Different kinds of situations can give rise to personal injury lawsuits. One party’s intentional or negligent act may harm another party. However, not every case where a person has sustained injury will lead to liability. Personal injury law allows an injured individual the opportunity to press charges and get compensation. Here are common types of personal injury cases:

Auto Accident Cases

Auto accidents give rise to the majority of personal injury lawsuits in the United States. 2016 data estimates that almost 40,000 people lost their lives in auto accidents. Usually, these accidents occur because a person does not follow the rules or has not been driving as carefully as they should.

A careless driver may be liable and held financially responsible for injuries that occur during the accident. In some “no faults” states, drivers collect from their insurance companies except in cases where the injury is severe.

Medical Malpractice

If a medical professional or such other health care professional fails to provide reasonably skilled care, a patient may suffer harm. A medical malpractice claim can arise, and the patient may receive compensation. Medical malpractice cases can be complex; it is best if a person hires a lawyer for representation.

Slip and Fall Cases

Property owners have a legal obligation to ensure that their premises are reasonably safe and free of hazards. People who slip or fall and sustain injuries while legally on the property may sue the owner. But not all injuries occurring on the property may lead to liability.

The nature of duty a property owner or landowner has may be different in each situation. The law in the state where the injury happens determines the exact nature of a property owner’s duty. Slip and fall lawsuits are based on premises liability laws.

Animal Bites

Most of the time, the owner of an animal such as a dog that bites and injures another person is financially responsible for such personal injury. The exact laws involved may vary from state to state. Sometimes, strict liability rules will apply even if the animal’s owner argues that their dog has not shown aggression in the past.

Some states have “one bite” rules — the dog owner only becomes liable if they ought to have known their dog was likely to bite. Such a law would apply where the dog has a history of bites.

Defective Products

Dangerous or defective products can harm consumers. A person who buys a product that fails to perform to expectation but causes no harm is not likely to succeed if they sue. Warranty will usually resolve such an issue. The consumer may also have the option to return such a product and get a refund. But a person who has sustained an injury after using a defective product may have a personal injury claim.

Personal injury cases can be complicated. It is advisable that an injured party uses the services of a competent lawyer. Experienced lawyers have dealt with different types of personal injury lawsuits. Such lawyers focus on winning their clients the best possible outcome in their specific situations.