Personal injury law protects individuals who suffer injury due to someone else’s negligence. This complex field covers a wide range of accidents, including car accidents, slip and fall incidents, medical malpractice, and more. The consequences of these incidents can be devastating, both physically and financially, with medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term care costs often adding up.

To help you better understand the legal process and determine if you have a case, here are the top 10 most common personal injury cases:

Car Accidents

Car accidents are the leading cause of personal injury claims in the United States. In 2020, there were over 38,000 fatalities resulting from car accidents and millions of people were injured. Reckless driving, distracted driving, and poor road conditions cause car accidents and result in injuries ranging from minor bruises to life-threatening head injuries and spinal cord damage. If you’re in a car accident, seek medical attention immediately and consult a personal injury attorney.

Slip and Fall Accidents

Slip and fall accidents are a leading cause of injury and death in the U.S., often occurring in public places like supermarkets and parking lots. Property owners must maintain safe premises and can be held liable for injuries sustained on their property. Slip and fall accidents can cause serious injuries like broken bones, head injuries, and spinal cord damage.

Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider fails to provide a reasonable standard of care and causes injury or death to a patient. In 2018, medical malpractice was responsible for over 250,000 deaths in the U.S. Examples of medical malpractice include misdiagnosis, failure to diagnose, surgical errors, and birth injuries.

Product Liability

Manufacturers, distributors, and retailers are responsible for the safety of the products they sell and can be held liable for injuries caused by faulty products, which can range from minor to life-threatening.

Dog Bites   

Dog bites are a common form of personal injury. In 2020, over 800,000 people in the U.S. received medical treatment for dog bites. In many cases, the owner of the dog can be held liable for injuries sustained as a result of a dog bite.

Workplace Accidents

Workplace accidents can result from a variety of causes, including hazardous conditions, inadequate training, and faulty equipment. In 2019, over 5,000 workers were killed on the job in the U.S. In many cases, workers’ compensation benefits may be available to those who have been injured on the job.

Bicycle Accidents

Bicycle accidents can result from a variety of factors, including poor road conditions, negligent drivers, and defective bicycles. In 2019, over 800 bicyclists were killed in accidents in the U.S. Injuries sustained in bicycle accidents can be serious, and may include head injuries, broken bones, and spinal cord damage.

Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents can occur anywhere but are most common in urban areas. In 2019, over 6,000 pedestrians were killed in accidents in the U.S. Injuries sustained in pedestrian accidents can be serious, and may include head injuries, broken bones, and spinal cord damage.

Defective Drugs

Defective drugs can cause serious harm and even death to those who take them. In 2019, over 70,000 people in the U.S. died from drug overdoses.

Nursing Home Neglect

Nursing home neglect occurs when nursing home staff fails to provide adequate care to residents. In 2019, over 15,000 nursing home residents in the U.S. died from neglect or abuse. Neglect can take many forms, including failure to provide proper medical care, failure to provide proper nutrition and hydration, and physical abuse.

If you have suffered injury due to someone else’s negligence, it’s important to speak with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. An experienced attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.

Have Questions? Let us help

Attorney Dean Boyd has been helping folks hurt for over 30 years. Call us today for your free consultation. We are open 24/7. We can be reached at (806) 242-3333 or (505) 545-5555.

Sources:

• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
• Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)
• National Safety Council (NSC)