If another person's actions have hurt you, you may be wondering if you can file a legal claim against them and what counts as a personal injury. Personal injury is a branch of law that deals with accidents and injuries that cause you physical or emotional distress.
Types of Personal Injuries
While there are many types of personal injuries, they tend to fall into a handful of categories.
Workplace Accident
When it comes to the safety of their employees, firms are frequently careless. This can result in catastrophic injuries that permanently harm the victim's ability to earn a living or even death. If you've suffered harm on the job, immediately get medical help and notify your boss.
Then, take photos of the incident, collect the names of those involved, and obtain a copy of your supervisor's written report on the occurrence.
If you're unable to do any of these things, solicit the assistance of a coworker; the more information you have, the better.
Medical Malpractice
Doctors take an oath to do no harm, but they don't always follow through on that pledge. Doctors, nurses, hospitals, and other medical personnel negligence can, and frequently does, result in significant injury.
Medical malpractice injuries can be life-changing, and those who cause them should compensate victims for their physical, emotional, and financial suffering.
Product Liability
When a product manufacturer or seller causes an injury to a buyer due to a manufacturing error or design flaw, product liability lawsuits arise. In the home, in public areas, and at work, dangerous and defective items can cause serious injury. Incorrect warnings and operator manuals can also cause injuries.
Individuals, businesses, or government bodies can be held liable if they sold, created, manufactured, or marketed a dangerous or defective product.
If a product has harmed you, an attorney can help you assess the hazardous product, identify the liable parties, and obtain compensation for your injuries. Harmful products can include pharmaceuticals, faulty auto components, medical equipment, and toxic materials and chemicals.
Wrongful Death
Wrongful death is a form of a lawsuit for when someone dies due to another person's negligence. A wrongful death action allows for the recovery of damages distinctly different from those available in non-fatal injury cases. Car and truck accidents, nursing home neglect, medical malpractice, construction accidents, airline accidents, and the usage of a faulty or dangerous product are common causes of wrongful death lawsuits.
After a loved one dies in an accident, family members should not be responsible for medical or funeral costs. If someone you care about has died due to another's negligence or carelessness, a lawyer can help you file a claim to cover the expenses of your loved one's death.
Premises Liability
Premises liability is when injuries occur by a dangerous or defective condition on another's property. The majority of personal injury cases result from someone else's negligence. Among many other situations, a premises liability lawsuit might arise from various faulty or dangerous conditions.
This includes falling down a staircase due to a missing handrail, tripping over an obstacle, slipping on a spill in a pathway or aisle, and being bitten by a dog.
It's vital to document the hazardous or defective situation as soon as possible after an accident. It helps if you can establish that the property owner was aware, or should have been aware, that the premises were in an unsafe condition and yet did nothing to correct the problem.
The Personal Injury Claims Process
Here are the basic steps in filing a personal injury claim. If this seems intimidating or overwhelming, know that a lawyer can manage the legal details while you focus on taking care of yourself.
Find Out Who Is Responsible
The first step in filing a personal injury claim is determining who is responsible for your injuries or illness. We'll file your claim against them. The responsible parties aren't always clearly evident, and there may be multiple responsible parties.
Gather Evidence
There are multiple components of evidence, including when and where the injury happened, who else saw what happened, what you were doing before the accident, and how it happened.
Assess Your Injuries
You'll need proof of your injuries or illnesses and how they've affected your life. Medical records can help show this. You can fill out a form authorizing a personal injury lawyer to access these records.
Work Out Your Compensation Amount
We'll be able to figure out how much compensation you receive after we have all of the proof we require.
Reach a Settlement
We'll endeavor to agree with the people responsible for the best final settlement once we've determined how much compensation you deserve. If we are unable to reach a fair settlement, we can take your case to court.
We Can Answer Your Questions When You Call Dolman Law Group Today
Contact Dolman Law Group today for a free consultation with a team member. You will learn your rights, options, and the best course of action.