1. When an accident happens, do I always need a lawyer?

No, if the injury is slight or the damage is very minor. For example, in a "fender bender" you are best off forgetting about it. But sometimes even a fender bender results in: whiplash, a serious neck, or even back injury. The other driver's insurance company will want you to settle quickly, when in fact you have not yet evaluated the effect this accident will have on your life and livelihood. This is when you need an accident attorney to provide you legal advice. Never sign anything from an insurance company that gives you quick cash. Call us first so we can help you evaluate your injury and claim.

2. Do I have to pay a lawyer up front in an accident case?

No. Our firm works on a contingent fee basis. This means that we only charge a fee if we recover money for your injuries. The state of PA mandates that the fee for personal injury lawyers is 1/3 of the money recovered. There is a lot of work, risk, and costs that the law firm fronts in a personal injury case. Experienced lawyers do not cut their fees because they realize that they can only devote the time and money needed to win your case if they charge appropriately. Don't be "penny wise and dollar foolish" when you choose a lawyer.

3. Why is the contingent fee so high?

Personal injury or wrongful death cases involve complex factual and legal situations. What you are paying for are years of experience, trained minds, and the ability of the law firm to front the costs for medical, engineering, and other experts. Our firm was founded in 1910. We pride ourselves on our hard work, analytical minds, and financial ability to properly fund the cases in which we believe. Remember that you are charged nothing and we only get paid when we win.

4. Should I speak to the other side's insurance company myself?

Absolutely not! The insurance attorneys and representatives are trained to contact you and have you say things you may later regret. Remember, when a serious accident occurs you are confused and your life turns to chaos. Let a trained accident attorney talk to the insurance company. Just say to the representative, "I am represented by a lawyer. Please call my lawyer."

5. When should I contact a lawyer?

Immediately. Evidence can be lost and witnesses can forget events or become unavailable as time passes.

6. Do most cases go to trial?

Most cases do not go to trial, but the possibility is always there. That is why you need an experienced trial lawyer who is not afraid of the courtroom. Statistically more than 90% of personal injury cases are settled. If we do go to trial, at NGP Law we prepare ourselves through extensive research, use of specialized experts, and innovative exhibits to help the jurors understand complex cases.

7. What issues affect whether damages can be recovered and whether future care needs can be met?

• Liability - Was someone negligent?
• Causation - Did negligent conduct cause an injury?
• Damages - What amount will adequately compensate the injured party for losses suffered and for future care needs?
• Source of collection - Are there insurance or other assets from which damages can be recovered?

8. What are some of the issues that will affect the amount recovered?

• The strength of liability and causation - Were you partially responsible?
• Medical bills - Past, present, and future.
• Loss of income.
• Loss of future earnings.
• How the injuries affect you and your family.

9. What is a wrongful death claim?

A wrongful death claim alleges that someone's negligence or recklessness caused a death. Generally, a spouse and/or children file this type of claim, but others may be entitled to file the claim. These cases must be filed in PA within 2 years of the date of death so it is imperative to contact one of our wrongful death lawyers as soon as possible.

10. What do I look for if I suspect nursing home neglect or abuse?

• Sudden changes in behavior
• Refusal of the nursing home staff to see a resident or delays in allowing visitors
• Resident seems over medicated
• Bedsores
• Unexplained bruises, soreness, sprains, or fractures
• Unexplained venereal disease or genital infections, vaginal or anal bleeding
• Weight loss or dehydration

If you have a loved one that suffers from any of the above symptoms or you suspect any elder related abuse, contact one of our nursing home abuse lawyers immediately.

11. Is a bad medical result always medical malpractice?

No. The doctor, hospital, dentist, or health care professional must have deviated from the standard of care or been negligent in his or her patient care to be liable for medical malpractice. Medical malpractice is very complicated and requires the skills of a very experienced attorney and other consultants to evaluate the liability claim and the injuries. Our medical malpractice attorneys pride themselves on the care we take to be sure that these claims are given serious consideration and evaluation. We practice "serious representation for the seriously injured.”

12. Do I have a claim if the doctor failed to treat me or treated me for the wrong illness?

Misdiagnosis can result in serious injury to a patient. The delay in receiving the proper treatment and medication can result in serious complications and even death. This is especially true with cancer and other progressive illnesses. These are complicated cases that can be handled by experienced lawyers.

13. Do I have to see the insurance company doctor if I have a Workers’ Compensation claim?

No. If an insurance company has a list of panel physicians, you only have to stay with this doctor for 90 days after you became injured. If you have any questions, Contact Us.

14. What do I do if the insurance company denies me Workers’ Comp?

Seek a good Workers’ Compensation lawyer. NGP attorneys will immediately file a claim for your benefit and the payment of your medical bills.

15. What do I do if my Social Security claim is denied?

Contact Us immediately. You only have 60 days to appeal a Social Security claim denial. Our team of Social Security attorneys can file an appeal and obtain your rightful disability payments.