What is a Personal Injury Case?

What is a Personal Injury Case?

Any type of incident or accident can result in a personal injury case, and in this article, we will be discussing the most common ones.

Personal injury law or tort law grants an injured person compensation when another’s wrongful action (negligence or willful act) causes them harm. Numerous circumstances may give rise to a viable personal injury case, but it is essential to realize that an injury will not always result in legal culpability. The following examples are the most common types of personal injury cases.

Personal Injury Case: Different Types

Vehicular Accident Cases

Vehicular accidents are the most common leading cause of personal injury cases in the U.S. When an accident occurs, it is frequently the result of someone failing to observe the laws of the road or they are not driving as cautiously as they should. A negligent driver can be held monetarily and personally liable for injuries sustained in an automobile collision. There are some exceptions, though, in the dozen or for those states that follow the “no-fault,” where drivers must recover payment out of their own insurers apart from cases that are considered “serious” injury.

Cases of Slip and Falls

Slip and fall cases are other forms of personal injury cases that occur frequently. Landlords have a legal obligation to keep their property or properties generally safe at all times and free of risks in order to prevent injuries to anyone on the property. However, not every injury that occurs on the property will result in liability. The specific nature of a landowner’s legal obligation varies according to the circumstances and the applicable law of the state wherein the injury occurred.

Medical Malpractice

A medical malpractice suit may emerge when a physician or other healthcare provider offers treatment that falls short when it comes to the accepted standard of care, resulting in injury to the patient. However, it is critical to remember that having a bad outcome in treatment settings does not always imply malpractice.

Defamation: Libel and Slander

Whether it is in the form of libel or slander, defamation causes injury or harm to a person’s reputation, which is caused by false statements. The nature of the proof required by a defamation lawsuit will differ depending on the plaintiff’s identity and the venue where the comment was made. Generally, the typical person only needs to demonstrate that an untrue and damaging statement was made and it resulted in actual harm (financial loss). On the other hand, celebrities and public personalities are frequently required to establish “actual malice.” This means they must establish that the untrue comment was made knowingly or with flagrant disregard for its truth.

Dog Bites

In most cases, the dog’s owner is financially liable for bites and other injuries that can be caused by the dog. However, the specific regulations governing owner responsibility differ by state. In some circumstances, strict liability laws apply, which means that the dog owner is accountable for dog bites even if the dog never demonstrated aggression or a tendency to bite before. In some states, “one bite” laws apply, under which owners are only liable for bodily injury damages if they believe their dog is hostile or likely to bite (there is a history of biting.)

Assault, Battery and Other Intentional Torts

Unlike the majority of other types of personal injury cases, intentional torts are founded on purposeful harm or injury, not on accidents resulting from negligence or recklessness. These cases may also include a criminal indictment of the perpetrator. For instance, if someone assaults another, he or she could face criminal prosecution. Additionally, the victim may file a personal injury case in civil court to recover damages for the attack-related injuries.

Tips for Getting the Best Personal Injury Case Settlement

Have a Specific Amount in Mind for Your Settlement

While drafting a demand letter for your personal injury settlement, you should determine an estimate for the value of your claim. Prior to speaking with an insurance adjuster regarding the claim, set a minimum settlement amount within that range. This amount is for your own reference alone and would not be disclosed to the adjuster. 

Do Not Immediately Accept the First Offer

Insurance adjusters are trained to start negotiations by making a very low initial offer. The adjuster is attempting to determine whether you know the value of your claim.

When the first offer is made, the response you should have would be based on whether the offer is realistic but too low or so low that it is plainly a test to determine if you are knowledgeable. If the offer is fair, you may make a counter-offer that is somewhat less than the sum specified in your demand letter. This demonstrates to the adjuster that you, also, are rational and amenable to compromise. Further negotiation should quickly bring you to an agreement on a final settlement price that both parties believe is reasonable.

Let the Adjuster Explain Why an Offer is Low

Suppose an adjuster makes an offer that is so low that it is evident that it is a negotiation ploy to determine whether you comprehend how much your claim is truly worth. In that case, you should not immediately reduce the amount in the demand letter. Rather than that, request that the adjuster explain why the offered amount is so low. Keep a record of the conversation. Then, compose a brief letter in response to each of the adjuster’s points.

Emphasize Your Emotional Points

Cite any emotional points that support your claim during the negotiation. Even though these factors cannot be quantified, they can be quite effective in convincing an insurance provider to settle and pay for an accident claim.

Wait for a Response

Reduce your demand no more than once till the adjuster makes a reasonable offer. Never lower your demand twice with no accompanying increase in the adjuster’s offer; this is not a good negotiation.

Determine When to Contact an Attorney

If you believe that negotiations are not going according to the plan, you may wish to see a personal injury lawyer, particularly if: 1. You are seeking compensation for severe injuries and suffering and pain in excess of a few thousand dollars.

You Are Seeking Punitive Damages in The Future

There is a question of liability. If there is any doubt about who was a liability for the accident, you may require the assistance of an attorney to prepare your argument appropriately.

The Agreement Should be in Writing

When you and the insurance adjuster reach an agreement on an amount, confirm it promptly in a letter. The letter may be brief and straightforward.