Have you been injured in an accident? If so, it’s critical to know your legal rights. A personal injury claim is a formal process for individuals seeking compensation for injuries caused by the negligence of another person or entity. On what grounds do you base these claims?
Understanding what qualifies as sufficient evidence when making a personal injury claim can be confusing. However, understanding these basic principles will help understand how such cases proceed. Read on to learn how each element works together to make up a legitimate claim when injured from the negligent actions of others.
Common Types Of Personal Injury Cases
Typically, personal injury claims can arise from many different types of accidents or circumstances.
- Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice is a form of personal injury claim. It occurs when a medical provider fails to provide treatment that meets the standards of care and causes harm or death to the patient. Medical professionals must take responsibility for their mistakes and ensure they provide quality healthcare services with minimal risk as much as possible.
- Slip And Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents usually occur when someone trips or slips on an uneven or slippery surface due to the negligence of another party. Victims must prove that the person responsible acted negligently, leading directly to their injury. Establishing a valid claim for a slip and fall accident is vital.
- Wrongful Death
You can file a personal injury claim for wrongful death due to negligence or unlawful act. It allows surviving family members to seek compensation for their loss, including covering medical bills, funeral costs, and damages for mental anguish and emotional pain. You can also seek punitive damages if there’s proof that the negligent party acted recklessly.
- Product Liability
Product liability is a type of personal injury claim which involves injuries caused by defective products. It applies when the seller, manufacturer, or designer fails to include warnings about the potential risks of using their product.
You can base these claims on negligence and strict liability from manufacturers who fail to ensure the item is safe.
- Car Accident Injury
If you suffered injuries in a car accident, you might be eligible for compensation if you can prove the following conditions:
- Negligence of another driver
- Unsafe roadways or hazardous materials
- Defective vehicle parts or design flaws
In some cases, more than one party could potentially be held liable for an accident and thus responsible for any damage incurred by the victim.
Primary Grounds Of A Personal Injury Claim
You can use several grounds to establish legal liability in a personal injury claim. These include the following elements:
- Breach
In a personal injury claim, the plaintiff must prove that the defendant breached their legal duty of care. This breach can involve either an act or omission which caused harm to the plaintiff. Generally, it’s up to the plaintiff to prove that the defendant’s negligence causes their injuries.
The following three points are essential for proving a breach in a personal injury case:
- The defendant was responsible for taking reasonable steps to protect others from injuries.
- The defendant failed to fulfill this responsibility.
- The plaintiff suffered physical or emotional damage due to this failure.
To successfully argue breach in court, the plaintiff will need substantial evidence. It can include medical records, eyewitness testimonies, police reports, photos or videos, or other relevant documentation.
- Damages
Damages are a form of compensation for an injury caused by another’s negligent action or misconduct.
Here are some examples:
- Physical injuries, such as broken bones or whiplash
- Mental distress
- Financial losses due to medical bills
- Property damage
For a case to stand up in court, it must include evidence that proves the defendant inflicted harm, resulting in measurable damages.
- Causation
Causation is the element that links the defendant’s actions to the plaintiff’s injuries. The plaintiff must prove their injuries were caused by the defendant’s negligence or wrongful act. It requires providing evidence that establishes a causal connection between the defendant’s conduct and the harm suffered by the plaintiff.
The court will consider whether there are any intervening factors in determining liability for an injury. If another party acted independently of the defendant and caused some or all the damage, it could negate or reduce any damages awarded against them.
- Duty
You can base a personal injury claim due to a party’s breach of duty. The plaintiff must show that the defendant breached their legally recognized duty, which caused them harm or damage.
To establish a breach of duty, the plaintiff must prove these points:
- The defendant owes a legal obligation to the plaintiff
- The defendant violated that duty
- The plaintiff suffered an injury because of this violation
The standard for determining whether a legal duty exists depends on factors such as who owes it and what type of situation created it.
Conclusion
You can file personal injury claims on various factors. Understanding the common types of cases and damages you can seek before filing a claim is essential. Medical malpractice, slip and fall accidents, wrongful death, product liability, and breach of duty are all personal injury claims. These entitle claimants to compensation depending on the circumstances surrounding their case.
If someone else’s negligence or recklessness causes you injuries, it’s best to contact an experienced attorney. They can evaluate your situation and help determine whether you have grounds for a successful personal injury claim.