6 Common Accidents That Could Lead to a Successful Personal Injury Claim

If you have been hurt in an accident, you might have legal grounds for a personal injury case, even if you don’t realize it. Personal injury law actually covers a wide range of circumstances where someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing causes harm. If you’ve been injured, even in a situation that might not seem obvious, you could have a valid claim.

Common Scenarios That Might Be a Personal Injury Case

You may be surprised by the wide range of situations that can lead to a personal injury claim. Here are a few real-world examples of common accidents that might get you thinking about your own case:

• Car accident: You were rear-ended at a stop sign. The damage to your car seems minimal, but a few days later, you start experiencing persistent neck pain. You might think it’s not a big deal, but that minor pain could be whiplash, a serious injury that often requires extensive physical therapy and medical care. The other driver’s insurance company may not cover these costs without legal intervention.
• Slips and falls: You’re shopping at the grocery store, and you slip and fall on a wet floor that wasn’t marked with a warning sign. You twisted your ankle and now face medical bills and time off work. This could be a liability case, where the store had a duty to maintain a safe environment and failed to do so.
• Product liability: You bought a new appliance that seemed perfectly safe, but it malfunctioned and caused a serious burn. You followed all the instructions, but the product’s design or a manufacturing defect made it dangerous. This could be a product liability case, where the manufacturer or seller can be held responsible for the harm their product caused.
• Construction accidents: You are walking past a construction site when a piece of debris falls and hits you, causing a head injury. While there may be workers’ compensation for employees, you may have a personal injury claim against the construction company for its negligence in keeping the public safe.
• Medical malpractice: You go to the doctor complaining of shortness of breath, cough and chest pain. The doctor does a quick exam and dismisses it as a simple case of bronchitis, without ordering any additional tests or x-rays. Months later, after worsening symptoms, a second opinion and appropriate testing reveals an advanced stage of lung cancer. This delayed diagnosis results in fewer treatment options, higher medical bills, and a shorter life expectancy, all of which contribute to a strong case for a personal injury claim.
• Nursing home abuse or neglect: Your father is a resident in a nursing home. Due to his limited mobility, he requires staff to move him around frequently. While visiting one day, you notice deep bedsores that have become infected, requiring him to be hospitalized. The negligence of the staff to provide appropriate care for your father has led to increased medical bills, pain and suffering and a worsened health condition, and should be considered as a case for a personal injury claim.

Getting Legal Assistance for your Personal Injury Case

A personal injury case involves proving that harm was caused by the careless, reckless, or intentional actions of another party. These cases often center on recovering compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, or other damages caused by the injury. Working with the right attorney can be the key to achieving the most successful settlement terms as quickly as possible. Reach out to our team at 847-223-1500 and we can evaluate your case and help you get the support you deserve.