Common Personal Injury Cases in Pennsylvania
Nov. 23, 2018
Common personal injury cases in Pennsylvania are brought about to compensate someone for medical bills and prescription medication, therapy, personal property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering or even wrongful death that occurred at the hands of an individual or company. Here are three common personal injury cases in Pennsylvania.
Automobile Accident Cases
Automobile accidents are a significant cause of personal injury cases in Pennsylvania. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, there were 128,188 reported traffic crashes last year, which claimed the lives of 1,137 people and injured another 80,612.
Injuries Suffered in Automobile Accidents
Many victims of automobile accidents suffer injuries such as loss of a limb, traumatic brain injuries or neck and spinal cord injuries that are so severe that they cannot return to work or take care of everyday tasks without assistance. Others suffer a temporary injury such as broken or fractured bones, herniated discs, muscle or joint damage, or lacerations or burns that incapacitates them for a brief period. All, however, involve pain and the need for medical care and time off work or tasks.
Auto Accidents Can Be Prevented
A majority of automobile accidents are not accidents, but preventable actions taken by a driver that takes unnecessary risks. Distracted driving, DUI, Reckless Driving, Speeding, Following Too closely, and Failure to yield at Lights or Stop signs are all common driver errors that cause car accidents. When an accident occurs because a driver disobeyed a traffic law or drove unsafely, the victim is entitled to compensation for their losses.
Slip and Fall Cases
A slip or fall can occur in almost any workplace, public area, retail space or business. The National Safety Council estimates that slip and fall accidents result in nearly 9 million emergency room visits every year. These types of incidents are a primary cause of injury to senior adults.
Injuries Suffered in Slip and Fall Accidents
The impact of landing on the floor or ground from slip and fall accidents can result in head injuries, hip fractures, back and spinal cord injuries, hand, arm or shoulder injuries, as well as sprains and fractures. Almost all require treatment and may additionally need repair by surgery, physical therapy, or extensive rehabilitation. In severe cases, paralysis, brain damage or even death can occur.
Property Owners Can Prevent Slip and Falls
Owners or landlords of properties are legally required to maintain safe and hazard-free premises for workers, patrons or guests. When someone slips or falls and suffers injury as a result of a hazardous condition or someone else’s negligence, they are entitled to recover damage for their injuries.
Product Liability Cases
Many injuries are the result of an improperly designed product or a defectively manufactured product or a product that fails to warn the user of the dangers of the use of the product that can result in an injury to the consumer. A car airbag that explodes on impact, a mini-bike that is missing a handbrake, or a medication that does not include warnings regarding the risks of side effects from use are examples of unsafe products that cause serious injury to an individual.
Manufacturers Can Protect Against Product-Related Injuries
In Pennsylvania and most other states, manufacturers are required by law to design, manufacture and provide adequate warnings and instructions on the safe use of their products. A manufacturer may be held liable and be required to pay compensation if a product is defective and a consumer is injured as a result of the manufacturer’s negligence.
In all personal injury cases, three ingredients need to be present for the victim to have a legal claim to compensation:
You must have suffered an injury
A person or company can be held accountable for the injury
You must be able to prove that the person or company at fault caused your injury due to their actions or negligence
An experienced Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania personal injury attorney can advise you of the proper steps to take to preserve your rights, prove negligence and obtain appropriate compensation for the injuries and related damages you have suffered.
NOTE: This Blog is for Informational Purposes Only and Does Not Constitute Legal Advice