Accidents can happen when we least expect them. Whether it’s a car crash, a slip and fall, or a workplace injury, the consequences can be painful—both physically and emotionally. If you’re injured in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and it wasn’t your fault, a personal injury lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve.
In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about hiring a Scranton personal injury lawyer. We’ll explain what personal injury law is, how lawyers help, what to expect during a case, and how to choose the right lawyer for your needs.
Table of Contents
- What Is a Personal Injury Lawyer?
- Common Types of Personal Injury Cases in Scranton
- Why You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer
- What to Do After an Accident
- How Personal Injury Lawyers Work
- Steps in a Personal Injury Lawsuit
- How Much Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Cost?
- What Compensation Can You Get?
- How to Choose the Best Personal Injury Lawyer in Scranton
- Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Lawyer
- Mistakes to Avoid in Personal Injury Claims
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Final Thoughts
1. What Is a Personal Injury Lawyer?
A personal injury lawyer is a legal professional who helps people who have been hurt because of someone else’s actions or negligence. These injuries may be physical, emotional, or both. The lawyer’s job is to make sure the injured person receives financial compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
2. Common Types of Personal Injury Cases in Scranton
In Scranton, PA, several types of personal injury cases are commonly handled by local lawyers:
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Motorcycle crashes
- Pedestrian accidents
- Slip and fall injuries
- Dog bites
- Workplace injuries
- Medical malpractice
- Wrongful death
Each type of case has its own legal process and challenges, which is why having an experienced Scranton personal injury lawyer matters.
3. Why You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer
Some people try to handle their injury claims on their own, but that’s not always the best idea. Insurance companies often try to settle for less than what your case is truly worth. A personal injury lawyer can:
- Protect your rights
- Negotiate with insurance companies
- Help you collect evidence
- Estimate the real value of your claim
- Represent you in court, if needed
In short, a lawyer makes sure you don’t get taken advantage of during a difficult time.
4. What to Do After an Accident
If you’ve been injured in an accident, follow these steps:
- Seek medical attention right away—even if you feel okay.
- Call the police and file a report if necessary.
- Take pictures of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damages.
- Get contact information from witnesses and involved parties.
- Avoid admitting fault or discussing the accident in detail with others.
- Contact a Scranton personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.
Acting quickly helps protect your legal rights and strengthens your case.
5. How Personal Injury Lawyers Work
Personal injury lawyers usually work on a contingency fee basis, which means they only get paid if you win your case. Here’s what they do:
- Investigate your case
- Gather medical records and other documents
- Negotiate with the insurance companies
- File lawsuits if a fair settlement is not offered
- Represent you in court
Their goal is to make the legal process easier for you while fighting for the compensation you deserve.
6. Steps in a Personal Injury Lawsuit
Here’s what usually happens in a personal injury case:
- Free Consultation: You meet with a lawyer to discuss your case.
- Investigation: The lawyer collects evidence and builds a strong case.
- Medical Review: Your injuries and medical treatment are reviewed.
- Demand Letter: A letter is sent to the insurance company asking for compensation.
- Negotiation: The lawyer and insurance adjuster negotiate a settlement.
- Lawsuit Filing: If no deal is reached, a lawsuit is filed.
- Discovery Phase: Both sides exchange evidence and information.
- Mediation or Trial: The case may settle during mediation or go to court.
- Settlement or Verdict: You receive compensation through a settlement or court decision.
7. How Much Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Cost?
Most personal injury lawyers in Scranton do not charge any upfront fees. They work on a contingency fee basis, which usually means they take about 33% to 40% of the final settlement. If you don’t win the case, you don’t owe the lawyer anything.
Always ask about the fee agreement before signing any contracts.
8. What Compensation Can You Get?
The amount of money you can receive in a personal injury case depends on the injury, expenses, and long-term impact. You may be able to get compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Future medical costs
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Property damage
- Punitive damages (in serious cases)
A good Scranton personal injury lawyer will work hard to get you the full amount you’re owed.
9. How to Choose the Best Personal Injury Lawyer in Scranton
Choosing the right lawyer can make or break your case. Here are some tips:
- Look for experience: Choose a lawyer who focuses on personal injury cases.
- Check reviews: Read online reviews and testimonials.
- Ask about past results: Has the lawyer won similar cases?
- Schedule a consultation: Talk to the lawyer to see if they’re a good fit.
- Check communication style: You want a lawyer who listens and explains things clearly.
Some well-known law firms in Scranton include:
- Munley Law
- The Law Offices of Michael J. Pisanchyn
- Needle Law Firm
- Caputo & Mariotti
- O’Malley & Langan Law Offices
(Always do your own research and check for updates or changes.)
10. Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Lawyer
Here are some important questions to ask during your first meeting:
- How many personal injury cases have you handled?
- Do you have experience with my type of injury?
- What’s your fee structure?
- Who will handle my case—you or someone else?
- How long will my case take?
- How often will we communicate?
Asking the right questions helps you feel confident in your choice.
11. Mistakes to Avoid in Personal Injury Claims
To protect your case, avoid making these common mistakes:
- Waiting too long to seek medical help
- Not reporting the accident to the authorities
- Posting about your injury on social media
- Talking directly to insurance companies without a lawyer
- Accepting a low settlement offer too quickly
Working with a lawyer helps you avoid these pitfalls and strengthens your claim.
12. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in Scranton?
A: In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the injury.
Q: What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
A: Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You can still recover damages if you were less than 51% at fault, but your compensation will be reduced.
Q: Can I file a claim for emotional distress?
A: Yes, emotional distress is often included as part of “pain and suffering” in a personal injury case.
Q: Will I have to go to court?
A: Not always. Most personal injury cases are settled before going to trial.
13. Final Thoughts
Dealing with an injury can be overwhelming, especially if you’re trying to heal while handling medical bills and lost income. That’s where a Scranton personal injury lawyer comes in. With their legal skills and local experience, they can guide you through the legal process, deal with insurance companies, and fight for the money you need to move forward.
Don’t wait too long to get help. The sooner you contact a qualified personal injury lawyer in Scranton, the better your chances of receiving the full compensation you deserve.
If you found this article helpful, feel free to share it with friends or family who may need legal help after an accident. And remember, you don’t have to face this journey alone—help is just a phone call away.
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