Leading Personal Injury Lawyers in Bethlehem

Personal injury law encompasses various situations where a person suffers harm, injury, or distress due to the negligence or malice of another person or company. Malicious harm may also veer into criminal law.

Examples of common personal injury cases in Bethlehem we handle include:

Injury from a vehicle accident — car, truck, bicycle, motorcycle, boat, etc.

Accidents caused by a drunk driver

Slip/Trip-and-fall incidents, where persons suffer injury from falling due to unsafe or poorly maintained premises.

Construction accidents, including injuries sustained at construction sites.

Workplace injuries, for which employers are often held liable.

Medical malpractice — when a doctor causes harm due to improper surgical or medical procedures.

Nursing home abuse and negligence, involving harm or neglect in elder care facilities.

Catastrophic injuries, resulting in severe and life-altering harm.

Wrongful death cases, seeking compensation for the loss of a loved one.

Dog bites, for which the dog's owner is often held liable.

Injuries due to defective products, for which the retailer, wholesaler, and/or manufacturer may be held accountable.

Consulting a personal injury attorney allows you to recruit a champion for your cause — someone who understands the fine details of personal injury law and can help you stand up for your rights, fighting until you receive just compensation.

Personal injury attorneys are especially helpful when you are fighting insurance companies and large defendants. Having an experienced attorney on your side can increase the total compensation you receive and increase your chances of filing a successful lawsuit.

Our personal injury lawyers in Bethlehem are adept at securing favorable outcomes, thereby ensuring that you receive the justice to which you are entitled. Cohen, Feeley, Altemose & Rambo stands as one of the region's most distinguished personal injury law firms, earning respect in judicial chambers and instilling apprehension from civil defense counsels.

Cohen, Feeley, Altemose & Rambo possesses the skills to promptly initiate the requisite court filings and service of process, setting your personal injury lawsuit into immediate motion. Recognizing that time is of the essence, our proficiency in accelerating legal proceedings ensures that your case is expedited, optimizing your chances for a favorable resolution.

We offer impartial legal advice concerning the merits of your case, assessing both your prospects for success and the adequacy of any settlement proposals extended by the defendant. Rest assured, we are committed to negotiating the most advantageous settlement for you; we will not let you accept minimal compensation when substantial reparation is within reach.

Should your case proceed to trial, we will demystify the litigation process for you, serving as your advocates in the courtroom. With our guidance, you will have the courage to use the court system as intended: a platform to assert and defend your rights.

We make the process painless through it all, doing all the heavy lifting. All you need to do is say, “Yes, I will stand up for myself and get the justice I deserve.” We do the rest.

Cohen, Feeley, Altemose & Rambo is one of the region's most lauded personal injury law firms — respected in courtrooms and feared by civil defense attorneys. We are a seasoned team of personal injury lawyers who know how to get results — so you can get the justice you deserve.

Our track record is a testament to our effectiveness:

Over Half a Billion Dollars in Settlements Recovered for Our Clients

$95 Million: Highest Verdict Obtained

190+ Combined Years of Experience Serving the Lehigh Valley Area

We are deeply invested in ensuring that our neighbors in Bethlehem receive fair and equitable treatment under the law. This dedication has been recognized on a national scale, earning us the U.S. News - Best Lawyers® in America "Best Law Firms" Award for the past ten consecutive years!

Initiating your personal injury case with our Bethlehem accident law firm is a straightforward process. Simply reach out to us via telephone or complete our expedient online contact form. Upon receiving your inquiry, we will promptly begin preparing the necessary documentation and collecting essential information to strategically position your case for a favorable outcome.

In civil litigation, personal injury means a physical or mental injury that resulted from another’s negligence. It’s possible for victims to seek civil damages in these situations.

A personal injury case involves a legal action where a plaintiff sues a defendant for having caused them bodily harm due to negligence or malice. The defendant could be a person or a company. The bodily harm could take almost any form — breaks or sprains, burns, illness, trauma, electrocution, chemical injuries, etc. The plaintiff must prove that the defendant’s actions led directly to the injury.

If successful in their legal claim, the plaintiff may be entitled to financial compensation covering medical expenses, lost wages, diminished earning potential, as well as punitive damages intended to compensate for pain and suffering.

Yes, it is possible to sue for pain and suffering in Pennsylvania. If you were intentionally or negligently hurt by another’s actions, you could be entitled to pain and suffering—a form of non-economic damages. It can be a bit tricky to calculate pain and suffering since they’re subjective and could be different for everyone. A personal injury lawyer in Bethlehem could review your case to estimate what you might be entitled to.

The best practice is to call a lawyer as soon as possible after the accident or incident. As soon as you become aware that you have a personal injury for which a liable party was responsible, reach out to a qualified personal injury attorney or law firm. Quick acting may help preserve evidence and afford you the proper counsel at a crucial time, so you do not make any mistakes that could jeopardize the validity of your suit.

In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is two years from the date of the injury. If you wait longer than two years, you may not be able to file a claim or seek compensation.

There are a few exceptions to this rule:

Discovery Rule: If the injury is not immediately apparent, the two-year period may begin from the date you discovered (or should have reasonably discovered) the injury.

Minors: If the injured person is a minor, the statute of limitations does not begin until the minor turns 18.

Government Entities: If your injury claim is against a government entity in Pennsylvania, you must file a notice of intent to sue within six months of the injury.

While it’s not a legal requirement, it is highly advisable to see a doctor if you plan to file a personal injury claim. Medical records provide essential evidence to show the extent of your injuries, the treatment required, and the potential long-term effects. Seeing a doctor shortly after the accident also helps establish a clear connection between the accident and your injuries.

The size and nature of the settlement can vary widely based on several factors. These factors include the medical expenses incurred, severity and permanence or impermanence of the injuries, lost wages, loss of future earning potential, emotional trauma, and future care needs. The more grievous the circumstances, the stronger the justification for a more substantial settlement.

Additionally, you may be eligible for various categories of compensation, including pain and suffering, lost wages or earning potential, medical expenses, expected medical expenses, and possible punitive damages.

For a tailored evaluation of what you may anticipate in your specific situation, we recommend contacting our firm for a comprehensive consultation.

Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule. That means that an injured party can recover damages in a personal injury lawsuit even if they are partially at fault (as long as they are not more than 50% responsible for the accident).

Under this law, the amount of compensation a plaintiff can receive is reduced by their percentage of fault. For example, if a plaintiff is found to be 30% at fault for an accident, their total damages will be reduced by 30%.

Conduct thorough research—knowledgeable clients often find themselves on the path to successful outcomes. As you consider personal injury attorneys, look into their online reviews, reputation among professional organizations, awards garnered, and — most importantly — their track record of success.

What is their rate of successful case resolutions? How many clients have they effectively represented, and what is the cumulative sum of financial compensation they have secured?

Equally important is the personal rapport you establish with your prospective legal team. You may be working with this attorney for a while. It is advisable to meet the legal team in person to assess the compatibility and the dynamics. Determine whether the team fosters an environment that simplifies the legal process and alleviates any intimidation you may feel.

When you first meet a personal injury attorney, anticipate a comprehensive discussion covering various facets of your case. Expect to discuss the circumstances of the injury, the potential outcomes, the nature of the legal process, and the law firm’s fee structure.

We encourage you to be proactive during this initial consultation. Legal professionals are best equipped to provide valuable insights when you come prepared with a series of pertinent questions. Don't hesitate to subject the attorney to rigorous inquiry—if they are competent, they will not only withstand the scrutiny but welcome it.

The consultation will go more smoothly if you bring all the relevant documentation you can. This information might include medical records, accident or incident reports, photographs, witness contact information, insurance correspondence, and other appropriate paperwork. Anything you can bring will help the attorney clarify your case and give you an accurate idea of the potential outcomes.

Typically, you will only be required to pay legal fees upon the successful resolution of your case, as many personal injury attorneys work on a contingency basis. In such an arrangement, the attorney's compensation is derived from a percentage of the settlement you receive. If no settlement is secured, generally no fees are owed, thereby incentivizing the attorney to selectively engage with cases they are confident in winning and to diligently pursue favorable outcomes.

First and foremost, report the injury to your employer immediately. Failing to promptly document the incident with your employer could negatively affect any future legal or compensation claims. Pennsylvania’s Workers’ Compensation law requires that a work injury be reported within 21 days of occurring. Do your best to document the scene as thoroughly as you can, including taking photos, obtaining contact information from witnesses, notating location details, etc. If you belong to a union, let your union representative know about the incident as well. Finally, reach out to the experienced personal injury attorneys Cohen, Feeley, Altemose & Rambo, and let us put our decades of experience to work for you.

Each day, individuals in Pennsylvania sustain injuries due to flawed and hazardous products, whether it happens in their homes, communities, or workplaces. On some occasions, the manufacturer or seller of these faulty items may have issued an official recall. More often than not, no such formal action has been taken, even though the product poses a significant risk.

At Cohen, Feeley, Altemose & Rambo, we've been advocating for plaintiffs injured by defective products for over five decades. With our extensive experience, we possess the knowledge and skills required to safeguard and thoroughly assess these flawed products. We engage the necessary experts and engineers to conduct thorough evaluations and navigate the intricate legal procedures entailed in pursuing claims related to defective products.

Medical malpractice involves healthcare professionals providing negligent or substandard treatment that deviates from the accepted medical standard of care, resulting in harm to the patient.

Medical malpractice claims are some of the most intricate personal injury cases a plaintiff may pursue. To navigate this complexity, it's crucial to have skilled medical malpractice attorneys on your side. These cases often necessitate the expertise of multiple professionals to determine if a claim can even be made within the framework of Pennsylvania law. Furthermore, they typically entail protracted and intricate legal proceedings.

Our firm boasts a wealth of experience, spanning over 50 years, in handling medical malpractice cases. This includes the initial evaluation of cases by experts, the subsequent filing of claims, and the tireless pursuit of litigation through jury trials to reach a verdict.

You can apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits through the Social Security Administration. You will be asked to provide information and supporting documentation that substantiates your eligibility for benefits.

At Cohen, Feeley, Altemose & Rambo, we possess a wealth of experience in effectively managing Social Security Disability claims on behalf of our clients. Whether your initial application is denied, or you wish to seek our guidance regarding the SSDI application process, please don't hesitate to get in touch with our office. Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your situation and explore your options.

The immediate priority is your safety and well-being. In the aftermath of a severe truck accident, it is important to seek immediate medical attention right away. Even if your condition is stable, a medical evaluation is essential, as certain injuries may not manifest immediate symptoms but can have grave repercussions if not detected and treated promptly. Additionally, seeking immediate medical attention serves to officially document the nature and extent of any injuries you may have sustained.

If it is safe to do so, diligently document the accident scene. Capture comprehensive photographic evidence from multiple angles, capturing the condition of the vehicles involved, road signs, and any skid marks or debris. Should there be any witnesses to the event, obtain their contact details without hesitation, as their testimony could be invaluable to your case.

Ensure that you speak with law enforcement officials and give a detailed statement of the incident for the police report. This report can serve as a crucial piece of evidence when establishing the facts of the case.

As soon as your medical condition has been stabilized, it is highly advisable to consult personal injury attorneys, like the trucking accident lawyers in Bethlehem, at Cohen, Feeley, Altemose & Rambo with the utmost urgency. Legal representation can offer crucial guidance and take necessary actions to protect your interests, particularly in the complex legal landscape that often accompanies truck accidents.