IN North Allegheny Spring 2016 | Page 43

SPECIAL SECTION: FA M I LY LAW PERSONAL INJURY LAW Personal injury or tort lawsuits refer to injuries to the body, mind, or emotional well-being of an individual. Typically, in a personal injury suit, an individual (defendant) who has caused harm compensates the individual (plaintiff) who suffered the harm. Damages awarded to the plaintiff are often negotiated and agreed upon by both parties or ordered by a judge. It is important to act quickly when you’ve been injured to protect your rights, as there are time limits, called statute of limitations, that vary by state that confine your opportunity to take action. with evidence-based facts that are timely. This prevents fraudulent and stale claims being made after evidence has been lost or forgotten. MARRIAGE, CIVIL UNIONS AND DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIPS Family law in Pennsylvania includes marriage, divorce, child custody, adoption, and other matters related to the family structure. What is the most common personal injury case? Answer: Automobile accidents. The car insurance company will typically determine if the car is totaled or if payment is in order to cover repairs. Once it is determined who is at fault, reimbursement for damages will come from the policy holder or the insurer. If you find yourself in a hit-and-run accident, compensation for damages will come from your own insurance company. W