Personal injury is a special branch of law that governs how people can seek compensation for injuries they suffer due to the negligence of another person or entity.
In a typical personal injury lawsuit, there is always a plaintiff who suffered an injury and a defendant who is accused of causing the injury. The plaintiff must prove that the defendant is liable for the injury to receive compensation.
Before a personal injury lawsuit is filed, someone must have been involved in an accident and suffered injuries. The injury can be physical or psychological, but it must have occurred due to someone else’s negligence.
There are many different types of personal injury cases, but some of the most common include:
1. Car Accidents
Car accidents are by far the most common type of personal injury claim. Every year, millions of people are injured or killed in car accidents, and many of these accidents could have been prevented if the driver had been more careful.
Some of the most common causes of car accidents include speeding, drunk driving, distracted driving, and poor road conditions.
Liability in car accidents largely depends on who was at fault for the accident. In fact, the plaintiff must prove that the other party was at fault for the accident to recover damages.
In some states, if the complainant is found to be even at the slightest fault for the accident, they cannot recover damages from the other party.
If you have been injured in a car accident, you may be able to seek compensation for your medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.
2. Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents are other common types of personal injury claims. These accidents can occur anywhere, but they are most common in places with a lot of foot traffic, such as stores, restaurants, and office buildings.
Different factors contribute to a slip and fall accident, such as slippery floors, cluttered floors, holes in the ground, and uneven sidewalks.
Liability in slip and fall accidents depends on whether the owner of the property where the accident occurred was aware of the hazard and did not take steps to fix it.
If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident, you may be able to seek compensation for your hospital bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.
3. Dog Bites
Dog bites are another common type of personal injury claim. Every year, thousands of people are injured by dogs, and many of these injuries are severe.
In most states, dog owners are strictly liable for any injuries their dog causes. This means that the victim does not have to prove that the owner was negligent in order to recover damages.
However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. For example, if the victim was trespassing on the property or provoking the dog, the owner may not be held liable.
4. Workplace Injuries
Workplace injuries are extremely common and can occur in any type of job. In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are approximately three million workplace injuries every year.
There are many types of workplace injuries, but some of the most common includes falls, being hit by an object, repetitive motion injuries, and strains and sprains.
Workplace injuries can often be prevented if the employer takes the necessary safety precautions.
For example, if an employer requires employees to lift heavy objects, the employer should provide proper training on how to lift the objects safely.
If an employee is injured at work, they may be able to seek compensation for their medical bills and lost wages through workers’ compensation.
5. Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice is another common type of personal injury claim. It occurs when a health care professional, such as a doctor, nurse, or dentist fails to provide the standard of care, causing injuries to a patient.
Sometimes, it is a matter of healthcare professionals making mistakes, albeit unintentionally. However, there are times when it could be a case of negligence on the part of the health care professional.
To recover damages in a medical malpractice claim, the victim must prove that the health care professional was negligent and that this negligence caused their injuries.
If you have been injured by a health care professional, you may be able to seek compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
6. Product Liability
Products liability is another common type of personal injury claim. It occurs when a person is injured by a defective product.
There are many different types of defects that can occur in products, such as design defects, manufacturing defects, and marketing defects.
Product liability claims can be complex, and it is important to consult with an experienced attorney if you have been injured by a defective product.
7. Premises Liability
You may also file a personal injury claim based on premises liability. Under premises liability, the property owner might be held liable for injuries suffered on their premises or property.
To recover damages in a premises liability claim, the victim must prove that the premises owner acted negligently and that this negligence caused their injuries.
For example, if a property owner fails to fix a hole in the pavement and you trip and fall, the property owner may be liable for your injuries.
8. Assault
Different states have different definitions of what assault means. In some states, assault is a crime, while in others, it is considered a tort.
However, the general definition of assault is an intentional act that causes another person to fear for their safety.
For example, if someone threatens to hit you and you believe they will follow through with their threat, you have been assaulted.
If you have been the victim of assault, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit to recover suffered damages.
9. Defamation
In most cases, defamation, slander, and libel are handled differently depending on the specific state law. However, the three are closely related.
Defamation is an intentionally false statement that harms another person’s reputation.
Slander is a type of defamation that is spoken, while libel is a type of defamation that is written.
To recover damages in a defamation claim, the victim must prove that the defendant made a false statement about them, and the false statement caused them harm.
For example, if someone spreads a rumor that you have a disease, and as a result, you lose your job, you may be able to recover damages in a defamation claim.
It is good to mention that defamation personal injury claims can be relatively difficult to prove because the victim has to show that the defendant made a false statement and this false statement caused them harm.
Additionally, if the defendant can prove that the statement was true, the victim will not be able to recover damages.
So, if you feel you have been defamed, it is important to contact an experienced attorney to explore your options.
10. Construction Injuries
Although the construction industry is highly regulated, it remains one of the most dangerous industries.
Most construction sites are filled with highly hazardous materials that may cause unexpected injuries. The construction equipment, falling debris, and objects may also cause harm to construction workers.
In fact, there is always a significant chance that someone will be injured at a construction site.
There are many different types of construction accidents, such as scaffolding accidents, crane accidents, and electrical accidents.
Summary
Personal injury law covers a wide range of accidents and injuries.
Car accidents, slip and fall accidents, dog bites, workplace injuries, medical malpractice, product liability, premises liability, assault, defamation, and construction injuries are some of the most common types of personal injury cases.
If you have been injured in any type of accident or incident that was someone else’s fault, it is important to speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer to find out if you have a case.