Types of Personal Injury - Gallagher & Hagopian

From a driver who runs a red light to a medical professional who makes a bad call, another person’s negligence can quickly and permanently disrupt your life. If you’ve suffered an injury due to someone else’s misconduct, you may be eligible to receive compensation. However, many affected individuals never seek justice because they don’t realize their circumstances fall under the category of a personal injury.

Following, you’ll find a list of six of the most common types of personal injury cases. Each of these may warrant filing a lawsuit.

1. Motor Vehicle Accidents

In the second quarter of 2022, there were more than 284 million vehicles on U.S. roads, making it no surprise that motor vehicle accidents are one of the most common causes of personal injuries. Charges of negligence may arise if the other driver was reckless, intoxicated, speeding, or otherwise failing to act responsibly.

There are several subtypes of motor vehicle accidents including auto, motorcycle, and trucking accidents. Pedestrian accidents also fall under this category, although they often result in wrongful death claims.

2. Premises Liability (Slip and Fall)

Owners of public establishments have a responsibility to keep the premises safe for guests, individuals performing duties (such as delivery workers), and in some cases, even trespassers. Slip and fall accidents are a common trigger for premises liability lawsuits. Pool or playground accidents, injuries from falling equipment, and other issues can also create premises liability.

3. Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider gives substandard medical care that results in injuries to a patient. Examples include misdiagnosis, failure to diagnose a condition, surgical errors, and improper prescriptions. These types of cases are often quite complex and may require expert medical witnesses.

4. Workplace Injuries

When employees are injured on the job, they often file a worker’s compensation claim. This can simplify the process since these types of claims don’t require a worker to prove that the employer was at fault. However, worker’s compensation does not allow you to receive compensation for non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering. In some cases, you may be able to leave the worker’s compensation system and file a work-related injury lawsuit instead.

5. Wrongful Death

Wrongful death claims often arise when a victim of negligence dies from their injuries. These claims allow the victim’s estate to receive compensation for the benefit of the deceased person’s dependents and survivors. In Florida, wrongful death claims must be filed by the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate.

6. Product Liability

When an individual suffers an injury from an unreasonably dangerous product, the manufacturer may be held liable. To win a product liability lawsuit, you must show that the product had a manufacturing defect, design defect, and/or inadequate warnings about the product’s potential dangers.

Consult a Florida Personal Injury Attorney

If you’ve been a victim of any of the circumstances listed above, filing a personal injury lawsuit could help you pay for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Contact us today to schedule a free case evaluation. Our experts can help you decide on your next steps and we don’t get paid unless you do.