Causes of Personal Injury

Personal injury is a very broad topic that can encompass many very different types of cases. Certain categories of personal injury, however, are very common. Described below are some of the most frequent causes of personal injury and what constitutes negligence in each category.

Motor Vehicle Collisions

The most common of all personal injury cases involves motor vehicle collisions. This includes all types of accidents, such as those between passenger cars, those involving large trucks, and even plane or boating accidents. Each driver on the road is responsible for driving safely and following the traffic laws set down by the state. If a driver fails to fulfill that responsibility and causes injury to someone else's person or property as a result, that driver is liable.

Defective Products

In the United States, we hold manufacturers responsible for creating products that are safe to use under reasonable conditions. If a product is found to be unsafe and causes injury to the consumer, the manufacturer may be held accountable for damages.

Prescription Drugs

Companies that produce prescription drugs are required to perform rigorous testing to ensure that the drugs they sell are not only effective, but also reasonably safe. If a drug company fails to test their product thoroughly or neglects to inform consumers about all of the drug's potential side effects, they can be held liable for injuries sustained by their consumers.

Malpractice

A doctor's responsibility to a patient is fundamental to the practice of medicine. A doctor who fails to take the prescribed or reasonable steps in the process of diagnosis or treatment and therefore worsens or fails to treat the patient's condition is responsible for that patient's pain and suffering, as well as resulting medical expenses.

Workplace Injury

Workplace injuries can range from simple slip-and-fall incidents to something as serious as a construction accident. If you are injured on the job, a personal injury attorney can assist you in your workers' compensation claim and ensure that you receive all that you are entitled to.

Slip-and-Fall

Although the words "slip-and-fall" may bring to mind a wet floor, this term actually encompasses all type of premises liability cases. When poorly maintained grounds or buildings, improperly stacked items, or other unmarked hazards result in injury, the party responsible for the premises can be held accountable to the injured person.

Have a Personal Injury Attorney Review Your Case

If you have been injured and are wondering whether your case falls into the category of personal injury law, use LawyerShop.com to find a personal injury attorney in your area who can give you the sound, personalized legal advice you need.