Navigating the aftermath of a personal injury is never easy. For many Scranton residents, dealing with physical pain is only the beginning. The real challenge often starts when negotiating with insurance companies. Victims quickly discover that the process of filing a claim, proving liability, and securing fair compensation is filled with unexpected obstacles. That’s why local attorneys are urging residents to seek legal guidance as early as possible after an injury.

In Scranton and throughout Pennsylvania, insurance companies are known for using tactics that delay, minimize, or deny legitimate injury claims. Whether you’ve been hurt in a car accident, slip and fall, or another negligence-related incident, understanding these tactics can help you protect your rights and take informed action.

Insurance Tactics That Harm Injury Victims

Delayed Response and Investigation

Insurance adjusters are trained to protect their company’s bottom line, not the victim’s recovery. One common strategy is to delay the investigation process. Delays create pressure on victims to accept a lower settlement out of frustration or financial necessity.

In Pennsylvania, there is no strict time requirement for how quickly an insurer must resolve a claim. While companies must “act in good faith,” what that looks like in practice often leaves victims waiting weeks or months for basic updates or settlement offers. A Scranton personal injury lawyer can help keep pressure on insurers to move the process forward.

Quick, Low Settlement Offers

Another common tactic is to present a fast settlement offer before the full extent of the injuries is known. This often happens within days of the accident. While the offer may seem generous at first glance, it usually doesn’t cover long-term medical costs, future treatments, lost wages, or emotional suffering.

Accepting such an offer closes your case permanently. Victims who settle early often discover they are left to cover additional expenses out of pocket. A personal injury lawyer Scranton PA can evaluate the offer and determine whether it truly meets your needs.

Disputing Liability

Insurance companies frequently deny claims by arguing their policyholder was not at fault or that the victim shares a significant portion of the blame. Pennsylvania uses a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning if you're found more than 50% at fault, you can’t recover damages.

Even if you are less than 50% at fault, your compensation will be reduced proportionally. This makes it essential to work with personal injury lawyers who can gather evidence, interview witnesses, and counter misleading narratives from insurance companies.

Medical Record Requests and Surveillance

Insurance companies may request access to your full medical history—not just related to the accident. This can be used to argue that your injury was pre-existing or unrelated to the incident. In some cases, they may even hire private investigators to monitor your activity and use photos or videos out of context to dispute the severity of your injuries.

A qualified Scranton personal injury lawyer can help protect your privacy while still providing the necessary documentation to support your claim.

The Importance of Early Legal Involvement

Preserving Evidence

Time is critical in personal injury cases. Witnesses forget details, physical evidence can disappear, and surveillance footage may be erased. Having an attorney involved early ensures that crucial evidence is preserved and documented. This gives your claim a stronger foundation when dealing with insurers or pursuing legal action.

Handling Communication

Once an attorney is involved, they can handle all communication with the insurance company on your behalf. This prevents victims from making statements that could be used against them later. It also demonstrates that you’re serious about pursuing your claim, which may lead to more reasonable settlement discussions.

Calculating Full Damages

An experienced personal injury lawyer Scranton PA can accurately calculate your total damages. This includes current and future medical expenses, lost income, loss of earning capacity, and non-economic damages such as pain and suffering. Without this guidance, many victims unknowingly settle for far less than they deserve.

Preparing for Trial if Necessary

While most personal injury cases settle out of court, a strong trial strategy provides leverage during negotiations. Insurance companies are more likely to offer fair settlements when they know your attorney is fully prepared to take the case to court if necessary. This is especially important when dealing with difficult adjusters or high-value claims.

Types of Injury Cases Affected by Insurance Hurdles

Auto Accidents

Car accidents remain one of the most common sources of injury claims in Scranton. Pennsylvania’s unique no-fault system allows drivers to choose between limited and full tort insurance. Victims with limited tort coverage may face additional hurdles in proving the seriousness of their injuries. Personal injury lawyers near me can help navigate these complexities and pursue compensation from at-fault parties when allowed by law.

Slip and Fall Accidents

Premises liability cases also come with insurance complications. Property owners’ insurers may argue that the hazard was “open and obvious,” or that the injured person was careless. Proving negligence in these cases requires timely evidence collection and detailed analysis of property maintenance records.

Workplace Accidents and Third-Party Claims

Injured workers typically file for workers’ compensation, but in some cases, a third party (such as a contractor or equipment manufacturer) may be liable. These claims often involve multiple insurers and legal challenges. An experienced attorney ensures all possible avenues for compensation are explored.

Why Scranton Residents Should Act Quickly

Delaying action after an injury can cost you both financially and legally. Pennsylvania imposes a two-year statute of limitations on most personal injury claims. Miss this deadline, and you may lose your right to recover damages entirely.

Additionally, the sooner you begin the legal process, the stronger your case will be. From preserving evidence to obtaining medical documentation, early action gives your attorney more tools to fight for a fair outcome.

About Semenza Law

Located in Scranton, PA, Semenza Law is committed to representing individuals who have suffered injuries due to the negligence of others. Whether you’ve been hurt in an auto accident, a slip and fall, or another serious incident, the firm offers knowledgeable legal guidance to help you overcome insurance obstacles and pursue the compensation you deserve.

With experience in negotiating settlements and litigating complex claims, Semenza Law understands how local insurers operate and how to protect injury victims from common pitfalls. If you're searching for personal injury lawyers near me, our firm is ready to stand by your side and fight for your rights.

 

Semenza Law Firm

108 N Washington Ave, Scranton, PA 18503

570–538–724

https://www.google.com/maps?cid=18227187763992632152