The Letter of the Law: 7 Cases That a Personal Injury Lawyer Would Handle
The number of lawyers in the US has increased by 14.5% in the past decade. While there are many lawyers you can choose from, it’s even more beneficial to find someone who specializes in your type of case.
For example, you might need a personal injury lawyer. The different types of cases for a personal injury lawyer range from wrongful death to food poisonings. By understanding how a personal injury lawyer can help you, you can find the right lawyer for your case.
What does a personal injury lawyer do, and how can they help? Keep reading to find out!
1. Medical Malpractice
One of the most common types of cases for a personal injury lawyer is medical malpractice cases. Medical errors are the third-leading cause of death, ranking behind heart disease and cancer.
A medical professional’s negligence can cause serious harm or injuries. A medical malpractice case might involve a hospital, a team of doctors, or individual nurses. There are also different types of medical malpractice, including:
- Failure to diagnose a serious medical condition (like cancer)
- Medication mistakes
- Surgical errors
- Birth injuries
- Pharmacy errors
- Misdiagnosis
- Improper treatment
These cases are complex and therefore often require a lawyer who specializes in medical malpractice. A personal injury lawyer with prior experience will know how to proceed with your case. They’ll also have expert witnesses they can call on.
If you were injured or lost a loved one as the result of medical malpractice, consider hiring an experienced personal injury lawyer. They can pursue legal action, helping you receive compensation for your injuries or loss.
2. Motor Vehicle Accident
Millions of people are injured in car accidents every year. After a car accident, you might not realize how severe your injuries are. For example, you might not realize you’re experiencing neck or back pain until days after the accident.
Adrenaline usually masks the pain immediately following the crash.
Neck and back pain could cause you to lose work, and the pain could impact your overall quality of life. Instead of living in pain, it’s important to receive treatment.
Those medical bills can add up after a while.
Motor vehicle accidents are common cases for a personal injury lawyer. If you were injured, a lawyer can help you receive monetary compensation to cover your personal injuries or financial loss.
3. Wrongful Death
As the name suggests, wrongful death cases are a type of lawsuit that occurs when someone was killed due to someone else’s negligence. A few common wrongful death cases include:
- Car and truck accidents
- Nursing home neglect
- Medical malpractice
- Airplane accidents
- Construction accidents
- Use of a defective or dangerous product
Pursuing a wrongful death lawsuit can help you recover damages. These damages are often unique and different from what someone might receive from a non-fatal injury.
Speaking with a lawyer can help you receive as much as possible from these cases. Before you hire a personal injury lawyer, however, it helps to understand their fees. Here are the average personal injury lawyer costs for more insight.
4. Workplace Accident
What does a personal injury lawyer do when someone is injured or killed at work? Sometimes, employees aren’t allowed to bring a personal injury lawsuit against their employer. Instead, you’ll need to institute a claim under the Workers’ Compensation Act.
This act requires employers to provide benefits to injured workers. These benefits can include:
- Medical treatment
- Temporary total disability
- A lump-sum payment
It’s important to note that workers’ compensation laws vary from state to state. You might experience certain obstacles and pitfalls if you try pursuing these lawsuits alone. Instead, an experienced personal injury lawyer can help you navigate the process.
They’ll ensure your rights are protected after you were injured.
5. Premises Liability
Accidents sometimes occur as a result of a dangerous or defective condition on someone’s property. These accidents can occur almost anywhere, including:
- Grocery stores
- Restaurants
- Gas stations
- Malls
- Retail stores
- A neighbor’s home
- A public or private swimming pool
These cases also differ based on the defective or dangerous conditions that bring rise to the liability claim. For example, you might fall down a staircase because a handrail is missing. You could fall or slip on a walkway or trip due to an exposed wire. You might also get bitten by a dog.
When these cases occur, it’s important to document the defective or dangerous area as soon as possible. Make sure to take pictures or video for tangible proof. Your lawyer can then make a claim and use the evidence to support your case.
A personal injury lawyer will protect your rights, allowing you to receive the compensation you deserve.
6. Products Liability
Dangerous and defective products could also cause you bodily harm or injury. A product could cause you harm at home, in public places, or even at work. In many of these cases, improper warnings or operation manuals are to blame.
A few examples of harmful products include:
- Drugs
- Food
- Consumer products
- Children’s products
- Vehicle parts
- Medical devices
- Toxic materials and chemicals
During these cases, you can hold an individual, business, or government entity that sold, designed, manufactured, or marketed the product.
Were you injured by an unsafe product? If so, make sure to find a personal injury lawyer with experience in these types of cases. They can evaluate the harmful product and identify the responsible parties.
Then, they’ll help you receive maximum compensation for your injuries.
7. Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect
A personal injury lawyer can also get involved if your nursing home-bound loved one was abused or neglected. In extreme cases, abuse or neglect can even lead to death.
Your attorney can help determine what happened and find proof of abuse. They can then make a case against the nursing home or individual in question.
Whether or not you believe you have a case, call a lawyer right away. They can evaluate the details of what happened and provide you with legal aid.
Now You Know About Cases for a Personal Injury Lawyer
Don’t wait to get the help you need. Now you know the common different cases for a personal injury lawyer, give them a call. They can help you receive compensation for your injuries or losses.
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