What is a Personal Injury Claim?

Every day, we are affected by circumstances that we may have no control over. Even if we are are extremely careful, other people’s actions can lead to incidents that cause us harm. It could happen on the road, at work, at home, on someone else’s property, or in a public space. In the worst cases, the damage can be devastating resulting in severe injuries or property damage that can be hard to recover from.

This is where the field of personal injury law comes into play. If someone else’s actions are the cause of your injury, you may have the right to file a personal injury claim to recover damages that you suffered as a result of the incident. It could be negligence on the part of another person, or even complete recklessness that causes your injury. Either way, the result could be high medical bills, lost wages from an inability to work, property repair costs, and emotional suffering.

Knowing what your rights are is important if you want to secure your financial future after a severe injury ruins your outlook. It is also helpful for your physical recovery to know that you and your family will be taken care of after the incident.

Types of Personal Injury Claims

While some examples may be familiar to you, there are actually many forms of injury claims that victims could be entitled to pursue. Let’s take a look at some of the most common lawsuits that can occur.

Motor Vehicle Accident

Car crashes result in many personal injury claims when the accident is the fault of one party. Maybe the person did not stop at a red light or they made an illegal turn, causing the collision that led to your injury. In this case, you should get in touch with a car accident lawyer who can help you navigate the filing process. Other vehicles like boats and trucks can also result in a personal injury claim.

Dog Bite

If a dog owner does not adequately restrain their pet and they attack you, it is possible to file a dog bit lawsuit. You will have to prove that you did not behave in an aggressive manner or come onto the property uninvited, and you will have to demonstrate that the owner did not attempt to restrain the dog enough to prevent the attack.

Water Contamination

If you were exposed to toxic chemicals in your water supply as the result of an institution’s negligence, you could be entitled to compensation if you suffered adverse health effects. Residents of Camp LeJeune between 1953 and 1987 were exposed to contaminated water for years, causing many to develop certain cancers and other health conditions down the road. If this applies to you, contact a Camp LeJeune injury lawyer team to see if you have grounds for a lawsuit that could help cover any medical expenses and non-economic damages.

Defective Product

If a product that you have purchased malfunctions due to a defect in the production process and it causes an injury, you could file a defective product claim. As long as you can prove that user error was not involved in the incident, you could win a settlement and hold the company accountable for creating a dangerous product.

Why Hire a Lawyer?

Technically, you could file a personal injury claim yourself without the use of an attorney. But winning an injury lawsuit on your own is difficult. The legal procedures and details can be overwhelming, and the smallest misstep could ruin your chances of a fair settlement. Lawyers, on the other hand, provide several benefits that you need to understand.

Building a Strong Case

Lawyers know what makes compelling evidence. You need this data to prove that neglect or carelessness was involved in the incident, otherwise you will not be eligible for compensation. Working with legal professionals will strengthen your case since they know how to support your claim with powerful evidence. Badger State residents who went through such events always get advice from Wisconsin personal injury lawyers who understand the nuances of gathering critical evidence. Their expertise ensures that your case is backed by solid proof, increasing your chances of a favorable outcome.

Negotiation with Insurance

Insurance companies will always offer a low inital payout to avoid losing more money. Many victims, if unaided by a lawyer, will accept that offer even if it seriously undervalues the damages suffered. A legal representative will negotiate with the insurance company or guilty party to earn a fair settlement.

Following the Law

As mentioned before, you could say the wrong thing and completely undermine the entire claim, ruining your chances of earning compensation. A lawyer will guide you through the process and ensure that you are following all legal procedures without making any missteps. This is a critical component in any lawsuit.

Do Your Research

Still unsure if you may have experienced a personal injury that would be eligible for compensation? Do the research to find out. You can always call a law firm that specializes in personal injury to find out if you might qualify, and many of them offer free consultations for your case. Never assume that you do not meet the requirements for a case because you could miss out on protecting your financial outlook.