How Can I Get Financial Compensation After Getting Injured On Vacation?

It's not hard to see why Philadelphia is a popular vacation spot. In 2015, a record 41 million tourists visited Philadelphia to experience the rich history, culture, restaurant scene, and more. The foundation of American democracy was laid here, and the modern cosmopolitan makeup of the city attracts visitors from all over the globe.

While Philly has a lot to offer, it has its dangers, just like any other large city. Tourists are injured every day, but many may not consider filing a lawsuit against negligent parties before or after they leave town. While it may feel inconvenient to file a lawsuit from hundreds or thousands of miles away, a reliable personal injury lawyer would be willing to work with you regardless of your location.

Why File A Lawsuit?

Clearly, being injured is always a difficult experience - regardless of whether it occurs at home or while traveling. Many tourists may be eager to put a negative experience behind them once they return home. Others may not realize that it's possible to pursue legal action when they live far away. But regardless of where you're located, you should not be forced to deal with the multiple consequences which result from preventable injuries.

Personal injury laws protect victims from the various burdens they may face when they are injured as a result of someone else's negligence. The right lawyer will be prepared to hold negligent parties liable for all of these burdens. If you've recently been injured while on vacation in Philadelphia, you should consider discussing your options for compensation with one of our experienced personal injury lawyers.

Awardable Damages

Your personal injury lawyer can help you recover compensation for all of the damages which resulted from your injury, including:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Past and future lost wages and loss of earning potential
• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of quality of life
• Property damage

Each injury case is unique, and the extent of your compensation depends on how much your injuries have affected your life. Research after an injury is important, but it's necessary to speak with an attorney as soon as possible in order to draw up a gameplan for your specific case. At Monheit Law, we offer free consultations for personal injury cases.

What Types Of Accidents Are Covered?

Philadelphia is a bustling city of over 1.5 million people. The historic sites, museums, bars, and restaurants offer something for every kind of tourist. But there are plenty of inherent dangers here too, just like anywhere else. Monheit Law has experience handling cases related to all kinds of foreseeable dangers, including:

Transportation Accidents

Transportation accidents are the leading cause of accidental death in the US. Philadelphia offers multiple forms of transportation for getting around the area, but thousands of people are injured each year in a variety of transportation accidents:

• Auto accidents - Many big city drivers are unnecessarily aggressive and have little regard for the safety of fellow motorists and pedestrians. Cab drivers are especially notorious for disregarding traffic rules in order to maximize their profits.
• Public transportation accidents - Philly's public transportation system, SEPTA, makes it easy to get around. There are multiple bus and subway routes to get you all over the metro area. But occasionally workers make negligent mistakes which end up injuring multiple people.
• Train accidents - Amtrak and other railways offer the possibility of weekend getaways to NYC or Washington, DC - but many of these systems are outdated. In May 2015, an Amtrak train with outdated technology derailed in Philadelphia and resulted in 8 deaths and over 200 injuries.

Slips, Trips, And Falls

Philly has no shortage of trendy restaurants, nightclubs, and retail shops to visit. The owners of these establishments owe a duty of care to any visitors. In exchange for your business, property owners are obligated to keep the premises free of any dangers which could result in a serious slip and fall injury. If you end up falling and injuring yourself because of a preventable danger on the property, that business owner may be held liable for your injury expenses.

Common conditions which lead to slip and fall injuries include:

• Ice and snow
• Wet floors
• Uneven surfaces
• Inadequate lighting
• Potholes
• Broken steps and staircases
• Wet leaves

Dog Bites

Take a walk through any residential area in Philly, and you will see dozens of locals walking their dogs. These dog owners are required to do all that they can to ensure that their pet does no harm to any innocent victims. If you've been bitten by an unleashed or vicious dog while visiting Philly, a negligent owner could be held liable for damages.

Crime Victims

Like any metropolitan area, Philly has its fair share of crime. While you're generally safe in tourist-heavy areas, there are criminals who specifically target out-of-town visitors in these areas. Many of these crimes could have been prevented by better security or better lighting in the surrounding area. The criminal justice system will help to punish the offender, but they won't help you with your medical bills and other damages from a robbery or assault.

Do I Have A Case?

In order to pursue a personal injury case, you must prove that another party acted in a negligent way which caused your injuries. There are four required elements for proving negligence:

• Duty of care - As members of a cooperative society, each of us is expected to behave in a way which does not endanger others. For example, when we drive, we're required to follow the rules of the road and drive safely to protect both ourselves and other motorists and pedestrians.
• Breach of duty - When someone behaves in a way in which a reasonable person would not have and endangers other people in the process, they have breached this duty of care. For example, driving drunk and causing a serious car accident.
• The breach caused injuries - In order to file a claim, you must prove that this breach of duty directly caused your injuries.
• Measurable damages - In order to qualify for compensation, your legal representation must show that real damages resulted from your injuries (such as medical expenses and time missed from work).

If your legal team can prove these four criteria, you stand a good chance of winning a favorable judgment or settlement.

Can I Sue If I'm Not American?

Yes. Even if you were visiting from another country, you are still protected by personal injury statutes. Don't get discouraged by the fact that you're so far away. Our local attorneys are more than willing to work on your case after you've returned home. If the matter goes to court then you may be required to return to the city. However, many of these cases result in lucrative settlements.

Each personal injury case has unique circumstances and requires a thorough review. If you're looking to hold a negligent party liable for your injury expenses, contact the experienced personal injury lawyers at Monheit Law today for a free consultation.