What Types Of Cases Do Personal Injury Lawyers Handle?
Most people tend to think of car accidents when they consider hiring a personal injury lawyer. It’s understandable and common that motor vehicle accidents happen everywhere at any time. But the real question is broader and, honestly, worth thinking about carefully: what types of cases do personal injury lawyers handle? You might be surprised to learn that personal injury law is much more than car accidents.
I was chatting over coffee with a friend who didn’t know that personal injury attorneys could help in cases such as a dog bite or even a fall on a badly maintained sidewalk. You know what else? It’s more common than you think — most people don’t even know their rights until they’re in a bad situation. Let’s go through it together. We’ll go over some of the main areas in which personal injury attorneys, such as Jeanette Secor ,PA Attorney at Law, can help.
Contact Us Today!
(727) 822-8818
Motor Vehicle Accidents
This is the one almost everyone thinks of first when wondering what types of cases do personal injury lawyers handle. The category are included in car accidents, truck collisions, and motorcycle crashes. It’s not limited to cars. All accidents, whether they are bicycle accidents, pedestrian injuries, or rideshare accidents such as Uber and Lyft, fall under this umbrella.
These cases are made more difficult (and exhausting) by the fact that insurance companies don’t want to pay out compensation. I’ve seen friends put through a lot of pain trying to deal with adjusters who look for reasons to deny or reduce a claim.
A good personal injury attorney doesn’t only help with paperwork. A good personal injury lawyer is often necessary for gathering evidence (think photographs, witness reports, police reports) and negotiating with insurance companies who may seem nice at first, but change their tone quickly when money is on the line. The longer you wait, the harder it is to pull everything together. It becomes increasingly difficult to gather everything together the longer you wait. The importance of time cannot be overstated.
Premises Liability
Have you ever slipped on a grocery store’s wet floor and thought, “Well, accidents happen”? Yes, accidents do happen. Accidents can happen when a property owner has not taken reasonable steps to correct a hazardous condition or warn the public about it. That’s exactly where premises liability comes in — and it’s another key answer to the question, what types of cases do personal injury lawyers handle?
It’s not just grocery stores that are liable for accidents. Accidents can occur in apartment complexes as well as office buildings, restaurants, and even private homes. For example, if someone falls because of poor lighting or a broken rail, this could be a premises liability claim.
What I find interesting (and frustrating to victims) is how murky the rules can be. You may be treated differently by the law depending on whether or not you are an invited guest, customer, trespasser, etc. It can be helpful to have a lawyer who understands the differences between liability and responsibility.
Product Liability
Here’s a category that’s a little less obvious but just as important when considering what types of cases do personal injury lawyers handle: product liability. Imagine purchasing a power tool that malfunctions or a household device that overheats, causing burns. Maybe a child’s toy breaks and causes injury.
The injuries that we are talking about are far more common than many of us think. Defective products are still on the market despite regulations. It can be a design defect, a manufacturing mistake or misleading instructions.
These cases are not easy. These companies have legal teams and deep pockets to defend themselves. It is important to have an attorney who has experience with product liability cases. Jeanette Secor, PA Attorney at Law, can help victims through this process by gathering expert opinions and evidence.
Contact Us Today!
(727) 822-8818
Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice. It’s one of those things where people feel helpless, and with good reason. We place a great deal of trust in doctors, nurses, and hospitals when we seek their care. Mistakes do happen. They can have a life-changing impact or even be fatal.
If you’re wondering what types of cases do personal injury lawyers handle, medical malpractice is definitely one of them. This includes medical malpractice, surgical errors, wrong diagnoses, improper treatments, medication mistakes, and failures to warn patients of risks.
I heard about a neighbor relative who underwent surgery and discovered later that a surgical tool was left in their body. Unimaginable, right? Unfortunately, it is not uncommon. The cases are often complex in nature and difficult to win, as medical professionals and insurers do not readily admit their fault. It is vital to hire a personal injury attorney who has experience in obtaining the medical records and expert testimony needed to prove negligence.
Workers’ Compensation Claims
Sometimes we forget that what types of cases do personal injury lawyers handle also includes helping injured workers navigate the workers’ compensation system. The process of claiming benefits for an injured worker should be simple. In reality, how does it work? But it’s not always the case.
Insurance companies and employers may delay or dispute payments. An attorney can help workers receive the compensation they deserve, including medical expenses, lost income, and future compensation in cases of long-term disability. Most people are unaware of the stress that these disputes can cause on top an already stressful injury.
Assault and Sexual Assault Civil Claim
Accidents are not the only cause of personal injury claims. Assaults, whether sexual or physical, are crimes. However, they can also lead to civil lawsuits. If you’re asking what types of cases do personal injury lawyers handle, civil claims related to assault deserve a place on that list.
It can be difficult for victims of these cases to deal with emotionally complicated and sensitive situations. The issue is not only compensation (although that’s important, especially in the case of medical bills and therapies). Filing a civil suit is not just about compensation (though that’s important, especially for medical bills and therapy).
An experienced personal injury attorney who has handled these cases can help victims navigate the legal process and fight for their rights.
Wrongful death
A heartbreaking but important part of what types of cases do personal injury lawyers handle is wrongful death claims. If a death is caused by another person’s negligence, such as a car crash, medical error, or unsafe property, surviving family members may be entitled to compensation.
A lawsuit cannot compensate for the death of a loved one. It goes without saying. Compensation can ease the financial burden, which often follows. It will cover funeral costs, lost income and other costs. Sometimes, bringing a negligent person to justice can provide closure.
The Importance Of Legal Representation
If you’re still asking yourself what types of cases do personal injury lawyers handle, I think it’s fair to say the answer is broad and nuanced. Personal injury law is a broad field that touches all aspects of life, often when people are at their most vulnerable.
It is important to hire the right lawyer. Not all lawyers have experience in these areas. At Jeanette Secor PA Attorney At law, we understand that each case and client is unique. Our approach is not cookie-cutter. We are here to help you, whether you have been hurt in a car crash, injured at work, affected a product that is dangerous, or grieving the loss of a loved one.
Final Thoughts
So, what types of cases do personal injury lawyers handle? Most people don’t realize how many different types of cases personal injury lawyers handle. It’s not just motor vehicle accidents. There are also premises liability claims, defective products, medical negligence, workers’ compensation, civil assault actions, wrongful deaths, etc.
It’s important to seek help if you have been injured or are reading this article for someone you love. If you are unsure if your situation is a personal injury claim, talking to an attorney will help clarify the issue. We at Jeanette Secor PA, Attorney At law offer our guidance with compassion and determination. We understand that behind each case there is a person who wants to move on, heal and get back to normal.
This is perhaps the most important thing to remember. Personal injury law is not just about the law. It’s also about people. Their struggles, their stories and, yes, even their rights.