Personal injury law is a form of tort law that allows injured consumers to seek legal damages for losses stemming from accidents or other incidents that have caused them personal harm. When most consumers hear the phrase personal injury claim, they immediately think o car accidents. However, there are also a lot of other situations where consumers can file claims against those responsible for their injuries. Read on to find out about when personal injury rules apply.
Vehicle Accidents
Car accidents, truck accidents, and even boating accidents can all lead to grave personal injuries. Accident victims shouldn’t be left on the hook for medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses while they heal. They can file personal injury claims against the parties determined to be responsible for the accident, which may include other drivers, employers, vehicle manufacturers, and others depending on the circumstances.
Other Accidents
Car accidents aren’t the only accidents covered by personal injury law. Slip-and-fall accidents are also quite common, and they also require the help of a san antonio personal injury lawyer to be equitably resolved. As a general rule, any accident that was caused by the negligence of another person and has resulted in bodily injury will be covered under personal injury law. The injured party just needs to prove liability and damages.
Intentional Acts
Intentional acts of misconduct also fall under the purview of personal injury law. One common example can be seen in assault and battery cases. In this kind of personal injury case, the defendant’s intentional conduct has caused harm to another person, which entitles the victim to seek compensation for damages. It’s important to note that even if a criminal case is filed, victims may still want to seek compensation in civil court.
Defective Products
Not all personal injury cases involve intentional wrongdoing or gross negligence on behalf of one individual. Injuries caused by defective products also fall under the purview of personal injury law. The primary difference is that instead of seeking damages from one responsible individual, the claimant seeks damages from the company that produced the product. Product defects can include both design and manufacturing errors that lead to personal injury or illness.
Malpractice Claims
Medical malpractice is by far the most common type of personal injury claim that falls into this category since it’s the most likely to cause bodily harm. However, professionals in many fields owe a duty of care to their clients. If a professional fails to provide a commonly accepted standard of care given his or her field or industry and it results in harm to a patient or client, the injured person should consult a lawyer about how to pursue a malpractice claim.
Pharmaceutical Litigation
Manufacturers of pharmaceutical drugs also owe a duty of care to patients. Common examples of pharmaceutical drug injuries include those caused by negligence, misrepresentation, defective products, and breaches of warranty. Those who have suffered physical pain and suffering, incurred medical expenses, or lost earning capacity as a result of taking a pharmaceutical drug as prescribed can seek damages.
The Bottom Line
Personal injury law doesn’t just cover car crashes. These rules apply to just about any situation where a person or a company has caused injury to another as a result of negligence, malpractice, or intentional wrongdoing. Injury victims should consult a lawyer as soon as possible to discuss their options.
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