Accidents and untoward incidents are as much a part of our lives as happy events. While nobody wants to be the victim of an accident, they can happen to anyone, anytime and anywhere. There is not much we can do to stop or control them. But thanks to personal injury laws, we can certainly practice effective damage control. Personal injury or tort law allows an injured person to get justice and compensation for the losses they have suffered due to the accident. It can include injuries caused by accidents, negligence, emotional distress, financial loss, assault and battery, defamation, and invasion of privacy. The purpose of this law is to provide financial compensation to those injured due to the intentional or negligent actions of another person.
While most of us have a vague idea of what constitutes a personal injury, it is important to know about it in more detail. Personal injury law can be divided into three main categories namely intentional tort, negligence, and strict liability. However, for a better understanding of its intricacies, you can divide it into five categories based on common injury cases. Let us take a look at the different types of injuries that are covered in personal injury law.
Accidents
Accidents are one of the main causes of personal injury claims all over the world. When a person is seriously injured or suffers loss due to the negligent action of someone, they can claim a compensation for their loss from the person liable or the insurance company involved. While not all accidents result in legal claims, many cause severe damages to person or property. In such cases, an experienced lawyer can best represent your interests. Accident injuries can further be divided into the following categories:
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Motor vehicle accidents include car, truck, train, and other vehicle accidents. Accidents usually happen when the driver isn’t following the rules or driving carefully. Vehicle accidents can lead to serious injuries, permanent disability, extensive medical care, or loss of wages and earning capacity. Experienced car wreck attorneys can help you deal with the insurance agencies and medical procedures to get your damages incurred quickly and efficiently.
Workplace Accidents
When a person is injured in their place of work, it falls under workplace accident. When accidents occur due to the negligence of the employers or fellow employees, you can hold them liable for compensation. A skilled injury lawyer will investigate thoroughly and quickly to get you the justice and maximum compensation you deserve.
Slip and Fall Incidents
Premises liability states that property owners are liable for the safety of their guests. And this applies to not just commercial buildings or warehouses, but residential places as well. When you sustain an injury (like dog bite or slip-and-fall) due to the carelessness of the property-owner, a personal injury attorney can help you get the maximum compensation.
Medical Malpractice
Malpractice or negligence in the medical field can lead to serious injury or even death of a patient. If the negligence of doctors, nurses, or other medical professionals leads to an injury or loss, they can be held responsible. A lawyer can help you get the maximum compensation and any other recompense you deserve.
Intentional Torts
Personal injury laws also apply when the intentional conduct of a person causes harm to another person. While most injury cases are based on negligence, intentional torts are caused by an intended act. They are not accidents but rather actions intended to cause someone harm. Such cases often have criminal consequences in addition to the civil claims. The most common types of intentional torts include assault, battery, trespassing, fraud/deceit, false imprisonment, false arrest, and unlawful conversion. Among these, assault and battery, trespassing, and fraud/deceit are quite common occurrences and often require a lawyer to handle the claims.
Defective Products Liability
It is the legal duty of any manufacturer to take the required care in the designing, manufacturing, and assembling of their products. We buy products expecting them to work as intended. However, manufacturers are liable to compensate the damages caused by the defects in their products. Product liability claims cover defective products, negligence in assembly, or packaging of hazardous products, lack of proper warning or care instructions, and misleading or incorrect advertisement. However, the legal procedures involved in such claims are often confusing and lengthy. It is better to let an experienced lawyer deal with the legalities.
Strict Liability
Strict liability is a rather unforgiving law. It imposes liability on the owner or person responsible regardless of their lack of fault or criminal intent. In most cases, strict liability goes hand in hand with product liability. This means that the manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, and retailers can be held liable for the damages caused by their products even if they take proper precautions and safety measures to prevent the defect. Strict liability cases include the manufacturing and distribution of defective products, animal bites, and ultra-hazardous activities. You might need the help of a good lawyer to prove negligence and get you the due compensation.
Defamation
Defamation is the use of a false statement or remark to damage the reputation of another person. It is not a crime but a civil wrong and a person can be held liable for doing it. Written public statements that malign someone’s image are called libel while spoken defamation is called slander. If you wish to sue a person for defaming you, it is necessary to prove that the statement was false and that it caused you some harm. An accomplished and expert defamation lawyer can help you find evidence and handle the case with dignity to reach a favorable resolution.
The legal system exists to provide a just and acceptable resolution to the problems of people. Personal injury laws make it possible for simple civilians to fight for their rights and get justice and compensation for the damages they suffer. A basic knowledge of the various injury cases can be helpful. However, it is better to consult a professional attorney for detailed information on any aspect of this law.