The field of law is vast and confusing. The average citizen has a hard time understanding legalese. The statutes that vary from state to state don’t make things any easier.
These are some of the reasons why one should consider hiring a personal injury lawyer. Now, before you head to Google and type “personal injury attorney near me,” you’ll need to know the different types of cases a personal injury lawyer handles.
Yes, personal injury law is not limited to just accidents. There are numerous categories under it. This article discusses the different types of cases a personal injury lawyer may take.
- Motor Vehicle Accidents
Motor vehicle accidents are some of the common reasons why a personal injury lawyer will be hired. The following will fall under motor vehicle accidents:
- Car accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Truck accidents
- Bus accidents
The injuries a victim suffers from these accidents can be minor or major. Victims even lose their lives sometimes. You’ll need a personal injury lawyer to determine liability and fight for you to get fair compensation.
- Premises Liability
Property owners are expected to keep their property free of hazards. A premises liability lawsuit arises when there is a failure to fulfill this responsibility. The following cases fall under the category of premises liability:
- Slip and falls
- Dog bites
- Negligent or insufficient security
- Swimming pool injuries
- Poor maintenance
- Retail store liability
- Restaurant liability
Premises liability laws change from state to state. It’s best to hire a personal injury lawyer to make the claim process easier.
- Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice claims are those where patients suffer an injury due to the negligence of healthcare professionals. The parties who’re usually held responsible for medical malpractice include:
- Hospitals
- Doctors
- Nurses
- Surgeons
- Physicians
- Pharmacies
- Pharmacists
- Other hospital staff
- Other healthcare professionals
The professionals mentioned above are expected to maintain a standard of care when treating a patient. The failure to meet this standard of care is the basis of a medical malpractice lawsuit.
Given below are a few situations where a medical malpractice lawsuit is applicable.
- Childbirth injuries
- Surgical mistakes
- Misdiagnosis
- Delayed diagnosis
- Medication errors
- Anesthesia errors
- Incorrect surgery
- Premature discharge
- Nursing Home Abuse
These cases sometimes fall under medical malpractice. Nursing home cases are those filed by the family members of a loved one after they notice signs of abuse or neglect. The following scenarios fall under nursing home abuse:
- Physical abuse
- Financial abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Emotional abuse
- Neglect
Keep an eye out for these signs if you think that a loved one is a victim of nursing home abuse.
- Malnutrition
- Sexually transmitted diseases
- Bedsores
- Dehydration
- Fractures
- Burns
- Bruises
- Sudden weight loss
- Sudden withdrawal from activities or social interaction
- Poor hygiene
- Change in attitude
- Construction Site Accidents
Construction sites are riddled with hazards. There’s heavy machinery moving around. Workers use toxic substances for work-related purposes. Those were just two of the numerous hazards one can find in the workplace.
Some of the common construction site accidents are:
- Falls from heights
- Toxic chemical exposure
- Electrocutions
- Caught between two structures
- Vehicle accidents
- Repetitive motion injuries
- Power tool accidents
A personal injury lawyer will handle construction site accidents as well. They’ll provide the assistance required to prove your case and get the compensation you deserve.
- Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents often cause serious injuries. They have high chances of fatalities as well. Most pedestrian accidents happen due to the negligence of the vehicle, but pedestrians take responsibility for some as well.
- Workers’ Compensation
It is the responsibility of the employer to provide a safe and secure environment for their employees. A workers’ compensation claim arises when an employee is injured on the job. This usually happens due to the negligence of the employer.
With the help of a personal injury lawyer, injured employees can recover the sum they’ve spent treating their injuries and the wages lost during recovery.
- Bicycle Accidents
The lack of safety features on a bicycle makes victims vulnerable to serious injuries. In addition to motor vehicles, even elements on the road, like sewer bars, can cause bicycle accidents.
Common injuries bicycle accident victims suffer from include:
- Fractures
- Brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Cuts and bruises
- Dental injuries
- Head and neck injuries
Final Thoughts
The average person might find it difficult to comprehend all aspects of personal injury law. Even if they can, their accident injuries and financial stress will make pursuing legal recourse almost impossible.
This is why you need a personal injury lawyer. They’ll handle all aspects of your personal injury case and make sure your rights are upheld.