Personal injury cases usually arise when an individual suffers harm due to either the negligence or intentional actions of another party.
There are a number of different scenarios which could result in a personal injury case. Whether you are a victim of a personal injury trying to figure out what your settlement will look like, or a professional looking to avoid getting involved personal injury cases, having a good understanding of the common types of personal injury cases, and their settlement outcomes, is useful for a number of reasons. This article aims to set out some of the most common types of personal injury cases and what their settlement outcomes usually look like.
In most of the cases below, settlements can be substantial and will cover large amounts that you may have had to pay in medical costs or that you lost in wages. Pre-settlement funding may be a good option to explore if you are struggling to make ends meet while your case is ongoing. Have a look at Rockpoint for pre-settlement funding options.
Car Accidents
Car accidents are one of the most common causes of personal injury claims. This is because they can result in a variety of injuries, ranging from whiplash to more severe traumatic injuries. Settlements in car accident cases depend on a number of factors such as the extent of injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and liability issues.
Typical settlements in these can range from a small to large amounts depending on a number of factors. Things like the severity of the injuries play a significant role in determining the final settlement amount.
Slip and Falls
Slip and fall accidents occur when individuals slip or trip on another party’s property due to hazardous conditions. Conditions such as wet floors, uneven surfaces, or bad lighting are generally the culprits in these cases.
Cases involving slip and fall accidents often require the victim to prove that the property owner has been negligent in maintaining safe premises. Settlements in slip and fall cases will vary based on factors such as the severity of injuries, contributory negligence, and liability issues. Settlements may cover medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice occurs when healthcare professionals fail to provide a specified standard level of care which results in harm to patients. Examples of medical malpractice include things like negligent errors made in surgery, misdiagnosis, medication errors, and birth injuries.
These types of cases are highly complex and require extensive evidence in order to establish negligence. Settlements in medical malpractice cases are generally substantial and will likely cover both past and future medical expenses, lost earning capacity, pain and suffering, and punitive damages in some instances.
Product Liability
Product liability cases arise when individuals are injured by products that are defective or dangerous. This can include defects in design, manufacturing, or marketing. For example, if you sell a product that has nuts in but you don’t advertise it as such
Product liability settlements may involve compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. In some cases, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the responsible parties and deter similar conduct in the future.
Dog Bites
Dog bite injuries are relatively common and can result in severe physical and emotional trauma, particularly when children are involved. Depending on what jurisdiction you are in, it is possible that dog owners can be held liable for injuries caused by their pets.
Settlements in dog bite cases may be slightly smaller than the above examples and will likely cover things like medical expenses, reconstructive surgery, psychological counseling, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Workplace Injuries
Workplace injuries can occur in various workplace settings, including construction sites, offices, and factories. In these cases, workers’ compensation laws typically come into play. These laws provide injured workers with benefits regardless of who was at fault.
If, however, a third party (such as a contractor or equipment manufacturer) is responsible for the injury, the injured worker may pursue a personal injury claim against that party. Settlements in workplace injury cases generally include compensation for things like medical expenses, lost wages, disability benefits, vocational rehabilitation, and pain and suffering.
Wrongful Death
Wrongful death claims arise when individuals die as a result of another party’s negligence or intentional actions and are usually brought by relatives of an individual. These cases can arise from car accidents, medical malpractice, workplace accidents, or other incidents.
Settlements in wrongful death cases are slightly different in that they aim to compensate surviving family members for damages such as funeral expenses, loss of financial support, loss of companionship, and emotional distress.
Personal injury cases encompass a wide range of scenarios, each with unique considerations and factors. Settlements also vary based on the result of the injury suffered.
Things like the severity of injuries, liability issues, and the effectiveness of legal representation are all contributing factors when it comes to settlement. Understanding the common types of personal injury cases and the potential settlement outcomes is essential for both victims seeking compensation and legal professionals advocating on their behalf.
Source: Rockpoint Legal Funding
