Erie PA Personal Injury Attorney | Erie, PA Personal Injury Lawyer | Accident Lawyers in Erie, Pennsylvania
Erie personal injury lawyers: Talk with one today
Every year, thousands of people fall victim to the negligence of another person or another company. If you have been injured due to an act of recklessness or negligence, you will want to speak with an experienced Erie personal injury attorney to protect your rights. The expense of medical care, loss of income, pain and suffering, future expenses, and the other costs associated with severe injuries are an unjustifiable burden when someone else is at fault. Erie personal injury attorneys work so that you don’t have to pay for someone else’s actions. Contact a local Erie personal injury law firm today. Initial consultations are free. Fill out the form on this site and you will be helped promptly.
You can get the support you need today: contact a local Erie County injury lawyer
The difficulties that arise from a severe accident and accident case can make you feel like you are in a straight jacket – that is why it is so important to find an attorney whom you can feel comfortable with. Thankfully, Erie accident attorneys stand up for your rights - they are not intimidated by large corporations, insurance companies, other attorneys, or any other entity who may try to short-change you and deny you the financial recovery you need to get back on the road to recovery. Erie accident lawyers act as a buffer between you and the parties who do not have your best interest in mind. With the help of a professional advocate on your side, you may find that an otherwise recalcitrant party may be more inclined to treat you fairly in your circumstances. Do not settle for less than you deserve. Too often, insurance companies try to short change victims. If you feel you have been taken advantage of by an insurance company, your Erie PI lawyer may be able to protect your rights under the Pennsylvania insurance bad faith laws.
What Kind of Erie County Personal Injury Lawyer Are You Looking For?
- Erie Premises Liability Lawyers
- Erie Truck Accident Lawyers
- Erie Wrongful Death Lawyers
- Erie Car Accident Lawyers
- Erie Dog Bite Lawyers
- Erie Workplace Injury Lawyers
- Erie Government Liability Lawyers
- Erie Product Liability Lawyers
- Erie Medical Malpractice Lawyers
- Erie Maritime Lawyers
What to do if you have been a victim of negligence
- Your health always comes first. First, go see the doctors, get medical treatment, and protect your wellbeing.
- Next, although you may not be feeling up for discussing the legalities of an accident, especially shortly after it occurs, it is important to speak with a local Erie personal injury law attorney right away. Waiting too long can result in spoliation of evidence, and potentially, the loss of your right to bring your claim in court.
- Another good thing to keep in mind is to collect any information related to the accident in which you were injured. You will want to obtain and keep track of any accident reports, letters from any party, letters from your insurer, medical reports, etc.
a. If you had an automobile accident within Erie County and need to obtain your accident report, here is a list of helpful numbers:
- Erie Police Department, 626 State Street, Erie, Pennsylvania 16501 - (814) 870-1125
- Erie County Sheriff Department, 140 West 6th Street, Erie, Pennsylvania 16501 - (814) 451-6007
What do I have to do to win my case in court in Erie?
Every state is different, and usually, your Erie injury lawyer will have to tailor your case to the type of claim you bring. However, your Erie lawyer will need to prove that the other party was either negligent or legally at fault to some degree. What standard of fault does Pennsylvania use? Pennsylvania courts use a modified comparative fault standard. This means that the plaintiff’s recovery is reduced by the amount he is at fault. If the plaintiff is more than 50% at fault, then he is entirely barred from any recovery.
A List of Types of Personal Injuries that are Common
The list of types of injuries suffered by personal injury victim is endless. Some of the most common injuries are: Skull Fractures, Loss of Eyesight, Severe Burns, Neck Injuries, Herniated Discs, Shoulder Injuries, Wrongful Death, Traumatic Brain Injuries, Whiplash, Broken Bones, and Paralysis, just to name a few.
Accidents by Type
Erie Personal Injury Lawyers cover injuries ranging from:
- Erie on the job injury accidents
- Erie dog bites &Erie dog mauling injuries
- Erie truck accident injuries - involving Pennsylvania trucking regulations and federal truck safety standards
- Erie dangerous drug recall lawsuits
- Erie medical malpractice lawsuits
- Erie car accidents
- Erie premises liability cases
- Erie slip and fall cases
- Government liability cases
- Erie wrongful death cases
- Negligence cases in Erie
- Erie maritime accidents
- Erie product liability lawsuits
- Explosions in Erie
Damages Available in Personal Injury Cases
Depending on the nature of your particular claim, you may be entitled to different types of damages for your injuries. The usual gamut of injuries across the country include:
Property Damage Loss of Earnings Back Pay Compensatory Damages |
Consequential Damages Pain & Suffering Lost Profits Injury To Credit |
Mental Anguish Exemplary Damages Emotional Distress Punitive Damages |
How can I afford an experienced Erie Injury Lawyer?
Fortunately for injury victims, Erie injury attorneys are generally very affordable even for individuals and families who do not have any money. The reason: most Erie injury lawyers only get paid if they win your case. In such a case, your Erie trial lawyer would take a percentage of your winnings. This type of fee agreement is called a “contingency fee”, because their fee is contingent on winning your case. You shouldn’t have to pay any money to learn wither you have a case worthy of a contingency fee agreement – importantly, all initial consultations with attorneys contacted through this website are absolutely free of charge.
Knowing the difference between Legal Expenses, Costs and Attorney Fees
Yes, there is a difference between legal costs and attorney fees. It is important to know the distinction between the two. Generally, legal costs include charges like: court filing fees, expert witness fees, extra-investigative costs, court reporter fees, other court costs, etc. Attorney fees are what your lawyer charges for his or her services. Depending on your state’s rules governing lawyer conduct, you may or may not be responsible for paying costs even if you lose your case. Be sure to ask your attorney how costs are allocated whether you win or lose. That way, you will be ahead of the game and on the right foot from the beginning.
Erie Automobile Collision Lawyers
Erie Auto Wreck Lawyers
Unfortunately, serious injuries are all too often caused by car crashes. It is important to contact an experienced Erie car accident law firm immediately after the incident. Serious car accidents take their toll physically, emotionally, and financially. Often overlooked is the stress that is caused by trying to recover money from a recalcitrant party who caused the injury or their insurance company. Erie vehicle accident attorneys fight these battles so that you can focus on your recovery.
Proving your case in court depends on your Erie auto injury lawyer’s ability to prove both the cause of your injuries (fault of the negligent driver) and the extent of your injuries. Your Erie attorney may need to consider whether to file your case in state or federal court – depending on your particular circumstances. If your case is in Pennsylvania state court, your Erie accident lawyer will work with the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure and Pennsylvania Rules of Evidence; and if in Federal court, that means your Erie car injury lawyer will work with the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and Federal Rules of Evidence. Common injuries are: back pain, loss of sight, broken hips, head trauma, coma, psychological injuries, loss of memory, loss of motor skills, etc.
Each car accident case is unique: requiring an investigation of the specific accident in which you or your family member was involved. Generally, vehicle accidents are caused by one or more of the following three factors: driver negligence, unsafe road conditions, and negligent automobile design or defective design of an automobile part (like brakes or tires). A qualified Erie car wreck attorney will be able to identify the root cause of the accident – moving your case forward and seeking financial recovery for your injuries. If drunk driving was at play, your Erie car wreck lawyer will certainly use that to bolster your case.
Accidents Caused by Drunk Drivers in Erie
Pennsylvania DUI laws can have a dramatic effect on the outcome of an auto accident case. Violators face an uphill battle when they cause car accidents.In many cases, juries are permitted to consider the mental condition of the drunk driver at the time of the accident. This information is often very difficult to overcome in a court of law. Generally, for the best results, it is recommended that you contact a local Erie car accident lawyer as soon after the accident as possible. The more time that passes, the more likely that critical evidence can be lost, or an otherwise reliable witness’s account of the accident can become “fuzzy”. Don’t wait: contact a qualified Erie County car accident lawyer today.
Erie Motorcycle Wreck Lawyers: Erie Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a motorcycle accident, there are experienced Erie motorcycle accident injury lawyers who can help you. Unfortunately, motorcycle accidents tend to be some of the most injurious accidents on the highways. Other drivers often claim not to see them – but experienced Erie trial lawyers know how to defend you in court if you have been involved in a serious motorcycle accident.
Courthouses in Erie County, Pennsylvania
Major civil claims in Pennsylvania are heard by the Courts of Common Pleas. The Court of Common Pleas in your county is here:
Erie County Court of Common Pleas |
Other civil matters, including small claims and landlord-tenant disputes, are heard by the Magisterial District Courts. Magisterial Courts may handle civil claims up to $12,000. The Magisterial Courts in Erie are here:
Erie County Magisterial District Court |
Erie County Magisterial District Court |
Erie County Magisterial District Court |
Erie County Magisterial District Court |
Truck & 18 Wheeler Accidents
Erie Truck Accident Attorneys, Erie 18 Wheeler Accident Attorneys, & Erie Semi Truck Accident Attorneys
Automobile accidents involving big rigs, semi trucks, 18 wheelers, and other commercial trucks most often involve multiple parties: the driver, the employer, the corporate insurer, and in some cases, even the owner of the cargo. Do not make the mistake of thinking any attorney will do, hire an experienced Erie truck accident attorney.
Why a qualified Erie County semi accident lawyer?
An experienced and trained Erie big rig accident lawyer is an essential part of obtaining the best chances of recovering the money you are entitled to as a result of a truck accident. Your Erie truck accident lawyer will most likely need to be very familiar with highly specific trucking laws (e.g., the FMCSA) and the trucking industry to enhance your chances of obtaining financial recovery. Information that is unique to the trucking industry includes things like understanding when a driver has driven past his legally permissible time allowed – a common occurrence with companies demanding more and more from their driver employees. This kind of information can be obtained from reviewing logbooks and downloading electronic data from the truck itself. In some cases, drivers have even doctored information after an accident has occurred. It takes an experienced Erie 18 wheeler injury lawyer to understand when these kinds of circumstances are present.
In addition to federal regulations, there are a number of Pennsylvania state regulations governing large trucks and truck accidents. They are found in the “Pennsylvania Commercial Transportation Laws".
Medical Malpractice
Erie County Medical Malpractice Attorneys are Standing By to Help
Serious injuries that occur in a healthcare treatment facility represent a violation of the trust we extend to medical professionals. We entrust them with our lives, the lives of those whom we love, as well as our future wellbeing.
Medical malpractice is more common than you might think. If you have been the victim of medical malpractice, it is imperative that you contact an experienced Erie medical malpractice law firm. Pennsylvania laws protect the public from medical negligence and reckless behavior in care treatment facilities. Under the law, you may be entitled to corrective medical care, among other damages for your suffering.
Erie Nursing Home Malpractice Law Firms
With a large percentage of our population reaching their golden years, there has been a boom in nursing home healthcare facilities. When run responsibly, these facilities provide a meaningful and important service to our community. However, when they are ill run, these facilities breach the trust the community has endowed them with. There is no excuse for elderly abuse. If you or a loved one has fallen victim to nursing home negligence, contact a nursing home malpractice attorney to protect your rights and the wellbeing of the community. There are specific nursing home abuse laws in Pennsylvania designed to protect victims.
Nursing home abuse and nursing home neglect occur too often. There are too many incidents of nursing home negligence. The following are just a few examples:
- Failure to take reasonable precautions to prevent falls
- Retaliation for making a complaint or filing a grievance
- Failure to take adequate precautions to prevent injury to the nursing home resident
- Failure to provide for appropriate medical care
- Use of chemical or physical restraints
- Over-medication or under-medication
- Hitting, slapping or other physical abuse of the nursing home resident
- Theft of the nursing home resident's money or other personal property
- Emotional or verbal abuse of the nursing home patient
- Sexual assault or rape of the resident
Hospitals in and near Erie, PA
HealthSouth of Erie, LLC |
Select Specialty Hospital |
UPMC Hamot |
Saint Vincent Health Center |
Nursing Homes in and near Erie, PA
Abington Crest Nursing & Rehab |
St Mary's Home of Erie |
Accidents at Sea – Maritime Accidents
Erie Maritime Law Firm: Erie Admiralty Law Firm
Injuries occurring at sea or on the navigable inland waterways of the United States require an attorney who is trained in maritime law: Erie County maritime lawyers. Maritime claims are often very different than your standard personal injury case: maritime law is made up of a conglomerate of federal statutes, federal common law, and state law. Understanding the nuances of any maritime case requires the skill of an experienced maritime attorney.
Injured on a Cruise Ship? Cruise Ship Accidents: Erie Cruise Ship Accident Lawyers
Recently, we have seen a resurgence of cruise ship accidents and injuries occurring on cruise liners. These injuries are often the result of careless operating, failure to train employees, and sometimes, they occur due to the recklessness or intentional conduct of a cruise liner staff. If you have been injured on a cruise ship, contact an experienced Erie cruise ship injury lawyer immediately. Due to unique maritime laws, you may have limited time to file your claim. Contact a local Erie cruise ship injury attorney today through this website.
Erie Jet Ski Lawyers & Pleasure Boat Lawyers
Pleasure boat accidents occur more frequently in the great lakes region than in most other places in the United States. Unfortunately, a good time can quickly turn into a nightmare when tragedy strikes on the water. In many cases, victims cannot seek medical attention soon enough – rescue on the water can be difficult, and time consuming. If you or a loved one is the victim of a pleasure boat accident, there are experienced Erie pleasure boat accident lawyers who can represent you in a court of law.
Defective Products
Erie Product Liability Law Firm: Erie Dangerous Product Law Firm
Have you been seriously injured by a dangerous product? Seasoned Erie product liability lawyers represent people just like you – those who have been victimized by companies who carelessly release dangerous products into commerce.
If you have been seriously injured by a defective product, depending on your injuries, you may be entitled to substantial compensation. For example 10 of the largest 50 lawsuit verdicts in 2010 came from product liability cases. Depending on the facts of your case, you may be entitled to losses for medical expenses, lost wages, future earnings, etc. The only thing that keeps these dangerous products off the market and away from American households/neighborhoods are those individuals who bring lawsuits against the negligent corporations and companies who make, install, or sell them.
Erie Drug Recall Lawyer: Erie County Defective Drug Lawyer
If you have been seriously injured due to a recalled drug, you will want to speak with a local Erie drug recall lawyer. Dangerous pharmaceuticals make it into the marketplace too frequently. Although the FDA tries to protect us from the dangers of unsafe products, their efforts are not enough. In these situations, it is the courts that protect us.
What Drugs Have been Recalled by the FDA?
Serious side effects related to the use of dangerous prescription drugs include
Tuberculosis Hallucinations Birth defects |
Stevens Johnson Syndrome Sleepwalking, sleepdriving, and amnesia Death |
Bone fractures Suicide |
Kidney failure Multiple Sclerosis Cardiovascular problems |
Stroke Heart attack Psychological imbalances |
If you or a loved one has experienced a serious side effect as a result of an unreasonably dangerous drug, you are entitled to compensation from the manufacturer. Contact a local Erie drug products liability attorney today.
Avandia | Digitek Drug Recal | Cialis | Celebrex | Fen Phen | Fosamax | Bextra |
Hydroxycut |
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Products |
Ketek | Levitra | Lotronex | Meridia | Viagra |
Ortho Evra |
Metoclopramide (Reglan) Drug Inquiry |
Paxil | Strattera | Trasylol | Vioxx | Yaz |
Yasmin |
Metoclopramide (Reglan) Side Effects, Tardive Dyskinesia |
Rezulin | Zelnorm | Serzone | Phenylpropanolamine (PPA) | Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitor (SSRI) |
Erie Medical Implant Lawsuits & Erie Medical Implant Recall Lawsuits
Implant Recall Attorneys in Erie, Pennsylvania
The FDA maintains a Twitter account and literally Tweets all recalled medical devices at this account: FDA Twitter Recall account Tweets all FDA recalls. If you are a victim of a dangerous medical device, contact an experienced Erie medical implant injury attorney today for a consultation regarding your legal rights.
Here are some items that have been litigated:
Guidant | ObTape Sling |
Curlin Painsmart Pump |
Contaminated Heparin Syringes |
Charité | DePuy & Johnson & Johnson ASR Hip Implants* |
Medtronic | Duragesic Patch | Pacemakers |
Shoulder Pain Management Pump |
Zimmer Durom Cup Hip Implant | Zimmer Hip Replacements |
Calaxo Screw | Inbone Total Ankle |
Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators (ICDs) |
Shelhigh Medical Device Seizure |
Stryker CMF Custom Cranial Implant Kits | |
1This list is by no means complete. If you or a family member has suffered a serious reaction or death due to a dangerous medical device, contact an Abilene medical implant recall attorney today. |
SPECIAL RECALL ALERT
|
Death: Wrongful Death Lawsuits
Erie Wrongful Death Lawyer: Erie County Wrongful Death Attorney
Under the Pennsylvania statutes, those family members who have lost a loved one due to the negligence or fault of another company or person may seek compensation for their losses. Moving forward from a tragedy such as the untimely death of a loved one is something that takes a long time to overcome. The fallout that arises from an untimely death can be frustrating to deal with – especially in this difficult time. Thankfully, there are local Erie wrongful death lawyer who have experience working with families during times of crisis – often providing continuity and answers in an uncertain time. The Pennsylvania wrongful death act provides a cause of action to the family of the deceased person who was killed due to the negligence or reckless behavior of another person or entity. Under the statute, the spouse, children or parents of the deceased may bring the lawsuit, and in some cases, a personal representative may be appointed to bring the lawsuit. Generally, wrongful death suits must be filed within two years. Do not wait, reach out and speak with a local Erie wrongful death law firm today.
Accidents on the Job in Erie: Workplace Injuries
Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation: Erie Workers Comp Lawyers
If you have been injured on the job in or around Erie you may have a workers comp claim that can provide you with financial assistance to get you through your recovery. It is not an easy thing to step into the workplace everyday and avoid injury throughout a full career. That is why Pennsylvania has adopted the workers compensation system – designed to protect workers with a no fault remedy in the event you are injured on the job. No fault merely refers to the fact that if you are injured on the job, then you do not need to prove that your employer was negligent to recover for your injuries. Making your case to the workers compensation board should be easy – unfortunately, in many cases it is not. You may need the assistance of a seasoned Erie workers comp attorney to get the compensation you deserve. Do not settle for less than you need to make a full recovery. Often, workers underestimate the expenses they will have to incur as a result of their injury. Avoid these pitfalls from the beginning and contact an experienced Erie County workplace accident lawyer today.
Erie FELA Railroad Injury Lawyers
Are you an Erie railroad worker who has been injured on the job? Under the law, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. The Federal Employer’s Liability Act (the FELA) protects railroad employees who are injured on the job due to employer negligence. Under FELA, if your employer’s negligence has anything to do with your injury, even the slightest bit, you may be entitled to a full recovery for your serious injuries. To discuss your case in detail, contact an experienced Erie FELA lawyer today by filling out the form on this webpage. Also, unionized workers often ask whether they need to hire a DLC (Designated legal counsel) – the answer is no, you can hire your own Erie FELA lawyer to help you with your case.
Offshore & Maritime Injuries: Erie Maritime Lawyers
If you satisfy the legal requirements for a maritime worker, your injuries may be governed by one or more of the following sources of law: the Jones Act, the General Maritime Law, and the Longshore Harbor Workers Compensation Act (the LHWCA).
Maritime employees who are injured on the job come from a variety of different work environments/sub-industries. Attorneys who represent these workers often go by more than one title/name. For example, tugboat injury lawyers &barge accident lawyers are known for protecting maritime workers who provide support to other vessels in navigation. Erie river injury lawyers and dredge injury lawyers work closely with those seaman and shore-based maritime workers in brown water accident cases. Erie offshore injury lawyers: Erie oil rig injury lawyers are often referred to as offshore injury attorneys – these attorneys usually have substantial experience in representing oil industry workers, understanding the industry as a whole. However, no matter what maritime environment you work in, an experienced Erie maritime lawyer should be appropriately situated to represent you in your maritime claim.
Government Liability
Lawsuits Against the Government: talk with a local Erie government negligence lawyer now
Have you been victimized by negligent or reckless government misconduct? Both the federal and local governments can be sued by private individuals, in many cases (there are a few exceptions). A common misconception is that victims are often limited regarding their recovery if the government caused them harm. Regardless, if the government has caused you or your family harm, you likely have rights under the law: both federal laws and local Pennsylvania state law. Do not wait to speak with a local Erie County government liability attorney to discuss your rights.
Government liability: When can you sue the government?
Private individuals sue the government frequently. In most cases, governments can be sued just like any private company. The reason: they can harm others in the same way that a private company can. You may have been injured by: a government employee’s conduct, unreasonably dangerous government property, or by reckless government activity. Erie government liability lawyers can seek recourse against the city of Erie, Erie County, the State of Pennsylvania, and the Federal Government. Depending on which entity (federal government or Pennsylvania state government) caused your injuries, your Erie government negligence attorney may have to file your case under the Federal Tort Claims Act (the FTCA), or the Pennsylvania government liability statutes.
Premises Liability: Slip and Fall Accidents: Trip and Fall Injuries
Erie Slip and Fall Lawyers: Erie County Premises Liability Lawyers: Erie Trip and Fall Lawyer
In Pennsylvania, landowners have a duty to take reasonable care of their property to protect visitors. This duty can include the requirement that the landowner make reasonable inspections of their property, and remedy unreasonably dangerous conditions. Too often, unsuspecting visitors and patrons are injured on another person’s or another company’s property. In the case of retail stores, one of the most common causes of injury is spills that have not been cleaned up promptly. If you have been injured due to another’s negligent care of their property, it is important to discuss your case with an Erie premises liability lawyer.
Winning your case may likely require an experienced Erie personal injury attorney who has experience proving liability in premises liability cases
Proving a premises liability or slip and fall case can be challenging. It is important to discuss your case with an experienced Erie slip and fall lawyer. Proving your case may likely require the use of experts, such as injury analysts, engineers, and various medical professionals – all to prove that your injuries were caused by the dangerous condition. With the help of a seasoned Erie premises liability attorney, you stand a better chance of succeeding in your claim than if you work with an attorney who has not necessarily tried a number of these specific cases in court.
Erie, PA Dog Attack Attorneys
If you have been the victim of a serious dog attack, you have rights under the law. It is all too common that dogs that should be more carefully monitored are left alone to attack innocent people. In some cases, dog bites occur from otherwise “friendly” animals. If you have suffered from serious injuries due to a dog bite, there are experienced Erie County dog bite attorneys who are standing by to help you now. You can learn more about Pennsylvania dog bite laws here.
Erie Personal Injury Lawyers serve clients throughout Northwestern Pennsylvania, including Ashtabula, Bracton, Buffalo, Cleveland, Conneaut, Corry, Cranberry, Dunkirk, Edinboro, Erie, Evans Center, General Electric, Greenville, Grove City, Harborcreek, Hermitage, Jamestown, Jefferson, Oil City, Salamanca, Sheffield, Sugarcreek, Titusville, Warren, West Vernon, Westfield, areas in the vicinity of Erie International Airport, and other communities in Erie County.