The Common Types of Personal Injury Cases: A Helpful Guide

According to the CDC, there are 39.5 million office visits to a physician for accidental injuries. There are 29.4 million visits to the emergency room for the same reason.

Sometimes, someone else caused these injuries, either through negligence or by accident. We call these cases ‘personal injury cases’. Those involved can claim compensation from whoever caused the accident.

Read on to learn more about the most common types of personal injury cases.

Involvement in a Vehicle Accident

You might be involved in a vehicle accident in three ways. That’s as a pedestrian, a passenger, or the driver.

Whatever happens, if someone’s negligence is to blame, you can claim monetary compensation. This covers injuries and losses caused by the accident.

Medical Malpractice Suits

This covers medical professionals who don’t treat their patients according to their duty of care. That might be through recklessness or negligence.

If they cause an injury during treatment, it’s medical malpractice. A medical professional that mistreats, or fails to treat, an illness also falls under this type of case.

Accidents in the Workplace

Workplace accidents cover a range of issues. You might have a trip or fall, be injured due to hazardous materials, or be in a dangerous environment.

You can’t claim for a personal injury if you’re injured in your workplace. You’d need to put in a worker’s compensation claim instead.

Worker’s compensation might cover any lost wages, medical care, or a permanent disability.

The law varies depending on what state you’re in. It’s best to get expert advice before you make a claim. Get more advice on this site.

Slips and Falls

A range of causes come under ‘slips and falls’. They can include:

• Poor lighting
• Wet floors
• Loose flooring
• Unmarked changes in floor height
• Cracked paving or uneven sidewalks
• Other trip hazards

Falling over won’t qualify you for compensation. You’ll only be able to qualify for funds if you’re injured.

Dog Bites

Dog owners are usually responsible for injuries caused by their dog. The laws vary by state so you will need to seek advice for this one.

Some states hold the owner liable even if the dog has never been aggressive before. Elsewhere, the owner is only responsible if they know their dog can be prone to biting. This latter case is called the “one bite” rule.

Using Defective Products

It should be safe to use products used according to their intended purpose. Yet if you’re injured because the product is dangerous or defective, you can make a personal injury claim.

Check the product’s documentation to make sure what the manufacturer calls ‘safe use’. If they’re liable for the injury, put in a claim.

Wrongful Death

This covers cases where a person dies through someone else’s carelessness. Common examples include motor vehicle accidents, neglect, workplace accidents, medical malpractice, or use of a dangerous product.

The family can claim damages based on what the deceased would have received had they survived.

See a Specialist for These Types of Personal Injury Cases

These are the common types of personal injury cases though there are others not listed here. If you’ve been involved in these incidents, seek advice from a legal professional.

You may be entitled to make a claim for compensation. It won’t make your injuries go away but it can help you pay for support.

Keen to stay safe and well? Check out our health articles for all the advice you need.