A personal injury is any physical or psychological harm inflicted on an individual as a result of another person’s negligence. Personal injury law covers a wide range of accidents, such as motor vehicle collisions, medical malpractice, bicycle accidents, and truck accidents.
What are Different Types of Personal Injury Accidents?
Common types of personal injury accidents include:
Car Accidents
Car accidents are one of the leading types of personal injury accidents.
Trip and Fall Accidents
A person can trip and fall on someone’s property if hazardous or dangerous conditions are present, such as uneven surfaces, or inadequate lighting.
Medical Malpractice
The negligent actions of healthcare professionals, such as misdiagnosis, surgical errors, medication mistakes, or failure to provide proper treatment, can result in life-changing injuries or fatalities.
Product Liability
Defective or dangerous products can cause life-changing injuries that require ongoing medical care.
Dog Bites
Injuries can result from dog attacks or animal-related incidents due to an owner’s failure to control their pet.
Workplace Accidents
If an employer or third party is negligent, an employee or bystander can sustain severe injuries, such as crush injuries or traumatic brain injuries.
Wrongful Death
Fatal injuries can result from another party’s negligence or misconduct, leading to the death of a loved one.
What Are the Elements Of a Personal Injury Case?
In a personal injury case, certain elements must be established to prove liability and recover compensation for the injured party, including:
Duty of Care
The injured party must demonstrate that the negligent party owed them a duty of care.
Breach of Duty
The injured party must show that the negligent party breached their duty of care. This breach usually involves negligent or reckless actions, such as failing to follow traffic laws, maintaining unsafe premises, or providing substandard medical care.
Causation
The injured party must establish a connection between the negligent party’s breach of duty and the injuries suffered by the other party.
Damages
The injured party must prove that they suffered actual damages as a result of the other party’s breach of duty. Damages may include medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and other economic and non-economic losses.
Should I Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer?
If you were involved in an accident that was caused by the negligence of another, a personal injury lawyer can investigate your accident, gather evidence, and help you recover compensation for your accident-related damages.
Other ways a personal injury lawyer can help after an accident include:
- Investigating the accident or incident
- Gathering and analyzing evidence
- Consulting with experts
- Assessing damages
- Filing paperwork
- Handling all interactions with the insurance company or defense attorney
- Negotiating for a fair settlement
- Filing a lawsuit
- Representing you in court
While you’re not required by law to hire a personal injury attorney, doing so can significantly increase your chances of recovering the fair settlement you’re owed.
What is the Statute Of Limitations for Personal Injury Cases?
In California, you will have two years from the date of the accident or incident to file a lawsuit against a negligent party. If you miss this important deadline your case will be dismissed and you will be unable to recover compensation for any of your accident-related losses. When you hire a personal injury lawyer, they will help guide you through the legal process, every step of the way, and will ensure your lawsuit is filed correctly and within the statute of limitations.
Contact Us Today
If you were injured in an accident that was caused by the negligence of another, contact Child & Jackson Personal Injury Lawyers today to schedule a free legal consultation. Our legal team has decades of experience fighting insurance companies for the compensation our clients deserve and can provide the dedicated and knowledgeable legal guidance and advice you need during this difficult time. Contact us today to schedule your free legal consultation.
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