Although we don’t like to think about it, personal injuries are events that can happen to any of us, regardless of how careful we are. So, it is worth knowing what a personal injury is, what kinds of accidents are most common in personal injury cases, and what the physical, financial, and psychological effects of a personal injury can be. Moreover, it is useful to know what to do in the event of a personal injury. You will need to call a lawyer, see a medic, and gather evidence of the incident to ensure you get any compensation you deserve. Read on for more information about personal injury claims.
What is a Personal Injury Case?
A personal injury case is when you have been in an accident and suffered an injury of some kind. If this incident was the fault of a third party, such as the owner of a premises, your employer, or another road user, they can be taken to court and found liable due to recklessness or negligence. In this eventuality, you can be awarded compensation for your damages, which can be physical, financial, or psychological.
If you think you may have been involved in a personal injury case, you should discuss your situation with a lawyer to see if they think you have a case to take to court. Just be aware that personal injuries have a statute of limitations. This ranges from state to state, so look up what the time limit is to act on a personal injury case where you are and call a lawyer as soon as you can. If you are unsure whether you qualify as a potential personal injury claimant, take a look at the most common types of personal injury cases and see if any of them relate to you.
The Most Common Types of Personal Injury Cases
Some of the most common types of personal injury incidents occur on the road, for instance in motor vehicle, motorcycle, bicycle, or truck crashes. Other common personal injury cases involve tripping or falling at work or on public premises, such as a store or an office. Injuries that result from slip and fall accidents can range from mild to severe, even leading to brain damage and catastrophic injuries. You can also file a case for wrongful death on behalf of a loved one whose life has been taken due to the negligence or recklessness of a third party.
The Effects of a Personal Injury
As a result of a personal injury, many people suffer from head and back injuries, as well as broken bones, deep cuts, burns, and in extreme cases, long-term disabilities and even amputations. Some physical damages from personal injuries are temporary, while others are long-term or life-long.
There are also several mental health repercussions of a personal injury case, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, addiction, and difficulty sleeping. Often, after a serious physical injury, there are some challenges in dealing with the event. This is where therapy can be very helpful, as well as talking with friends and family. Remember that healing takes time and is a process with ups and downs.
You might even suffer from chronic pain or a disability that prevents you from working as you could before the incident. If you suffer physical or psychological damages from a personal injury that prevent you from earning the same income as you used to, you will also face financial damages. Other financial damages can occur due to time off work, ongoing medical bills, and the costs of adaptations to your home to accommodate any new injuries or disabilities.
If you take your personal injury case to court and prove that a third party was either partially or entirely liable for the incident, you can be awarded compensation that will aim to cover your damages. While compensation cannot undo the effects of a personal injury, it can help you provide for your family and live a life that is fulfilling following the accident.
What to Do When You Suffer a Personal Injury
So, if you find yourself suffering a personal injury, the first thing you should do is see a medic. Even if you feel like there is nothing hurting following the incident, some injuries take a little longer to present themselves, like whiplash or concussion. This will also ensure there is a record of your hospital visit.
Then, you need to get in touch with a lawyer. If you can prove that you have suffered physical, financial, or psychological damages and that a third party was entirely or partially liable for the event, you can be awarded compensation.
Make sure to take photos of the scene following the incident, if you are able to do so. Moreover, check if there is any CCTV evidence, dashcam footage, witnesses, or incident reports. Anything that can help you prove the liability of a third party and the extent of your injuries will help you in court.
Finally, do not discuss your personal injury with friends, colleagues, and even family members, beyond the essential details. Certainly do not post about the event online. Keeping the details off your social media will be an asset to you in court. Anything that you say online or in person can be used against you in a court of law to try to discredit your testimony. Talk to your lawyer and let them guide you as you seek justice.
As you can see, personal injuries can occur in a whole host of situations and can vary in severity. You should be aware of what counts as a personal injury so you can take the necessary next steps if you find yourself in a sticky situation. We have discussed the most common types of personal injury claims, including slip and fall incidents and car crashes, and the common effects of these incidents, which can be physical, financial, and psychological. Remember, if you find yourself suffering a personal injury, seek medical and legal advice as soon as you can. Gather evidence of the event and use this to seek compensation for your damages. Good luck!
