What is a Statute of Limitations?
A Statute of Limitations is a law that dictates the timeframe in which a legal action must be pursued. As described by Cornell Law School’s Legal Information Institute, a statute of limitations is a law that “bars claims after a certain period of time passes after an injury.” After the time period dictated by a statute of limitations has passed, and no legal action has been taken following an injury or offense, no future legal action can be pursued.
The length of a statute of limitations varies by jurisdiction and claim. In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations is two years for personal injury cases, unless the injury happened to someone who was then a minor. In that case, they would have up to two years after their 18th birthday to file a claim. The beginning of the time period in a statute of limitations in a personal injury case typically begins at the discovery of the injury. When the specified time period has passed, cases are almost always dismissed.
Statutes of limitations are meant to encourage timely action by plaintiffs. This keeps potential evidence reliable, and protects defendants from being subjected to unfair proceedings. Statutes of limitations are relevant for both civil and criminal law.
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What Does a Wrongful Death Lawyer Do?
When faced with the tragic loss of a loved one due to someone else’s negligence or wrongful actions, understanding how a wrongful death lawyer can help becomes essential. These legal professionals specialize in wrongful death claims, guiding families through the legal process while advocating for their rights.
A wrongful death attorney helps families file their claims and build strong cases. They work diligently to gather evidence and establish who was at fault. They also fight to secure fair compensation for the family’s devastating losses. The process involves a thorough investigation of the death. They often bring in expert witnesses to strengthen the case. Throughout the process, they handle all negotiations with insurance companies.
Each element plays a vital role in building a compelling case to, ultimately, hold the responsible parties accountable. With a focus on both legal expertise and compassionate support, […]
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Who Gets the Money in a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
If you have recently lost a loved one in a tragic accident, you may be wondering how a wrongful death claim works and who gets the money. Wrongful death settlements are paid to the family members following a victim’s death due to someone else’s negligence. When an immediate family member, like a parent or spouse, dies, there is a huge financial and emotional impact. Wrongful death suits work to provide financial support to those who were dependent on the decedent.
Understanding Wrongful Death Lawsuits
Wrongful death claims are a type of civil lawsuit where a deceased person’s surviving family members can recover damages if their loved one’s death was the result of another person’s wrongful act, neglect, unlawful violence, or negligence. While the most common wrongful death lawsuits are related to car accidents and motorcycle accidents, many other fatal accidents are appropriate for this type of lawsuit, […]
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What Is a Catastrophic Injury?
A catastrophic injury can dramatically transform a person’s life in an instant. If you’ve sustained a catastrophic injury because someone else was negligent, you may deserve compensation for the long-term losses and difficulties resulting from your injuries.
First, it’s important to understand what such injuries are and how they can affect your life. If you’ve suffered a catastrophic injury due to another’s negligence, contact the catastrophic injury lawyers at Munley Law today for a free consultation.
Defining Catastrophic Injuries
What is a catastrophic injury? To some extent, that can depend on your location. Different jurisdictions have different legal definitions for catastrophic injuries. In some states, like Pennsylvania, there is no statute specifically defining these types of severe injuries.
Regardless, it’s possible to arrive at a definition of a catastrophic injury by highlighting the ways it may differ from another type of personal injury. […]
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What Is the Average Payout in a Wrongful Death Settlement?
A loved one’s untimely passing is always a painful experience. If your loved one passed because someone else was negligent, while nothing can bring them back, it’s important to understand that compensation may be available for various losses associated with their death.
Filing a wrongful death lawsuit allows surviving loved ones of a wrongful death victim to seek compensation for everything from
the direct financial losses of death to the emotional distress that might be more difficult to quantify after a tragic loss.
There is no standardized or officially tracked average payout for wrongful death settlements, as each case is uniquely influenced by factors such as the deceased’s age, income, future earning potential, and the circumstances of their death. Wrongful death settlements can vary dramatically based on multiple variables, including the jurisdiction’s laws, the severity of negligence involved, and whether the case involves auto accidents, […]
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Chances of Winning a Wrongful Death Settlement
The sudden loss of a loved one can be emotionally and financially devastating, making a wrongful death lawsuit a viable option for many families. Understanding the legal process and the factors that can affect the chances of winning is crucial before proceeding with a claim.
Understanding the Chances of Winning a Wrongful Death Settlement
Many plaintiffs find that, depending on the circumstances of their case, there is a high likelihood that they will reach a settlement. Several factors can influence the chances of success in a wrongful death claim, including the strength of the evidence, the clarity of liability, and the presence of any contributing negligence. Additionally, the experience of your legal representation can significantly impact the outcome. Recent data indicates a more favorable outcomes for plaintiffs in wrongful death lawsuits in Pennsylvania. […]
