Personal injuries can happen to anyone at any time. According to a survey by the National Safety Council, approximately 63 million injuries occur each year that require medical consultation. While some are minor, others can be much more severe, resulting in thousands of dollars in medical bills and lost wages. It’s essential to understand your legal rights and options for such cases.
John Redmann, an experienced personal injury attorney in Metairie, LA, discusses the most common personal injury claims and why it is crucial to hire a lawyer to get the compensation you deserve:
Most Common Types of Personal Injury Claims
- Motor Vehicle Accidents: This is one of the most common causes of personal injury, with around 12 million car crashes each year, according to Statista. Typical injuries include whiplash, broken bones, spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injury, and more. An attorney can help recover medical expenses, property damage, lost income, and pain and suffering.
- Premises Liability: Property owners are responsible for maintaining safe conditions for people on their property. According to the National Floor Safety Institute, slips and falls account for over 1 million hospital emergency room visits annually. Other examples include poor lighting, unsecured rugs, broken stairs, inadequate security, dangerous conditions in common areas, etc. Proper legal advice is critical for premises liability cases.
- Medical Malpractice: When a doctor, nurse, technician, or other medical professional provides improper treatment that leads to injury or illness, the patient may have a malpractice claim. Typical examples are surgical errors, medication errors, misdiagnoses of illness, and more. These cases require thorough investigation and expert testimony to prove negligence.
Key Reasons to Hire a Personal Injury Attorney
- Navigating the Legal System: The law contains complex procedural rules for personal injury cases. An experienced personal injury attorney knows how to file paperwork properly, collect evidence, meet deadlines, and handle other case logistics. Handling the legal process alone can jeopardize your ability to recover compensation.
- Dealing with Insurance Companies: Insurance providers have teams of lawyers working to minimize payouts. They may dispute liability, undervalue claims, delay payments, and deny valid claims altogether. A personal injury lawyer levels the playing field and deals with the insurer so you can focus on recovery.
- Making Your Personal Injury Case Effectively: Proving liability and damages requires strategic preparation and presentation of evidence. A personal injury attorney can gather police reports, medical records, witness statements, expert opinions, and other documentation to prove your case. They also have courtroom experience for trial, if necessary.
- Obtaining Full Compensation: Besides medical bills, personal injury damages can include lost income, property damage, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, disability, and more. An experienced personal injury lawyer will seek complete compensation you are owed under the law through settlement negotiations or trial.
- Avoiding Costly Errors: Handling a personal injury case involves strict deadlines, intricate legal knowledge, and strategic decisions. A misstep could severely undermine your claim. A personal injury attorney helps avoid potential mistakes so your rights are protected.
With the proper legal guidance, personal injury victims can obtain fair compensation to cover damages suffered due to another party’s negligence.
Thorough investigation, skillful negotiation, and persistence are required when dealing with insurance companies and complex legal rules. Before providing any recorded statement or signing any documents, consult an experienced personal injury attorney regarding your situation and options. A personal injury attorney can handle your case professionally so you can focus on healing and getting your life back on track.
