Personal injury law is a branch of the American civil justice system that seeks to compensate individuals who suffer injuries at the hands of others. For instance, you buy a microwave from your local department store. But unbeknownst to you, the electrical appliance has a fault that the manufacturer missed. And after a few days of warming food for you, it explodes and burns your house down. In that case, you may be entitled to compensation for property damage and any injuries you sustain as a result.
However, the process of winning compensation isn’t normally as straightforward as we’ve explained. We see many of these cases ranging from car accidents, product liability, and medical malpractice. To win, victims must provide evidence and meet the standard threshold for personal injury cases, which almost always calls for the assistance of a qualified attorney. Speaking to someone like personal injury attorney Jeffrey Phillips of Phillips Law Group Injury Lawyers can prove to be quite fruitful.
So, when do you need the assistance of a lawyer? Keep reading to find out.
Car Accidents
According to the Arizona Department of Transportation, there were 122,247 car crashes in 2023, resulting in 1,307 fatalities. If you have been injured in a road crash, and you believe another motorist is to blame, contact a lawyer immediately. The earlier you get in touch with them, the better. Why? The site of the crash must be cleaned up, and traffic must resume as normal. At the same time, as much as people may have witnessed the collision, memories fade with time. Contacting a lawyer early enough gives you the advantage of collecting evidence while it’s still “fresh.”
Medical Malpractice
According to a peer-reviewed study, medical malpractice could account for more than 250,000 deaths annually, making it the third leading cause of death in the U.S. If your doctor made a mistake that exacerbated your condition, you may be eligible for compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. A lawyer will help you collect evidence and negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf.
Premises Liability
Maybe you tripped over a puddle of water at a restaurant, store, or any other place. So long as you can prove that you were legally on the premises, you may be entitled to restitution for the damages you sustain. A personal injury lawyer with experience in premises liability law can help you hold the property owner liable for their negligence.
Defective Products
Manufacturers, distributors, and any other party that is in any way involved in the supply chain network before the products get to your hands has a legal responsibility to ensure that the products are safe for you. So if you buy something, be it an electrical appliance or a skincare product, that causes you harm later, you could sue the responsible party and win compensation.
Animal attacks
Dogs are great companions. They are loyal, friendly, and fun. However, they can be feral, sometimes attacking people and mauling them, sometimes even to death. If your neighbor’s dog attacks you, you may sue the owner, especially if they know that the dog has a history of aggression.
Nursing Home Abuse
It’s hard to think of the elderly, such an essential pillar of our society, suffering at the hands of negligence. Unfortunately, it happens more often than you think. If you witness a case of nursing home abuse, whether through physical abuse or emotional mistreatment, contact the authorities immediately. A nursing home abuse lawyer can file a lawsuit against those who are responsible.
Wrongful Death
In the unfortunate event that you lose a loved one due to negligence or intentional harm, a lawyer can file a lawsuit against those responsible on behalf of grieving family members. Compensation typically covers funeral costs, lost future income, and loss of companionship.
Final Thoughts
Believe it or not, a personal injury lawyer can be the difference between winning your case and missing out on compensation. Worried about attorney fees? Don’t be. Most lawyers work on a contingency basis, which means their payment comes from your settlement should you win.
