When an accident or injury occurs in Allentown, PA it is important to contact a local attorney first and foremost. In order to bring a claim in Pennsylvania you will need a lawyer who has passed the Pennsylvania bar exam and was sworn in to practice law. As well, a personal injury lawyer in Allentown, PA will know the laws and regulations that are specific to Pennsylvania law.
Different States Have Different Personal Injury Laws
Unlike rules and regulations that are set by federal statute by Congress, state law determines how to handle claims that arise from negligence, such as personal injuries. Therefore, each state in the United States has slightly different personal injury laws. In addition to having different written statutes, each state has a unique common law.
Common law is determined by the prior decisions of courts. These decisions build upon one another to shape how a statute or regulation is interpreted, and it is often common law that dictates the outcome of a court case. As the highest court in Pennsylvania, the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania will make the final decisions related to common law.
Important State Laws for Personal Injury Claims
There are procedural requirements in each state for when and how to file a personal injury complaint. The most important requirement is the time limit on when a claim can be filed. Known as the statute of limitations, the amount of time is different from state to state and varies based on the type of claim or complaint. A personal injury lawyer will know the statute of limitations in the state of Pennsylvania.
As well, states have different approaches on how to determine damages and recovery. A personal injury lawyer will advise you on the strength of your claim and how responsibility for an accident or injury may affect the amount you are able to recover.
