A serious injury can change your entire life in the blink of an eye. Suddenly, you have significant medical expenses, property repairs and other costs that can be impossible to pay while you are missing work. On top of that, the physical pain and emotional trauma of an accident may leave you uncertain of where to turn. And when a personal injury happens because of the negligence or reckless actions of another party, victims deserve to receive just compensation. Unfortunately, it is usually not easy to recover full and fair compensation when someone suffers an injury that someone else caused or contributed to. Normally, you will be dealing with an insurance company who will do whatever they can to minimize the amount they pay out to claimants. For this reason, you need strong legal counsel by your side fighting hard to protect your legal rights and interests. At Caroselli, Beachler & Coleman, L.L.C., in Pittsburgh, we are here to help. We have in-depth experience handling many types of injuries, ranging from soft tissue injuries in motor vehicle accidents to devastating disfigurement to wrongful death. Our lawyers have extensive knowledge of personal injury law, and we have a successful track record with even the most complex cases. We routinely go up against well-funded adversaries such as large corporations and their insurers, and we are not intimidated by their vast resources. We are skilled litigators and strong negotiators. In many cases, it is in our client’s best interests to secure a settlement that fairly compensates them for their injuries without the need for litigation. That being said, if the other side is not willing to negotiate in good faith, we are ready and able to pursue full damages at trial and upon appeal. A life-altering event can occur in an instant. A serious injury, unexpected and brutal, has the power to shatter the normalcy of life, plunging individuals and their families into a vortex of pain, uncertainty, and financial strain. One moment, life is proceeding as planned; the next, you’re facing overwhelming medical bills, the need for property repairs, and a sudden inability to work, all while grappling with intense physical pain and emotional trauma. When this devastating turn of events is the result of another party’s negligence or reckless actions, the concept of justice demands that victims receive fair and just compensation. Unfortunately, the path to recovering full and fair compensation after a personal injury is rarely straightforward. More often than not, victims find themselves up against formidable opponents: insurance companies. These entities, driven by profit motives, employ vast resources and sophisticated strategies to minimize payouts to claimants. Their adjusters and legal teams are skilled at devaluing claims, shifting blame, and exploiting any misstep made by the injured party. This inherent imbalance of power highlights the critical need for strong legal counsel. Without an experienced advocate by your side, fighting to protect your legal rights and interests, the chances of securing the compensation you truly deserve diminish significantly. At Caroselli, Beachler & Coleman, L.L.C., located in Pittsburgh, we understand the immense challenges faced by injury victims. We are dedicated to providing the steadfast legal support necessary to navigate these complex waters. We handle a wide spectrum of injury cases, from relatively common soft tissue injuries sustained in motor vehicle accidents to truly devastating disfigurement and the profound tragedy of wrongful death. We are not simply familiar with the statutes and precedents; we understand the nuances of personal injury law, the necessary strategies, and the intricate details that can make or break a case. This deep understanding, coupled with a successful track record, enables us to tackle even the most complex cases with confidence and competence. We pride ourselves on achieving favorable outcomes for our clients, often in situations where other firms might hesitate. We routinely confront well-funded adversaries, including large corporations and their powerful insurers. We are not intimidated by their vast resources or their aggressive tactics. Our litigators are skilled and tenacious, prepared to fight vigorously on behalf of our clients. We are also strong negotiators, recognizing that in many instances, securing a fair settlement without the need for prolonged litigation is in our client’s best interests. This approach allows victims to receive compensation more quickly, reducing the prolonged stress and uncertainty that often accompany legal battles. However, our commitment to our clients extends beyond the negotiation table. If the opposing party is unwilling to negotiate in good faith and offer an equitable settlement, we are ready and able to pursue full damages at trial and upon appeal. Our litigation team is adept at presenting compelling arguments, cross-examining witnesses, and effectively advocating for our clients in the courtroom. We understand that some cases demand a trial to achieve justice, and we are fully prepared to go the distance. The scope of personal injury cases we handle is broad, reflecting the myriad ways individuals can suffer harm due to another’s negligence. Our expertise includes, but is not limited to, the following critical areas: A serious injury case stands apart from a “standard” accident claim due to its profound and lasting impact. These are not cases where a minor inconvenience is remedied with a quick fix. Instead, the injuries sustained are often permanent and debilitating, fundamentally altering the trajectory of the victim’s life. They can involve: These types of injuries don’t just affect the individual; they ripple outward, impacting family members who become caregivers, sacrificing their own careers and well-being. The financial implications are staggering, encompassing not only immediate medical costs but also future medical care, rehabilitation, adaptive equipment, home modifications, lost earning capacity, and pain and suffering that can endure for a lifetime. Given the immense complexities involved in these cases, it is critically important to work with lawyers who deeply understand how to: At Caroselli, Beachler & Coleman, L.L.C., we possess this specialized understanding and the dedication to handle these profoundly impactful cases with the sensitivity and expertise they demand. We are committed to securing not just a settlement, but a future for our clients. If you or a loved one has suffered a serious injury due to another’s negligence, the path forward can seem daunting. The physical pain, emotional distress, and financial burdens are immense. However, you do not have to face these challenges alone. Seeking legal guidance early can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Our firm is prepared to offer you the skilled, compassionate, and unwavering representation you deserve. We are here to help you navigate the legal complexities, fight for your rights, and pursue the just compensation that can help you rebuild your life. When someone suffers an injury that was the fault of another person or party, they are eligible for damages to compensate them for their losses. Compensatory damages can be divided into two general categories: In rarer cases in which the actions of the party responsible for the injury were willful, malicious, fraudulent, or grossly negligent, punitive damages may be awarded. Also known as exemplary damages, punitive damages are not meant to compensate the victim, but rather to punish the wrongdoer and help discourage them (and others) from committing similarly egregious actions in the future. In a personal injury claim in which the injured party is partially at fault, Pennsylvania’s modified comparative negligence laws would come into play. An injury victim can still recover damages in Pennsylvania even if they share some of the blame for the underlying accident, as long as they are not more than 50% at fault. If an injured party is 51% or more at fault, they can be barred from recovering any compensation at all. It is important to note that, even though you can still receive compensation if you are partially to blame, your damage award would be reduced in proportion with the percentage of fault you share in the underlying accident or event. For example, if your total losses equaled $200,000 and you are determined to be 20% at fault, your damages would be reduced by $40,000, giving you a total of $160,000. You can be certain that the insurance company for the responsible party will look for any reason they can find to pin some of the blame for your injury on you, so they can reduce the amount of damages they have to pay. This is another reason why it is so important to work with strong legal counsel and to get attorneys involved as early as possible in the process. Otherwise, your right to recover full compensation may be jeopardized. Here are some things you should consider before you hire a personal injury attorney: Choosing an attorney who has experience handling cases similar to yours is essential. There may be plenty of attorneys willing to take your case. An experienced attorney will be able to properly analyze your case and provide reliable advice to help you receive a fair settlement. During your initial consultation with an attorney, you will want to ask how long the attorney has been practicing, how long has their firm been in existence and what experience do they have with the type of case that you have, as well as the courts and judges in the local area where your case will be heard. Most personal injury attorneys represent injured parties on a contingent-fee basis. This means that they do not get paid unless they are successful in pursuing your case and you receive compensation. Pursuing a personal injury case will also require costs to be incurred during the litigation of the case. These costs can include fees your medical providers charge for your records and reports, court filing fees, expert witness fees and investigation costs. These costs are generally paid by the attorney, and you should only have to repay them if at the end of the case you receive money through a settlement or an award. It is important for you to understand how the fees and costs involved in your case will be handled before you hire an attorney. There should be no confusion about the fees and costs. The attorney should be willing to take the time to explain the specifics of their fee agreement and answer any questions you have. Personal injury is a large practice area, and there are many types of cases that will be considered “personal injury cases”. Some areas of personal injury are unique and require extra knowledge and expertise. Understand what type of case you have so you can find an attorney who specializes and has experience in cases similar to yours. You should ask the attorney how many cases they have handled that are of a similar nature to your case. Cases involving local or state entities have special 6 month notice requirements. Health insurance plans have a right to be reimbursed the amount of medical expenses paid on your behalf from your settlement and must be part of your case in some types of personal injury cases but not others. Not all personal injury cases are the same and it is important to hire an attorney who has handled similar types of cases in the past. Personal injury cases do not resolve overnight. You may be hoping for a large sum of money paid to you quickly. Unfortunately, personal injury cases take time, and that means that you will be dealing with the attorney and law firm you hire for an extended period of time. It will be important for you hire an attorney who places priority on communicating with you. During your initial conversation with an attorney, you should ask how often you can expect updates on your case; whether the attorney would be willing to communicate with you by email as well as over the phone and whether the attorney has a legal assistant or paralegal to assist you with questions if they are not available. It is very important to have a level of trust and confidence in the attorney that you hire as you will be relying on their advice and recommendations throughout the course of your case. A law firm’s size, experience and connections with doctors and medical experts relevant to your case are important factors to consider. Certain types of personal injury cases are very costly to litigate and involve considerable amounts of time devoted to reviewing records and taking depositions. You will want to ensure that the attorney and law firm who you hire have the resources to afford to litigate your case and the staff necessary to effectively engage in the litigation process. It’s crucial to understand that a personal injury lawyer serves as your advocate, protecting your rights and ensuring you receive fair compensation. Here are several key scenarios where contacting a personal injury attorney is highly advisable, if not essential. One of the most compelling reasons to contact a personal injury attorney is if you’ve suffered severe injuries that significantly impact your life. This includes injuries that prevent you from engaging in your regular activities, whether for a short period or, more critically, for the long term. Such injuries often require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and may even lead to permanent disability or disfigurement. The primary benefit of having an attorney in this situation is the ability to focus on your recovery. Dealing with insurance companies, gathering documents, and understanding legal jargon can be incredibly stressful. When you’re in pain and trying to heal, this added burden is precisely what you don’t need. A lawyer can take on these responsibilities, allowing you to prioritize your health and well-being. Furthermore, severe injuries often lead to substantial financial losses. These can include current and future medical expenses, lost wages (both past and future), and the costs associated with necessary modifications to your home or vehicle. Beyond these economic damages, you are also entitled to compensation for noneconomic losses, which are often much harder to quantify but equally significant. These include: Insurance companies, driven by their bottom line, will almost certainly try to minimize the value of these noneconomic losses. They may offer a lowball settlement that doesn’t adequately account for your suffering or the long-term impact on your life. A personal injury attorney understands how to accurately assess the full value of both economic and noneconomic damages. They have a deep understanding of how these claims are valued and are strong in negotiating with insurance company representatives. They know the tactics insurers use to undervalue claims and are prepared to counter them effectively, ensuring you receive a fair valuation for your profound losses. Their knowledge can mean the difference between a paltry sum and a truly just settlement that covers all your damages, both tangible and intangible. Not all accidents have clear-cut liability. Sometimes, it’s genuinely difficult to ascertain who was primarily responsible. In such situations, the question of fault becomes a central and often contentious issue. If there’s any dispute over who was at fault for the accident, obtaining strong legal counsel is absolutely essential. When liability is unclear, you will likely encounter comparative negligence laws. These laws vary significantly from state to state and dictate how damages are awarded when multiple parties share some degree of fault for an accident. For example, in Pennsylvania, you are generally only entitled to damages if you are less than 51% at fault for the underlying accident. This means if a jury determines you were 51% or more responsible for the accident, you could be barred from recovering any compensation. Other states may follow pure comparative negligence, allowing recovery even if you are mostly at fault, but your compensation would be reduced by your percentage of fault. Determining fault often involves a thorough investigation of the accident scene, eyewitness testimonies, accident reconstruction, and analysis of various pieces of evidence such as police reports, traffic camera footage, and vehicle damage. Insurance companies, again, will likely try to shift as much blame as possible onto you, as this directly reduces the amount they have to pay out. A personal injury attorney will tirelessly work to investigate the accident and gather evidence that clearly demonstrates the other party’s fault. They can: Their goal is to ensure that liability is assigned fairly and accurately, positioning you to recover the maximum compensation allowed under your state’s comparative negligence laws. Without an attorney, you might find yourself struggling to prove your innocence or facing a significant reduction in your potential settlement due to an unfair allocation of fault. Accidents can sometimes involve more than just two vehicles or individuals. Imagine a multi-car pile-up on a busy highway, or an accident involving a commercial truck. In these scenarios, there can be multiple potentially at-fault parties, and often, several injured parties as well. This complexity introduces unique challenges and opportunities that necessitate legal help. Two primary issues arise in such situations: Identifying all potentially liable parties is crucial because it broadens the scope of available insurance coverage, increasing your chances of full compensation. Without legal guidance, you might only pursue a claim against one obvious party, missing out on other significant sources of recovery. Given these additional complications, having a personal injury lawyer working on your behalf becomes indispensable. Your attorney will: Their knowledge in untangling complex liability scenarios and advocating effectively in a competitive environment ensures you receive the compensation you deserve, even when the pot of money is finite and multiple hands are reaching into it. It’s a common misconception that insurance companies are there to help you. While they provide a vital service, their core business objective is to minimize payouts on claims. This means that, no matter how friendly or empathetic an insurance adjuster may seem, their interests are fundamentally not aligned with yours. This inherent conflict can lead to a host of problems if you choose to handle your accident injury claim on your own. One of the most frequent issues is the insurance company presenting an unacceptable settlement offer. They might assert that this “final” offer is all your claim is worth, often implying that you have no recourse for a better outcome. If you are handling the claim independently, without legal representation, you effectively pose no credible threat of taking them to court. Why? Because litigation is complex, expensive, and time-consuming, and an individual without legal training and resources is rarely equipped to pursue a lawsuit effectively. Recognizing this, the insurance company has little incentive to improve their offer. They know you’re unlikely to challenge them in court, so they can dictate terms that heavily favor their financial interests. Unfair treatment can manifest in other ways too: When you have a personal injury lawyer representing you, the dynamic completely changes. The insurance company knows that an attorney has the knowledge, resources, and willingness to pursue litigation if a fair settlement isn’t reached. This credible threat alone often compels them to engage in more serious and reasonable negotiations. Your lawyer acts as a buffer, handling all communications and protecting you from manipulative tactics. They ensure that all offers are thoroughly evaluated and that you are not pressured into accepting less than you deserve. Hiring a personal injury lawyer significantly enhances your position to recover maximum compensation for your injuries. They bring a unique blend of legal knowledge, negotiation skills, and a deep understanding of the personal injury landscape. Here’s how they achieve better outcomes: It is never anyone’s first choice, but sometimes it is a necessary step to compel the defendant to pay you the compensation that you are legitimately owed. The mere prospect of going to trial can be a powerful motivator for insurance companies and defendants. In many instances, the credible threat that the defendant might lose in court—facing a potentially higher jury award, significant legal fees, and negative publicity—is enough to bring them back to the negotiation table with a much more reasonable offer. Your attorney’s readiness to litigate demonstrates their commitment to your case and forces the opposing side to take your claim seriously, often leading to a favorable settlement without the need for a protracted trial. While every personal injury case is unique, and specific outcomes can never be guaranteed, the data overwhelmingly indicates that claimants who have legal representation generally fare significantly better than those who attempt to handle their claims independently. This isn’t merely anecdotal; it’s supported by reputable surveys and studies. A compelling illustration of this comes from a survey of readers conducted by NOLO, a well-known online legal directory and publisher of self-help legal books. The findings from their survey provide a clear statistical picture of the advantages of legal representation: These statistics underscore a crucial point: the knowledge, negotiation skills, investigative resources, and willingness to litigate that a personal injury attorney brings to the table are incredibly valuable. They don’t just help you navigate a complex process; they actively increase the financial outcome of your claim, often by a substantial margin, making their services a wise investment in your recovery and future well-being. When the lawyers at Caroselli, Beachler & Coleman, L.L.C. handle your personal injury case, you can expect that we will schedule your free and confidential consultation in a place that is convenient for you — whether that be your house, your office, your hospital room or your union hall. During our first meeting, our Pittsburgh personal injury attorneys will collect the necessary information about you, your injuries and the facts surrounding your injury. Our attorneys are also there to answer your questions. Many people want to know how long it will take to go through the legal system. While it is impossible to predict the future, we can help you develop an accurate idea of what to expect. When we take your case, we take care of all of the legal work, so you can focus on your health and other personal matters. We want you to take care of yourself, attend your doctor appointments and inform us if there are any significant changes in your condition. And all along the way, we are always by your side, providing the skilled legal representation and moral support you need during this difficult time. Contact Caroselli, Beachler & Coleman, L.L.C., and take the first step toward a fair physical and financial recovery. Please call 412-391-9860 or toll-free at 866-466-5789 to schedule your free consultation with one of our attorneys. You may also send us a message through our website contact form or stop by our Pittsburgh office in person at your convenience.Pittsburgh Personal Injury Attorneys
Serious Injury Attorneys in Pittsburgh
The Uphill Battle for Compensation
Caroselli, Beachler & Coleman, L.L.C
Comprehensive Personal Injury Cases
Vehicle-Related Accidents
Workplace and Industrial Injuries
Premises-Related Injuries
Product and Pharmaceutical Liability
Catastrophic Injuries and Wrongful Death
The Nuance of Serious Injury Cases in Pittsbrurgh
A Path Forward
Pursuing a Personal Injury Claim in Pennsylvania
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Times When You Should Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
Your Injuries are Severe and Potentially Debilitating
There is a Dispute Over Who was At Fault for the Accident
There Are Multiple Parties Involved in the Accident
The Insurance Company is Treating You Unfairly
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20 Stanwix Street, Suite 700
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Phone: 412-391-9860
Toll Free: 866-565-4949
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