Navigating the aftermath of a serious injury can be overwhelming. When someone else’s negligence or wrongful actions caused your pain, you may not know where to start. Knowing when to hire a personal injury lawyer can save you from a complex and fraught claims process. A lawyer can also ensure you receive the fair compensation you are owed.
Here are eight scenarios where hiring a personal injury attorney is advised to make sure your rights are protected and you are treated fairly.
1. Workplace Accidents
Workplace injuries can happen in any profession, from office environments to high-risk industries like construction. Falls, machinery accidents, and exposure to harmful substances are common causes. In 2023 alone, there were 2.6 million nonfatal workplace injuries in the U.S., many of them resulting in serious and even life-changing injuries.
Workers’ compensation may cover medical bills and lost wages, but it may not address the full scope of your damages. Navigating the workers’ comp claim process can also be challenging.
A personal injury lawyer can ensure your claim is filed properly, advocate for you if your claim is denied or undervalued, and make sure you recover the full compensation you deserve. Your lawyer will also evaluate whether your case involves third-party negligence. This may give you another avenue (i.e., a lawsuit) for compensation outside the workers’ compensation system.
2. Medical Malpractice
When a medical professional’s negligence leads to harm, it’s more than just a mistake – it’s malpractice. A medical provider’s mistake, whether it’s misdiagnosis, surgical error, or failure to treat, can be disastrous. Their negligence may cause your condition to worsen, potentially threatening your quality of life and health. You may face avoidable and even disabling injuries and complications.
A personal injury lawyer with experience handling medical malpractice cases can improve your chances of holding the negligent provider accountable.
3. Defective Products
Every year, thousands of people are injured by defective products, from malfunctioning household appliances to unsafe pharmaceuticals. These cases often fall under product liability laws, which can hold manufacturers, designers, and distributors accountable. A personal injury lawyer can help determine liability and build a strong case by gathering evidence and consulting with product experts.
4. Dog Bites
Dog bites can cause severe physical and emotional trauma, especially for children. These serious attacks are on the rise; the most recent estimate was 4.5 million dog bites per year in the U.S. 20 years ago, but the number today is believed to be much higher.
Laws regarding dog bite liability vary by state; some hold the owner strictly liable, while others have a “one bite law” which requires proving the owner knew or should have known their dog was dangerous. A personal injury lawyer can help you navigate local laws and secure compensation for your medical expenses and pain.
5. Assault, Battery, and Intentional Harm
Not all personal injury cases stem from accidents. Intentional acts like assault or battery also warrant legal action. In these cases, a lawyer can help you pursue a civil claim for damages while law enforcement handles the criminal aspect. This type of claim is particularly important for recovering medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress.
6. Premises Liability
Property owners have a legal duty to maintain safe environments. When they fail, accidents like slips and falls or injuries from poorly maintained equipment can occur. Slip and fall accidents are one of the leading causes of serious injury across all age groups, but seniors are at the highest risk of fractures, brain injuries, and spinal cord injuries.
Premises liability cases are complex as the duty a property owner owes depends on your classification or your legal right and reason for being on the property. A personal injury lawyer can help you pursue a claim if you were injured on someone else’s property.
7. Nursing Home Neglect Or Abuse
Sadly, many elderly individuals face neglect or abuse in nursing homes. This is a hidden epidemic often caused by understaffing. Common issues include malnutrition, dehydration, and bedsores, which can lead to severe health complications.
Family members often feel powerless, but a personal injury attorney can help you investigate claims of mistreatment. A lawyer can help you hold the negligent facility accountable and secure justice for your loved one.
8. Wrongful Death
A personal injury claim may be the last thing on your mind after the tragic loss of a family member. However, a successful claim can give your family the financial security you need to grieve, honor your loved one, and see to your family’s financial future.
An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you hold the at-fault party accountable for their negligent or criminal conduct. This can give your family a sense of justice and prevent long-term financial strain from your unthinkable loss.
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