Generally two years from the injury — but claims against government entities (the City, SEPTA, the Commonwealth) require written notice within six months, and different rules apply to minors and late-discovered injuries. The statutes sit with the Pennsylvania General Assembly; the safe move is asking about your specific dates early.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pennsylvania Injury Claims
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How long do I have to file an injury claim in Pennsylvania?
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What is my case worth?Any lawyer who quotes a number before seeing your medical records is guessing at best. Value depends on liability, injuries, treatment, coverage, and your own insurance elections — our posts on compensation after a car accident and how settlements are valued explain the factors honestly.
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What does hiring your firm cost?Nothing up front and no attorney's fee unless we recover for you. The contingency percentage and how case costs are handled are in the written fee agreement you review before signing — and the consultation itself is free.
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Will my case go to trial?Most don't — our post on why most cases settle explains the economics. But insurers track which firms actually try cases in the Pennsylvania courts, and settlement value follows trial readiness. We prepare every case as if it's going.
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What if the accident was partly my fault?Pennsylvania's comparative negligence rule allows recovery unless you were more than 50% at fault, reduced by your share. Don't let an adjuster's fault assessment be the final word — that assessment is a negotiating position, not a ruling.
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What are the steps in a personal injury lawsuit?Investigation, demand, filing, discovery (including depositions), negotiation or mediation, and trial if needed — our walk-through of the lawsuit steps and what litigation means covers each stage.
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The insurance company already offered me money. Should I take it?Not before understanding your full medical picture and what the release extinguishes — early offers are priced against your uncertainty, and signing ends the claim forever. Have it reviewed first; that review is part of the free consultation.
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What should I bring to a consultation?Whatever you have: photos, the police or incident report, insurance information, medical paperwork, and your questions — these eight are a good start. Missing documents don't disqualify you; we obtain records as part of the case.
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How does limited tort affect my car accident case?It generally restricts pain-and-suffering recovery unless an exception applies — serious injury, drunk driver, and others. It's the most consequential checkbox on a Pennsylvania auto policy; the Insurance Department explains the options, and our limited tort post explains why it matters after a crash.
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I was hurt at work. Is that a lawsuit or workers' comp?Usually comp first — no-fault benefits through the system the Department of Labor & Industry administers — plus a possible lawsuit against any negligent third party. Serious work injuries often support both; see our workers' comp page and WC FAQ.
These are the questions we answer every week, with the honest versions of the answers. They're general information, not advice about your case — the free consultation is where the answers get specific.