Eight types of personal injury you can claim for
If you have suffered harm due to someone else’s negligence or intentional actions, you may be able to make a personal injury claim.
Many people aren’t fully aware of their rights after suffering injury or harm due to the actions – intended or accidental – of others. In this article we look at eight types of personal injury you may be able to claim for.
1) Car accidents
The most common reason why people make a claim for personal injury is for damage or harm caused by a car accident. This might include whiplash, broken bones, soft tissue injury, or traumatic brain injury caused by the negligence of another driver.
2) Slip and fall injuries
It is the responsibility of property owners to maintain safe premises. If they are negligent in this and, as a result, you slip, trip or fall you could have grounds for a personal injury claim. Common reasons for claims include:
- Wet floors
- Uneven surfaces
- Poor lighting
- Cluttered walkways
- Debris and clutter
- Improper training
- Trailing cables
- Cracked pavements
3) Medical malpractice
If healthcare professionals cause harm to a patient through their failure to provide a standard level of care, you could pursue a medical malpractice claim. Common medical malpractice claims include:
- Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis
- Failure to treat
- Medication errors
- Surgical or procedural errors
- Birth injuries
4) Product liability
If you have been harmed by a faulty product, you could make a product liability claim against the manufacturer or distributor. If you are unsure, a Hartford personal injury lawyer will help you assess your circumstances and pursue a case if valid.
5) Dog bites
Most states hold dog owners responsible for controlling their pet. So if someone’s dog bites you and causes injuries, you might be able to ask for compensation for medical expenses and other damages.
It’s worth noting that some states have what is called the ‘one free bite’ rule. This means that a dog owner is not necessarily liable the first time their pet attacks someone as they may not have reasonably known they might bite. Under this rule, the owner cannot be held responsible for any damages.
However, once their dog has already bitten someone, they have reason to know their pet has the potential to attack, can can be held liable.
6) Assault and battery
Assault and battery isn’t just subject to the risk of criminal charges; if you are attacked by someone, you could sue them for civil damages. Your claim can include medical expenses and emotional distress.
7) Workplace injuries
Usually workplace injuries are covered by workers’ compensation, however in some circumstances you may be able to sue a third party for negligence. This can be the case if an injury was caused by someone outside your employer’s control.
You can also use a personal injury lawsuit to recover any wages you lose through your injury, rather than just a portion of them. You can also seek fair compensation for any non-financial damages, including pain, suffering and emotional trauma via a civil injury claim.
8) Defamation
Defamation is not a physical injury, however, slander or libel can cause significant harm to your reputation. If someone has damaged your reputation by making false statements, you could have cause for a defamation lawsuit. It’s important to note that each state or jurisdiction has its own set of legal standards that must be met for a defamation claim.
Can you claim for personal injury?
As you can see, personal injury claims cover a wide spectrum of injuries that were caused by the negligence or intentional actions of others. If you think you may have a case for personal injury, it is important to hire an experienced attorney. They will be able to assess the viability of your case and help you pursue fair compensation.
