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

August 12, 2021July 30, 2020

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.

What are the Advantages of Hiring a Guardianship Attorney?

August 2, 2021July 1, 2020

If you are thinking about seeking guardianship for a loved one in Pennsylvania, it is often an emotionally fraught situation. Sadly, minor children may need legal guardians because their biological parents have passed away suddenly or they are unable to care for them. Accidents and illnesses often lead previously capable adults—who never thought to put a power of attorney (POA) designation in place previously—needing someone else to handle their affairs.

Are you looking to become a guardian for a minor child who needs someone to assume duties of a natural parent, or do you have an adult family member who is no longer capable of managing their own affairs and who did not create a power of attorney? You will likely need professional, caring guidance to help you sort through the details and help you face your hearing in Orphans’ Court.

There is no reason you should attempt to handle guardianship concerns—under any circumstances—without guidance from an experienced guardianship attorney. Today’s blog post highlights three of the biggest reasons why.

What You Should Know About Premises Liability in Personal Injury Cases

August 12, 2021May 26, 2020

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.

Don’t Forget the Tax Man During Pennsylvania Estate Administration

August 12, 2021May 4, 2020

As the executor or administrator of a decedent’s estate, your fiduciary relationship to the estate places a lot of responsibility squarely on your shoulders. An executor must make critical decisions for the estate and the beneficiaries in keeping with the law. Filing paperwork in a timely fashion and fulfilling financial and legal obligations are the name of the game when it comes to estate administration, and this includes timely tax filings and payments.

Don’t forget the tax man. Between death taxes on asset values and fiduciary income taxes on the estate’s income, your head might be spinning. There are filing deadlines and tax payments that must be made, and failure to meet these deadlines can be costly, opening up the executor or administrator to penalties and interest.

Today’s post gives you some insight into making sure you are considering all the tax work as you are following the probate process and administering the estate. We want you to realize that you do not have to go it alone.

Answers to 6 Common Slip and Fall FAQs

August 12, 2021April 10, 2020

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.

How to Prevail in a Custody Battle (Plus What Not to Do)

August 27, 2024March 12, 2020

Concept image with paper doll family approaching child custody topic

While accomplishing your goal of winning primary custody of your children or grandchildren in a custody battle can be extremely challenging, there are many “to-dos” that can help your chances. Similarly, there are several big “don’ts” you must abide by, as well.

Today’s post shares a few of the best things you can do to help yourself in a contentious custody case, whether that case is part of divorce proceedings or another family issue. Number one on that list? Work with a caring, compassionate, and experienced attorney who is well-versed in family law, from custody issues to guardianship of minor children.

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

August 12, 2021January 31, 2020

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.

6 of Your Biggest Questions About Drunk Driving Accidents

September 28, 2022November 19, 2019

Responsible driver stopping a friend from drunk driving

Because we spend so much time in our vehicles—commuting, driving kids to school and activities, traveling to visit friends and family members—one of the most common ways people are seriously injured today is in car accidents. While crashes less frequently involve drunk driving now than they did many years ago—thanks to tougher penalties for DUI (driving under the influence of alcohol or other substances) and overall better education about why it’s a bad idea to drink and drive—drunk driving accidents are still unfortunately common.

Today’s blog post answers some of the major questions that people have about drunk driving accidents, including how to protect themselves from becoming a victim in one of these tragic personal injury or wrongful death incidents. However, if you’ve already been involved in a drunk driving accident, we have essential advice for you, too. Read on for more.

What is Probate When It Comes to Estate Planning

August 12, 2021November 1, 2019

Your Complete Guide to Estate Planning – CHAPTER 7

As we’ve established throughout earlier chapters in our Complete Guide to Estate Planning, the prospect of probating a friend or family member’s estate can be scary.

There are many steps involved in opening probate, determining whether you’ll be required to undertake the formal process (versus Pennsylvania’s simplified probate process for estates with assets totaling less than $50,000), and then moving through the appropriate version of the process itself.

Very complex estates may remain in probate for years. And while the good news is that these situations tend to be few and far between, taking a DIY approach to probating an estate of any size is not often a good idea. You can save yourself frustration and time by consulting with an experienced probate and estates attorney.

Our previous blog post outlining the phases of probate in Pennsylvania—and what you can expect as you move through this legal process—is a must-read if you’ve recently been placed in a fiduciary role as a personal representative for a friend or family member’s estate.

But how do you make even a lengthy probate process as painless as possible? Today’s post offers a few important steps you can take to survive probate with minimal frustration.

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

August 12, 2021October 9, 2019

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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Your Complete Guide to Estate Planning – CHAPTER 7

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