What to Do After a Serious Injury in Pennsylvania

First, Get Medical Help Right Away

If you’re hurt badly, don’t wait. Call 911 or go to the hospital as soon as you can. Even if you think you’ll be fine, it’s better to get checked by a doctor. Some injuries don’t show how serious they are right away. You might feel okay now, but things could get worse later. Also, having medical records right after the accident proves that your injury was real and happened when you say it did.

Don’t skip this part—your health comes first.

Keep Records of Everything

Start keeping notes as soon as possible. Write down what happened, how it happened, and where. If anyone saw it happen, get their names and contact info. Save any photos or videos from the scene. If you went to the hospital, keep every document they gave you. This includes test results, bills, prescriptions, and follow-up appointments.

You should also keep track of how you’re feeling. A simple notebook or phone app works. Note your pain level, what tasks are hard now, and how the injury is changing your daily life. These notes may help your case later.

Watch What You Say to Insurance People

Insurance adjusters might contact you quickly. They may sound helpful, but remember—they work for the insurance company, not for you. Their goal is to pay you as little as possible. Don’t give a recorded statement. Don’t say “I’m okay” or admit any fault. Don’t sign anything without talking to a lawyer.

Even simple words like “I’m fine” can be used against you later.

Talk to a Personal Injury Lawyer as Soon as You Can

Don’t try to handle everything alone. Serious injury cases are tough, and a lawyer can help you do things right from the start. A good lawyer will explain your options, help you understand what’s fair, and guide you through each step. Most injury lawyers offer free consultations. You can ask questions, and there’s no pressure to commit.

And here’s the good part—most don’t charge upfront. They only get paid if they win your case.

What Injury Lawyers Actually Do for You

A personal injury lawyer does way more than just paperwork. Here’s what they’ll usually help with:

• Talking to insurance companies

• Gathering proof and documents

• Getting expert witnesses (like doctors or accident experts)

• Figuring out how much money your case is worth

• Negotiating a settlement

• Going to court, if needed

Their job is to take the stress off you and handle the legal side while you focus on healing.

What “Negligence” Means in Simple Terms

Most injury cases are about negligence. That just means someone didn’t act safely or responsibly—and you got hurt because of it. Here are a few common examples:

• A distracted driver crashes into your car

• A grocery store leaves a wet floor with no warning sign

• A dog owner doesn’t leash their dog and it bites someone

• A company sells a product that’s unsafe and causes an injury

If your injury happened because someone wasn’t careful, you might have a case.

Don’t Wait—There Are Time Limits

In Pennsylvania, you only have two years from the date of your injury to take legal action. This is called the statute of limitations. If you wait too long, you lose your right to file a claim, even if the case is strong.

Two years might sound like plenty of time, but preparing a case takes time. It’s smart to talk to a lawyer early so they can get started right away.

Who Might Be Held Accountable

Depending on the situation, more than one person or group might be responsible. Here are some examples:

• In a car crash, both the driver and their employer (if they were working) could be responsible

• At a construction site, both the property owner and contractor might be to blame

• If you fell at a business, the building owner or maintenance company could be at fault

Your lawyer will dig into the details to find out who was responsible so the right people are held accountable.

Examples of Serious Injury Cases

There are many ways someone can get seriously hurt. Here are some common cases that lawyers handle in Pennsylvania:

Car Accidents

This includes crashes involving cars, trucks, motorcycles, or bicycles. Injuries can range from broken bones to brain damage. Often, the other driver is at fault.

Slip and Fall Injuries

If you slip on a wet floor, icy sidewalk, or broken stairs, the property owner may be responsible if they didn’t keep the area safe.

Work-Related Injuries

If you were injured on the job, you might be able to file a workers' compensation claim and also a separate injury case if someone else (not your employer) caused it.

Dog Bites

If a dog hurts you and the owner didn’t control it properly, they may be legally responsible.

Medical Mistakes

Doctors and hospitals can be held accountable if they made a serious error that caused harm.

Product Injuries

If a tool, toy, car part, or appliance fails and hurts you, the maker or seller of the product might be to blame.

What Kinds of Costs Can Be Covered?

If you win your case or settle, you can get compensation for many things, such as:

• Emergency room visits

• Surgeries and rehab

• Medications and medical supplies

• Missed work and future income loss

• Pain and discomfort

• Emotional stress and anxiety

• Disability and long-term care

• Help with household tasks or childcare

Your lawyer will look at the full picture and help you ask for everything you need—not just what the insurance company offers.

Can You Still Win If You Were Partly at Fault?

Yes. Pennsylvania uses a rule called “comparative fault.” That means if you were less than 51% responsible for the accident, you can still recover money. But your payment gets reduced by the percentage of fault they say is yours.

For example, if you were found to be 20% at fault and you were going to get $100,000, you’d receive $80,000 instead.

Civil Rights and Excessive Force Cases

Not all injuries happen by accident. If you were seriously hurt by police or in jail, your rights may have been violated. Civil rights cases are different from regular injury cases. They often involve deeper issues—like abuse of power or discrimination. These cases can also be harder to prove and take longer. But the law still protects you.

Some lawyers focus on civil rights cases in addition to injury law. If you were hurt in one of these situations, make sure your lawyer has experience with both.

What If the Insurance Company Makes a Low Offer?

It’s very common for insurance companies to offer a small settlement early on. They do this hoping you’ll accept before you know how serious your injury is. Don’t agree to anything too soon. Once you accept an offer, you usually can’t ask for more later.

Let a lawyer review the offer before you say yes. They can usually negotiate a much better deal for you.

What Happens if the Case Goes to Court?

Most cases settle without going to court. But sometimes, the other side won’t offer enough, or they deny fault completely. If that happens, your lawyer might recommend filing a lawsuit and going to trial.

This doesn’t mean you’ll be in court the next day. There are many steps: filing paperwork, discovery (sharing evidence), depositions, and possibly a trial. If your case does go to court, your lawyer will explain everything and help you prepare.

Choosing the Right Law Firm for Your Case

Not all lawyers are the same. You want a firm that:

• Focuses on serious injury cases

• Knows Pennsylvania laws

• Has a history of strong results

• Is easy to reach and communicates well

• Treats you with respect

Alpha Book Publisher lists several trusted injury law firms across Pennsylvania. Look at reviews, ask about past experience, and trust your gut. You need someone who makes you feel heard and supported.

What If You Can’t Work Anymore?

If your injury is so serious that you can’t go back to your job, you may be able to get compensation for future lost wages. You might also be eligible for Social Security Disability or other support programs. Your lawyer can help you figure out your options.

You shouldn’t have to suffer financially for something that wasn’t your fault.

What If a Family Member Was Injured or Killed?

If someone in your family was seriously hurt or passed away because of someone else’s carelessness, you may be able to file a claim on their behalf. These are called wrongful death or survivor claims. You can ask for money to cover things like:

• Funeral and burial costs

• Medical bills

• Loss of companionship or support

• Lost income your loved one would’ve earned

These cases can be painful, but they can also help families stay financially stable after a terrible loss.

Emotional Support Matters Too

Getting hurt doesn’t just mess up your body—it messes with your head, too. You might feel

scared, sad, frustrated, or even angry. That’s normal. Talking to a counselor or therapist can help. Some lawyers can even recommend local resources or support groups.

You don’t have to deal with this all on your own.

FINAL THOUGHTS

A serious injury is more than just a bad day—it can change your whole life. You might be in pain, out of work, and unsure what to do next. But help is out there. In Pennsylvania, there are legal paths to protect your rights and get you the support you need.

Start with the basics: see a doctor, keep records, and talk to a lawyer. Take things one step at a time. You don’t need to rush or figure it all out at once. You just need someone who knows the system and has your back.