People can get hurt in a variety of circumstances. From slipping and falling on someone else’s property to vehicle collisions, an accident can leave someone with physical pain and new financial stress.
Fortunately, if your injuries were caused by another person, you may have grounds to file a claim with the help of a DuBois personal injury lawyer. An experienced attorney could provide advice and support through every step of the case.
There are three main categories of injury claims in DuBois: intentional torts, negligence, and strict liability. These categories have different requirements that must be met to recover compensation from the at-fault person.
Intentional torts are injuries inflicted by someone deliberately. For example, a physical altercation on the street is an intentional tort because the attacker intended to cause harm. A victim must prove that the defendant caused the injuries purposefully or had knowledge that his or her actions could result in injury.
Negligence is an injury claim that arises when another causes injuries through careless actions, such as driving too fast or failing to adequately care for his or her property. A negligence claim requires proving that the defendant owed a legal duty to the plaintiff, breached that duty by failing to act reasonably under the circumstances, and caused harm as a result. The plaintiff has the burden of gathering evidence to prove his or her claim.
Strict liability is limited to defective product claims. Under these circumstances, the court may hold a defendant responsible for an injury where a product was defectively manufactured or designed and caused injuries as a result.
If a plaintiff can prove a defendant is responsible for the injuries, he or she could potentially recover financial compensation. This compensation could help a victim cover medical bills, lost wages, and even compensate him or her for pain and suffering. A skilled DuBois lawyer experienced with personal injury claims could analyze the facts of a particular case and help determine which legal theory will increase the likelihood of success.
DuBois residents considering a personal injury claim should be aware of the deadline for filing that claim in court. Under 42 P.S. § 5524, most personal injury lawsuits must be filed within two years of the injury occurring.
If this deadline is not met, then the case could be permanently dismissed. A knowledgeable Dubois personal injury attorney could help plaintiffs file their injury claims within the necessary timeline.
Following a personal injury, you could be struggling with serious physical and emotional pain. Recovery could result in extensive medical bills that could last long after the injury is sustained, depending on the severity. Fortunately, there are legal options to help you. A DuBois personal injury lawyer at Marcus & Mack could help you seek damages from the at-fault party.
A skilled legal team could analyze the facts of your particular case to determine which legal theory or theories might be applicable. Moreover, a knowledgeable attorney could help assemble the evidence needed for your claim within the required two-year time limit. You do not have to face this alone. Call today and schedule a consultation.
By: Will C.