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The main categories of personal injury claim, and what each one involves
The main categories of personal injury claim, and what each one involves
Personal injuries happen in countless ways. This page sets out the main categories of injury claim so you can find the one that matches your situation and read a plain-English guide to how it works. PersonalInjuryAttys.com is an information resource, not a law firm.
Car accidents are the most common type of personal injury claim. Whether you were hit by a distracted driver, involved in a rear-end collision, T-boned at an intersection, or hurt in a highway pile-up, you may have a claim. Motor vehicle claims include:
Accidents involving semi-trucks, 18-wheelers, and other commercial vehicles often result in catastrophic injuries due to the massive size difference between trucks and passenger vehicles. These cases are complex, frequently involving multiple liable parties including the truck driver, trucking company, and maintenance providers. Common causes include:
Motorcycle riders are extremely vulnerable on the road. Even with helmets and protective gear, motorcyclists face a much higher risk of serious injury or death in a collision. Unfortunately, bias against motorcyclists can make insurance claims more difficult, which is one reason riders are often advised to get an attorney involved early. Common motorcycle accident scenarios include:
Property owners have a legal duty to maintain safe conditions for visitors. When they fail to address hazards and someone is injured as a result, they can be held liable through a premises liability claim. Slip and fall injuries can be surprisingly severe, especially for older adults. Common causes include:
When healthcare providers fail to meet the accepted standard of care, the consequences can be devastating. Medical malpractice cases require specialised legal and medical knowledge, and normally an expert in the same specialty to give an opinion on the standard of care. Common types of medical malpractice include:
While workers' compensation covers many workplace injuries, there are situations where you may be entitled to additional compensation through a personal injury lawsuit — particularly when a third party's negligence contributed to your injury or when your employer acted with gross negligence. Common workplace injury cases include:
The loss of a loved one due to someone else's negligence or intentional act is devastating. A wrongful death lawsuit cannot undo the tragedy, but it can provide financial security for surviving family members and hold the responsible party accountable. Wrongful death claims can arise from:
Compensation may include funeral and burial expenses, loss of income and benefits, loss of companionship and support, and the pain and suffering of the deceased before death.
Read the full wrongful death guide → Read the guide →Dog bite injuries can cause serious physical harm, scarring, infection, and emotional trauma. In most states, dog owners are legally responsible for injuries their pets cause, regardless of whether the dog has bitten anyone before. Dog bite cases may involve:
When a defective or dangerous product causes injury, the manufacturer, distributor, or seller may be held responsible. Product liability claims cover design defects, manufacturing defects, and failures to warn — from faulty vehicle parts and dangerous drugs to defective household appliances and children's products.
Read the full product liability guide → Read the guide →Personal injury covers more situations than the ones listed here. If you are unsure whether you have a claim, speak to a licensed attorney — use your state or local bar association's lawyer referral service.
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