Personal Injury Claims Against Businesses: What Accident Victims in PA Need to Know

Accident victims can file personal injury claims against businesses in Pennsylvania in a wide range of circumstances. Businesses can be held liable for their employees’ negligence, and product manufacturers can be held strictly liable for accidents involving product defects. If you have a claim, hiring an experienced Bethlehem personal injury lawyer is the first step in the process.

Businesses can be held liable for accidents in various circumstances. Just like individuals, businesses that make mistakes that lead to serious injuries can—and should—be held duly accountable. If you have a claim against a business in Pennsylvania, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation, and you should discuss your case with an experienced Bethlehem personal injury lawyer promptly.

When Businesses Can Be Held Liable for Accidents in Pennsylvania

Under Pennsylvania law, businesses can be held liable for all types of accidents. With that said, whether a business is liable for an accident depends on whether either: (i) an employee of the business was negligent in causing (or contributing to causing) the accident; or (ii) the accident involved a defective product that the business manufactured or sold.

If you have a claim based on negligence or a defective product, you are entitled to just compensation for your accident-related losses—and you should be able to file a personal injury claim against the business that is legally responsible. With this in mind, some of the most common types of accidents for which businesses in Pennsylvania can be held liable include:

Auto Accidents

Businesses can be held liable for auto accidents when their employees make mistakes behind the wheel. For example, if you were involved in an accident caused by a truck driver who was texting while driving, you will likely have a personal injury claim against the truck driver’s employer. Businesses can be held liable for failing to adequately maintain their vehicles and other forms of negligence as well.

Premises-Related Accidents

Businesses can also be held liable for accidents caused by hazardous property conditions. For example, if you slipped and fell at the grocery store because the store’s employees failed to clean up a spill, this is another scenario in which you could have a personal injury claim under Pennsylvania law.

Product-Related Accidents

In Pennsylvania, product-related accidents are governed by the law of strict liability. This means that if you were injured by a defective product, you do not need to be able to prove negligence to seek just compensation. In this scenario, the manufacturer and any other companies in the product’s distribution chain could be liable.

Filing a Personal Injury Claim Usually Involves Dealing with the Business’ Insurance Company

Most businesses carry liability insurance that covers accidents involving their employees, premises, and products. This means that filing an insurance claim typically involves dealing with the at-fault business’s insurer.

Dealing with the insurance companies after an accident is a complex process that requires experienced legal representation. From proving that the business is legally responsible to proving how much you deserve to recover, it will be important to rely on your lawyer’s advice and representation every step of the way. Commercial liability insurance claims present unique challenges, so you should choose a lawyer who has specific experience handling these types of cases.

What to Do if You Think You May Have a Personal Injury Claim in Pennsylvania

If you think you may have a personal injury claim against a business in Pennsylvania, there are some important steps you should try to take promptly. To help maximize your chances of recovering just compensation for your accident-related losses, you should:

• Prioritize Your Medical Needs – After an accident, prioritizing your medical needs is important for protecting your health and your legal rights. If your medical records link your injuries to the accident, they will be strong evidence in support of your claim for just compensation.
• Prioritize Your Legal Representation – As soon as you are able, you should schedule a free consultation with an experienced Bethlehem personal injury lawyer. As we said above, it is important to have experienced legal representation in this scenario.
• Prioritize Your Physical and Financial Recovery – As you move forward, prioritize your physical and financial recovery. Among other things, this means following your doctor’s medical advice, following your lawyer’s legal advice, and documenting the financial and non-financial costs of the accident as thoroughly as possible.

FAQs: Filing a Personal Injury Claim Against a Business in Pennsylvania

When can you file a personal injury claim against a business in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania residents can file personal injury claims against businesses after auto accidents, product-related accidents, and slip-and-fall and trip-and-fall accidents, among others. If you think you may have a personal injury claim against a business (or don’t know and want to find out), you should consult with an experienced Bethlehem personal injury lawyer promptly.

Are employers liable for their employees’ negligence in Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, employers are liable for their employees’ negligence on the job (or “within the scope of their employment”). This means that if you were injured due to an employee’s negligence while the employee was at work, his or her employer may be liable for your injury-related losses.

What damages are available in personal injury claims against businesses?

Generally speaking, the same types of damages are available in all personal injury claims in Pennsylvania. As a result, if you have a personal injury claim against a business, you can seek just compensation for your medical bills, lost earnings, lost future earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and other financial and non-financial losses.

Speak with a Bethlehem Personal Injury Lawyer About Your Case Today

If you need to know more about filing a personal injury claim against a business in Pennsylvania, we strongly encourage you to get in touch. To speak with a Bethlehem personal injury lawyer about your case for free, call 888-777-7098 or tell us how we can help online now.