There are times when an accident is just an accident, and you have to shake it off and move forward, even if there are consequences. But other times an injury is due to neglect on someone else’s part, and they need to take responsibility for that negligence.
Many people ask the question, “How do I know if I have a need an attorney?” Use these guidelines to determine six of the main types of personal injury cases that you should definitely seek out an attorney for.
6 Types of Personal Injury Cases Requiring an Expert
- Motor vehicle accidents
Whether you were injured or not, if there were damages to your vehicle you may be entitled to compensation above and beyond what the insurance company tells you about. The insurance company’s best interest is in costing themselves as little money as possible per claim, so their loyalty is to themselves.
However, you could be entitled to lost wages and medical coverage, as well as property damage reimbursement, future compensation for injuries, pain and suffering, loss of consortium, and even punitive damages, so if you are not sure, contact a personal injury attorney for more advice.
- Slip and falls
Maybe you are just klutzy, and you tripped over your own feet and broke your nose. It’s painful, but it happens. But if you tripped and fell because of a crack in the pavement or a wet floor in a grocery store, it may be that someone negligently left that hazard there.
It doesn’t have to be that they did it knowing that it could injure someone, but the fact is that you were injured and someone has to take responsibility for their negligence. You have been negatively affected due to their behavior and you have the right to compensation for it.
- Medical malpractice cases
Even professionals make mistakes, and when doctors or hospital staff do, it can have serious consequences. If you have been injured in a medical malpractice situation, you will need a trained attorney to handle your case.
Medical malpractice lawsuits require extensive proof, and the burden of putting it all together is on your side. A knowledgeable attorney knows what is necessary to win your case and will take care of most of the legwork for you.
- Wrongful death
Dealing with the pain and suffering of losing someone close to you is already difficult enough without the added grief that comes with knowing their death was preventable. Many wrongful deaths are due to medical malpractice, car accidents, and intentional acts.
If you were close to your loved one who passed away due to someone’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your suffering.
- Product liability injuries
Surprisingly, there are more deaths and injuries due to product liabilities than you may have imagined. The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission has these statistics broken down by category, including amusement park rides, ATV or ROV use, sports and recreation, and even toys.
Injuries due to a company’s negligence on their product rollout or insufficient warnings of how to use a product could entitle you to compensation.
- Construction accidents
Injuries are quite common on a construction site. Accidents that involve heavy equipment, falls, defective equipment, and more happen regularly and can result in serious injuries. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries if you have been involved in an accident on a construction site.
Always Call an Attorney to Get Their Advice
If you have been injured and you are not sure if your situation entitles you to benefits or compensation, call an expert in the legal field for their opinion. Most consultations are free, and you may have more on your side than you realize!