Westmoreland Injury Lawyers Blog

Why Is Medical Malpractice Handled as a Civil and Not a Criminal Case?

Medical problems can disrupt your life and leave you feeling overwhelmed and helpless. Dealing with a medical malpractice case on top of trying to heal can be difficult. Medical malpractice is any type of medical negligence that directly endangers the health or safety of the patient. More medical malpractice cases happen each day than you might realize. Data collected by Johns Hopkins University suggests that more than 250,000 people die each year from medical errors and negligence, which makes medical malpractice the third leading cause of death in the United States.

Handling a medical malpractice problem while recovering is stressful, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Experienced malpractice lawyers can help with your case, ensuring you get the justice you deserve and the peace you need to heal.

A Wrongful Death Claim: What is it and How Do I Know If I Have a Case?

The unexpected loss of a loved one is one of the most heart-wrenching experiences anyone can endure. The grief and sorrow accompanying such a loss can be overwhelming, affecting every aspect of life. When that loss is due to someone else’s negligence or intentional wrongdoing, the pain is often compounded by profound feelings of anger and injustice. The thought that the death could have been prevented can create an unbearable emotional burden. In these circumstances, a wrongful death claim can offer a path to seeking justice and compensation for the loss. This legal avenue not only aims to hold the responsible parties accountable but also provides a means for the surviving family members to cope with the financial and emotional fallout, including medical bills, funeral expenses, lost future income, and the loss of companionship and support.

Navigating the legal landscape of wrongful death claims can be incredibly complex, involving intricate legal procedures and detailed evidence gathering. It requires a thorough understanding of state-specific laws, which dictate who can bring the claim, the types of damages that can be recovered, and the time frame within which the claim must be filed. For families grappling with the aftermath of such a tragic loss, a wrongful death claim can provide some measure of relief during an unimaginably difficult time. By engaging the services of experienced wrongful death lawyers, families can navigate this challenging process with the support and expertise needed to build a strong case, secure the compensation they deserve, and achieve a sense of closure.

5 Most Common FAQs About Fender Benders in PA and What You Should Do

When you’re involved in a fender bender, it can be a stressful and confusing experience. Even minor car accidents can lead to significant pain and disruption. Luckily, experienced personal injury attorneys hear many of the same questions about this type of accident and are here to guide you through auto accidents involving anything from distracted driving to poor road design that creates dangerous conditions for drivers. Read on for answers to your most pressing FAQS about fender benders and motor vehicles. Don’t hesitate to contact us for a comprehensive legal review of your car accident details.

Full vs. Limited Tort in PA & What To Know About This Car Insurance

Imagine driving to work one morning when, out of nowhere, another vehicle collides with yours in a car accident. You’re startled, and your car has sustained considerable damage. Thankfully, you’re okay except for a few minor cuts and bruises. As you exchange insurance information with the other driver, you realize you’re unsure of the nature of your car insurance – specifically, whether you have car insurance that includes full or limited tort in PA.

It is essential to know what kind of insurance you have, as your car insurance determines your rights to compensation for the auto accident. With full tort, you can make a claim for pain and suffering without any limitations, but with limited tort, you might only have this right if there’s a very serious injury. It’s a moment of uncertainty that emphasizes how crucial it is to understand the details of your insurance policy before anything happens.

Understanding the distinctions between full and limited tort coverage in car insurance is essential. You should know what both full and limited tort coverage entail, the advantages and disadvantages of each option, and how to decide on the best tort insurance for your family in Pennsylvania. Choosing between full tort and limited tort insurance coverage can significantly impact your compensation rights in the event of an auto accident.

5 Things You Need to Do Right After A Slip and Fall Injury

Highlights

Make sure to seek immediate medical attention to address any injuries sustained from the slip and fall incident.
Report the accident to the property owner, manager, or landlord, and ensure that an incident report is filed to document the details of the incident.
Document everything related to the accident, including taking photos of the scene, gathering witness information, and keeping track of medical records.
Consider consulting with a personal injury lawyer specialized in slip and fall cases to understand your legal options and navigate the claims process effectively.
Protect your legal rights by refraining from discussing the accident details without proper legal representation to ensure fair compensation for your losses.

What is Tort Law, and How Can Tort Lawyers in Greensburg, PA, Help You?

Are you dealing with an accident that caused significant property damage or physical injury, leaving you feeling too drained and helpless to understand what your insurance companies mean by “tort law”? Have you heard this terminology regarding a wrongful death claim but are unsure what that means? If you have these or any other tort law questions, you need help from the expert tort lawyers in Greensburg, PA, at Westmoreland Injury Lawyers. Our injury attorneys are well-versed in handling cases in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, and offer you the legal support you need. Whether you’re dealing with an injury case or seeking a personal injury lawyer, our injury lawyers provide a free consultation to guide you through the complexities of the legal system in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Types of Common Work Restrictions That Can Happen After a Work Injury

Highlights

Understanding the purpose and scope of work restrictions after a work injury
Exploring how medical professionals determine and impose work restrictions
The critical interaction between work restrictions and workers’ compensation benefits
Navigating the implications of permanent work restrictions on employment
Legal obligations of employers to accommodate work restrictions and potential consequences of non-compliance
The pivotal role of Independent Medical Examination (IME) doctors in assessing work injuries and recommending restrictions
Highlighting the importance of compliance with work restrictions for a safe and effective recovery

What Are the Qualifications for Short-Term Disability in PA?

Highlights:

Short-term disability is a financial safety net for individuals temporarily unable to work, aiming to partially replace lost income during medical incapacitation.
Eligibility criteria include types of employment, adherence to insurance policy conditions, and documentation of a medical condition that affects work capability.
A broad spectrum of conditions may qualify, from physical and mental impairments to chronic pain and serious injuries, and how insurers or SSDI assesses them.
Explore the complex relationship between workers’ compensation, SSDI, and short-term disability in Pennsylvania and how these benefits influence each other.
There are expectations around financial assistance, including benefit amounts, waiting periods before benefits start, and coverage duration, with strategies to prepare for reduced income.
Preparation involves understanding policy specifics, creating a budget for reduced income periods, and exploring state-specific supplements to manage finances effectively during disability.

Staying Safe: Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bites in PA

Imagine you’re taking a peaceful stroll in a neighborhood park, soaking in the beauty of nature. Suddenly, a dog breaks free from its owner and comes charging at you out of the blue. You try to stay calm and not escalate things, but it ends up biting your leg, causing pain and a bit of panic. This unexpected situation leaves you with physical injuries and many questions on how to proceed.

How do you proceed? Are you or the owner liable for the attack? Who will pay for your medical costs? These are all reasonable questions to have after being bitten by a dog. However, to make sure you are physically and legally safe after a dog bite, it is important to arm yourself with the knowledge you need to understand what you should do after a severe injury from a dog bite.

In this blog post, we will discuss the most frequently asked questions about dog bites in PA, dog bite liability laws, and other questions you may have about being a dog bite victim. In addition to questions about Pennsylvania dog bite laws, we’ll also discuss liability, if you need to call your insurance company, and how to document medical treatment after being bitten by a dangerous dog.

Highlights:

In Pennsylvania, dog bite incidents are governed by a mix of state laws and local regulations
The Commonwealth’s law holds dog owners accountable for damages if their dog injures someone, regardless of the animal’s past behavior or the owner’s knowledge
The “one-bite” rule is not applicable in Pennsylvania
In cases where a dog has shown previous aggression or the dog’s dangerous propensities have been officially labeled dangerous, owners may face stricter penalties
If bitten, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention and report the incident to the appropriate authorities

Frequently Asked Questions About Light Work Duty After A Workplace Injury

Highlights:

Light duty is a temporary change in job duties following a work injury, involving fewer demanding tasks and possibly fewer hours to accommodate the employee’s recovery.
Modified duty alters your existing job to fit physical limitations, while light duty assigns new, less demanding tasks that align with medical restrictions.
It’s a short-term solution where injured workers can perform tasks within their medical limitations, sometimes including workers’ compensation benefits.
May include administrative tasks such as filing or data entry, and could permit working from home.
The pay might be less due to reduced tasks and hours, but partial workers’ compensation benefits could cover wage losses.
Light duty is active employment, not counted as lost time, thus not affecting workers’ compensation lost time cases.