Accidents happen daily, but sometimes, someone is to blame for your injuries and damages. For example, a distracted driver may crash into your car, or a negligent employee may fail to clean up liquids, leading to your slip-and-fall accident. Regardless of your harm, you may benefit from speaking with a qualified Philadelphia personal injury lawyer.
At Stark & Stark Attorneys at Law, we take every case seriously and try to secure the best outcome for you. We identify all liable parties and seek the maximum compensation to help you recover fully. Contact our offices in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, or New York today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced lawyer.
Why should I choose Stark & Stark as my personal injury law firm?
We have built our firm on integrity, reliability, and a personal commitment to our client’s challenges. Starting in 1933, Stark & Stark has been dedicated to creating innovative legal solutions tailored to each case we handle. Our attorneys have a strong background in over 30 areas of practice, supported by a staff of over 200 legal professionals.
Although we are based in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, our firm has managed cases across the United States. As one of the oldest law practices in the Keystone State, we support the needs of both individuals and companies. You can trust our skills, knowledge, and commitment when investigating your personal injury claim and building the most robust case.
How much does hiring a personal injury lawyer in Philadelphia cost?
At Stark & Stark, our commitment to your full recovery is reflected in our contingency fee structure. You do not pay us anything unless we win your case, and we offer free consultations to get you started. Reach out to us now to book your no-cost consultation and make the first move towards getting the legal help you need.
Personal injury cases we handle in Philadelphia
You could be susceptible to unexpected injuries, whether shopping, driving or even cooking at home. Another person or company is often to blame for your harm. When this happens, you need a skilled personal injury attorney in Philadelphia to examine the situation and determine who is at fault. At Stark & Stark, we have experience with various case types, including the following.
- Premises liability accidents – Slip-and-falls, swimming pool injuries, and injuries from faulty escalators and elevators are all common examples of premises liability accidents.
- Construction accidents – Heavy equipment, hazardous materials, and electrical currents can cause severe injuries and death.
- Product liability – A product may be considered defective if it has a poor design, is manufactured incorrectly, or has misleading or incomplete labeling. Everyday products that may lead to harm include automotive parts, children’s toys, medical devices and prescription drugs, and radon or carbon monoxide gas detectors
- Auto accidents – With heavy traffic in metropolitan areas and highways, auto accidents are easily complex. Multiple factors and parties can be involved, making it difficult to determine who is liable.
- Wrongful death – The spouse, children, or parents of a deceased person can seek compensation, even if they are not current residents of Pennsylvania.
What damages may I be entitled to?
Depending on the details of your case, you could demand compensation for all your economic damages, which are those with a fixed price. Insurance claims typically pay only financial losses, but you can also receive non-economic damages if you file a personal injury lawsuit. These address your pain and suffering as a result of the injury.
Our attorneys use their background and experience to help you identify expenses you might otherwise overlook. For example, some common damages we suggest to clients include:
- Wages and benefits you miss when you are out of work
- Increases in insurance premiums for your home or vehicle after a claim
- Hospital bills, including ER, ICU, and surgery
- Doctor bills for exams and follow-up treatment
- Rehabilitation and therapy costs
- Expenses for in-home nursing care and physical therapy
- Repairs or replacement costs for personal property
- Reduced earning capacity if you become disabled
- Childcare and home service costs while you recover
- Emotional distress
- Mental anguish
- Isolation from scarring or disfiguring injuries
- Depression or PTSD
- Loss of personal reputation
- Reduce enjoyment of hobbies, activities, and family time
While every case is unique, a personal injury that causes catastrophic injuries, such as losing a limb, can be worth hundreds of thousands to millions. Understanding what your claim is worth requires a thorough assessment from a qualified attorney. Not only does it depend on the severity of your injuries, but it could also be affected by the number of potential defendants and insurance claims.
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim?
Recovering from severe injuries can take months or even years. During this time, you return to work and perhaps adjust to a new way of life if you have a disability from your accident. You may have little energy or time to figure out how to file your insurance claim or lawsuit. However, the clock begins ticking on the day you are hurt.
Pennsylvania’s statute of limitations to file a personal injury claim is two years. If you wait too long to hire a skilled attorney, you may lose your chance to seek compensation through the courts. Managing an insurance claim can be time-consuming, and without a lawyer handling the process, you may run out of time to file a suit.
How much is my personal injury claim worth?
While you certainly want to see a careless or malicious person brought to justice for hurting you, the fact is that you likely need monetary compensation for the unexpected bills you are now facing. Even if you have minor injuries and can recover quickly, you still deserve to investigate the value of your claim. Working with an experienced Philadelphia personal injury attorney can make this easier.
How can a Philadelphia personal injury attorney support my claim?
In criminal trials, the prosecution must show guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. In contrast, your personal injury claim is based on providing a preponderance of the evidence. This standard is less strict than beyond reasonable doubt but still requires you to prove that it is more probable than not that a fact occurred.
Your attorney performs extensive research to determine who is liable, how your injury occurred, your expected treatment plan and expenses, and other relevant factors. Your lawyer combines all these items to produce a compelling story of what happened and how the at-fault parties are responsible. Depending on your situation, your attorney may use evidence such as:
- Cell phone records
- Driving records for all those involved in a vehicle crash
- Employee histories
- Maintenance and cleaning records for a store
- Medical records
- Reports from professional accident reconstructionists
- Parts or auto recall information
- Photographs of your injuries, property damage, road conditions, and other items
- Police reports
- Repair and maintenance logs for equipment
There may be many parties liable for your injuries, including individuals, property owners, trucking companies, repair shops, or even a bar that overserved a visibly intoxicated person. Instead of managing this alone, rely on us to handle the details. You can focus on getting better and putting your life back on track.
Who’s liable for my injury?
Figuring out who is responsible for your injury means looking at who caused the accident. Here are some people or groups that might be responsible for your injury:
- Negligent drivers
- Employers
- Product manufacturers and sellers
- Property owners and landlords
- Maintenance companies
- Healthcare providers
What if more than one person caused the injury?
In many cases, more than one party may share responsibility for causing an injury. For example, several drivers might be found partially at fault in a car accident involving multiple vehicles. An experienced Philadelphia personal injury lawyer can assess the specifics of your case and identify all potentially liable parties.
What’s the personal injury lawsuit process in Philadelphia?
Your dedicated personal injury attorney navigates you through each step of this journey, ensuring that every necessary document is meticulously prepared and filed and that your interests are robustly represented throughout the legal proceedings.
1. Initial consultation
This session serves as a valuable opportunity for you to pose questions and gain insights into the potential trajectories your case may follow.
2. Evidence and documentation
Your attorney is pivotal in assembling essential documentation, including medical records, witness testimonies, and accident reports. This phase is indispensable in constructing a solid case foundation.
3. Settlement negotiations
The primary aim of settlement negotiations is to secure a just resolution without the necessity of a trial. Your attorney’s negotiation skills are pivotal as they strive to secure a settlement that comprehensively addresses your medical costs, lost earnings, the pain and suffering endured, and any other resultant damages.
4. Initiating court proceedings
Should settlement negotiations reach an impasse, the next step involves preparing and submitting a formal lawsuit to the relevant court. This move signifies a commitment to pursuing justice through the judicial system, backed by your legal representation’s meticulous preparation and strategic insight.
Through each stage, your attorney’s expertise and empathetic understanding of your circumstances are invaluable assets, guiding you toward achieving the justice and compensation you deserve.
You can trust the Philadelphia personal injury attorneys at Stark & Stark
Regardless of the circumstances of your injury, you do not have to tackle the legal complexities on your own. You need and deserve superior legal representation and guidance. By relying on the services of a top-quality Philadelphia personal injury lawyer from our firm, you can rest easy knowing we are working tirelessly for you.
At Stark & Stark Attorneys at Law, we fight tenaciously to secure the maximum compensation for your claim. We keep you fully updated every step of the way and ensure you are informed about your options so you can make the choices that serve your needs. Call us at (800) 535-3425 to schedule a free initial consultation, or use our online form now.