What is personal injury law?

Personal injury law covers cases where negligence or wrongful actions by an individual, business, property owner, or corporation cause harm to another person. This harm can be:

• Physical: Such as broken bones, brain injuries, burns, or disfigurement.
• Psychological: Including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, or emotional distress.

If you’ve suffered an injury due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

At De Caro & Kaplen, LLP, personal injury attorneys Michael V. Kaplen and Shana De Caro have over 45 years of experience helping injury victims secure the justice and compensation they deserve.

What Types of Compensation Can I Receive for My Personal Injuries?

When you file a personal injury lawsuit, you are seeking compensation for all your harms and losses, including:

• Medical Expenses: Coverage for past, present, and future medical treatment, rehabilitation, and necessary assistive devices.
• Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost while recovering from your injury.
• Loss of Future Earnings: If your injury prevents you from returning to work.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injury prevents you from engaging in activities you once enjoyed.
• Disfigurement: Compensation for scars or permanent physical deformities.

Michael Kaplen, a Professorial Lecturer in Law at The George Washington University Law School, explains:
"Personal injury law isn’t just about financial recovery—it’s about holding negligent parties accountable and helping victims rebuild their lives."

What Types of Cases Are Considered Personal Injury?

Personal injury law covers many types of accidents caused by negligence, including:

• Motor Vehicle Accidents: Car, truck, bus, and motorcycle collisions.
• Pedestrian Accidents: Being struck by a car, truck, or bus.
• Construction Site Injuries: Unsafe work conditions, lack of safety measures, or defective equipment.
• Premises Liability: Injuries caused by defective sidewalks, unsafe stairways, or poorly maintained property.
• Medical Malpractice: When a doctor, hospital, or nursing home fails to provide proper care, causing injury.
• Defective Products: Injuries from dangerous or malfunctioning products.

Shana De Caro, former Chairwoman of the Brain Injury Association of America, has long fought for victims of personal injury and medical malpractice, ensuring their injuries are properly recognized in legal cases.

Why Do I Need a Personal Injury Attorney?

Personal injury cases can be complex, involving:

• Proof of negligence and causation.
• Medical record analysis and consultation with medical professionals.
• Negotiations with insurance companies that try to deny or minimize claims.
• Legal deadlines and court rules that must be followed precisely.

Hiring an experienced personal injury attorney ensures your case is handled correctly and that you receive the compensation you deserve.

A skilled personal injury attorney will:

• Evaluate your case and determine the damages you may be entitled to.
• Gather evidence, including medical records, accident reports, and expert testimony.
• Negotiate with insurance companies to fight for a fair settlement.
• Represent you in court, if necessary, to protect your rights.

What Should You Do If You Suffered a Personal Injury?

If you or a loved one has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, take these steps:

1. Seek Medical Attention: Your health and safety come first.
2. Document Everything: Take photos of the accident scene, injuries, and any property damage.
3. Obtain Witness Information: Get the names and contact details of anyone who saw the accident or knew about the hazard.
4. Save Records: Keep medical bills, receipts, and correspondence related to your injury.
5. Do Not Speak With Investigators or Insurance Companies: Let your attorney handle all communications.
6. Contact a Personal Injury Attorney: Speak with a qualified attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights.

How Can De Caro & Kaplen, LLP Help?

At De Caro & Kaplen, LLP, our personal injury attorneys have spent over 45 years fighting for accident victims. Whether your injury resulted from a car accident, workplace mishap, construction accident, or medical malpractice, our dedicated team is here to fight for you.

• Michael V. Kaplen is board-certified in Civil Trial Advocacy and has extensive experience handling personal injury and medical malpractice claims.
• Shana De Caro is a nationally recognized leader in personal injury and brain injury law, ensuring clients receive the full compensation they are entitled to.

We are committed to securing the compensation you deserve so you can focus on healing and moving forward.

Contact Us for a Free Consultation

If you or a loved one has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, don’t wait. Contact De Caro & Kaplen, LLP today for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Let us handle the legal process while you focus on your recovery.