Each year, roughly 39 million U.S citizens require medical attention for all kinds of personal injuries. There are even more alarming statistics to consider, too, such as medical errors being the third leading cause of death in the country. Whatever the cause, accidental injuries can have a lasting impact on the victim and change their quality of life forever. Want to know what the most common causes of personal injury claims are? Keep reading for the top ten.
Car Accident
Car accident claims are the most common personal injury claim in the United States. Millions of car accidents occur on American roads each year, and these see Americans sustain a range of minor and major injuries. The causes of car accidents can vary, and include drivers being under the influence, or being distracted by their smartphones. Whether it’s cars, motorbikes, buses, or trucks, it can be hard to pinpoint who is at fault for some car accidents. If you’re unsure about whether you have a claim or not, it’s always best to speak to a professional. Brown & Crouppen are personal injury lawyers who may be able to help you with your case.
Slip and Fall
Whether you trip and injure yourself in the workplace, or while running daily errands, a slip and fall accident can cause severe injuries that can impact your day to day life. Slip and fall victims can experience injuries to the neck, arms, back, and head. Falls are also the most common source of hip fractures and brain injuries. If you have experienced a slip and fall, you may have to take time off work for a lengthy period, which can have a severe impact on your finances and your emotional health. Having a professional legal firm behind you is crucial.
Medical Malpractice
When we are in ill health, we put our full trust in nurses and doctors to help us get better. While the majority of patients experience no problems, there are some healthcare professionals who fail to provide competent care. Medical malpractice claims are the third most common personal injury claims and can be filed as a result of surgical mistakes, misdiagnosis, and birth injuries.
Workplace Accident
Workplace personal injury claims are filed by staff who get injured while performing their job. These injuries can occur because of malfunctioning equipment, hazardous working conditions, and insufficient training. Workplace injuries are covered under the workers’ compensation policy in the United States. Once an injured employee files for a personal injury lawsuit, they can seek compensation for their injuries, missed income and medical expenses. Occupations with the largest number of workplace injuries include nursing assistants, material movers, and laborers.
Assault
No matter where you live in the country, our society is getting more and more violent as each year passes. With gun-related assault injuries topping the list, assault personal injury claims are unfortunately becoming increasingly common. Unlike many common personal injury claims, assault cases don’t tend to fall under the umbrella of negligence. Assault injuries happen when an individual decides to cause harm to another person.
Product Liability
Most companies abide by stringent rules during the manufacturing process of their services and products. While they usually conduct thorough testing before launching them onto the market, defective products still find their way onto the market and result in certain injuries to the public. If you have been injured due to an unsafe or defective product, you are within your rights to file a personal injury claim against the manufacturer.
Premises Liability
Although premises claims aren’t the most common kind of personal injury claims, they do happen more regularly than you may think. These kinds of claims follow accidents that happen on other people’s properties. They could be caused by dangerous or defective conditions that a property owner is unaware of. Whether it’s a grocery store, neighbors’ property, gas station or restaurant, there are many establishments where a premises liability claim can be filed.
Construction Injuries
While the construction industry adheres to strict regulations and rules, the environment is still dangerous and high risk for employees. The physical demands of the role usually result in substantial injuries. Plus, workers are surrounded by hazardous equipment, materials, and substances, as well as possible falling debris and objects. Should you have an accident on a construction site, you will be able to file a personal injury claim.
Defamation Claims
You may think that personal injury cases predominately revolve around physical injuries, but this isn’t always the case. In some instances, they can be emotional. Defamation claims involve statements that can tarnish your reputation, especially if it gets out to the general public. Some injuries that can be encountered from defamation include public humiliation, disgrace, and loss of earnings. A personal injury lawyer can assist you with a defamation case and help you fight for your reputation.
Dog Bites
With over 89 million dogs in the country, the U.S is a nation of animal lovers. While dogs may be regarded as man’s best friend, this doesn’t stop them from attacking (regardless of how much training they have). Millions of citizens are bitten by dogs each year, many of which find themselves in hospital as a result. In most cases, the dog owner is held accountable, but this can vary from state to state. There are some states that issue a ‘strict liability’ which means the dog owner is legally responsible for the attack or bite. In some states, the owner is only held responsible provided they knew that their dog was threatening and had the ability to attack. The main problem with the latter is that it’s very hard to establish whether an owner was aware that their dog was dangerous.
If you have experienced any of the personal injuries above, it’s important that you seek a reputable attorney who specializes in the field. Personal injuries can stem from minor to life changing wounds, so make sure that you seek medical attention immediately and find an attorney who can fight your corner and strengthen your case.
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