An incident that causes another person harm may qualify as a personal injury. If the damage was preventable if not for the action or inaction of the perpetrator, it might be considered a personal injury. A lawsuit against the responsible party and their insurance company may be filed. Discover some of the common types of personal injury claims filed.
Car Accident
Perhaps the most common incident that leads to a personal injury claim is a car crash. With so many accidents occurring every day throughout the country, this statistic should not come as a surprise. A personal injury claim can only be brought when there is a finding of fault by the auto insurance companies involved. Typically, the at-fault driver’s insurance will cap the payment to the victims, and it is after this that a personal injury suit may be filed. To qualify for this type of legal action, the innocent driver must prove that the at-fault driver was negligent and that the negligence caused the crash. Examples of this include things such as distracted driving, driving under the influence of alcohol, and excessive speed.
Medical Malpractice
Doctors are not perfect and do make mistakes. In some instances, a medical misstep may lead to a patient getting sicker or even dying. If the doctor was reckless and did not adhere to the standard of care, they may be found negligent by a court. A victim or their family has the right to file a personal injury lawsuit to recover damages. Doctors are not the only ones in the medical profession that may be the subject of a personal injury action. Hospitals, clinics, and nurses may also demonstrate negligence and be found liable for a patient’s injuries.
Dog Bite
When a dog is not appropriately controlled and bites someone, the injuries imposed may be more than just painful. Dogs may transmit diseases to human victims, or their bite may be severe enough to cause permanent and painful damage. When a dog’s owner does not care for the pet in a proper course of care, they may be liable for the pain, suffering, and financial burdens of the bite victim. For instance, a dog that is a known danger cannot be permitted to roam around without a leash. If the owner does not restrain the pet and it gets out, that owner either knew or should have known that the dog might bite someone. Thus, the incident is considered a personal injury.
If there is a question as to whether something qualifies for a lawsuit or not, a personal injury lawyer may be able to help. Speaking to an attorney, like a personal injury attorney in Indianapolis, IN from Ward & Ward Law Firm, sooner rather than later may increase the chances of a financial award.