A serious injury can have a devastating effect on a person’s life. In addition to the obvious physical pain and the lengthy struggle of recovery, an injury brings intense mental anguish. Financial worries and the fear of missing out on activities that were once a source of joy can overwhelm an injured person. The phrase “personal injury” reminds us that just as every person is unique, so, too, is every story of an injury victim’s suffering. Most accidents, however, fall into a few specific categories, representing the common types of personal injury cases.
Car, Motorcycle and Truck Accidents
Sadly, anyone who has spent a substantial amount of time on the roads has witnessed the heart-wrenching sight of a wrecked car and an ambulance on the scene. Motor vehicle accidents are the most common cause of personal injury claims in the U.S. Injuries to the neck, back, head and limbs occur frequently, but due to the force of impact in a crash, no part of the body is safe from harm.
In the state of Florida, accident-related injury cases usually fall under a no-fault system: payment for your injuries will come from your own insurer, regardless of who was at fault for the crash. That seems simple enough, but the process can rapidly grow complicated. If the other driver is uninsured or if your injuries entitle you to compensation for pain and suffering because of emotional trauma, it becomes necessary to collect damages from the driver who was at fault. An experienced lawyer can help you sort out all the issues. For additional information on your rights as an accident victim, visit the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website.
Premises Liability: Falls, Dog Attacks, Etc.
Many personal injuries occur during everyday activities, like a simple walk down the street. Accidental falls cost Americans about $2.45 billion each year in emergency room visits. Often, the cause of a fall is property owner negligence, such as failure to repair a broken fence or failure to warn visitors of hazardous conditions. These cases fall under the heading of Premises Liability. Other common types of premises liability injury claims include:
- Dog attacks, causing bite and scratch wounds
- Injuries caused by falling debris
- Swimming pool and trampoline accidents
- Injuries sustained during a violent attack that occurred due to inadequate security
Premises liability is one of the most complicated branches of personal injury law because Florida operates on a system of comparative negligence, which frequently requires assigning fault to multiple parties responsible for the accident.
Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice occurs when a doctor, either knowingly or through inattentiveness to his or her responsibilities, acts in a manner that causes harm to a patient. We are fortunate to live in a country with exceptional medical facilities where most patients are treated well. Nonetheless, medical malpractice claims account for a significant number of personal injury court cases every year.
Criminal Intent to Harm
When someone acts in a deliberately violent way, striking or assaulting an innocent person, we as a society tend to focus on punishing the offender with prison time or fines paid to the court. None of those actions help the injured person to heal, however. Victims of violent attacks often benefit from the assistance of a personal injury lawyer, who can help them secure the compensation they need to recover.
Time Limits and the Lawyer’s Role
Miami has a four-year statute of limitations for most personal injury claims, but only two years for medical malpractice cases. If you have been hurt in an accident, whether or not it is one of the common types of personal injury cases or not, it is important to speak with a lawyer as soon as you can. Lavent Law, P.A. offers compassionate advocacy for accident victims. Call us today at (305) 257-9464. We’re here to help.
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