Hundreds of thousands of personal injury claims are filed every single year, and some cases result in huge settlements. Those who don’t prepare themselves for these legal proceedings often end up with unmanageable fines and fees. Here is a quick look at five of the most common personal injury claims and some steps that you can take if you are involved in one.
Product Liability
When products are released to the public, the manufacturers and distributors are legally responsible for making sure that they are safe and defect-free. Products that are inherently dangerous must be properly labeled as well. An injured party might have a good case if the product was defective or had inadequate warnings.
Medical Malpractice
These cases can become extremely complex, and you should never file a medical malpractice claim without assistance from an experienced Portland Oregon personal injury attorney. Most medical institutions have teams of attorneys that are ready to fight any medical malpractice claims against their clients. In order to win a medical malpractice case, you must prove that the defendant’s negligence directly resulted in injuries or a death.
Workplace Accidents
As soon as an employee is injured on the job, they must immediately file a workers’ compensation claim. Once that claim has been approved, the employee will be given financial assistance for a limited period of time. These claims generally evolve into civil cases when an employee is denied workers’ compensation.
Negligence Injuries
Also referred to as “slip and fall” accidents, negligence injuries can take place anywhere on private or public property. They are often the result of torn carpets, cracked flooring, spilled liquids, or inadequate safety equipment such as handrails. All business owners should have comprehensive premises liability insurance to cover some or all of the expenses associated with these claims.
Car Accidents
Around six million car accidents take place every year, and these collisions are caused by many different factors. That includes negligence, intoxication, distractions, and poor weather. While some accidents are settled outside of the courtroom, drivers should be wary of accepting any payout from an insurance company or private party without first speaking to an attorney.
Even if the case seems straightforward, a personal injury claim should never be taken lightly. These legal proceedings can escalate very quickly, and civil cases often turn individual’s life upside down.