World

5 Common Personal Injury Case Types You Ought to Know

Published

6 months ago

November 14, 2023

If you have ever been in a car accident or suffered a trip, slip, or fall incident, you know the end result can be weeks, months, or years of pain and suffering. As you seek to get back to full health, or at least to something close to normal, you’ll want to know what help is available to you.

The good news is that recourse is available should you suffer a personal injury due to another person’s negligence. But you’ll need the help of a personal injury lawyer to, first, determine if you have grounds to pursue a case and, second, build a solid case on your behalf.

You might be surprised to learn about the different kinds of personal injury cases recognized by law.

According to the National Safety Council, there were 62 million injuries and almost a quarter of a million preventable deaths in 2021. So, severe mishaps happen more often than you might think.

Keep reading to see five common types of personal injury cases to know about.

Motor Vehicle Accidents

The National Safety Council notes that there were 5.4 million medically consulted injuries due to motor vehicle mishaps in 2021, and the total costs for motor vehicle injuries were estimated at $498.3 billion. Costs include things like wages and productivity losses, administrative expenses, medical expenses, employer costs, and motor vehicle property damage.

If you’re involved in a car accident, the injuries sustained can be substantial. You’ll be fortunate if you’re left unscathed or perhaps with a few minor bumps and bruises. But severe injuries are an unfortunate possibility as well.

Another thing to remember about motor vehicle incidents is that it’s not just about drivers on the road — pedestrians, too, can file personal injury claims. Of the 1.3 million or so people who die each year in vehicle accidents worldwide, around half of them are pedestrians, motorcyclists, and cyclists.

Slip, Trip, and Fall Accidents

Did you know that one out of four Americans who are over 65 years old suffer a fall annually? Owners of private residences and public establishments are required to ensure their properties don’t present safety hazards to others. But falls don’t just occur when people are out and about. They often occur in the workplace.

In fact, slips and falls are the main reason for lost work days. And falls are the cause of over 8 million hospital emergency room visits each year.

Dog Bite Accidents

You might be surprised to hear that about 4.5 million people in the U.S. are bitten each year by dogs. Of that amount, around 800,000 people have to pursue medical attention after a dog bite. If a dog bites you, the costs could add up when you consider hospital visits, doctor appointments, and time off work.

Workplace Accidents

Many personal injury accidents take place when people are on the job. In such instances, you’ll need to file a workers’ compensation claim. Filers won’t have to prove that their employer was at fault, but they’re unable to sue for non-economic damages like pain and suffering under the workers’ compensation system.

A personal injury lawyer can, however, launch legal action outside of workers’ compensation to sue for non-economic damages you’re entitled to.

Product Liability Accidents

Another type of personal injury case involves product liability situations. If someone suffers an injury due to a consumer product deemed to be dangerous, a product liability case is possible. To prove such a case, you have to show there was a manufacturing defect, design defect, or inadequate warnings detailing the product’s dangers.

It’s also vital to know that a case can be launched by someone who, while injured by the product, didn’t buy the product.

These are five of the most common types of personal injury cases. If you’re injured and want to find out if you have a case, the best thing you can do is contact a personal injury lawyer. You can book a consultation and determine whether you have a case and the best course of action.

World

A Step-by-Step Guide to Hiring the Right Personal Injury Lawyer

Published

3 weeks ago

April 19, 2024

Michelle Langton

Are you dealing with injuries, loss of income, and hefty medical bills because of an accident that was not your fault? If yes, you need the services of an excellent personal injury lawyer. But how do you determine if a lawyer is a perfect match for your personal injury case when you have so many options? This step-by-step guide aims to teach you the critical steps to hiring the best personal injury lawyer in your state.

1. Know Why You Need a Personal Injury Attorney

Typically, you must hire the right personal injury lawyer if you are pursuing a lawsuit for personal injury. As defined on Forbes, a personal injury lawsuit is a civil action that an injured person takes against a person or company responsible for an accident that resulted in injuries.

For instance, you get into a car crash or slip and fall incident in the workplace because of someone else’s fault. You can sue the party responsible for injuries, lost wages, medical bills, and mental anguish.

But there are instances you may not need a personal injury attorney despite being in an accident. For example, a minor fender bender where no one sustained injuries or had their property damaged is easy to resolve without involving lawyers. So, after an accident, evaluate the damages incurred. If they are severe, search for a personal injury attorney.

2. Do Extensive Research

Where do I begin my search? Referrals are valuable because you can ask specific questions regarding the lawyer’s communication style, availability, litigation experience, and fee structure. So, ask family and friends to recommend someone they have worked with. Search for attorneys in your area online if you need referrals. You can type a simple search query like ‘personal injury attorney near me’ on Google. Alternatively, look for a lawyer through online directories.

3. Schedule Free Consultations

You want to know what a personal injury lawyer will do for you. Therefore, schedule a free consultation meeting and ask questions like:

What will you prioritize in my case?

The right attorney will focus on getting justice and fair compensation to ensure your stress-free recovery. Communication should also be a top priority. The lawyer should communicate with you using simple terms to help you understand your legal rights. More importantly, they should update you about the case progress on time.

Do you have experience handling cases like mine?

As lawyers at Cohen, Feeley, Altemose & Rambo law firm mention, experienced personal injury attorneys will guide you through the legal process. Even more interesting, they will handle negotiations on your behalf to safeguard your rights. So, make sure your lawyer has experience in personal injury law.

It would be better if they had specialized experience handling cases like yours. For example, if you are pursuing a truck accident lawsuit, you will want a personal injury lawyer with expertise in dealing with trucking accident claims.

What is the value of my personal injury claim?

After evaluating your case, a skilled attorney should tell you the worth of your personal injury claim. What you should be cautious of are unrealistic estimates and guarantees. There are no assurances in personal injury claims. If a lawyer promises a higher settlement that sounds too good to be true, do not fall for it because they are lying.

How much are your legal fees?

Personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee arrangement. Based on Cornell Law School, a contingent fee structure allows lawyers to receive a certain percentage of the total settlement value a client wins. As a result, you do not pay your legal representative any upfront fee.

4. Check Testimonials

Aside from experience, work with a trustworthy and reputable attorney. You can quickly determine a lawyer has an outstanding reputation by reading testimonials from past clients.

Find out if the clients feel happy about the outcomes of their case. How about the style of communication? Does the lawyer explain legal terms in simple language?

A reputable lawyer will receive positive feedback from clients and respect from peers. Also, check with your local bar association to ensure your preferred lawyer doesn’t have disciplinary actions against them.

5. Select Your Lawyer

At this point, comfort matters a lot. Do not choose a lawyer you feel uncomfortable discussing your legal issues with. Also, ensure they have the experience and resources to win your personal injury claim. Equally important, they should have an excellent reputation.

Conclusion

When you are a victim of an accident that someone else caused out of negligence, you need to seek justice and compensation for your injuries. There is only one way to achieve these goals. You must work with the best lawyer to pursue a personal injury claim. True, choosing the right one can be challenging. But you can make an informed decision if you follow this step-by-step guide to hiring the right personal injury lawyer.