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As trusted and dedicated Allentown personal injury lawyers with years of experience and expertise, at The Trapani Law Firm we are committed to educating and empowering individuals about personal injury law. We are deeply concerned about the many myths and misconceptions surrounding Allentown personal injury cases, which can mislead individuals and jeopardize their rights. Our goal is to dispel these myths, provide accurate information, and help protect the interests of those in Allentown and beyond.

In this article, we will not only debunk the most hazardous myths about Philadelphia personal injury law but also provide valuable knowledge to help you navigate cases like Allentown car accidents, medical malpractice, birth injuries, workplace accidents, premises liability, and product liability. Whether you’re seeking answers about filing an Allentown personal injury claim, understanding your rights after an Allentown stroke misdiagnosis, or considering hiring an Allentown personal injury attorney, this guide is for you. 

Myth 1: You Have Plenty of Time to File a Lawsuit / If More Than Two Years Have Passed Since the Allentown Accident, You No longer Have the Right to Seek Justice from the Responsible Party. 

Fact: Delaying action after an Allentown personal injury accident can severely impact your ability to file a claim. Pennsylvania law imposes a strict statute of limitations, typically two years from the date of the injury, to file a personal injury lawsuit. Exceptions exist under the “discovery rule,” which allows victims to file if they could not reasonably discover the injury immediately—such as prolonged exposure to harmful chemicals or a delayed diagnosis or a stroke misdiagnosis. Acting promptly ensures evidence is preserved, witnesses are credible, and your Allentown personal injury lawyer has sufficient time to build a strong case.

Myth 2: Only Major Injuries Warrant an Allentown Personal Injury Claim

Fact: Even seemingly minor injuries can lead to significant medical costs, lost wages, and emotional distress. For instance, a slip-and-fall accident causing a sprained ankle might lead to extensive physical therapy and time off work. An Allentown personal injury lawyer can help evaluate your case and secure compensation for all damages, no matter the perceived severity of the injury. Ignoring “minor” injuries can also overlook long-term complications or latent conditions, such as whiplash or internal bleeding, which may only become apparent later.

Myth 3: Personal Injury Claims Are Only for Car Accidentshttps://ltlaw.com/allentown-personal-injury-attorney/

Fact: Personal injury law covers a broad spectrum of cases beyond Allentown personal injury accidents. Claims can arise from Allentown truck accidents, medical malpractice, workplace injuries, defective products, premises liability accidents, and more. For example, an Allentown medical malpractice case might involve botched surgery or Allentown birth injury, while a workplace accident could stem from unsafe conditions or equipment failure. Understanding the wide applicability of an Allentown personal injury law is crucial for protecting your rights in any situation involving negligence.

Myth 4: You’re Not Entitled to Compensation if You Were Partially at Fault

Fact: Pennsylvania follows a comparative negligence rule, allowing victims to recover damages even if they share some fault for their accident. For instance, if you were partially distracted during an Allentown truck accident that caused your personal injury but another driver’s reckless speeding was the primary cause, you could still file a personal injury claim. Your compensation would be reduced by your percentage of fault, but you are still entitled to seek justice for the other party’s negligence.

Myth 5: Personal Injury Lawsuits Are Too Expensive and Inaccessible

Fact: Some Allentown personal injury attorneys, including The Trapani Law Firm, work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no upfront costs. Attorneys only receive payment if they successfully recover compensation for you. This approach makes legal representation accessible to everyone, regardless of financial status. Additionally, a skilled Allentown personal injury lawyer can often secure higher settlements than individuals negotiating alone, offsetting any legal fees. Moreover, the Trapani Law Firm offers free initial consultations, you can make a decision after evaluating your chances for succeeding the lawsuit.  

Myth 6: Insurance Companies Will Take Care of Everything

Fact: Insurance companies prioritize their bottom line, often offering lowball settlements or denying valid claims outright. For example, in an Allentown stroke misdiagnosis case, the insurer might downplay the severity of the injury to reduce payouts. An experienced Allentown personal injury attorney from The Trapani Law Firm will advocate for your rights, ensuring fair compensation that truly reflects your losses and damages.

Myth 7: Proving Negligence Is Impossible Without Witnesses

Fact: While eyewitness testimony can strengthen a case, it’s not the only way to prove negligence. Evidence such as medical records, expert testimony, accident reports, and surveillance footage can establish liability. For instance, in a medical malpractice case, expert opinions from healthcare professionals can demonstrate how a doctor’s error led to your injury. Your Allentown personal injury lawyer will gather and present all relevant evidence to build a strong and compelling case.

Myth 8: Filing a Lawsuit Means Going to Court

Fact: Most Pennsylvania personal injury claims are resolved through settlements without ever reaching the court. Skilled negotiation by our personal injury attorney can often secure a fair agreement without the need for a trial. However, if a settlement cannot be reached, your attorney will be prepared to litigate and fight for your rights in court.

Myth 9: You Can’t Sue Multiple Parties for Your Allentown Personal Injury Accident

Fact: Many personal injury accidents involve multiple liable parties. For instance, in an Allentown personal injury truck accident, you might sue the truck driver, their employer, and the manufacturer of faulty vehicle parts. In Allentown medical malpractice, stroke misdiagnosis or birth injury cases also hospitals, doctors, obstetricians often share responsibility for your damages. Holding all negligent parties accountable ensures you receive the maximum compensation for your damages. 

Myth 10: If You Didn’t Feel Pain Immediately, You Don’t Have a Case

Fact: Injuries such as traumatic brain injuries (TBI) or internal organ damage may not show symptoms immediately. For example, victims of an Allentown personal injury accident might feel fine initially but later develop chronic pain or complications. Moreover, victims who developed cancers from prolonged exposure to cancerogenic materials also suffer consequences after years from initial exposure at the workplace or by using hazardous products. Consulting our Allentown personal injury attorney promptly ensures your rights are preserved, even if symptoms emerge later.

Myth 11: If Your Loved One Died After the Personal Injury Accident, the Family Can’t Continue Seeking Compensation

Fact: Families of victims who pass away after an Allentown personal injury accident can file a wrongful death lawsuit. This allows them to seek compensation for funeral costs, lost income, and emotional suffering caused by the negligent party’s actions.

Myth 12: Only a Victim Can Seek Compensation in an Allentown Personal Injury Lawsuit

Fact: Minors and incapacitated individuals harmed in a Pennsylvania personal injury accident can have a parent, guardian, or legal representative file a lawsuit on their behalf. This ensures justice and compensation for those unable to advocate for themselves.

Myth 13: You Can’t Sue Your Spouse, Child, Parents, or Other Relatives for Causing Your Personal Injury Accident

Fact: While suing a relative may seem complex, personal injury claims often focus on the at-fault party’s insurance coverage rather than personal assets. For instance, if a family member causes a Lehigh Valley personal injury accident, their insurance policy can still provide compensation.

Myth 14: You Can’t Seek Compensation for Ongoing Costs Related to the Injury

Fact: Compensation in an Allentown personal injury lawsuit often includes future expenses such as rehabilitation, ongoing medical care, and assistive devices. An experienced Lehigh Valley (Trapani Law Firm has offices in all of the three main towns of Lehigh Valley, that is Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton, PA) personal injury lawyer will ensure all potential costs are accounted for in your claim.

Myth 15: Hiring an Experienced Allentown Personal Injury Lawyer Doesn’t Change Your Chances of Fair Compensation

Fact: A knowledgeable and trustworthy Allentown personal injury attorney significantly increases your chances of securing fair compensation. Their expertise in negotiation, evidence gathering, and courtroom advocacy can dramatically affect the outcome and value of your case.

Conclusion – Contact an Allentown Personal Injury Lawyer Today

By dispelling these myths, we hope to arm you with the knowledge to make informed decisions about your rights and options. If you’ve experienced an accident, injury, or negligence—from an Allentown stroke misdiagnosis to a workplace accident—don’t hesitate to reach out to the Trapani Law Firm’s personal injury lawyers. We’re here to guide, support, and fight for your justice. For a free consultation, call us 24/7 at (610) 351-2330 or contact us through our website – ltlaw.com.

Last Updated on January 6, 2025