If you are injured by another person’s actions, you would likely be able to file a lawsuit to receive compensation for your injury. The most common thing to be compensated for is medical expenses, but it is also possible to be awarded money to cover lost wages, disability, and more. There are many different kinds of personal injury cases, so it is important to understand the different categories so you can file the right kind of lawsuit. It is always a good idea to speak with an injury attorney before you take your first step to maximize your chances of success.
The Different Kinds of Personal Injury Cases
- Car Accident Cases – This is the most common type of personal injury case. Essentially, this case is when one driver is not driving responsibly or is breaking the rules of the road, and his or her actions result in an accident that injures you. Living in a “no-fault” state means only especially severe injuries count, but most states do not fall into this category.
- Slip and Fall Cases – Contrary to the name of this type of injury case, you do not have to be injured by a fall to qualify. This category refers to a property owner failing to maintain a hazard-free environment. You only qualify for this type of case if your injuries were a result of the property owner’s negligence, such as lack of safety rails, slippery surfaces, or open machinery. Simply getting injured on someone else’s property is not enough.
- Medical Malpractice – This is one of the more complicated types of injury cases because you need to be able to prove that the medical care you received was not competent. Your doctor is not liable if you simply contract a disease, but he or she is if you contract a disease because of their actions, for example via using a contaminated syringe.
- Dog Bites – If a dog injures you, its owner is probably liable. The exact rules vary from state to state. In some states, the owner only becomes liable after the first instance of aggression.
- Assault and Battery – These types of cases are unique because they are intentional, rather than the result of an accident. This means they usually come with criminal charges.
- Defamation – You may be surprised to learn that damage to one’s reputation still counts as a personal injury case. The specifics of each case vary on many factors, so it is best to talk with a lawyer to find out if your case counts as a personal injury case.