Personal injuries happen more often than you’d think. This term is very broad in the field of law and it includes several types of injuries. In fact, about 1.5 million personal injury cases are filed every year in the United States. This number is also quite high worldwide. Which are the most common personal injury claims and cases, and how do these happen? Keep on reading and find out for yourself
What is a personal injury case?
In law and from a legal standpoint, a personal injury case comes about when one person suffers an injury due to someone else’s negligence or a purposeful act. It can happen indoor, outdoor, or within your workspace. In most cases, these are settled on time before going to trial and before handling it out in court. Regulations will vary from one country to the other.
9 Most Common Types of Personal Injury Cases
1. Car accident claims
The most common and typical type of personal injury claim. In fact, back in 2018, there were over 6.7 million motor vehicle accidents in the US. This just goes to show you how common they are. This happens because a lot of people think that they can drive when under the influence. People often get distracted with their phones, and others are just bad at driving or figuring out the road or traffic lights.
2. Slip and fall
Slip and fall might seem like an irrelevant and small type of a claim, but it can damage your neck, back, arms, legs, shoulders, and sometimes head or your brains. These are common and shouldn’t be taken lightly. In fact, 3 million people over the age of 65 are treated in emergency departments for fall injuries every year. These can happen when dealing with faulty stairs or ladders, wet floors, etc.
3. Medical malpractice
Medical malpractice does happen from time to time, although some people might have a hard time spotting it, especially at the given moment. It happens due to negligence by nurses, doctors, and other people within the field. Mistakes can be huge such as surgical mistakes, or something smaller like pharmacy errors. An experienced personal injury lawyer will help you pursue damages under state law while dealing with any wrongful situation, despite its size.
4. Assault or theft
Assaults still happen and are very popular in the U.S, especially in regards to gun-related crimes. There were over six million assaults in the US during 2018, and it is unclear what we can expect to see happen in the future. These can also be a bit tricky to prove in the eyes of law, which is why you should have everything documented early on. If you’ve been injured in an accident or attacked never try to build the case on your own, go for professional help who will do this for you.
5. Workplace accidents
If you as an employee are hurt you have to act upon the claim. Injuries can happen for several reasons, such as because of unhealthy, unsafe, or hazardous surroundings. Workplace injuries fall under the worker’s compensation policy in the US. An employer will have to compensate you accordingly while covering all of your medical bills, private therapy sessions, and fully paid leave. Benefits are different from one state to the other.
6. Premises liability
This means that your accident has happened on someone else’s property, due to poor conditions or negligence. An example of a premises liability case is when an individual trips over their neighbor’s dog while walking across their lawn. It can also happen if and when exposed to something dangerous. These accidents usually happen around grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants, or any other public place. It might be your lucky day if the place has surveillance cameras since they can catch everything on tape and help with evidence.
7. Defamation claims
Personal injury cases don’t just have to be physical injuries. These can be traumatizing or hard to deal with events, often making an emotional impact on someone. This often is done online or publicly, attacking someone’s personality and taking away from their credibility. It can also come off as slander or shaming of the other person. If you have been ”bullied” in any way you can build your case, especially if it has happened in your work environment.
8. Construction injuries
Construction or any type of physical work can be dangerous on its own. Construction sites are typically filled with hazardous materials, debris, low-quality products, or inexperienced workers who don’t know what they’re doing. Construction workers should wear personal protective equipment such as helmets, gloves, eye protection, and boots while they work. This way, they will reduce any potential damage or injuries to themself but also to people around them.
9. Dog bites
Who would say that this is also a common type of personal injury claim?! Although they are our best friends, they can be tricky and vicious, as well as mean. In some states, dog owners have to take the liability for what’s been done. It is one tricky case to build since no one can know for sure if the dog was aggressive before and if it has shown any signs prior to biting the other person. Definitely lawyer up since it can be hard to prove your points.
Where to find a good attorney?
Since car accidents are the most common out of all of them there is a high chance that you may need professional help the most within this field. If you have had a car accident just recently and you’re looking for some professional help just click here! If you were involved in a car accident and wish to pursue compensation, one of the first things you need to do is contact your insurance company, as well as your lawyer. This team will help you build a strong case. Get in touch and enjoy free consultations and understand all of your legal options.
