Most people have heard of ‘personal injury’ claims. But the term actually covers more than one type of accident. Let’s look at ten of the most common personal injury claims. You or someone you know may have sustained injuries in one of the following incidents.
#1. Accidents Involving Vehicles.
The first thing that comes to mind here is car accidents. However, anytime another person’s negligence has injured you – no matter the vehicle – you may have a personal injury claim. The term ‘vehicle’ includes:
- Tractor-trailers
- Motorcycles
- Boats
- Airplanes
- Busses
- Trains
- Elevated Trains
- Mo-peds and scooters
Also, pedestrians injured by any vehicles may have a personal injury case. Talk to an experienced personal injury lawyer to learn more.
#2. Slip-and-Fall
As the name says, this type of incident involves injuries suffered in a fall. For example, you might fall at the grocery store because the floor is wet. Your injuries might give rise to a personal injury claim if you were injured, especially if the store knew about the dangerous condition.
#3. Animal Bites
While many cases involve being bitten by a dog, other animal bites can lead to personal injury claims. State laws are important here, as your personal injury lawyer will explain. Some states consider the animal’s owner to be liable even if the animal has never bitten anyone before.
#4. Assault
State laws provide definitions of what assault really means. In some cases, the victim does not have to suffer physical injury. Just the threat of violence can be considered a crime.
However, victims can make personal injury claims whether the aggressor was charged with a crime or not. The victim might be able to receive compensation for medical treatment, pain and suffering, and more.
#5. Medical Malpractice
Suffering at the hands of medical professionals is particularly hard to swallow. In the United States, approximately 65,000 to 200,000 people die from medical accidents, with another 25,000 to 120,000 dying because of medical negligence. And, yet few people file personal injury claims based on medical malpractice.
If you feel a medical provider harmed you, discuss your case with an experienced personal injury attorney.
#6. Wrongful Death.
Sometimes people die a natural death. But when a person dies because of someone else’s negligence, the victim’s family might sue for wrongful death. Personal injury claims for wrongful death are similar to other types of cases, including medical malpractice. However, there are subtle differences that your attorney can explain.
#7. Workplace Accidents.
Often, an injured worker can file for workers’ compensation benefits. In some cases, benefits are not available, or the worker does not have employee status. Before filing for workers’ compensation benefits, discuss your case with an experienced attorney. Personal injury claims might be appropriate for job-related injuries.
The next three incidents can be a little more complicated.
#8. Defamation.
Defamation, libel, and slander are handled differently based on state law. Generally, though, a plaintiff will have to prove certain elements like:
- A false statement was presented as fact.
- That statement was communicated to a third person.
- The person who made the statement was at least negligent in their behavior.
- That the victim was damaged or harmed in some way.
Defamation personal injury claims can be difficult to prove. If you feel you have been defamed, consult an attorney immediately to explore your options. Doing so might also prevent further harm to your reputation.
#9. Premises Liability
Individuals might file personal injury cases based on premises liability. Under premises liability, the owner of the property might be held liable for injuries suffered on their property or premises.
For example, the owner of an office building knows that floors are unstable or uneven. If you fall because of a hazardous situation, you might seek compensation from the building’s owner.
#10. Product Liability
This kind of personal injury claim is similar to premises liability. However, in this case, an injury occurred because of a product, not a place. Instead of holding a property owner responsible, you will be concerned with companies or individuals that manufactured, distributed, supplied, sold, or otherwise made a defective product available to the general public.
Can You Make One of the Personal Injury Claims Listed Above?
At the Dailey Law Firm, P.C., our team of skilled lawyers and professionals provide the high-quality legal services you need. Call us at 844-342-5353 to set up a free consultation or use the Contact Form on our website. There’s no fee for personal injury cases unless we win.
We represent clients throughout the entire United States. You can reach us online or visit one of our offices in Detroit, MI; Chicago, IL; or Valparaiso, IN.