Contact Info
1500 John F. Kennedy Blvd
#550
Philadelphia
PA
19102
Tel: 21573 54800
Web: https://www.phillyinjurylawyer.com/
Email: ask@phillyinjurylawyer.com
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The Law Offices of Joel J. Kofsky
Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyers providing the "We Win or It's Free"® Guarantee.
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Joel J. KofskyJoel J. Kofsky has been successfully representing personal injury cases since 1991. He has assisted victims of car accidents, bike accidents, and slip and fall accidents, among many others. He has obtained numerous settlements for his clients over the years, including some in the six figure range:
Auto Accident Victim: $985,000
Burn Accident Victim: $475,000
Pedestrian Accident Victim: $285,000
Mr. Kofsky received his J.D. from Widener University School of Law and his MBA from George Washington University. He is a member of the Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association and has been admitted to the bar in Pennsylvania and for U.S. District Courts in the Eastern and Middle Districts of Pennsylvania. He only works for individuals and has never represented a corporation.
Our office phone number is available 24/7 and can be reached at 215-735-4800.
Except for his years in college, Mr. Kofsky has lived in the Delaware Valley throughout his whole life and is an avid Phillies and Eagles fan. Outside of work, Mr. Kofsky enjoys participating in sports by playing in several different sports and coaching his sons teams.
Education: The George Washington University - BA, The George Washington University - MBA, Widener University School of Law - JD
Certifications: Pennsylvania Bar, United States District Courts: Eastern and Middle Districts of Pennsylvania
Services: Car Accident, Motorcycle Accident, Truck Accident, Bike Accident, Hit and Run, Pedestrian Accident, Rental Car Accident, Taxi Accident, Limited Tort, Uber / Lyft Accidents, Underinsured Motorist, SEPTA Accidents, Back Injuries, Neck Injuries, Burns, Dog Bites, Burn Accidents, Medical Malpractice, Slip & Fall Accidents, Workplace Slip & Fall Accidents, Workers Compensation, Industrial Accidents, Social Security Disability
Url: https://www.phillyinjurylawyer.com/our-attorneys/
Philadelphia Auto Accident Attorney
Getting into a car accident is not only traumatizing, but the aftermath is time-consuming and stressful. Many car accident victims are unsure of the right thing to say or whether the insurance company is truly on their side. Read more to find out the meaning of various legal terms and processes that will determine the outcome of your case.
WHAT DOES LIABILITY MEAN?
After youve been in an accident, you will likely hear your insurance company or attorney discuss liability. Although the term may be common to them, you may be unsure of what liability means and how it applies to your case. The short answer is that liability generally means who is at fault. Liability determines who will pay for any damages (discussed below) arising out of your car accident. This is why the first question any one investigating your case (a police officer, insurance company, or attorney) will ask is who is liable for the accident. Liability is often clear (meaning its obvious who was at fault), in the following situations:
Someone rear ends another driver because they were texting.
Someone runs a red light and runs into a car in the intersection.
A driver swerves into oncoming traffic
A drunk driver runs into a parked car.
In these types of situations, liability is almost always clear, and insurance companies, law enforcement and attorneys will easily pin the blame on a single driver. These cases are the easiest to win because theres often no need to fight over different versions of the story. All your attorney will have to do is prove how much money you are owed.
But what happens when liability isnt so obvious? Whos at fault in a car accident may seem black and white to the party shouting he hit me! But, determining liability is not always easy; and more often than not, several factors can complicate the issue of who is liable for an accident. Consider the following situations:
Driver A is speeding 10 miles over the speed limit and gets into an accident with Driver B, who was texting and did nothing to avoid the accident.
Two drivers come to a stop at a stop sign, but collide in the intersection.
A pedestrian runs into a busy street outside of the crosswalk at night, and is hit by Driver A who was briefly distracted by an incoming phone call.
In these situations, its not so easy to only blame only one party for the accident. In all of these scenarios, either party could have done something to avoid the accident, but didnt. For this reason, an insurance company or attorney for the other side will be reluctant to accept blame and just settle the case. In fact, depending on the situation, they may outright refuse to accept any fault at all. An attorney can be most beneficial in these situations where the case will undoubtedly involve complex questions of law and require in depth investigation, called discovery.
WHAT DOES NEGLIGENCE MEAN?
Liability and negligence are closely related legal terms. Someone is liable (meaning at fault) if they were negligent in some manner. Negligence generally refers to the action that someone took or did not take to cause an accident. Negligence is based on the belief that other drivers have a responsibility to do everything within their power when they are on the road to avoid an accident.
As in most situations where liability is clear, its often easy to determine just how another person was negligent (i.e.- they ran a red light, or were texting while driving). But, where it is unclear whether someone did something wrong, whether or not they were negligent becomes complicated. And, complicating the issue even further?negligence in a legal sense means that someones action actually caused the accident. This is called causation. Its not just enough to show that they did something wrong, you have to show that the other partys wrongful action caused the accident.
Consider the scenario where a pedestrian runs into a busy street outside of the crosswalk at night, and is hit by Driver A, who was briefly distracted by the radio. Did Driver A actually cause the accident with the pedestrian? Driver As attorney will certainly argue that, although he was on the phone, he didnt cause the accident?it was the pedestrians fault for running into the street. Moreover, Driver A will argue that the accident would have occurred even if he wasnt on the phone. Essentially, its not uncommon for a defendant in a car accident case to simply say Sure, I was speeding, but thats not what caused the accident to avoid legal liability.
HOW DO I PROVE NEGLIGENCE IN A PHILADELPHIA CAR ACCIDENT CASE?
When liability is not clear, your attorney will have to prove that the other party was actually negligent. To prove other driver was negligence (and therefore liable for your accident), you have to prove that 1) the other party acted wrongfully, 2) the wrongful act caused the accident 3) you suffered some financial loss resulting from the accident.
Url: https://www.phillyinjurylawyer.com/pa/philadelphia-auto-accidents-attorney/
Philadelphia Truck Accident Attorney
Helping Victims of Truck Accidents Recover Compensation in their Personal Injury Cases.
Tanker trucks, big rigs, and tractor-trailers are very heavy vehicles that regularly travel at high rates of speed. When a large truck collides with a smaller vehicle, such as a car or motorcycle, it can cause serious property damage and catastrophic personal injuries. Serious injuries sustained in truck accidents can include spinal cord injuries, head injuries, bone fractures, soft tissue injuries, and even death.
If you have suffered injuries in a serious truck accident, you need an experienced legal team on your side who can fight for you every step of the way. At The Law Offices of Joel J. Kofsky, our Philadelphia truck accident lawyers understand the seriousness and the disruptions these accidents can cause to your life. Attorney Joel J. Kofsky will fight for your right to recover full and fair compensation for your injuries, pain, suffering, and financial losses.
Truck Accidents are Often the Result of Driver Negligence
In order for drivers to operate a tractor-trailer or other large truck, they must undergo special training and obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL). Because of these heightened requirements, truck drivers are held to a higher standard of care than ordinary motor vehicle drivers. In the context of a truck accidents, commercial drivers are held to the standard of care of a “reasonably prudent truck driver” operating an 18-wheeler under the same or similar circumstances.
Even experienced commercial drivers sometimes deviate from this standard of reasonable care. When they do so, serious wrecks and personal injuries can result. Some of the most common causes of truck accidents is due to negligence leading to serious accidents include the following:
Drunk or drugged driving – It goes without saying those who operate their vehicles while under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs can cause serious accidents on Philadelphia roadways – usually because of impaired vision, focus, or reaction time.
Distracted driving – Distracted driving can take many forms. Some common examples include texting or making phone calls while behind the wheel, or programming GPS navigation devices while driving.
Fatigue – Trucking companies often encourage their drivers to drive for hours on end, often with little or no sleep. When these drivers are fatigued, their reaction time slows, and a serious accident can result.
Cutting curves too sharply – When commercial drivers cut a curve too sharply, they can collide with or sideswipe other vehicles on the road, especially at traffic intersections. This can also cause a truck to rollover.
Violating traffic laws – When commercial drivers fail to follow truck speed limits or otherwise violate the rules of the road, they are more likely to cause serious truck accidents.
Violating motor carrier regulations – Federal and state motor carrier regulations limit load sizes and establish requirements for oversized loads and securing trailer cargo. When truck drivers violate these regulations, they significantly increase their chances of causing an accident.
Joel J. Kofsky and our team of Philadelphia truck accidents attorneys can review your truck case with you and may be able to file a personal injury claim or lawsuit against the responsible operator and/or trucking company on your behalf.
Potentially Responsible Parties
A Philadelphia crash involving a commercial, vehicle, one or more individuals or legal entities may be responsible for the truck accident. The most obvious responsible party is the truck driver. Other potentially responsible parties may include the following:
Trucking companies – Philadelphia trucking companies have a duty to hire and retain experienced drivers with clean driving records. Moreover, trucking companies have to conduct regular drug tests on their drivers and to properly maintain their equipment, including tractors and trailers, at all times. When trucking companies fail to take these measures and an accident occurs, serious accidents often occur.
Cargo loading teams – Cargo loading teams are responsible for properly loading trailers. In that capacity, they have to ensure that trailers are not overloaded or under-loaded, in accordance with the applicable weight restrictions. Moreover, they have to ensure that all cargo is properly loaded and secured onto the trailer. When cargo loading teams do not do their jobs properly, the tractor or trailer could overturn in the roadway, or the cargo could dislodge from the trailer into the roadway, causing a serious accident.
Truck part manufacturers – Truck part manufacturers have to ensure that their products are safe when they are released into the stream of commerce. These parts include tires, steering mechanisms, and braking systems. When truck parts malfunction en route and an accident occurs, manufacturers and distributors can be liable.
Url: https://www.phillyinjurylawyer.com/pa/philadelphia-truck-accident-lawyer/
Philadelphia Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Helping Philadelphia Motorcycle Accident Victims Recover the Monetary Compensation they Deserve
Motorcycles can be thrilling to ride, but they can also be dangerous machines. This is especially true in the context of motorcycle accidents. Motorcycles offer their operators and passengers very little protection. When a serious accident occurs, motorcyclists are often forced off their bikes and onto the ground, significantly increasing their chances of injury. Injuries sustained in this type of accident are often serious and can include traumatic head injuries, fractures, broken bones, and spinal cord injuries.
Insurance coverage requirements are also different for motorcycle operators than for car and truck operators. Motorcycle operators, for example, are not required to hold the same types of insurance as automobile drivers, and their available coverage is sometimes less.
If you have suffered injuries in a serious motorcycle accident, The Law Offices of Joel J. Kofsky may be able to help. Our experienced Philadelphia lawyers can work with the at-fault party’s insurance company to try and reach a favorable settlement on your behalf. If the insurance company refuses to offer you full and fair compensation for your injuries, our motorcycle accident attorneys have the knowledge and skills to effectively litigate your case and take it to trial.
Typical Causes of Philadelphia Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle crashes occur in a variety of different contexts. Some of the most typical causes of these accidents include the following:
Drunk motorcycle operation – There is no disputing that alcohol impairs a driver’s reaction time. When motorcyclists operate their bikes while under the influence of illegal drugs or alcohol, they can cause serious injuries for themselves and their passengers.
Construction work – Roadway construction work is often accompanied by uneven lanes, potholes, and other road defects. Defective road conditions at construction sites can cause motorcycles to veer off the road, tip over, or dislodge the operator and any passengers from the bike. In this context, motorcycle accident victims may be able to sue the construction company.
Road defects – Cities, counties, and other municipalities are responsible for maintaining their roadways in a reasonably safe condition at all times. When defective road conditions lead to motorcyclists to crash, the City of Philadelphia may be a potential defendant in any claim or lawsuit that is filed.
Negligent drivers – When cars and trucks collide with motorcycles and other small vehicles, the sheer impact of the accident can cause motorcyclists to fall from their bikes and suffer serious injuries. Negligent driving can take many forms, but it typically involves distracted driving or disregarding the rules of the road.
Motorcycle crash attorney Joel J. Kofsky and his legal team can review the circumstances of your situation with you and help you decide on the appropriate legal action to pursue.
Defendants in a Motorcycle Accident Case
A variety of individuals may be on the line for negligence in a Philadelphia motorcycle accident case. For example, if you were injured as a motorcycle passenger, you may be able to file a claim or lawsuit against the operator of the motorcycle if he or she behaved negligently. You may also have a claim against another driver if that driver somehow caused or contributed to the motorcycle accident.
In the case of hazardous road conditions, you may be able to file a claim against a construction company or against the City of Philadelphia, a county, or other municipality. When it comes to governmental entities, however, special notice requirements sometimes apply, and an accident victim must fully satisfy these requirements before filing a lawsuit with the court.
If you have suffered injuries in a motorcycle accident, time may be of the essence in your case. This is because in Pennsylvania, all personal injury claims and lawsuits must be filed within two years of the date of accident and injury. At The Law Offices of Joel J. Kofsky, our legal team can ensure that every potentially responsible party is named in your claim or lawsuit – and that your claim or lawsuit is timely filed.
Filing a Negligence Lawsuit
An injured motorcyclist can file a claim for negligence if the defendant – usually another driver – failed to act in an ordinary, reasonable, and prudent manner under the circumstances. The accident victim must then be able to demonstrate that this violation caused the accident, as well as the injuries and other damages sustained.
Proving negligence in a motorcycle accident case can sometimes be difficult, given the number of factors and potential defendants in play. Joel J. Kofsky has litigated many motorcycle cases in and around Philadelphia and can help you prove the legal elements necessary to prevail in your case.
Url: https://www.phillyinjurylawyer.com/pa/philadelphia-motorcycle-accident-lawyer/
Philadelphia Bike Accident Attorneys
Bicycling is a great way to stay in shape and has been making a resurgence in popularity over the last few years, especially with major metropolises like Philadelphia. ?Many Pennsylvania cities and towns are adopting Citi Bike and similar programs that let commuters, tourists and others rent a bike for very little cost. These cities are particularly dangerous hot spots for bike accidents because of the abundance of intersections and vehicles on the roads.
Bike Accidents Overview
Over 20,000 bicycle accidents are reported each year in the US; thats about one accident every 25 minutes. Not to mention, there are many bike accidents that go unreported. While the vast majority of these incidents (over 80%) result in only minor injuries, there are hundreds of cyclists that sustain more serious, life-threatening and even fatal trauma. In either case, knowing how and from whom you can seek damages from is important.
Because most bicycle accidents involve a crash with a motor vehicle, they involve many of the same issues, steps and procedure as a typical auto accident. This means that liability in these incidents often come down to deciding negligence and who is at fault.
Both drivers and bike riders are required to know and follow the rules of the road. Depending on state law, bicycles often have their own set of traffic laws that dictate the proper and safe way to operate a bike.
That said, because of the greater chance of injury for the cyclist, it can often be easier to prove driver negligence over the biker. There is often a stricter duty to exercise ordinary care associated with the driver for this reason. However, there are plenty of incidents where a bike accident claim is unsuccessful because the courts find that it was in fact the bicyclist who acted negligently and that the driver did everything ordinarily expected of them to avoid the accident.
Proving Negligence in Bike Accident Cases
After an accident involving a bike, the cyclist will try and recover damages for any injuries sustained during the incident. To receive these damages, negligence has to be prove on the part of the driver (or disproven), which requires three key questions to be answered.
Did the driver of the automobile act negligently or recklessly, which led to the accident with the cyclist?
Did this accident cause injury to the bike rider?
Was there any negligence on behalf of the bike operator that could have caused or contributed to the accident?
Driver Negligence
Driver Negligence comes in a lot of different forms. The most common are things like speeding, failing to stop at a red light or stop sign or driving in a designated bike lane. Sometimes, these actions can even be deemed as reckless driving, if they are done with an obvious lack of regard for the safety and well-being of other motorists or cyclists.
Essentially, a cyclists ability to prove driver negligence rests on whether or not the driver acted in such a way that violated the duty of care every driver (or cyclist) has to everyone nearby on the roadways. For example, if a driver drove too close to the bike lane and didnt give a cyclist a wide enough berth, it may be found that violated this duty. Again, there is often a greater duty of care associated with driving near cyclists because they are much more vulnerable than another automobile operator.
An injured cyclists best weapon towards proving negligence is often the testimony of eyewitnesses and other additional evidence. Eyewitness testimonies are particularly impactful because they present an unbiased, third-party view on what happened during the incident. Other evidence may include a history of speeding or reckless driving on the drivers part, which may helps prove that they were speeding or driving erratically at the time of the incident.
Once all of the evidence of the drivers negligence during the accident is submitted and each testimony is heard, it is the responsibility of the defending driver to either prove that the cyclists injuries are not a result of the accident or that there was substantial negligence on the part of the cyclist that contributed to the incident or even caused it.
Cyclist Negligence
Cyclist negligence comes into play whether the rider is claiming damages from a driver or is being sued by someone else for causing injury in an accident. In either case, it can determine the outcome of a case. If a driver can prove that the cyclist acted negligently, it may cause the biker to be unable to receive any damages from the driver.
A lot of the examples of cyclist negligence are similar to what would constitute driver negligence. After all, both are required to follow the rules of the road. The common examples include things like traveling the wrong direction on a one-way street, not stopping for a red light or stop sign, turning without signaling and even speeding.
Url: https://www.phillyinjurylawyer.com/pa/bike-accidents/
Philadelphia Hit and Run Lawyers
Being involved in a car accident is frightening enough, but it is even more upsetting when the person who caused the accident leaves the scene. Not only do you have to deal with the aftermath of your accident alone, but you likely will not have had a chance to determine who the driver was that caused the accident. This can make it very difficult to find out who is liable and to collect compensation to cover your injuries. Our attorneys know how stressful this can be, and we are available to help you with your case.
If you have uninsured motorist coverage, your own insurance company may be able to provide you with compensation for your injuries when the driver who caused the accident fled the scene and cannot be found. However, insurance companies usually require you to file a claim within a certain time period of your accident, often within a few weeks. This means that you have to gather all of the information needed to file your claim quickly, and this can be very difficult if you have been hospitalized or are still recovering from any injuries you sustained in the accident. Accordingly, individuals hurt in a hit and run accident should not wait to get in touch with a hit and run accident attorney right away.
There are a few steps you need to take after you have been involved in a hit and run accident to make sure you and your lawyer can easily file your claim with your insurance company. First, if you can, call the police right away and then call emergency medical services. The police will create a report after the accident and can try to determine who the other driver was, if possible.
Second, you need to go to the hospital or to a doctor right away. Even if you do not think you have been hurt, some injuries like concussions or whiplash may not show symptoms right away, and such injuries need to be treated right away. While you are under a doctors care, be sure to obtain copies of your medical records and any bills you incur from surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any other medical procedures. These will be used to show the insurance company how much they should reimburse you for medical expenses.
Third, you or a friend or family member should take your car to be looked at by a mechanic. The mechanic can give you an estimate of how much damage your car suffered in the accident, which will constitute another aspect of your insurance claim.
Finally, you need to be able to prove to the insurance company that you cannot identify the other driver. If the police who came to the scene could not find the driver who caused the accident, they may want to look at traffic cameras or nearby security cameras to see if they can find the person responsible. But if these leads do not turn up the person responsible for the accident, you and your lawyer can demonstrate to the insurance company that you could not locate the person who caused the accident. Your attorney will be there to help you through every step of this investigation. Then, once you and your attorney have gathered all the information needed to file your insurance claim, we will begin the process of filing your claim. Insurance companies will likely handle these claims differently depending on the details of your particular policy.
Your insurance policy may require a clause for contractual arbitration, requiring that your claim be presented before a panel of arbitrators. These arbitrators will include one selected by your insurance company, one selected by your attorney, and one selected by the first two arbitrators. This panel will determine how much compensation the insurance company is responsible for paying you, and so it is important to contact one of our attorneys who can select an experienced arbitrator on your behalf who will carefully consider the evidence and come to a reasonable conclusion with the other arbitrators.
Our attorneys have experience working with hit and run cases in Philadelphia and across Pennsylvania. We understand that these cases are very stressful and can be difficult to understand and prove, which is why we provide our clients with the best representation available in their hit and run cases. We will work with you throughout every step of the claims process and will represent you during the arbitration process if your policy requires it. Contact our offices right away to receive a free consultation if you have been hurt in a hit and run accident.
Url: https://www.phillyinjurylawyer.com/pa/philadelphia-hit-and-run-lawyer/
Philadelphia Pedestrian Accident Lawyers
When people think about traffic accidents, they usually think about crashes between two cars or between other vehicles on the road. But traffic accidents frequently occur involving pedestrians as well. In fact, in 2014, there were around 4,000 traffic accidents involving pedestrians in Pennsylvania, and around 4% of those accidents resulted in fatalities. Pedestrians are especially vulnerable to serious injuries if they are involved in a traffic accident. If you or someone you love was hurt as a pedestrian in an accident, you should get in touch with one of our experienced Philadelphia pedestrian accident lawyer right away.
Especially in busy areas like downtown Philadelphia, pedestrians are very common as people walk to and from work, parking garages, restaurants, and businesses. Although sidewalks and crosswalks provide generally safe spaces for people to walk, accidents do still happen. If a motorcycle jumps onto the sidewalk to avoid traffic, for example, or if a car runs a red light and enters a crosswalk while someone is walking through it, a pedestrian could get hit and seriously injured. Because pedestrians almost always have the right of way, a driver is expected to slow down and yield to pedestrians and is responsible for any injuries caused if they fail to do so.
The reason that pedestrians can suffer very serious injuries in traffic accidents is because unlike a driver or passenger in a vehicle, a pedestrian does not have the protection provided by the frame of a vehicle. Furthermore, it is unlikely that a pedestrian will be wearing a helmet or other protective gear while walking. Pedestrians do not stand much of a chance against relatively fast moving vehicles and may find themselves facing very serious and painful injuries.
Pedestrians who have been hurt in a traffic accident could face injuries ranging from broken bones, cuts and abrasions, bruising, and concussions to serious and potentially life threatening injuries like loss of limbs and head or spinal injuries. Some patients may suffer from mental issues after the accident like depression or anxiety, and both physical and mental injuries may make it difficult for accident victims to work and earn a wage to pay their medical bills. In serious cases, head, neck, or spinal trauma can result in disabilities or paralysis, which will have effects lasting a lifetime and require extensive medical treatment.
Unfortunately, sometimes pedestrian accidents are not taken as seriously as other car accidents. Police, doctors, and insurance companies may assume that the pedestrian was at fault for some reason, maybe by walking in the wrong place or not paying attention to traffic. This is extremely unfortunate and upsetting because pedestrians are often not at fault at all. They will have valid claims against the person in the vehicle who hit them, and their rights should be protected so that they receive the full compensation amount they deserve for their medical bills and other expenses or damages.
If you have been hit as a pedestrian, be sure to seek medical attention immediately, even if you think you were not seriously hurt. The police can write a report and gather information about the accident while you are being treated for your injuries. Once you have been seen by a doctor, get in touch with a pedestrian accident attorney right away.
By contacting one of our experienced Philadelphia pedestrian accident attorney, you will be put in touch with a lawyer who understands how upsetting these accidents can be and will protect your rights. First, your attorney will help determine exactly what happened during the accident and will help you gather evidence to prove that you were not at fault for your injuries. Your own insurance policy may provide coverage for your injuries as a pedestrian in an accident, or the person who caused the accident may have insurance coverage to compensate for pedestrian injuries. Your attorney will then help work with the insurance company to make sure the company does not try to say that you were at fault or offer you less compensation than you deserve.
Our attorneys are sensitive to the fact that being a pedestrian in an accident can be a painful and traumatic experience. That is why we work exclusively to assist accident victims and never work for insurance companies. Once you contact us, we will put you in touch with an attorney experienced in pedestrian accidents who will provide a free consultation at your home or hospital or at our office. Your attorney will represent you and your rights every step of the way to get you the best result available in your case.
Url: https://www.phillyinjurylawyer.com/pa/philadelphia-pedestrian-accident/
Philadelphia Rental Car Accident Attorneys
Being involved in a car accident is stressful enough. It can be even more stressful and complicated if the person who caused the accident is from out of state and is driving a rented vehicle. In most cases, the persons own vehicle insurance should cover any accidents that the person is involved in while driving a rental car, but there are still many complications to rental car accident cases. If you or a loved one was hurt in an accident caused by the driver of a rental car, you should contact a Philadelphia rental car attorney right away to help you with your case.
Many different problems could complicate an accident victims claim against a rental car driver. First, the driver may have claimed to have insurance when they rented the car, but their policy may have lapsed or they may have not been covered by insurance at all. This means that a victim cannot rely on the other drivers insurance to compensate them for their medical bills, property damage, and any other expenses or damages related to the accident. An experienced lawyer can help determine ways to get you the compensation you deserve, even if the driver does not have valid insurance.
Second, the driver of the rental car may be from out of state or from another country. These cases present several issues for accident victims. The driver may leave the state or country long before your case is resolved, making it hard to track them down. Additionally, if the driver is from a foreign country, they may have insurance under the laws of their country which could be very different from insurance policies in the United States. Trying to understand the complexities of a foreign countrys insurance laws is not something you should have to deal with while you are recovering from a car accident, but your attorney can provide assistance handling these complexities.
Another concern for victims injured in rental car accidents is that under a federal law called the Graves Amendment, rental car companies are shielded from liability in the event that one of their rental cars is involved in an accident. This means that if the driver of the rental car has no insurance, or is insolvent and has no money to pay compensation, an accident victim cannot sue the rental car company to try to recover financially for their medical bills and other expenses.
Because of these numerous complications, a victim of one of these kinds of crashes should contact a Philadelphia rental car accident lawyer right away. Our offices will put you in touch with an experienced attorney who knows the ins and outs of a rental car claim and can help you navigate the complications of these cases. We will work exclusively on your behalf, and not for the insurance companies, to make sure you are fully compensated for your injuries and other expenses.
Rental car accidents are no different from typical vehicle accidents and pose the same dangers and possibilities for injury. A victim of a rental car accident can suffer injuries like bruising, cuts, and broken bones, or even more severe injuries like head, neck, or spinal injuries. You will need to seek immediate medical attention to ensure that you are treated promptly, but unfortunately, every hospital or doctors office visit results in medical bills you will be expected to pay. No matter what circumstances caused the accident, you are likely facing hundreds or even thousands of dollars in medical bills, property repair or replacement, and lost wages because of your accident. Your attorney will be there to help gather evidence, keep track of bills and other records, and ensure that the responsible party provides you with compensation for your injuries and other damages.
Even if the driver of the rental car has insurance, you need to be very careful when talking to any insurance companies about your accident, even your own. Unfortunately, insurance companies are often out to make a profit and will usually try to offer you less compensation than you deserve. Before speaking with anyone from any insurance company, get in touch with our offices so that an experienced attorney provide you with a free initial consultation about your case and can work with the insurance companies on your behalf. We are experienced in handling negotiations with insurance companies, even out of state insurance companies, and we can ensure that your rights are protected and that the insurance company gives you the compensation you deserve.
Url: https://www.phillyinjurylawyer.com/pa/philadelphia-rental-car-accident-lawyers/
Philadelphia Taxi Accident Lawyers
Taxi cabs are extremely convenient for many individuals who need to get somewhere in a hurry. The yellow vehicles are easy to spot around Philadelphia and the surrounding areas and can be extremely useful for both travelers and commuters in the city. But unfortunately, accidents involving taxi cabs are common and can occur with some regularity. Anyone who hails a taxi ultimately is trusting the taxi driver to keep them safe during your ride. Although taxi drivers are required to have a certain kind of license and specific training, some drivers are not diligent or careful on the road. In these cases, a negligent taxi driver can cause serious accidents that can lead to injuries for their passengers.
In many cases, taxi cab drivers are very confident on the roads because of the amount of time they spend driving around the city. This may in fact make them overconfident behind the wheel, which may prompt them to take questionable routes and to drive more aggressively than they otherwise would. And the passengers may exacerbate the situation by insisting that they are in a hurry, and so the taxi operator may drive more negligently or recklessly to try to get you there on time. If the driver is not driving safely, the taxi could easily be involved in an accident with other vehicles on the road, especially if traffic is bad as it often is in big cities like Philadelphia. A person who is injured one of these accidents should get in touch with a qualified Philadelphia taxi accident lawyer.
Taxi cab passengers are the most common types of individuals who are injured in taxi accidents. However, other parties may also be seriously injured in these types of accidents. For example, if the taxi collides with another car, the driver or passengers of the other car could suffer injuries. Additionally, if the taxi hits a pedestrian, bicyclist, or motorcyclist, the person who was hit could also become injured as a result of a taxi cab accident. And as with any type of vehicle or traffic accident, injuries from a taxi accident can be very serious. Victims could suffer from cuts and bruises, blood loss, broken bones, concussions, whiplash, head or spinal injuries, loss of limbs, permanent disabilities, or even fatalities in the most severe cases.
A negligent or reckless taxi cab driver who causes an accident is responsible for any injuries caused in the accident. The kinds of negligent errors that often cause taxi cab accidents include speeding, driving distracted, failing to yield, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, weaving between lanes, making illegal U-turns, or taking dangerous shortcuts. Committing any of these errors means that the driver is responsible for compensating accident victims for their expenses related to their injuries. This is because taxi cabs are considered to be a part of a certain class of vehicle called a common carrier, or a vehicle that carries members of the general public in exchange for money. Common carriers must exercise the highest standard of care in regards to their passengers safety. This means that taxi cab drivers must use the highest amount of care to keep their passengers safe and injury free, or they will be liable for any behavior that deviates from that high standard of care.
This high standard of care, however, only applies to passengers of taxi cabs. A taxi driver owes other people on the road, like pedestrians, cyclists, and other drivers, only the standard of care that any driver would owe to others on the road. If the taxi driver was driving recklessly or especially negligently, an accident victim may still be able to hold the taxi driver liable for their injuries. However, for passengers of taxi cabs, it is sometimes easier to pursue a claim against a taxi driver because any kind of negligent error on the part of the driver is sufficient to make the driver liable for any injuries from the accident.
Having an experienced Philadelphia taxi accident attorney assist you with your case can be invaluable. Instead of having to worry about gathering evidence for your case while you are in the hospital or healing at home, your lawyer can handle that process for you. Your attorney will represent you when discussing a settlement with the taxi drivers insurance company to ensure that you are fully compensated for your injuries and are not taken advantage of. Our attorneys provide free initial consultations to review your case, so do not hesitate to contact us right away if you have been hurt in a taxi cab accident.
Url: https://www.phillyinjurylawyer.com/pa/philadelphia-taxi-accident-lawyer/
Torts and Auto Insurance Laws in Pennsylvania
Everyone who owns a motor vehicle in the state of Pennsylvania it is a legal requirement to buy and keep up to date auto insurance. The laws that are specific to auto insurance are commonly referred to as the Act 6 Amendments with reference to the Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Financial Responsibility Law, (MVFRL).
Being involved and injured in an auto accident is a significant event in a persons life so whether an owner, a driver or a passenger, it is vital to have an understanding of the way automobile insurance has an effect on an individual when an accident takes place. Our lawyers here in Pennsylvania know only too well the hardships encountered by victims of motor vehicle accidents who were not aware or did not understand the true value of their policies.
As with all insurance, the kind of coverage an individual chooses will be dependant upon the needs of that particular individual.
Types of Insurance Liability Coverage
This type of insurance cover is compulsory. It basically provides you with protection from any claims that could be filed against you. That is when an accident happens to be your own fault and injury or damage has been caused to other individuals. The liability insurance provides compensation for the party who has been injured.
There is a minimum amount set by the law that you have to purchase and that is $15,000.00 for each person and $30,000.00 for each accident. It is sometimes referred to as 15/30. If you think that you need to protect yourself with a higher coverage level, for example, if you drive frequently in areas where there is a high accident rate then you should get more coverage.? If you have an accident and injure someone and a claim is made for injuries suffered by the victim that is more than your coverage then you may have to draw on your assets such as your house to pay out the claim. Protecting your other assets is almost as important as your accident cover.
Liability coverage relates only to bodily injury claims. You may, if you wish, purchase liability coverage which covers claims related to damage to your vehicle and any other property. This type of coverage is related to damage you may have caused in an accident to the other vehicle. Auto costs are always on the rise so it is vital to take out enough coverage that will cover the cost of replacing or repairing the vehicle in question.
An important point to note here is that if you do cause an auto accident and you injure a person and your insurer pays out money to settle any claim that has been made against you, the insurance carrier may well increase your premiums as a penalty for costing them money. Your attorney can explain this side of insurance to you and what powers an agent has in relation to the cost of your premiums.
First Party Benefits Coverage
First Party Benefits is also compulsory coverage. This is a sort of medical insurance that helps in paying your individual medical bills. There is a minimum coverage that is required, which is $5,000.00. It does not matter who is at fault for the auto accident as your medical costs will be financed using your First Party Benefits cover. This protection is a legal entitlement and if you have to draw on it, your premium rates will not be affected in any way. If you go over the limit of your cover, then you will need to submit your extra medical costs through your health insurance. In most cases the minimum $5,000.00 coverage should be quite sufficient.
Crash Coverage
Collision coverage is not mandatory, and is a payment to you for your own vehicle damage. It is normally purchased along with a deductible. This actually means that you make a payment that reaches your deductible ceiling and your insurance will cover the rest. A greater deductible will provide you with a lower premium. Any accident that takes place and you were not at fault, your insurer will get your deductible returned from the party who has been found to be responsible and it will then be returned to you.
When purchasing collision coverage and the amount you should pay on your deductible will depend on your automobiles age, its blue book valuation, and how much it would cost to replace. If you lose your car completely in an accident, the insurance provider normally will just offer a blue book valuation which may not be the same amount that you would pay for a new auto.
Coverage that is comprehensive
Comprehensive coverage is not mandatory. It offers protection when a vehicle happens to be stolen or sustains damage in a number of different ways but not when it is in an accident along with another motorized vehicle. It operates also with a deductible amount paid by you.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
This is optional coverage but is actually very important as it offers protection in a situation when you are hurt by an driver who is uninsured. Surprisingly, despite rules, there are many drivers who are not insured on the roads and we never know who they are.
Url: https://www.phillyinjurylawyer.com/philadelphia-limited-tort-insurance-laws/
Philadelphia Uber / Lyft Accident Lawyer
More and more people in Philadelphia are using rideshare services like Uber and Lyft instead of taxi cabs to get around the city. These types of services present many benefits to riders, like being able to call the car to your location through a smartphone app and often charging lower fares than taxi cabs do. These benefits make Uber and Lyft extremely popular. However, just like any other type of vehicle on the road, Uber and Lyft drivers can cause accidents that leave their passengers injured or that cause damage to other vehicles on the road. If you or a loved one has been hurt in an accident using a rideshare service, contact a Philadelphia Uber accident lawyer right away.
Causes of Uber Accidents
Many accidents involving rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are the result of an error on the part of the driver. Uber and Lyft both require their drivers to undergo background checks and driving record checks, as well as requiring their drivers to have insurance coverage for their vehicles. But despite these requirements, accidents do still happen if the drivers are not careful behind the wheel.
Some rideshare drivers take on the job as a part time addition to their regular work, meaning they are working long hours each day and may be driving while fatigued or distracted. Being tired or distracted behind the wheel is a common cause of car accidents, even for experienced drivers, and so a tired Uber or Lyft driver can easily cause an accident if they are not careful and alert while driving.
Additionally, Uber or Lyft drivers can become involved in an accident if they are simply driving negligently or recklessly. These drivers must obey traffic laws and cannot speed, pass improperly, tailgate other cars, or weave in and out of traffic, all of which could cause accidents. Uber and Lyft drivers also should avoid taking dangerous or unlawful routes or shortcuts to get their passengers to their destination, because this kind of driving is also likely to cause an accident.
Nonetheless, many rideshare drivers do make mistakes and cause accidents that injure their passengers or people in other vehicles on the road. When someone is hurt in an accident caused by an Uber or Lyft driver, the victim may face difficulty pursuing a claim against the driver because of the complications the law presents regarding rideshare driver liability. That is why it is important to contact an experienced Philadelphia Uber accident attorney as soon as possible to assist you with your claim.
Uber Accident Claims
The law is murky as to whether Uber and Lyft drivers are employees or independent contractors of the company, because the drivers choose their own hours and drive their own vehicles. Accordingly, it is also unclear how insurance coverage will apply if an Uber or Lyft driver causes an accident. Although rideshare drivers are required to have insurance, the insurance that the companies provide to their drivers is limited and only covers up to a certain amount. For example, Ubers commercial insurance policy will cover drivers liability to passengers up to the amount of $1 million, as well as provide $1 million coverage if an uninsured driver of another vehicle causes an accident that injures an Uber rider.
As a result, if the accident was especially severe and causes extreme injuries and property damage, accident victims may have to look to the drivers personal insurance to cover the difference. However, the drivers personal insurance may not cover accidents caused when the vehicle is being used as a commercial vehicle instead of as the drivers personal vehicle. Dealing with insurance companies in these cases can be stressful, which is why your attorney can provide invaluable help by negotiating with the insurance company on your behalf to ensure you are fully compensated for your injuries.
If the Uber or Lyft driver is off duty and causes an accident to other vehicles on the road, they will be covered by their personal insurance policy. However, if there is a question about whether they were truly off duty at the time or whether they were in fact working by driving to another job, there will also be questions about whose insurance policy will cover the accident victims injuries. A qualified Uber accident lawyer can help sort through these questions and determine whose policy covers your injuries and how to effectively pursue a compensation claim.
When to Call Your Lawyer
It is important to remember that passengers of rideshare services are not the only people who could be injured in an Uber or Lyft accident. If the rideshare service driver causes an accident that involves other vehicles on the road, the drivers or passengers of those other vehicles may also have claims against the rideshare driver.
Url: https://www.phillyinjurylawyer.com/pa/philadelphia-uber-lyft-sharing-accident-lawyer/
Philadelphia underinsured Motorist Lawyers
Car accidents are always upsetting and stressful, especially when you have been injured and need to pursue a claim against the person who caused the accident. But this process becomes even more complicated when the person responsible for the accident is not protected by enough insurance to fully compensate you for your injuries and other damages. You should not have to deal with these complications alone, especially while you are recovering from your injuries. In these cases, it is crucial to contact a Philadelphia underinsured motorist attorney to help you recover fully for your injuries.
Why You Should Contact An Underinsured Motorist Attorney
When you have been injured in an accident caused by an underinsured driver, you are not out of options to ensure that you are fully compensated for your injuries. In fact, you may even be able to pursue a claim with your own insurance company. Many insurance policies in Pennsylvania provide optional coverage for accidents caused by underinsured motorists, so if your policy does cover underinsured motorist accidents, you can file a claim under your own policy. Your attorney can help you understand whether your policy has this kind of coverage or not.
If you and your attorney do end up filing a claim with your insurance company, there may be certain requirements you have to meet. For example, you may have to file your claim within a certain amount of time after the accident, and you may need to provide certain kinds of records to support your claim. That is why you should get in touch with one of our attorneys as soon as possible. An experienced Philadelphia underinsured motorist lawyer will provide invaluable assistance in gathering the information you need and helping you file your claim in a timely fashion.
Your attorney will also represent you and your interests in negotiations with your insurance company. Many insurance companies are only looking to make a profit and try to avoid paying claims as often as possible. Your lawyer will ensure that your insurance company takes your claim seriously and gives you the full amount of compensation you deserve.
How to File an Underinsured Motorist Accident Claim
There are a number of things that you and your lawyer will have to prove when you file your insurance claim. First, you will have to be able to show that the underinsured driver was at fault and caused the accident. Second, you will need to have evidence of how much your claim is worth. This will include showing your medical records and bills, the amount of property damage caused by the accident, and proving any other damages you are claiming such as pain and suffering.
Your attorney will help you collect the information you need. For example, your lawyer will talk to the police who responded to the accident as well as any witnesses to show that the other driver caused the accident. Your lawyer will also help you gather medical records, bills, and any other pieces of evidence to help you with your claim.
After you file your claim, the insurance company may try to settle your claim. Often, the insurance company will offer you less than your claim is worth, so your attorney will act as your representative when talking with the insurance company to ensure that they do not try to offer you less than you deserve.
If the insurance company will not cooperate and pay your claim in full, your claim may be heard by a panel of arbitrators as specified in your insurance policy. The panel will usually be made up of one arbitrator chosen by your insurance company, one chosen by your lawyer on your behalf, and one chosen by the other two arbitrators. The panel is responsible for listening to your claim and supporting evidence and determining how much to award you for compensation. If your claim is heard before a panel of arbitrators, it is important that you have an experienced Philadelphia attorney to select a qualified arbitrator to hear your underinsured motorist claim.
Our lawyers understand how stressful underinsured motorist accidents can be. We work zealously on behalf of our clients to ensure that they are fully compensated for their injuries, even if the driver who caused the accident is not covered by enough insurance. We always provide accident victims with a free initial consultation to review their claim, either at our offices or at your home or hospital room. Don't hesitate to contact our office right away to get in touch with a qualified Philadelphia underinsured motorist attorney.
Url: https://www.phillyinjurylawyer.com/pa/philadelphia-underinsured-motorists/
Philadelphia Uninsured Motorist Lawyer
Pennsylvania law requires all drivers to have insurance coverage in order to legally drive their vehicles in the state. Drivers are legally required to have a minimum of $5,000 of coverage for medical benefits (to cover medical bills for yourself and others in the event of an accident), as well as bodily injury liability coverage and property damage liability coverage.
However, some drivers neglect to obtain the required car insurance coverage, or they let their policies lapse and are no longer legally covered by auto insurance. In fact, in 2012, around 6.5% of drivers did not have auto insurance coverage. If an uninsured driver causes a car accident, it could leave the victims of the accident without the ability to recover from the driver for their injuries and any property damage. In these situations, you should contact a Philadelphia uninsured motorist accident attorney right away for help with your case.
Uninsured Motorist Accidents
Car accidents are stressful and upsetting enough without the additional complication of being unable to recover from the driver who caused the accident. No accident victim should have to deal with these issues alone, especially while they are recovering from their injuries. Your attorney will be there with you every step of the way to help you with your claim.
After you have received medical attention for your injuries, contact your uninsured motorist accident lawyer right away. Your lawyer will be able to help you determine whether your own insurance policy covers situations involving accidents caused by uninsured drivers. Although this is optional coverage in Pennsylvania, many drivers elect to have this coverage as part of their policy. This kind of coverage will pay for your medical bills if you were injured in the accident, as well as any property damage that the driver incurred to your vehicle.
If you are not sure whether you are covered by uninsured motorist coverage, your attorney will help you look at your policy and understand your coverage. It is important to contact your attorney right away, because you may be required under your policy to file your claim within a certain amount of time after your accident, usually thirty days after the accident.
Your attorney will also make sure that you have all of the records and information required to file a claim with your insurance company. This will include gathering medical records and bills, vehicle repair or replacement bills, and witness statements from the accident. Having the assistance of your attorney will allow you to recover from your injuries without worrying about tracking down this information needed to file your claim.
The Complications of an Uninsured Motorist Accident
Part of the reason that uninsured motorist accidents are so challenging is that the laws governing recovery for accident victims is complex. First, the accident victim is required to show that the uninsured driver is the one responsible for causing the accident. Then, the victim has to prove that the driver who caused the accident is in fact not covered by car insurance. These two elements are required to pursue a claim with your insurance company. It is the accident victims responsibility to prove these things to the insurance company, which is where your attorney can come in to help with the investigation and gathering of information.
You and your attorney will need to track down witnesses to the accident to help prove that the uninsured driver caused the accident. If a police officer responded to the accident, his or her report may be useful evidence as well. In addition, even if the other driver claimed that he or she had insurance coverage, your lawyer will contact their insurance company to make sure that their policy has not lapsed or was canceled.
Your lawyer will also be of invaluable assistance when speaking with your insurance company. Your company may try to deny your claim in order to avoid having to pay, or they may try to offer you less in compensation than your claim deserves. An experienced attorney will know how much your claim is worth and will ensure that the insurance company does not try to offer you less than you are owed under your policy.
Your policy may also require that your claim be handled in arbitration rather than in court. In these situations, your lawyer will select an arbitrator on your behalf to sit on the arbitration panel that will hear your case. It is important that you work with a knowledgeable uninsured motorist accident attorney who will be able to select a qualified and fair arbitrator who will carefully consider the facts of your case.
Finally, your lawyer may also be able to help you apply for Pennsylvania's Assigned Claims Plan (ACP), a fund that can provide up to $15,000 to help cover medical bills or property damage as a result of an accident caused by an uninsured driver. Your attorney will help determine if you qualify for the fund.
Url: https://www.phillyinjurylawyer.com/pa/philadelphia-uninsured-motorist-lawyer/
Philadelphia SEPTA Accident Lawyers
Philadelphia residents are familiar with the local public transportation system known as SEPTA (Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority). SEPTA operates several different types of transportation systems, including railways, subways, and trolleys. But perhaps the most common form of SEPTA transportation is its bus system, with a fleet of around 1,400 buses traveling over 100 different routes. Anyone traveling around Philadelphia and the surrounding Montgomery, Bucks, Delaware, and Chester counties has likely seen the white and red buses that serve a population of over 4 million people.
Public transportation is usually a very safe, convenient, and cost effective way for people to travel or commute. However, because these buses are so common around the Philadelphia, the likelihood of being involved in an accident as a passenger on a SEPTA bus also increases. Each year, there are hundreds of accidents involving SEPTA buses on the roadways of Philadelphia and the surrounding areas. As a result, people who rely on these buses for transportation to commute to work or to get around the city are at risk of being injured in a SEPTA bus accident. If this has happened to you or someone you love, reach out to one of our experienced Philadelphia SEPTA bus accident attorneys to help you with your case. You may be entitled to receive compensation as an accident victim of a bus accident.
Bus accidents are often caused by driver error. If the bus driver is fatigued or overworked, they may be paying less attention than they should and could drive carelessly, causing an accident. If the driver was not properly trained, they may make a mistake operating the bus on a busy road. Additionally, if there is an issue with the bus itself and a part malfunctions or was improperly installed or repaired, an accident is likely to occur. Legally, SEPTA is at fault for driver errors or for bus malfunctions, but accident victims may face issues pursuing their claims when they are injured in a bus accident.
One of the biggest issues that passengers on SEPTA buses face in accidents is the extent of their injuries. Bus accidents can cause unexpected and severe injuries depending on the speed and the type of impact that occurs. Buses often get full of passengers, causing some to have to stand up and hold onto a bar or strap. Even passengers who are seated do not have seat belts to protect them in the event of a crash. This means that collisions can cause passengers to fall or be thrown inside the bus, which can cause serious injuries like broken bones, head trauma, cuts and bruises, or spinal injuries. These injuries could mean hundreds or even thousands of dollars in medical bills and could have lasting effects on your ability to work and earn an income. In these cases, it is important to get in touch with an attorney to ensure that you receive compensation to cover your injuries and other expenses and damages.
It is also the case that SEPTA buses are sometimes involved in accidents with cars or other vehicles on the road. Because SEPTA buses are so large and heavy, they can cause serious damage to smaller vehicles when they collide with them. This could cause major damage to the other vehicle and could cause injuries to the people in the car as well as passengers on the bus. Accident victims in these cases could also face serious injuries and need the assistance of an experienced attorney to help them receive compensation.
Bus accident victims also face many other potential issues even beyond treating their immediate injuries and medical problems. Some injuries may cause disabilities or paralysis and require long term care, sometimes even lifetime care. Accident victims may also suffer from grief, depression, or emotional distress, pain and suffering, and post-traumatic stress disorder that will require counseling. Victims should be compensated for these issues as well beyond just out of pocket medical bills and expenses.
Unfortunately, dealing with a state operated agency like SEPTA presents its own set of legal issues that often complicate cases for accident victims. First, state agencies are often protected by sovereign immunity, meaning that an individual cannot sue the state agency directly if they were hurt in a bus accident except in certain cases authorized by the legislature. And even if it is authorized by the legislature, there may be limits to how much you can recover for your injuries, meaning that you may not be able to receive adequate compensation without a lawyers assistance.
Second, there may be specific laws that control various aspects of lawsuits against transportation systems like SEPTA. Because of the complications of SEPTA bus accident cases, it is important to have the assistance of a qualified Philadelphia attorney to help you with your case. Transportation systems like SEPTA are called common carriers and are subject to certain standards of care for their passengers.
Url: https://www.phillyinjurylawyer.com/pa/philadelphia-septa-accident-lawyers/
Whiplash
Theres nothing clich about the saying pain in the neck until youve actually suffered from debilitating neck pain. And, according to the US National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health, the number of neck related injuries that occur as a result of accidents is on the rise.
Commonly referred to as whiplash, neck sprains and pains can make functioning in day to day life tedious and painful.
Whiplash Defined
Whiplash is a very unpleasant neck injury that is caused by rapid movement forward and then backward.
Most people suffer whiplash because of some sort of trauma. The most common causes of whiplash are:
Getting rear-ended in a car accident
Sports accidents
Bike accidents
Horse accidents
Abuse
Symptoms of Whiplash
Like any injury, whiplash can present itself in many different ways. Knowing the signs can help you begin a recovery routine.
Stiff neck
Difficulty moving
Neck swelling
Painful and tender areas at the back of your neck
Headaches
Difficulty swallowing
Lower back pain
Dizziness
Numbness in the arms and hands
Ringing in the ears
Muscle spasms
Confusion and irritability
Types of Whiplash
There are two different kinds of whiplash, chronic and acute. Chronic whiplash is the more severe of the two. The symptoms are the same for both, but those suffering from chronic whiplash experience much greater pain and a much longer road to recovery.
Recovering from Whiplash
The type of whiplash you have will play a major role in your recovery time. The symptoms of acute whiplash can begin to dissipate in as little as three weeks. Chronic whiplash can take months to heal.
A typical treatment regime includes ice, stretches, and pain medications. After the pain subsides, most doctors will recommend some sort of therapy to strengthen and recondition the muscles.
Why You Need an Attorney if You Are Suffering from Whiplash
The road to recovery is different for everyone. What takes one person a few days to recover from may take another person a few weeks. If you are suffering from whiplash because of the negligence of someone else, you need to consult an attorney.
Regardless of if you were rear ended by a truck going 45 miles per hour of if you were unsuspectingly hit in the back, if your injury has come as a result of someone elses negligence, then you need to protect yourself.
There are two questions you need to ask yourself after youve been a victim of any accident.
Can I really trust the insurance company?
Can I afford to be off work for an extended period of time?
The answer to both of these questions is hands down, No. First of all, insurance companies stay in business because they make money. They don’t give it away lightly. They offer unfair and minimal settlements to people, and they prey on your misconception of attorneys.
They will trick you into a settlement far smaller than what you are entitled to. Their focus is the right now. They do not take into account the long-term effects accidents have on victims. A Philadelphia car accident attorney will make sure that the long-term is considered as well.
After all, your family needs you to contribute to the household. Be it financially or in the day to day operations of running your home, you cannot afford to be away from your job and your family obligations. If you need to be off work to recover, then you need to be compensated, so your family does not suffer.
The right attorney will look out for your best interests not those of the insurance companies. If you or someone you love is suffering from whiplash because of someone elses negligence, reach out to us today. We can help you settle your case and set you up for the long term.
Url: https://www.phillyinjurylawyer.com/philadelphia-what-is-whiplash/
Back Injury: Causes, Complications and Compensation
Back injuries are common types of personal injuries that result from accidents, and they can be extremely painful and lead to serious medical complications. If you or a loved one has suffered a back injury as a result of any kind of an accident, call our office to get in touch with a Philadelphia back injury attorney right away.
What Causes Back Injuries?
Back injuries can occur in a number of different ways. A common cause of back injuries is when the victim takes a fall, whether the victim slipped and fell on a wet floor or tumbled from a tall ladder or other equipment at a construction site or on the job. When people fall, it is common for them to turn or twist ?their bodies, which can cause them to land in a way that injures their back or spine.
Falling on slippery surfaces or from significant heights are not the only ways that back injuries are caused, however. Car accidents also often cause back injuries, especially if the victim was not wearing a seat belt or was thrown from their seat during the collision. Pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists can also suffer from back injuries if they are involved in an accident, because their backs and spines are usually unprotected in the event of an accident.
In addition, back injuries can result from less obvious causes. Being attacked and knocked down by a dog, for example, can cause back injuries. Even medical malpractice issues can cause back injuries if the surgeon or doctor makes a mistake during your care and causes harm to your back or spine. But no matter how your back injury occurred, these injuries are usually extremely painful and can result in major medical concerns.
What Are the Complications of Back Injuries?
Back injuries can be much more complicated to treat and recover from than other injuries. The bones in your spinal column, called vertebrae, protect your spinal cord, which connects your brain to the rest of your body. Therefore, if something happens to your spinal column, it could also cause serious problems for your spinal cord and consequently your brain and other bodily functions. Injuries to your spinal cord can cause muscle spasms, pain, loss of bodily functions, weakness, numbness, or even paralysis of certain parts of your body.
Even if the spinal cord remains unharmed, damage to your spinal column or the vertebrae in the spinal column can also cause serious issues. If a vertebra is fractured, it can cause back pain or stiffness and may even alter the curvature of the spine. A sprained or strained spinal cord can also cause severe pain and may limit movement. And a herniated disc, which lies between the vertebrae in the spinal cord, can result in nerve irritation and pain.
Treating a back injury can require surgery, medication, and physical therapy after your accident. Depending on your job, you may not be able to return to work right away or at all. And unfortunately, these medical bills may add up and cost you and your family significant amounts of money.
Call a Philadelphia Back Injury Lawyer Today
Fortunately, a qualified Philadelphia back injury attorney can help you and your family with your case. We understand how painful back injuries can be, and we are here to ensure that the person or party responsible for your back injury provides you the compensation you deserve to cover your medical bills and other damages.
We will work with you to review the facts of your case and determine which party is responsible for your back injury. If you were injured in a car accident, we will work with the other drivers insurance company, as well as your own insurance company, to make sure that your medical bills are covered along with any other damages you sustained. If you slipped and fell in a store or on someones property, the owner of that property should be held responsible for your injuries. And if you were hurt while on the job, we will help you file your workers compensation claim.
Most claims like these need to be filed in a timely fashion, so do not wait to contact our office and get in touch with an experienced Philadelphia back injury attorney today. We will meet you at our office or at your home or hospital room and will provide you with a free initial consultation to review your case. Let us help you get the compensation you deserve for your back injury.
Url: https://www.phillyinjurylawyer.com/back-injury-causes-complications/
Philadelphia Back and Neck Injuries
Any kind of neck and back injury is bound to be painful, cause serious medical issues, and cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars to treat. And unfortunately, neck injuries occur more frequently than you might think. If you or a loved one has been in an accident that has caused any type of neck or back injury, do not hesitate to contact our office right away.
What Causes Neck Injuries?
Any type of accident can result in a neck injury, but certainly one of the most common causes of neck injuries are car accidents. Drivers and passengers, even if they are wearing their seat belts, are vulnerable to a neck injury if their vehicle collides with another vehicle on the road, especially at high speeds. A collision can cause drivers and passengers to be flung forward in their seats, which can often cause whiplash. This especially occurs during rear-end collisions, when your vehicle has been hit from behind by another vehicle.
Other common causes of neck injuries are when people fall, either from significant heights or from slipping or tripping on a slick or uneven surface. Falling from great heights can result in serious neck injuries if the victim lands on his or her head or back, or if the victim hits something else on the way down. Slipping or tripping often causes people to reach out and try to stop the fall with their hands, but this does not always prevent them from falling in a way that causes them to twist or hit their necks or collar bones.
Neck injuries can be caused by other types of accidents, too. It is not uncommon for someone who has been attacked and bitten by a dog to also suffer neck injuries from the attack, especially if the dog knocked them to the ground or bit their neck. In some cases, people have undergone medical treatment for other illnesses or injuries, but the doctor or surgeon made an error that caused the patient to suffer from some kind of neck injury or trauma.
But no matter what caused your neck injury, these injuries are extremely painful and can take a lot of time and money to fully recover. Our experienced Philadelphia neck injury attorneys recognize how stressful this situation can be, and we are ready and waiting to help you with your case.
What Are the Complications of Neck Injuries?
Different types of neck injuries can have different symptoms and complications, but unfortunately, most neck injuries are serious and involve a good deal of pain, as well as usually limiting the victims movement and function for some time, if not permanently. Whiplash, for example, is caused when the neck is jerked in one direction and then quickly in the other direction. It usually causes chronic pain, fatigue, headaches, dizziness, and even loss of some range of motion in your neck.
Other neck injuries have different complications. A pinched nerve in your neck can result from other neck injuries and causes shooting pain in the victims neck and arms. A strained or sprained neck, which can often result from car accidents or falls, can also cause pain, weakness, numbness, stiffness, and other discomfort in your neck. A broken collarbone can be extremely painful and take a lot of time to heal, and a broken neck may cause paralysis or even cause death in serious cases.
All of these injuries require extensive medical treatment and may require lifelong medications and physical therapy. If you have been paralyzed or disabled as a result of your neck injury, you may not be able to return to work after you recover. Neck injuries consequently can present an enormous financial burdens to victims and their families, which is why having the assistance of a qualified Philadelphia neck injury lawyer can help you receive the compensation you need to cover your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
Call a Philadelphia Back and Neck Injury Lawyer Today
Depending on who is legally responsible for your injury, your attorney will work with you to get you the compensation you are owed. This may mean talking to the responsible partys insurance company, or your own insurance company, to help you file a claim and to make sure that the insurance company does not try to offer you less than you deserve. It may also mean filing a court case against the person responsible for your neck injury.
All of these steps are time sensitive; most claims, including workers compensation claims and court cases, must be filed within a certain amount of time after the injury. That is why you should not hesitate to contact one of our experienced attorneys. Your lawyer will provide you with a free initial consultation at your home, hospital room, or at our office to ensure that you understand your rights and to talk you through the steps of filing and pursuing your claim.
Url: https://www.phillyinjurylawyer.com/back-neck-injury/
Philadelphia Burn Accident Lawyer
Accident victims suffering from burn injuries know how serious these types of injuries can be. Burns can be the result of many different types of accidents, and although they can vary in their severity, burns are always painful and can sometimes cause other medical complications. If you were involved in an accident that caused your burn injuries, our Philadelphia burn injury attorneys can assist you with your case and help you receive compensation for your injuries.
What Kinds of Complications Result from Burn Injuries?
There are three different degrees of burn injuries. First degree burns only affect the outer layers of skin and can cause swelling, redness, and pain. Second degree burns affect the outer layers and the underlying layers of skin, and these types of burns also cause pain and swelling as well as blistering. Third degree burns, which are the most serious types of burns, affect all layers of skin, including the deepest layers. Third degree burns cause extreme pain or numbness and result in white or blackened burned skin.
Even beyond the actual burn itself, burn injuries can result in many other complications. Burns often get infected, and these infections (called sepsis) can spread throughout your body through your bloodstream. Your body temperature may drop significantly as it tries to cool down your burn, causing hypothermia. If you inhaled any smoke during the accident, it could affect your ability to breathe. Your body may even go into shock after your burn injuries and have trouble functioning normally. In the most serious cases, burns can even result in fatalities.
Sometimes, burns themselves are painless, even the most serious types of burns. This is because nerve endings may be damaged by the burns. Consequently, it is absolutely crucial that you seek immediate medical attention for your burn injuries, even if you do not feel pain. A doctor can treat the burns as quickly as possible and hopefully can prevent them from getting even worse. Then, after you receive medical attention, be sure to call your experienced Philadelphia burn injury lawyer to begin preparing your case.
What Are the Causes of Burn Injuries?
Burn injuries can occur in a number of ways. Sometimes serious vehicle accidents result in smoke and fires. Drivers and passengers involved in car accidents may consequently get serious burns trying to escape the vehicle, either from direct contact with the fire or from touching the hot metal frame of the car.
Most people assume that burn injuries are caused only by fires. However, burns can be caused by contact with dangerous chemicals as well. If your skin comes into contact with certain chemicals, it can cause burns that blister, turn red, or cause numbness and swelling. Certain chemicals may cause other reactions as well, like nausea, headaches, vomiting, or convulsions, depending on the chemical and the type of exposure. It is possible for people to come into contact with dangerous chemicals at the workplace if you routinely handle certain kinds of chemicals. Other workplace burns, especially for electricians or contractors, can result from electrical fires.
Some burns are even caused from medical treatments, such as during radiation therapy like X-rays or chemotherapy for cancer treatments. If your doctor made an error with these treatments, it could result in burn injuries that may further complicate the illness you were originally being treated for.
Call a Philadelphia Burn Injury Attorney Today
Unfortunately, burn injuries are very common. In 2016, there were an estimated 486,000 burn injuries that resulted in medical treatment in the United States. Many of these burn injuries are caused in accidents, such as car accidents or workplace accidents. In these cases, the person who was responsible for the accident that caused your burn injuries should be held liable for your medical bills and other damages you suffered in the accident.
That is why it is very important to promptly contact a Philadelphia burn injury lawyer as soon as possible after you receive medical treatment for your burn injury. Your attorney will help determine who is legally responsible for your injuries and will help you seek compensation to cover your medical treatment, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages that occurred as a result of your burn injuries. If you have to file a claim with your insurance company or with the company of the person who caused the accident, your attorney will ensure that the insurance company does not try to offer you less than you deserve. Dont wait to contact one of our experienced burn injury attorneys today.
Url: https://www.phillyinjurylawyer.com/pa/philadelphia-burn-accident-lawyer/
Philadelphia Dog Bite Attorney
Pennsylvania accident attorneys know all too well the dangers that pets can pose to innocent people. Pet owners have the responsibility of ensuring that their pets do not cause harm to anyone. Sadly, some pet owners are inexperienced or negligent. And, they fail to keep an eye on their pets.
More often than not, pet owners fail to train their dogs properly. A badly-behaved dog, or a dog who is not properly restrained, may be prone to biting strangers or even people it knows. And in some cases, dog bites can be even more dangerous than car accidents. They can cause serious and painful injuries.
That is why if you or someone you love has been bitten by a dog, you should get in touch with an experienced Philadelphia dog bite attorney right away. ?Attorney Joel Kofsky, a premier Philadelphia injury attorney can help you get the settlement you deserve.
The Best PA Accident Attorneys Understand the Dangers of Dog Bites
Not every dog is dangerous and prone to biting or attacking people. Most dogs are very friendly and safe to be around. But even a dog that doesn’t have a mean streak or violent tendencies should be kept well-restrained around members of the public. It’s the owner’s responsibility to prevent the dog from attacking or biting someone.
Unfortunately, not every dog owner is careful about restraining or keeping an eye on their dogs. They assume that since the dog has never bitten or attacked that it is a sweet dog. Therefore, the are a bit more relaxed watching the dog. This is a common occurrence in dog bite cases in PA.
Also, some dogs break out of their fenced yards and attack people passing by. In some extreme situations, these dogs bite or maul innocent victims. ??These can cause severe injuries that require the help of a knowledgeable PA dog bite attorney.
The CDC estimates that around 4.5 million dog bites occur each year in the United States. And, one out of every five dog bites becomes infected. Even worse, of the 800,000 people in the U.S. who are treated for dog bites each year over half of those victims are children. Young kids have a much harder time recovering quickly from their injuries.
Find an lite Philadelphia Injury Lawyer to Help You Recover from Your Dog Bite Accident
Both adults and children can suffer severe and painful injuries if they have been bitten by a dog. The primary medical concern after a dog bite is that the wound will become infected. ?Infection can cause further issues like unexpected illness or even death in some cases.
But, dog bites can cause other injuries as well. Some of these injuries include:
lacerations requiring stitches
broken bones
nerve damage
All of these injuries must be given immediate medical attention. They may even require ongoing medical care and physical therapy.
Many victims also suffer from emotional trauma after being bitten by a dog. This is why contracting a top-rated PA injury attorney is important.
While this medical care is necessary, it does not always come cheap a dog bite victim could end up paying hundreds or even thousands of dollars in medical expenses solely to treat one dog bite. In these situations, a qualified Philadelphia dog bite lawyer can help you receive compensation for your injuries from the attacking dogs owner.
How to Handle a Dog Bite Injury Before You Contact a Qualified PA Accident Attorney
The statistics reveal that most dog bites occur from dogs that we are familiar with. But these accidents can also happen with strange dogs as well.
Common places include your neighborhood or parks or other public areas. If you encounter a dog that seems like it is unfriendly and might attack, there are a few steps you should follow. It is important that you teach your children these rules as well so that they can protect themselves against dog bites.
Do not approach an unfamiliar dog without asking its owner’s permission and without someone watching the dog at all times.
Do not disturb a dog that is eating, sleeping, or taking care of its puppies, which might provoke an attack.
Do not run from an unfamiliar dog or a dog that seems likely to attack. Instead, remain motionless.
If the dog knocks you over, curl up into a ball by tucking your head and covering your ears and neck with your hands.
If you see a dog acting strangely, be sure to contact law enforcement and alert the dogs owner.
If you or a loved one is attacked by a dog, the very first thing you should do is to seek medical attention for your injuries. A doctor will be able to help treat the bite and will try to ensure that any infection that has happened does not go any farther.
Once you have been treated by a doctor, contact the office Joel Kofsky so that we can send a qualified PA dog bite lawyer to your hospital room or your home for a free initial consultation about your case.
How Our Team of Highly Skilled Philadelphia Dog Bite Lawyers Can Help You
Url: https://www.phillyinjurylawyer.com/pa/philadelphia-dog-bite-lawyer/
Philadelphia Medical Malpractice Lawyer
Medical malpractice errors occur far more often than anyone would like to imagine. In 2015, over 1,500 cases were filed in Pennsylvania alleging medical malpractice, and that number does not include all of the instances of medical malpractice that were not filed in Pennsylvania state courts. Furthermore, medical malpractice can occur in many different ways and by many different types of medical practitioners. But no matter how it happens, it is extremely frightening when you or a family member are injured or become sick because of medical malpractice. If this has happened to you, our experienced Philadelphia medical malpractice lawyers are here to help you with your case.
What Is Medical Malpractice?
The simplest definition of medical malpractice is when a medical practitioner does not follow the appropriate standard of care when treating a patient, and that failure to follow the standard of care results in harm to the patient. This definition is very broad, because medical malpractice can occur in many different ways.
First, many different kinds of people are involved in medical care, and they can all be held liable for medical malpractice if they deviate from the appropriate standard of care in their treatment of a patient. This means that a surgeon, a physician, a nurse, an anesthesiologist, a medical technician, and even a nursing home worker can be held liable for medical malpractice.
Second, many things can go wrong during the treatment of a patient, but not every problem or complication constitutes medical malpractice. If the doctor, nurse, or anesthesiologist follows standard procedure and makes reasonable judgment calls, they will not be held liable for malpractice. However, if they are careless, or if they do something risky or something that violates standard medical procedure, then they will be considered to have committed medical malpractice. The most common types of errors include prescribing the wrong medication or an incorrect dose, leaving surgical instruments in the patients body, infections from improperly cleaned equipment or instruments, anesthesia errors, failing to diagnose a serious illness, failure to properly deliver a baby, or failing to get a patients informed consent prior to certain medical procedures.
Surgical errors are unfortunately very common. The stories of doctors operating on the wrong body part or leaving surgical instruments inside the patients body are frightening, but true. It is especially upsetting when surgeons make mistakes because we trust them to handle the most serious and delicate medical procedures, and we expect them to be experts. When they make careless mistakes or fail to follow appropriate medical procedures, they should be held liable for any injuries or illness they cause to their patients.
Another upsetting form of medical malpractice is nursing home malpractice. It is extremely distressing when workers in nursing homes deliberately abuse their patients or make careless mistakes when working with the patients. Sometimes nursing home workers will leave patients unattended, causing them to call and hurt themselves. Others may fail to change the patient’s bedsheets, which can cause bed sores, or fail to deliver medicine or meals in a timely fashion. Because most nursing home patients have trouble taking care of themselves, it is very disturbing when nursing home workers commit medical malpractice. If a loved one has suffered from nursing home malpractice, our attorneys can help.
Emergency rooms are another common place where medical malpractice occurs. Because emergency room doctors are often rushed and do not have much time to see each patient, mistakes can happen fairly easily. Unfortunately, people in the emergency room are often the ones who are the sickest or most seriously injured and cannot afford any mistakes in their medical treatment. In serious cases, emergency room patients can get very ill or even die as a result of medical malpractice.
You may even face medical malpractice when dealing with your primary care doctor. This usually happens if your doctor prescribes the wrong medication or dosage or if your doctor fails to see signs or symptoms of a serious disease or illness. Contacting a medical malpractice attorney right away will allow you to recover from your illness or injury without having to worry about dealing with every aspect of your legal case against your doctor.
How Your Philadelphia Medical Malpractice Attorney Can Help
Medical malpractice cases can unfortunately be fairly complex and require a lot of evidence and information gathering. Medical malpractice victims have to not only show that their medical practitioner violated the medical community's standard of care during their treatment, but also that that violation caused or worsened the patients injury or illness.
Url: https://www.phillyinjurylawyer.com/pa/philadelphia-medical-malpractice-lawyer/
Philadelphia Slip and Fall Lawyer
Getting hurt because someone else was negligent is no laughing matter. More importantly, it’s an issue that requires a top-rated accident lawyer in Philadelphia from the law firm of Joel Kofsky to step in and help. When someone is injured after slipping and falling, many people assume that the accident was caused solely by the accident victims clumsiness. However, individuals who have been hurt in a slip and fall accident know that in many cases, the accident was not their fault. Often, it takes a PA slip and fall attorney to show those who are at fault that they need to do the right thing.
If someone slips in a puddle of water in a grocery store or falls on an icy patch outside of a business or office building, the accident is not the result of the persons clumsiness or lack of coordination. Rather, the event follows from the negligence of the person or persons responsible for keeping those public walking surfaces clean, dry, and safe. When these unfortunate incidents occur, the best Philadelphia accident attorneys know how to handle the complex, confusing processes that make it difficult for victims to receive the compensation they deserve.
What can I expect from a PA accident lawyer?
If you or a loved one suffered an injury in a slip and fall accident, there is a lot to consider. You may be wondering how you are going to pay for your medical bills, recover your lost wages if you cannot work, and gain just compensation for other damages you have suffered as a result of an accident that should have never happened in the first place. The attorneys on Joel Kofsky legal team are here to help you with your slip and fall injury case.
We will carefully listen to the facts of your story, determine who is legally responsible for your injuries, and fight to get you the compensation you deserve after your slip and fall accident. As premier Pennsylvania accident attorneys, we know what it takes to pursue your claims successfully and speedily so that you can return to normalcy after your accident.
Accident Lawyers Understand How Slip and Fall Accidents Occur
Unfortunately, slip and fall accidents happen quite regularly. The CDC estimates that one out of five falls results in a serious injury and that over 800,000 patients each year are hospitalized as a result of an injury from a fall.
These spills are especially dangerous for older Americans whose injuries severely diminish their quality of life; for example, more than 95% of the 300,000+ hip fractures each year result from falling. Doctors here in Pennsylvania and across the country recognize that hip fractures are a serious public health issue; a recent orthopedic study reported that more than 20% of people who suffered a hip fracture after the age of 60 died within one year.
In other words, a slip and fall incident can be severe, even life-threatening. A leading Philadelphia injury attorney can help you or your loved one ensure that you can afford the best possible care for the injuries that follow from these accidents.
Inclement weather conditions also often lead to unfortunate slip and fall incidents that can be quite painful and costly. Although property owners and businesses are not responsible for the weather, they are nonetheless responsible for keeping public walking surfaces clean and safe for customers and pedestrians.
So if a parking lot is icy because the store owner failed to salt it, or if the floors in a lobby are wet and slippery because people are tracking in water from a rain storm outside, slip and fall accidents can easily occur. Victims in these cases are often hesitant to pursue the compensation they deserve because poor weather appears to be the primary cause; however, a leading Philadelphia accident attorney can help you determine whether a business or property owners negligence contributed to your fall.
Finally, even if the floors are not wet or slippery, accidents can occur if floors or walkways are uneven or obstructed by debris or other objects. These issues can cause customers and visitors to trip or lose their footing, which often causes them to fall.
If accident victims were not warned about the dangers of the uneven or obstructed walkway, they could easily get hurt through no fault of their own. Again, these situations sometimes lead victims to blame themselves when, in fact, premier slip and fall attorneys in PA know that the primary legal responsibility often rests with the business or property owner who failed to ensure a safe environment for his or her patrons or guests.
What types of injury victims do the top-rated injury lawyers in Philadelphia represent?
Injuries from slip and fall accidents can range from fractured or broken bones, bruising, and sprains to head or brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and paralysis. Severe slip and fall accidents may even result in death in fact, accidents from falls are the second leading cause of accidental deaths in the country.
Url: https://www.phillyinjurylawyer.com/pa/philadelphia-slip-and-fall-attorney/
Philadelphia Workers Compensation Lawyer
No one wants to get injured at work. A sudden accident can be devastating to a family's livelihood. If you have recently been injured at work and don't know what to do, you need to reach out to Joel Kofsky, one of PAs best workmans comp attorneys. You are entitled to workers compensation if you are hurt on the job. Let our premier team of Philadelphia accident attorneys help you settle your case.
How can the best Philadelphia injury lawyers help me with my workman’s comp claim?
Workers Compensation (also called workmans comp) is a type of aid given to an employee when they become injured or ill on the job. It is also used to cover the funeral costs and additional expenses a family may face if their loved one dies on the job or from an accident or illness resulting from it. It may or may not be the employers fault. The benefits you receive cover medical expenses incurred due to the injury or illness as well as compensation for lost income.
Anyone who suffers from a sudden accident like a slip or fall may be eligible. Injuries due to stress and strain, like carpel tunnel syndrome, are also covered by workers comp in many cases. Illnesses caused by the work environment are also covered by workers compensation.
Eligibility requirements for various types of injuries and the kind of compensation you can receive for them vary by state. If you have questions about your state’s laws and policies you can contact it’s workers compensation office directly via the US Department of Labor Website.
Can an accident attorney in PA help me determine if I am eligible to receive workers comp?
Unfortunately, eligibility depends on a lot of factors. Based on your state, your employer may not be required to offer workers comp coverage.
Farm workers, seasonal workers, independent contractors (freelancers), “casual” workers, workers employed by very small businesses (in most industries), and some other individual cases are usually ineligible. However, occasionally an employer will accidentally or intentionally label an employee as an independent contractor. If you are by every definition fully employed but were denied for this reason in the past, and it may still be possible to correct.
Some states are required or allowed to provide workers comp for volunteers. In many states, if a volunteer receives anything for their work above maintenance or reimbursement they are considered a covered worker and are both eligible and required to provide workers’ compensation. However, what you received may be evaluated differently depending on your state. Both your attorney and state workmen’s compensation office should be able to help you determine your eligibility.
This is why reaching out to our team of knowledgeable Philadelphia workers comp lawyers is beneficial to you.
Url: https://www.phillyinjurylawyer.com/pa/philadelphia-workers-compensation-lawyer/
Premises Liability
Anytime you visit property that is owned by someone else, you should be aware of the area of law called premises liability. Premises liability governs property owners by making them legally responsible for establishing and maintaining safe conditions on their property — cleaning up spills and wet floors; having safe stairs, elevators, or escalators; and warning visitors of any hazardous conditions or dangerous surfaces.
If a property owner fails to maintain these safety standards, you can be at risk for injury if you visit the property. If you fall or injure yourself because of a property owners failure to keep his or her property safe, you might need a personal injury lawyer.
One example of a premises liability case is when you are traveling and visit an airport, hotel, casino, or amusement park. At airports, hotels, and casinos, it is possible that there will be wet floors from cleaning or from spills that are unmarked, which can cause a slip and fall injury. Slip and falls often result in broken or fractured bones, twisted or sprained ankles, and head injuries. Airports, hotels, and casinos, along with other kinds of property, can sometimes have a malfunctioning escalator or elevator that can also lead to injuries. Also, if you are the victim of a crime and the airport, hotel, or casino does not have adequate security to protect you, the owner could be held responsible.
Amusement parks come with their own set of dangers and potential for injuries. Amusement parks are required to have tested their roller coasters and rides to ensure the safety of the visitors, but even if the rides pass the initial safety tests, they must be maintained regularly to make sure they run smoothly and that there are no technological issues that would make the ride unsafe. If you are on an amusement park ride that malfunctions and causes injuries, the owner of the park is responsible for your injuries because they failed to maintain the safety of the ride. You can also seek legal assistance if someone you love was the victim of drowning at a water amusement park or a hotel pool.
These are not the only places where premise liability cases can occur. They can also occur at places close to home and that you visit regularly, like your childs daycare. We represent victims of daycare premise liability cases, which can occur if the daycare does not have safe materials and equipment for children. These can include unsafe or unmaintained playground equipment, unsafe cribs, soft bedding (that can lead to suffocation in small children), or the use of recalled cribs or other fixtures. If your child has been hurt or killed because of the negligence of his or her daycare, contact a personal injury lawyer to make sure that the daycare owner is held responsible.
Even your neighbors yard can pose the risk for injuries and a premise liability case, especially if your neighbor has a dog. Over four million people are bitten by a dog every year, and many of these victims are children. Even dog breeds that seem safe and tame can bite, maul, or even kill someone if provoked. It is extremely important to be careful around dogs that you do not know. However, it is still often the dog owners responsibility if you are harmed by his or her dog. Hiring a personal injury lawyer can be helpful with dog bite cases, because it can be difficult to determine if the dog owner was at fault. In many cases, dog bites and injuries can be the result of improper training of the dog or of failure to keep the dog restrained if it poses a threat.
If you or someone you love has been hurt at a location because of the property owners negligence, you should contact a Philadelphia personal injury lawyer. Although premises liability accidents are fairly common, it can sometimes be very hard to prove that the property owner was indeed responsible for your injury within the time frame you have for filing a claim. If the property owner did not have a sign warning about a wet or uneven floor, did not maintain his or her equipment, did not have adequate security, or did not restrain his or her animal, the owner can be held liable or responsible for your injuries. Call your personal injury lawyer today at 215 735 4800 to make sure that you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Url: https://www.phillyinjurylawyer.com/understanding-premises-liability/
Philadelphia Industrial Accident Lawyer
Industrial zones and occupations are dangerous, that is a fact. For instance, in 2015, 1 in 5 workplace fatalities was in the construction industry. With this figure, there are an average of 13 deaths a day. Most those deaths were from “common” workplace accidents: falls, being struck by an object, electrocution, and being caught or crushed by an object or piece of equipment.
Given the high number of fatalities, you would expect an equivalent number of injuries. This is true. In the same year, well over 550,000 recordable cases of injury occurred in the industrial sector. If you have been injured, or a loved one has been killed, you deserve to be compensated for any medical expenses or other damages.
First Steps After the Accident
Before anything else, take care of your health. Make sure to take whatever steps necessary to get the medical help you need right away. If you were injured in any industrial accident, there are systems in place to take care of those medical bills so do what you need to do to stay healthy.
Once you are in a stable place, then you should contact an attorney for a consultation. Before you go, write down any details about the accident that you can remember, the sooner you do, the less likely it is that you will fail to mention a necessary detail.
How to Know When You Have a Case
If you were injured in an accident involving a job site or industrial workplace, the chances are high that you have a case of some kind. You may have been a worker at the site or a bystander, but that doesn’t change the fact that these areas are incredibly dangerous.
Whether it was a construction site, a mine, or a factory- accidents are expected to happen. Measures are always taken to prevent these accidents, but with the high level of risk involved in these endeavors, there is always the chance that something could happen. Because of this, systems are in place to compensate anyone harmed in an industrial accident. To find out exactly what you may be paid, it is important to consult a qualified attorney.
Though these types of accidents are called “industrial,” the category may include accidents that take place on farms or that were the result of minor types of construction or repair work as well. These include but are not limited to the fields of carpentry, utility repair, and in some cases transport accidents
If you do happen to sustain an injury while working at an industrial site but happen to be working a job in conjunction with another agency or employer, take the time to consider if this was a factor in your injury. It’s not uncommon for mistakes to be made during a collaborative project. Communication, especially during hurried jobs, can be lacking. Was the incident caused by something your employer was involved with or was it a combination of circumstances? These questions and their answers can help determine liability, as discussed in the following section.
Workers’ Comp and Liability ? Knowing What Type of Claim You Have
Depending on the how and why behind your injuries you may have either a Social Security or Disability claim, a workers’ comp claim, or the need to file a personal injury lawsuit. In some cases, you may need to file for more than one type of compensation depending on the factors involved.
Be prepared to answer the following questions during the claims process:
What are your injuries and how did you sustain them?
Were you hospitalized? For how long?
Do you have a witness of the accident or other evidence?
Has there been permanent damage to your health?
Can you continue working? When do you expect to be able to return to work?
Do you or does your doctor foresee future health complication because of this accident?
Who, or what, was at fault?
Do you believe any equipment involved may have been defective?
As you can see from the questions above, the extent of your injuries and how you sustained them will be the critical factors in deciding how you receive compensation. If you haven’t done so already, it is important to review and write down any details you may remember as soon after the accident as possible.
How an Attorney Can Help
Above all, with an attorney on your side, you can rest assured that you will get the maximum amount of compensation that you deserve. Of course, this also assumes that you choose a qualified attorney- someone who has had a case like yours before and knows the ins and outs of the industrial accident claims process.
When you go into a lawyer’s office for a quote, don’t be afraid to ask questions. You have a right to be there and to know exactly what the attorney you may be about to hire will do for your case. They should also be able to tell you how strong your case is or could be, and about how long you should expect to wait before receiving compensation though there are some factors that could extend this estimate.
Url: https://www.phillyinjurylawyer.com/pa/philadelphia-industrial-accident-lawyer/
Social Security Disability (SSD) Benefits in PA
In 1935, Congress enacted the Social Security Act to help states like Pennsylvania provide better assistance for those in need. While best known for the aid it provides to senior citizens, the Social Security Act also includes provisions for younger Americans who are unable to work for a variety of reasons. And if you are being denied those benefits, you need to reach out the attorney Joel Kofsky. ?His legal team is made up of the best social security disability attorneys in Pennsylvania, and they are ready to help you collect the benefits you deserve.
Many people are very reluctant to apply for these social security benefits because the approval process can seem quite daunting. Others are slow to apply because of their concerns about a perceived social stigma. While certainly understandable, it is important to recognize that these benefits exist for a good reason. If a physical or mental disability deprives you or a loved one of the ability to work, social security disability benefits can ensure that you and your family can adequately meet your needs.
Joel J. Kofsky, the best disability attorney in Pennsylvania, has devoted his legal career to helping earnest Americans like you receive the compensation they need and deserve. If you or a loved one are dealing with a disability that restricts your ability to do your job, attorney Kofsky wants to offer you the necessary background information that can help you figure out if you can build a case for receiving social security disability benefits in Pennsylvania. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to consult Joel J. Kofsky, Philadelphias premier social security attorney.
Top Ranked SSD attorneys in PA Will Help You Qualify for Benefits?
According to the Social Security Administration, a sizable percentage of Americans will become disabled before they can retire from their jobs (nearly 1 in 4 people). In other words, there is an excellent chance that you or a member of your family will need to apply for social security disability benefits at some point. The meaning of the term “disabled” can be rather vague, but when it comes to SSD benefits, the word means that a person has a medical condition that will endure for at least one year and that the condition severely restricts the individual’s ability to work. If a person qualifies, the individual will receive significant benefits and, in some cases, the person’s family may also receive necessary assistance.
The government treats each benefits case individually, so it ‘s hard to define the precise qualifications in the abstract. When an individual seeks SSD benefits, Pennsylvania’s state agency enters into a dialogue with a person’s doctors and disability specialists to weigh the merits of the individual’s claim.
It is important to note here that individuals have a right to legal representation when attempting to negotiate this important process. Pennsylvanians SSD applications are often rejected for various avoidable reasons; it is wise to enlist the help of a leading disability attorney in Pennsylvania before submitting your paperwork.
Find the Best Social Security Disability Lawyer in PA to Guide you Through the Decision Process
The details of the decision process will vary from case to case, but the Social Security Administrations state agency generally follows a five-step process as it weighs an application.
First, they analyze your employment status. If you are not working, they move onto the next step in the process. You can receive benefits even if you are working in a limited role; however, if you earn more than a specific amount each month, your application will be rejected. The exact amount changes each year. In 2017 this threshold is $1,170 per month. It is important to note, however, that this figure is not necessarily as straightforward as it may seem. If your monthly income is anywhere near this threshold, seek legal assistance from a top accident attorney in PA before submitting your application.
Second, the evaluators look at the person’s particular medical condition. The condition must be significant enough that it substantially inhibits his or her ability to work. For example, the medical issue might restrict a person’s capacity to walk, lift, or remember important details. If the condition is sufficiently severe and will continue to be so for at least one year, then they will move on to the third step.
Third, the agency looks to see if the applicants medical condition(s) align(s) with a master list of severe impairments. If so, they will likely conclude that the individual has a qualifying disability. If the condition(s) is not on the list, they will work to figure out whether the persons situation is equivalent to the cases caused by the conditions on the master list. In some cases, they will find that it does merit the classification of a qualifying disability. If cases where it does not, they move on to a fourth step.
Url: https://www.phillyinjurylawyer.com/philadelphia-social-security-disability/
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Established in: 1991
Associations: Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association, Top 100 Trial Lawyers | The National Trial Lawyers, Avvo Top Contributors 2013, Avvo Rating Superb - Top Attorney - Car Accident, Avvo Rating 9.7 Superb, BBB Accredited Business
Brands: The Law Offices of Joel J. Kofsky, Joel J. Kofsky, Joel J. Kofsky Philadelphia Personal Injury Lawyer, Philadelphia Personal Injury Lawyer
Specialities: Car Accidents, Motorcycle Accidents, Truck Accidents, Bike Accidents, Hit And Run, Pedestrian Accidents, Rental Car Accidents, Taxi Accidents, Uber Accidents, Lyft Accidents, Underinsured Motorists, Uninsured Motorists, SEPTA Accidents, Whiplash, Back Injuries, Burns Accidents, Dog Bites, Slip and Fall Accidents, Workers Compensation, Industrial Accidents, Social Security Disability, Medical Malpractice, Defective Medical Products, Nursing Home Abuse
Languages spoken: English
Services include: Car Accident, Motorcycle Accident, Truck Accident, Bike Accident, Hit And Run, Pedestrian Accident, Rental Car Accidents, Taxi Accident, Uber Accident, Lyft Accident, Underinsured Motorists, Uninsured Motorists, SEPTA Accidents, Whiplash, Back Injuries, Burns Accident, Dog Bites, Slip and Fall Accident, Workers Compensation, Industrial Accident, Social Security Disability, Medical Malpractice, Defective Medical Products, Nursing Home Abuse