Everyone must take reasonable care to avoid injuries to others, but not everyone upholds that obligation. A personal injury attorney’s job is to hold the negligent parties accountable and secure reasonable compensation for the harm people suffer from others’ recklessness.
A Philadelphia personal injury lawyer could investigate an incident, identify negligent parties, and demand compensation for your losses. Damages might include your medical expenses, lost wages, and payments for your diminished quality of life.
You stand a far better chance of receiving an adequate settlement if you work with a dedicated attorney, but you must act quickly. There is a limited time to file a lawsuit, and the sooner you pursue legal damages, the more time a legal representative will have to develop a strong case.
Speedy Action Gets Better Injury Case Results
In most cases, the Commonwealth requires people seeking damages for injuries to file a lawsuit within two years of the incident that caused the harm. Unlike many states, the law here contains no provision extending the time for minors, so parents generally must bring a suit on behalf of an injured child within the two-year timeframe.
Many personal injury cases implicate the state or a local government. Seeking damages after an accident involving a school or city bus, a vehicle accident where the at-fault driver was a public employee on the clock, or a fall or other mishap on government property usually involves claiming against a local government. In such cases, Pennsylvania Statute §5522 requires an injured person to file a notice with the local government office within six months.
Consulting with a personal injury lawyer in Philadelphia immediately after an accident could preserve a person’s right to sue all potentially responsible parties. Waiting to engage a legal representative also risks that valuable evidence could be lost or destroyed, and witnesses might become unavailable or their memories fade.
Negligent Conduct Supporting a Personal Injury Lawsuit
An injured person (plaintiff) must prove another party (defendant) was negligent to obtain damages for their losses. The defendant could be a person, business, manufacturer, or government. In most cases, the plaintiff must provide evidence that a defendant did not exercise the appropriate degree of care the circumstances required and that failure directly caused the plaintiff’s injuries. In some cases, the plaintiff’s burden decreases because a defendant is strictly liable.
An attorney in Philadelphia handles personal injury cases resulting from many types of careless conduct. An injury lawsuit could result from a:
- Motor vehicle crash
- Boating wreck
- Defective product
- Elevator or escalator accident
- Slip or trip and fall
- Dog bite or other animal attacks
- Accident in a recreational facility
- Medical error
- Nursing home neglect
A legal professional could collect evidence of negligence that led to an injury and contact the potentially responsible parties. In most cases, negotiations result in the injured person receiving an appropriate settlement compensating for their losses. If negotiations fail, a legal team could file a lawsuit and make a case for reimbursement before a judge and jury.
Could a Plaintiff’s Negligent Conduct Impact Compensation?
The Commonwealth follows the comparative fault rule, meaning a reckless plaintiff cannot collect 100 percent of their damages. Instead, they could collect the portion of their losses attributable to others’ negligence. If a judge or jury finds a plaintiff is more than 50 percent responsible for the harm, a plaintiff cannot collect any damages.
The comparative fault rule incentivizes careless defendants to find evidence against a plaintiff to reduce or eliminate their liability. It is essential for individuals who may have some responsibility for an accident to have skilled legal counsel combat a defendant’s attempt to shift blame onto the plaintiff.
A lawyer in Philadelphia could fight until the negligent defendants take responsibility for their part in a personal injury. By presenting evidence of a defendant’s negligence and explanations for a plaintiff’s conduct, a legal professional could ensure a person receives fair compensation for their losses.
Pursue Your Claim with a Philadelphia Personal Injury Attorney
If you were hurt in an accident that was someone else’s fault, you might have a viable claim for damages. A consultation with a Philadelphia personal injury lawyer soon after an accident could inform you of your options and preserve your legal rights.
Injury claims can be complicated, and it does not make sense to pursue them without professional help. Schedule an appointment with a seasoned legal team today to discuss your options.
Testimonials
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This team is incredible. They are friendly and knowledgeable. I appreciate everything they have done for me and would recommend them to anyone. Overall great experience
Testimonial from Paul D. -
My case settled recently after lasting 4 years. Grungo and Colarulo’s law firm were able to secure a large settlement award for my slip and fall accident. This money will help secure my future for the permanent injury I received as a result of the slip and fall. Everyone was very caring, and kept me informed throughout the entire process. Christine Lafferty is an excellent litigation lawyer. I highly recommend using them if you have been injured or in an accident. I hope I am never in a situation again to need their services, but I know who to go to if I, or any of my family members are ever injured. Thanks Grungo and Colarulo and staff for your compassionate service!
Testimonial from Pamela A. -
Thank you so much Grungo and Colarulo for helping me with my case. Special thanks to Erica Domingo, Esquire and her team. Erica Domingo and her team was very nice and helped me tremendously throughout my case like more than one year and half. They gave me the right advice and guided me through every step of my case. They gave me prompt and clear responses to all my questions. In addition, Erica and her team provided me with all the what if scenarios so that I can have a clear vison of the steps ahead.
I would definitely recommend Grungo and Colarulo.
Thanks again Erica Domingo, Esquire and her team
Testimonial from Ahmed A. -
My wife and I reached out to Grungo Colarulo in 2020 for advise on a legal matter. After a meeting with the Attorney and Paralegal, we decided to go forward with a case. This case required a lot of documentation, and expert review of the documentation which was aquired. Throughout the process, we were kept up to date monthly, and Grungo Colarulo was always responsive to any questions that we had. The entire staff at Grungo Colarulo are very professional, caring, and willing to go the extra mile. This firm is a definite recommend!
Testimonial from Patrick G. -
I left five (5) stars only because that’s as many as I could leave. If I could, I would have left 100 stars. Bob & Christine are the absolute best! My settlement far exceeded what I ever imagined. They are professional, friendly, and really listened to what I had to say. They kept me up to date with the progress of my case every step of the way. I can’t recommend them highly enough.
Testimonial from Sheila L. -
Very professional, communicates well, makes me feel like they have my best interest at heart, and overall just a great company. Christine and the whole team has been on top of everything. Would definitely recommend!! 10/10
Testimonial from Michael M. -
First and foremost I would like to thank the whole team at Grungo Colarulo!! In addition to that, Stephanie & Riley & Drenna have done such an outstanding job taking care of me in such a difficult and low point of my life. I was in a bad car accident & did not know how to move forward with what to do and how to process. Those ladies were there every step, every inch, every mile & beyond with helping me when I had no idea how to navigate. I will forever be thankful for them and for the outcome of my case! If you ever need assistance I highly recommend this practice!!! Beyond professional, helpful, precise, caring, knowledgeable & humble!!!
Testimonial from Rachel F. -
From my first phone call to the end of my case this firm was on the ball!! Always responsive and professional and kept me up to date and informed. This is my firm for any future needs!
Testimonial from Jeffrey F. -
This was my first time ever having to have a lawyer for an automobile accident. From the beginning they took care of everything. They put me at ease so I could concentrate on my medical needs. Everyone I spoke to during the process were always extremely pleasant and knowledgeable.
Thank you to Grungo Colarulo for representing me and getting the settlement you did to help me move forward. I would highly recommend Grungo Colarulo to anyone who wants outstanding legal representation.Testimonial from Pat G. -
This team has been nothing but gentle an generous. Being as this was my first time dealing with a worker’s compensation case I was lost and nervous. But the Grungo Colarulo team has made me feel as comfortable as possible. My needs were addressed with care in a timely fashion. I knew what was going on every step of the way.
Oh, did I mention, WE WON …This teams knowledge of the industry is TOP NOTCH!
Testimonial from Aminah M. -
A dear family friend referred us to a young attorney named Rich Grungo, Jr. We wanted answers and if necessary, justice for our father. From day one of a five-year journey, Mr. Rich Grungo, Jr. made our family and our pain his own. The man never stopped working for us. He kept us informed every step of the way. Questions were answered quickly and with great compassion and expertise. Even though Rich was always busy, he was never too busy for us. We always felt like we were his only clients
Testimonial from Mickey -
I had the opportunity to observe Mr. Grungo work in this case, both in the courtroom on the technical matters of the motions and also as his presentation to the jury in opening and presenting witnesses as well as utilizing animations… and drawings and films that were necessary for a proper understanding of the case…At all times during the presentation, Mr. Grungo operated mostly without notes and questioned the witnesses in a conversational manner which made it most effective. **
New Jersey Superior Court Judge Testimonial -
Thank you for everything. I honestly felt like you treated my son like he was your own son, for that I am grateful. I would recommend your services to anyone. Thanks for being so awesome to both of us.
Testimonial from HD -
It was a pleasure working with Bill. He constantly kept me informed. I would recommend Bill and his firm to anybody I know. They’ll be in good hands.
Testimonial from Gregory -
I had the opportunity to retain Mr. Colarulo for a vehicle accident I encountered. I give him my highest recommendation for anyone in need of an excellent Personal Injury Attorney. Not only does he have an in depth knowledge of the legal field, but he emanates a sense of trust-worthiness that makes you feel secure during the entire process. Mr. Colarulo has the knowledge, drive and enthusiasm that will get the job done for you. He comes highly recommended.
Testimonial from Denise -
Hi Rich, Well I’m on my way up to college to finish packing my son’s stuff up and to go to his Graduation tomorrow. It’s hard to believe how fast and how slow, at the same time 5 years can go by. I was just thinking of you as I am getting ready to leave and wanted to thank you once again for everything you have done for my son’s future. You are a good and just man. God Bless to you and your family.
Be Well,
Testimonial from Bob
Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Grungo Colarulo
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