While no one wants to go through the process of filing a lawsuit and then have to deal with all of the hassle that comes along with it, sometimes, there is simply no other choice. In some cases, people need to file claims against others who caused them injury through their negligence or malfeasance. They need to hold those people or companies accountable, and they need to receive damages for all of their injuries. Filing a lawsuit is often the best and most expedient way to do this.
Determining the damages necessary for bodily injury is far different from determining property damage. Damage to physical property is relatively easy to ascertain. When it comes to physical injury though, things grow far more complex. Attorneys will look at the medical expenses, future treatment, lost wages, pain and suffering, mental anguish, and more when they are trying to determine the proper amount of damages.
The term personal injury claim actually covers a wide range of different types of cases. It is important to get a good idea of these different types of cases and what they entail.
Product Liability Cases
Each year, experts estimate that there are around 20,000 claims filed for product liability. This area encompasses all sorts of different products. Everything from faulty medical devices to power tools, toys, and electronics could be dangerous and become the subject of a lawsuit. Manufacturers have the duty to provide safe items, and when they don’t, it is reasonable to file a lawsuit and to try to win damages from the maker of the product.
Slip and Fall Cases
Slip and fall cases are prevalent as well, and they result in millions of injuries, and tens of thousands of deaths each year. You might be wondering why these injuries and cases are so common. It’s simple. They can happen anywhere. A slip and fall case might occur when you are at the grocery store, walking into a bank, or even while you are at work. The injuries that stem from this type of accident can vary from mild to severe, and can even cause death. Damage to the spine, hips, neck, and head are unfortunately common. Proving a slip and fall case can be very difficult though, and it requires proof of negligence on the part of the property owner where the slip and fall occurred.
Assault
While it’s true that assault can fall under tort and criminal law, cases with assault often have bodily injury claims attached to them as well. Millions of assaults happen each year, and the number of these that result in physical injuries is astounding. Many times, victims will want to pursue a lawsuit against the person who committed the crime so they will be responsible for paying out damages to cover things such as medical expenses.
Injuries in the Workplace
Injuries that happen at work can stem from slip and falls, repetitive stress injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome, neck injuries from reading, and much more. The nature of the injuries will naturally vary based on the type of work the person is doing. Sometimes, people do not report the injuries right away because they are afraid of backlash from the company. They do not want to be fired. This means that the number of work related injuries could actually be higher than most people imagine. Those who have injuries and actual concerns should never feel bad about bringing these things up to their boss.
Vehicle Accidents
Each year, there are millions of car accidents in the United States alone. The injuries in these cases can vary. Some may be mild while others could be severe. Many result in permanent injury or death. It’s important to note that these types of injuries also include the bicyclists and pedestrians that share the roadway with drivers. One of the reasons that accidents seem to be on the rise may well be due to the usage of smartphones. More and more people have these devices, and some use them even while they are driving, or walking down the street. This level of distraction is causing an increase in the number of accidents.
Do You Need an Attorney?
If you have had any type of personal injury, whether it’s from one of the common categories mentioned above, or it stems from something else, you need to be willing to take action. You can’t simply allow someone else or another company to get away with causing harm to you or a loved one. They need to be held accountable for their negligence or their actions. Of course, this is not really something you will likely be able to do on your own.
You probably do not know too much about the law in your state. You do not know the statute of limitations for different types of personal injury claims. You do now know what is and is not necessarily legal and whether you can even file a lawsuit against someone. You don’t want to file a suit and try to handle things alone. It’s always a better idea to have a consultation with an attorney. He or she will be able to provide you with an idea of whether you have a case and how you should proceed. Having an attorney take the reins will be extraordinarily helpful.
What Should You Look for in an Attorney?
When it comes time to find your attorney, you need to make sure you are working with someone who has plenty of experience. Keep in mind that you don’t merely want someone who has been an attorney for a number of years… they need to have actual experience when it comes to the type of case you have. For example, if you have been injured due to a faulty product, someone who specializes in car accident cases might not be the right choice. For the best results, make sure that the attorney who will be helping you has experience in the type of personal injury case that affects you.
