Due to COVID-19, most court functions in the state have been suspended. In addition, our office is working remotely. For assistance, please email esr@mmzlaw.com with your contact information and the legal matter you need help with and someone will be in touch. If you are seeking help regarding a Will, Financial, or Health Care Power of Attorney, every effort will be made to respond as quickly as possible.

What is a Hit and Run Car Accident?

side profile of a wrecked car after a hit and run accident

In a previous post here on the blog, we detailed the typical process for dealing with hit and run cases when victims are considering their options for pursuing civil action against a hit and run driver. That post covers the basics of what drivers on our Pennsylvania roadways should know—and do—if they become injured in a drunk driving accident or another type of crash in which a responsible party leaves the scene.

But what does the term “hit and run” actually mean? And how can you protect yourself and your loved ones from being left with astronomical medical bills and property damage perpetrated by a hit and run driver? Today’s post offers a little insight into just these questions.

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Our Top Tips on How to Hire a Lawyer

Prospective client meeting with a lawyer for the first time

Whether you’re working through estate administration for a friend or family member and have questions about probate, or you have been hurt in an accident or on the job and need assistance from an experienced personal injury attorney, hiring a lawyer can seem intimidating.

Typing “lawyers near me” into Google and calling the first law firm or solo practice attorney that pops up is risky, as you likely won’t know much about that lawyer’s expertise in the specific area of law you need. And, while most attorneys will be upfront with you about their legal specializations and types of cases they handle, there are some with little experience who may be less than transparent about their credentials.

Indeed, hiring a lawyer is a little bit like interviewing candidates for an essential job in your company. You want to choose a candidate who has the right experience and is an excellent fit for the job you’re offering. However, many people—unless they work in human resources or own their own business—have likely never conducted a hiring process.

That’s why today’s blog post offers some of our best tips on how to hire a lawyer.

Whether you decide to consult with one of our caring family law, estates and probate, or personal injury attorneys here at May, Herr & Grosh, or you go with another law firm, we want you to have confidence in the lawyer you ultimately hire so that your legal matter or case is handled with the proper care.

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Social Media as Evidence: What You Don’t Know Can Hurt You

Concept graphic related to social media and the law

Whether your court case relates to personal injury or a family law matter like divorce or custody, posting the wrong things on social media—even if your account isn’t fully viewable by just anyone—could negatively impact your case.

In an earlier blog post, we talked about how video footage from the scene of an accident or fall can make or break your personal injury case potentially based on mobile device footage taken by someone else. Social media posts made by other parties—or by you yourself—can be harmful, too, whether or not those posts contain video.

The fact is, social media posts on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and the like can be found by insurance companies and investigators—and manipulated during litigation and used as evidence against you. And you don’t necessarily need to be in a formal court trial for these posts to reflect poorly on you. Even the most experienced attorneys may not be able to help you prevail if you post certain things online that present you in a negative light to a judge or jury.

Today’s blog post focuses just a little bit more closely on how social media as evidence may be brought to bear in your legal case.

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Personal Injury Cases: Everything You Need to Know About Your PI Case

Unfortunately, accidents occur all the time, and often result in injury. Because of an accident, you might have to deal with large medical bills, lost wages from time off work, and other expenses. When your accident was caused by another party, you may be entitled to recourse and compensation through the law. That’s why personal … Read more

What Are the Benefits of Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer?

Depending on its severity, an event like a car accident or slip and fall can have a significant impact on your life. If you’ve never experienced something like this before, it can be difficult to know how to proceed.  In cases where you have been injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, the answer … Read more

What is the Process for Dealing with a Hit and Run Case?

Wrecked car along the side of the road following a hit and run.

Did you know that Pennsylvania stiffened penalties for hit and run drivers in September of 2012? For victims and their loved ones that may be seeking justice, this is great news. Of course, locating the guilty party in a hit and run traffic collision is not always an easy feat.

Additionally, just because a hit and run driver is facing criminal charges—as we’ve talked about in the past related to drunk drivers injuring innocent victims—it does not mean you will automatically receive compensation for your lost wages, out-of-pocket medical expenses, or pain and suffering. You will need to consult with a skilled personal injury attorney to determine your options for pursuing civil action against the hit and run driver.

The to-do actions in today’s post represent the typical process for hit and run cases. However, you should know that these do not represent a step-by-step ordered list. Every car accident case is unique, and if you have been injured in a traffic collision, getting medical treatment as soon as possible is your top priority. Seeking assistance from authorities like law enforcement, insurance companies, and personal injury lawyers is also key to your recovery from a hit and run car accident.

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What You Should Know About Premises Liability in Personal Injury Cases

Personal injury claim forms with a stethoscope

Our recent blog post answering the most frequently asked questions about slip and fall cases introduced the legal concept of premises liability. It’s true that if you have experienced a slip and fall injury, premises liability will likely come into play in your personal injury case. 

But, what other types of incidents beyond slip and fall injuries could potentially constitute a premises liability claim? And, who can be held responsible for a victim’s personal injury or wrongful death in those premises liability claims?

Today’s post addresses these questions and demonstrates again the crucial point of ensuring that you contact an experienced personal injury attorney for guidance when you have been injured on someone else’s property.

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Answers to 6 Common Slip and Fall FAQs

man after falling on steps

A little while ago, we shared a blog post covering the basics of what most people should know about personal injury law. In that article, we introduced so-called “slip and fall” cases, which are more officially known in the legal world as premises liability cases.

It’s true that slip and fall cases don’t necessarily involve anyone actually slipping and falling, which is why personal injury lawyers prefer the technical name. However, no matter the term you prefer, if you have been injured by a dangerous property condition—trip hazards, a slippery substance on a floor, malfunctioning elevators and escalators, even inadequate lighting or security that leads to a criminal attack—you may be able to recover compensation from the property owner or another responsible party.

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What is Wrongful Death, And How Do I File a Case?

Wrongful death concept image with stethoscope and law book

Unlike most legal language, the term “wrongful death” is a relatively uncomplicated description for situations in which a person or people have died due to someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing. However, determining whether you have a wrongful death case can be complicated, requiring assistance from an experienced personal injury attorney.

When you have lost a loved one due to wrongful death, you need to consider bringing a personal injury civil action against the person or company responsible. This is your right under personal injury or “tort” law, which allows you to seek compensation for your immense loss unrelated to any criminal charges that might have been filed against the wrongdoer.

Of course, there are a few more things to know about how wrongful death lawsuits work. That’s where today’s post comes in. We’re answering a few big questions our prospective clients often have in the aftermath of a tragic loss of a loved one while they try to determine what’s next.

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Nursing Home Neglect: What Are Victims’ and Loved Ones’ Options?

Senior in wheelchair sitting by window

It’s a sad truth—nursing home neglect is far more common than the headlines about the worst abuse cases and tragedies would have us believe. The National Council on Aging estimates that 1 in 10 Americans who are age 60 and over have experienced some form of abuse, such as negligent nursing care, but only 1 in every 14 cases ever gets reported.

And there are many seemingly small infractions that you may not have even considered—a missed meal here or there, minor falls, a medication mistake once in a while—which can constitute nursing home negligence. These little problems and other under-the-radar abuses tend to build up and should not be ignored by loved ones of individuals living in nursing homes, assisted living/personal care facilities, and larger retirement communities.

Today’s post takes a closer look at what friends and family of nursing home residents—as well as residents themselves—should be concerned about within long-term care environments.

We’ll touch on a few things to be paying attention for that could signal neglect and abuse of a care facility resident. Additionally, we’ll tell you what to do to in response. Even if you’re not entirely sure whether something is wrong, it is wise to be overly cautious and ensure that your or your loved one’s nursing facility is following the law. One of your best resources for doing so are highly experienced personal injury attorneys.

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