Whether you’ve actually been hurt in an accident recently or you want to plan ahead for these unlucky situations that you might find yourself in, it’s a good idea to have an emergency plan. You shouldn’t have to pay the price for someone else’s mistakes, on top of the emotional and physical strain you’ll have to undergo. That said, here are some of the most common personal injury cases and the best course of action to follow after suffering an injury.
What Do I Do?
Go to a Doctor
The first thing to do is to make sure you receive medical treatment as soon as possible. Seeing a medical professional is not only necessary for your well-being, but also to start documenting your injury. Check in with a doctor even if you don’t feel any pain, as you might not realize how hurt you are until it’s too late.
Tell your doctor everything that transpired, as this will be documented in your medical file. Be as thorough and as honest as possible.
Keep All Documents and Copies Safe
You should absolutely keep all documents, including medical records, appointments and treatment notes, police reports, attorney contracts, and any other document you think is relevant to the case. You don’t know what may become relevant or useful to your lawyer in building your case. Each state in the US, for instance, may have varying laws. So if you live in Lebanon, Virginia, then it only makes sense to contact a well know and reliable Lebanon personal injury lawyer to understand exactly what documents you might need, as the law differs from region to region. Regardless, it’s always better to have more than you need rather than less.
Lawyer Up
Find a good personal injury lawyer and talk to them. Once they begin dealing with your case, you’ll still have things to do, but getting an attorney will lessen the load you have to carry by quite a bit. Make sure to find a good, experienced lawyer who specializes in your type of case.
Most Common Injury Cases
1. Auto Accident Injuries
Car accidents are the most common type of personal injury case. People not paying attention to the road while operating a vehicle can cause serious and life-changing injuries. Depending on the factors at play, you might be able to take legal action.
Such factors include whether the driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol, disregarding rules, running a red light, or even driving while clearly distracted. This not only includes accidents involving cars but also motorcycles, tractor-trailers, as well as boats, though car crashes are much more common.
2. Slip and Falls
You most likely have seen a “Caution! Wet Floor” sign in a mall or other type of establishment. Slip and fall accidents are quite common. Visits to the emergency room due to this type of accident add up to over one million a year. If you suffer a slip and fall accident, the property owner will be held accountable for the negligence of not using these signs.
3. Workplace Accidents
Every job comes with its own set of occupational hazards, but some jobs are riskier than others. Some of the most frequently cited OSHA standards that are violated are fall protection, respiratory protection, ladders, as well as eye and face protection.
Although you might not work in construction, many of these accidents can also happen in office buildings. In these cases, you might be eligible for workers’ compensation. Generally, you won’t be able to file a personal injury claim against your employer, though you might be able to file one against a negligent third party.
4. Medical Malpractice
We put our lives into the hands of medical professionals to help us feel better, but doctors can sometimes cause serious issues for their patients. You might have heard of cases where surgeons forget tools in their patients’ stomachs, which is an example of medical malpractice. If your doctor doesn’t correctly diagnose, treat, or warn you of potential risks, you might be able to file a medical malpractice lawsuit against them.
5. Product Liability Case
If you’ve used a product that has somehow brought you harm or caused you to suffer injuries, it might count as a personal injury case. Products that are not appropriately labeled or that are actually harmful to humans to use should not be sent out into the market and if manufacturers do not take the necessary precautions to prevent this, they may be held liable.
6. Nursing Home Abuse
People pay good money to put their loved ones in good nursing homes, but it’s difficult to know what happens behind those doors. Nursing home residents can suffer from neglect or active abuse from the staff, and they might find it difficult to communicate this to their families due to the complications that come with old age. That’s why it’s so important for family members and other loved ones to be attentive to the signs of elderly abuse. Look for changes in mood or behavior, sudden financial difficulties, bruises, and other injuries that don’t seem to have a reasonable explanation. Reach out to elderly abuse attorneys right away for help If you suspect that an elderly individual in your life is being abused. With their experience in handling these delicate cases, they can provide the crucial support and guidance you need to get your loved one the justice and protection they deserve.
Suffering an injury can be traumatic and stressful, but you can make it through to the other side just fine. You don’t have to pay for someone else’s mistakes, and taking the right steps will ensure that this doesn’t happen. Follow the tips provided, seek the advice of an attorney and remember to stay calm throughout the process.
