When you’re hurt because of someone else’s careless choices, it can feel like your whole life is suddenly on hold. The pain doesn’t stop just because the bills keep coming. Maybe you can’t work. Maybe you’re worrying about supporting your family, attending medical appointments, or just getting through the day. On top of all that, the insurance company is calling and pushing you to “just sign” something so they can close the file.
You don’t have to go through that alone.
At Moran Law Group, our personal injury lawyers in Scranton help people across Northeast Pennsylvania hold negligent drivers, property owners, medical providers, businesses, and institutions accountable. Our job is to stand between you and the insurance company, protect your rights, and fight for every dollar of compensation you’re legally entitled to.
This pillar guide is designed to walk you through the essentials of personal injury law in Pennsylvania, what to expect from the process, and how our Scranton team supports you at every step.
What Is a Personal Injury Case?
A personal injury case is a civil claim that arises when a person is harmed because someone else acted carelessly, recklessly, or intentionally. The law calls this “negligence” or “wrongful conduct.” Instead of sending someone to jail (that’s the criminal system), a personal injury case focuses on money damages—compensation that helps you rebuild your life after an injury.
Common examples include:
- A distracted driver running a red light and causing a crash on the way into downtown Scranton
- A store failing to clean up a spill or fix broken flooring, leading to a serious fall
- A nursing home that does not provide basic care, causing residents to suffer infections, bedsores, or falls
- A doctor or hospital missing a clear diagnosis or making a preventable error
- A construction contractor ignoring basic safety rules and causing a job-site disaster
In all of these situations, the injured person (or their family) can pursue a claim for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses.
To have a strong personal injury case in Pennsylvania, four basic elements usually need to be present:
- Duty of care – The at-fault party had a legal responsibility to act reasonably and safely.
- Breach of duty – They failed to live up to that responsibility.
- Causation – Their conduct directly led to your injuries.
- Damages – You suffered actual losses, such as physical injuries, financial strain, and emotional harm.
Even if you are not sure whether what happened to you “counts” as a personal injury case, it’s worth getting legal advice. Many people underestimate their rights because they’ve never been through this before.
Types of Personal Injury Cases We Handle in Scranton and NEPA
Personal injury law covers many different kinds of accidents and incidents. Because Moran Law Group is a full-service injury firm, we can look at the entire picture of what happened and how it affects your life, not just one small piece.
Here are some of the main types of cases our Scranton personal injury lawyers handle.
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Serious crashes happen every day on I-81, the Casey Highway, and local roads throughout Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties. We represent people who have been hurt in:
- Car accidents
- Truck and commercial vehicle crashes
- Motorcycle accidents
- Pedestrian and bicycle accidents
- Rideshare and delivery vehicle collisions
- Uninsured and underinsured motorist claims
Auto accident cases are rarely as simple as exchanging insurance information. There may be questions about who was at fault, multiple insurance policies, disputes about the severity of your injuries, and pressure from adjusters to settle for less than your case is worth. Our team steps in to investigate the crash, gather evidence, and negotiate from a position of strength. Contact us today to see if you have a case.
Slip and Fall and Other Premises Liability Cases
Property owners—whether they are homeowners, businesses, landlords, or government entities—have a duty to keep their premises reasonably safe. When they ignore dangerous conditions, visitors can get badly hurt.
Common hazards include:
- Wet or freshly mopped floors with no warning signs
- Ice or snow that is not cleared in a reasonable time
- Broken steps, loose carpeting, or uneven flooring
- Poor lighting in stairwells or parking lots
- Cluttered aisles or debris
These are called premises liability cases. To win, you generally need to show that the property owner knew or should have known about the danger and failed to fix it or warn visitors. Because evidence can disappear quickly—security video is overwritten, snow melts, hazards are repaired—it is important to contact a lawyer as soon as possible after a fall or other incident.
Construction and Workplace Accidents
Construction sites and industrial workplaces are filled with heavy machinery, power tools, and elevated work areas. One mistake or safety violation can cause life-changing injuries. While workers’ compensation may provide some benefits, it does not cover everything, and it does not pay for pain and suffering.
In many situations, you may also have a third-party personal injury claim against someone other than your direct employer, such as:
- A negligent subcontractor
- A property owner who failed to maintain safe conditions
- A manufacturer of defective equipment or tools
Our firm investigates who is truly responsible, coordinates with any workers’ compensation claim you may have, and pursues additional recovery where the law allows it.
Medical Malpractice and Nursing Home Abuse
When you or a loved one goes to a doctor, hospital, or long-term care facility, you trust that basic standards of care will be followed. Medical malpractice and nursing home abuse cases arise when that trust is broken.
Examples include:
- Failure to diagnose serious conditions in a timely way
- Surgical errors and anesthesia mistakes
- Medication errors and incorrect dosages
- Infections caused by poor hygiene or sanitation
- Falls, bedsores, and preventable injuries in nursing homes
- Physical, emotional, or financial abuse of vulnerable residents
These cases are complex, often requiring expert medical testimony and a detailed understanding of both medicine and the law. We work to uncover what went wrong, hold providers and institutions accountable, and seek justice for patients and families.
Catastrophic Injuries and Wrongful Death
Some injuries never fully heal. They change everything about how you live, work, and care for your family. Catastrophic injury cases may involve:
- Traumatic brain injuries and concussions
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Severe burns and disfigurement
- Amputations and loss of limb
- Permanent nerve damage and chronic pain
When a loved one dies because of someone else’s wrongful conduct, Pennsylvania law allows certain family members to bring wrongful death and survival actions. These claims can provide compensation for funeral costs, medical expenses, the loved one’s lost earnings, and the loss of companionship and guidance, while also holding the responsible party accountable in civil court.
How a Scranton Personal Injury Lawyer Helps You
After a serious injury, it is completely normal to feel overwhelmed. You might be asking:
- Should I talk to the insurance adjuster?
- How do I pay my medical bills while my case is pending?
- Is the settlement offer I received fair?
- Will I have to go to court?
A personal injury lawyer’s job is to step into the middle of that chaos and bring order, strategy, and protection.
Here is what Moran Law Group does for clients in Scranton and across NEPA.
We Take Over the Insurance and Legal Burden
From the moment we are hired, we notify the insurance companies that we represent you. From that point on, adjusters should contact us instead of bothering you directly. We handle the phone calls, letters, deadlines, and legal paperwork, so you can focus on healing and your everyday life.
We also make sure you understand your rights and options. If an insurance adjuster is asking for a recorded statement, requesting broad access to your medical history, or pressuring you to settle quickly, we explain what is in your best interest and push back when something is unfair.
We Investigate and Preserve Critical Evidence
A strong personal injury case requires proof. Our team works to gather and protect that proof, which may include:
- Police reports and incident reports
- Photos and videos from the scene
- Surveillance or dashcam footage
- Black box data from commercial vehicles
- Maintenance and inspection records
- Safety manuals and company policies
- Witness statements
- Expert opinions, such as accident reconstruction, engineering, or medical experts
Acting quickly is key. Evidence can be lost, destroyed, or simply forgotten with time. By getting involved early, we can send preservation letters, request records, and track down witnesses before memories fade.
We Document the Full Impact of Your Injuries
Far too often, insurance companies look only at your immediate medical bills and ignore how much an injury truly affects your life. Our firm takes a different approach. We look at the whole picture, including:
- Hospital and specialist care
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy
- Medications and medical equipment
- Future surgeries or long-term treatment needs
- Time missed from work and lost career opportunities
- Limitations in daily activities, hobbies, and relationships
- Emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and trauma
In serious cases, we may work with life care planners, vocational experts, and economists to calculate the cost of future care and lost earning capacity. That way, when we negotiate or go to trial, we are arguing for a number that reflects your real needs, not just what is easy for the insurance company.
We Negotiate and, When Necessary, Litigate
Most personal injury claims resolve through settlement, but that does not mean you should accept the first offer. We prepare detailed demand packages that explain why the other side is responsible and how your injuries have changed your life. Then we negotiate firmly for a fair outcome.
If the insurance company refuses to be reasonable, we are ready and willing to file a lawsuit. Litigation can involve written discovery, depositions, expert reports, motions, mediation, and, if needed, trial. Our willingness to take a case all the way often motivates insurers to put more realistic money on the table.
Key Pennsylvania Laws That Affect Your Personal Injury Case
Because personal injury law is controlled by state statutes and court decisions, Pennsylvania-specific rules will play a huge role in your case. Here are some of the most important ones to know.
Statute of Limitations: Deadlines to File
In most Pennsylvania personal injury and wrongful death cases, you have two years from the date of the injury or death to file a lawsuit in court. This deadline is called the statute of limitations. If you miss it, your case is usually barred forever, no matter how strong it might have been.
There are limited exceptions. For example:
- Claims involving minors
- Situations where the injury was not reasonably discoverable right away (known as the “discovery rule”)
- Certain claims against government entities, which may require earlier written notice
Because these rules can be complicated, it is always better to talk with a Scranton personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. Getting legal advice early gives you more options and helps prevent missed deadlines.
Comparative Negligence: What If You Were Partly at Fault?
Many people assume they have no case because they think they “should have been more careful” or “could have done more to avoid the accident.” Pennsylvania’s comparative negligence law says otherwise.
Under this system, you can still recover compensation as long as you are not more than 50% at fault for the incident. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example:
- If a jury finds that your damages are $200,000
- And you were 20% at fault for the crash
- You could still recover $160,000 (80% of the total)
However, if you are found more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover from the other party. Insurance companies know this rule well and often try to unfairly increase your share of blame. Our job is to push back, present the evidence, and argue for a fair allocation of fault.
Damages: What You Can Recover
In a Pennsylvania personal injury case, recoverable damages may include:
- Economic damages, such as medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, and out-of-pocket expenses
- Non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, scarring, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life
- Wrongful death and survival damages in fatal cases, which may include funeral expenses, loss of support, and the decedent’s pain and suffering
In rare cases involving extreme or intentional misconduct, punitive damages may also be available to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior.
What to Do After an Accident or Injury in NEPA
Your actions in the minutes, hours, and days after an accident can significantly affect both your health and your legal case. Here are practical steps to protect yourself.
1. Get Medical Attention Right Away
Your health is the first priority. Go to the emergency room, an urgent care clinic, or your doctor as soon as possible. Some serious injuries—like concussions, internal bleeding, or soft-tissue damage—may not be obvious at first. Prompt care protects your health and creates documentation that links your injuries to the incident.
2. Report the Incident
- Call the police after a motor vehicle crash.
- Report a fall or injury to the property owner or manager and ask that an incident report be created.
- If you are hurt at work, notify your supervisor promptly and follow your employer’s reporting procedures.
Keep copies of any reports or at least write down the report number so your lawyer can obtain them later.
3. Gather Evidence If You Can Safely Do So
If you are able, try to:
- Take photos and videos of the scene, your injuries, and any hazards or vehicle damage
- Get names and contact information for witnesses
- Save damaged clothing, equipment, or personal items
- Note weather conditions and lighting at the time of the incident
Don’t put yourself at risk to collect evidence. If you are not able to do this, we may still be able to track down important information later.
4. Be Cautious With Insurance and Social Media
Avoid giving detailed or recorded statements to insurance adjusters before talking with a lawyer. Do not post about the accident, your injuries, or your recovery on social media, as insurers may take your posts out of context and use them against you. When in doubt, ask your attorney how to handle communications.
5. Talk With a Scranton Personal Injury Lawyer
The sooner you reach out for legal advice, the more effectively your rights can be protected. Early involvement allows us to preserve evidence, advise you on treatment and documentation, and prevent costly mistakes that could harm your claim.
Why Choose Moran Law Group for Your Personal Injury Case?
Picking a lawyer is a very personal decision. You want someone who has the right experience and resources, but you also want a team that understands what you and your family are going through. Here are some reasons people in Scranton and NEPA trust Moran Law Group.
We Are Local and Accessible
We live and work in the same communities where our clients live and work. We know the local roads, judges, defense attorneys, and insurance practices. That local knowledge gives us insight into how certain cases are likely to be defended and what strategies work best in our courts.
Being local also means we are accessible. You can meet with us in person, talk with our team, and feel confident that we are close by when you need us.
We Take a Client-Centered Approach
From the moment you contact us, our focus is on you—your story, your needs, and your goals. We listen carefully, explain your options in plain English, and keep you updated throughout your case. We know this is not just a “file” or a “claim” to you; it is your life, health, and financial future.
We also understand that injury cases can be emotional. It is normal to feel angry, anxious, or overwhelmed. Our role is to shoulder the legal stress so you can focus on healing and your family.
We Are Willing to Fight for You
We prepare each case as if it may go to trial, even though many cases resolve through settlement. That trial-ready approach signals to insurance companies that we are serious. When the other side knows we are willing and able to present your case to a judge or jury, they are often more motivated to offer a fair settlement rather than risk a verdict.
If going to court is the best way to protect your interests, we will be there beside you every step of the way, making sure your story is heard. Call us today– we’re ready to listen.
We Work on a Contingency Fee
In personal injury cases, we represent clients on a contingency fee basis. That means:
- No upfront attorney’s fees
- No hourly billing
- We only get paid if we obtain compensation for you through a settlement or verdict
At the beginning of your case, we will walk you through the fee agreement in detail, answer your questions, and make sure you are comfortable with how everything works.
How Long Will My Personal Injury Case Take?
One of the most common questions we hear is, “How long is this going to take?” The honest answer is that it depends on many factors, including:
- The nature and severity of your injuries
- How long it takes for you to reach maximum medical improvement
- The amount of insurance coverage available
- Whether liability is clear or disputed
- How reasonable the insurance company is during negotiations
- Whether your case needs to go into litigation and possibly to trial
Some cases can resolve within a few months once your medical treatment has stabilized. Others—especially those involving serious or long-term injuries—can take longer because we need to fully understand your future needs before discussing settlement. Our commitment is to move your case forward as efficiently as possible while still protecting its full value.
We will never pressure you to accept a quick, low settlement just to close a file. Instead, we will explain the pros and cons of any offer and give you our best advice, so you can make informed decisions at every step.
Take the Next Step: Talk With a Personal Injury Lawyer in Scranton, PA
If you or someone you love has been hurt in Scranton or anywhere in NEPA because of someone else’s actions, you don’t have to navigate the legal system on your own. A single conversation with a knowledgeable attorney can bring clarity and help you understand what to do next.
At Moran Law Group, we offer free, no-obligation consultations for personal injury cases. We will listen to what happened, answer your questions, and give you straightforward guidance about your options. If we move forward together, we will fight for you with the same energy and dedication we would want for our own families.
Reach out today to schedule a consultation and learn how our personal injury lawyers in Scranton, PA can help you pursue the justice and compensation you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions About Personal Injury Lawyer in Scranton, PA
1. Do I really need a personal injury lawyer, or can I handle the claim myself?
Some very small claims with minor injuries and minimal bills might be handled without an attorney, but once you are dealing with ongoing medical treatment, time off work, or lasting pain, having a lawyer becomes extremely important. Insurance companies handle claims all day, every day. Their job is to protect their bottom line, not your future. When you go up against them alone, it’s easy to accept a settlement that sounds okay in the moment but falls far short of covering your long-term needs. A personal injury lawyer knows how to value your case, gather the right evidence, and negotiate from a position of strength. At Moran Law Group, we can tell you honestly during a free consultation whether we think you’ll benefit from legal representation.
2. How much does it cost to hire a personal injury lawyer in Scranton, PA?
For most people, the idea of paying a lawyer out of pocket is stressful, especially when they’re already dealing with medical bills and lost income. That’s why Moran Law Group handles personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. You do not pay any upfront attorney’s fees, and there are no hourly rates to worry about. Instead, our fee is a percentage of the compensation we recover for you through a settlement or verdict. If we don’t recover money for you, you don’t owe us an attorney’s fee. During your consultation, we’ll go over the fee agreement in detail so you know exactly how it works and can make an informed decision.
3. What should I bring to my first meeting with a Scranton personal injury lawyer?
Bring anything you have that relates to your accident and injuries. This might include police or incident reports, photos or videos from the scene, medical records and discharge papers, health insurance and auto insurance information, letters from insurance companies, and any notes you’ve made about how the injury has affected your work and daily life. If you don’t have all of that, don’t worry—don’t delay talking to a lawyer just because your paperwork isn’t perfect. We can help you track down records and fill in the gaps. The most important thing is your honest, detailed account of what happened and what you’re going through now. From there, we can outline the next steps and start protecting your rights.
4. Will I have to go to court if I file a personal injury claim?
Many people are anxious about the idea of going to court, and that’s completely understandable. The good news is that most personal injury cases are resolved through negotiated settlements rather than full trials. A settlement can happen at many stages of a case—sometimes even before a lawsuit is filed. That said, we prepare every case as if it could go to trial so that we are ready if the insurance company refuses to be reasonable. If your case does go into litigation, there are steps like written discovery, depositions, and possibly mediation before you ever see a courtroom. If a trial becomes necessary, we’ll make sure you know what to expect, support you throughout the process, and present your story clearly and powerfully.
5. How long will it take to get a settlement or verdict in my personal injury case?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to how long a case will take. Some cases can reach a settlement within a few months after your medical condition stabilizes and we have a clear picture of your injuries and future needs. Others, especially those involving serious injuries or complex liability issues, can take longer and may require filing a lawsuit. Factors that affect the timeline include how quickly you heal, whether the insurance company disputes fault or the extent of your injuries, how much money is at stake, and how crowded the court’s schedule is if the case goes to trial. Throughout your case, we’ll keep you updated, explain what’s happening, and work to move things forward efficiently while still protecting the full value of your claim.
Additional Personal Injury Resources
Potholes and Road Damage: Your Legal Rights After Car Damage or Injury
What Kind of Cases Do Personal Injury Lawyers Handle?
Why Is My Personal Injury Case Going to Trial?
Types of Personal Injury Cases We Handle
How to File a Personal Injury Claim in Pennsylvania
Pain and Suffering Damages in Pennsylvania