More than 62 million people are injured in the United States every year. In situations where the harm was caused by negligence or wrongdoing, the person can seek compensation, or “damages,” in a court of law.
There are many different types of personal injury cases. Understanding the distinctions can help you determine which your circumstances might fall into.
The information below lays out the main categories of personal injury cases. Keep reading to find out what they are, so that you can have a better sense of what avenues are available for seeking compensation.
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A Note on Bodily Harm vs. Personal Injury
Many people use the terms “personal injury” and “bodily harm” interchangeably, even though they are two separate things. “Personal injury” is the broad legal concept. It refers to any harm done to someone by a person, company, or other entity, due to wrongdoing or negligence.
“Bodily harm” is any physical harm that a person experiences. This is distinct from other types of harm, such as economic damage or “pain and suffering” stemming from to incident.
Types of Personal Injury Cases
Based on the definition above, it is easy to see how there are many different types of personal injuries. Here are the main ones to consider.
Automobile Crashes
One of the most common ones involves automobile crashes. If a person is injured due to the fault of another driver, or manufacturing defects, they can sue for damages.
Note that some states have “comparative negligence” laws. These allow someone in a car wreck to recoup damages even if they are partially at fault. Typically, they have to be less than 50 percent at fault to bring a suit.
Other states do not allow this. Experienced car accidents lawyers in your state can help you determine if this applies to your circumstances.
Slip and Fall
“Slip and fall” incidents often result in personal injury claims. This term refers to situations where someone experiences harm in an unsafe environment. These include workplaces or private property.
Product Liability
Product liability is one of the most common types of personal injury cases. This involves a faulty product that results from either a manufacturing or design defect. These cases can entail extensive witness testimony and evidence to prove wrongdoing by the manufacturer of the product that caused the injury.
Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice is another common form of personal injury is medical malpractice. These are cases where a physician’s negligence or inaccurate treatment results in injuries to a patient. Note that these cases involve doctors who have made egregious missteps or broken rules of some sort.
Learn More About Personal Injury Cases
Now that you understand the different types of personal injury cases, you can determine which ones your circumstances might fit into. Remember that hiring a lawyer can go a long way to helping you navigate the legal system and get the best outcome for your claim.
We hope you found this information on what to expect in a personal injury lawsuit helpful. If so, be sure to check out some of our other legal posts, as well as those on business, finance, technology, lifestyle, health, and many other topics.