Why You Should Never Consent to a Vehicle Search in Pennsylvania You are driving in Pennsylvania when you see flashing lights behind you. After speaking with you for a few minutes, the police officer asks a seemingly simple question: “Do you mind if I search your vehicle?” You may feel like yo...
Northeastern Pennsylvania Personal Injury and Criminal Defense Blog
Your Resource for Pennsylvania Personal Injury and Criminal Defense News and Information
This blog is dedicated to providing information on Pennsylvania Personal Injury and Criminal Defense related topics and legal issues. It's our goal for you to use the information on this site, including the individual practice area pages, to help you understand your rights, obligations, and the best course of action for your Pennsylvania Personal Injury or Criminal Defense case.
My Child Was Bitten by a Dog in Pennsylvania: What Should I Do?
What Should I Do If My Child Was Bitten by a Dog in Pennsylvania? Dog Bite Lawyer | Sklarosky Law Few experiences are more frightening for a parent than seeing their child injured in a dog attack. Dog bites involving children often result in serious physical injuries, emotional trauma, and perm...
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Dog Bite Claims in Pennsylvania?
If you or your child has been bitten by a dog, one of the first questions you may have is whether the dog owner's homeowners insurance will cover your injuries. In many cases, the answer is yes, but every claim depends on the specific facts and the insurance policy involved. At Sklarosky Law, we...
How Much is a Dog Bite Case Worth in Pennsylvania?
How Much Is a Dog Bite Case Worth in Pennsylvania? One of the first questions many dog bite victims ask is: "How much is my dog bite case worth?" Unfortunately, there is no simple answer. Every dog bite case is unique, and the value of a claim depends on several factors, including the severity...
Can Police Search my Phone in Pennsylvania?
Can Police Search My Phone in Pennsylvania? Modern cell phones contain an enormous amount of personal information. Text messages, emails, photographs, social media accounts, internet search history, banking information, and location data can all be stored on a single device. As a result, one of ...
What Should I Do after a Dog Bite in Pennsylvania?
What Should I Do After a Dog Bite in Pennsylvania? A dog bite can be a frightening and painful experience. In addition to the physical injuries, victims are often left wondering who will pay their medical bills and what steps they should take to protect themselves. If you or a loved one has bee...
Can You Refuse a Field Sobriety Test in Pennsylvania?
Can You Refuse a Field Sobriety Test in Pennsylvania? Being pulled over for a suspected DUI can be stressful and intimidating. Many drivers are unsure whether they must participate in roadside testing or whether they can refuse. One of the most common questions our office receives is: Can you r...
Misconceptions About Slip And Fall Cases In Luzerne County
Many people assume that if they suffer a slip and fall accident in Pennsylvania, they either have no case or that the law automatically favors the property owner. In reality, there are many misconceptions surrounding slip and fall claims and premises liability cases. At Sklarosky Law, we regular...
When Does Simple Assault Become Aggravated? Factors That Upgrade Charges in Pennsylvania
When Does Simple Assault Become Aggravated Assault in Pennsylvania? If you have been charged with assault in Pennsylvania, one of the most important questions is whether the offense will be prosecuted as Simple Assault or Aggravated Assault. While both offenses involve allegations of violence or...
The Legal Implications of Public Intoxication in Luzerne County: A Comprehensive Guide
Public Intoxication Charges in Luzerne County, PA: What You Need to Know Many people assume they can be arrested for public intoxication simply because they have been drinking in public. Under Pennsylvania law, however, intoxication alone is not enough to support a conviction. If you have been ...
Can You Recover Compensation When Another Dog Attacks Your Dog in Luzerne County?
Can I Recover Vet Bills If Another Dog Attacks My Dog in Luzerne County, PA? Most Pennsylvania dog bite cases involve injuries to people, but dog-on-dog attacks are surprisingly common throughout Luzerne County. Whether the attack occurs in a neighborhood, public park, apartment complex, or whil...
Protecting Yourself from Excessive Force During an Arrest in Pennsylvania
Can You Defend Yourself Against Excessive Police Force in Pennsylvania? Most people understand that when a police officer attempts to make an arrest, remaining calm and avoiding physical resistance is usually the safest course of action. However, questions often arise when an officer uses force ...
FAQs Surrounding Dog Bite Claims in Pennsylvania
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bite Claims in Pennsylvania Dog bites can cause serious physical injuries, emotional trauma, permanent scarring, and substantial medical expenses. As more people spend time outdoors in Wilkes-Barre, Hazleton, Kingston, Pittston, Dallas, Mountain Top, Nanticok...
Understanding the Three Degrees of Murder in Pennsylvania
Understanding the Three Degrees of Murder in Pennsylvania: A Guide for Luzerne County Residents When a person is accused of unlawfully causing the death of another, Pennsylvania law classifies the offense under the broader category of criminal homicide. These cases are among the most serious cri...
DUIs and and Summer Drunk Driving Accidents in Luzerne County
Summer Drunk Driving Accidents in Luzerne County: Know Your Rights and Stay Safe Summer in Pennsylvania means backyard barbecues, lake weekends, concerts, cookouts, graduation parties, vacations, and nights out with friends. Unfortunately, it also often means more impaired drivers on the road. ...
Injured as an Uber or Lyft Passenger in Luzerne County: What Are Your Rights and How Do You File a Claim?
Injured in an Uber or Lyft Accident in Luzerne County? Know Your Rights as a Passenger Rideshare accidents involving Uber and Lyft create legal issues that are often far more complicated than a typical Pennsylvania car accident claim. If you were injured as a passenger in an Uber or Lyft in Wil...
4 Things You Need to Know About Illegal Gambling Charges in Luzerne County
Understanding Illegal Gambling Laws in Pennsylvania Illegal gambling charges in Pennsylvania can carry serious consequences, including fines, asset forfeiture, and even jail time. Many people are surprised to learn that most forms of gambling are illegal unless specifically authorized by law. I...
When Over-serving Alcohol in Luzerne County Leads To Serious Injury
When Can a Bar Be Held Responsible in Pennsylvania? In Pennsylvania, bars and restaurants have a legal duty to serve alcohol responsibly. When an establishment continues serving someone who is visibly intoxicated, and that person later causes harm, the bar itself may be held legally responsible....
Animal Cruelty Laws in Pennsylvania
Understanding Animal Cruelty Laws in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania When most people think of criminal charges, they often picture offenses like theft or assault—crimes involving harm to another person. However, Pennsylvania law also criminalizes conduct that harms property, public safety, and eve...
Dog Bite Injuries in Luzerne County, PA: What You Need to Know as the Weather Warms Up
As the weather improves in Luzerne County, more people are outside—walking, jogging, and spending time in parks and neighborhoods. Unfortunately, this also means a seasonal increase in dog bite incidents. If you or a loved one has been bitten, understanding your rights under Pennsylvania law is ...
FAQ: Traffic Stop Rights in Luzerne County, PA
FAQ: Traffic Stop Rights in Luzerne County, PA Do I have to answer questions during a traffic stop in Pennsylvania? No. You are only required to provide your license, registration, and proof of insurance. You have the right to remain silent. Can police search my car without permission? Someti...
The Right to Remain Silent: Why It Is Your Most Important Tool During a Luzerne County Traffic Stop
Traffic Stop Rights in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania: What You Should (and Should Not) Say During a traffic stop in Luzerne County, your words can quickly become the strongest evidence used against you. From the moment an officer approaches your vehicle, they are not just addressing a traffic vi...
When Can Police Use Deadly Force in Pennsylvania?
When Can Police Use Deadly Force in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania? While police officers are sometimes justified in using deadly force, there are many situations where that force crosses the line into unlawful and unconstitutional conduct. In Luzerne County and throughout Pennsylvania, these case...
Can You Be Charged With Theft In Luzerne County If You Intended To Pay Later?
Understanding Theft Charges and Intent to Deprive in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania Understanding how theft is defined—and how prosecutors interpret intent—is one of the most important steps in protecting your future. In Luzerne County, theft cases often turn on a single issue: what you intended ...
The Burden of Proof in a Police Brutality Case
How to Prove a Police Brutality Case in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania If you believe you were the victim of excessive force, you may be wondering what it takes to prove a police brutality case. In Luzerne County, these claims are governed by federal civil rights law and often depend on the stren...