Whether you are at work, running errands, or out to dinner with friends, personal injuries happen when we least expect them. A personal injury involves harm to an individual that have direct physical, emotional, and psychological consequences. These injuries can range from minor bruises to life-threatening conditions and may result in lost wages, ongoing medical treatment and medical expenses, permanent disabilities or even wrongful death.
In this blog post, we will discuss different types of personal injury cases that one may encounter. It is important to note that each case is unique and should be handled with care by a qualified personal injury attorney.
- Auto accidents
- Slip and Fall Injuries
- Workplace Injuries, especially construction accidents
- Medical Malpractice
- Wrongful Death
- Animal Attack Injuries and Dog Bites
- Birth Injuries
1. CAR ACCIDENTS
Motor Vehicle Accidents including car accidents, motorcycle accidents and truck accidents are the most common types of personal injury claims. Injuries from car accidents range from mild to life-altering, and wrongful death.
Some injuries are immediate, while others, like whiplash and brain injuries, begin to surface days or weeks after an accident has occurred. Car accident injuries often result in expensive medical bills, property losses. Life-altering injuries often require expensive life-long medical costs as well, and can lead to wrongful death.
2. PREMISES LIABILITY AND SLIP AND FALL ACCIDENTS
Premises liability claims arise from accidents related to issues with a property owner’s building or property. Property owners and managers owe each person legally accessing their property a duty of care, and premises liability can result from when they fail in this duty and that failure causes an accident. Examples include conditions such as wet floors, uneven surfaces, and poorly marked changes in grade. Slip and fall personal injury examples include:
- Bone fractures, which are the most common injury
- Concussions and head injuries
- Back injuries
- Sprains and strains
- Soft tissue injuries
Some of these injuries do not heal as quickly because of their impact on muscle and tissue. Injuries from slips and falls can be nagging and exacerbated easily by everyday activities.
3. WORKPLACE ACCIDENTS
Other than home, most waking hours are spent at work, performing multiple duties. Workplace injuries happen suddenly, costing the injured victim many days at work. Common workplace personal injury examples include:
- Crush injuries
- Chemical exposure resulting in respiratory issues
- Falls from high areas of work leading to broken bones
- Burns
- Electrocution
- Amputation
The occupational injuries sustained at some jobs, often those performed in dangerous areas under high pressure, can be deadly according to the BLS. However, workplace injuries are not confined to industrial work. Injuries also occur in office, retail, and other commercial settings.
Workers’ compensation plays a crucial role in such situations as it provides benefits to employees who suffer job-related injuries. If an employee gets injured at the workplace, workers’ compensation, also known as workman’s comp, can cover medical bills, disability expenses, and provide compensation for lost wages. However, navigating the realm of workers’ compensation claims can be challenging, which is why it’s often beneficial to consult with a knowledgeable our experienced personal injury attorneys in these cases.
4. MEDICAL MALPRACTICE
When patients receive inadequate or incorrect medical care, the consequences can be devastating, sometimes leading to long-term health complications or even death. Medical errors are considered a severe health problem and are the leading cause of death in the U.S. according to the National Library of Medicine. Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare professional, such as a doctor or nurse, breaches the standard of care required and injures a patient. Common causes of medical malpractice claims include:
- Misdiagnosis or failure to diagnose leading to delayed treatment
- Surgical errors, including negligence during surgery or anesthesia administration
- Prescription drug mistakes
- Birth injuries resulting in brain damage
Medical malpractice claims require an in-depth understanding of the Pennsylvania legal system and medical landscape. Injured victims can seek compensation for the damages incurred due to the negligence of medical professionals. It’s imperative that victims collaborate with experienced personal injury attorneys to help them through the often complex litigation process, ensuring they receive the justice they deserve.
6. CATASTROPHIC INJURIES
Catastrophic injuries are severe injuries that often lead to long-lasting or even permanent impairments. These types of serious injuries go beyond the usual sprains or fractures, affecting the victim’s quality of life, and limiting their ability to work or perform routine activities.
The loss experienced by the injured party in such cases can be extensive. They may face an ongoing need for treatment, medical devices, and physical therapy. Additionally, the injured person may need to make modifications to their homes or require round-the-clock care. Catastrophic injuries often include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and severe burns.
If you or a loved one has suffered catastrophic injuries due to someone else’s negligence, it’s crucial to understand the gravity of the situation and the potential for complex legal matters. That’s why it’s vital to consult with skilled personal injury attorneys who are familiar with these types of cases and can help guide you through the legal process.
6. WRONGFUL DEATH
A wrongful death lawsuit can be filed to compensate the survivors for their loss when negligence leads to a the death of a loved one. The surviving family members often seek compensation for medical bills, funeral expenses and lost income potential if the deceased was a source of financial support.
- Medical expenses
- Funeral expenses
- Loss of household income
- Mental distress
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of service, support, and maintenance by a loved one
- Loss of inheritance
Wrongful death cases are undeniably among the most emotionally challenging forms of personal injury lawsuits. They involve navigating the tragic aftermath of a loved one’s passing while seeking justice and compensation for the preventable loss. Such cases demand a compassionate yet tenacious legal approach to ensure the bereaved receive the support they need and deserve during this difficult period. Contact our wrongful death lawyers to schedule a free consultation and discuss pursuing a wrongful death claim.
Determining If You Should File a Personal Injury Lawsuit
Navigating the personal injury claim process can be complex and stressful. Insurance companies often employ tactics to minimize payouts, disputing personal injury damages that do not qualify as ‘economic damages’ or arguing the amount of compensation needed for the financial losses incurred. It’s vital to remember that insurance companies are businesses looking to protect their bottom line, and may not always have the victim’s best interests at heart. Therefore, the assistance of an experienced personal injury lawyer can be instrumental in ensuring fair compensation is received.
SMT Legal offers free consultations to individuals injured in Pittsburgh and strives to ensure each client receives the maximum compensation they deserve. Expenses can quickly accumulate after an injury, often forcing individuals to return to work too early, take on more than they are ready to handle, and end up with exacerbated injuries. You deserve the time it takes to heal and the compensation that can provide for your needs in the process of healing. The experienced legal team at SMT can provide you with the legal advice you need. Contact us today.