7 Common Types of Personal Injury Cases
There were 62 million preventable medically-consulted injuries in 2021, according to the National Safety Council (NSC). Even more staggering, those injuries resulted in 224,935 preventable injury-related deaths, which increased by 11.9% from 2020.
You might think most of these injuries and deaths are likely the result of car accidents, but the data tells a different story.
About 21% of preventable-injury-related deaths involved a motor vehicle. Other significant contributors to preventable injury-related death are poisoning and falls. Poisoning accounted for 101,500 deaths – almost 45% of all preventable injury-related fatalities. Falling was the second leading cause of death, with 43,800 deaths or 19%.
No matter their cause, personal injuries can result in astronomical medical bills, lost wages, and long-term physical and emotional harm.
Our team of personal injury lawyers at Tuley Law Office understands the complexities of personal injury cases. We are committed to providing exceptional legal representation to those injured due to someone else’s negligence.
In this blog post, we will cover the most common types of personal injury cases, their causes, and the damages that can result from each.
1. Slip and Falls
Slips and falls are common and incredibly dangerous, especially for elders. According to the NSC, 38,490 individuals 65 and older died from fall injuries in 2021.
A slip and fall accident can also result in long-term health problems. For example, a broken hip may require prolonged rehabilitation and cause significant mobility limitations. Likewise, a head injury might cause cognitive issues, such as memory loss, that make it difficult to carry out daily tasks.
Slip and fall accidents certainly happen in homes. However, slip and fall injuries can also occur when property owners fail to keep their property safe, such as loose handrails or uneven sidewalks. Suppose you have an injury because of someone’s negligence. In that case, our team of expert attorneys at Tuley Law can help you navigate your options.
2. Car Accidents
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motor vehicle accidents caused 42,939 deaths and 2.4 million injuries in 2021. In total, police reported more than 6 million crashes in 2021.
If you are involved in an accident and the other driver is negligent, you have the option to sue for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Negligent driving can take many forms, such as driving while texting, driving while impaired, and speeding.
An auto accident attorney is vital after a car accident, especially if the case includes multiple at-fault drivers or when insurance companies aren’t cooperating. At Tuley Law Office, we understand the complexities of car accident cases. We will work to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
3. Workplace Injuries
In 2020, there were 2.7 million nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses and 4,764 worker deaths. Of course, the risk of injury is higher for workers in hazardous industries like construction and transportation. However, anyone can sustain a workplace injury and must file a claim.
Shouldn’t workers’ compensation benefits cover medical bills and lost wages? Ideally, yes.
Unfortunately, some employers deny claims. In those cases, you’ll need an experienced attorney to help you get the benefits you deserve.
4. Medical Malpractice
Medical errors are the third leading cause of death in the U.S., according to a 2016 study by Johns Hopkins. Medical malpractice is when a physician or other healthcare professional fails to provide an accepted standard of care, resulting in injury or death. Birth injuries, misdiagnosis, surgical errors, and mistakes with medication are common medical malpractice cases.
To make a medical malpractice claim, you must prove that the doctor did not adhere to an acceptable standard of care. You also must demonstrate that the doctor acted negligently while treating you. These cases are complicated. An experienced attorney at Tuley Law can help you determine your best options.
5. Product Liability
Consumers have the right to expect safe products. When a product is defective, it can cause severe injury or death. Product liability lawsuits hold manufacturers and retailers accountable when their products cause harm.
For a product liability claim to succeed, you must prove the manufacturer was aware of the defect in the product. Often, these cases are class action lawsuits, where thousands of consumers sue for damages caused by the same product.
15 class actions resolved for more than $1 billion in settlements in 2022, making it the year with the most billion-dollar settlements in U.S. history.
6. Wrongful Death
No amount of money can replace the loss of a loved one. Still, families should be compensated for any losses associated with wrongful death.
Wrongful death is a legal term that typically refers to a situation where a person dies due to someone else’s negligence. The surviving family members typically initiate a wrongful death claim.
Examples of situations that may give rise to a wrongful death claim include car accidents caused by a drunk driver or medical malpractice resulting in death.
If the plaintiff successfully proves their case, they may be entitled to a monetary award or damages. This compensation is meant to cover their loss, including funeral and burial expenses, lost income, and compensation for the loss of companionship, guidance, and support.
Wrongful death claims are civil lawsuits that seek damages from the party responsible for the decedent’s death. In some cases, criminal charges may also be filed in connection with the case.
7. Dog Bites
About 4.5 million people sustain dog bites each year. In 2022, homeowners insurance paid more than $1 billion in claims for dog-related injuries. Dog owners can be held liable when their animal bites or injures someone.
The injured person must prove that the dog owner was negligent in controlling their dog or that the dog had a history of aggressive behavior and that this negligence or aggressive behavior caused the plaintiff’s injuries.
Many homeowners or renters’ insurance policies include liability coverage for dog bites or other injuries caused by their pets. If the dog owner has insurance, the injured person can file a claim with the insurance company to seek compensation for their injuries.
The insurance company will investigate the claim and may offer a settlement to the injured person. If the injured person accepts the settlement, they will typically be required to sign a release of liability, which means they cannot pursue further legal action against the dog owner for the same incident.
Dog bite laws and insurance policies vary by state. Consulting with an experienced attorney is essential.
Tuley Law Can Help You File A Personal Injury Claim
No matter what kind of personal injury case you’re dealing with, an experienced attorney at Tuley Law can help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.
We have the knowledge and experience to navigate even the most complicated cases and fight for the best possible outcome. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more about how we can help. Fill out our online form or call us at (812) 625-2181.