When people think of “personal injury cases” their minds often go straight to car accidents. While many personal injury claims involve auto accidents, they certainly don’t stop there. The following is a list of the top nine types of personal injury cases in the United States.
1. Car Accidents
With millions of car accidents each year, it’s no surprise that car accidents are on the list. Some of the leading causes of car crashes include: driver negligence, driver distraction, speeding, driver inexperience (teen drivers), and drunk or drugged driving.
2. Motorcycle Accidents
Unfortunately, most motorcycle accidents involving another vehicle are caused by the driver of the car or truck “simply not seeing the motorcyclist.” The motorcycle rider can be the best rider in the world, but he or she can be seriously injured or killed by a driver who doesn’t see him or her on the road.
3. Slip and Fall Accidents
These types of accidents can occur at a private residence, at a business, or even on government property. Essentially, property owners and lessees have a duty to keep their premises safe. If a visitor is lawfully on the property and he or she slips or falls, the property owner can be held legally liable for any injuries sustained due to negligence.
4. Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare professional delivers substandard care and a patient is harmed as a result. Believe it or not, medical malpractice happens every day and it’s grossly underreported. It can happen in the ER, in the operating room, or while under a doctor’s care. It can happen whenever a patient is being treated by a healthcare professional.
5. Dog Bites & Animal Attacks
Dog bites and animal attacks are common events in South Carolina and throughout the country. If a person’s dog or other pet bites or attacks someone, the animal’s owner can be held legally liable for all damages incurred.
6. Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents occur all the time, especially on busy city streets and at intersections. When a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle, the driver can be held liable for the pedestrian’s damages, especially if the driver broke a traffic law during the incident.
7. Drowning Accidents
A drowning accident can occur in a backyard pool, at a school, a community center, a hotel, apartment building, or even a water park. Typically, when someone drowns or nearly drowns in a pool, the property owner’s insurance company pays for the damages.
8. Workplace Accidents
Most people who work at a for-profit company are covered by workers’ compensation insurance. Unless the injured employee was under the influence of drugs or alcohol or intentionally trying to hurt someone else or themselves, their accident should be covered under their employer’s workers’ comp insurance.
9. Wrongful Death
When someone dies due to the negligent actions of another person or a business entity, the victim’s surviving family members may have grounds to file a wrongful death claim against the at-fault party. Often, damages cover medical bills, pain and suffering, lost income, loss of companionship, and funeral expenses among others.
The above is merely a list of the “top personal injury claims,” but there are many others, such as product liability (defective products), premises liability, dental malpractice, dangerous drugs, and impaired boater accidents. If you were recently injured in an accident, don’t hesitate to contact our firm to meet with a Columbia, SC personal injury lawyer for free!