Munley Law Blog

Can a Hospital Refuse to Treat a Patient?

A hospital doesn’t always have to provide treatment to patients seeking it. As this guide will address, there are circumstances when it’s legal for a hospital to deny treatment.

However, there are also situations, typically emergencies, when the law prohibits hospitals from refusing to treat patients. If you believe you’ve been denied treatment unfairly, speak with a medical malpractice attorney to learn more about your rights. At Munley Law, our medical malpractice attorneys are committed to fighting for the compensation you deserve. Get in touch today to schedule your free consultation.

Emergency Medical Treatment Laws

The Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA) is a federal statute that establishes patients’ rights and the hospital’s requirements in emergencies. The law specifically establishes the following:

• An emergency medical department must provide a proper medical screening to anyone who visits the department requesting evaluation or care. […]

Munley Law Offering Legal Support Following Philadelphia Aviation Disaster

Munley Law, a leading national personal injury firm, announces its commitment to supporting families affected by the aviation accident involving a medical transport plane in Philadelphia.

On January 31, the jet carrying a pediatric patient and five others slammed into a Northeast Philadelphia neighborhood near the Roosevelt Mall. At least five structures were ablaze after the crash, along with vehicles.

As of February 3, seven people were pronounced dead, and another 19 were injured. All six people in the jet, including a child, were killed.

To the families who lost loved ones in this tragic accident, we offer our deepest condolences,” said Marion Munley, Senior Partner at Munley Law. We stand ready to provide guidance and support through the difficult days ahead. We also commend the dedication of first responders working tirelessly to help the victims and discover what caused the crash. […]

Underinsured Motorist Coverage Pain and Suffering: Understanding Your Rights and Maximizing Your Claim

According to the Insurance Research Council, nearly 8% of Pennsylvania drivers are uninsured, putting thousands of responsible drivers at financial risk from a car accident. Thankfully, uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage includes the victim’s pain and suffering in Pennsylvania—but that’s not all you need to know.

When an uninsured driver causes a crash that leaves you injured, your uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage steps in to protect you. This protection extends beyond just medical bills and lost wages—it can provide compensation for your physical trauma, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.

However, insurance companies often minimize or deny these claims, especially when it comes to pain and suffering damages. They may question the severity of your injuries or try to attribute them to pre-existing conditions. At Munley Law, we’ve helped countless Pennsylvania drivers recover full compensation through their uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. […]

American Airlines Flight and Military Helicopter Crash in Washington, DC

In a tragic incident on January 29, an American Airlines aircraft and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter collided near Reagan National Airport in Washington, DC.

According to preliminary reports, the commercial flight was carrying approximately 60 passengers, including figure skaters from across the United States and Russia. The collision occurred as the airliner was approaching the runway while the military helicopter was conducting a training mission. Both aircraft collided in midair before falling into the Potomac River.

Emergency response efforts were severely hampered by darkness and icy conditions. Initial reports indicate there were no survivors.

Aviation Accidents: What You Should Know

This incident presents a complex scenario involving both civilian and military aircraft, triggering multiple areas of aviation law. For domestic flights like this American Airlines service, several legal frameworks come into play.

The Federal Aviation Administration’s regulations establish the standards for aviation safety and operations. […]

Pedestrian Rights: Navigating Truck Accidents in Crosswalks

Most people feel safe using a crosswalk as a routine activity. After all, these marked paths are specifically designed to protect pedestrians. However,

Understanding these dangers – whether they stem from poor crosswalk design, hazardous weather conditions, distracted drivers, or large commercial vehicles such as tractor-trailers – is essential for staying safe. If you’ve been injured while using a crosswalk in Pennsylvania, understanding these factors can also be important for protecting your legal rights.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a pedestrian accident in the crosswalk in PA, your first call should be to the experienced pedestrian accident attorneys at Munley Law. We understand these complex cases and can help you navigate the legal process. Call Munley Law for a free consultation, and let us fight for the compensation you deserve.

Pedestrian Rights and Responsibilities in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania law states that pedestrians have the right-of-way in marked crosswalks and at intersections with unmarked crosswalks. […]

What Happens If You Fail to Report a Car Accident in Pennsylvania?

If you’re a driver in Pennsylvania, you’re required by law to report a car accident, no matter how minor the collision, and no matter whether you caused it or not. Failing to report a car accident can lead to serious legal and financial consequences: suspension of your driver’s license, fines up to $2,500, and potential criminal charges.

Your insurance company could use the lack of report as the basis for denying your claim, leaving you responsible for medical and repair costs.

Our seasoned Pennsylvania vehicle accident attorneys at Munley Law can help ensure you meet all reporting requirements and follow the rules for the best outcome. Contact our legal team for a free consultation about your case.

Pennsylvania’s Accident Reporting Laws

What do you need to know if you’re a driver involved in a vehicle accident? […]

The Dangers of Driving Too Slowly

It’s no secret that driving above the posted speed limit is dangerous. That said, driving too slowly can also lead to crashes.

Sometimes, a slow driver will cause a minor rear-end accident. In more severe cases, slow driving can result in traffic fatalities.

Have you been hurt in a wreck because someone was driving slowly? Compensation may be available if so. Learn more about your legal options by contacting our car accident team today for a free consultation.

Why Slow Driving Creates Serious Road Hazards

Slow drivers may assume that driving slowly always results in improved safety. However, excessively slow driving blocks traffic and can result in hazards due to the following:

• Disrupting the flow of traffic: Other drivers may be traveling according to the flow of traffic, a flow that can be disrupted when someone is driving too slowly, […]

Emotional Distress Damages in a Personal Injury Case Explained

In Pennsylvania, when you’re injured in an accident, you may have the right to file a personal injury claim or lawsuit seeking compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other such damages.

It’s also important to account for your emotional distress when filing a claim or lawsuit. Emotional distress damages can compensate you for the psychological toll of a traumatic event.

At Munley Law, serving the area since 1959, we’ll fight for emotional distress compensation when it’s available. Contact our Pennsylvania personal injury lawyers today to learn more about your case.

Is Emotional Distress a Personal Injury

Emotional distress can take many forms in a personal injury case. There is no strict legal definition for emotional distress in Pennsylvania, as what qualifies as emotional distress can vary on a case-by-case basis. Generally, emotional distress consists of the mental trauma or psychological symptoms someone might experience in the aftermath of an accident. […]

What Do You Need to Get a PA Motorcycle License?

You must add a Class M endorsement to your driver’s license to legally operate a motorcycle in Pennsylvania. Luckily, the process of getting licensed is relatively straightforward.

Just make sure you follow the steps properly! If you operate a motorcycle without a license in Pennsylvania and you’re involved in a wreck, it could complicate how you pursue compensation. Regardless, if you are hurt in an accident someone else caused, contact our motorcycle accident lawyers at Munley Law to learn more about your legal rights.

Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your PA Motorcycle License

PA Motorcycle Permit

Obtaining a motorcycle license in Pennsylvania involves these steps:

Age Requirements
You must be at least 16 years old to get a Pennsylvania Class M motorcycle license. If you’re under 18, you must:

• Hold a motorcycle learner’s permit for at least 6 months
• Complete 65 hours of supervised practice riding

Required Documentation

• Proof of identity, […]

The Use of Medical Experts in Personal Injury Cases

Many forms of evidence and documentation can help you show you deserve compensation when filing a personal injury claim or lawsuit. Often, victims can strengthen their cases by coordinating with medical experts to provide testimony.

The specific way a medical professional can help with your case will depend on factors ranging from the severity of your injuries to whether you settle out-of-court or go to trial. Contact Munley Law today to learn more about how our network of medical experts can help when fighting for compensation in your personal injury case.

Why Medical Expert Testimony Is Critical to Your Case

The involvement of medical experts often determines whether a victim receives the full compensation they deserve for their injuries.

Depending on the circumstances, medical experts play many potential roles in personal injury cases. For instance, a medical expert may help build a personal injury case by testifying to the cause of a victim’s injuries. […]

How Long Does a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit Take?

How long does a medical malpractice claim take in Pennsylvania? It can take anywhere between 1-5 years to resolve, depending on the complexity of the case. After suffering serious injuries, this timeline can seem like an eternity. However, an experienced attorney at Munley Law will make you and your family their top priority.

At Munley, we equip our clients with as much information about their claim as possible. After all, knowledge equals power. We are going to do a deep dive into the details of a claim, which will help explain the process you’re going through.

If you have more questions and want to speak with an experienced medical malpractice lawyer who can guide you through your claim, call the Munley law firm. Our attorneys have been successfully litigating medical malpractice claims since 1959. We deeply understand the trauma and stress you and your family are facing. […]

What Is the Consumer Product Safety Commission?

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is a federal regulatory agency that protects consumers by establishing safety standards and taking corrective action when products pose an unreasonable risk to the public.

The CPSC’s rules help protect consumers, but accidents can still happen. If a product injured you, the company may have violated safety regulations.

Compensation may be available in these circumstances. Learn more by contacting our product liability team at Munley Law for a free consultation.

What Is CPSC?

The CPSC was established on October 24, 1972. Its umbrella statute is the Consumer Product Safety Act.

The overall purpose of the CPSC is to minimize injuries and illnesses to consumers resulting from the use of a dangerous consumer product. The CPSC achieves this goal in various ways. For example, it can establish safety standards for consumer products and take action against companies that fail to meet these standards. […]

Signs That a Patient Is Being Neglected in a Nursing Home

Nursing homes are tasked with keeping our loved ones safe, happy, and healthy. Unfortunately, nursing home neglect and abuse can and do happen.

You need to be on the lookout for signs of neglect (which can include emotional neglect) when visiting someone in a nursing home. You may have legal options if your loved one has been a victim of abuse or mistreatment at the hands of staff members. Contact our team at Munley Law for a free consultation on nursing home neglect and abuse cases.

Physical Signs of Nursing Home Neglect

Many signs of nursing home neglect manifest in someone’s physical condition. Consider these examples:

• Unexplained weight loss: Significant weight loss could indicate a nursing home resident isn’t being fed properly.
• Dehydration symptoms: Warning signs of dehydration in nursing home residents include confusion, […]

What Age Can a Child Ride on the Back of a Motorcycle in PA?

Is there a motorcycle passenger age limit in Pennsylvania? You may have questions about the minimum age for motorcycle passengers in the Commonwealth if you’ve been thinking about taking your child on the back of your bike.

How Old do You have to be to Drive a Motorcycle?

Pennsylvania’s motorcycle laws have little to say about the minimum legal age of motorcycle passengers. However, they address other critical safety issues.

At Munley Law, serving the area since 1959, we know obeying the law can’t always prevent harm. If you or your child has been hurt in a motorcycle accident, contact our Pennsylvania motorcycle accident attorneys for a free consultation.

Pennsylvania Law on Child Motorcycle Passengers

The Pennsylvania law addressing motorcycle passenger safety doesn’t establish a minimum age for passengers. This isn’t uncommon. Most states don’t have laws prohibiting motorcyclists from riding with child passengers as long as they abide by other applicable safety requirements. […]

Can You Sue a Car Manufacturer for a Car Crash?

If you’ve been involved in a car accident caused by a defective vehicle, you may be wondering if you can hold the manufacturer accountable. Product liability laws provide a legal pathway to pursue the compensation you deserve if the accident resulted from a defect in the vehicle’s design or manufacturing or failure to provide adequate warnings.

These cases can be complex, requiring thorough investigation and evidence to prove the manufacturer’s fault. Whether the defect involves faulty airbags, malfunctioning brakes, or a design flaw, understanding your legal options is essential. Speak with an experienced auto defect attorney at Munley Law to determine if you have a valid claim and explore your right to compensation.

Product Liability in Automotive Accidents

Manufacturer defects can cause automotive accidents. When that happens, the manufacturer may be held liable. Product liability claims allow individuals to seek compensation for injuries caused by such defects. […]

What Are Mansfield Bars on a Truck?

You’ve likely noticed steel bars marked with bright reflective tape hanging beneath semi-truck trailers when driving on American highways. These critical safety devices, known as Mansfield bars, have saved thousands of lives by preventing one of the most catastrophic types of accidents on our roads: underride collisions, in which passenger vehicles slide underneath commercial trucks during rear-end crashes.

While Mansfield bars provide essential protection, they aren’t foolproof. Their effectiveness depends on proper installation and maintenance. Over time, damage, rust, or poor upkeep can compromise their ability to protect motorists. Drivers play an important role in highway safety by reporting trucks with missing or damaged Mansfield bars, as these safety violations not only put lives at risk but can also be factors in accident liability cases.

The American Story Behind Mansfield Bars

The history of these safety devices is rooted in tragedy. […]

What Are the Chances of Dying in a Car Crash?

It is common knowledge that when you climb into a motor vehicle, there is a certain level of risk. Car accidents are, in fact, one of the leading causes of death in the United States. But what exactly are the chances of dying in a car crash?

The Statistical Reality of Fatal Car Accidents

Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death in the United States, taking the lives of over 100 people every day. There are critical factors that increase or decrease the risk of fatality in a car accident, such as the type of car crash, the kind of roadway and road conditions, the type of motor vehicle, the characteristics of the driver, and other factors. The statistical reality of fatal car accidents in the United States is as follows:

• Current fatality rates: In 2023, […]

Why Do Crowd Surges at Concerts Happen?

Crowd surges occur when large groups of people, typically in a confined space, move in the same direction. With such a mass of people moving at once, many can be injured or lose their lives in crushing accidents. Crowd surges have resulted in serious injury and death at concerts, sports venues, and other such environments.

Understanding crowd surges can help both attendees and organizers prevent dangerous situations. If you’re injured in a crowd surge, you may be entitled to compensation from those responsible. Contact Munley Law for a free consultation about your case.

The Science Behind Deadly Crowd Surges

A crowd surge usually requires two factors:

• A dense crowd, particularly if it’s packed into such a small space that crowd surging could make it difficult for members to move safely or even breathe
• A catalyst which can turn a dense but otherwise safe crowd into a hazard that results in death

An example of a catalyst is shouting “Fire” […]

6 High-Risk Jobs With Hidden Dangers

While injuries can happen to anyone, some jobs are far more dangerous than others. Employers are responsible for ensuring a safe workplace and offering fair compensation if something goes wrong. In many states, workers’ compensation laws allow employees to receive financial support for job-related injuries without having to prove that their employers were negligent, including coverage for medical expenses and lost income. Here, we take a look at six high-risk jobs with unexpected hazards.

Lesser-Known But Life-Threatening Occupations

Some jobs come with risks that aren’t immediately obvious, yet they carry life-threatening hazards. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported 5,486 total fatal work-related injuries across all sectors in 2022. Roadway incidents were the leading cause, with 1,369 fatalities — and other causes included falls, slips, trips, and homicides.

OSHA violations in these fields often involve inadequate safety protocols and poor hazard management. […]

The At Fault Driver Wants to Pay Out of Pocket. Should I Accept?

Medical bills. Repair costs. A painful recovery from your injuries.

These are just some of the potential consequences of a motor vehicle crash. If you’ve been injured in such a wreck, particularly one another negligent motorist caused, compensation may be available for your losses. The most common ways to recover it are to file an insurance claim or a lawsuit.

However, sometimes, the at-fault driver will offer cash immediately or shortly after an accident. Understanding the pros and cons of accepting a cash offer can help you better determine whether doing so is the best option now. For more information, contact Munley Law today and discuss your car accident case with a free consultation.

Understanding Out-of-Pocket Settlement Offers

There is no law in most other states requiring motorists to settle car accidents via traditional processes, […]