What Kind of Cases Do Personal Injury Lawyers Handle?
December 29, 2021 | Personal Injury
Individuals sustain injuries all the time, but that does not necessarily mean that a personal injury lawsuit is relevant. However, anytime the negligent actions of another individual, entity, or business cause harm to another person, then the injured individual should be able to recover compensation for their losses. Here, we want to discuss the most common types of cases that Seattle personal injury lawyers handle.
Injuries Caused by Negligence
Personal injury claims arise when an individual sustains an injury as a result of the negligence of someone else. Negligence has a very specific meaning when it comes to personal injury law. There are four elements of negligence, which are briefly explained here:
- Duty. It must be established that the defendant owed the injured party a duty of care. This duty of care will look different depending on the situation. For example, property owners have a duty to ensure the safety of their premises. Drivers have a duty to ensure they operate their vehicles safely on the roadway.
- Breach. After our duty of care has been established, it must be shown that the defendant breached their duty of care owed to the defendant in some way. Again, a breach will look different depending on the situation at hand. A driver will have breached their duty of care if they operate while distracted by their phone. Property owners will have breached their duty of care if they fail to repair broken stairs promptly.
- Causation. An injured party must establish that the breach of duty led directly to their injuries.
- Damages. Finally, an injured party must show that they suffered some sort of monetary loss as a result of the injury. This can include medical expenses, lost wages, property damage expenses, and more.
Types of Injury Claims Handled by Personal Injury Lawyers
Personal injury lawyers in Washington handle a wide range of types of claims. This includes, but is not limited to, the following:
Vehicle Accidents
Vehicle accidents are a leading cause of injuries and deaths across Washington. Personal injury lawyers handle all types of vehicle accidents, including incidents involving regular passenger vehicles as well as accidents involving commercial motor vehicles, such as semi-trucks. In addition to these incidents, personal injury lawyers also handle accidents involving motorcycles, pedestrians, bicyclists, scooters, etc.
Premises Liability
Premises liability incidents arise when the actions of a property owner lead the injuries for those who have the right to be on the property. This can include slip and fall incidents, dog bite incidents, inadequate security, and more.
Defective Products
Companies have a duty to ensure that their products are safe for individuals to use and consume. If a defective product causes an injury or illness, an individual may be able to file a lawsuit against the alleged negligent company or manufacturer.
Medical Malpractice
When the negligent actions of a medical professional cause an injury or illness to a patient, then the patient may be able to file a medical malpractice lawsuit in order to recover compensation for their losses. The impact of medical malpractice can range siginificantly, including certain types of cerebral palsy, to wrongful death.
Intentional Torts
There are times when the intentional conduct of an individual causes harm to others, including assaults. When this happens, the injured parties may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against the individual who caused the injury.
Contact an Attorney
If you or somebody you care about has sustained an injury caused by the actions of another individual or entity, reach out to a Washington personal injury lawyer immediately. An attorney can investigate the claim, gather any evidence needed to prove liability, and help you with your insurance claim or at a personal injury trial if necessary.