:
- Lost wages
- Emergency room care
- Hospitalizations
- Surgeries and/or treatments
- Prescription costs
- Home modifications
- Pain and suffering
- Damage to reputation
- Scarring and/or disfigurement
- Permanent disability
How Long Do I Have to Take Legal Action?
Although our legal team will initially attempt to settle with the insurance company, this is not always feasible. In situations where a claims adjuster does not offer you a fair settlement, our personal injury lawyers at Conlon Tarker, P.C., may need to consider taking your case to court. The Commonwealth has a two-year statute of limitations, after which time you will be barred from recovery. While two years may seem like a long time, it can go by quickly, especially if you are in the middle of insurance negotiations. If settlement negotiations have reached a standstill, do not hesitate to contact our legal professionals.
Contact Our Clarion County Personal Injury Attorneys Now
Both time and stress are involved in pursuing a personal injury claim, neither of which you need. At Conlon Tarker, P.C., we believe in performance, not promises. If you are ready to learn the true worth of your personal injury case, we are ready to help. To arrange a free consultation with one of our Clarion County personal injury lawyers, contact us online or by calling (724) 285-7700 today.
