What is a Personal Injury?
Accidents can happen in a variety of circumstances. While they may not always result in harm to those involved, there’s always the potential for serious damage to the victim’s body, mental health, or reputation. When an accident leading to injury occurs due to negligence or intentional actions by another person or entity, the victim has grounds to bring a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party. Personal injury claims allow injured individuals to recoup both economic and non-economic losses they’ve experienced as a result of the incident. The damages a plaintiff may recover in a civil case include lost wages, medical expenses, pain and suffering, and more.
If you or a loved one have suffered a personal injury, a knowledgeable Texas personal injury lawyer can evaluate your case and determine whether you are eligible to file a claim against the responsible party. Contact the Law Offices of S. Dylan Pearcy today to schedule a free consultation to discuss your situation and learn about your legal rights.
What Are the Ten Most Commonly Experienced Personal Injuries?
Unfortunately, there are multiple ways a personal injury can occur. Even seemingly minor accidents can lead to nagging injuries, missed work, and medical expenses. It is always recommended to seek a medical evaluation after any accident, no matter how small, to ensure you get the care you need to heal properly. It also creates a record of your injuries that can be vital if you need to file a legal claim in the future.
Ten common personal injuries that may lead to legal action include the following:
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Every year, an estimated five to six million vehicle crashes occur in the U.S. Not all of these collisions lead to severe injuries or fatalities, but many do, making vehicular accidents one of the top causes of personal injuries. Cars aren’t the only vehicles that can be involved in a wreck. Truck, motorcycle, bus, rideshare, and commercial vehicle accidents also account for many serious injuries.
Medical Malpractice
When seeking treatment from a medical professional, you trust that they will provide a high standard of care. However, medical practitioners can sometimes be negligent in their actions, and these errors can cause severe and lasting harm to patients. Common examples of medical malpractice include medication mistakes, surgical errors, birth injuries, and failures to properly diagnose or treat conditions.
Slip and Falls
Whether the accident is caused by a slippery sidewalk or a cluttered walkway, falling on another person’s property can lead to significant injuries. Falls may lead to traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, and neck and spine damage. Property owners can be held liable if they do not maintain the safety of their property or warn visitors of dangers.
Product Liability Injuries
Manufacturers and sellers of products are responsible for keeping consumers safe from dangerous items. Unfortunately, defective products that injure users are not uncommon. Because strict liability is applied to these cases, a manufacturer can be held responsible for the harm done by their defective product, even if they did not intend to cause damage and tried to make a safe item.
Workplace Injuries
Worker’s compensation claims are frequent among employees injured while on the job. If a third party, such as a contractor or vendor, is involved in the accident, the injured worker may be able to bring a personal injury lawsuit against the negligent party.
Dog Bites
While dogs can be beloved pets, they can also cause serious damage if they attack, especially if the victim is a child. Dog bites are notorious for becoming infected and require immediate treatment.
Victims can suffer nerve damage, scarring, and long-lasting PTSD after an animal attack. Owners can often be held liable for the actions of their animals, although the exact laws vary from state to state.
Catastrophic Injuries
Many types of accidents can lead to catastrophic injuries. The effects of these kinds of injuries are anticipated to last for an extended time or even permanently. Catastrophic injuries usually result in an inability to maintain employment. Due to the severity of the damage experienced by the victim and the long-term impacts on their life, it is vital they seek full compensation that covers all anticipated expenses and treatment costs.
Premises Liability Injuries
Property owners owe a duty of care to customers and other visitors to their property. If their property has defects or is dangerous and a visitor suffers harm, they may be subject to a civil lawsuit for damages. Common premises liability incidents include falls, injuries from collapsing structures or falling items, and physical assaults due to a lack of proper security.
Nursing Home Neglect or Abuse
Older individuals may move into a nursing home when they require assistance with their daily tasks. While these places are supposed to be safe, caring environments, sometimes employees may cause injuries to residents through substandard care or abusive behaviors. Family members of victims should remain vigilant for signs of neglect or abuse towards their loved ones and seek explanations for anything that appears unusual.
Wrongful Death
Sadly, all of the previously listed accidents can potentially result in the untimely death of a loved one. Although nothing can undo the loss of a family member, surviving relatives can pursue a civil suit to recover damages from the negligent parties who caused the accident.
Taking legal action ensures that they do not face a financial catastrophe on top of the tremendous emotional losses they are experiencing. Wrongful death lawsuits allow close family members or the decedent’s estate to recover costs for funeral and burial expenses, medical bills, and the loss of support and companionship caused by the individual’s passing.
How Can a Law Firm Assist if You or a Loved One Have Suffered a Personal Injury?
A personal injury can come as a shock and turn your entire life upside down. You may be uncertain of what steps to take next. If you’ve been hurt in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, our legal team at the Law Offices of S. Dylan Pearcy can provide the skilled legal guidance and compassionate assistance you need to move forward with confidence. Contact our firm today at (210) 953-7486 for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.
