Accidents resulting in serious injury occur far more often than we would like. That is why we have personal injury law: to protect us if we are injured or harmed because of someone else’s negligence. A personal injury lawyer will help you hold those responsible accountable.
Accidents happen across all industries. Some law firms specialize in the types of cases they handle, while others handle a broader range. While not comprehensive, this overview covers many of the more common types of cases a personal injury lawyer might handle.
Motor vehicle accidents are one of the most common personal injury cases. Each year thousands are killed, and millions are injured in these types of accidents. In 2022, a total of 42,514 people died in motor vehicle accidents with more than 1.6 million crashes resulting in injuries.
Other types of motor vehicle accidents include:
Motor vehicle accidents tend to occur because someone isn’t following the rules of the road or they are driving carelessly.
Accidents caused by a dangerous or defective condition on someone’s property are referred to as “premises liability.” These accidents can happen on commercial properties, private property (i.e., a neighbor’s home), or a public place such as a swimming pool.
Premises Liability holds property owners legally responsible for accidents that occur on their property due to unsafe conditions.
Slip and fall accidents are common premises liability cases.
Other types of premises liability cases could include:
Wrongful DeathAny type of personal injury can become a wrongful death if the victim dies from the injury. Wrongful death is the basis for a lawsuit against those who caused your loved one’s death due to carelessness and/or negligence. Many come from car and truck accidents, nursing home neglect, construction or industrial accidents, defective products, and more.
While less common, product liability claims arise when someone suffers injury from a dangerous product due to:
Dangerous and defective products can cause serious injuries at home, in the workplace, or in a public venue and include things such as dangerous drugs, defective vehicle parts, defective medical devices, and toxic materials. Product liability law provides a legal recourse for victims of defective products to be compensated for their injuries.
Responsible parties can be individuals, businesses, or government entities who sold, designed, manufactured, or marketed a dangerous or defective product.
According to the National Safety Council, a worker is injured on the job every seven seconds. While workplace accidents are typically covered by Workman’s Compensation, there are instances when a personal injury claim may be pursued, such as when the injury is caused by a third party’s negligence.
Unfortunately, businesses can be negligent when it comes to the safety of workers. Accidents involving heavy equipment can be devastating and a victim’s opportunity to earn a living can be severely impacted.
Dog Bites & Attacks
Dog bites can cause serious injuries, especially for children. Because of their height, children typically suffer facial and neck injuries from a dog attack, which often require reconstructive or cosmetic surgery and long-term medical treatment.
In most cases, the owner of a dog is financially responsible; however, the laws can vary from state to state. Missouri uses what is called the “strict liability” rule vs. the “one bite” rule. Learn more about “strict” liability versus “one bite” liability.
Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect
Our population is aging. Data from the US Census Bureau projects that 95 million Americans will be aged 65 or older by 2060; with an expectation that by 2030, 1.9 million seniors will need nursing home care.
According to the National Council on Aging, elder abuse is a silent problem in which one in 10 Americans aged 60+ have experienced in some form: physical, mental/emotional, sexual, and basic neglect.
Personal injury law lets an injured person obtain compensation when someone else’s wrongful conduct (negligence or intentional) causes harm.
Have you been seriously injured in a motor vehicle accident, a slip and fall, or some other accident in which you suffered serious injuries due to another’s negligence? Call Nash & Franciskato at (877) 284-6600 . We have a successful track record of helping accident victims collect the compensation they deserve.
One of our experienced staff will speak with you personally and will provide you with a free, no-obligation review of your case.
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Past results afford no guarantee of future results and each case is different and is judged on its own merits. The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements.
Editor’s Note: This blog was originally written and published on June 20, 2023; it was reviewed for content and accuracy on January 116, 2025, and republished at that time.
