5 Reasons You May Need A Personal Injury Attorney
While no one wants to believe that they could be the victim of a serious accident causing injury or death, personal injury attorneys like Hagen Rosskopf are available to help injured parties receive the compensation they deserve. Personal injury attorneys help victims claim the money they need for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and the emotional trauma that comes along with enduring such a difficult time in their lives.
Hagen Rosskopf explains some of the most common types of cases that a personal injury law firm may handle, describing the types of injuries that could occur.
Slip and Fall Accidents
One of the most damaging types of accidents that victims may have to endure is the slip and fall accident. Slips and falls can happen anywhere, from a grocery store with a wet floor to a sidewalk that is obstructed or not properly shoveled in the wintertime.
Slip and fall accidents could lead to bruising, broken bones, joint problems, head injuries, and in extreme cases, could lead to death. After a victim has been injured, even if it seems minor, it is vital to see a doctor and have their injuries documented.
Auto Accidents
Another type of accident that causes a great deal of injury and death each year is the auto accident. Whether a victim is riding in a car, riding a bicycle, or is a pedestrian, there is a great possibility of serious injury. In 2019, 4.4 million people were seriously injured in motor vehicle accidents and required medical attention. Another 38,800 people lost their lives.
The reasons for auto accidents may include intoxication with alcohol or drugs, driver inexperience, slippery road conditions, and aggressive driving. Each of these types of accident deserves a different approach from the personal injury attorney. It is wise to choose an attorney with a great deal of experience dealing with all kinds of auto accidents.
Workplace Accidents
Many workplaces have serious potential for employee injuries. Often, workers’ compensation programs need to be monitored by an outside attorney. Slips, trips, and falls are some of the leading causes of death in the workplace, followed by crushing, transportation incidents, and contact with equipment and objects. Chemical hazards are another serious problem in the workplace and can happen when chemicals are not properly stored or handled with employees using insufficient PPE or personal protection equipment.
Animal Bites
Animal bites are another area where personal injury law comes into play. Any animal has the potential to bite and cause injuries, not only the popularly known breeds like pit bulls and pit bull mixes. If an animal owner does not secure their pet behind a fence or on a leash, they may be liable for injuries the animal causes.
According to the CDC, 4.7 million dog bites happen each year. Half of these bites are suffered by children under the age of 12. Each year, 800,000 dog bites require medical care. An average of 31 people each year die as a result of a dog bite.
Contrary to popular belief, victims generally know the dog that bit them. The three most dangerous breeds in terms of injury statistics are the pit bull, Rottweiler, and husky.
Pet owners need to understand that they can be sued at any time if their animals are out of their control. Most pet owners are responsible, but the few pet owners who do not take proper care of their animals are responsible for the most injuries.
Medical Malpractice
Another major type of injury covered by personal injury attorneys is medical malpractice. While most doctors are operating in good faith and are qualified to treat patients, others put their patients at risk through their negligence and inexperience. Malpractice can occur during childbirth, around misdiagnoses of illnesses, and when a doctor does not adequately treat an injury, among many other cases.
Doctors do carry significant insurance policies covering medical malpractice, but a personal injury attorney is often needed to make sure the victim actually receives compensation from the fund. A medical malpractice claim can damage a doctor’s reputation as well as their bottom line.
Personal Injury Lawyers Work for You
Personal injury attorneys like Hagen Rosskopf are dedicated to achieving generous settlements for their clients. When a person is the victim of an accident that is not their fault, they should be given every consideration necessary to make sure that they are compensated.