According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are 39.5 million personal injury cases requiring medical treatment in the US annually.
A California personal injury law firm says that car accidents continue to be the primary cause of accidental injuries and deaths each year, which commonly lead to personal injury claims in the state. To schedule a consultation with a personal injury lawyer, you can click here.
In this article, we will explore the eight most common types of personal injury cases and determine the appropriate action steps when you find yourself in any of these circumstances.
Car Accidents
Car accidents can happen in a matter of seconds, leaving you overwhelmed and confused about what to do next.
A Tampa, Florida personal injury law firm says that most car collisions are caused by careless and negligent driving. Negligence can result from speeding and driving while intoxicated, driving when exhausted, or distracted driving using a mobile phone. To know more, you can check this link: https://paulfigueroalaw.com/tampa-personal-injury-lawyer/.
In a car accident, check yourself and any passengers with you in the vehicle for possible injuries. If anyone is hurt, immediately call for medical assistance.
If possible, move your vehicle to a safe location to avoid further collision with other moving vehicles. Exchange information like name, contact details, insurance information, and license plates with the other driver. Don’t forget to take pictures of the vehicles for any visible damages and road conditions.
Report the incident to the police and request a copy of the police report. This document can be useful for most insurance claims.
Slip and Fall
Slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere. They most commonly happen due to the accumulation of water on slick floors, uneven surfaces, or poor lighting. Fractures, sprains, and even head trauma are some of the potential injuries sustained by the victims.
In cases of a slip and fall accident, document the scene and photograph any obstacle that might have caused the accident. Seek medical treatment even if you do not see any obvious signs of injury. Some injuries take days to manifest. You can use medical records to support your claim.
Consult a personal injury lawyer who can determine whether the property owner was negligent concerning your visit. They can determine whether you are entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice is when a qualified professional violates the acceptable care standard in the medical field, causing harm to a patient. This includes misdiagnosis, surgical errors, or treatment failures.
If you believe you are a victim of a medical malpractice incident, you need to know your rights and options available to you. You can sue for physical damage, psychological damage, and financial damage against a healthcare provider.
Hire a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer who specializes in medical malpractice cases to guide you through the legal process. Your lawyer can assist you with filing a claim that is compliant with your state’s statute of limitations.
Workplace Injuries
Workplace injuries can drastically alter your life. Injuries while working can lead to medical bills, lost wages, or even long-term disability.
In case of injury, you could strengthen your claim by keeping track of bills and out-of-pocket expenses spent on treatment. Include all communications with the employer and witness statements.
Find a lawyer who specializes in personal injuries resulting from workplace injuries. Their expertise will help you understand your rights and get the legal compensation you deserve.
Product Liability
One can sustain injuries from various sources, including the use of household products. Product liability refers to injuries sustained from the use of products. Any person who suffers injuries because of a defect in a product may be entitled to an injury claim.
The three types of defects are design defects, manufacturing defects, and marketing defects. A design flaw indicates that the product was inherently unsafe from the start. The production defect is an error caused during the course of manufacturing. Marketing defects happen when inadequate warnings or instructions fail to give the user any sort of notification of potential risks.
Product liability cases necessitate establishing proof that the product was defective and that the injury occurred as a result of the product’s defects. Product liability claims commonly use witnesses, medical reports, and product pictures as evidence.
Dog Bites
Dog bite incidents are often traumatizing and confusing for victims. The victim may be overwhelmed by medical bills, ongoing treatment, and psychological consequences of the incident.
One of the most important pieces of evidence in dog bite cases is the identity of the dog and its owner. Take photos of the injury and of the scene. Obtain statements from any witness who might have seen the events leading up to the dog bite. Immediately seek medical assistance regardless of whether the bite is minor or not. Some dog bites can lead to other complications or infections.
Consult a personal injury lawyer who specializes in dog bite cases to determine the possibility of a personal injury claim.
Bicycle Accidents
Prioritize your health following a bicycle accident. Consult a doctor to check if you have sustained concussions or other internal injuries.
Collect information from witnesses and exchange details if there are other parties involved in the accident. Take photos of the scene, highlighting any road conditions that may have contributed to your bike accident.
Once you are in a stable medical condition, think about seeing a personal injury attorney who will assess your case and guide you through the complicated process of insurance claims.
Wrongful Death
Wrongful death cases require you to prove that the death of your loved one was due to the negligence of a third party. This includes road traffic accident cases, medical malpractice cases, and workplace accident cases.
Meet and discuss with a skilled personal injury lawyer to help you prove your claims by presenting evidence such as police reports, medical report and witness statements. A competent personal injury lawyer will advocate for your interests and work to maximize the compensation for your loss.
You can use the compensation to pay for expenses incurred during the death of someone. The compensation helps alleviate the financial strain caused by the sudden loss of a relative or a loved one.
Understanding the various types of personal injuries allows you to make informed decisions that protect your rights in a personal injury case.