The term “Personal injury” is a legal term that defines cases in which a person is harmed by another person or entity. Personal injury cases are generally and always based on claims of negligence. A defendant in a personal injury case is not often accused of malice or evil intention, but rather carelessness or disregard of the safety of others.
By pursuing a personal injury claim, injury victims aim to hold the people who harmed them accountable for their actions and recover compensation for the resulting damages that have harmed them.
What Types of Cases Qualify as Personal Injury Claims?
A personal injury claim may be an option in any instance of harm caused by another person’s negligence. There are a variety of incidents or accidents that can be the subject of a case.
The following types of incidents are considered as personal injury cases:
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Dog bites
- Premises liability
- Product liability
- Workplace injuries
- Wrongful death
Personal Injury or Criminal Defence
It is possible for the same case to be the subject of a personal injury claim and a criminal defence case, hence causing confusion. In some instances, such as in a case of a drunken driving accident, negligence is considered criminal in nature. However, personal injury and criminal defence claims would be two separate legal proceedings altogether. Personal injury cases, if successful, ralwaysesult in the recovery of compensation for financial damages. Criminal cases are conducted in the pursuit of some kind of punishment, which may include fines or jail time, and are different.
Personal injury such as torts or allegations surrounding psychological damage can also be caused to the plaintiff in such cases and hence ElDabe Ritter Trial Lawyers suggest such cases to be dealt with immediate urgency by finding a proper personal injury attorney who can help with the entire process as a whole.
The Type of Benefits that Can be Recovered through a Personal Injury Claim
A successful personal injury claim may result in a settlement or in any in-trial verdict. The end goal of most of such cases is to recover compensation to cover the damages that resulted from the injury that took place. Whether the compensation is allotted through a lump sum or periodic payments, the intention is to provide to the victims for their current and future expenses.
Personal injury plaintiffs may be entitled to get compensated for the following:
- Medical bills
- Transportation costs
- Lost wages
In some cases, injury victims are able to receive compensation for non-financial damages. Coverage for pain and suffering and any punitive damages are two types of compensation that a victim may be able to recover. The impact of pain and suffering is not amount worthy, so attorneys and judges must attempt to arrive at a conclusion they believe is just. Punitive damages, which are meant to be a penalty for the defendant’s actions, are always rare. Additional compensation may be added to a settlement or verdict as a consequence in severe cases of negligence.
