What Types of Cases Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Handle?

Personal injury law encompasses a wide range of civil lawsuits. Some of these are related, but others are not. When a lawyer has handled cases similar to yours before, you may feel more at ease putting your faith in their abilities and trusting their advice. 

Common Personal Injury Claims

There are several common types of personal injury claims that you should consider consulting a lawyer about.

Motor Vehicle Accidents

Around 6 million motor vehicle accidents happen on American roads every single day. These can range from minor fender benders to major incidents involving serious injury and death. As a result, auto accidents are one of the most commonly filed personal injury lawsuits. Each driver has a duty of care to other drivers on the road to operate their vehicles in a safe manner. If they don’t do this and an accident is the result, then the at-fault driver is legally responsible for the damages that result.

Premises Liability

If you are injured on another person’s property, you may have a premises liability claim. Your ability to recover will depend, in part, on your relationship to the property owner. Invitees like shoppers at a business are given the highest protection. Licensees like social guests and friends are given a slightly lower level of protection, and trespassers are given almost none. A personal injury attorney can help you determine your status and gather the right evidence to support your claim.

Medical Malpractice

A medical malpractice claim stems from the negligent action (or inaction) of health care professionals and the entities that are responsible for them. Healthcare professionals owe patients a standard of care that another in their field with a similar level experience would give. Medical malpractice cases often require expert opinions and an attorney versed in these types of cases. 

Nursing Home Abuse

Nursing home abuse can also give rise to a personal injury claim. Nursing home abuse happens when a vulnerable elder is mistreated or neglected. Sadly, elder abuse, both physical and emotional, is on the rise. 

Product Liability

If you are injured by a defective product, you may be entitled to recover damages. A product can have a defective design, be defectively manufactured, or have inadequate warnings about its dangers. Any of these problems can lead to a product liability claim.

Wrongful Death

If you have lost a loved one due to the wrongful or negligent action of another, you may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim. Wrongful death claims compensate close family members for financial losses and emotional distress resulting from their loved one’s death.

How a Personal Injury Attorney Can Help with Your Case

Navigating a personal claim can be complicated and overwhelming. You are likely stressing about making ends meet while you are unable to work and the medical bills are piling up. 

A knowledgeable personal injury attorney can help ease some of these stresses. They will be your advocate against the responsible party, insurance companies, or opposing counsel. Your attorney should know both the law and how to navigate the legal system on your behalf. They will also know what evidence you need to prove your claim and make sure to meet any filing deadlines so your claim won’t be thrown out. You can focus on healing while your attorney works towards financial recovery for your injuries. 

Set up a Free Consultation

Most personal injury attorneys offer a free consultation. This is a great opportunity to discuss the facts of your case and learn what your options are. If you think you may have a personal injury claim, you should set up meetings with several experienced personal injury attorneys in your area. That way you can be sure to select the attorney that is right for you.