What Is Personal Injury?
You’ve probably heard the term “personal injury” (PI) before, but maybe you’re a little unsure what it means. Personal injury law can be complex, so here’s a look at what personal injury law is, what constitutes a personal injury, and how to make a claim.
What Is Personal Injury Law?
A personal injury is a type of injury sustained by an individual. As such, it’s treated differently from, say, damage to property.
Personal injury law is the set of rules which govern:
- What a personal injury is;
- When people can sue for personal injuries; and
- How much compensation they can claim.
Although many attorneys can assist with PI claims, only personal injury attorneys have the experience and knowledge to give you the best legal advice for your situation.
Are There Different Types of Personal Injury Cases?
Absolutely. You can claim for personal injuries resulting from various incidents, including:
- auto accidents
- accidents at work
- birth injuries
- faulty products
- medical malpractice
- occupational injury
Every personal injury case is unique, and an experienced PI attorney can explain what type of claim you may have.
How Do You Prove Personal Injury Cases?
To show there’s a personal injury claim, you must prove four things.
- Someone owed the victim a duty of care e.g. a doctor;
- The person breached this duty of care in some way e.g. missed diagnosis;
- The victim suffered injury due to the defendant’s negligence; and
- The victim sustained losses as a result of the injury and the defendant’s actions e.g. lost wages, medical bills.
If the victim dies as a result of their injuries, certain family members can claim on their behalf.
How Do You Make a Personal Injury Claim?
There are a few steps involved in making personal injury claims.
- First, consult an attorney who’ll advise if you have a case.
- If there’s sufficient evidence to claim compensation, your lawyer will start negotiations or file a lawsuit if there’s no settlement forthcoming.
- Normally, lawsuits should be filed within two years of the accident date.
Personal injury claims can take a while to settle depending on the issues involved. Most cases settle before they ever go to trial, but your attorney will explain the process in more detail so you know what to expect.
Do You Need an Attorney to Claim for Personal Injuries?
While you might want to negotiate matters yourself, it’s usually best to hire a PI attorney to represent you. At the Alexander Law Firm, we have a wealth of experience in handling personal injury cases, and we’re committed to securing the maximum amount of damages possible for our clients. We understand what evidence you’ll need to make your claim, and we can help you navigate the personal injury lawsuit process.
If you or a loved one is dealing with personal injuries, and you’re unsure whether you have a claim, call us to arrange a free consultation. Contact us today!