Personal Injury Attorneys in York, PA
Legal advocacy for the injured and their families in South Central PA
Accidents by their very nature are unexpected, leaving injury victims unprepared for what happens next. Out of necessity, you have to make critical decisions quickly, with unknown and lasting consequences. It can be difficult to make the right choices when you are experiencing the stress of an accident. It is a good idea to be prepared and understand your rights under the law.
The York attorneys at KBG Injury Law are here to answer your questions about personal injury law and steps to take in the event of an accident. We understand how an accident and injuries can throw your life into chaos, taking you out of work, leaving you with massive medical bills, and putting your future in jeopardy. Our law firm has nearly four decades serving the people of South Central Pennsylvania, and we can help you, too. Call us today for knowledgeable and professional guidance.
How can we help?
- What is a personal injury?
- How does personal injury law work?
- How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit in York, PA?
- What are some examples of personal injury claims?
- What should I do after an accident and injury in York, PA?
- Will my York, PA personal injury case go to trial?
- How can a York, PA personal injury attorney help?
- Is there a York, PA personal injury attorney near me?
- Meet our experts
What is a personal injury?
Personal injury is an injury “to a person's body, emotions, or reputation, as contradistinguished from injury to property rights.” Economic loss alone is not considered personal injury. For example, if you slipped and fell, hurting your back and breaking your expensive sunglasses, the personal injury portion of your claim refers only to the back injury and would not include the broken glasses.
Personal injuries commonly occur as a result of a motor vehicle accident or slip and fall, and can include injury to the head, spine, or other areas of the body. Sometimes an accident will also cause psychological injury, like post-traumatic stress disorder. Emotional distress without the presence of physical injury can be enough for a valid personal injury case.
Accidents can be life-changing events. One moment you feel healthy and in control, and the next moment you are lying in a hospital bed. Soon, you find yourself dealing with sky-high medical bills, you are missing work, and you are no longer able to enjoy life the way you once were. This is time you cannot get back. If you believe someone should be held accountable for your suffering, the attorneys at KBG Injury Law can help.
How does personal injury law work?
Most personal injury claims arise as a result of an individual’s or entity’s negligence. To determine negligence, our York lawyers demonstrate the following four elements:
- Duty: The defendant legally owed a duty to the victim. For example, construction companies have a responsibility to both their workers and to the general public to keep their workplaces hazard-free.
- Breach: The defendant breached or violated their duty, meaning they failed to prevent a dangerous situation from happening, or their negligent behavior caused the breach of duty.
- Causation: The breach must have caused the injury. If there was something else that could have caused the injury or if too much time has passed since the injury occurred, there will not be a case.
- Damages: The victim was injured due to the breach. The victim must be able to prove that they experienced harm as a result of the breach, whether that be physical or emotional damage.
Without all of these elements, you likely will not have a personal injury case. You will also need evidence, such as medical bills or eyewitness accounts, to prove the above elements exist. As the plaintiff, you can seek compensation for your injury either by filing a civil lawsuit against the defendant or reaching a settlement early on.
However, these are details you need not worry about. Your legal advocates at KBG Injury Law take care of this for you – we evaluate the strength of your case, gather evidence and witnesses, file paperwork, and give you the time you need to recover from your injuries.
How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit in York, PA?
Generally speaking, you have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you do not file within this statute of limitations, you can be barred from collecting damages. Exceptions may apply for minors who sustain injuries, but it is in your best interest to begin the process as quickly as you can.
What are some examples of personal injury claims?
Injury can occur in a variety of scenarios, and no personal injury case is the same. A claim that involves physical or emotional injury caused by another person or entity could be grounds for a personal injury lawsuit. Some common personal injury cases include:
- Auto accidents
- Head injuries
- Medical malpractice
- Premises liability
- Product liability
- Wrongful death
- Child Injury
- Birth Injury
- Traumatic Amputation
- Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect
- Spinal Cord Injury
Any time you are injured or harmed due to another’s negligence or intentional wrongdoing, you are likely eligible for a personal injury action, whether you experienced one of the situations above or another type of accident. Talk to one of our York injury lawyers today. We can set up a free consultation to determine the right avenue for your particular circumstances.
What should I do after an accident and injury in York, PA?
If you suffered an injury and someone is at fault for it, you will want to take steps towards getting justice right away. The longer you wait, the more you risk violating a statute of limitation. A statute of limitation is the deadline a state assigns to filing an injury claim. If you miss the deadline, the case may be dismissed. In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years.
If you suffered an injury in an accident, take the following steps:
- Seek medical help: In a serious accident, you may not have the time or be able to collect evidence. Your priority will be to get the medical attention you need.
- Collect evidence: Immediately after an accident or injury, take notes, and get pictures. You want to collect evidence and record as much as possible. That way, you will have more than just your memory to rely on when you need proof. Take notes about how you feel in the days after the injury, describing how you feel and any other details you may remember about the accident. Include dates, times, and other information.
- Identify and locate witnesses: Witnesses can make or break a case. You will want to locate witnesses as quickly as possible before their memories fade. Get witness information immediately after an accident. If you were unable to do this, contact a lawyer to help you find witnesses.
- Contact a lawyer: A skilled personal injury attorney can help you determine the strength of your case and guide you toward the best course of action. If you are wondering if you should file a claim, remember that you are the victim. You have the right to receive compensation for the harm you have experienced.
You may wonder how long it will take a case to resolve. This depends on your condition and the complexity of the case. It is best to wait until you are medically stable before negotiating a settlement or going to trial. With serious injuries, you may not want to settle too quickly and then find out months later that you are still disabled or out of work.
Will my York, PA personal injury case go to trial?
Not every personal injury claim goes to trial; in fact, only a small percentage of cases do. Most are settled outside of the courtroom. “Settling” means you, your lawyer and the other party reach an agreement for compensation, and you will not need to go to trial.
The attorneys at KBG Injury Law work to reach a fair settlement that you find proper and reasonable. If we cannot reach a fair settlement, our experienced trial attorneys fight for the compensation to which you are entitled in court.
The point of a personal injury settlement is to receive compensation for the losses accrued as a result of your injuries. This can include medical bills, lost paychecks and future earning capacity, and compensation for pain and suffering. Pain and suffering is the emotional or physical distress resulting from an accident and injury. Our attorneys understand how to measure the scope of these damages.
How can a York, PA personal injury attorney help?
Personal injury law is a complicated subject. A lawyer can help you understand insurance claims, your rights as a victim, and the laws that apply to your unique situation. Your attorney can also ensure you do not miss any deadlines for filing paperwork and legal documents.
Suffering an injury is not easy and, in addition to physical pain, often involves emotional stress. It can be difficult to stay on top of a personal injury case and make sure you are doing all the right things. An experienced personal injury lawyer can do the work for you while you take the time you need to recover. At KBG Injury Law, we work to secure the compensation you deserve and will not settle for less.
Often, accident victims will settle for the first number insurance companies offer them, so they do not have to deal with them anymore. We understand that you want to move on with your life. However, settling right away can be a huge mistake. A personal injury lawyer gives you the knowledge you need so you do not make a move you will later regret. Your legal team can also help determine if you are eligible for compensation for losses like pain and suffering.
Is there a York, PA personal injury attorney near me?
KBG Injury Law maintains two York office locations for your convenience. We are located at 110 North George Street, near I-83, in the heart of downtown York, less than a block from the York County Courthouse. You can also find us at 2121 S Queen St, also off I-83 and close to R/C Queensgate Movie theatre, in south York.
Knowledgeable personal injury lawyers serving York, PA and the surrounding areas
If you or a loved one suffer injury in an accident, you should not have to experience any further pain. You deserve fair compensation, and the York personal injury attorneys from KBG Injury Law can help. When another’s negligence causes you harm, we know how to hold them accountable, while you take the time you need to heal from your injuries. Contact KBG Injury Law today for a free consultation by calling 717-848-3838 or 800.509.1011 (toll free) or filling out our contact form. We have offices in York, Lancaster, Harrisburg, Hanover, and Gettysburg, and serve clients throughout South Central Pennsylvania.
Meet Our Experts
Brian P. Strong
Brian P. Strong is a personal injury and wrongful death lawyer at KBG since 2002, and has successfully achieved large verdicts for his clients. A member of multiple bar associations, he also actively supports community organizations. He started his career as a judicial clerk, then as a prosecutor, before focusing on civil litigation. Outside work, he enjoys outdoor activities and is an avid supporter of Susquehanna Service Dogs and the health of the Chesapeake Bay.
Craig Milsten
Craig Milsten, an AV-Preeminent rated trial attorney, is known for his numerous courtroom victories and specializes in personal injury and insurance bad faith cases. With degrees from The American University and the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, he has held leadership positions in the York County Bar Association. Prior to his law career, he was a sportswriter for the Washington Post. Craig is also an active community volunteer, raising significant funds for health initiatives.
Edward Kennett
Ted Kennett has spent over 30 years advocating for individuals harmed by negligence, specializing in various types of accident and negligence cases. A Temple Law School graduate, he has extensive experience, ranging from the District Attorney's office to litigation before the Supreme Court. With numerous accolades, including membership in the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and an "AV-Preeminent" rating, Ted is currently Chair of the Lancaster Bar Association Professionalism/Ethics Section.
Evan Kline
Evan Kline, with nearly 30 years of experience, has represented hundreds of clients in complex injury claims, securing large verdicts. He is "AV-Preeminent" rated and a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum. Nationally recognized for his use of technology in law, he speaks at numerous conferences. A believer in prioritizing clients over cases, Evan joined KBG Injury Law in 2001, having previously worked with a large Harrisburg firm and insurance companies.
Timothy Salvatore
Tim Salvatore, with nearly 30 years of legal experience, specializes in complex injury claims, often representing motorcyclists. Previously representing insurance companies, he found fulfillment in advocacy for injured individuals and joined KBG over two decades ago. A Widener University School of Law graduate, he serves in multiple local associations and has an "AV-Preeminent" rating, as well as membership in the Million Dollar Advocates Forum.
Wesley A. Addington
Wesley A. Addington, a Lancaster County native and Widener Law School graduate, focuses on representing injured individuals at KBG's personal injury and wrongful death team. Prior to KBG, he gained experience in general practice law offices, the Dauphin County Public Defender’s Office, and a personal injury office in Lehigh Valley. He believes in informing clients about their rights and providing plain language advice. Wes is a member of the York County and Pennsylvania Bar Associations.
Brad K. Muller
Brad K. Muller, a York County native and University of Baltimore School of Law graduate, began his legal career as a Judicial Clerk and then as a prosecutor in the York County District Attorney’s Office. Currently, at KBG Injury Law, he uses his expertise to assist clients achieve justice. Brad holds various roles within the York County Bar Association and the Pennsylvania Bar Association. His personal interests include cooking, board games, and traveling.