When most people think of personal injury lawyers, they typically picture someone representing clients involved in car accidents. While motor vehicle accidents make up a significant portion of personal injury cases, these legal professionals handle a wide variety of surprising cases that extend far beyond the road.
From slip-and-fall accidents to animal bites, personal injury lawyers are skilled in addressing numerous types of injuries and accidents. This article explores some of the lesser-known cases that personal injury lawyers handle and why these cases are just as important as the typical car accident claim.
1. Slip and Fall Accidents
One of the most common yet overlooked cases personal injury lawyers handle involves slip and fall accidents. These incidents occur when someone trips, slips, or falls due to hazardous conditions on someone else’s property. Wet floors, uneven sidewalks, or inadequate lighting are just a few examples of conditions that can lead to these accidents.
Personal injury lawyers specializing in slip-and-fall cases help victims who sustain injuries due to someone else’s negligence. Property owners are legally responsible for maintaining a safe environment for their guests, and if they fail to do so, they can be held accountable. Injuries from slip and fall accidents can be severe, including broken bones, head injuries, or sprains, making it essential for victims to seek legal advice.
2. Dog Bites
Another surprising case that personal injury lawyers handle is dog bites. While dogs are often considered friendly pets, there are instances where they can cause harm. Dog owners are responsible for their pets’ actions, and if a dog bites someone, the owner may be held liable for the injury. In some cases, even if the dog has never bitten anyone before, the owner can be held accountable if they failed to take proper precautions to prevent the attack.
Dog bite injuries can range from minor scratches to severe lacerations or infections. Victims of dog bites may need medical treatment, which can result in hefty medical bills. Personal injury lawyers can assist in filing a claim for compensation to cover the medical expenses, emotional trauma, and pain and suffering that result from the attack.
3. Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice is another area where personal injury lawyers often step in. When healthcare professionals fail to meet the standard of care and cause harm to a patient, it can lead to serious consequences. Whether it’s a misdiagnosis, surgical error, or medication mistake, medical malpractice can result in life-altering injuries or even death.
In these cases, personal injury lawyers help victims hold negligent medical professionals accountable for their actions. These cases are often complex and require extensive investigation, including expert testimonies, to establish fault. A skilled personal injury lawyer can help victims navigate the legal process and seek compensation for their suffering.
4. Product Liability
Another surprising category of personal injury law is product liability. Manufacturers and sellers are required to ensure that their products are safe for consumers. However, defective products can cause harm to those who use them. Whether it’s a faulty car part, a dangerous toy, or a malfunctioning appliance, if a product causes injury, the manufacturer or seller may be held liable.
Personal injury lawyers handling product liability cases focus on helping victims seek compensation for injuries caused by defective or dangerous products. They work with experts to determine the cause of the defect and hold the responsible parties accountable. These cases are important because they not only provide compensation to victims but also help prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.
5. Workplace Accidents
While workers’ compensation is often associated with workplace injuries, personal injury lawyers can also play a vital role in some cases. If an injury occurs due to employer negligence or a third-party’s actions, workers may have grounds to pursue a personal injury claim in addition to or instead of workers’ compensation.
For instance, if a construction worker is injured because of faulty equipment or unsafe work conditions, a personal injury lawyer may be able to help them seek compensation beyond what workers’ compensation offers. In these cases, employers or third parties who were negligent may be held responsible for their actions.
6. Assault and Battery Cases
Although not traditionally thought of as personal injury cases, assault and battery claims are another area where personal injury lawyers can help. These cases involve an intentional act of harm, such as physical violence or the threat of violence. While criminal charges are often pursued in assault cases, personal injury lawyers may also represent victims in civil cases to seek damages for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
Victims of assault and battery can face long-term consequences, both physically and mentally. A personal injury lawyer can help them navigate the legal system and obtain the compensation they deserve.
7. Wrongful Death
One of the most tragic types of cases personal injury lawyers handle is wrongful death. This type of claim arises when someone dies due to the negligence or wrongful actions of another party. Common causes of wrongful death include car accidents, medical malpractice, and workplace accidents. Surviving family members can seek compensation for their loss, including funeral expenses, loss of income, and emotional distress.
A Scranton personal injury attorney can help guide families through the legal process during such a difficult time, providing them with the support they need to seek justice for their loved one.
Conclusion
While car accidents are a common focus for personal injury lawyers, they handle a wide array of cases that extend far beyond the road. Whether it’s slip-and-fall accidents, dog bites, or wrongful death claims, personal injury lawyers are crucial in helping victims seek compensation for their injuries and suffering. If you or someone you know is dealing with an injury caused by someone else’s negligence, don’t hesitate to consult with a Scranton personal injury attorney to explore your legal options.
