Considering there are 39.5 million personal injury cases each year in the U.S. requiring medical treatment, it’s clear that these unfortunate incidents aren’t at all uncommon.
Remember, too, that those tens of millions of situations only account for people who seek help from medical professionals. There are many more incidents where, for whatever reason, the accident sufferer doesn’t get checked out by their doctor or go to a hospital.
If someone else’s negligence causes you injury, you can pursue compensation. Of course, not all situations apply, so retaining the services of a personal injury lawyer is best. The legal professional will examine your situation and see if you have grounds to file a claim.
Here’s a look at four major types of personal injury claims a good lawyer can help you with.
1. Car Collisions
It probably won’t surprise you to learn that car accidents are the most prevalent type of personal injury situations. Millions of accidents occur every year, and many people are injured.
Whether you’re hurt in an accident as a driver, passenger, or pedestrian out and about minding your own business, you should reach out to a personal injury lawyer for advice on what to do.
Unfortunately, many drivers adopt behaviors that are dangerous to themselves and others. Whether driving while under the influence, driving too fast, driving too aggressively, or driving in some other way that’s unsafe, bad motorists increase the risks of accidents for everyone.
2. Slip, Trip, & Fall Accidents
One source says slips, trips, and falls are the cause of close to 700 workplace deaths annually — accounting for 15% of all workplace fatalities. That’s a sobering statistic.
But these accidents can happen anywhere. Property owners are supposed to ensure that their grounds are safe. So, if someone trips and falls because of a property owner’s failure to ensure safety, that could be grounds for a personal injury claim. That’s one reason you should be mindful of maintaining the exterior of your property. If the sidewalk, walkway, or driveway is in a state of disrepair, it could present a safety hazard that gets you in trouble if someone falls.
3. Medical Malpractice
Another personal injury case to know about is a medical malpractice case. It’s the sort of claim you can pursue if you suffer an injury due to the negligence of a medical professional.
Unfortunately, medical professionals who should provide a high level of care to their patients sometimes make errors. And these mistakes can cause great harm to patients and change the course of their life.
Whether surgical errors, misdiagnoses, or prescribing the wrong medication, medical professionals can make mistakes that cause a great deal of harm. If you’re on the receiving end of negligence causing injury, contacting a lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve.
4. Dog Bites
Approximately 4.5 million people in the U.S. are bitten by dogs each year. And it’s not just bigger dogs either since any dog, no matter how small and cute, can bare its teeth and use them aggressively.
While many dog bites aren’t necessarily serious enough to warrant seeking medical care, some of them are. If injured, you’ll want to go to a doctor or otherwise seek medical care. Depending on the extent of the injury, you might have grounds to pursue a personal injury claim.
Personal injury law provides a way for victims to seek justice and financial recovery. If you suffer an injury due to someone else’s negligence, there is recourse. You’ll have questions about your rights and how to pursue fair compensation — and a good lawyer can provide representation and advice.
