Personal injury cases are a type of legal case wherein one person or entity is held liable for injuring another person. This liability usually takes the form of the liable party having to pay for medical and other expenses, lost wages, and sometimes additional money for ruining the injured party's 'quality of life.'
Personal injury cases are quite common - many people would say they are too common. A lot of people have legitimate claim, but others are out just to make money at someone else's expense.
There are many different types of personal injury cases out there. Injuries can happen just about anywhere: at home, at work, on the road, or out on the town. No matter where an injury occurs, it if was caused by the negligence of one party then the injured party may have a personal injury claim against them.
Some of the most common types of personal injury cases come from the world of transportation. Automobile accidents are the biggest source, as many auto accidents happen every day. While some accidents are just that - accidents with Motor Vehicle Collisions- others are caused by negligence. If a driver crashes into another driver because he or she was driving too fast, driving while distracted or driving under the influence of something, then there may be basis for a personal injury case. Ultimately, if the offending driver acted in a way that the average person wouldn't, then they can be held liable.
A second type of common personal injury cases are those dealing with slips, trips and falls. These cases occur when a person is caused to injure themselves by slipping or tripping due to unsafe conditions at a location. Wet floors, unsound floors, uneven ground and so on are some possible causes of these injuries. This is why businesses are so adamant about putting out 'Wet Floor' signs when they are cleaning - if they don't warn customers about the hazard, they can be considered liable for any injuries that occur.
The workplace is another location where personal injury cases can start. Most businesses take care to make sure that their employees are protected against hazards on the workplace. Some, however, let their equipment go un-inspected or allow their workers to work in dangerous conditions. If this sort of negligence leads to an injury on the job, then the business can be held liable for causing the injury. These cases are most common in industries such as construction, where there's a high potential for accidents.
Another common source of personal injury claims are faulty products. Some companies manufacture products that they know may cause injury to those using them, but allow them to be sold anyway. If it can be shown that a company had knowledge of a dangerous product defect, then they can be held liable for personal injury damages.
Those are the most common types of personal injury claims that are filed. If you've been injured as a result of one of these causes, then you may be entitled to a personal injury settlement. Contact a lawyer to learn more.
