Sexual abuse is a devastating event that can have a lifelong impact on the victim. The physical, emotional and psychological scars can permanently alter a victim’s personality, and many survivors are deprived of their ability to feel comfortable, happy and secure in their everyday lives.
I was made to feel welcome and part of a family that was looking out for my needs when no one else would.
– Client of Schmidt Kramer
Unfortunately, some victims and their families may not feel safe enough to take legal action. However, help is available. At Schmidt Kramer, our Harrisburg sexual abuse lawyers are ready to advocate for you and use the legal system to seek justice on your behalf.
If you have been the victim of sexual abuse or sexual assault in Pennsylvania, you may be eligible to pursue compensation from the abuser/perpetrator, and/or the entity the abuser/perpetrator was employed or affiliated with, such as a school, religious organization or private company.
Call anytime, day or night to schedule your free consultation. We are ready to help you today.
Schmidt Kramer. Ph: (717) 888-8888.
Determining the validity of a claim and the potential financial value of that case can be difficult without knowing all the details that are associated with the incident. Sexual abuse cases can be quite complex, and many factors may be involved in the calculation of a damages amount.
However, we also understand that holding negligent parties responsible for their actions can be an important part of the healing process for abuse victims and at Schmidt Kramer, we are ready to answer any legal questions you may have.
An initial consultation is complimentary and confidential with no obligation to hire us. If we determine that you do have a case and you would like to proceed with a lawsuit, there are no upfront fees for our services. We are not paid unless you receive compensation.
Talk to a lawyer today. Call (717) 888-8888.
A knowledgeable attorney at Schmidt Kramer is prepared to review your situation and discuss compensation that may be available, such as:
The compensation available depends on the specifics of your claim. Our Harrisburg sexual abuse lawyers are committed to pursuing maximum compensation for damages. We may also be able to arrange counseling and therapy to help with psychological trauma and mental health issues.
Governor Tom Wolf signed a bill to overhaul child sexual abuse laws in Pennsylvania in November of 2019. One of the bill’s main objectives was to provide more time to file for future sexual abuse victims.
The new laws were introduced over a year after a landmark grand jury report showed hundreds of child abuse cases that were covered up by Pennsylvania’s Roman Catholic churches for over 70 years. The new laws influenced many other states to change their laws and start new investigations of past allegations of child sexual abuse.
Under old laws, victims between the ages of 18-23 would have up to age 30 to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party, however, under the new legislation, victims would have up to age 55 to file.
However, claims based on federal law no longer have a statute of limitations. On September 16, 2022, President Biden signed the Eliminating Limits to Justice for Child Sex Abuse Victims Act, which eliminated the statute of limitations for civil claims for sex abuse crimes against minors. This includes claims about sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children, along with sex trafficking and forced labor.
It is important to note this new law is not retroactive. That means it only applies to claims which have not already been barred by an old statute of limitations. The new law does not apply to claims involving incidents that already occurred.
If you are unsure about whether you still have time to take legal action under state law, we recommend speaking to one of our licensed attorneys in a free case review. We are ready to seek justice and compensation for you.
Speak with a member of our legal team to schedule your free private consultation.
Trusted. Local. Lawyers. Ph: (717) 888-8888.
Child sexual abuse occurs when a child is forced to take part in sexual activity, often with an adult. Perpetrators are usually people the child knows, trusts or is expected to obey. Abuse could include things like touching/fondling, sexual intercourse, and activities where there is no physical contact between the perpetrator and victim, such as:
If your child was the victim of any of these forms of abuse, our Harrisburg sexual abuse attorneys are available to discuss legal options in a no-cost, confidential consultation.
One of the reasons child sexual abuse happens is the abuser is often someone the child knows and trusts. This is often the reason why abuse can happen for a long period of time before others find out.
Sometimes employers and other entities protect abusers or fail to investigate claims of abuse, which means they could potentially be held liable for abuse. Entities that could be held liable for abuse include:
These organizations could be held accountable for lack of monitoring workers, negligent hiring, and failing to investigate claims of abuse or contacting the authorities.
Local live-in schools have been linked to sexual abuse. In recent years, a houseparent and assistant ice hockey coach were both charged and convicted of sexual offenses against former students. A $3 million dollar settlement was reached in a case filed on behalf of students abused by the son of a houseparent.
At Schmidt Kramer, we work hard to pursue negligent and abusive parties to not only seek maximum compensation for our clients, but to prevent them from harming other children ever again.
Free Case Review. Ph: (717) 888-8888.
Trusting your child with another person can be challenging for most parents. Babysitters, teachers, religious leaders, coaches and other community leaders responsible for the welfare of children should be properly vetted, however, sometimes perpetrators can go unchecked.
Children often feel intimidated or embarrassed to admit or discuss abuse. The abuser may have even threatened the child or told the child not to say anything.
If you think your child is hiding this type of abuse, you may want to look out for these common signs:
Physical could include trauma to the genital area, such as bruising or bleeding that cannot be explained, abnormal walking or limping, difficulty sitting, bedwetting, or ongoing or chronic pain while urinating. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and urinary tract infections (UTIs) may be physical signs of abuse.
Behavioral signs could include acting unusually secretive or withdrawn, actions or words the child should not know, exhibiting inappropriate sexual behavior, or refusing to change clothes or bathe. The child may also be reverting to old behaviors he or she outgrew (i.e. bedwetting or thumb sucking).
Emotional signs could include a sudden change in appetite or eating habits, mood swings and angry outbursts, nightmares and insomnia, fear of being alone at night, excessively worrying or fearfulness.
There are also many long-term effects of sexual abuse, such as:
When sexual abuse victims grow older and mature, they often take on certain coping mechanisms to deal with the harm done to them. This may include drug or alcohol dependency or other self-destructive behaviors. Our firm knows the healing process can take a long time and are here to help.
Aside from recognizing the warning signs (which are not always obvious), there are other important steps to take if you suspect a child is being harmed.
It is important to choose a safe space where the victim is comfortable or ask him or her where they would like to talk. Avoid talking in front or near the person who may be causing the harm. Be sure your tone is casual and non-threatening to help keep the victim at ease. He or she will be more inclined to open up and talk freely. Be sure to also talk to the victim directly, using words he or she will understand.
Avoid judgmental questions and statements as well as placing blame. Simply reassure the victim and let him or her know that you are concerned for his or her well-being. Remember that this conversation may be very terrifying for the victim. You may not know if he or she has been threatened into keeping quiet.
Before reporting the abuse to the authorities, be sure that the victim knows you will be talking to someone else who can help. The victim should be placed in a safe environment and if you are concerned over his or her safety, inform the authorities when you make the report. Be prepared to identify the victim, the nature of the abuse, and your relationship to the victim.
There are a multitude of resources available for child sexual abuse victims on a local, state and national level. Some of these resources include, but are not limited to:
Speaking to an experienced attorney could be an important step as you consider legal action over sexual abuse. Schmidt Kramer has been representing injury victims for more than 30 years, helping to recover millions of dollars in compensation on their behalf. Review our client testimonials and reviews to see what our satisfied clients had to say about our services.
Schedule your free case review today and learn more about how we may be able to assist you. Your free case review is completely confidential, and you are not obligated to hire our firm to represent your case.
Our office is in Harrisburg at 209 State Street, which is just a few blocks away from the Pennsylvania State Capitol Complex.
Call the dedicated attorneys at Schmidt Kramer anytime, 24/7, or fill out a Free Case Review form.
Find out if you have a case. Call (717) 888-8888.
Have you been injured in a car accident? At Schmidt Kramer, we understand the devastating impact a car crash can have on vehicle occupants – from the physical injuries and medical expenses to pain and suffering, lost wages and more. Our award-winning Harrisburg car accident lawyers have helped victims of many types of auto accidents recover fair compensation to help them move on with their lives.
Thank you again for all your diligence, generosity, and help. Words cannot express the gratitude my family feels…
– Schmidt Kramer Client
We offer accident victims a free, no obligation consultation to determine their legal options and have successfully handled many auto accident cases including a $500,000 settlement for the victim of a car accident that suffered leg fractures, a $475,000 settlement for an individual that was seriously injured after being hit by a tractor trailer and a $250,000 settlement for a client that was injured by an uninsured motorist. If we believe you are eligible to recover compensation, we can pursue it on your behalf and will not charge you any fees unless we are successful.
Our Harrisburg office is located at 209 State Street, just minutes from the Pennsylvania State Capitol Complex and 10 minutes from the Dauphin County Sheriff’s Department.
Contact our Harrisburg car accident lawyers at (717) 888-8888.
Car accident victims that hire a lawyer to help them after the crash recover more financial compensation compared to those that have no legal representation.
Having a lawyer on your side can also have many other benefits including:
We will carefully review all of the information you provide about the accident and your injuries to start building a case for why you are entitled to compensation. We will also investigate further by revisiting the scene of the crash. If there are any cameras in the area that may have footage of the crash we will request this footage.
Additionally, we will request your medical records and review them to determine the full value of your claim. Medical records include:
We want you to not only have compensation for medical bills and lost wages, but also non-economic forms of compensation, like pain and suffering and loss of companionship. If necessary, we can consult medical experts to determine the full scope of your injuries and how they will affect you.
Our car accident lawyers in Harrisburg have many years of combined experience dealing with insurance companies. We know how to defend your best interests throughout the process.
Your firm did an excellent job with my case! Thanks again for everything.
– Amanda B.
Once you report the accident, we are prepared to deal with the insurance company from that point forward. We will provide the insurer with all of the information they need to handle your claim, such as medical records and the police report.
The insurer may ask for you to make a recorded statement or sign a statement about what happened in the accident. We will carefully review these requests and will not recommend agreeing unless we think it is in your best interest.
We can also handle all settlement negotiations. We will carefully evaluate your claim to determine a fair amount of compensation for your damages so we know what an acceptable offer would look like.
When selecting an attorney, you should search for one who takes cases to court when necessary. Even though most car accident cases are resolved through insurance claims, sometimes it is necessary to file a lawsuit to obtain fair compensation.
The car accident attorneys in Harrisburg at Schmidt Kramer have courtroom experience and know what it takes to obtain the compensation our clients deserve. We have no problem rejecting lowball offers from the insurance company because we are prepared to go to court.
In some cases, simply dealing with an attorney with courtroom experience will cause an insurance company to make a better offer.
The Harrisburg car accident attorneys at Schmidt Kramer pride ourselves on quickly responding to our clients and keeping them updated on what is happening with their claims.
We will also tell you what you can do to support your claim. For example, we will remind you to go to all of your doctor’s appointments and follow through on all recommended treatments. Many car insurance claims fall apart simply because victims do not continue their treatment.
Our Harrisburg auto accident lawyers often recommend keeping a journal about your injuries, how they are affecting you and how you are responding to medical treatment. For instance, victims can describe the physical and emotional pain and suffering they are experiencing, and how it is affecting their relationship with their spouse. You should also note if you have lost enjoyment of your life because of the injury.
You should also keep a record of dates and times you missed work because of your injuries. This will help us as we pursue compensation for lost wages.
Submit our Case Evaluation form to learn more.
You should always file an insurance claim as soon as possible after a car accident. This is because your insurance company may have a deadline for submitting claims.
The other reason you should file right away is so your attorney will have enough time to pursue a lawsuit if the insurance company does not offer a fair settlement. This is because personal injury lawsuits, including those involving car accidents, are governed by a two-year statute of limitations (Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Section 5524).
The statute says you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. If you do not file a lawsuit within that time, you lose the right to do so.
Our Harrisburg car accident attorneys know how to manage an insurance claim while preparing to file a lawsuit within the statute of limitations.
Call our firm at: (717) 888-8888 today.
Under Pennsylvania’s no-fault insurance laws, car accident victims must first seek compensation from their own insurance policy, even if they are not at fault for the crash.
This is why Pennsylvania requires all drivers to purchase medical benefits coverage with their car insurance. This provides compensation for medical bills for treating your injuries. Drivers must purchase a minimum of $5,000 in coverage. This provides coverage for necessary medical treatment and rehabilitative services, including the following types of services, according to Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Section 1712(1):
Drivers must also purchase the following car insurance coverage:
There are other optional coverages you can purchase to obtain compensation after a car accident, including:
When you purchase your car insurance, you must choose between full or limited tort coverage. Your choice will determine your ability to file a lawsuit over your car accident damages.
Limited tort coverage is often cheaper than full tort coverage, but if you choose this option you are waiving the right to file a lawsuit to recover compensation for pain and suffering.
The only exception to this is if you suffer an injury that meets the definition of a serious injury. Under Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 75 Chapter 17 Subchapter A Sec. 1702, a serious injury is one that results in death or serious disfigurement or impairment of a body function.
You still have the right to file a lawsuit to recover compensation for medical expenses and other out-of-pocket expenses, just not pain and suffering.
If you chose limited tort coverage, our car accident lawyers in Harrisburg will review your injury to determine if you may still be able to file a lawsuit. Our goal is to pursue all the compensation you deserve, and sometimes pain and suffering can be worth just as much or more than other expenses.
If you chose this option, you have an unlimited right to sue for all damages you suffered, no matter how severe your injuries are. This is a huge advantage, even though this coverage will likely increase the cost of your premiums.
Our auto accident attorneys in Harrisburg can review your legal options after a car accident. It may not be necessary to file a lawsuit to recover fair compensation, but if it is an option, we are fully prepared to pursue it.
Get the legal assistance you need today at: (717) 888-8888
If you file a lawsuit over your car accident injuries, you will need to establish the four elements of negligence to recover compensation:
The duty of care is a legal requirement that a person take reasonable steps to prevent another person from suffering harm. The definition of reasonable steps depends on the situation. For example, it is reasonable to expect drivers to obey traffic laws and not engage in distracted driving or other forms of reckless driving. This creates an unreasonable risk of other drivers on the road getting injured.
A Harrisburg car accident lawyer can carefully review your situation to determine the duty of care that existed during your accident.
Once we establish there was a duty of care, we need to provide evidence that it was violated. For example, a violation of a traffic law could serve as strong proof that a duty of care was violated. If the traffic violation is noted in the police report we may have a much easier time proving a breach of duty of care.
Your car accident lawyer in Harrisburg also needs to establish a direct link between the breach of duty of care and your injuries. This means you need to show you would not have suffered injuries if the other driver upheld the duty of care.
For example, if you were struck by another driver who ran through a stop sign, it would show the other driver breached his or her duty of care to safely operate a motor vehicle and follow traffic laws.
Attorneys for the other side often try to argue the victim’s injuries were a result of a pre-existing medical condition or something else besides the accident. This is why we will try to obtain your medical records from before the accident to disprove these claims.
We will also need to present evidence that shows you suffered economic damages, such as financial losses, because of your injuries. Economic damages include:
Generally, economic damages are referred to as “measurable damages” because they are quantifiable by using your medical bills, receipts and pay stubs to show the exact costs of your financial losses.
However, some victims may be entitled to receive non-economic compensation, which do not have a monetary value associated with them and are not easily measured, such as pain and suffering. We will need to present various pieces of evidence to establish these types of damages, including pictures, medical records, and written accounts from you and your family.
The car accident attorneys in Harrisburg at our firm have many years of combined experience in the courtroom pursuing justice for our clients. We know how to build a strong case and aggressively pursue fair compensation.
Fill out a Free Case Evaluation form or call (717) 888-8888.
There are often cases where accident victims were partially at fault for their injuries. For example, you may have violated a traffic law just before you were hit by a reckless driver. Even though the other driver is the one who is most at fault, you still have some amount of responsibility for what happened.
These situations are governed by Pennsylvania’s comparative negligence law (Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Section 7102). Under this law, you are barred from recovering compensation in a personal injury claim if you are found to be 51 percent or more at fault for the accident.
If you are less than 51 percent responsible, you can still recover compensation but it will be reduced according to your percentage of fault. This means if you were awarded $100,000 in compensation, but were found to be 40 percent at fault for the accident, your award will be reduced to $60,000.
If there are more than two parties involved in the accident they will be financially liable for damages according to their percentage of fault. For example, if you were in a multi-car pileup and one of the drivers was 40 percent responsible, he or she would be responsible for 40 percent of your damages. If another driver was 20 percent responsible, he or she would be responsible for 20 percent of your damages.
Pennsylvania’s comparative negligence law is also applied in insurance claims. Insurance companies do not want to pay more than they have to, so they will do whatever they can to reduce your compensation award.
This is one of the reasons you should strongly consider working with our Harrisburg car accident attorneys on your claim. We know how to carefully investigate your accident to determine your percentage of fault. We do not want you to be assigned more fault than you deserve for the crash.
Schedule a free consultation today by calling (717) 888-8888.
Our attorneys represent victims of many different types of car crashes that occur on Pennsylvania roadways. Some of the most common types of auto accidents include:
Our Harrisburg auto accident lawyers are prepared to take on these and many other types of car crash cases. We are well-versed in the many aspects auto accident cases and know how to aggressively pursue the compensation our clients deserve.
Contact our car accident lawyers today: (717) 888-8888
The minutes and hours after a car accident are often scary and confusing for victims who may not know what to do first and how to protect their rights and well-being.
Car accident victims can help simplify the process and begin building a strong case by following these steps in the aftermath of any type of car accident:
This is particularly important if the accident happened on a freeway or interstate highway, as vehicles around you are traveling at high speeds and you do not want to get hit again by another car. If you are able to drive your car and it is safe to do so, pull over to the side of the road away from any oncoming traffic.
Make sure to turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers that your vehicle is stopped. If you have any cones or flares, put them behind your vehicle.
If you or anyone else is hurt, even if it seems like a minor injury, call 9-1-1 so you can receive medical attention. Some car accident injuries cause minor or non-existent symptoms immediately after the crash, so it is best to be cautious and seek treatment immediately.
Immediately seeking medical help also helps build a case for why you deserve compensation. It helps to show this is a serious situation and link your injuries to the crash. If you wait to seek help, insurance companies and juries may be suspicious that you are just trying to get money and are not really hurt. This can make the insurance claims process much more difficult for you and your Harrisburg car accident lawyer.
When you call 9-1-1, the police will also be sent to the scene. The responding officer will assess the situation and create a police report, which will be a valuable piece of evidence when you pursue an injury claim against the other driver. It serves as an official record of what happened and will include the officer’s thoughts on the crash, including who is at fault.
Once the police report has been filed, you can go online to obtain a copy of the crash report from the Pennsylvania State Police. You can also download an application to request a copy and mail it to the Pennsylvania State Police Crash Reports Unit.
State law gives certain people the right to obtain a copy of an accident report, including anyone involved in the crash, their attorney, insurers and other government agencies. This is stated in Section 3751 of the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code.
If you are physically able to do so and it will not endanger your safety, start collecting evidence about the accident while you are waiting for the police or an ambulance to arrive. This could include:
Collecting evidence immediately after a car crash will help you and your Harrisburg car accident attorney build a strong case as you pursue fair compensation. Waiting to collect evidence could make it more difficult to prove what happened because after you leave the scene, things will be cleaned up and repaired and you may lose the opportunity to get accurate pictures.
It’s important to keep in mind that at Schmidt Kramer, we have a full team of legal industry professionals that can help to build a strong argument for your damages claim. If you are unable to obtain certain documents &/or information that are relevant to your case, we may be able to help.
Auto accident victims should always file an insurance claim as soon as possible after an accident. This not only helps establish the seriousness of your claim with the insurance company, it also helps ensure you do not pass any deadlines for filing a claim.
The insurance company is not on your side when it comes to obtaining fair compensation.
If you wait to file, it may cause the insurance company to think you are exaggerating the severity of your injuries and are just trying to get money. Unfortunately, the insurance company is not on your side when it comes to obtaining fair compensation. That is why you have to take steps to build a strong case.
This includes watching what you say to the insurance company when you report the accident. Explain the basic facts about the accident, including the date, time and location of the accident. If you received medical treatment at the accident scene or at a hospital, say that. However, do not reveal the specifics about your injury or the amount of pain you are feeling. The insurance company can get that information from your medical records.
If you reveal too much information you could hurt your chances of obtaining fair compensation. You could unintentionally give your opinion about the severity of your injuries or say something that makes the insurance company think you are partially at fault.
If you were injured in a car accident, our attorneys can answer your questions and inform you of your rights. We may be able to help you pursue the compensation you are entitled for all your damages.
We take cases on contingency so there is no charge unless you receive compensation. We also offer a free, no obligation consultation to discuss the accident.
We know compensation cannot change what happened, but we have seen how it can help victims begin to move forward and manage the effects of their injuries. Learn more about your legal options by contacting one of our reputable attorneys.
Free Consultation. No Upfront Fees. Call: (717) 888-8888 today
Have you or someone you love been injured in a bike accident? Have you suffered injuries as a pedestrian? You may be entitled to collect compensation for your injury. Speak to a Harrisburg cycling accident attorney today.
Thank you for the professionalism of all staff members of your firm. We are very pleased with the outcome of everything.
– Client of Schmidt Kramer
Our bike accident attorneys have seen the devastating consequences of bicyclist and pedestrian collisions and believe that all victims deserve justice. We have recovered significant amounts of financial compensation behalf of pedestrians and cyclists and welcome the opportunity to review the details of your potential claims.
We charge no upfront fees if you choose to hire us and we only get paid when we obtain a recovery on your behalf.
Call (717) 888-8888 today for your free consultation.
The number of bicycle and pedestrian crashes have been steady in Pennsylvania over the past five years. Unfortunately, it is those that are most vulnerable, children under the age of 14 and the elderly, who have suffered as a result of careless drivers.
Some common causes of bike crashes include:
Unfortunately, cyclists and pedestrians are often victims of a hit-and-run accident. About 60 percent of hit-and-run fatalities involved pedestrians, according to the AAA Foundation for Safety.
It is also important to note that pedestrians and cyclists may be at-fault for an accident as well.
Some common factors that contribute to pedestrian negligence include:
Fault is typically determined by negligence, which means that either the driver or pedestrian could be at-fault for a wreck depending on who failed to exercise reasonable care under the circumstances.
Nearly 6,000 Pennsylvanians were injured in a bicycle or pedestrian crash in 2013. With little to no protection while on a bike, or as a pedestrian, victims often face life-changing injuries when hit by a careless motorists.
Some of the most common types of injuries reported include:
Bicyclists can prevent injuries by wearing a helmet and other protective gear. Unfortunately, pedestrians are at an increased risk of suffering disabling injuries when involved in a crash.
Having represented dozens of personal injury victims for more than 25 years, our attorneys are experienced in handling bike and pedestrian accident claims.
If you or someone you love has been injured by a careless driver, turn to the lawyers you can trust to fight for the maximum amount of compensation you deserve.
We can walk you through the legal process, including investigating your claim, hiring a professional to reconstruct your accident and fighting against the big insurance companies.
Your initial consultation is free and we don’t collect fees unless we win your case.
Call (717) 888-8888 or fill out an online consultation form.
The COVID-19 pandemic is more than just a public health crisis. Actions taken by the federal government and state governments across the nation to slow the spread of the virus have been devastating to the economy. This has led many business owners to seek compensation for business interruption insurance.
The Harrisburg COVID business loss lawyers at Schmidt Kramer are available to discuss your business loss claim in a free consultation. Many claims may be denied because business interruption insurance policies are often used after a business suffers physical damage. Our attorneys may be able to help you appeal and pursue the compensation you need to keep your business alive.
Your consultation comes with no obligation to take legal action if we validate your case, and our attorneys are not paid unless you get paid. Partner Scott Cooper has helped many people in Pennsylvania obtain insurance compensation. He has been selected for Pennsylvania Super Lawyers for 10 consecutive years.
Call today to schedule your free consultation. Phone: (717) 888-8888.
This is the question on the minds of many business owners who are unsure if their businesses will survive the shutdown and slowing of the economy. Unfortunately, the answer depends on the specifics of your insurance policy, which is something you should strongly consider reviewing with one of the Harrisburg COVID business loss lawyers at Schmidt Kramer.
For the most part, business interruption insurance policies provide compensation for physical damage to a business, such as damage from a natural disaster, like a bad thunderstorm or winter storm. The damage prevents the business from operating, hurting revenue and the income of the owner and others who work at the business. You may need to prove a direct connection between the physical damage and the financial damage.
Many business owners have all-risk commercial property insurance, which often covers any property damage or loss that is not specifically excluded in the policy.
Your lawyer may be able to argue the virus has physically damaged your business, as customers who enter the business could touch something and become infected with the coronavirus and spread it to others. Customers could also cause damage because they could touch things or breathe on things and spread the virus. However, the insurance company may say it is easy to disinfect surfaces to prevent the spread of the virus.
One possible exclusion you may come up against when filing a claim is for viruses and pandemics. Insurance companies took steps to protect themselves after the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak that happened in 2003.
It is possible your policy contains a provision that covers revenue loss caused by a shutdown ordered by a civil authority, such as the governor or officials in your city or county.
However, businesses that defy shutdown orders could hurt their chances of recovering compensation that may be available. Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner Jessica Altman warned that many business interruption policies have provisions that exclude coverage for illegal acts or conduct.
The purpose of business interruption insurance is to provide compensation for expenses you rack up and the monetary losses caused by the interruption of your business. Each policy is different, but they generally provide compensation for things like:
The compensation available will depend on the terms of your policy. The duration of these benefits will also depend on the terms of your policy. For example, compensation may be available for one year or a certain amount of time after your property is restored and your business can reopen.
The Harrisburg COVID business loss attorneys at Schmidt Kramer are available to discuss your situation in a free consultation. Our goal is to recover maximum compensation to help you keep your business going.
Complete a Free Case Review form to get a call back from our firm.
There are many reasons why insurance claims may be denied. Below, review some of the most common reasons why business interruption claims are denied, as insurance companies are being flooded with claims because of the economic slowdown caused by COVID-19.
Insurance policies have deadlines for filing claims. You have a certain amount of time after a loss to file a claim and attempt to recover compensation. If you miss the deadline, you may lose your chance to seek compensation.
We understand you may still be racking up losses and bills, but you can get the process started and continue to add up your losses and bills. It is important to get the process started as soon as possible.
As stated earlier, business interruption insurance policies are generally used to recover compensation for physical damage to a business. Insurance companies may use this as a reason for denying a claim. However, the Harrisburg COVID business loss lawyers at Schmidt Kramer may be able to overturn a denial. We have the resources and experience to challenge insurance company denials in court.
It is possible your policy specifically excludes claims made about pandemics, viruses or bacteria. These exclusions may not be enforceable, and courts may overturn them. That is why you should discuss the situation with a licensed attorney as soon as possible.
This should not apply in most situations in Pennsylvania, as the governor issued a mandatory shutdown of non-essential businesses and a stay-at-home order.
If your insurance claim is denied for any reason, you may still be able to obtain compensation. Contact Schmidt Kramer to find out how we may be able to help you. We know how devastating the economic slowdown has been to so many businesses in Pennsylvania and throughout the country.
We do not get paid unless we help you recover compensation, and the initial consultation is free of charge, so there is no risk to you.
While contacting a licensed attorney is one of the most important steps you can take if your business has suffered during the pandemic, there are other things you can do to assist your attorney. For example, keep track of the expenses and financial losses your business has suffered and is continuing to suffer. This will help your lawyer pursue the full value of your claim.
These are some documents to keep track of to help your lawyer:
You may also want to write down a summary of events leading up to the shutdown and other things that have happened with your business. The sooner you do this the better, as your memory could quickly fade over time.
Compensation from a business interruption insurance policy may be the last hope for business owners who are struggling because of the pandemic’s effect on the economy.
Unfortunately, obtaining compensation may be difficult, as the insurance company may say your losses are not covered. It is possible your insurance policy has specific exclusions for viruses and pandemics. That is why it is so important to contact an attorney as soon as possible, even if you have already filed a claim or had your claim denied. We are prepared to manage the legal process, which may include going to court to pursue compensation from the insurance company.
For more than 40 years, our firm has been helping Pennsylvania residents recover compensation for damages, often from insurance companies. Scott Cooper is representing the owners of two restaurants in their lawsuits over denied business interruption insurance claims. These are believed to be the first lawsuits of their kind filed in Pennsylvania.
Call our firm for legal help at: (717) 888-8888
Have you or someone that you love suffered a serious injury in a Pennsylvania truck accident? Did you know that you or that victim may be eligible to recover financial compensation for property damage, medical expenses, lost wages and more?
They’re not your average lawyers; they treat you like family, not clients.
– Client of Schmidt Kramer
The Harrisburg truck accident lawyers at Schmidt Kramer have decades of experience and recovered millions in compensation on behalf of our clients including a $2,200,000 verdict for the family of a man that was fatally injured after being hit by an inexperienced truck driver and a $475,000 settlement for a client that was seriously injured after being hit by a tractor trailer.
It’s free to talk to a lawyer at our firm and there are no upfront fees if you choose to hire us.
Free Consultation. Call us today at (717) 888-8888.
Truck crash injury victims that have legal representation recover more financial compensation compared to those that do not hire a lawyer. We also have a full support team to help obtain the information that we may need to build strong argument for your lawsuit.
Truck crash victims that have legal representation recover more financial compensation compared to those that do not hire a lawyer.
In most truck accident lawsuits, insurance companies are often involved. Our lawyers have a comprehensive knowledge of the automotive laws that are applicable in truck accident cases in Pennsylvania and we understand the tactics that insurance companies often use in the cases that they handle.
For example, a defense lawyer may argue that even though their client (the truck driver) was involved in the collision, he/she was not negligent in their actions. They may also argue that other circumstances contributed to the accident. This is important as proving negligence is often the basis of an injury lawsuit. Every argument that cannot be countered can have a significant effect on the amount of compensation that may be recovered for the person(s) that was injured.
We use our experience to help protect the rights of our clients and work towards our goal of holding negligent parties responsible for their actions, while also helping our customers to recover financial compensation to assist with the recovery – and post-recovery – process.
With more than 30 years of legal experience, our truck accident lawyers can assist you through the entire litigation process and answer all your questions. To have your case evaluated by one of our attorneys, fill out a Free Case Evaluation form – it’s strictly confidential.
Free Consultation. Ph: (717) 888-8888
There can be many different people and companies that contribute to the cause of a truck crash. For example, if a trucking company has not trained a driver correctly, and the driver causes a serious collision, the trucking company may be liable for some of the damages that were sustained in the crash.
As every case is unique, it can be difficult to provide an exact value of your claim without looking at the details of your specific incident. However, some of the following that may be included in the damages calculation:
If you have questions about your potential lawsuit, it’s free to contact a lawyer at our firm and discuss the merits of your claim. If we determine that you have a case and you choose to hire us, there are no upfront fees and we only get paid when we obtain a recovery on your behalf.
Have Questions? We Can Help. Ph: (717) 888-8888.
While some truck drivers are “owner-operators” where the driver of the truck also owns it, most commercially-operated vehicles are owned by haulage companies. These haulage companies often use other companies to assist with the servicing and maintenance of their vehicle fleet.
As we begin to build a truck accident case, we may research some of these details including:
Our support staff can also help to obtain certain documents that may be used to support your damages claim including the information of any witnesses to the incident, the insurance and license information of the driver, the Police report (if available) and any other pieces of evidence that may be helpful to your case.
Yes. In the state of Pennsylvania, there is a two year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. This means that if you have been injured in a crash, you have two years from the date of the incident to file your lawsuit (Pennsylvania Statutes Section 42-5524).
However, in certain circumstances, that time frame may be brought forward or extended. If you are unsure or need some help to clarify information for your specific incident, we recommend you reach out to a lawyer at our firm today.
Free Consultation. Ph: (717) 888-8888.
The likelihood of suffering a severe, life-altering injury from a truck accident is significantly higher because of the size and weight of a commercial vehicle. Other differences that contribute to the complexity of a semi-trailer truck, prime mover, 18-wheeler or big rig accident claim stem from the many federal regulations that govern the trucking industry.
Additionally, there are potentially several liable parties and multiple types of evidence that can benefit your claim, if you know how to get it. That is why we recommend trusting your claim to one of our experienced truck accident lawyers.
While truck drivers must adhere to state laws, like all other motorists, there are additional regulations set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) they must also follow. These regulations are intended to increase safety and to reduce the number of accidents. Our attorneys are well-versed in these regulations and how they may apply to your accident claim.
After a collision involving a commercial vehicle, insurance investigators will rush to get to the scene of the accident to gather important evidence. Preserving this evidence is crucial to insurers, because it may help them to reduce their policyholders’ liability and what they must pay out to any accident victim.
However, the opposite is also true. Your attorney will need to act quickly to obtain important crash scene evidence, such as the truck’s black box, before it is lost or destroyed.
Additional supporting evidence could include:
Federal hours-on-duty rules are intended to regulate the number of hours a commercial driver can continue to operate his or her vehicle during a 24-hour time period. These regulations were implemented to help reduce the risk of a truck driver falling asleep at the wheel due to fatigue, and include:
Following a Harrisburg truck accident, your attorney may subpoena the truck drivers daily log entries to determine whether any FMCSA regulation was violated, and whether that violation contributed to your crash.
Due to the large size of commercial vehicles, most vehicles on the road can be seriously damaged when they are involved in a collision with a truck. Vehicle occupants and pedestrians can sustain life changing injuries that they may never fully recover from.
Some common injuries a victim may sustain in a truck crash include:
Having experienced, competent legal counsel to help protect your rights while you are recovering can be an important part of the recovery process. We welcome you or your family to contact our team of legal professionals today, to help determine if you have grounds to file a damages claim.
If you or someone that you love has been injured in a truck accident and you believe that the other driver was at fault, we welcome the opportunity to review the details of the incident.
It’s free to talk to a lawyer at our firm about your potential lawsuit and if you choose to hire us, we only get paid when we obtain a recovery on your behalf.
No Upfront Fees. Ph: (717) 888-8888.
Have you or someone you love been injured in a Pennsylvania motorcycle accident? Did you know that accident victims may be eligible to file a claim for the damages they have sustained in the collision?
Thank you for helping me take care of my medical bills and process this entire case.
– Client of Schmidt Kramer
At the law offices of Schmidt Kramer, we understand more wheels don’t mean more rights. We have experience handling motorcycle accident lawsuits and a track record of success including a $125,000 recovery for a 43 year old rider that was injured after hitting a construction transition in a roadway. Our legal team understand how to build a robust argument for your damages claims and we charge no upfront fees if you agree to hire us.
If you’ve been injured in a Pennsylvania motorcycle accident, we’ll help you get the money you deserve. Talk to our Harrisburg motorcycle accident attorneys today and learn more about your legal options.
Free Consultation. Ph: (717) 888-8888.
If you were injured in a crash and have reason to believe another driver is at fault, you may have a valid claim for compensation. Government or private entities responsible for maintaining roads could also be liable for a motorcycle crash, if the accident happened due to poor road conditions.
However, it can be very difficult to determine whether you have a valid case without first meeting with an experienced lawyer. You should not take the insurance company’s word for it, and certainly not the word of the other driver involved in the crash.
There is no fee or obligation for meeting with one of the Harrisburg motorcycle accident lawyers at Schmidt Kramer. We have detailed knowledge of insurance laws in Pennsylvania and are prepared to review your insurance policy and the policy of the at-fault driver to determine the coverage that may be available.
Motorcycle accident victims recover more compensation when they have legal representation compared to those that do not hire a lawyer.
Motorcycle accident victims recover more compensation when they have legal representation compared to those that do not hire a lawyer.
Hiring a lawyer from Schmidt Kramer also ensures that you have an entire legal team to help build your case. From compiling the documents and information that we need to support your claim, to answering questions from the insurance company of the at-fault party, we can explain your legal options in easy-to-understand terms and guide you through the entire litigation process.
It’s also important to note that most cases do not go to trial. While our lawyers have many years of trial experience, often cases are negotiated and settled. However, after reviewing the details of your specific incident, an attorney from our firm can determine the most effective method of obtaining the maximum amount of compensation that may be available for your case.
When you’ve been seriously injured and you have questions — turn to Schmidt Kramer and speak with our Pennsylvania injury lawyers today. Our Harrisburg motorcycle accident attorneys will walk you through the legal process and help you get you back on your feet.
No Upfront Fees. Ph: (717) 888-8888.
One of the main goals of filing an injury claim after a motorcycle crash is to recover compensation for the medical bills you incur for treating your injuries. This may include the cost of treatment you may need after the legal process concludes.
Medical treatment for an injury can quickly become expensive. You may need surgery, prescription medications for pain, follow-up doctor visits, medical imaging tests and potentially physical therapy and rehabilitation to help you regain strength, mobility and function in the affected area of the body.
Motorcycle crashes are often very dangerous, and victims could suffer spinal cord injuries that cause varying levels of paralysis. You may need crutches, a wheelchair or other mobility aids just to help you get around every day.
Our licensed attorneys may also be able to pursue lost wages from missed time at work. For example, you may have been physically unable to work for a time after the accident. You may also miss work when you attend follow-up appointments.
Other damages that may be available in a motorcycle accident claim include:
The damages that may be available depend on the specifics of your claim, the injuries suffered, their severity, insurance coverage and other factors.
Learn more about the potential value of your claim by contacting Schmidt Kramer for a free consultation. Call (717) 888-8888.
Most motorcycle accident claims are resolved by filing an insurance claim. However, sometimes victims may be able to file lawsuits to recover compensation, such as when the insurance company makes a lowball offer or denies your claim. Your eligibility for filing a lawsuit depends on many factors, such as the type of insurance policy you purchased.
However, it is important to note there is a deadline for filing a lawsuit. If you do not file before the deadline, you may lose the right to do so, and you may be unable to hold the at-fault party accountable and obtain compensation for damages.
Pennsylvania’s statute of limitations for motor vehicle accident claims is two years from the date of the accident. The deadline for a wrongful death claim is also two years.
There are sometimes exceptions to this standard deadline for various reasons, such as if you are filing a claim against the government.
Our Harrisburg motorcycle accident attorneys have extensive knowledge of the statute of limitations.
Have Questions? We Can Help. Ph: (717) 888-8888.
Unlike car insurance policies, motorcycle insurance policies in Pennsylvania do not contain first-party medical benefits coverage. That means you cannot obtain compensation for medical expenses and certain other damages from your own insurance policy.
That means motorcycle accident victims generally obtain compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance policy. Under Pennsylvania law, drivers must have a minimum of $15,000 in liability coverage per victim and $30,000 per accident. However, many drivers purchase more than the minimum coverage. Other drivers must also carry a minimum of $5,000 in coverage for property damage they cause.
Unlike drivers, motorcyclists do not have the option to choose full or limited tort coverage in their insurance. Limited tort coverage only allows you to pursue certain damages in a lawsuit, while full tort allows you to seek damages for pain and suffering and other financial losses. Motorcyclists who purchase insurance have full tort coverage.
You may still be able to obtain compensation if you were not wearing a helmet when the crash occurred. However, the at-fault party and its insurance company will likely try to use this detail against you to deny or lower the value of your claim.
If you are under the age of 21, you are required to wear a helmet while riding a motorcycle. Anyone over the age of 21 with two years of riding experience or who has passed a motorcycle safety course that has been approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation or the Motorcycle Safety Foundation does not. You should strongly consider wearing a helmet as it may help reduce your risk of serious injury in a crash. Studies have shown wearing a helmet significantly reduces the risk of head and neck injuries.
Regardless of whether you were required to wear a helmet, if you suffered a head injury, the other side may have a strong argument to reduce the value of your claim or even deny it. The insurer will likely argue you would not have been injured, or your injuries would have been less severe if you were wearing a helmet.
The insurance company will likely try to apply Pennsylvania’s comparative negligence law, which says your compensation award will be reduced in proportion to your percentage of fault in the crash. If you are more at fault than the other party, you are prohibited from seeking compensation.
You could get injured in a crash with a driver who either has no insurance or lacks enough coverage to pay for your damages. When this happens, you may be able to file a claim against the uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage in your insurance policy, if you have this coverage in your policy.
There are often requirements that must be met when you file a claim for uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. That is why you should discuss the situation with a licensed Harrisburg motorcycle accident lawyer.
Free Consultation. Ph: (717) 888-8888.
If you were a passenger on the motorcycle when the crash happened, you may be able to obtain compensation from the same sources as the driver of the motorcycle. If you have car insurance coverage, you may be able to file a claim against that coverage as well. Learn more by talking an experienced attorney. These claims can be complicated and difficult to manage on your own.
A no-contact motorcycle accident is one that happens without a collision with another vehicle. These crashes are often the fault of the rider. However, sometimes the road was damaged or there was a defective part on the motorcycle. In these situations, there may be the basis for a claim for compensation, such as a claim against the government entity responsible for maintaining the road where the crash happened.
After you have been involved in a Pennsylvania motorcycle accident, there are several things you can do to help your claim and keep the case moving along.
With more than 30 years of experience handling auto accident claims, the attorneys at Schmidt Kramer are ready to help you fight for compensation for your medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other damages.
Although motorcyclists have the same rights as other drivers, they are often harder to defend. Not only do motorcycle riders have to fight for their case, they must also fight a reputation for being dangerous and reckless drivers.
Our Pennsylvania motorcycle accident attorneys know this is an unfair label and we know how to push back when at-fault parties and insurers attempt to use this label against you. We have a proven track record of recovering compensation for motor vehicle crash victims.
When you have been seriously injured and you have questions, turn to Schmidt Kramer and speak with our Pennsylvania injury lawyers today. We are prepared to walk you through the legal process and help you get back on your feet.
Call (888) 476-0807 or fill out a free online consultation form.
Injured victims across Pennsylvania have turned to the attorneys at Schmidt Kramer for help for more than 25 years—you can turn to us, too. Whether you need a nursing home abuse lawyer or a Pennsylvania fire accident attorney, we can help.
At Schmidt Kramer, we pride ourselves on the customer service we provide our clients—your needs always come first. When you call our Pennsylvania injury law firm, you speak directly to a lawyer. Our personal injury attorneys are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to take your call.
If you’ve been injured in an accident and need an experienced attorney, contact Schmidt Kramer. Your initial visit is free with no obligation.
Call our Harrisburg personal injury lawyers at: (717) 888-8888
Our injury attorneys have successfully advocated for personal injury victims throughout Pennsylvania for more than two decades. Some types of personal injury claims we have handled include:
Contact Schmidt Kramer for the help you deserve. Our personal injury lawyers will help you get the compensation you need to recover from your injuries. Talk to a Lawyer today.
Were you injured in an auto accident or suffered illness after using a defective medical product? Our firm believes the party that caused your injuries has a responsibility to step up and be held accountable for what they’ve done. The lawyers at Schmidt Kramer are knowledgeable in many personal injury areas and can help you with your claim.
Speaking with an experienced personal injury attorney can help you determine if you may be eligible to file a lawsuit and help guide you through the legal process. Our attorneys will fight for the MAXIMUM amount of compensation you deserve.
When you’ve been seriously injured and have questions—turn to Schmidt Kramer and speak with our Pennsylvania injury lawyers today.
Call (717) 888-8888 or fill out a free case evaluation form.
Are you the victim of a surgical mistake or other type of medical malpractice? If you have suffered an injury as a result of medical malpractice or negligence, the team of legal professionals at the law offices of Schmidt Kramer can help.
I am very pleased with the settlement I received…. I would highly recommend!
– Client of Schmidt Kramer
Our medical malpractice lawyers have experience successfully handling medical malpractice cases including a $425,000 recovery on behalf of a 90-year-old client against Pinnacle Health Cardiovascular Institute. Our attorneys and support team work hard to give your case the attention your doctor failed to give you.
Call (717) 888-8888 for a free legal consultation with a lawyer at our firm, or fill out a Free Case Consultation form and a member from our legal team will be in contact with you shortly.
Schmidt Kramer – Trusted Local Lawyers
By definition, medical malpractice is the failure of a medical professional to adhere to the standards of care set forth in his or her practice resulting in physical or mental injury to a patient. Medical malpractice may refer to a health professional’s actions or failure to act in some cases.
There are several factors that can lead to medical malpractice. To determine if you were the victim of a medical mistake that could have been prevented, ask yourself the following questions:
If you can answer “yes” to any of the above questions, you may have been a victim of medical malpractice. To learn more about your legal options, contact a Harrisburg medical malpractice lawyer at Schmidt Kramer today.
In most instances, medical malpractice victims that have legal representation recover more financial compensation compared to those that do not hire a lawyer. Furthermore, insurance companies are often involved in medical malpractice cases where their goal is to have the claim dismissed or, paid out at the lowest possible financial amount.
… medical malpractice victims that have legal representation recover more financial compensation compared to those that do not hire a lawyer…”
At Schmidt Kramer, we have been handling cases against insurance companies for many years and we use that experience to build a strong argument for your damages claim. From handling inquiries on your behalf to gathering the evidence that we may need to support your claim, our attorneys have a detailed knowledge of the laws in Pennsylvania that relate to medical malpractice and a full support team to help – which may also include the use of industry experts and professionals that we can call upon to support your case.
As each medical malpractice case is different, it can be difficult to immediately determine the value of your case without knowing the specific details associated with it.
However, we understand that victims and their families need answers and our team of lawyers and support staff can help to find them.
We welcome you to call us at (717) 888-8888 so that you can speak to a lawyer at our firm and we can begin to discuss the merits of your claim.
It’s free to call and it’s free to talk to a lawyer during our initial consultation. If you decide to hire us, there are no upfront fees and we only get paid when we obtain a recovery on your behalf.
Free Consultation. Ph: (717) 888-8888.
Generally, medical malpractice victims may be eligible to seek compensation in the form of economic or non-economic damages. These damages will depend on your unique situation and may include the following:
These damages help to reimburse you for any monetary losses, such as:
These damages help reimburse you for any physical and emotional losses you have experienced, such as:
Unlike other states, there is no cap or limit to the amount of damages that may be awarded to medical malpractice victims in Pennsylvania. Our licensed Harrisburg medical malpractice attorneys are prepared to pursue maximum compensation on your behalf, should your claim have merit.
Call for legal help 24/7 at: (717) 888-8888.
Pennsylvania follows a statute of limitations, which sets a certain time limit for victims to take legal action. Not filing before the deadline will likely result in a court dismissal and an inability to pursue compensation.
In most situations, you must generally file within two years from the date of the malpractice. There are circumstances that affect or alter this deadline, such as with claims involving victims who are children or minors or when an injury was not immediately discovered until a later date.
This is why it is in your best interest to reach out to a member of our legal team as soon as possible.
Being able to prove medical malpractice means establishing that the doctor or medical professional did not provide a reasonable standard of care when treating you. While this may seem straightforward, proving this can be complicated in a medical malpractice claim without legal representation on your side.
If you have a valid claim, a Harrisburg medical malpractice attorney from our firm is ready to help establish:
Schmidt Kramer. Free Initial Consultation. Ph: +(717) 888-8888.
Many people may not realize that while both terms share certain similarities, they are actually very different.
Medical negligence occurs when a mistake, error or oversight by a medical professional leads to injuring a patient. The mistake was not intentionally done and was unknown during the time treatment was given.
Medical malpractice, however, happens when a medical professional knew or should have known about the potential consequences by acting or not acting with reasonable care. His or her duties were not performed in a manner that is acceptable within the standards of the medical community and this resulted in the patient suffering an injury, a worsened condition or death.
Victims of medical malpractice typically do not have to pay taxes on settlement awards for a physical injury or illness. Although, according to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), victims may have to pay taxes on settlement awards for emotional distress or mental anguish. Any punitive damages may also be taxable.
These damages are awarded in rare circumstances to punish the doctor or medical professional for his or her gross negligence to discourage others with the same training and experience from committing the same act.
Medical malpractice committed by a negligent doctor or medical professional can occur during any stage of treatment. Some of the most common types of medical malpractice include:
A misdiagnosis can occur when a medical professional fails to correctly recognize or diagnose a patient’s illness. Not undergoing any treatments or the wrong treatment can cause the patient’s illness to worsen or lead to a fatal injury.
A medication error can occur when a doctor prescribes the wrong medication or dosage amount or the medication interacts badly with other drugs. This can cause the patient to suffer from serious side effects, an allergic reaction, or a potentially dangerous overdose.
A surgical mistake can occur when a surgeon performs on the wrong patient or body part, leaves surgical equipment inside the body, or inappropriately sterilizes surgical tools. This can cause the patient to suffer from a deadly infection or other serious, life-threatening injuries.
A mistake with anesthesia can happen when an anesthesiologist administers not enough or too much anesthesia, fails to check a patient’s history for possible complications or does not pay attention to a patient’s vital signs during an operation. This can cause the patient to suffer a brain injury or death.
A birth-related injury can happen when an OBGYN causes harm to a child and perhaps the mother during labor and delivery as a result of delaying a C-section, failing to identify fetal distress or an ectopic pregnancy, as well as the improper use of birthing equipment, such as vacuums and forceps. This can result in the child suffering often permanent and irreversible nerve damage, paralysis or cerebral palsy.
Suffering from medical malpractice can be devastating for the victim and his or her family members who often deal with the side-effects of the victim’s injury. At Schmidt Kramer, we sympathize with anyone who has suffered due to a medical professional’s negligence. We are dedicated to helping victims fight for fair and just compensation.
Our attorneys are experienced in handling medical malpractice cases and we have helped those who have been injured as a result of the negligence of health care providers. At Schmidt Kramer, our legal team has more than 30 years of experience and are prepared to walk you through the entire legal process.
If you have been seriously injured and you have legal questions – we welcome you to call and speak with our lawyers today.
Call (717) 888-8888 or fill out a Free Case Review form.
Even though many of the things we buy are safe and effective for their intended use, all too often a dangerous product ends up harming the very person it’s intended to help. From medical devices to children’s toys to cars and trucks, each day, products are recalled from the market.
The Pennsylvania defective product attorneys at Schmidt Kramer are committed to holding irresponsible manufacturers and pharmaceutical companies accountable for their negligence. If you or someone you care about has been injured as a result of a defective product or medication, we can help you obtain the compensation you need to get back on your feet.
Our experienced attorneys will review your claim right away and help you determine what your legal rights are. We have handled defective product injuries for a number of years and know how the system works. We’re dedicated to helping those injured by a company’s negligence get the justice they deserve.
For a free case review, call (717) 888-8888.
The Pennsylvania drug injury attorneys at Schmidt Kramer are dedicated to helping the families of people who used a pharmaceutical drug and suffered severe and life-threatening side effects. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, at least half of all Americans take one prescription drug, with one in six taking three or more medications.
A pregnant mother takes a prescription drug for a migraine, only to learn after her baby is born with a major birth defect. The drug she took while pregnant carried four times the risk of causing serious birth defects.
A sick patient goes to the local hospital for an MRI scan, gets an injection so his doctors can read the scan more easily, but then suffers a life-altering skin condition because the drug he was given wasn’t tested properly before being released to the public.
A young adult takes an antidepressant drug to cope with depression, but wasn’t aware of the link between suicidal tendencies and mood enhancing drugs before the unthinkable happened.
These are the kinds of stories the drug injury lawyers at Schmidt Kramer hear all too often. If something like this happened to you, we know you have questions. We know you’re confused, upset, and unsure of what to do next, and we’re here to help.
Get the help you need and the compensation you deserve. We are staffed with Harrisburg drug injury attorneys and Pennsylvania wrongful death lawyers that can help no matter what kind of injury you or a loved one have suffered.
Nearly every week a new recall is announced to the public whether it is for a toxic food item, dangerous automobile defect, or defective medical product. The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports an average of 25,900 deaths and 33.2 million injuries each year associated with consumer products. Additionally, the deaths, injuries and property damage associated with consumer products cost the nation more than $700 billion every year.
In most cases, there may be two different types of liability:
Product liability cases and resulting injuries often involve several parties or manufacturers and pharmaceutical companies. This can make your case complicated and confusing. Our Harrisburg defective product attorneys can help determine what went wrong, who may be responsible, and how we can help.
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury as a result of a defective product, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages and your pain and suffering. At Schmidt Kramer, we believe that companies who failed to put consumer safety first need to be held accountable for their actions.
When you’ve been seriously injured and you have questions—turn to Schmidt Kramer and speak with our injury lawyers today. We will walk you through the legal process and get you back on your feet.
Get the help you need today, call (717) 888-8888 or fill out a free online consultation form.
Social Security Disability (SSD) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are federally funded programs offered by the Social Security Administration (SSA) that provide supplemental income to people that are physically or mentally unable to work. If you suffer from a long-term illness or injury that prevents you from working, you may be eligible to receive SSD or SSI. Additionally, if you are disabled and retired, you may still be eligible to receive SSD in addition to your retirement pension.
Thank you so much for all your assistance with my Social Security Disability Claim…
– Valerie G.
If you have questions regarding SSD or SSI eligibility, the application process, or filing for an appeal, contact the experienced Social Security Disability lawyers at the law offices of Schmidt Kramer today. Our Harrisburg social security disability lawyers can provide you with answers, help you through the application process, and work quickly to obtain the disability benefits you are entitled to receive.
There are no upfront fees if you decide to hire us and an initial consultation with a Social Security Disability lawyer at our firm is also free of charge.
Call (717) 888-8888 or fill out our FREE Case Evaluation Form.
When filing an SSD claim, it’s important to verify that you have an illness or impairment that is severe enough to prevent you from working. If you are unsure of the seriousness of your condition, an evaluation from an SSA-appointed examiner will help determine the severity of your disability and subsequent SSD or SSI qualification.
However, for informational purposes, the following is a list of impairments that are often considered serious enough to warrant a need for disability benefits:
At Schmidt Kramer, we regularly work with clients in Dauphin County to help prepare flawless SSDI applications or manage appeals after an application has been denied. For help determining if you qualify for SSD, call our law firm today at (717) 888-8888 or fill out our FREE Case Evaluation Form
It is not uncommon to have your disability claim denied. In fact, the SSA reports that, on average, more than 60 percent of applicants are rejected the first time they apply. Some of the most common reasons include:
If the agent handling your case is doing a thorough job, he or she should let you know if you are missing information and give you to time to submit the additional documents before stamping your file with that nasty red “denied” stamp. However, that’s not always the way it happens. Sometimes the agent thinks he has all the information when he doesn’t. Other times, he chooses to deny the claim—fully expecting you to get the additional information and appeal the decision.
You could be denied disability benefits due to lack of sufficient medical evidence. You would need to show that your illness or impairment will last for no less than 12 months and does not allow you to work. If you have a valid claim, our legal team is ready to gather doctor’s notes and medical records to support this.
A denied application can happen by not following your doctor’s orders. This includes abiding by the recommended treatment plan, taking prescribed medications, and going to scheduled appointments. Not doing these things could invalidate your claim. The SSA may not think your disability is serious enough.
To qualify for SSDI or SSI, you must not be able to complete any work for a minimum of one year, except for a very menial or insignificant amount. The SSA uses the term “substantial gainful activity” to determine how much work is too much. For 2020, you cannot earn more than $1,260 per month or $1,820 if you are blind.
You may be denied disability benefits if your illness or impairment was caused by using drugs or drinking alcohol. The SSA may approve a claim if you quit and detox. If you are found to be lying on your application about having stopped using these substances, you could lose all credibility and never receive an approval.
It is important to maintain consistent contact with the SSA during the claims process or risk a denial of disability benefits. This includes answering any calls, providing requested information and documentation and appearing at a scheduled medical exam.
The list of qualifying injuries for Social Security Disability in Pennsylvania is lengthy and complicated. If your initial claim was denied, one possible reason is that you did not list your particular disability under the correct category. Obtaining approval may be as simple as reapplying with the injury labeled under a different section.
There’s an awful lot of jargon and technical terms used. The average person can easily be completely bewildered and overwhelmed by the details. You can call or visit the nearest Social Security office, and the bureaucrats seem like nice enough people, but they are too used to dealing with the jargon to explain it in ways you will understand.
When an applicant submits their documentation, that person is mostly trusting to luck that everything necessary is somewhere in the package. In truth, many applicants are not sure what requirements need to be met to be considered disabled or to be covered under SSDI.
Our reputable Harrisburg Social Security lawyers are prepared to guide you every step of the way to ensure that your application is correctly completed and submitted to the SSA.
Free Consultation With a Lawyer. Ph: (717) 888-8888.
Your case will be decided by an Administrative law Judge (ALJ). Different ALJs conduct hearings in various ways. So, you should find an attorney who knows your judge and what he or she expects from you at the hearing. The attorneys at Schmidt Kramer know the requirements of the Social Security judges and will make sure you are properly prepared and represented at your appeal hearing.
It’s not uncommon to have your SSD claim denied. In fact, the SSA reports that, on average, more than 60% of applicants are denied the first time they apply.
If your SSD claim was denied, you will receive a letter from the SSA informing you of your right to request a hearing in front of a judge. At your hearing, the judge will review letters from your physician as well as additional medical documents which support your disability claim.
At this stage, it’s imperative that you have an experienced Pennsylvania Social Security Disability appeals lawyer to represent you. The knowledgeable appeals attorneys at Schmidt Kramer have a long track record of helping people succeed in obtaining SSD benefits at the hearing stage, or at any stage during the appeals process.
There are several SSD programs available for applicants in need of disability benefits. The type of program you may be eligible for will depend on your situation and could include one of the following:
SSDI benefits helps those with a disabling condition that prevents them from working. You must have at least 40 work credits and have worked at least five out of the last 10 years before being disabled and not working.
The spouse of someone who is receiving SSDI benefits may also qualify for benefits on behalf of their disabled significant other. If a spouse applies for benefits, the SSA will likely ask for proof of marriage. A spouse may be eligible for a monthly benefit of up to 50 percent of their significant other’s SSD pay. However, there is a limit to the amount the SSA will pay to a spouse.
SSI benefit helps those who are disabled and need financial help due to a lack of work history and limited assets. Single applicants cannot have over $2,000 in assets while couple cannot have over $3,000 in assets.
These benefits are available to those over the age of 60 who may be able to receive their deceased spouse’s benefits. Those with a qualifying disability could apply after they turn 50 years old. Applicants must submit their spouse’s birth and death certificates, and their most recent tax forms, among other important items.
These benefits are available to those over the age of 18, but not older than 22, who have a qualifying disabling condition. The parent must be alive and eligible for disability benefits. If the parent is deceased, he or she must have contributed to Social Security for several years in order to qualify for disability benefits. Once your child starts receiving benefits, the Social Security Administration will review the case periodically to verify that he or she is still disabled. SSD child benefits continue for as long as the disability remains. There is no work requirement for the disabled child since the parent already fulfilled those requirements.
Have Questions? Call Schmidt Kramer at (717) 888-8888.
Adults with disabilities are not the only ones who may be eligibility to receive disability benefits. Any child with a disabling condition is also eligible to receive SSI benefits. Some of the conditions that qualify a child for SSI include:
Before completing an SSI application for your child, it’s important to know that you and your child must meet certain income limits in order to be eligible for child SSI benefits. Additionally, you must also complete a Child Disability Report.
Because child SSI forms are often lengthy and complicated—and because the success of your outcome depends on the accuracy of the details on your forms, it’s best to contact an experienced SSI attorney to help you understand all of the child SSI requirements.
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Disabled veterans can collect SSD as well as veterans’ disability benefits at the same time. Although both are government programs, they each have different eligibility requirements.
VA benefits are awarded based on a percentage system while SSD benefits are awarded if you can prove that your disability is severe enough and connected to your service. You generally need a VA rating of 70 percent or higher in order to qualify for SSD benefits. The SSA provides an accelerated application process for military service members who became disabled while on active duty on or after October 1, 2001.
The spouse of someone who is receiving SSD benefits may also qualify for benefits on behalf of their disabled significant other. If a spouse applies for benefits, the SSA will likely ask for proof of marriage. A spouse may be eligible for a monthly benefit of up to 50 percent of their significant other’s SSD pay. However, there is a limit to the amount the SSA will pay to a spouse.
In order to qualify for SSD or SSI, you must not be able to complete any work for a minimum of 1 year, except for a very menial or insignificant amount. The SSA uses the term “substantial gainful activity” (SGA) to determine how much work is too much. In 2020, substantial gainful activity was defined as an SSI or SSDI applicant that was not blind and earning $1,260 or more a month from working or, $2,110 a month for a blind SSDI applicant. NOTE – SSI applicants that are blind have no SGA limits.
Disabled veterans can collect SSD benefits as well as veterans’ disability benefits, and they are permitted to collect both benefits at the same time.
The amount of time it takes to start receiving benefits often varies depending on how quickly medical records and other information can be gathered and submitted to the Social Security Administration. Initial claims can take approximately 3 to 5 months to receive a decision however, every claim is different. We recommend speaking to a representative at our firm to learn more about your specific application.
Anxiety can be so serious for certain people that the Social Security Administration acknowledges it as a disability that could qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). If you apply for SSDI and cite anxiety as your disability, the SSA is going to be looking for the following requirements; you must meet at least one of these requirements and it should be medically documented so you can back up your claim:
In addition to meeting at least one of the above requirements, you must also be dealing with one more of the following:
The SSA understands that anxiety can be crippling for individuals suffering from the disability. However, they also understand that many people seem to be suffering from some form of anxiety, and because of that, they require real medical evidence that your life is being seriously affected.
To learn even more about SSD and SSI, visit our FAQ page
The Social Security Disability application process can be complicated and time consuming for those that are not familiar with it.
At Schmidt Kramer, we know what information the Social Security Administration requires for a successful application, and our attorneys will work hard to make sure you receive approval.
Don’t be denied the benefits you deserve. Hire the Harrisburg Social Security Disability lawyers from Schmidt Kramer, and rest assured we will do what it takes to get you the money you need. It’s free to talk to a lawyer about your application and there are no upfront fees if you choose to hire us.
Call Schmidt Kramer today at (717) 888-8888.