Personal Injury FAQ
People who are the victim of someone else’s negligence often have many questions about the legal process. The attorneys at Fodera, Long & Lalli are available to our clients and will answer any and all questions. We understand that we work for you and will do everything in our power to make you happy.
Some of the questions we hear a lot appear below. Obviously, these are just a few examples, so all of your questions many not be answered. And even if your specific answer is below, you still need to contact us immediately to make sure your rights are protected.
What is a personal injury?
A personal injury is any physical, emotional, or mental injury to a victim due to the carelessness, or negligence, of another. Personal injuries can be caused by a variety of factors, but listed below are the most common sources of personal injuries that lead to litigation:
- Car Accidents
- Truck Accidents
- ATV Accidents
- SEPTA Accidents
- Slip and Fall Accidents
- Medical Mistakes
- Dangerous Products
- Harmful Drugs
- Workers' Compensation
- Wrongful Death
- Toxic Exposure
Do I need a lawyer?
If you have suffered a personal injury and are not sure if your injury is serious or if you will recover, then you should contact one of the experienced attorneys at Fodera, Long & Lalli immediately. Remember, our initial consultation is always free. It is important to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney before giving any statements to insurance companies or signing any paperwork. Otherwise, you risk severely limiting or completely giving up your rights to adequate compensation.
What can I be compensated for if I bring a personal injury lawsuit?
If you bring a personal injury lawsuit, and it is deemed that another person was at fault for your injuries, you may recover:
- Pain and Suffering
- Past Medical Expenses and Bills
- Future Medical Expenses and Bills
- Lost Wages
- Lost Future Earning Capacity
- Property Damage
- Partial or Total Disability
- Permanent Injuries or Disfigurements
- Emotional and Mental Trauma
- Loss of Consortium (Loss of Care, Companionship and Affection), and
- Any Other Out-of-Pocket Expenses.
How much will it cost me to bring a personal injury lawsuit?
At Fodera, Long & Lalli, we charge a contingency fee for personal injury claims. That means we only get paid when we win for our clients, and our fee is based on a percentage of the total award. Our initial consultation is always free and we will fully explain all of the fees and costs during that consultation. If we do not recover for you, you do not pay us anything.
How much time to I have to file a personal injury lawsuit?
Each state has specific laws, called statutes of limitations, when set a time limit on your ability to file a personal injury lawsuit. Generally, the time limit begins to run on the date of your accident, but each state is different and there may be some complex variables that may make your case different. For example, in Pennsylvania, you generally have two years from the date of your accident within which to file a lawsuit. If you wait too long to contact an experienced attorney, like the ones at Fodera, Long & Lalli, you may be forever barred from bringing a claim to be compensated for your injuries. That is why you should always call as soon as you possibly can.
How long will it take for my personal injury case to resolve?
Clients are always interested in knowing when their case will resolve. Although “the wheels of justice turn slowly,” you can be sure that the attorneys at Fodera, Long & Lalli will work hard to make sure your case is resolved as soon as possible. Each case is different, so there is no hard-and-fast time to expect your claim to resolve. Some cases resolve quickly, while others do not resolve and go to trial. Whether your claim resolves, and when, is determined by the defendants and their willingness to settle your claim for an adequate amount.
Fodera, Long and Lalli will answer questions you have, so do not wait, contact us today.