Munley Law Blog

Who Is Responsible for a Sidewalk Slip and Fall in Philadelphia?

Dense foot traffic, aging unmaintained infrastructure, ice, and snow all create daily hazards for pedestrians in Philadelphia, making sidewalk slip and fall accidents a common occurrence.

However, falling on a sidewalk does not automatically mean someone else is legally responsible. Liability depends on specific facts, including where the fall occurred, what caused it, and whether the hazard should have been addressed.

In Philadelphia, responsibility often falls to those who control and maintain the sidewalk, and city rules, property owner obligations, and important local exceptions can all affect whether a valid claim exists and who may be held accountable.

Why Sidewalk Responsibility Matters After a Slip and Fall

A sidewalk fall can result in significant medical expenses, lost income, and ongoing treatment needs. By identifying who is responsible for maintaining the sidewalk, you can determine whether a slip and fall legal claim is possible. […]

Slip and Fall on Ice: Who May Be Responsible?

When someone slips and falls on ice, the first question is usually whether anyone can be held responsible.

Unlike tripping over a broken step or slipping on a wet floor inside a building, accidents involving icy conditions can be difficult cases. Ice forms quickly, is susceptible to change, and depends heavily on the weather. It is a temporary hazard that can appear and disappear within hours.

Responsibility for an ice-related fall is not automatic. While property owners and businesses have obligations to maintain reasonably safe conditions, winter weather introduces factors that complicate these obligations.

Laws and standards also vary significantly by jurisdiction, meaning similar falls can be evaluated differently depending on the location.

Why Slip and Fall on Ice Cases Are Treated Differently

Ice creates environmental complexity that distinguishes these incidents from most other slip and fall scenarios.

Unlike a permanently damaged floor or a spill that persists until cleaned, […]

Who Is Responsible After an Accident at Coca-Cola Park in Allentown?

Attending a baseball game at Coca-Cola Park should be an exciting day out with family and friends, not a trip that ends with a serious injury. When accidents happen at sporting venues, determining who’s legally responsible for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering can be complicated.

Whether you slipped on a wet concourse, were struck by foul ball debris, or injured in a crowded stairwell, understanding Pennsylvania premises liability law is essential to protecting your rights. Venue owners and operators have legal duties to maintain safe conditions for fans, and when they fail to do so, they can be held accountable.

If you were injured at Coca-Cola Park in Allentown, get in touch with our personal injury lawyers.

Understanding Premises Liability at Sporting Venues

Property owners in Pennsylvania have a legal obligation to keep their premises reasonably safe for visitors. […]

5 Reasons Insurance Companies Delay Personal Injury Settlements

If your insurance claim is taking longer than expected, you’re not alone. At Munley Law, our personal injury lawyers frequently encounter clients who are frustrated by insurance settlement delays that seem unnecessary or unexplained, even when liability appears clear.

The truth is, many claims are slowed not by accident, but by systematic processes and tactics insurers use to protect their bottom line.

These delays often occur before a settlement is reached, during the period when your claim is under review and negotiation. However, understanding the most common causes of these delays makes it easier to identify when a personal injury settlement is unnecessarily delayed.

Why Insurance Settlements Take So Long

Clear liability doesn’t guarantee a quick resolution. Even when fault is obvious, like a rear-end collision with police reports and witness statements, settlements can still take months.

This is due to insurance companies utilizing complex internal systems that prioritize risk management over speed and efficiency. […]

What Is Talk and Die Syndrome After an Accident?

It is generally assumed that a serious brain injury will be immediately obvious due to a loss of consciousness, confusion, or visible trauma. But in reality, some of the most dangerous head injuries do not show their severity straight away.

This delayed decline is known as “talk and die syndrome,” a real and well-documented outcome that can follow head trauma from car crashes, falls, workplace accidents, and other incidents.

Talk and die syndrome is a serious medical condition, and recognizing its warning signs can mean the difference between life and death.

What Does Talk and Die Syndrome Mean in Personal Injury Cases?

Talk and die syndrome follows a pattern of neurological decline in the minutes, hours, or even days after head trauma. This outcome occurs when bleeding or swelling inside the brain develops gradually rather than all at once. The person may seem fine only to lose consciousness or experience potentially fatal or life-changing brain damage as internal pressure rises. […]

5 Federal Trucking Regulations Companies Break Most Often

Federal trucking regulations are designed to prevent truck accidents, yet violations of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rules remain widespread throughout the industry.

In 2024 alone, FMCSA recorded over 5.15 million federal trucking regulation violations during roadside inspections, despite conducting fewer checks than the previous year. These numbers reflect a troubling pattern of companies that continue to prioritize speed and cost savings over compliance with safety standards.

The following five regulations are those most frequently violated by trucking companies nationwide, according to data from the FMCSA.

1. Hours of Service Violations

The Hours of Service rules under 49 CFR Part 395 limit the amount of time truck drivers can operate without rest. These regulations require an 11-hour driving limit within a 14-hour on-duty window, mandatory rest breaks, and weekly limits of 60 or 70 hours. Despite the 2017 mandate requiring the use of electronic logging devices, […]

4 Types of Distractions Every Driver Should Know

Distracted driving extends far beyond texting behind the wheel. Even routine behaviors, such as adjusting the radio, reaching for a drink, or engaging in an intense conversation, can divert your focus away from the road at a critical moment.

To better understand why these behaviors are dangerous, traffic safety experts group distractions into clear, recognizable categories.

Knowing how these different types of driver distractions can help you identify risky habits that prevent car accidents and save lives.

What Counts as Distracted Driving?

Distracted driving occurs when a driver takes their eyes off the road, hands off the wheel, or mind off the task of driving. In 2023, these distractions were responsible for 3,275 fatal accidents in the United States.

Even brief attention lapses matter. A driver who looks away from the road for just two seconds at 55 mph travels the length of a football field. […]

What to Do After a Slip and Fall Accident at the PPL Center in Allentown, PA?

The PPL Center brings thousands of visitors to downtown Allentown for concerts, hockey games, and significant events throughout the year. When you’re there to enjoy entertainment, the last thing you expect is to suffer a serious injury from a slip and fall accident caused by unsafe conditions on the property.

Whether you slipped on a wet floor near the concession stands, tripped over debris in a walkway, or fell on icy stairs outside the venue, these accidents can result in broken bones, head injuries, and other severe harm. Understanding your rights and the steps to take immediately after a slip and fall at the PPL Center can protect your ability to seek compensation for your injuries.

If you were injured in a slip and fall accident at the PPL Center or any other Allentown property, please get in touch with our slip and fall lawyers in Allentown, […]

What to Do If You Get Into a Car Crash on Market Street Bridge in Wilkes-Barre, PA

The Market Street Bridge connects downtown Wilkes-Barre to the suburban communities of Kingston and Edwardsville, carrying thousands of vehicles daily across the Susquehanna River. This heavily trafficked bridge is a common site for collisions, fender-benders, and serious accidents that can leave drivers confused about what to do after a car accident. When you get into a car accident on Market Street Bridge in Wilkes-Barre, knowing how to respond can protect your health, your legal rights, and your ability to recover compensation for your injuries and damages.

Whether you’ve been involved in a rear-end collision during rush-hour traffic or a more serious crash caused by distracted or negligent driving, understanding the proper steps to take after a car crash on Market Street is essential. What should you do immediately after the accident? How do Pennsylvania’s traffic laws affect your claim?

These questions matter because the actions you take in the moments and hours following a collision can significantly impact your ability to secure fair compensation for medical bills, […]

Does a Reckless Driving Citation Prove Fault For Your Pennsylvania Car Accident Claim?

Short Answer: No — A Citation Alone Does Not Prove Fault

A reckless driving citation in Pennsylvania does not automatically prove fault in your injury case. The citation is strong evidence that dangerous driving occurred, but you’ll still need to prove that the driver’s actions directly caused your injuries.

Think of the citation as one important piece of evidence, not the whole case. While it strengthens your claim and shows the driver was behaving recklessly, insurance companies and courts will also look at other factors like police reports, witness statements, photos, and medical records to determine who was actually at fault.

Let’s look at how citations factor into accident claims and what else your Pennsylvania car accident lawyers will need to build a strong case.

Why a Reckless Driving Citation Isn’t Automatic Proof of Liability

The legal disconnect between traffic citations and civil liability claims creates confusion for many accident victims. […]

How Can I Prove My Pain and Suffering?

Documentation is the only way you can prove pain and suffering following an accident. Evidence such as medical records, photographs, witness statements, and even a personal journal can be used to show how your life has changed. No single piece of evidence is enough. You will need multiple sources that together paint a complete picture of how your injury has affected your physical and emotional well-being.

Understanding how to prove pain and suffering in a personal injury case is essential when seeking fair compensation for injuries sustained in car accidents, slip and fall incidents, medical errors, or truck crashes.

What is the Definition of Pain and Suffering?

According to Pennsylvania personal injury law, pain and suffering refers to non-economic damages, which are compensation for the physical discomfort and emotional distress caused by an injury. Pain and suffering often fall into two categories: Physical pain and emotional suffering. […]

Your Legal Rights After a Serious Electric Bicycle Accident in Pennsylvania

From Philadelphia’s bike lanes to Pittsburgh’s steep hills, e-bikes now share the road with regular bicycles, pedestrians, and cars. This growth has benefits, but it has also created a new and dangerous type of accident.

A medical study by the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System found that emergency room visits for e-bike injuries jumped from 751 in 2017 to 23,493 in 2022—more than 30 times higher in just five years. Pennsylvania hospitals have observed a similar pattern, treating more severe injuries resulting from e-bike crashes. Unlike regular bike accidents, e-bike crashes often occur at higher speeds and involve less-experienced riders. This causes more severe injuries, including brain damage, spinal injuries, and broken bones.

If you or someone you love was hurt in an electric bicycle accident, knowing your legal rights is critical to getting fair payment for your injuries. These accidents are complex and have somewhat confusing laws, […]

How a Family Firm Became America’s Authority on Truck Crashes

As it appeared on Lawdragon

Munley Law has stood at the forefront of one of the most complex and consequential areas of personal injury practice for more than six decades. Before trucking litigation even had a name, the Munley family was already shaping the standards that attorneys across the country now follow.

The firm remains widely recognized as the premier trucking litigation firm in the U.S. today, having secured hundreds of millions in trucking-related recoveries. The firm obtained a record-setting $26M settlement for a truck-crash victim who suffered a traumatic brain injury, which at the time was the largest known recovery for an individual plaintiff in Pennsylvania. In 2025, Munley Law helped secure a $19.8M settlement for the family of three people killed by a distracted truck driver, underscoring their reputation as the firm called upon for reliable results in the most complex, […]

What Should I Do if I Get Injured at Dorney Park in Allentown, PA?

Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom is one of Allentown’s most popular attractions. With thrilling roller coasters, family rides, and a sprawling water park, it draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. But even at a well-maintained amusement park, accidents can happen. A malfunctioning ride, a slippery walkway, inadequate safety measures, or negligent maintenance can quickly turn an exciting and fun-filled day into a painful and stressful ordeal.

It’s natural to have questions following an accident at Dorney Park. That’s why it’s essential that you speak with our experienced personal injury lawyers in Allentown to understand your legal rights and to make sure the necessary steps are taken to protect your claim.

When you or a loved one is injured at Dorney Park, every second counts. Contact Munley Law today to schedule a free consultation.

Get Medical Help As Soon As Possible

After an injury at Dorney Park, […]

Will I Get Paid for Time Missed From Work After a Workplace Accident in Allentown? 

When you’re injured on the job in Allentown, a common concern is whether you’ll receive wage loss benefits to compensate for time missed from work. At Munley Law, our workers’ compensation attorneys help injured workers obtain the wage replacement benefits they’re entitled to after a job-related injury or illness.

Time away from work means more than just inconvenience. It often results in lost income, unpaid bills, mounting medical expenses, financial instability, and stress. You may have medical appointments, physical therapy sessions, or extended recovery periods that prevent you from returning to your job immediately.

Pennsylvania’s workers’ compensation laws allow for wage loss benefits, but getting full compensation is not always easy. Insurance companies may delay, underpay, or deny benefits, even when your injury is valid. This is where Munley Law can help. ok, then

Understanding Wage Loss Benefits in Allentown Workers’ Comp Claims

Wage loss benefits — sometimes called temporary disability or indemnity benefits — are payments made to injured workers to cover part of their lost wages during recovery. […]

What Happens If I Reject a Personal Injury Settlement Offer?

Rejecting a settlement offer doesn’t end your case; it advances it. Insurance companies often make low settlement offers, hoping you’ll accept less than your claim is worth, but you have every right to say no. When you reject an offer, negotiations continue, or your case may go to trial. This decision carries real consequences, both positive and negative. Understanding what happens next helps you negotiate from a position of strength and make the choice that’s right for your situation.

After rejecting a settlement offer, it’s essential to understand what comes next. Negotiations can continue, and the different laws may affect how your case progresses. Knowing these steps helps you make informed decisions about protecting your rights.

If you have questions about a personal injury settlement offer, your first step is to speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer. Munley Law has over 65 years of experience walking our clients through settlement offers. […]

Do I Need a Lawyer For a Car Accident?

Drivers in Allentown often seek guidance after a collision, especially when uncertainty arises about injuries, medical bills, or insurance questions. Many people search for “Do I need a lawyer for a car accident?” as they try to decide whether legal help is necessary. In many situations, a person may handle a claim alone, yet significant injuries, unclear fault, or multiple involved drivers usually require support. You do not always need a lawyer for a car accident, but you should consider getting one if these circumstances appear, particularly when medical costs or lost wages create pressure. Munley Law provides direction for anyone seeking an Allentown car accident lawyer before taking further steps.

When Legal Representation May Not Be Necessary

Some collisions result in minor damage and no injuries. These situations occasionally resolve without the need for attorney involvement, mainly when all drivers cooperate, and the evidence supports a clear explanation. […]

9 Tips for Maximizing Your Personal Injury Compensation in Pennsylvania

The steps you take immediately after an injury can have a significant impact on the strength and value of your claim. Acting quickly and making informed decisions can help protect your rights, preserve critical evidence, and avoid mistakes that insurance companies often use to reduce payouts.

The following tips outline how to win a personal injury claim in Pennsylvania and get the maximum amount of compensation:

Hire an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer Immediately

One of the most important steps you can take to maximize your compensation is hiring an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after your accident. Research from the Insurance Research Council shows that accident victims who work with attorneys receive settlements 3.5 times higher than those who negotiate directly with insurance companies.

When selecting a lawyer, look for someone with a proven track record of increasing personal injury settlements, […]

How Long Does it Take to Receive My Personal Injury Settlement?

If you’ve won your personal injury case, your attorney can hold your settlement check for between 5 and 10 business days while it clears and funds are distributed. This holding period protects both you and the law firm from check fraud and ensures all liens, medical bills, and case expenses are paid before you receive your portion.

To help you understand more about the process, we’ve created this guide so that you can plan financially and know what to expect after your case settles. Our award-winning personal injury lawyers have over 250 years of combined experience and have secured more than $1 billion in settlements and verdicts, providing us with a deep understanding of what happens after a case is successfully resolved.

Why Do Personal Injury Lawyers Hold Settlement Checks?

When a settlement check arrives at the law firm, it must be deposited into the firm’s trust account—a specially regulated bank account used exclusively for client funds. […]

Understanding Lost Wages in Personal Injury Claims

When an accident leaves you injured, missing work while you recover can negatively impact your finances. In Pennsylvania, you have the right to be paid back for wages that you lost if someone else caused your injury. Learning what lost wages in a personal injury claim mean and how to prove them can help you get the money you deserve.

A Pennsylvania personal injury lawyer at Munley Law can help you with your personal injury lawsuit. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

What are Considered Lost Wages in a Personal Injury Claim?

Lost wages are the money you couldn’t earn because your injuries stopped you from working. This includes your regular paycheck, as well as any other pay you would have received if the accident had never happened. Pennsylvania law 42 Pa. C.S.A. § 7102 states that when someone else’s careless actions hurt you, […]