Many wonder what counts as a “personal injury case” or whether they specifically need a personal injury lawyer for their case. In a sea of attorneys, it can seem hard to know which attorney to pick or what field of law applies to your case. In this article, we will break down what constitutes a personal injury case, examples of types of cases, and why reaching out to a personal injury lawyer after an accident may be in your best interest.
What is Personal Injury Law?
Personal injury law, otherwise known as tort law, protects you and your property if one or the other comes in harm's way because of another's failure to act. So, broadly, personal injury cases are legal arguments that happen when a person experiences harm from an accident, and another person or company may be legally responsible for that harm. For example, if a motorcyclist is hit by a truck driver running a red light, the truck driver may be legally responsible for the motorcyclist’s injuries.
Personal injury claims come down to two basic factors: liability and damages. To have a successful case, you must prove the following:
- That the defendant (the person you accuse of causing your harm) was liable for the damages (injuries or losses) you went through, and
- The extent of the damages you sustained.
In a successful tort case, the one who caused your injury compensates you for the losses you suffered. When you hire an attorney, specifically a personal injury attorney, they can help you build a successful case against the defendant so you have your best chance at getting the compensation you deserve.
What are Types of Personal Injury Cases?
Personal injury law covers a wide range of cases, spanning from medical malpractice to dog bites. Examples of personal injury law cases may include the following:
- Vehicle Accident Cases
- Nursing Home Negligence
- Slip and Fall Case
- Medical Malpractice
- Defamation (Libel and Slander)
- Dog Bites
- Workplace Accident
- Premises Liability
- Product Liability
- Workers Compensation
Why is Hiring an Attorney in a Personal Injury Lawsuit Important?
In personal injury lawsuits, the responsible party’s insurance company may pay money, or compensation, to the injured person for damages sustained by their negligence. This compensation could cover expenses like medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering.
However, many times the negligent party and their insurance companies try to avoid their responsibility to the people they injured. This may involve either shortchanging you in compensation or avoiding liability entirely. To ensure both sides play fair and abide by the law, hiring a personal injury lawyer to handle your case can be a massive benefit.
Personal injury lawyers are trained to read and interpret the law, so an experienced lawyer will know how to defend your case in and out of the courtroom. If you have been in an accident and injured by someone’s negligence, you may have a personal injury case and be entitled to compensation. To speak with an attorney today, reach out AVA Law Group for your free case consultation.