Unfortunately, the risk of getting injured is something we face every day. Even if we take all the precautions to remain safe, there are no guarantees that we won’t become injured as a result of someone else’s fault.
But just when does an injury qualify as a personal injury? And in which situation would you be able to pursue legal remedies?
You may not be aware of them, but many situations would allow you to take legal action and receive compensation for the harm you have suffered.
What is a Personal Injury?
Any accident, trauma, or illness that impacts your psychological or physical wellbeing can be classified as a personal injury. However, the seriousness of each case will be evaluated by the extent or type of injury.
A good example of a case that would require substantial compensation would be if you experienced both psychological and physical injuries. In this case, contacting Lamber Goodnow Injury Lawyers and pursuing legal action would be more than justified.
Traditionally, the majority of personal injury cases result from car accidents. Over the years, the term has broadened in scope to include slip-and-fall cases, criminal injuries, medical malpractice, workplace accidents, cases of defective consumer products, and more.
There have even been cases where work-related stress resulting in health conditions has been considered a personal injury. Personal injury also includes diseases and illnesses related to occupational hazards – such as exposure to harmful chemicals or asbestos, or if someone has gotten food poisoning while on holiday.
The Most Common Types of Personal Injuries
Common personal injury cases involve car accidents, work-related accidents and illnesses, medical negligence, and occupational hazards.
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Although evolving technology means there are more safety features in cars now than ever before, an alarming number of motor vehicle accidents involving other vehicles or pedestrians still cause severe injuries and even death. In these cases, human error is the most common cause.
If you have been injured in a car accident through no fault of your own, you may file a personal injury lawsuit – just be sure to consult with a personal injury lawyer who has handled similar cases before.
Work-Related Accidents and Illnesses
Although all workplaces present some kind of risk to the people who work there, some workplaces are more hazardous than others. Work-related accidents and illnesses can range from chronic stress to exposure to toxic chemicals.
While strict adherence to health and safety regulations can minimize the risks and make a workplace safer for employees, there is no way to eliminate the risk.
This is especially true when employers don’t follow the correct health and safety protocols. If your employer has not enforced or respected the proper safety measures, you may file a personal injury lawsuit to seek compensation.
Medical Negligence
Today, medical malpractice and negligence are more common than you may realize – especially when it involves surgical intervention. Once again, the factor of human error comes into play. Doctors are not infallible, and they sometimes make dangerous mistakes.
Unfortunately, medical mistakes on the medical professional’s part can result in long-lasting emotional and physical damage or even permanent disability.
If you have suffered trauma or injury due to medical negligence, you can request financial compensation. In extreme cases, filing a lawsuit may be necessary.
Industrial Diseases (Occupational Hazards)
Although industrial diseases technically fall under work-related injuries, they warrant their own entry. Constant, prolonged exposure to harmful or toxic chemicals can result in lifelong illnesses and conditions.
These industrial diseases can reduce life expectancy, cause disability, and have a negative impact on the affected person’s quality of life.
If the employer neglects to follow health and safety protocols and fails to provide protection or care, they are liable. If you have been affected by an occupational hazard, you are entitled to demand compensation from your employer.
The most common industrial disease claims include asbestosis, lung cancer, dermatitis, industrial deafness, and mesothelioma.
Public Transport
Another common personal injury occurs while using public transportation – such as a train or bus. Injuries can be sustained if a bus has an accident while there are passengers inside or if a train derails.
If you are injured while taking public transport, you may be able to open a personal injury case for professional negligence to claim compensation. Professional negligence applies if the proper safety measures were not followed or the vehicle was not up to code.
How to Proceed
If you have suffered from harm due to the negligence of another person or legal entity, you make an appointment with a personal injury lawyer as soon as you can.
Your personal injury lawyer will be able to evaluate your case and advise you on how to proceed.
