Pittsburgh Personal Injury lawyer

Trusted Personal Injury Attorney in Pittsburgh, PA

In many ways. When another party has injured you in a car accident on I-76 or I-376, if you are hurt in a slip and fall on private property, or if you are injured by an act of violence, it is crucial to speak with a Pittsburgh personal injury lawyer right away to discuss your legal options. The right attorney can help you pursue accountability for your damages.

Experienced Personal Injury Counsel handling cases in Pittsburgh, PA

The attorneys at Bowers Fawcett & Hurst, LLC, have more than 45 combined years of experience representing injured clients in Pittsburgh and throughout western Pennsylvania. We believe in client-focused legal counsel, meaning we can take time to get to know you, listen to your story, and learn how your accident has affected your life to ensure fully individualized legal counsel through every stage of your legal proceedings.

Our goal in every personal injury case we accept is to help our client prove liability for their injury, assess the full extent of their claimable damages, and fight for them for maximum compensation. When you hire a personal injury lawyer, you are not only more likely to succeed with your case, but you also have a much greater chance of maximizing your compensation. We are confident we can guide you to a positive conclusion to your case.

Attorneys Kenneth G. Fawcett and Sherri R. Hurst bring more than 45 combined years of trial and negotiation experience to every case. Our office is at 820 Kennedy Drive in Ambridge, about 20 miles northwest of Downtown Pittsburgh along Route 65, and we represent clients injured throughout Pittsburgh and Allegheny County. Our results include a $3.1 million verdict for a client hurt by a dangerous property condition, $1.3 million and $1 million settlements in product liability cases, and a $725,000 settlement for an injured motorcyclist. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome, but they show we are prepared to take on insurers, corporations, and property owners.

Types of Personal Injury Cases We Accept in Pittsburgh

If you believe another party is responsible for injuring you or a family member, it is crucial to hire a personal injury lawyer who has proven experience resolving cases like yours. At Bowers Fawcett & Hurst, LLC, we accept a wide range of personal injury cases, including:

• Car, truck, and motorcycle accident claims. Vehicle accidents are one of the most common causes of personal injuries in the United States each year. The National Safety Council reported that in 2023, vehicle accidents caused more than five million injuries requiring medical consultation throughout the United States. We can help you navigate Pennsylvania’s car accident laws and pursue compensation for the damages you suffered. Closer to home, PennDOT recorded 110,765 reportable crashes and 1,127 traffic deaths across Pennsylvania in 2024. In the Pittsburgh area, serious collisions happen daily on the Parkway East (I-376), through the Fort Pitt and Squirrel Hill Tunnels, and on Route 28, McKnight Road, Route 51, and Route 65.
• Accidents caused by intoxicated driving. While most vehicle accidents are the result of driver negligence, they can also occur because of illegal misconduct behind the wheel. Driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs is one of the most frequent example of this in the Pittsburgh area, and our firm excels at resolving these difficult accident cases.
• Premises liability claims. If you or a loved one suffers a slip and fall, dog attack, or other injury on someone else’s property, the property owner could be liable for your damages if the injury resulted from their negligence. We can help you establish fault in a premises liability case and pursue compensation from the negligent property owner.
• Nursing home abuse and neglect cases. When an elderly loved one has been abused and/or neglected at their nursing home, this situation demands your immediate attention and help from a skilled personal injury lawyer. We can help you hold a nursing home accountable for the harm your family member suffered while in their care.
• Catastrophic injury claims. Some personal injuries result in permanent disabilities, and victims and their families need reliable legal representation to ensure accountability. Traumatic brain injuries, severe burns, and spinal cord injuries are just a few examples of personal injuries that often qualify as catastrophic, and it is crucial to hire a personal injury lawyer who can fight for maximum compensation after such an injury.
• Wrongful death suits. When a family member dies because of another party’s negligence or misconduct, it is crucial to consult a Pittsburgh personal injury lawyer who can provide compassionate and results-driven legal counsel. A wrongful death case is a special type of personal injury case filed in response to a fatal personal injury. We can help you make sense of this difficult situation and resolve your case efficiently.
  Rideshare accidents. Uber and Lyft accidents raise unique insurance and liability questions depending on whether the driver was logged into the app, waiting for a ride request, or actively transporting a passenger. We can help you identify every available source of compensation.
• Pedestrian accidents. Pedestrians struck by vehicles often suffer catastrophic injuries because they have no protection from the force of impact. We can help you pursue compensation from a negligent driver.
• Bicycle accidents. Cyclists injured by distracted or careless drivers, or by hazardous road conditions, may be entitled to compensation for their medical bills and other losses.
• Construction site accidents. Workers and bystanders injured on or near a construction site due to unsafe conditions or negligent contractors may have claims separate from, or in addition to, workers’ compensation.
• Product liability claims. When a defective vehicle part, machine, tool, or consumer product causes an injury, the manufacturer, distributor, or seller can be held strictly liable under Pennsylvania law. We have recovered seven-figure settlements for clients hurt by defective products.
• Dangerous road and highway defect claims. Potholes, missing guardrails, and poorly designed intersections can cause serious crashes. Claims against PennDOT, the City of Pittsburgh, or another government agency follow strict notice rules and damage caps, so early legal help is essential.

These are just a few examples of the types of cases our firm handles for clients in the Pittsburgh area. If you are unsure whether you have grounds to file a personal injury case, it is important to speak with a skilled attorney at your first opportunity. They can review the details of your situation, explain the steps you will need to take to hold the defendant accountable, and help you pursue maximum compensation for your damages.

What Does a Pittsburgh Personal Injury Lawyer Do For You?

If you hire an attorney to represent you after an accident, you can expect them to:

• Investigate the circumstances of your accident and gather supporting evidence
• Identify every liable party and applicable insurance policy
• Handle all communication with insurance adjusters, who are trained to minimize payouts
• Calculate the full value of your claim, including future medical needs and lost earning capacity
• Negotiate for a fair settlement on your behalf
• File a lawsuit and litigate your case if the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation

This allows you to focus on medical treatment and recovery while your attorney manages the legal and financial details of your claim.

Limited Tort vs. Full Tort: How Your Car Insurance Affects a Pittsburgh Injury Claim

Pennsylvania is a “choice no-fault” state. When you buy auto insurance, you choose either full tort or limited tort coverage, and that choice can shape what you recover after a crash.

Under 75 Pa.C.S. § 1705, a “serious injury” means death, serious impairment of a body function, or permanent serious disfigurement. Even with limited tort, you can still pursue full damages if the at-fault driver is convicted of DUI or accepts ARD for the crash, was driving a vehicle registered in another state, or had no insurance, or if you were riding in a commercial vehicle rather than a private passenger car.

Every Pennsylvania auto policy also includes at least $5,000 in first-party medical benefits (75 Pa.C.S. § 1711), which pay your initial medical bills regardless of who caused the crash. If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, uninsured and underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage on your own policy may cover the difference. At the start of every case, we review your declarations page to find every available source of recovery.

Proving Liability for a Personal Injury in Pittsburgh

Insurance companies are not on your side. Adjusters are trained to minimize, delay, or deny valid claims in the hope that injured accident victims will accept a lowball settlement or give up altogether. Having an experienced Pittsburgh personal injury lawyer on your side helps level the playing field against well-funded insurance companies and their legal teams.

If you believe that another party has injured you through some form of negligence or illegal misconduct, success with your personal injury case will hinge on your ability to prove that the defendant’s negligence or misconduct directly caused your claimed damages. Proving liability will typically require various forms of evidence, and the evidence you will need for your case will vary based on how your injury occurred.

For example, if you must prove fault for a car accident, you may need evidence like vehicle computer data, drivers’ cell phone records, and testimony from witnesses who saw the accident happen. If you are suing a property owner under premises liability law, you may need security camera footage, witness statements, and building maintenance records. Your attorney can gather the evidence you will need to firmly establish fault for your injury.

It is important to note that Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule under 42 Pa.C.S. § 7102. When more than one party shares fault, each is assigned a percentage. You can still recover compensation as long as your share of fault is not greater than the combined fault of the defendants, which means 50% or less. Your award is then reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if your damages are valued at $100,000 and you are found 20% at fault, you would recover $80,000. If you are found 51% at fault, you recover nothing.

Under Pennsylvania’s Fair Share Act, each defendant generally pays only its own share of the damages. The exception is a defendant found 60% or more at fault, who can be held responsible for the full award. That is why we identify every liable party, such as a trucking company, property manager, contractor, or product manufacturer, rather than stopping at the most obvious defendant.

It’s possible for liability for a personal injury to be disputed in various ways, and it will be crucial for you to have legal representation you trust if you have any concerns about bearing partial liability for your damages. Your Pittsburgh personal injury lawyer can help you minimize any fault percentage assigned to you, preserving as much of your personal injury case award as possible if you share liability with the defendant.

What Should You Do After an Accident in Pittsburgh?

The steps you take in the first days after an injury can protect both your health and your claim:

1. Get medical care right away. Serious injuries in the Pittsburgh area are treated at Level I trauma centers such as UPMC Presbyterian, UPMC Mercy, and Allegheny General Hospital. Follow every treatment recommendation, because gaps in care are used to argue your injuries are minor.
2. Report the incident. Call the police after a crash, or ask the property owner or manager for a written incident report after a fall.
3. Photograph everything. Take pictures of the scene, vehicles, hazards, and your visible injuries.
4. Collect witness information. Get names and phone numbers before people leave the scene.
5. Preserve evidence. Keep damaged clothing and footwear, and don’t repair your vehicle until it has been inspected. Many businesses overwrite surveillance video within days, so ask a lawyer to send a preservation letter quickly.
6. Don’t give a recorded statement. Decline to give one to the other driver’s insurer, and avoid posting about the accident on social media.
7. Talk to a Pittsburgh personal injury lawyer before you sign any release or accept a settlement offer.

How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Claim in Pittsburgh

In Pennsylvania, injury victims generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit under 42 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 5524. This deadline is known as the statute of limitations, and if you miss it, you will likely lose your right to pursue compensation through the courts entirely, regardless of how strong your case is. Some circumstances — such as claims involving a government entity or a victim who was a minor at the time of the accident — can shorten or extend this window. Because evidence and witness memories fade over time, it is best to speak with a Pittsburgh personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after your accident rather than waiting until the deadline approaches.

Common Pennsylvania filing deadlines for injury claims:

Claiming Compensation for Your Personal Injury in Pittsburgh

The main goal of any personal injury case is for the injured plaintiff to prove fault for their damages and secure compensation for those damages so they can be made as whole as possible. The plaintiff has the right to seek full repayment of any economic losses the defendant inflicted, which could include:

• Medical treatment costs. Most personal injury cases pertain to physical injuries. The defendant who injured you is liable for the cost of all medical care you will need to recover. This can include the cost of future medical treatment if your injury is serious and will require any type of ongoing care.
• Lost income. You may not be able to work while you recover, and if so, the defendant who caused your injury is liable for the income you are unable to earn during this time.
• Lost earning capacity. Some personal injuries result in permanent disability. If your injury prevents you from returning to work in the future, you have the right to seek compensation for the future income you are no longer able to earn. Your Pittsburgh personal injury lawyer can help you calculate the future income that you would have reasonably expected to earn if you hadn’t been injured.
• Property damage. When the defendant’s actions also resulted in any type of property damage, you have the right to seek repair and replacement costs in your injury claim.

A skilled attorney can accurately calculate the full scope of the immediate and future economic damages you are eligible to include in your personal injury case. However, you also have the right to seek compensation for non-economic damages. These can include intangible losses like physical pain, emotional distress, and psychological trauma.

Depending on the facts of your case, you may also be able to recover:

• Punitive damages. When the defendant’s conduct was outrageous or reckless, such as a drunk driver or a company that knowingly ignored a safety hazard, a court may award punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer.
• Loss of consortium. A spouse may seek compensation for the loss of companionship, support, and services caused by a partner’s injury.
• Wrongful death and survival damages. Families may recover funeral expenses, lost financial support, and lost services under 42 Pa.C.S. § 8301. The estate may recover the income the victim would have earned and the pain they suffered before death under 42 Pa.C.S. § 8302.

In Pennsylvania, there is no cap on pain and suffering compensation in personal injury cases against private individuals and businesses. Claims against government entities are different: damages are generally capped at $250,000 per plaintiff against Commonwealth agencies (42 Pa.C.S. § 8528) and $500,000 in total against local agencies such as municipalities (42 Pa.C.S. § 8553).

FAQs

What Types of Personal Injury Cases Does Bowers Fawcett & Hurst Handle in Pittsburgh?

The firm handles a wide range of cases, including car, truck, and motorcycle accidents, DUI-related crashes, premises liability claims (such as slip and falls and dog bites), nursing home abuse and neglect, catastrophic injuries like traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries, and wrongful death suits.

How Does Pennsylvania Law Affect My Personal Injury Claim if I Was Partly at Fault?

Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence statute, meaning that when more than one party shares fault, each is assigned a percentage of fault. A plaintiff found partially liable can still recover compensation as long as they are less at fault than the defendants — however, their award will be reduced by their fault percentage.

What Compensation Can I Recover in a Pittsburgh Personal Injury Case?

You may be eligible to recover medical treatment costs (including future care), lost income during recovery, lost earning capacity if permanently disabled, and property damage. You can also seek non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and psychological trauma — and in Pennsylvania, there is no cap on pain and suffering compensation in most personal injury cases.

How Experienced Are the Attorneys at Bowers Fawcett & Hurst, and How Do I Get Started?

The attorneys at Bowers Fawcett & Hurst have more than 45 combined years of experience representing injured clients in Pittsburgh and throughout western Pennsylvania. You can reach them at 724-266-0290 or contact them online to schedule a free consultation.

How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania’s statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident. Missing this deadline generally means losing the right to pursue compensation in court, so it is important to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible after an accident.

Do I Have to Pay Anything Upfront to Hire Bowers Fawcett & Hurst, LLC?

No. We handle personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no upfront costs and no attorney’s fees unless we recover compensation for you. Your initial consultation is always free.

Can I Still Recover Pain and Suffering Damages in Pittsburgh If I Have Limited Tort Insurance?

Yes, in many cases. Limited tort blocks pain and suffering damages only when your injury does not qualify as “serious” under 75 Pa.C.S. § 1705. You can still recover if you suffered a serious impairment of a body function or permanent serious disfigurement, or if an exception applies, such as when the at-fault driver was convicted of DUI, was uninsured, or was driving an out-of-state vehicle. Limited tort never prevents you from recovering medical bills and lost wages. A Pittsburgh personal injury lawyer can review your medical records and policy to see whether your claim qualifies.

How Long Does It Take to Settle a Personal Injury Case in Pittsburgh?

Many Pittsburgh personal injury cases resolve within several months to two years. The timeline depends on how long your medical treatment lasts, how clearly fault can be proven, and whether the insurance company negotiates in good faith. Claims worth $50,000 or less that go to suit in Allegheny County usually proceed through compulsory arbitration, which is faster than a jury trial. Settling only after you reach maximum medical improvement helps make sure your future care costs are included.

Resolving Your Personal Injury Claim in Pittsburgh

After proving liability and accurately calculating your damages, a good attorney can help you resolve your case efficiently.

Some personal injury cases can be settled outside of court, while litigation will be unavoidable in others. Whatever your case entails, you need to hire a personal injury lawyer with the skills, professional resources, and experience necessary to help you establish liability for the damages you suffered.

Where Pittsburgh Personal Injury Cases Are Filed

Most personal injury lawsuits that arise in Pittsburgh are filed in the Civil Division of the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas, which sits in the City-County Building at 414 Grant Street in Downtown Pittsburgh. Claims valued at $50,000 or less are first heard by a panel of three arbitrators under the county’s compulsory arbitration program, and either side may appeal for a new trial. Larger claims proceed on the court’s trial docket. Some cases, such as those against out-of-state trucking companies, may be filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania.

How Long Does a Pittsburgh Personal Injury Case Take?

Many claims settle within several months after medical treatment ends, while cases that require a lawsuit commonly take one to two years or longer. We generally recommend waiting to settle until you reach maximum medical improvement, so future treatment costs are not left out of your recovery.

The team at Bowers Fawcett & Hurst, LLC, is ready to provide compassionate legal counsel through every step of your proceedings. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation with a personal injury lawyer representing clients in Pittsburgh and throughout Western Pennsylvania. We look forward to helping you recover.