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Sexual Abuse You Are Here: Practice Areas > Personal Injury > Sexual Abuse A Voice for Sexual Abuse Victims. The personal injury lawyers at Hourigan, Kluger & Quinn are committed to helping victims of sexual abuse. We understand how traumatic these experiences are and are here to help you understand your rights, either as a victim or as the parent of a child who has experienced sexual abuse. No one should have to stand alone against their abuser. Institutional Sexual Abuse Often perpetrated by individuals who are usually in a position of power and authority- such as professors, physicians and clergy members. Sexual assault cases against institutions are pursued under the civil justice system, allowing survivors to receive monetary compensation directly from the institution for their injuries, harm, losses and other damages that resulted from the assault. Child Sexual Abuse Exposing a child to sexual or pornographic materials, obscene communications (including texts), any sexual touching or intercourse, and trafficking for the purposes of sex are all forms of child abuse. Sexual contact between family members is known as incest and can impact children and adults. Sexual Harassment Whether it occurs in schools, workplaces, or public spaces, sexual comments, advances, threats, touches and acts are all considered sexual harassment. Stalking can also be a form of sexual harassment or intimidation. You may be eligible to seek the following types of compensation in sexual assault lawsuits: Medical costs associated with injuries suffered during the assault Wages lost while recovering from the assault Non-economic damages, such as emotional trauma and mental harm Punitive damages if the offender has been convicted of crime Meet Our Personal Injury Litigators We Can Help Our attorneys have experience with these types of cases, regardless of the age of the survivor. Contact us today to find out what your rights and options are for filing a civil suit. Contact Us Today

Construction Accidents You Are Here: Practice Areas > Personal Injury > Construction Accidents Injured on a Construction Site? Thousands of construction workers are seriously injured or killed each year, and families of these workers are left without adequate income or protection when the hazards at construction sites cause injury. Construction sites can be dangerous places and accidents happen. When they do, you need an experienced law firm with the resources to take on the companies and corporations responsible for your safety. Construction companies are responsible for thoroughly inspecting work sites and providing safety programs for employees. When they fail to do so, and a worker is injured or killed, the owners, contractors, equipment manufacturers, insurance companies and others involved in the construction project may be held responsible in court. Workers’ compensation can help in some of these cases, but it is often not enough. Construction Site Cases Crane or hoist accidents Falls from Heights Slip & Falls Repetitive Stress Injuries Gas Leaks Fires or Explosions Forklift Accidents Trench Accidents Meet Our Construction Injury Team Our Results Listed below is a representative sample of some of our recent construction accident verdicts. For a larger sampling of some of the award-winning 7 and 8 figure settlements and verdicts we have achieved, click below! Settlement of $1,150,000 reached in case Northeast extension construction site accident settles in excess of $1 million See More

Motorcycle Accidents You Are Here: Practice Areas > Personal Injury > Motorcycle Accidents Driver Neglect or Product Failure? Driver negligence has been found in nearly half of the accident deaths caused to motorcyclists when between a motorcycle and another vehicle. Negligence of the other vehicle’s operator is often found at fault for either neglecting or failing to give the motorcyclist the applicable right of way or just not watching out for motorcycles like they do other cars. Motorcyclists who are involved in catastrophic injury accidents often lose their lives or can sustain paralysis, brain damage, internal damage, amputations or other life altering injuries. Those who survive, and their families, are often met with lengthy occupational and physical therapy, resulting in time away from work and overwhelming expenses. When a motorcycle accident is caused by another party or a defective product, it’s important that you contact an experienced and qualified m otorcycle attorney as soon as possible. A Hourigan, Kluger & Quinn motorcycle lawyer will work with you to acquire the compensation both you and your family deserve. There are 807,444 licensed motorcyclists in PA*. According to PennDOT, 93.4% of motorcycle crashes result in injury or death.** At least 42.9% of riders who died in motorcycle crashes were wearing a helmet at the time, making fatality more likely without a helmet. Defects in a motorcycle or a motorcycle helmet’s manufacturing or design may be the cause of a motorcycle accident. These incidents are not due to driver negligence, but could be pursued under a Defective Product or Product Liability action. These types of cases can involve multiple defendants. A victim may file against the manufacturers, designers, suppliers, and/or assemblers of the vehicle or product that caused the motorcycle accident. The defect may occur at the design or manufacturing stage or as a result of the failure to warn of certain dangers associated with the vehicle’s use. Types of Motorcycle Cases Head-On Collision Left-Hand Turn Accidents Lane Splitting Excessive Speed DUI Accidents Hitting Fixed Objects Road Hazards High-Performance Motorcycles Meet Our Motorcycle Accident Team Our Results Listed below is a representative sample of some of our recent motorcycle accident verdicts. For a larger representative sampling of some of the a ward-winning 6 and 7 figure settlements and verdicts we have achieved, click the button below! Defendant tenders $1.5 million policy limit after motorcycle crash Shepherd C. Erie Insurance Co. $2 million settlement See More

< Back Worker Compensation Rights HKQ Attorneys Your Rights and Responsibilities: Workers' Compensation and Legal Support Workplace injuries can be physically, emotionally, and financially taxing. Workers' compensation is designed to provide financial and medical support to employees injured on the job, ensuring they can recover without the added burden of lost wages and medical expenses. This guide covers essential information about workers' compensation from eligibility to filing a claim and provides resources for pursuing benefits if you have been injured at work. Understanding Workers' Compensation First, a definition: workers' compensation is a form of insurance that provides wage replacement and medical benefits to employees injured in the course of employment. The program is designed to support workers without requiring them to prove employer negligence, while also protecting employers from lawsuits. Each state has unique rules and benefits, making it important to understand your local laws. Steps to Take Following a Workplace Injury Report the Injury Immediately : Notify your employer as soon as possible after a workplace injury. In Pennsylvania, you must report your workplace injury, in most cases, within 120 days. Seek Medical Attention : Obtain medical care from a provider authorized by your employer’s workers’ compensation insurer. In Pennsylvania, if your employer has a list of panel providers, you must treat with a doctor from the panel for the first 90 days for your treatment to be covered by your employer. Accurate and timely documentation of injuries by a medical professional is crucial to support your claim. Document the Incident : Keep detailed records of the accident, including time, date, and any witnesses. Documentation of your symptoms, medical appointments, and treatment progress can help build a strong workers' compensation case. Eligibility for Workers' Compensation Benefits Qualifying Injuries : Workers' compensation generally covers injuries and illnesses directly related to your job, including repetitive strain injuries, accidents, and occupational diseases. Types of Benefits : Depending on the severity and duration of your injury, workers' compensation benefits can include: Medical Expenses : Coverage for necessary treatments, surgeries, prescriptions, and rehabilitation. Lost Wages : Partial wage replacement for the time missed due to injury. How to File a Workers' Compensation Claim Notify Your Employer : After reporting the injury, your employer will file a workers' compensation claim on your behalf with their insurer. Be sure to keep copies of any incident reports or other documents regarding your injury. Submit Required Documentation : Workers' compensation claims often require documentation, including medical records, accident reports, and completed claim forms. Staying organized can help prevent delays in receiving benefits. Follow Medical Advice : Follow your medical provider’s recommendations, attend all appointments, and participate in recommended treatments. Deviating from your treatment plan could result in a denial or reduction of benefits. When to Consult an Attorney If your claim is denied or your employer challenges the extent of your injury, it may be beneficial to consult an experienced attorney to understand your options. Legal support can be valuable for cases involving disputes over benefit amounts, eligibility, or treatment coverage. How Hourigan, Kluger and Quinn Can Help At Hourigan, Kluger and Quinn, we are dedicated to protecting the rights of injured workers. Our services include: Legal Guidance : Helping workers navigate the complex process of filing for benefits, appealing denied claims, and understanding the benefits they are entitled to receive. Claim Representation : Advocating for employees who have been injured on the job to secure fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other eligible benefits. Contact Our Legal Team Today If you have been injured at work and need assistance with your workers’ compensation claim, contact Hourigan, Kluger and Quinn for a consultation. Our attorneys are here to protect your rights and support your recovery. Call us at 570-287-3000 or visit us online at HKQLaw.com to schedule a confidential evaluation. Conclusion Workers' compensation is designed to protect workers and provide necessary support in times of injury. By understanding your rights and following the steps outlined here, you can navigate the process more confidently. At Hourigan, Kluger and Quinn, we are committed to helping injured workers secure the benefits they deserve. Additional Resources For more information on workers' compensation, explore these trusted sources: U.S. Department of Labor : Offers an overview of workers' compensation programs and resources by state. National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) : Provides data, insights, and resources related to workers' compensation. Pennsylvania Bureau of Workers’ Compensation: Workers' Compensation | Department of Labor and Industry | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Previous Next

< Back Understanding Pennsylvania's Statute of Limitations in Personal Injury Cases Brian Q. McDonnell, HKQ Attorney How long do you have to file a personal injury lawsuit? In personal injury law, understanding the statute of limitations is crucial for anyone considering legal action after a crash or injury. In Pennsylvania, like in many other states, the statute of limitations sets strict deadlines on when a lawsuit must be filed in order to preserve a person’s legal rights to seek compensation for damages. Overview of Pennsylvania's Statute of Limitations Pennsylvania law sets specific time limits, known as statutes of limitations, for filing different types of lawsuits, including those related to personal injury. The statute of limitations varies depending on the nature of the claim and the circumstances surrounding the incident. General Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Cases For most personal injury cases in Pennsylvania, including those arising from car crashes, slip and falls, medical malpractice, and others, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the incident. This means that if you are injured, you generally have two years from the date of the incident to file a lawsuit seeking compensation for your injuries and related losses. Exceptions for Minors Pennsylvania law provides a special provision for minors who are injured because of negligence or wrongful actions. If the injured party is under the age of 18 at the time of the incident, they have until two years after their 18th birthday to file a lawsuit. This extension allows minors to pursue legal action after they become an adult, making sure they have adequate time to assess and address the full extent of their injuries. Discovery Rule Exception In some cases, injuries may not be immediately apparent or may manifest over time because of medical conditions or latent effects of an accident. Pennsylvania recognizes what’s called the discovery rule. It suspends, or tolls, the running of the statute of limitations when the individual can show the inability, despite the exercise of due diligence, to know of the injury or its cause . Importance of Timely Action It is crucial to follow Pennsylvania's statute of limitations when pursuing a personal injury claim. If you fail to file a lawsuit within the time limit, you can lose your right to seek compensation through the legal system. If you have been injured in a crash or other incident, you should contact an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible to understand your legal options and make sure you comply with the statute of limitations. Legal Guidance from Hourigan, Kluger and Quinn At Hourigan, Kluger and Quinn, our team of knowledgeable personal injury attorneys is dedicated to helping accident victims navigate Pennsylvania's legal landscape. We provide compassionate and effective legal representation to clients seeking compensation for injuries caused by negligence or wrongdoing. Our attorneys have extensive experience handling all types of personal injury cases, including those involving complex statute of limitations issues. Contact Our Legal Team Today If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a crash or other incident, and are not sure how the statute of limitations might apply, don't hesitate to reach out to us for help.. Understanding and complying with Pennsylvania's statute of limitations is critical to protecting your legal rights and getting fair compensation for your injuries. For more information on our legal services or to schedule a consultation with one of our Hourigan, Kluger and Quinn personal injury attorneys, please call us at 570-287-3000 or email us at info@hkqlaw.com . Conclusion Navigating Pennsylvania's statute of limitations in personal injury cases requires a thorough understanding of the applicable laws and deadlines. By seeking timely legal counsel from experienced attorneys at Hourigan, Kluger and Quinn, you can make sure your rights are protected and that you have the best possible chance of getting the compensation you deserve. Previous Next

Dog Bites You Are Here: Practice Areas > Personal Injury > Dog Bites Dog Bite Injury? Dogs of certain breeds and temperaments can be incredibly dangerous. A vicious dog attack can happen quickly and without sufficient time to react. Pennsylvania’s dog bite laws are complex. If you were bitten by a dog and you need to understand how the law will impact your claim, contact the experienced personal injury attorneys at Hourigan, Kluger & Quinn today. Our attorneys have a comprehensive knowledge of the laws that govern these cases and will use our experience and expertise to help you fight for a fair settlement. Common Dog Bite Injuries Deep skin puncture wounds Serious lacerations and infections Disfigurement and permanent scars Nerve damage and paralysis Head, face and neck injuries Contusions Post-traumatic stress disorder Meet Our Personal Injury Litigators We Can Help If you have been injured in a dog bite attack or if a loved one has died because of such an attack, you or your family may be entitled to substantial compensation and damages. Call us now for a free consultation. Contact Us Today

Estate Administration You Are Here: Practice Areas > Estate Planning > Estate Administration Experienced probate, trust and estate administration lawyers. We handle the legal paperwork for probate and estate administration to take the pressure off of you. There are legal and technical requirements that an executor/administrator will have to follow, and Pennsylvania has some unique procedures that our experienced estate administration lawyers and paralegals can maneuver. From the initial distinguishing of probate vs non-probate assets and the filing of the Will at the Register of Wills Office, to the preparation of the PA Inheritance and Federal Estate tax return tax returns, the dealing with family issues and potential Will contests, and the ultimate sale of the assets and prompt completion of the administration process, we have been acting as Wills & Trusts lawyers for decades and can guide you through estate administration effectively and cost efficiently.

Hourigan, Kluger & Quinn’s track record of success is unparalleled in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Since 1942, we have built a reputation of exceptional results and produced record-setting settlements. We work every day to prove that No One Will Work Harder For You®. No One Will Work Harder For You. ® Explore Our Firm $25 Million Recent Truck Crash Injury Settlement No One Will Work Harder For You! $50 Million Awarded to Our Clients in 2022 ® Experience and Results, Second to None. Hourigan, Kluger & Quinn Law, headquartered in Kingston, PA, is a diversified Northeastern Pennsylvania law firm that provides legal representation and services to victims of personal injury; businesses, corporations, banks, non-profits, institutions and municipalities; and individuals and families seeking representation in matters involving estate planning and administration, real estate transactions, trusts, wills and Marcellus shale gas leases. Established in the 1940s, the firm’s motto, “No One Will Work Harder For You ®,” is based on our core belief that hard work and preparation are the keys to success in the courtroom. Personal Injury The Hourigan, Kluger & Quinn personal injury team has won many of the largest jury verdicts and out-of-court settlements in the history of Northeastern Pennsylvania. Our team of award-winning personal injury attorneys will help you acquire the compensation you and your family deserve. Learn More Business Law We enjoy a long history of success handling a full range of Pennsylvania real estate, title, zoning and land use matters. If you are looking to maximize your opportunity and to protect your interests, look no further than the firm of Hourigan, Kluger & Quinn. Learn More Wills, Trusts, and Estates Ensure that your assets are handled the way you want. Our experienced wills, trusts & estate attorneys will help you plan for the future and take the guesswork out of estate planning. There is no better team than Hourigan, Kluger & Quinn for you! Learn More

< Back When a Surgical Error Becomes Medical Malpractice HKQ Attorneys What You Need to Know About Surgical Errors in Pennsylvania Surgical procedures carry inherent risks, but some injuries happen from mistakes that could have been prevented. In Pennsylvania, a surgical error may rise to the level of medical malpractice when that error is the result of negligence rather than an unavoidable complication. Surgical errors can lead to serious consequences such as infection, organ damage, paralysis, or the need for additional corrective surgery. In some cases, these errors can be fatal. Examples of surgical errors include operating on the wrong body part, leaving surgical instruments inside a patient, improper anesthesia administration, nerve damage, and failure to monitor a patient during or after surgery. To qualify as malpractice, the patient must typically show that the medical provider failed to meet the accepted standard of care. This often requires expert medical testimony from a qualified professional in the same field. Pennsylvania law requires that a Certificate of Merit be filed in any medical malpractice claim, including those involving surgical mistakes. This certification confirms that a qualified expert has reviewed the case and believes there is a basis for the claim. Patients who believe they were harmed by a surgical error should keep all medical records, follow-up instructions, and documentation related to the procedure. Understanding when a surgical error crosses the line into negligence is critical for patients seeking accountability. Previous Next

< Back Your Rights as a Rideshare Passenger After an Accident HKQ Attorneys What You Need to Know After an Accident About Rideshare Passenger Rights Rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft have become more common in Pennsylvania. While they offer convenience, accidents involving rideshare vehicles can raise complicated questions about liability and insurance coverage. As a passenger in a rideshare vehicle, you are generally not at fault for the crash unless your actions caused the driver to drive dangerously. In most situations, responsibility may rest with the rideshare driver, another driver on the road, or both. Rideshare companies provide different levels of insurance coverage depending on what the status of the driver is at the time of the accident. There are three main time periods. If the driver is not logged into the app, their personal auto insurance applies. If the driver is logged into the app but has no passenger, limited commercial coverage applies. If the driver has accepted a ride or is transporting a passenger, Uber and Lyft provide more insurance coverage. This distinction makes documentation extremely important. Screenshots of your trip information in the app can help establish what phase the driver was in at the time of the accident. Rideshare passengers should seek medical evaluation immediately following a crash, even if injuries seem minor. Whiplash, internal injuries, and concussions may not be immediately apparent. Passengers should save their ride confirmation, route details, driver information, and any communication through the app. These records can help establish important facts about the incident. Pennsylvania law allows injured passengers to pursue compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering in certain circumstances, and other damages depending on the insurance situation and severity of injuries. Accidents involving rideshare vehicles create a legally complex environment involving corporate insurance policies and personal insurance. Understanding these layers can be critical following a crash involving rideshare. Previous Next

< Back Who Is Responsible for a Slip and Fall in Pennsylvania HKQ Attorneys What You Need to Know About Slip and Fall in Pennsylvania Slip and fall accidents can happen almost anywhere, like grocery stores, parking lots, apartment complexes, office buildings, and private homes. In Pennsylvania, these injuries fall under an area of law known as “premises liability.” Property owners and managers have a duty to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition. This includes repairing hazards, warning visitors of dangers, and inspecting the property regularly for potential risks. Common causes of slip and fall accidents include wet floors, icy sidewalks, uneven pavement, loose carpets, broken steps, poor lighting, and cluttered walkways. Several factors are considered to determine who or what is liable for a slip and fall accident. They include: The status of the injured person when they were on the property Whether the owner knew or should have known about the dangerous condition Whether reasonable action was taken to fix or warn about the hazard Pennsylvania law recognizes three main types of visitors: invitees, licensees, and trespassers. Invitees, such as customers in a store, are owed the highest duty of care. For a property owner to be held responsible, the hazardous condition must have existed long enough that a reasonable inspection would have identified it. This is known as “constructive notice.” Immediately after a slip and fall, it is important to report the incident, request an incident report if in a public or commercial space, photograph the hazard, and obtain contact information for any witnesses. It is also important to determine whether there were any surveillance cameras that may have captured the incident. Slip and fall injuries often lead to broken bones, head trauma, back injuries, and long-term mobility problems. Like most injury cases, compensation for these injuries can hinge on details, documentation, and timing. Understanding how responsibility is determined under Pennsylvania premises liability law is key for anyone injured in a fall. Previous Next

Trusts You Are Here: Practice Areas > Estate Planning > Trusts Ensure Assets are Handled Properly Both Now And After You Are Gone The Trust Lawyers at Hourigan, Kluger & Quinn can help you set up revocable or irrevocable trusts so that your assets are placed in a trust for tax-reduction purposes, shelter reasons and implementation of your intentions, not only during your life, but also after you pass away. The creation of a trust allows you to set up an independent entity that will continue on beyond your lifetime. When you pass on, your trust continues to carry out your wishes. The lawyers at Hourigan, Kluger & Quinn have significant experience in creating many different types of trusts including spendthrift trusts, marital deduction trusts, special needs trusts, generation skipping trusts, minority trusts, education trusts, asset protection trusts, life insurance trusts, revocable living trusts, charitable trusts and testamentary trusts. Types of Trusts Revocable Trusts Irrevocable Trusts Asset Protection Trusts Charitable Trust Constructive Trust Special Needs Trust Spendthrift Trust Tax By-Pass Trust Plan A Secure Future Today There are many advantages to creating trusts including asset protection to you and your loved ones during your life and after your demise. Meeting with one of the estate planning lawyers in the firm will allow you to ask questions and determine what type of trust, if any, may best suit your current needs. Time to protect your assets? Need assistance administering a loved one’s estate? Contact the firm of Hourigan, Kluger and Quinn for a free consultation today.