Good afternoon sarleo-ga.
In reasearching for you any cases against the Airport Hilton/ MHI
Hotels I was not able to find any documented cases with outcomes;
however, I can give you a brief description of the things you should
consider bringing to your initial interview with your lawyer for a
personal injury case.
First of all, you should know that the statue of limitations for a
personal injury case in Pennsylvania is two years, meaning, if you
wish to file a lawsuit against the hotel and the management company,
you need to have filed the Petition with the district court the injury
happened in no later than May 31, 2005.
I can tell you that trust is very important in choosing your lawyer.
You will probably want to find a personal injury attorney that will
work on a contingent fee basis.
A contingent fee simply means that the lawyer does not get paid unless
a recovery is made for you.
Source:
Blacks Law Dictionary, Bryan A. Garner, Editor in Chief
West Group, 2001
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In addition, you will want a personal injury attorney who is willing
to advance all costs involved in the litigation with an understanding
that if a recovery is made, the attorney will be reimbursed for the
costs. If no recovery is made, you probably want an attorney who is
willing to write off those costs so that unsuccessful litigation will
cost you nothing. In any event, make certain that you understand all
matters involving fees and costs before you finalize your choice.
Here are some additional things that are typically needed in a
personal injury case:
1. The names and addresses of every doctor you have seen regarding
this injury. Additionally, any hospital records, emergency room
records, office notes, and reports, photographs of the wound and all
bills you have received in regards to this injury, paid or unpaid.
2. The names and addresses of any witnesses and, if available, any
statements taken.
3.The name of the hotel manager or person/persons on duty at the time
of the injury.
4. A copy of any accident/incident report.
5. Copies of any photographs taken of the bed frame, if any were taken.
6. If you have missed any work because of this injury, the dates you
missed (this includes doctors appointments).
7. The rate of pay which you were making at the time of the accident
(if you were working).
8. The name of your manager/supervisor at the time of this injury.
9. The name of your health insurance company and the name of your
adjuster, if you have one.
10. MOST IMPORTANT, have a diary of events from the date of injury
until the present. State how it happened, when it happened and where.
State what you cannot due because of this injury (i.e., I cannot
stand for long periods of time, cannot run, etc.) and state what
happens if you try to do any of these activities. Be as specific as
possible as it will help when you come into the discovery phase of
your case.
Many people who get monetary awards pay doctors and hospital bills,
repair damaged property, and replace loss of income, but you can also
be compensated for pain and suffering. Pain and suffering damages can
be awarded to individuals suffering from discomfort, disfigurement,
embarrassment, humiliation, or not being able to enjoy the simple
pleasures of life. But unlike a hospital or auto repair bill, none of
these conditions has a specific dollar amount attached to it.
Nevertheless, individuals can and should be compensated. In
Pennsylvania, the amount to be paid is strictly up to the jury and is
decided based on the evidence presented in the courtroom and awards a
sum they believe will make the victim feel that justice has been
done.)
As I am not able to site any specific book or website for this
information, and I am not a lawyer. However, I can tell you I was a
paralegal who has worked in the field of personal injury cases for
over 3 years and understand the processes needed by lawyers and for
court cases.
I wish you luck and hope that you have a speedy recovery. If this
answer requires further explanation, please request clarification
before rating it, and I'll be happy to look into this further.
Nenna-GA
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