Franklin Personal Injury Lawyers

Helping Accident Victims in Venango County and Northwestern Pennsylvania Get the Medical Care and Compensation They Need and Deserve After Being Injured by a Negligent Party

For decades, the attorneys at Dale Woodard Gent McFate Law Firm have established themselves as a leading force in civil litigation across Venango County and Northwestern Pennsylvania. In the field of personal injury law, we offer our clients legal expertise and excellence designed to help them through difficult times and get the support they need. If you’ve been hurt in a car crash or slip and fall, or if you lost a loved one in a fatal accident, our firm stands ready to see you are fully compensated for all the harm that has been done to you.

Car Accident Claims Under Pennsylvania’s Complex Insurance Coverage Scheme

Motorists in Pennsylvania have several options when it comes to purchasing insurance coverage to help out with injuries or property damage after a crash. The insurance you choose impacts how much you can recover and from whom. The options available under Pennsylvania’s unique system include, full tort, and limited tort options.

1. Full Tort Coverage: Opting for full tort coverage gives you the unrestricted right to seek compensation for the full range of legal damages, including pain and suffering. Full tort coverage requires that you can prove the other driver caused the accident through their negligence, making experienced legal help a must.

2. Limited Tort Coverage: While less expensive than full tort, limited tort coverage restricts your ability to claim for pain and suffering, instead only offering compensation for medical bills and lost wages unless you experience a serious injury.

Our experienced team at Dale Woodard Gent McFate Law Firm has a deep understanding of these complexities and can guide you through the process of claiming your rightful compensation. Whether negotiating a settlement or going to court, legal representation is key to getting a fair amount that fully compensates you for your losses.

Premises Liability: Understanding Duties Owed

Premises liability is the law that applies to a slip and fall, trip and fall, or other injury that occurs because of some hazard or danger on another’s property. Premises liability in Pennsylvania varies based on the status of the victim at the time of the accident, specifically whether the person was an “invitee” or “licensee” on the premises:

1. Duty Owed to Invitees: These are individuals invited onto the property for business purposes, like customers in a store. Property owners owe them the highest duty of care, including making regular inspections of the premises and promptly addressing any hazards.
2. Duty Owed to Licensees: These individuals are on the property for social reasons. Property owners must warn them of known hazards but are not required to inspect the property regularly.

Premises liability cases are notoriously difficult to prove, especially when the hazard was temporary or transitory, like a wet floor, and insurance companies often push back, denying the property owner’s liability or disputing the accident victim’s injury. Our firm’s expertise in premises liability means we can effectively represent clients who have been injured due to property owner negligence, ensuring they receive the compensation they deserve.

Comparative Fault in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania follows a comparative fault rule in personal injury cases. This means that if you are found partly at fault for your injury, your compensation can be reduced in proportion to your degree of fault. However, as long as your share of the fault is not more than 50%, you can still recover damages. Our approach includes working hard to prove the other party’s full degree of fault without letting you get unfairly blamed for causing or contributing to the accident. Our skilled attorneys are adept at navigating these comparative fault rules to maximize your compensation.

Wrongful Death Claims in Pennsylvania

In the tragic event of wrongful death, Pennsylvania law permits certain family members to seek compensation for their losses. This includes funeral and burial expenses, lost wages and benefits, and compensation for the loss of companionship. Wrongful death claims must be filed within two years of the deceased’s death, making timely legal consultation crucial. These cases can be difficult to pursue, but the financial hole and emotional harm left behind often make them imperative to pursue on behalf of the bereaved family members left behind.

Why Choose Dale Woodard Gent McFate Law Firm for a Personal Injury Claim in Northwestern Pennsylvania?

Our firm’s extensive experience in civil litigation positions us uniquely to negotiate effective settlements and, when necessary, to skillfully represent our clients in court. We understand that each personal injury case is unique, and we dedicate ourselves to achieving the best possible outcome for our clients. Whether negotiating a fair settlement or fighting for your rights in court, our team is committed to providing top-tier legal representation.

If you or a loved one has been affected by a personal injury in Venango County or Northwestern Pennsylvania, call Dale Woodard Gent McFate Law Firm today at 814-432-2181 for a free consultation. Our dedicated team is ready to provide you with the legal support and guidance you need during this challenging time. Trust us to be your advocates in navigating Pennsylvania’s complex personal injury legal landscape.

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