Black, Lyle & Habberfield, LLPBlack, Lyle & Habberfield, LLP2026-07-02T08:47:37Zhttps://www.blhfirm.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1402174/2020/02/cropped-favicon-min-32x32.pngOn Behalf of Black, Lyle & Habberfield, LLP<![CDATA[What type of compensation can you recover after a car accident?]]>https://www.blhfirm.com/?p=501882026-07-02T08:47:37Z2026-07-02T08:47:37ZA car accident can lead to serious physical strain on the body. However, victims may suffer from financial strain for weeks, months or years after a car accident. It is important for victims of car accidents to know what type of financial compensation they can recover when filing a personal injury claim.
Car accident victims may be eligible for economic and non-economic damages. Here is what you should know:
Economic damages
Economic damages refer to any kind of actual monetary loss that can be calculated. An economic loss can be shown on bills, receipts or pay stubs. Here are a few types of economic damages that can be recovered from a car accident:
Medical bills: This can include coverage for hospital stays, surgeries, doctor visits, medications and medical equipment. Victims may also be eligible for anticipated medical expense coverage.
Property damage: A victim’s vehicle may be severely damaged after a car accident. Compensation may cover any expenses to repair or replace the vehicle.
Income loss: A victim may be unable to work after a car accident because of their injuries. This can lead to income and job loss. Compensation may cover a victim’s lost income.
The amount of economic damages a victim can recover can be determined by the total damages and the percentage of fault.
Non-economic damages
Non-economic damages refer to intangible losses caused by a car accident. Some examples of non-economic damages can include:
Pain and suffering: Physical and emotional distress a victim may experience after a car accident.
Loss of enjoyment of life: A victim’s inability to enjoy and participate in activities as a result of their injuries.
Scarring and disfigurement: A victim may suffer from permanent physical damage that leads to their emotional distress and impacts their life.
It is often harder to identify and recover compensation for non-economic damages. Legal guidance is available to help victims of car accidents recover compensation for their injuries. ]]>On Behalf of Black, Lyle & Habberfield, LLP<![CDATA[When hospital workers overlook warning signs of sepsis]]>https://www.blhfirm.com/?p=501842026-06-17T01:35:14Z2026-06-17T01:35:14ZWhat are the signs of sepsis?
People often conflate sepsis, which is a bodily reaction, with the infection that triggered the reaction. When hospital workers know that a patient has already developed an infection or when they are at risk of an infection due to an incision or open injury, monitoring the patient for signs of sepsis is important for prompt medical intervention.
Sepsis can progress into a life-threatening condition within hours. The top warning signs of sepsis include:
Rapid, shallow breathing
A sense of lightheadedness
Unexplained shivering
Sweating without reason
Confusion or a shift in mood
Medical professionals should be aware of how sepsis presents and ready to respond assertively in cases where patients show warning signs of sepsis, as the condition can progress rapidly in a matter of hours.
Establishing that another health care professional could have diagnosed a patient and intervened in time to stave off the worst consequences could help people pursue compensation after experiencing serious medical negligence. A successful medical malpractice lawsuit can cover care costs, lost wages and other financial consequences triggered by unreasonably delayed medical intervention.]]>On Behalf of Black, Lyle & Habberfield, LLP<![CDATA[Local dog bite rules for Pennsylvania parents to know]]>https://www.blhfirm.com/?p=501822026-06-15T17:23:06Z2026-06-15T17:23:06ZStrict liability covers medical bills if no trespass or provocation occurred
The legal system in Pennsylvania treats animal attacks with a ruleset called strict liability for medical costs. This means an owner is automatically responsible for the care costs of an injured person.
This rule applies if the victim did not tease the animal and was not trespassing on private property. This automatic coverage applies to common medical needs:
Emergency room visits and hospital stays
Stitches and reconstructive plastic surgery
Tetanus shots and rabies preventative treatments
Physical rehabilitation and future scar care
A family does not need to prove the owner committed a mistake to receive reimbursement for these expenditures. The collection process for these specific out-of-pocket healthcare expenses uses the exact same standard, whether the wounds are minor or severe.
Proving negligence or prior knowledge secures non-economic damages
Automatic medical coverage takes care of healthcare bills, but it does not cover the full impact of an attack. To seek financial support for pain, emotional trauma and permanent scarring, parents must take an extra legal step. State rules require you to prove the owner acted carelessly or knew the animal was prone to violence.
This requirement remains identical even if the attack causes a severe injury like broken bones or deep cuts. Careless behavior usually means the owner violated state safety laws, such as failing to leash or fence their pet. Proving that the handler knew the dog previously growled, lunged or bit someone also fulfills this notice standard.
Protect your child by securing professional legal guidance
Reclaiming peace of mind for your family requires careful navigation of insurance policies and state liability laws. Consider discussing your options with a legal professional who understands the unique intersection of medical recovery and state law.
]]>On Behalf of Black, Lyle & Habberfield, LLP<![CDATA[Spotting elder emotional abuse in nursing home care]]>https://www.blhfirm.com/?p=501802026-06-10T15:11:04Z2026-06-10T15:11:04ZPsychological abuse in a nursing home can be hard to see because it may leave no bruises. Unfortunately, its impact can be deep, especially because elderly patients depend on others for daily care.
Unlike physical abuse, emotional mistreatment happens through words, tone, intimidation, humiliation, isolation or repeated actions that undermine a resident’s dignity and sense of security. Because emotional abuse is often subtle, families should know what warning signs to watch for and how those signs may appear in everyday interactions and behavior.
Quiet clues that something is wrong
To detect emotional harm in elderly patients, pay close attention to behavior, mood and the care setting. Warning signs may include:
Sudden fear, crying or panic when a caregiver enters the room
Refusing to speak when staff members are nearby
Loss of interest in visits, meals, hobbies or personal care
Unexplained sleep problems, confusion or nervous habits
Being called names, mocked, blamed, threatened or ignored
Staff limiting phone calls, visits or private conversations
A noticeable drop in confidence, eye contact or trust
Statements like “I am a burden” or “They will be mad at me”
These signs do not always prove abuse, but they should never be brushed aside. Write down dates, names, changes in behavior and anything your loved one says. Visit at different times, ask calm questions and try to speak with the patient privately. You can also look at the environment. A respectful care home should allow dignity, privacy and safe communication. If staff seem defensive, dismissive or unwilling to explain concerns, that may be another warning sign. Psychological abuse can harm an elderly patient’s health, safety and sense of worth. When something feels wrong, careful documentation and timely legal guidance can help you understand the next steps while protecting your loved one in a steady, respectful way. ]]>On Behalf of Black, Lyle & Habberfield, LLP<![CDATA[Why do semi-truck have underride guards?]]>https://www.blhfirm.com/?p=501762026-05-27T16:15:26Z2026-05-27T16:14:34ZSemi-trucks travel alongside passenger vehicles every day, but the size difference between these vehicles can make collisions extremely dangerous. Even a low-speed crash involving a large truck may lead to severe injuries or permanent damage.
Safety equipment on commercial trucks is designed to reduce some of these risks. One important feature found on many trailers is the underride guard.
The purpose and history behind underride guards
Underride guards are metal bars attached to the rear of many semi-trailers. Their purpose is to prevent smaller vehicles from sliding underneath the trailer during a rear-end collision. Although underride guards were patented as early as 1913, they did not receive widespread public attention until after the tragic death of actress Jayne Mansfield. Mansfield was just 34 years old when she was traveling to New Orleans with her driver, attorney and three of her children. Heavy fog obscured a slowed semi-truck ahead of them. Her driver could not react in time, and their vehicle slid underneath the trailer in a fatal underride crash. Mansfield, her driver and her attorney tragically lost their lives in the crash.Underride accidents happen when a passenger vehicle crashes into the back or side of a semi-truck and becomes trapped underneath the trailer. Because the trailer sits much higher than a standard car, the upper portion of the vehicle can be crushed on impact. These crashes often result in traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage or fatal injuries, even when the collision occurs at moderate speeds.It would take 31 years after Mansfield’s death for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to establish rules that mandate that most trailers and semitrailers over 10,000 lbs must be equipped with rear impact guards to prevent passenger vehicles from sliding underneath. Despite these requirements, concerns remain about their effectiveness. Some guards may fail during high-speed impacts or may not provide enough protection in certain crash angles. Side underride guards are also not required on most trucks in the United States, despite safety advocates arguing they could help reduce serious injuries and deaths in side-impact crashes involving cyclists, pedestrians and passenger vehicles.If you or someone you love has been seriously injured in an underride crash, speaking with an experienced legal professional may help you better understand your options and the steps that can protect your health, finances and future.]]>On Behalf of Black, Lyle & Habberfield, LLP<![CDATA[Can you claim compensation if a dog bite wasn’t fatal?]]>https://www.blhfirm.com/?p=501742026-05-15T08:12:54Z2026-05-15T08:12:54ZA dog bite can leave lasting physical and emotional effects even when the injuries are not life-threatening.
Many people assume compensation is only available after a severe or fatal attack. However, the law allows injured individuals to recover damages for nonfatal injuries when a dog owner fails to properly control or restrain the animal.
Understanding the dog owner's responsibility
Under New York law, dog owners can be held responsible when their animal causes harm to another person. Liability often depends on whether the owner knew or should have known that the dog had dangerous tendencies.Evidence of prior aggression, previous bites or threatening behavior may help support a claim.
Types of compensation available
Even a nonfatal dog bite can lead to significant financial and personal losses where compensation may cover emergency treatment, surgeries, medication, rehabilitation and future medical care.Victims may also recover damages for missed work, reduced earning ability, pain and suffering, emotional distress as well as permanent scarring.
Gathering evidence after a dog bite
Taking quick action after a dog bite can strengthen a claim. Seeking medical treatment immediately helps protect your health while also creating records of the injuries. In New York, the law requires that you report the bite to animal control within 24 hours. Keeping photographs of the wounds, witness information and reports filed by animal control officials or local authorities may also support the case.
Insurance and legal claims
Many dog bite claims are handled through a homeowner or renter's insurance policy and insurance companies may investigate the incident before deciding whether to offer compensation.If coverage is denied or disputed, victims may still pursue a claim directly against the dog owner.
Protecting your rights after an attack
A nonfatal dog bite can still create long-term physical, emotional and financial challenges. Understanding your rights early may improve your ability to recover fair compensation and avoid unnecessary delays.Seeking reliable and professional legal guidance can help you evaluate your options, gather important evidence and pursue compensation for the harm caused by a dog attack.]]>On Behalf of Black, Lyle & Habberfield, LLP<![CDATA[Proving pain and suffering after a crash in New York]]>https://www.blhfirm.com/?p=501712026-05-04T09:17:00Z2026-05-04T09:16:59ZIf you suffer serious injuries in a car accident in New York, you may have the right to pursue compensation for pain and suffering. This includes emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and the overall impact the injury has on your life.
However, proving these damages isn't always straightforward. Unlike economic damages, there’s no receipt or invoice attached. That’s why strong evidence matters.
Medical records are your foundation
Your medical records are the backbone of your claim. They connect your injuries to the crash and document how severe they are. Ongoing medical documentation also shows the progression of your injuries over time, which helps paint a clear picture of how your life has been affected in the immediate and long-term aftermath of the accident.
Your own words matter
A personal journal can be powerful evidence when proving the extent of your pain and suffering. Writing down how you feel each day creates a timeline that shows how your injuries affect your life. It’s important to be as detailed as possible. Describe how you feel and what you can no longer do, whether it’s exercising, working or even sleeping comfortably.
Witness testimony can strengthen your case
Family members, friends or coworkers can help give a clearer picture of your ordeal. They can testify to changes in your behavior, mood and abilities after the accident. Similarly, professional insights from medical experts, therapists or even vocational experts can explain the long-term impact of your injuries and validate your experience.
The right legal strategy can make or break your claim
Insurance companies often downplay pain and suffering because it’s subjective. That’s why building a compelling, well-documented case is critical. Seeking qualified legal support can help you present your story clearly and back it up with evidence that’s hard to ignore.]]>On Behalf of Black, Lyle & Habberfield, LLP<![CDATA[When a parked car accident still leads to liability issues]]>https://www.blhfirm.com/?p=501682026-04-21T16:05:09Z2026-04-21T16:05:09ZDriver conduct and roadway context during impact
Your conduct at the moment of impact remains central, because New York uses a pure comparative fault system. That means each party receives a percentage of responsibility based on what contributed to the crash, and that share reduces what each side may recover.
Because of that, your speed, lane position and reaction timing all matter. If you attempt a tight pass or react late, that may suggest reduced control. At the same time, roadway conditions such as narrow lanes or traffic flow shape what you could reasonably do.
Vehicle placement and environmental conditions at the scene
The parked vehicle’s position can influence fault allocation when its placement affects the surrounding driving space or visibility. Specific conditions often come into focus, including the following:
Improper curb position: Parking away from the curb reduces usable space
Obstructed visibility: Placement near corners or objects limits sightlines
Low visibility conditions: Lack of lighting reduces detection distance
Partial lane blockage: Extension into traffic interferes with passing
If that placement contributes to the collision, responsibility may shift between the parties.
A parked vehicle can still enter the fault analysis
A parked car does not settle fault, and that can affect your car accident claim from the start. Small details at the scene often carry more weight than expected, especially when space, visibility or positioning raise questions. So what does this mean for you? Look closely at photos, reports and any available footage, because those details can shape how reviewers assess your role in the crash.]]>On Behalf of Black, Lyle & Habberfield, LLP<![CDATA[Can your landlord be liable for a dog bite incident in New York?]]>https://www.blhfirm.com/?p=501652026-04-14T10:49:26Z2026-04-14T10:49:26ZWhat is a landlord’s legal duty regarding tenants’ dogs?
To determine potential landlord liability, you must understand the legal obligations of a landlord. Landlords in New York have a legal obligation to maintain safe premises for their tenants. This duty extends to protection from foreseeable dangers, including aggressive dogs owned by other tenants.
If your landlord knew a tenant's dog posed a danger, you may have a valid claim for your injuries. Prior complaints, previous bite incidents in the apartment or direct observations of the dog's aggressive behavior can establish this knowledge. Once the landlord has notice, failure to remove the animal or restrict its access may create liability.
Can landlords be held responsible for incidents in common areas?
Beyond general landlord duties, the location of the incident may provide additional grounds for your claim. A landlord might face greater liability when dog bite attacks occur in hallways or lobbies. If a dangerous dog regularly accesses these areas without landlord intervention, it may strengthen a claim for negligence.
Additionally, if the lease prohibits dogs or restricts certain breeds, your landlord's enforcement matters. Allowing a tenant to keep a dog with known vicious tendencies may demonstrate negligence.
What evidence is needed to prove landlord liability?
If you are considering pursuing a dog bite claim, gather documentation proving the landlord knew about the danger and failed to act. Obtain copies of the lease agreement and building pet policies. Witness statements from neighbors who complained about the animal are critical to proving the landlord had "notice.”
To establish the severity of the incident, prepare photographs of the injuries and medical records. These documents provide evidence of the harm suffered and the treatment required.
Protecting your right to compensation
If you suffered a dog bite in your apartment building, you may have a valid claim against both the dog owner and the landlord.
Landlord liability in dog bite cases depends on multiple factors. To understand the specific circumstances of your case, it may be beneficial to seek legal counsel to help pursue compensation from all responsible parties.]]>On Behalf of Black, Lyle & Habberfield, LLP<![CDATA[Can you recover damages if you were partly at fault in a crash?]]>https://www.blhfirm.com/?p=501632026-03-24T14:57:41Z2026-03-24T14:57:41ZNew York uses a “comparative negligence” rule
New York follows a legal principle called “pure comparative negligence.” This rule allows more than one driver to share responsibility for a crash.
If you were hurt in a collision, you may still seek compensation even if you played a role. Insurance companies and courts review the evidence and assign each party a percentage of fault. Your share of responsibility does not eliminate recovery, but it may reduce the amount.
How shared fault affects your case
When drivers share fault, your percentage reduces the damages you may recover by the same amount. For example:
If you are 20% at fault, you may recover up to 80% of the total damages
If you are 40% at fault, you may recover up to 60% of the damages
Under this system, sharing responsibility for a crash does not automatically block you from getting help with your bills.
Steps to take if you were partly at fault
If you suffered injuries in a crash where you might share responsibility, certain steps after the collision may help support a potential claim for damages. Seeing a doctor soon after the crash can help identify your injuries and create a record of your care.
You may also choose to report the accident and keep records related to the crash. Medical documentation, repair estimates and insurance communications may help show how the collision occurred and the losses tied to your injuries..
What happens after a partially at-fault accident
After a crash, insurance companies review the circumstances of the collision and the injuries involved. They rely on police reports, medical records and other information to evaluate how responsibility may be divided between the drivers.
Because New York uses this shared-fault system, being partly at fault does not eliminate your ability to recover damages. Being partly at fault may reduce your final check, but it does not stop you from seeking the justice and support you need to move forward.
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