Life is full of unpredictability and there is only so much that we can control. Even the most cautious individuals are reliant on the actions of others to stay safe as they navigate the world, either at home, at work, or in public. Unfortunately, accidents and mistakes will happen, causing people to get injured in a way that can be life-altering.
The field of personal injury law is one that most people hope never to encounter. However, it can make a huge positive impact on those who have been injured because of the negligent actions of another.
This topic is important to understand should you ever be involved in a scenario that results in a personal injury claim. Here are a few things that you need to know about this field.
What Qualifies as a Personal Injury?
Not every injury would fall under the category of personal injury law. First, there must be physical damage to your body. Second, that damage must have resulted in financial costs. Third, the injury must have been at least partially the fault of another party, whether that is an individual or a company. If these three circumstances are present in your situation, then it is possible that a personal injury claim could be successful.
Why File a Claim?
The main reason to file a personal injury claim is to obtain compensation for damages. Damages can be both economic and non-economic, including;
- Medical bills from treatment
- Physical therapy expenses
- Lost wages due to missed work
- Property damage
- Funeral/burial costs in the event of wrongful death
- Emotional pain and suffering
- Loss of life enjoyment
Any of these items could affect the amount of the compensation package you are pursuing. Legally, you have the right to pursue compensation that covers the dollar amount of these damages, though some cannot be easily calculated. The settlement money you receive can help you and your family financially after a personal injury compromises your future.
Do Personal Injury Claims Go to Trial?
The answer is typically no. Most personal injury cases end up settling before a court proceeding occurs. However, it is possible that the defendant in your claim will argue that the incident was your fault or that negligence was not involved. If a settlement cannot be reached, there may be a trial proceeding, in which case choosing the right injury lawyer will be critical to winning the case.
Types of Personal Injuries
The list of potential injuries in a claim is long. There are plenty of circumstances that could cause an injury that leads to financial damages, and many of them may or may not be the fault of another party.
Nursing Home Abuse
While nursing homes are designed to care for elderly individuals, the truth is that there are many instances of negligence across the country. A nursing home abuse lawyer can help claimants obtain compensation for abuse or neglect that resulted in personal injuries to an elderly resident.
Motor Vehicle Accidents
One of the most common types of injury claims is those involving motor vehicle accidents. Cars, trucks, boats, motorcycles, and other vehicles can all get involved in collisions, and injured victims can pursue claims against the at-fault party.
Premises Liability
If a person gets injured on someone else’s property because of negligence, they could file a claim against the owner. The reason for the claim could be a spillage that has been ignored, an uneven sidewalk that caused a fall, or inadequate safety warnings in the building.
Defective Products
Manufacturers are responsible for creating safe products for consumers. When people are injured because of a defect in a product or a design flaw, they can sue the manufacturer for the mistake if damages occurred.
Dog Bite
Owners of dogs are expected to prevent others from being attacked by their animals. If you get bitten by a dog in specific circumstances where the owner should have been able to prevent the incident, then you could file a claim against that person.
There are plenty of other personal injury categories, including medical malpractice, wrongful death, birth injuries, railroad accidents, workplace injuries, and more.
The Difference a Lawyer Can Make
While you can file a personal injury claim on your own, working with a lawyer is a much wiser option in most cases. Lawyers know how to build a case that is strong with the right evidence. They also understand your legal rights and the kind of damages that can apply to your compensation package. Most of us are not legal experts, and you do not want to take any actions that may undermine your case. A personal injury lawyer can ensure that you do not make any of those mistakes.
If you are injured due to the negligence of another party, consider how filing a claim could help secure your financial future, and don’t ignore the possibility of hiring a lawyer to assist you.
Photo by Mélissa Jeanty on Unsplash
Author: Mandy Kloppers
Mandy is a qualified therapist who treats depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, trauma, and many other types of mental health issues. She provides online therapy around the world for those needing support and also provides relationship counselling.
