Common Personal Injury Cases

Typically, we can trust that we will go through our day safely and happily, without coming to personal harm. Unfortunately, some people—other drivers, business owners, manufacturers, and even medical providers—violate that trust.

Chances are, someone you know has had a personal injury case. When many people think of personal injury, auto accidents are the first thing that comes to mind. However, there are many other kinds of personal injuries in which the injured person seeks damages. Read on to learn about the most common types.

Types of Personal Injury Cases

Auto Accidents

The National Highway Traffic Association reports that 36,750 people died in traffic accidents during 2018. Many others sustained temporary or permanent injuries and disabilities. Florida limits the time in which a plaintiff can pursue damages, so injuries resulting from auto accidents should be assessed and treated quickly.

Trip and Fall or Slip and Fall

According to the National Safety Council (NSC), falls account for nearly 9 million Emergency Room visits each year. Often, the reason for the fall is because a company tried to cut corners, save money, or simply did not follow the requirements set forth to make the area of the fall as safe as possible.

Commercial Truck Crashes

If a commercial truck driver neglects to follow the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s regulations, disaster can occur. An accident involving a commercial truck unfolds differently from a typical auto accident. A trucking company is prepared to defend itself, so sound legal advice is crucial to navigate this kind of claim.

Work Zone Crashes

Another factor potentially complicating an auto accident injury case is the presence of a work zone. Work zones or construction zones should be clearly marked for drivers and typically include a decreased speed limit. However, if signage fails to adequately warn drivers, or if drivers fail to adhere to the signage, accidents can occur. Often, the company responsible for keeping the construction zone safe can be held liable.

Medical Malpractice

Medical errors actually cause more injuries and deaths each year than car accidents. Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider fails to provide the standard of care expected by a reasonably competent member of the medical community in the same specialty, and that failure causes a permanent injury. Medical malpractice claims generally result from specific types of incompetence or inaction.

Spinal Cord Injury and Traumatic Brain Injury

An injury to the brain or spinal cord can be life-altering, if not fatal. It can introduce a long-term financial burden to the victim and their family. These types of injuries can result from car accidents, slip-and-falls, sports-related accidents, and other circumstances.

Workers’ Compensation

Most people spend a significant portion of their time at work, and that’s often where personal injuries occur. Workers’ compensation benefits typically assist with medical bills and lost wages. However, these benefits may not stretch far enough, or the incident may not meet the requirements for coverage. For this reason, contacting a personal injury attorney to fight for you is imperative.

Wrongful Death

If a person dies due to an event caused by another party’s negligence, survivors of the deceased may have a right to seek damages through a wrongful death claim. The plaintiff(s) may seek compensation for lost wages, medical and funeral expenses, lost companionship, or pain and suffering.

Product Liability

Product manufacturers are usually required to follow very specific standards in making their products as safe as possible for the intended use of the product. However, products often fail, causing serious injuries or even death. Product manufacturers may be held liable for defective products and for failing to warn the public about the dangers of their product.

Negligent Maintenance or Repair

When you hire a company to maintain or repair some product or equipment, you expect them to do everything they can to perform the work appropriately and to keep you safe. When maintenance and repair companies fail to do so, catastrophic injuries can occur.

Boating Accidents

In Florida, we do not have to go far to be on or around the water. Similar to the operation of a car, boat owners and operators owe certain legal duties to those around them. When they violate those duties and cause injury, they can be held liable.

Nursing Home Abuse

It is estimated that more than 3 million people reside in nursing or assisted living facilities throughout the United States. Florida sets forth stringent laws relating to the level of care that is required of those looking after our friends, families, and loved ones. Unfortunately, those that we hire to care for our loved ones don’t always do so.

Personal Injury

Outside of the areas listed above, every type of personal injury or wrongful death may have been preventable. If someone owed you or a loved one a duty of care and failed to live up to that duty, they may be responsible for the harm they caused. If you believe you were injured because of another’s negligence, it is important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible to determine if you have a case to pursue.

What to Do if You Sustain an Injury

Time is a critical factor in personal injury cases because insurance companies and private companies begin building their defense right away. In addition, large corporations have deep pockets and are prepared to spend ample time and money to win. So, be prepared to match and exceed their efforts.

Keep careful records of all doctor visits, treatments, lost wages, or lifestyle adjustments. In most personal injury cases, the injured plaintiff seeks compensation for what was lost due to the accident or injury. Some cases may settle, while others continue to court.

It is important that you hire a personal injury lawyer with proven experience to handle your case, no matter what type of personal injury claim you may have. Working with an attorney with a proven track record ensures you have the support and expertise needed to obtain the justice you seek.

If you are an injury victim seeking justice, contact the experienced team at Matthews Personal Injury Law by calling 813-530-1000. Matthews and his team are committed to enforcing personal injury justice and have the extensive verdict history to prove that commitment.