Personal injury law allows people to seek compensation after suffering harm due to the negligence or wrongdoing of another party. It can cover financial losses from physical injuries, property damage, lost income, and more. This legal framework is vital for providing victims an avenue to address damages and recover compensation.
With that said, there are many circumstances under which a claim might arise. Some are fairly common situations we face every day, while others might be more obscure or unique. Each type of case can have its own range of legal questions and factual concerns.
When asked, an expert from Dolinsky Law Group said, “There are many different types of personal injury claims. You’ll even find various niches within different practice areas. That’s why it is important to find attorneys with experience in a specific type of claim. Some of the legal issues can be very particular.”
This post will cover some of the common types of personal injury claims.
Car Accident Claims
Automobile accidents are the most common cause of personal injury claims. It is easy to see why. With so many people traveling so many miles by automobile each year, there are bound to be accidents. Along with that, car accidents often involve forces that far exceed what the human body can withstand. This category includes traffic collisions, commercial truck accidents, pedestrian accidents, ridesharing accidents, rollovers, and more.
Workplace Injuries
A workplace injury claim will usually fall under workers’ compensation. That makes it different from standard personal injury claims. For example, the worker will not need to prove their employer was at fault for a workers’ compensation claim. However, if there was negligence on the part of the employer, the worker might be able to seek additional compensation. Workplace injuries can cover sudden traumatic injuries, repetitive strain, and environmental hazards.
Premises Liability
This area of personal injury law covers accidents and injuries that occur on someone else’s property. A common example of a premises liability claim is a slip-and-fall accident. Premises liability operates under the idea that property owners have an obligation to maintain a safe environment for visitors. However, whether the claimant is an invitee, licensee, or trespasser can affect their right to compensation.
Animal Attacks
Animal attacks occur more often than most people realize. When that animal is owned by another person, the victim might have a claim for compensation. With close to 50 million households owning at least one dog, dog bites are the most common type of animal attack. Dog bite injuries can be serious. The victim may require stitches or reconstructive surgery. In some cases, a dog attack might result in death. However, the laws concerning animal attacks vary significantly from state to state.
Product Liability
What happens if a person suffers injury from a dangerous or defective product? This is where product liability law offers a path to compensation. In general, you are looking at products with design defects, manufacturing defects, or insufficient warnings. There can also be several liable parties in a product liability claim. It can include manufacturers, designers, distributors, retailers, and more.
Medical Malpractice
We need to trust healthcare professionals, but they can make mistakes. However, the consequences of these mistakes can be devastating for the individual. It can lead to lifelong pain, disability, or even premature death. Medical malpractice law allows patients to seek compensation when they suffer harm due to the negligence of a healthcare professional. Common instances include misdiagnoses, surgical errors, or medication mistakes.
Intentional Torts
People tend to focus on negligence when it comes to personal injury law. They think of things like reckless drivers and stores that didn’t properly clean a spill. While negligence is a common component of personal injury claims, some result from the intentional actions of others. For example, assault and battery can lead to significant injuries. Along with criminal charges, the victim might sue the perpetrator to recover damages for the harm they caused.
Toxic Exposure
What if you are exposed to a toxic substance due to the negligence of another party? Depending on the contaminant and level of exposure, it could have significant consequences. It could also happen in the workplace, at home, or in any number of other settings. Common examples of toxic exposure include asbestos, lead, and pesticides.
Wrongful Death
A personal injury claim turns into a wrongful death claim when the victim dies. In this case, the victim’s family might make a claim to recover damages. The types of damages can vary significantly depending on the victim and their relationship to the claimant. Wrongful death claims typically have the same types of causes as personal injury claims. For example, automobile accidents are the most common cause of these claims.
If you have an injury and believe it to be the fault of another party, you should consult an attorney. They can help you understand your rights and ensure you get full, fair compensation. Most personal injury lawyers also offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee.
