Personal injury claims refer to legal cases involving an injury to a person, whether physical or psychological. These are the lawsuits people file when they’ve been in a car accident that wasn’t their fault, or they slipped on a wet floor inside a retail store.
The industry is worth $59 billion, so there are a lot of lawsuits filed each year. Some of the most common types of personal injury claims include:
Motor Vehicle Accidents
This involves injuries sustained in a car, motorcycle or truck accident that was caused by another driver’s negligence, like speeding or distracted driving. These injuries can range from minor scrapes and bruises to traumatic brain injuries or paralysis.
Slip And Fall Accidents
Slip and fall claims arise when a person is injured on someone else’s unsafe property, such as slipping on a wet floor in a store due to improper cleaning. 40% of all nursing home admissions are caused by falls. These accidents frequently cause sprains, fractures, and head injuries.
Medical Malpractice
When a doctor, nurse or other medical professional provides improper treatment that results in injury or harm to the patient, it is medical malpractice. Some examples are surgical errors, misdiagnosis of illness, and medication errors, which cause the deaths of around 251k people every year, according to a John Hopkins study.
Defective Products
If a defective product causes injury to a consumer, they can file a claim against the manufacturer or retailer. Defects like manufacturing flaws, inadequate safety features, or insufficient labeling of risks are common reasons for these lawsuits.
Workplace Accidents
BLS stats show there were 5,486 fatal workplace injuries in 2022. Employers are required to maintain safe working conditions. If unsafe practices or negligence by the employer leads to a worker getting injured, they have grounds for a personal injury claim. These include injuries from falls, equipment malfunction, chemical exposure, repetitive strain and more.
Importance Of Hiring A Personal Injury Attorney
It is highly advisable to hire a specialized local attorney in your area, for example, if you’re in Philadelphia, PA, and have suffered an injury due to another party’s negligence, you should call a personal injury lawyer in Philadelphia. An attorney is vital for the following reasons:
Determine Liability
Personal injury laws vary by state and the circumstances of each case are unique. Lawyers have the expertise to investigate your claim, gather evidence, and identify liable parties to build a strong case.
File Claims Properly
There are strict deadlines and legal protocols for personal injury cases. Lawyers ensure paperwork and filings are done correctly so your claim is not dismissed due to technical errors.
Negotiate Settlements
Insurance companies often try to lowball injury victims on settlements. Lawyers have negotiation skills to deal with adjusters and secure the maximum compensation you deserve.
Represent You in Court
If a settlement can’t be reached out of court, an experienced trial lawyer can argue your case in front of a judge and jury effectively. Very few cases actually go to trial.
Reduce Stress
Pursuing a personal injury claim on your own can be complex and emotionally taxing. Lawyers handle the legwork for you so you can focus on recovery.
By having a qualified personal injury attorney represent you after an accident, you improve your chances of a positive case outcome and obtaining fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
