Approximately 700,000 personal injury claims are filed in the U.S. every year. Hiring a personal injury attorney can help you get the compensation you deserve. The purpose of a personal injury claim is to compensate people who have been injured or harmed by the carelessness or negligence of others. Monetary compensation can be for physical or emotional injuries, or damages such as lost wages or loss of companionship. Through the litigation system, you can collect reimbursements for medical bills as well as for mental anguish, psychological trauma, pain and suffering and long-term trauma. Personal injury claims can run the gamut from dog bites to traumatic brain injuries. Each type of personal injury claim requires its own set of legal procedures and processes. When looking for assistance, hire a personal injury attorney who has experience in your particular type of personal injury claim. Common Types of Personal Injury Lawsuits
- Vehicle Accidents
There are approximately six million automobile accidents per year in the United States. Auto accidents can occur as the result of many factors, including road maintenance negligence, distracted drivers, and poor weather conditions. If you have been injured in a wreck that was not your fault, you may be eligible for compensation. Always see a doctor after an auto accident, even if you feel fine. You may have sustained internal injuries that are not immediately apparent due to shock. If you are in an auto accident, contact a personal injury attorney. They will ensure that you obtain all required paperwork and advise you as you move forward with your case.
- Negligence and Public Liability
With over 7 million injuries attributed to “slip and fall” cases alone, personal injuries caused by negligence are quite common. Negligence injuries are typically sustained in a public area, placing responsibility on either a private business or corporation, government agency, or organization. Misplaced or faulty equipment, poorly labeled areas of danger, and failure to comply with building codes are all examples of negligence that can lead to personal injury. Never accept compensation or sign a waiver form after sustaining an injury without first consulting with a personal injury attorney. They will ensure that you are not being shortchanged out of compensation for your damages.
- Work Related Injuries
Work-related injuries regularly result in personal injury claims. When an employee sustains an injury at work or develops an illness related to work conditions, a workman’s compensation claim should be filed. Your employer is legally responsible for ensuring a safe and healthy work environment. Understanding your responsibilities during a worker’s comp claim will help increase your chances of being compensated for your losses. Be sure to see a doctor immediately after any workplace-related injury so you have documentation of all physical damages. An experienced personal injury attorney will be able to help you navigate through your workers comp claim.
- Medical Malpractice
To file a medical malpractice claim, you must be able to prove that the doctor or hospital in question violated the reasonable standard of care owed to you, and that you were harmed as a result of that violation. Medical malpractice almost always requires the hiring of medical experts willing to testify that negligence occurred. Your personal injury attorney will help you evaluate your case and hire the correct expert witnesses.
- Product Liability
Defective or dangerous products cause thousands of injuries every year. The law requires that manufacturers and sellers meet the ordinary expectations of the consumer concerning function and safety. Product liability claims are made against the manufacturers and distributers of a defective or damaged product. Product liability can cover manufacturing defects–like a hairdryer motor that overheats, causing you to burn yourself–or marketing defects such as inadequate safety warnings or improper labeling. If you have been injured as a result of a malfunctioning or improperly labeled product, seek the advice of a personal injury attorney. Product liability claims are unique in that they shift the burden of proof from the plaintiff to the defendant. In other words, you do not have to prove that a manufacturer is guilty of negligence, they have to prove that they were not negligent. For a personal injury attorney in Kentucky, contact Edwards & Kautz Law Firm at 270-908-4914 to schedule a free legal consultation with one of our experienced personal injury attorneys. *Photo courtesy of torange.us CC 4.0