Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Erie

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Erie, Pennsylvania?

  The non-emergency contact number for the Erie City Police Department is 814-870-1125.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Erie, Pennsylvania?

  You can get a copy of the police report for incidents related to your case by downloading a request form from https://epd.erie.pa.us/right-to-know-requests/ and submitting it to the Right to Know Officer of the Erie Police Department, located at 626 State St., Erie, PA, and open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

• Can dog bite victims in Erie hold the owner liable for damages?

  Victims of dog bites in Erie may recover full compensation if it is proven that the pet owner violated Pennsylvania's confinement statute, which requires owners to confine their dogs to their property and restrain them with a collar, chain, or other devices so they cannot stray. If the dog is considered dangerous, owners also have the legal responsibility to register their pets and maintain liability insurance coverage.

• How are slip-and-fall accidents on ice and snow handled in Erie?

  Because of Pennsylvania’s Hills and Ridges Doctrine, a property owner can be held liable for another person slipping and falling on ice and snow if certain conditions are met. The first of these is that the snow and ice must have accumulated to such a degree that it poses a danger to pedestrians, while the second is that the owner must have noticed this condition. Finally, it must be proven that the accident is a direct result of the dangerous accumulation of snow and ice.

• What factors complicate an Erie personal injury case?

  If a personal injury lawsuit in Erie involves severe injuries and multiple defendants, it is considered a complex case and requires careful legal attention. An example of these is certain construction accident cases, where the plaintiff might hold multiple parties liable, such as contractors and subcontractors, construction managers, property owners, architects, and product manufacturers.

• How long do personal injury victims in Erie have to pursue legal action?

  As per Pennsylvannia’s statute of limitation, personal injury victims in Erie have up to two years from the date of the incident to pursue compensation for their losses. In case the victim is an unemancipated minor, he or she has two years from the date of their 18th birthday to file a personal injury lawsuit. In addition, workers’ compensation claims must be filed withing three years of the injury or disability.

• Who can file a wrongful death lawsuit in Erie?

  Individuals in Erie can file a wrongful death lawsuit if they are considered beneficiaries of the decedent under Pennsylvania law. This includes spouses, children, and step-children. The decedent’s parents and siblings may also sue for damages if they were financially dependent on the deceased at the time of his or her death. Types of compensation in a wrongful death lawsuit include medical and funeral expenses, as well as loss of parenting services.

• How to choose a personal injury attorney?

  It's crucial to find a personal injury attorney who is experienced, but it's also important to feel comfortable. Take advantage of free consultations and ask questions about how long each candidate has been practicing, how their fee structure works, and who will be handling the majority of the casework (some big firms may hand off routine tasks to paralegals). Above all, find someone who listens well and believes they can achieve an optimal outcome. Still uncertain? Ask friends for referrals and check out online reviews.

• What does a personal injury lawyer do?

  Personal injury attorneys help those who have suffered due to the negligence of others get the compensation they deserve. That may include negotiating settlements with other people, insurance companies, or even government agencies or arguing the case in court. Some attorneys specialize in a certain type of injury, such as auto accidents or birth injuries, while others advocate for almost any injured party.

• What does personal injury law cover?

  In the legal world, "personal injury" is any kind of injury, physical or psychological, that results from the negligence of a person, business, or other entity. While visible or acute injuries such as a broken leg or concussion are among the most obvious types of personal injuries, this category also covers less tangible injuries such as emotional distress and issues such as asbestos exposure that may contribute to long-term problems.

• What are the most common types of personal injury claims?

  Personal injury claims encompass a wide variety of situations ranging from accidents on privately owned property to injuries in the line of duty to whiplash sustained during a commute. These claims may include car accidents, dog bites, slip and falls, medical malpractice, defamation, product defect accidents, premises liability, product liability, workplace accidents, food poisoning at a restaurant, and boating or aviation accidents.

• How do personal injury lawyers get paid?

  Many personal injury lawyers advertise that they don't get paid unless their client does. This is called "working on contingency," meaning the attorney is compensated only if they win their case. These payments are typically percentage based, giving attorneys a predetermined portion of the court-ordered award. Other lawyers may command an hourly rate or combine an hourly rate with a smaller contingency fee.

• How much do personal injury lawyers charge?

  Personal injury lawyer fees can differ from state to state and may be subject to local regulations. In general, personal injury attorneys work under contingency agreements entitling them to 33% of any related settlement or award. Sometimes lawyers use a sliding contingency, charging 33% for awards agreed upon during pre-trial negotiations and raising the fee to 40% once the matter goes to trial.

• When do I need to hire a personal injury lawyer?

  Anytime an injury is known or suspected to be the result of negligence, it's a good idea to consult with a personal injury attorney who can offer insight into the validity of a claim and whether or not that claim is worth pursuing legally. A consultation is particularly important if someone has suffered serious injuries that have left them disabled or otherwise impacted their financial future or quality of life.

• Can I file a personal injury claim without a lawyer?

  It's possible to pursue a personal injury claim without an attorney; however, it's best to save self-representation for cases involving minor injuries or are otherwise considered straightforward. Cases that involve serious injuries that are not completely resolved or where liability has yet to be determined are more complex. Those situations can quickly become stressful and time consuming as they require an understanding of tort law, resources for gathering medical records, and time to review photographs and evidence pertaining to the injury and scene of the accident (if applicable). Bringing on an experienced personal injury lawyer could result in a higher reward while giving the injured party more time to concentrate on their physical, mental, and emotional recovery.

• How long does a personal injury lawsuit last?

  The length of time it takes to settle a personal injury lawsuit is highly dependent on a number of factors ranging from the type of case to the length of medical treatment to whether the suit is settled before court or requires a long trial. While most personal injury cases are resolved within two years, more complicated suits could take longer.

• What are the benefits of hiring a personal injury lawyer?

  It's tempting to save on lawyer's fees by pursuing self-representation, but there are many benefits to hiring a personal injury lawyer including their years of experience. A good attorney will know how to properly assess your damages, including not just medical bills but other concerns, such as lost wages and pain and suffering, to craft a demand that fully reflects the compensation to which the injured party is entitled. They also have the resources and knowledge necessary to consult with experts, negotiate effectively with insurance companies, properly navigate the legal system, and otherwise ensure the best possible outcome.