6 Types of Cases Personal Injury Attorneys Take On

October 5, 2023

You might suffer a personal injury in many ways and have lots of related costs and other harms. Whenever another person's or entity's negligence causes you to suffer an injury, experienced personal injury attorneys can help you to hold those parties liable. According to IBISWorld, the United States has nearly 51,000 personal injury law firms in 2023. The number of practicing personal injury lawyers shows there is a high demand for their legal services. Here are six types of cases that they take.

1. Vehicular Accidents


Almost anyone who drives throughout adulthood winds up in at least one accident. The size, weight, and potential speed of modern vehicles greatly increase the potential for suffering a personal injury when another motorist drives negligently and causes an accident. Personal injury attorneys can help clients file strongly supported insurance claims and hold liable parties accountable for the harm that they suffer. Those harms often include medical costs, pain and suffering, and lost income.

2. Premise Liability


Whenever you are on property owned or controlled by another person or entity, those parties are responsible for maintaining reasonably safe premises. Unfortunately, negligence could make a location unreasonably dangerous and cause you to suffer a personal injury. Premise liability holds negligent parties accountable when people suffer injuries due to unreasonably dangerous conditions. Personal injury attorneys can help to build strong cases and identify potentially liable parties to help accident victims obtain compensation for the harms that they suffered.

3. Slip and Fall Accidents


Slip and fall accidents are among the most common types of premises liability cases that personal injury attorneys accept. Accidents often happen in stores and other commercial locations when a dangerous condition exists that might cause someone to slip, trip, or fall and suffer a personal injury. Slip and fall injuries can be very serious and sometimes cause death. You might break a bone, get a bad laceration, or suffer a head injury. The cause might be liquid, debris, or something else on the floor or steps that can cause you to slip, trip, or fall.

4. Medical Malpractice


Medical doctors and other healthcare professionals are highly educated and trained but still might make mistakes that cause harm to patients. When the care provided is less than the acceptable standard of care for specific medical procedures, you might suffer a personal injury. Nurses might even cause you to fall to the floor while transferring you from a bed or operating table to a wheelchair or gurney. Whenever you suffer an injury due to medical malpractice, personal injury attorneys can help to hold liable parties accountable.

5. Injuries and Illness


Employers are required to carry worker's compensation insurance coverage to help protect workers against the financial impact of suffering work-related injuries or illnesses. When you accept benefits coverage after being injured or taking ill due to work conditions, you give up the right to sue your employer for damages. Unfortunately, employers or insurers might deny coverage and create the need for injured or sick workers to retain the services of personal injury attorneys. The attorneys can help appeal a decision and, if necessary, initiate well-supported lawsuits against employers or insurers.

6. Defective Products


Product defects could make otherwise safe items dangerous to use. When a defective product causes you to suffer one or more injuries, an attorney can help you identify liable parties and hold them accountable with a strongly supported case. Those liable parties might include product manufacturers, distributors, and retailers. They also might include service providers who did not do their work correctly, such as a diesel maintenance and repair facility that does not properly maintain a commercial truck. If the defect causes a trucker to lose control and collide with one or more other vehicles, that service facility might be found partly liable for any harm caused by the accident.


You can call or submit an online request to schedule an initial consultation with one of our experienced personal injury attorneys. An attorney can review your case and help to better determine if you have a good case and the types of evidence needed to help support your legal claims against negligent parties. Call us at Wilson & Novak Law Offices today to get started.


Understanding Personal Injury Law Basics

April 9, 2025
Navigating the complexities of personal injury law can be daunting. This area of law encompasses a variety of scenarios where individuals suffer harm due to the negligence or intentional actions of others. From automobile accidents to medical malpractice, understanding the fundamentals of filing a claim is crucial for obtaining the compensation you deserve. What Constitutes a Personal Injury Case? A personal injury case arises when a person suffers harm from an accident or injury, and someone else might be legally responsible for that harm. The responsible party could be an individual, a business, or even a government entity. Common examples of personal injury cases include automobile accidents, slip and fall incidents, medical malpractice, and product liability. Key Elements of a Personal Injury Claim To successfully file a personal injury claim, certain elements must be proven: Duty of Care: The defendant owed a duty of care to the plaintiff. Breach of Duty: The defendant breached that duty through negligence or intentional misconduct. Causation: The defendant’s actions directly caused the plaintiff’s injury. Damages: The plaintiff suffered actual damages, such as medical bills or lost wages. Types of Damages in Personal Injury Cases Damages in personal injury cases are typically categorized into two types: economic and non-economic damages. Economic Damages Economic damages are quantifiable financial losses incurred as a result of an injury. These include: Medical Bills: Costs for hospital stays, surgeries, doctor visits, and rehabilitation. Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost due to the inability to work. Lost Earnings Capacity: Future income lost as a result of long-term disability. Property Damage: Costs for repair or replacement of damaged property, such as a vehicle in car accidents. Non-Economic Damages Non-economic damages are more subjective and may include: Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress. Loss of Consortium: Damages for loss of companionship or spousal support. Diminished Quality of Life: Compensation for a reduced ability to enjoy life’s pleasures. Steps to Filing a Personal Injury Claim Filing a personal injury claim involves several steps, each requiring careful attention to detail. 1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention Prompt medical evaluation is crucial not only for your health but also for establishing a clear link between the accident and your injuries. Medical records will serve as vital evidence in your personal injury case. 2. Gather Evidence Collecting evidence is essential for substantiating your claim. This includes: Photographs of the accident scene and injuries. Police or accident reports. Witness statements. Medical records and bills. 3. Consult with a Personal Injury Lawyer Engaging with a qualified injury attorney is advisable to navigate the legal intricacies. A personal injury lawyer can offer expert guidance, negotiate with the insurance company, and advocate on your behalf, ensuring you receive fair compensation. 4. File the Claim A formal claim must be filed with the responsible party's insurance company. This claim should detail the extent of your injuries and damages. An experienced attorney can assist in articulating the intricacies of your case. 5. Negotiate a Settlement Most personal injury claims are resolved through negotiation rather than going to trial. Your attorney will work to secure a settlement that adequately compensates for your losses. If negotiations fail, litigation may be necessary. Statute of Limitations The statute of limitations dictates the time frame within which you must file a personal injury lawsuit. Typically, this period ranges from one to six years from the date of the injury, varying by jurisdiction and case type. Consulting with an attorney promptly ensures compliance with these legal deadlines. The Role of Insurance Companies Insurance companies play a pivotal role in personal injury cases. They are responsible for compensating the injured party, but their primary aim is often to minimize payouts. Therefore, it is crucial to approach negotiations with caution and the support of legal representation. Common Tactics Used by Insurance Companies Delaying the Process: Prolonging the claims process in hopes of wearing down the claimant. Denying Liability: Asserting that their policyholder was not at fault. Underestimating Damages: Offering settlements that do not fully cover the claimant’s losses. Conclusion Understanding the basics of personal injury law empowers you to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve. Whether dealing with car accidents, medical malpractice, or other injuries, comprehensive knowledge of the legal process and the assistance of an adept personal injury lawyer are invaluable. By recognizing the various facets of filing a claim, the types of damages you can recover, and the tactics employed by insurance companies, you are better equipped to navigate your personal injury case effectively. Always prioritize your health and consult with a professional to guide you through this challenging process. To schedule a case evaluation with Wilson & Novak Law Offices, reach out online or give us a call at 219-757-0225 .
What does a personal injury attorney do

What does a personal injury attorney do?

September 18, 2024
A personal injury lawyer plays a vital role in helping victims of accidents and negligence get the compensation they deserve. From gathering evidence and negotiating with insurance companies to representing you in court, they handle all aspects of your case.