Experiencing an injury due to another person’s negligence can turn your life upside down in an instant. Alongside physical pain, you may face mounting medical bills, lost wages, and emotional stress. It’s normal to have many questions about your legal rights and how to pursue compensation. Whether your injury happened in a car crash, a defective product accident, or on someone else’s property, our FAQ page is here to provide answers. We’ve gathered the most common questions we hear from clients to help you understand the legal process, timelines, and your options. Armed with this knowledge, you’ll be better equipped to make decisions that protect your interests and move your case forward.

After an accident, prioritize your safety and well-being. Seek medical attention promptly, even if injuries seem minor, as some symptoms may not appear immediately. Document the scene by taking photographs of damages and hazards, and gather contact information from witnesses. Avoid admitting fault at the scene and refrain from discussing the incident with insurance adjusters before consulting with an attorney. These steps help preserve your rights and strengthen your potential claim.

Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule, allowing you to recover damages as long as you are less than 51% at fault for the incident. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you're 20% at fault and your damages total $100,000, you can recover $80,000. It's crucial to have legal representation to navigate fault determinations and maximize your recovery.

Porta Clark & Ward handles a wide range of personal injury cases, including car, truck, and motorcycle accidents, slip and fall incidents, workplace injuries, wrongful death, product liability, and more. Our experienced attorneys are dedicated to providing compassionate and aggressive representation to victims of negligence throughout Pennsylvania.

Even for minor injuries, consulting with an attorney can be beneficial. Insurance companies may offer settlements that don't fully cover your medical expenses or lost wages. An attorney can help ensure you receive fair compensation and advise you on whether accepting a settlement is in your best interest.

In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the injury. For wrongful death claims, the period is also two years from the date of death. Failing to file within this timeframe can result in losing your right to compensation.

Porta Clark & Ward operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless they win your case. This arrangement allows clients to pursue justice without upfront costs, making legal representation accessible to those who might not otherwise afford it.

Compensation in a personal injury case may include medical expenses (both past and future), lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, property damage, and in some cases, punitive damages if the defendant's conduct was egregious. The amount varies based on the severity of the injury and the specifics of the case.

Bring all relevant documents to your initial consultation, including medical records and bills, police reports, insurance information, photographs of the accident scene and injuries, witness contact information, and any correspondence with insurance companies. This information will assist the attorney in understanding the details of your case.

The duration of a personal injury case can vary widely, depending on factors such as the complexity of the case, the severity of the injuries, and whether the case goes to trial. Some cases may settle within a few months, while others could take years. Porta Clark & Ward strives to resolve cases efficiently while ensuring clients receive fair compensation.

While most personal injury cases settle out of court, some may proceed to trial if a fair settlement cannot be reached. Porta Clark & Ward prepares every case as if it will go to trial, ensuring we are ready to advocate for you in court if necessary.

Before accepting any settlement offer, it's advisable to consult with an attorney. Insurance companies may offer settlements that are less than what you deserve. An attorney can evaluate the offer, consider future expenses, and negotiate to ensure you receive fair compensation.

Yes, if you've been injured due to a defective product, you may have a product liability claim. This can involve manufacturers, distributors, or sellers who are responsible for placing a defective product into the market. Porta Clark & Ward has experience handling product liability cases and can help determine if you have a valid claim.

A wrongful death claim arises when someone dies due to another party's negligence or intentional harm. In Pennsylvania, the personal representative of the deceased's estate can file the claim on behalf of surviving family members to seek compensation for losses such as funeral expenses, lost income, and loss of companionship.

Catastrophic injuries, such as spinal cord injuries or severe brain trauma, often require extensive medical treatment and long-term care. Porta Clark & Ward works with medical experts to assess the full extent of damages and advocates for clients to secure compensation that covers current and future medical needs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Mass tort cases involve multiple plaintiffs harmed by the same product or action, such as defective drugs or medical devices. Porta Clark & Ward has experience representing clients in mass tort litigation, providing dedicated attention to each case while working with a larger group to achieve justice.

You can contact Porta Clark & Ward at 866-426-3340 to schedule a free consultation. We are ready to provide expert advice and representation tailored to your personal injury case.

It's advisable to refer any communication from the defendant's insurance company to your attorney. Insurance adjusters may attempt to settle quickly for less than what you deserve. Having an attorney handle these communications ensures your rights are protected and that you receive fair compensation.

Yes, under Pennsylvania's comparative negligence rule, you can still file a claim if you are partially at fault, as long as your degree of fault is less than 51%. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. It's important to have legal representation to argue fault percentages and maximize your recovery.

Insurance companies assess claims to determine liability and the amount of compensation owed. They may offer settlements, but often these are lower than what you might be entitled to. Having an attorney can help ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive a fair settlement. Porta Clark & Ward negotiates with insurance companies on behalf of clients to achieve the best possible outcome.

Porta Clark & Ward provides comprehensive support by handling all legal paperwork, negotiating with insurance companies, representing clients in court if necessary, and keeping clients informed with regular updates. Our goal is to reduce clients' stress and ensure you receive effective legal representation.