Table of Contents
- Introduction
- What Is a Personal Injury Lawyer?
- Why You Need a Personal Injury Attorney in Scranton
- Common Types of Personal Injury Cases in Scranton
- Understanding Negligence in Pennsylvania Law
- What a Scranton Personal Injury Lawyer Can Do for You
- How to File a Personal Injury Claim in Scranton
- Statute of Limitations in Pennsylvania
- How Compensation is Calculated
- Steps to Take After a Personal Injury Accident
- Choosing the Right Scranton Personal Injury Lawyer
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Conclusion
1. Introduction
Accidents happen. Whether it’s a slip-and-fall at a local Scranton grocery store, a car crash on the Central Scranton Expressway, or a dog bite in Nay Aug Park—personal injuries can impact every aspect of your life. From lost income and medical bills to long-term emotional distress, victims are often left dealing with far more than just physical pain.
That’s where a Scranton personal injury lawyer steps in. These legal professionals are your advocates, your defenders, and your pathway to justice.
This article will guide you through everything you need to know about personal injury law in Scranton, Pennsylvania—how it works, what to expect, and how to maximize your chances of winning compensation.
2. What Is a Personal Injury Lawyer?
A personal injury lawyer is a legal expert who represents individuals who have been physically or emotionally injured due to someone else’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional wrongdoing.
Their primary goals include:
- Establishing fault
- Negotiating settlements
- Taking cases to trial if needed
- Ensuring victims receive fair compensation
Personal injury law is also known as “tort law,” and it covers a wide range of cases that often require complex legal knowledge and negotiation skills.
3. Why You Need a Personal Injury Attorney in Scranton
✅ Understanding of Local and State Laws
Pennsylvania has specific laws regarding negligence, fault, and compensation. A local attorney understands the nuances of these laws and how to use them to your advantage.
✅ Dealing with Insurance Companies
Insurance providers are not interested in giving you a fair settlement. They aim to protect their bottom line. Your lawyer will handle negotiations and prevent you from being lowballed.
✅ Accurate Case Valuation
A skilled Scranton personal injury lawyer can calculate both your economic and non-economic damages—ensuring you’re not leaving money on the table.
✅ Courtroom Representation
If your case goes to trial, you’ll need a seasoned advocate who knows how to present evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and argue before a judge or jury.
4. Common Types of Personal Injury Cases in Scranton
Scranton residents suffer injuries in various ways. Here are the most common types of personal injury cases:
🚗 Car Accidents
One of the leading causes of personal injury claims. Includes rear-end collisions, head-on crashes, drunk driving, and distracted driving cases.
🚶 Slip and Fall
These cases fall under premises liability and involve unsafe property conditions like wet floors, broken stairs, or poor lighting.
🏢 Workplace Injuries
Although workers’ compensation typically applies, third-party lawsuits may be possible in some cases.
🏍️ Motorcycle Accidents
Often result in severe injuries or fatalities. Riders need aggressive legal representation due to bias against motorcyclists.
🧒 Dog Bites
Pennsylvania holds pet owners liable under strict liability laws, especially when the dog has a known history of aggression.
🚑 Medical Malpractice
Doctors, nurses, and hospitals can be held accountable for misdiagnoses, surgical errors, or prescription mistakes.
⚰️ Wrongful Death
Family members can sue if a loved one dies due to someone else’s negligence or intentional act.
5. Understanding Negligence in Pennsylvania Law
In most personal injury claims, negligence must be proven. This means demonstrating that:
- The defendant owed you a duty of care
- That duty was breached
- The breach caused your injury
- You suffered actual damages
Comparative Negligence in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania uses a modified comparative negligence rule. If you’re found to be more than 50% responsible for your injuries, you cannot recover damages.
If you’re less than 50% at fault, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.
6. What a Scranton Personal Injury Lawyer Can Do for You
Here’s what a top-rated personal injury lawyer in Scranton offers:
📁 Case Evaluation
Determine if your case is strong enough to pursue and estimate potential value.
🔍 Evidence Collection
Gather police reports, video footage, eyewitness statements, medical records, and more.
🏛️ Legal Filing
Ensure all documents are properly filed within court deadlines.
💬 Settlement Negotiation
Negotiate with at-fault parties and insurance companies.
⚖️ Trial Representation
Take your case to court if a fair settlement cannot be reached.
7. How to File a Personal Injury Claim in Scranton
Step 1: Seek Medical Treatment
This not only ensures your health but also creates a documented record.
Step 2: Consult a Personal Injury Lawyer
An initial consultation will clarify your legal rights and options.
Step 3: Investigation Begins
Your lawyer will start collecting evidence to build your case.
Step 4: Demand Letter Sent
This letter outlines your injuries and demands compensation.
Step 5: Settlement Negotiations
Both parties attempt to resolve the matter outside court.
Step 6: File a Lawsuit (If Needed)
If negotiations fail, your lawyer will file a lawsuit in Lackawanna County Court.
Step 7: Trial
Both sides present evidence before a judge or jury, who then decides the outcome.
8. Statute of Limitations in Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, you have two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury claim. If you miss this window, your right to compensation is typically lost.
Exceptions may apply in cases involving minors or hidden injuries (such as medical malpractice).
9. How Compensation is Calculated
💰 Economic Damages
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost income and earning capacity
- Property damage
💰 Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of consortium
- Disfigurement or permanent disability
💰 Punitive Damages
Awarded in rare cases where the defendant’s conduct was especially reckless or malicious.
10. Steps to Take After a Personal Injury Accident
- Call 911 – Get immediate medical help and police documentation.
- Gather Evidence – Take photos, collect contact info, and preserve physical evidence.
- Seek Medical Treatment – Follow all prescribed treatments and keep records.
- Don’t Admit Fault – Anything you say can be used against you later.
- Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer – Don’t deal with insurance companies alone.
11. Choosing the Right Scranton Personal Injury Lawyer
Look for the following when hiring legal help:
⭐ Experience
Choose a lawyer with a proven track record in similar cases.
⭐ Specialization
Avoid generalists—opt for someone who focuses on personal injury law.
⭐ Local Knowledge
Scranton-based lawyers know local courts, judges, and opposition strategies.
⭐ Fee Structure
Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency basis—you don’t pay unless you win.
⭐ Client Reviews
Read testimonials, check online ratings, and ask for referrals.
12. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
❓How much is my personal injury case worth?
The value depends on the severity of your injuries, medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
❓What if I was partially at fault?
Under Pennsylvania’s modified comparative negligence rule, you can still recover damages if you’re less than 51% at fault.
❓How long does a personal injury lawsuit take?
Anywhere from a few months to several years depending on complexity, willingness to settle, and court backlogs.
❓Do I need to go to court?
Not always. Many cases settle outside of court through negotiation.
❓How much does a Scranton personal injury lawyer charge?
Most work on a contingency fee basis—usually around 33% of your settlement.
13. Conclusion
Accidents and injuries can turn your life upside down. Medical bills, time off work, and emotional suffering can all add up—leaving you overwhelmed and uncertain about what to do next.
With the help of an experienced Scranton personal injury lawyer, you don’t have to face these challenges alone. These legal professionals fight for your rights, handle the paperwork, and advocate for the maximum compensation you deserve.
If you’ve been injured in Scranton due to someone else’s negligence, now is the time to take action. Contact a local attorney for a free consultation and protect your future.