Personal injuries are a significant issue that affects millions of people each year. Around 400,000 complaints are filed annually in the United States alone, but only around 5% go to trial.
These injuries, caused by multiple factors such as medical or non-medical related negligence and defective products, can profoundly impact the lives of those affected. They can lead to physical and emotional discomfort, financial strain, and long-term disability. As such, personal injuries can be the starting point of a challenging journey that can entail medical treatments, legal battles, and emotional healing.
This article aims to provide an overview of the most common types of personal injuries affecting people nationwide and globally.
- Injuries Caused By Slip and Fall Accidents
One of the most common types of personal injury is those caused by slip and fall accidents. Estimates from the National Floor Safety Institute indicate that slips and falls account for over one million emergency visits to the hospital annually.
These accidents often result from unsafe conditions like wet floors, uneven surfaces, poorly lit areas, or inadequate signage. Slip and fall accidents can cause serious harm, such as broken bones, concussions, and spinal cord injuries.
The extent and severity of the injuries may depend on several factors, including the health of the injured person, the surface that the injured slipped on, or the height of the fall. If you’ve been hurt in a slip-and-fall accident, seeking prompt medical care and legal assistance is essential.
Contact a skilled and experienced lawyer to optimize the benefits of hiring a personal injury attorney. They can guide you through the process, provide valuable advice, and help uphold your rights. An expert legal counsel can assist in getting the compensation you deserve to alleviate the financial stresses arising from a slip and fall accident.
- Workplace Injuries
Employees may become victims of personal injury in the workplace due to unsafe working conditions, inadequate training, lack of protective equipment, or machinery malfunctions. Common workplace injuries include falls, injuries from heavy machinery, exposure to harmful substances, and repetitive strain injuries. These injuries can be minor, serious, or even fatal.
If you’ve sustained a workplace injury, get yourself checked by a doctor, report the accident to your employer, and file a workers’ compensation claim. Generally, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, such as compensation for medical expenses and lost wages if you’re injured on the job.
- Injuries Due To Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider fails to meet the standard of care when treating a patient, resulting in injury or harm. This could be due to misdiagnosis, incorrect treatment, surgical errors, medication mistakes, or neglect.
When the healthcare provider commits medical malpractice acts, the patient may experience physical, emotional, and financial harm. In that case, seeking legal advice is highly recommended to fight for the compensation you deserve, whether from economic and non-economic losses.
Your attorney can help prove the elements of negligence to improve your chances of winning your malpractice claim. The elements include the doctor-patient relationship, the doctor’s breach of that relationship, the resulting injury, and the damages sustained by the injured patient.
- Motor Vehicle Accident Injuries
Motor vehicle accidents are another common form of personal injury. Accidents typically occur due to factors such as reckless driving, drunk driving, speeding, or distraction and can result in a range of injuries, from minor to severe.
Some common injuries from motor vehicle accidents include head injuries, broken bones, whiplash, internal injuries, and burns. If you suffered injuries in a motor vehicle accident, consider filing a personal injury claim to get compensated for all your losses.
- Product Liability Injuries
This type of personal injury pertains to harm caused by defective products. Manufacturers, wholesalers, or retailers may be held accountable if their product is found to be faulty or dangerous. Injuries from defective products can range from minor irritations to severe physical harm.
Examples of product liability claims include design defects, manufacturing defects, and failure to warn.
- Design defects are inherent flaws in the product’s design, making it unsafe for use, even when used correctly. If a car manufacturer designs a vehicle with a faulty braking system, they may be liable for design defect claims if an owner or passenger is injured.
- Manufacturing defect errors occur during manufacturing, resulting in a product different from the intended design. Manufacturing defects in food packages may encourage contamination, leading to food poisoning and other related illnesses.
- Failure to warn happens when a manufacturer fails to warn about the potential risks associated with using their product. That’s why manufacturers of pharmaceutical and cleaning products have warnings on their containers.
Knowing these types of product liability claims can help you determine if you have a valid claim against a manufacturer or seller. Consult an experienced personal injury attorney who can help you understand your legal rights and options.
Wrapping Up
Understanding these common types of personal injuries and how they occur can help individuals stay vigilant and prevent these unfortunate occurrences to the best of their abilities. Each of these forms of personal injury can lead to severe and lasting impacts on a person’s life, requiring medical attention, causing lost wages, and leading to substantial pain and suffering.
If you’ve been injured in any of these ways, it’s essential to seek prompt medical care and consider contacting an experienced attorney to guide you through the legal system and help you get the compensation you deserve.
