Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I choose a lawyer for an injury claim?
A: When you pick up the phone, you are making one of the most important calls of your life. We believe the attorneys on the other end should be attorneys that specialize in trying cases with the proper resources and support staff to maximize your recovery. Your attorneys should be ones that will not back down to big companies, hospitals or insurance companies. We are such a firm. Call us for a free consultation.
Q: What do I do if I believe that I, a family member or loved one is the victim of medical malpractice?
A: You should begin by trying to collect all the significant medical records. If your family member or loved one has died under questionable circumstances, you should request an autopsy. A skilled lawyer can assist you with the process and relive you of much of the burden. Our on staff-physician will assist in reviewing the medical records at no cost to you. We have the experience necessary to assist you during your difficult time. We are available for a free consultation.
Q: What can I do to protect myself, a family member or loved one involved in a serious auto accident?
A: Act quickly to preserve all possible evidence, which should include your retaining possession of the vehicle involved in the accident in order to protect any possible product liability claim. Many times serious injuries occur as a result of a defect or failure associated with your vehicle, the vehicle tires, air bag, seat belts or other part of the vehicle. You may give up any potential claim if you fail to retain possession of the vehicle.
Photographs of all vehicles involved, the accident scene, and any physical evidence should be obtained as soon as possible. Most importantly, you should consult with an attorney specializing in auto accidents as soon as possible who can investigate the cause of the accident thru the use of specialized investigators trained in preserving evidence, obtaining photographs, and most important- in identifying other possible causes for the accident or injuries sustained.
We specialize in auto accidents and can assist you with the investigation of your case in order to maximize the potential recovery for a serious injury.
Q: What do I do if I think I am being discriminated against, I am about to be fired wrongfully or because I “blew the whistle” on illegal company practices?
A: Companies oftentimes have internal procedures for investigating claims of discrimination and retaliation against whistleblowers. It is important for the employee to first use those procedures. Companies like to claim that if you did not use those procedures, then you have no claim. That is not true, but it helps to properly document your claim if you do follow the company’s procedures.
You should also make sure to preserve all relevant email and documents. Do not count on the company to preserve those email and documents. Too many times, documents go “missing”.
We have significant experience in counseling victims of discrimination and retaliation and can help you do what is necessary to protect your rights.
Q: What do I do if I, a family member or loved one was harmed by a product or tainted food?
A: Act quickly to preserve all possible evidence. Retain the product, its packaging or anything else that can help identify what caused the injury. If you do not keep the product, you may give up any potential claim you have. You should consult with an attorney that can assist you. We have the experience to do so.
Q: What do I do if my broker or financial advisor caused me or my family to lose a lot of money?
A: Almost always the first thing that should be done is to transfer the rest of your money away from the broker or company and to a new, trusted financial advisor. You should also make sure to obtain any financial statements that are available to you. You should keep your email and phone records showing any phone calls to your broker. While such documents may not seem important now, they will be very important in reconstructing the timeline of events. Getting a skilled lawyer involved early can help you in the process. We are available to do so with a free consultation.
Q: What rights do I have under the Pennsylvania Workers' Compensation Laws?
A: Most people know if you are injured at work you have the right to make a claim for workers' compensation benefits, which include medical and wage loss benefits. Most people do not understand their rights or options after they have filed a claim.
For instance, if you are receiving workers' compensation benefits, you may have the right to settle your claim for a lump sum; and therefore, do away with the many hassles associated with receiving workers' compensation benefits. In most instances, you have the right to receive treatment from a doctor of your own choosing.
You also have the right to pursue a claim through the Workers' Compensation Bureau even though the workers' compensation insurance carrier has denied your claim. If you are interested in discussing settlement of your workers' compensation claim, filing a claim for benefits, or have any questions regarding your rights under the Workers' Compensation Laws we are available for a free consultation.
Q: What do I do if my insurance company is refusing to honor my claim?
A: You should first insist on having the insurance company adjustor put it in writing. Insurance companies are required to abide by the terms of their policies. If they violate the policy, you are entitled to the benefits which you were denied. If the insurance company’s denial was in “bad faith” you may be entitled to additional damages, including punitive damages. It is a good practice to get a skilled attorney involved early so that your claims can be properly documented. We are available to consult with you for free.
Q: What tort option should I select on my auto insurance?
A: Your insurance company gives you the option of selecting full tort coverage or limited tort coverage on your auto insurance policy. You and your family should insist on full tort coverage. Full tort means that you and your family would have the unlimited right to sue for pain and suffering for injuries related to any automobile related accident, including pedestrian-auto accidents.
Limited tort-limits your right to recover money damages. With limited tort you and your family can only recover for "serious injuries" which include but may not be limited to death, serious impairment of a bodily function or permanent serious disfigurement. Limited tort may prevent you and your family from recovering money damages for many auto related injuries.