When to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer
Getting ill or injured by someone else’s negligence is financially and emotionally exhausting. In such a situation, having a dedicated personal injury lawyer by your side can make a world of difference.
Here’s a comprehensive guide on six situations where hiring a personal injury lawyer is necessary:
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Motor vehicle accidents are one of the most common causes of personal injury. Getting struck by a vehicle, whether as a pedestrian or another driver, can lead to catastrophic injuries.
If you were injured due to a driver’s negligence, you have the right to file a personal injury claim and get compensated. Common reasons for driver’s negligence include speeding, being distracted by phone, or driving under the influence (DUI). In 2023, speeding was the major contributor to traffic fatalities in the United States, accounting for nearly 28% of traffic-related deaths.
A personal injury lawyer will gather the necessary evidence, such as traffic footage, police reports, and witness statements to strengthen your case. If you’ve sustained medical injuries and need surgery or rehabilitation, a personal injury lawyer will calculate the cost and fight for fair compensation.
Workplace Injury Cases
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Workplace injuries range from minor injuries to life-altering conditions. Common examples of injuries include:
Cuts and lacerations
Repetitive strain injuries (RSIs)
Back and spine injuries
Overexertion
Burns
Crush injuries
Exposure to hazardous chemicals
Hearing loss
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), employers are required to provide safe working conditions to all employees. If you’ve suffered an injury due to poorly maintained equipment, lack of proper gear, and lack of safety regulations, hiring a personal injury lawyer will help you get compensation.
Personal injury lawyers know the ins and outs of the workers’ compensation system. They will negotiate with insurance adjusters and make a bullet-proof case. By working with a personal injury lawyer, you can get compensation for both monetary and non-monetary damages, including medical bills, lost wages, rehabilitation services, and emotional suffering.
Slip and Fall Cases
If you’ve taken a fall at someone else’s property, be it a grocery store, shopping mall, sidewalks, or even private homes, you can file a lawsuit under premises liability.
Causes
Common causes of slip and fall accidents include:
Wet floors
Uneven surfaces caused by worn carpets, cracked sidewalks, or potholes
Poor lighting that can reduce visibility
Cluttered walkways
Weather-related hazards such as build-up snow
Broken stairs
Building code violations
Lack of warning signs to alert visitors
Similar to workplace injuries, you can suffer from a range of medical issues due to slips and falls.
Status of Visitor
In a premises liability case, the status of the visitor has a critical impact on the result of the case. Visitors are generally categorized into three groups: invitee, licensee, and trespasser. Invitees and licensees have a legal right to be present on a property for business or public purposes. Whereas, trespassers enter a property without consent.
A personal injury lawyer, specializing in premises liability cases, will assess your situation and create a course of action. They will document the dangerous conditions by taking pictures or talking to witnesses. Once you’ve gotten medical attention, a personal injury lawyer will talk to the insurance company of the opposing party.
One of the most critical aspects of a slip and fall injury is your state of residence. The compensation for premises liability cases can vary from one U.S. state to another. For example, if you’re living in Huntsville, hire a lawyer who has previously represented clients in your state. You can reach out to some of the best Huntsville slip and fall lawyers with a quick search and get fair compensation.
Medical Malpractice Lawsuits
Did you know more than 10,000 Americans lose their lives due to medical malpractice every year and hundreds of thousands more suffer from adverse reactions? If you’ve been a victim of medical malpractice, reporting the incident and holding the responsible party accountable can help reduce the aforementioned statistic.
Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare professional, be it a doctor, nurse, or hospital administrative member, fails to provide standard medical care or comply with safety regulations. Examples of medical negligence include incorrect medicine dosage, surgical errors, poor aftercare, or childbirth mistakes.
Personal injury lawyers often have in-depth knowledge of common medical malpractice cases. They will assess the strengths and weaknesses of your claim and gather the necessary evidence. If the insurance provider fails to provide fair compensation, your lawyer will represent you in court.
Medical malpractice is a serious offense and is handled as a civil lawsuit. A reliable personal injury lawyer will assist you every step of the way.
Construction Site Accidents
Construction sites are some of the most dangerous workplaces. In 2024, the construction industry in the US saw more than 1,000 work-related fatalities. Some common causes include:
Falls from heights due to unsecured ladders and lack of fall protection protocols
Falling objects, such as tools, building materials, or other equipment
Machinery accidents, caused by malfunctioning equipment
Slips and falls due to uneven surfaces and exposed wires
Construction site incidents can lead to a range of medical complications, such as broken bones, fractures, amputation, and burns.
A personal injury lawyer will determine liability, investigating whether the employer or equipment manufacturer is responsible. They will file a workers’ compensation claim and make sure the responsible party pays for all the damages you’ve suffered.
Seeking professional legal help can help you manage financial expenses and get back on your feet.
Defective Products
Product liability occurs when a consumer suffers from injury or disease due to a defective product. These claims typically fall into three categories: faulty design, manufacturing defects, and incorrect usage instructions.
Take, for instance, you bought an electric chainsaw. While using, if the safety guard fails to engage properly, exposing the fast-moving blade, you can file for product liability.
The harsh truth is product liability cases are some of the most complicated personal injury cases. Pinpointing the exact reason for injury and finding expert testimony can be challenging. Consider working with a personal injury lawyer who will navigate legal procedures on your behalf.