Also known as tort law, personal injury law enables those who have been hurt due to someone else’s negligence to recover compensation for their damages and losses. There are many situations in which a personal injury claim may come about, but it’s important to keep in mind that just because you’ve been injured it doesn’t mean someone else is automatically liable. The personal injury lawyers at Thomas, Conrad & Conrad explain the most common types of claims.
Car Accident Injuries
The majority of personal injury claims in the United States involve motor vehicle accidents. Speeding, distracted driving, and failing to follow other rules of the road are common causes of serious collisions and injuries. Accidents involving tractor-trailers and other commercial vehicles can be particularly devastating and often cause catastrophic injuries and fatalities. Depending on the circumstances and insurance laws of the state where an accident occurred, a careless motorist may be financially liable for damages. Personal injury attorneys typically handle all types of motor vehicle accident cases, including those involving:
- Motorcycles
- Tractor-trailers
- Drunk drivers
- Dram shop claims
- Distracted driving
- Rideshare accidents
- Hit and run drivers
- Pedestrians
- Bicyclists
Premises Liability Cases
Premises liability claims are also very common in personal injury law. Property owners have a legal obligation to keep their premises safe and warn of hazards that may potentially lead to injury. Types of premises liability claims include:
- Slip, trip, and fall accidents
- Dog bites and animal attacks
- Injuries sustained at retail businesses, construction sites, amusement parks, and other public places
- Drowning and pool injuries
Whether a property owner or business is liable for damages depends on the specific circumstances of the incident. That’s why it’s always a good idea to contact a lawyer who can evaluate your case and advise you of your options for recovering compensation.
Nursing Home Abuse And Neglect
Protecting elderly loved ones’ health and well-being is a top priority for many families. Unfortunately, too many nursing home residents suffer abuse and neglect at the hands of those who are supposed to care for them. If a loved one has been hurt due to nursing home abuse, holding responsible parties accountable can help them find the justice they deserve and prevent others from suffering a similar fate.
Wrongful Death
Although wrongful death claims aren’t technically considered personal injury, they are civil cases that can be brought by the loved ones or the estate of someone whose life was lost due to negligence or intentional harm.
What Is An Intentional Tort?
When someone’s intentional conduct causes harm, a victim may bring a civil claim against that person. Intentional torts often involve criminal prosecution as well. Intentional tort cases include assault and battery, sexual assault, fraud, false imprisonment, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. These types of civil claims are not as common as other personal injury cases.
Recovering Damages In Personal Injury Claims
Recovering compensation in a personal injury claim is rarely cut and dry. Insurance companies do whatever they can to deny claims or minimize settlement amounts. An experienced personal injury lawyer will know how to place an accurate value on your claim and won’t back down during negotiations with insurance adjusters. Although most claims are settled out of court, you also want an attorney who has experience litigating cases in the courtroom. An attorney may be able to help you recover damages for:
- Wage loss
- Past and future medical bills
- Loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of companionship and consortium
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Property damage
Hiring a lawyer can significantly increase your chances of recovering the full and fair compensation to which you may be entitled. Your attorney will be by your side every step of the way and can address any concerns or questions you may have. Personal injury lawyers work on contingency, which means you don’t pay a retainer and won’t owe attorney fees unless or until they recover compensation for you. The peace of mind that comes with having a professional in your corner is well worth it.
Contact An Accident Attorney To Learn More
Understanding what’s involved in a personal injury claim can help you make informed decisions about how to proceed if you’re injured in an accident. To schedule a free consultation with an attorney at Thomas, Conrad & Conrad, call us in Bath at 610-867-2900 or contact us online. We have additional locations in Allentown, Bath or Topton, PA. We fight for injured victims throughout the Lehigh Valley and the Pocono Mountains region.