Getting hurt is stressful enough. But trying to figure out if you’re entitled to compensation? That’s where many people feel lost. In fact, most people in your position aren’t sure what counts as a personal injury claim.
This article will clarify the types of accidents that qualify as personal injury, allowing victims to establish grounds for compensation.
Table of Contents
What Is Personal Injury?
Not every injury leads to a legal case, but some do. It often depends on how the injury happened and who was at fault.
“If you’ve been injured, you might wonder whether you have a case. The key question is: Did someone else’s carelessness contribute to your injury? If so, you may have a valid claim,” says car accident lawyer Christopher Largey of Largey Law.
Here are some common types of personal injury cases you should know about.
Car Accidents
Car accidents are the leading cause of personal injury claims, resulting in thousands of cases each year. Even the safest drivers can end up in the ER because of someone else’s reckless behavior.
If you’ve been hurt in a crash caused by another driver, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress. A car accident lawyer can help you pursue a claim by collecting evidence, negotiating with insurance companies, and calculating the damages you are owed.
Slip and Fall (Premises Liability)
You’re walking through a mall store when your foot suddenly catches on something, it’s a loose tile in the walkway. You trip and fall to the ground, hitting your knee hard on the floor.
An employee tells you that they’ve been meaning to fix that. But that doesn’t help now that you’re injured. If a business knows about a dangerous condition and fails to fix it, they may be liable for your injuries.
Workplace Injury
A simple task at work, whether lifting a box, moving supplies, or adjusting office furniture, suddenly goes wrong. But not all workplace injuries come from falls or heavy lifting. Other times, it’s a burn from a hot surface or unexpected exposure to chemicals.
Regardless of where you work, employers are required to provide a safe environment. If you were injured because safety precautions weren’t in place, you may have a case.
Medical Malpractice
When a doctor’s negligence causes more harm than help, you may have grounds for a medical malpractice claim. They may have misdiagnosed you, given you the wrong treatment, or failed to act when they should have.
If a doctor’s mistake puts your health at risk, you have the right to hold them accountable and seek compensation for the harm you’ve suffered.
Dog Bites
You’re walking in the park when an off-leash dog charges at you. Before you can react, it bites your leg, injuring you. The owner, standing yards away, yells, “He never does that!” but that doesn’t change the fact that you’re injured.
Dog owners are responsible for keeping their pets under control. If their negligence caused you harm, they may be liable for your medical bills and damages.
Wrongful Death
Losing a loved one is heartbreaking, especially when their death could have been prevented. While no amount of money can bring back your loved one, if their death was caused by another party’s negligence, you shouldn’t have to face the burden alone.
You may be eligible for compensation to help with medical expenses, funeral costs, and the emotional toll it has taken on your family.
Talk to an Attorney
While you may be legally entitled to compensation, pursuing a case is anything but easy. The laws are broad and complex, and the responsible party may not always be willing to pay up.
That’s why you should work with a car accident lawyer. They will evaluate your case, collect evidence, calculate damages, and fight for justice. Just make sure you choose the right lawyer. If you have been injured in a car accident, hire a car accident lawyer. If it’s a workplace injury, look for an attorney with experience in these types of claims.
