Personal Injury FAQ

Answers to Your Most Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering a personal injury lawsuit, you probably have a lot on your mind. Our attorneys can answer all of your questions during an in-depth consultation, but in the meantime, we wanted to provide some answers to the most commonly asked questions in personal injury law:

Q: What kinds of situations inspire personal injury lawsuits?

More often than not, personal injury suits are inspired by accidents. In fact, the American Bar Association identifies automobile accidents as the area in which most personal injury actions arise. Other mistakes, like those made in the medical field, can also inspire this type of lawsuit. If you are harmed by a defective product, in a slip-and-fall accident, or on the job, our attorneys may be able to help.

Call today for a consultation.

Q: What if someone harms me or a family member on purpose?

If someone commits a criminal act against you or a loved one, they may be arrested, tried, and convicted. While this might provide you with a sense of justice, it will not help you cope with the financial consequences of the crime.

When this is the case, you may be able to file a civil lawsuit under the intentional tort doctrine. Common intentional torts include battery, assault, false imprisonment, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Even if the wrongdoer is not convicted of a crime, you may be able to recover compensation for your injuries and losses.

Learn more about your options with our firm.

Q: How long do I have to file my claim?

According to Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 42 § 5524, injury victims have up to 2 years from the time of their accident to file their personal injury lawsuit. Failure to file within the allotted time frame may result in their case being dismissed. Nevertheless, there are several exceptions to this law, including situations in which the injured party is a minor, and those in which a plaintiff discovers their injury after the date of their accident.

Contact our personal injury lawyers to learn more about these exceptions.

Q: What damages can I recover for my injury?

If you have been injured as a result of somebody else's negligence, you may be entitled to receive compensation. These damages can help you cover:

• medical treatment,
• rehabilitative care,
• lost wages,
• pain and suffering,
• loss of enjoyment of life,
• and more.

In wrongful death cases, damages can help you address funerary expenses and the financial losses associated with your loved one’s passing.

Additionally, in cases of severe or intentional wrongdoing, you may be entitled to punitive damages. Also called exemplary damages, this compensation is meant to punish and make an example of the defendant while providing extra financial comfort to the plaintiff.

Our attorneys can help you determine which damages are most appropriate for your case.

Q: What is the average personal injury settlement amount?

The majority of personal injury lawsuits are settled pre-trial. When it comes to estimating settlement amounts, however, the exact number will vary depending on your injuries and the nature of opposing counsel. Sometimes, settlements are limited by insurance policy maximums. Other times, the state will cap your personal injury claim at a certain amount.

If the responsible party does not offer you a fair settlement, though, your attorney may advise you to take your case to court.

Discuss your claim with our Philadelphia attorneys to get a better idea of what kind of compensation you may be entitled to.

Q: How can an attorney help?

Insurance companies and other defendants typically want to avoid litigation at all costs. Having an attorney on-board during settlement negotiations can help expedite the process and prevent you from being low-balled by an insurance adjuster.

Further, a lawyer can help you translate non-economic losses like pain and suffering into a dollar amount. While we understand no amount of money will change what happened to you, we will help you gain every resource moving forward. Our organized legal team will also help you document your case and acquire expert opinions whenever they are needed.

We prepare for the possibility of a trial from the moment you call us, so your chances of receiving compensation are as high as possible whether your case settles or heads to court.

Begin preparing your legal strategy with our attorneys today.

For all other questions and case-specific inquiries, please contact Ginsburg & Associates Trial Lawyers at (215) 564-4400or schedule a consultation online.