Injury Investigations: What Makes a Personal Injury Case?
Did you know that accidents result in over 3 million non-fatal injuries in the US each year? From car accidents to dog bites to defective products, personal injuries are one of the leading causes of injuries annually.
Many times, these accidents are due to the negligence of another person, such as a reckless driver, a dog owner who has not secured their pet, or companies that ignore warnings about potential dangers with their products.
If you are the victim of a personal injury that is the fault of another person, you may need an attorney to help ensure that you get the compensation you deserve. Read on to learn more about what makes a personal injury case.
What Is a Personal Injury Claim?
The goal of a personal injury claim is to compensate the person who was injured and make them “whole” again. This compensation could include medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and even pain and suffering. If the wrongful conduct of another person (which can be negligence or intentional acts) causes you to suffer even minor injuries, you may have a personal injury case.
Common Types of Personal Injuries
There are many different types of personal injury cases. Some of the most common include:
- Car, truck, and motorcycle accidents
- Workplace injuries
- Defective products
- Dog bites
- Medical malpractice
- Slip and falls
- Assault
The cost of injuries varies, but depending on how severe your accident is and how extensive your medical treatment is, you may be facing hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical expenses, future rehabilitation, lost wages, and even permanent disability if your injuries are that severe.
What to Know About Personal Injury Cases
Personal injury claims typically start with the insurance company. If you are injured in an accident, your first step is to often contact the insurance company of the other driver, your employer, etc. If the insurance company denies your claim, tries to offer you compensation much less than you deserve, or blames you for the injuries, you will likely need to consult an attorney.
A personal injury attorney can negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf. If you cannot come to an agreement, your attorney will file a lawsuit and take your case to trial where a jury will determine the outcome and your monetary award.
Unlike criminal cases, which are brought by the state or federal government, personal injury cases are civil actions. The person who is injured is the plaintiff and they (or their attorney) are responsible for the court filing.
Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency basis, which means that they don’t get paid unless you win. If you win your case, your attorney will get a percentage of your settlement amount (usually about 33%).
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer Today
If you have experienced a personal injury and think that you may have a case, don’t hesitate to speak with an attorney. Most will provide a free case consultation and determine if you have a strong case or not. Make sure you are fully compensated for your injuries by the responsible party.
Contact us today at the McGrath Law Firm. Our attorneys specialize in personal injury cases and have been in business for over 25 years.
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