When Should I Contact a Personal Injury Attorney?

September 17, 2021

The Benefits of Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney

No one ever expects to become injured doing daily activities like grocery shopping or driving to work. Still, an estimated 500,000 personal injury claims are filed around the United States each year.


Choosing to pursue legal action against another person for causing your injury can be a stressful decision that comes with many questions. Before filing a claim, it's crucial to understand when you have a personal injury case, what the timeline may look like, and how an attorney can best help you through it. Read on to learn more about the personal injury process.

What Cases Fall Under Personal Injury?

Personal injury cases fall under the "torts" umbrella, in which claims are based on whether someone suffered a loss or injury by another person. Many different cases can fall under personal injury, but our Slusser Law Firm team provides legal services for clients injured by:


When pursuing a personal injury claim, negligence must be proven in order to have the desired outcome. In Pennsylvania, the opposing party must be 50% or greater at fault for the petitioner to retain eligibility for financial compensation.


Your Personal Injury Claim Timeline

Each personal injury case must adhere to the state's statute of limitations, meaning that your claim must be filed within a specific timeframe for damages to be recovered. In Pennsylvania, most personal injury claims must be filed within two years of the date of your incident; in a wrongful death case, the two-year mark is from the date of passing. One of the best ways to ensure that you are meeting this timeline is to begin working with a personal injury attorney shortly after your incident.


What You Can Do Following Your Incident

Many injured persons may delay filing their claim because they are unsure they have one or are waiting to see the actual cost of the damages. While it's often recommended that you speak with an attorney quickly following your incident, there are steps you can take in the interim if you choose to wait. Here are four things to keep a record of:


  • The number of treatments you require and their cost.
  • Pictures and videos of the injuries and property damages (if applicable).
  • The lost wages you have accrued as a result of injury.
  • Pain and suffering experienced, including loss of consortium.

Not only will these help your attorney better understand your conditions and the impacts the incident had on your quality of life, but they can provide key evidence to be used in your case.


You Don’t Have to Handle It Alone

Personal injury claims can be complicated, and depending on the nature of your case, dealing with insurance companies may come with a lot of red tape. Before giving a recorded statement to an insurance adjuster of any party involved, it's crucial to contact an attorney to ensure that your story doesn't get twisted. Likewise, if your claim is against a large corporation, their attorney may attempt to get you to settle for less than you deserve.


Ultimately, working with a personal injury attorney is one of the easiest ways to protect yourself following an incident that left you injured.

Questions? Contact Slusser Law Firm today!

Slusser Law Firm has been handling personal injury claims in Pennsylvania since 1999. Our highly successful team of attorneys aims to improve the quality of life of all of our clients and will work with you to achieve the most desired outcome. If you have sustained an injury due to the negligence of an individual or corporation, know that you have the right to hold the at fault party accountable.


To schedule a consultation with a member of our team, call or fill out this short form.


January 20, 2025
The holidays are a time to hit the road and visit loved ones, but winter weather doesn’t always make things easy. Snow, ice, and long road trips can lead to accidents, especially when you’re driving through unfamiliar areas. Getting in an accident is already stressful – and being far from home can make it even more complicated. Here’s what you need to know if you find yourself in an accident while traveling out of town – and how Slusser Law Firm can help. Focus on safety first If you’re in an accident, especially in winter conditions, take a moment to check that everyone in your car is safe. Move to a safer location if possible, especially on icy roads where other drivers might be having a hard time stopping. Call emergency services if anyone is injured, and get medical attention as soon as possible if you need it. Health comes first. Collect important details Documenting the accident is key – no matter where you are. Take photos of the accident scene, road conditions, and vehicle damage. Exchange insurance and contact information with the other driver(s) involved, if any, and get the names and contact details of any witnesses. Know your rights – even out of state Here’s where things get a bit more complicated: If you’re in an accident outside of Pennsylvania, different state laws might come into play. Insurance rules, deadlines for reporting injuries, and liability laws can vary from state to state. While it may sound overwhelming, Slusser Law Firm is here to help you navigate these complexities and make sure you’re covered, even when things aren’t straightforward. Don’t wait to reach out for help After an accident, especially if you’re away from home, you may feel unsure about what to do next. Give us a call. We’ve got experience handling out-of-town cases, and we’ll walk you through every step to make sure your rights are protected. Our team is here to answer your questions and give you peace of mind during the holidays. Dealing with an accident far from home doesn’t have to be a headache. At Slusser Law Firm, we make sure that you’re well-informed and fully supported, no matter where you are. With our help, you can focus on what matters most this season: spending time with family, recovering, and enjoying the holiday spirit. If you have questions about holiday travel safety, accident claims, or anything in between, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re available 24/7 to help you stay prepared and protected.
January 13, 2025
If you're like most people, car insurance terms can feel like a different language. Insurance companies love to push "limited tort" because it’s cheaper – they say it’ll save you money now. But what they don’t tell you is that it could cost you way more in the long run if you ever get hurt in an accident. Let’s break it down.  What’s the difference between full tort and limited tort? Full Tort: This option lets you claim compensation for all of your losses, pain and suffering included, if you’re injured in an accident. Think of it as a full-access pass to the benefits you’re paying for. Limited Tort: Sure, it might lower your monthly premium, but there’s a big catch. With limited tort, you’re generally limited in what you can recover. You may still be able to claim for medical bills, but pain and suffering? Not so much. Unless your injuries are classified as “serious” – and proving that can be a tall order – you’re out of luck. Why full tort is worth it Look, I get it. Insurance can get expensive, and limited tort seems like a quick way to save. But here’s the reality: car accidents can be life-changing. Medical bills, lost work, the pain – all of it adds up. If you go with limited tort, you could be left with bills that far outweigh the savings you pocketed upfront. When you’re paying for full tort, you’re investing in peace of mind. If the worst happens, you’ve got the flexibility to pursue compensation that truly reflects what you’re going through. Let’s make it real Imagine this: You’re hit in a collision that wasn’t your fault. You have some injuries – maybe a few fractures and weeks of painful recovery. But since you have limited tort, getting compensated for the emotional and physical toll might not be in the cards. Full tort? You’d be covered for those losses. It’s the difference between getting only some of what you need versus being fully supported. So, what should you do? If you’re serious about protecting yourself, go with full tort. You’ll pay a bit more upfront, but the benefits if you’re ever in an accident are worth every penny. It’s like wearing a helmet when you ride a motorcycle – you hope you’ll never need it, but you’ll be grateful it’s there if you do. At Slusser Law Firm, your fight is our fight, and we're here to help you understand your options and make sure you’re fully protected. If you have questions about car insurance choices, personal injury cases, or anything else, feel free to reach out. We’re always happy to chat 24/7 and make these big decisions feel a little less daunting.
January 6, 2025
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