Did you know that around 334,000 people each year are itted to emergency departments across the U.S. due to dog bite injuries?
So says the American Veterinary Medical Association. It adds that an additional 466,000 are attended to in other medical environments.
Dog bites serious enough to cause considerable harm can present sufficient grounds for a personal injury claim. While some victims aren’t seriously hurt, there’s always the possibility of infection, rabies, and other serious outcomes that can be life-threatening.
Your best bet, if bitten, is to seek medical attention so you have proof of the injuries and the extent of the harm caused. After doing so, ing a personal injury lawyer is a good idea. That’s especially true if you face medical bills or must take time off work to tend to your wounds.
A personal injury lawyer can examine your situation and determine whether there’s enough evidence to justify pursuing a claim.
But dog bites aren’t the only possible personal injuries to be mindful of. There are, unfortunately, many other types of personal injuries. What follows is a look at five types to be aware of.
1. Motor Vehicle Accident Cases
Arguably the best-known and most common type of personal injury case is the vehicle-accident variety. Millions of collisions occur annually, and some of these fender benders can result in injuries and property damage.
If involved in an accident as a driver, enger, or pedestrian, you will want to get checked out by a doctor. Compensation from a personal injury claim can help you pay for medical treatment, cover pain and suffering, and make up for lost income.
2. Workplace Accidents
The National Safety Council says there were 4.07 million work-related medically consulted injuries in 2023. So, as you can see, workplace mishaps are far from uncommon.
Whether construction accidents, repetitive stress injuries, or industrial accidents, workplace accidents are no joke. They can require taking time off work for surgery, treatment, and physiotherapy.
3. Wrongful Death
A wrongful death occurs when someone’s negligence leads to the death of another. It can happen because of medical malpractice, car collisions, or other situations.
Wrongful deaths can be especially heart-wrenching since the victims of such situations are dead, and their families are left to file wrongful death cases on behalf of the deceased victims.
4. Slip, Trip, and Falls
When someone loses their balance and falls, they’re fortunate if all they hurt is their pride. The National Safety Council reports that 46,653 people in 2022 ed away due to falls at work or at home.
Trips, slips, and falls can occur more easily than you might think. Uneven surfaces and wet floors, for instance, can increase the odds of people losing their balance.
5. Product Liability
Yet another type of personal injury lawsuit involves product liability. Consumers can pursue legal action against manufacturers, retailers, and distributors for injuries caused by defective products.
There are some exceptions to be aware of. For instance, if a product can be inherently dangerous — like a knife — you need to exercise caution when using it since there’s an assumption of risk. That defense won’t work, however, if the product, has a defect that causes harm.
These are some examples of personal injury cases to know about. If you find yourself in a situation where any of these cases apply, it’s a good idea to a personal injury lawyer.
It can be difficult to pick up the pieces after a personal injury that leaves you sitting on the sidelines. But getting compensation, should you qualify for it, can help you to focus more on getting better and less on finding the money to get the required assistance.
