In 2016, 39.5 million physician office visits occurred for unintentional injuries. On top of that, there were nearly 30 million emergency department visits for injuries that were unintentional.
When a personal injury occurs due to the willful intent or negligence of another person, the other individual can be held liable for the injury.
What are the common types of personal injury cases?
Let's take a look at everything you need to know.
Car accident cases
One of the most common types of bodily injury cases in the United States has to do with motor vehicle accidents.
Every year, millions of people are injured due to car accidents, and, sadly, many are even killed. There are about 6 million car accidents every year in the United States.
If another driver, possession, or passenger is negligent to the point that it causes a motor vehicle accident, you might be entitled to compensation and damages for your losses and personal injuries.
Slip and fall cases
Another common type of personal injury case are slip and fall claims. It is the legal duty of property owners and property renters to keep the premises free of hazards and reasonably safe. If a dangerous condition such as wet floors, low lighting, narrow stairs, or torn carpeting causes someone to slip and fall, the person responsible for the property can be held liable.
Hazards such as ice, snow, rain, or potholes can also result in slip and fall cases.
Medical malpractice
When medical professionals neglect their responsibility to treat the condition of their patients to the best of their abilities, a medical malpractice claim might arise.
If a doctor is grossly negligent or reckless in a way that causes dictation injury, a medical malpractice suit might be the result.
Other common types of personal injury cases
Car accidents, slip and fall cases, and medical malpractice suits are only a few of the common reasons that people hire a personal injury lawyer. Let's take a look at some of the other common types of personal injury cases.
Defamation
Defamation is something that results in injury to your reputation. This might take the form of either slander or libel. When someone makes untrue statements the injured your reputation, it can result in a defamation lawsuit.
In order to be successful in a defamation lawsuit, it must be proven that financial loss resulted in that the untrue statements were, in fact, need.
Dog bites
The laws regarding the liability of dog owners vary between states. However, if a dog injures or bites another person, they are typically financially viable. Depending on the state, dog owners might only be responsible after the dog has bitten a person once, as they are now aware that the dog has aggressive potential.
Wrongful death
In the tragic circumstance that an individual is killed as a result of someone else's negligence, a wrongful death lawsuit might occur. Many of these lawsuits arise from motor vehicle accidents. They also might come from medical malpractice, workplace accident, nursing home neglect, airplane accidents, construction accident, or product defects.
These lawsuits are an opportunity for the family of the deceased to recover damages. The damages recovered are often similar to the damages that the deceased would have received if they were not killed due to the injury and were filing a personal injury lawsuit.
Workplace accident
It is common for bodily injuries to occur while people are at work. This might be due to hazardous materials, a hazardous work environment, a slip and fall, or more.
Typically, it is necessary to file a Worker's Compensation claim if you've been injured while you are working for your employer. The composition that you received for being injured in the workplace can include covering lost wages, medical treatment, or a lump sum payment.
If you've been injured in the workplace, is a good idea to hire a personal injury attorney. This is because the laws of Worker's Compensation are different between states and how you navigate the situation can vastly change your competition.
Product defect/product liability
When a product that you have purchased and used correctly causes you harm, a personal injury case can be made against the products manufactured. You'll want to consult with a personal injury lawyer if you spend injured by a product. They will be able to help you understand whether or not you have a case against the manufacturer.
Premises liability
If someone's land or property is defective or dangerous, a premises liability claim can arise. This type of lawsuit can result from injuries that occur just about anywhere. This might be in a public place, is a commercial property, or in a private residence.
There are numerous different situations from which a premises liability suit can arise. If you trip over an obstacle, fall down a staircase that is missing a handrail, or slip on a still that is in denial, you might have grounds to file a premise liability lawsuit.
When you hire a personal injury attorney, we will be able to help you protect your rights as well as document the accident in order to receive the compensation you deserve.
Are you looking to hire a personal injury attorney?
When you or someone you love has been injured due to the negligence of someone else, it is important to get in contact with an experienced personal injury lawyer. This list of the common types of personal injury cases can help you to understand what kinds of personal injury claims are often found in the court.
At Kerley Schaffer LLP, we can help you receive the compensation that you deserve. Contact us today if you believe that you have been injured due to someone else's negligence.