There are many types of personal injury cases, but some are more common than others. Car accidents, for example, are one of the most common types of personal injury cases. Slips and falls, medical malpractice, and product liability are also common personal injury case types.
In Florida, there are several personal injury cases that are common. If you have been injured in an accident, it is important to understand what type of case you have and how to best proceed with your claim.
Our West Palm Beach personal injury lawyers have experience handling various cases, and we are here to help you seek the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for more information about the most common personal injury cases in West Palm Beach.
5 Most Common Personal Injury Cases
No matter how well you try to avoid risks, accidents happen every day. Most of the time, the injuries tend to be minor and can heal with little to no treatment at all. Sometimes, however, there are cases that end up changing lives forever.
These types of personal injury cases affect thousands of people worldwide each year, and they can cause life-long health issues and other mental problems for those who suffer from them. The following are five personal injury case scenarios that are often seen daily:
1. Back Injury
This type of injury is typically caused due to an awkward lifting movement, and it occurs when the muscles, tendons, ligaments, or bones in the back are overstretched or torn. Back injuries can also happen due to a sudden jolt or fall, which causes damage to the vertebrae in the back. This personal injury case often results in damages such as loss of wages, medical treatment expenses, and other related costs.
There are three main types of back injuries that you need to be aware of.
- Back strain or sprain – This is when your muscles, ligaments, or tendons in your back are overstretched and often result in severe pain. It can take months for this type of injury to heal properly.
- Fractured vertebrae – This is when one or more of the small bones in your spine become fractured due to an outside force such as a car accident, slip, fall, sports injury, etc. The most common area for fractures like these is the thoracic vertebrae (mid-back).
- Herniated discs – A herniated disc occurs when there is a rupture in the outer membrane of an intervertebral disc, and the gel-like center spills out. This can result in severe pain and may require surgical intervention to correct it.
2. Head Injury
Head injuries normally result from car accidents, slip and fall assaults, etc. They can occur because of a blow to the skull (closed head injury), and they can also be caused by shaking (open head injury).
These types of personal injuries may cause an impairment in cognitive functions, memory problems, personality changes, among many others. As a result, head injury damages can include medical costs, repair or replacement of damaged property, pain and suffering, and loss of income.
Some suffering from these types of injuries cannot work, and some may never fully recover. If you or a loved one has suffered a head injury due to someone else’s negligence, it is important that you understand where you stand in terms of personal injury cases.
3. Shoulder Injury
Shoulder injuries can take place anywhere from a car accident to a slip and fall, and they mostly result in damage to the tendons, ligaments, muscles, and bones in the shoulder.
Damages in shoulder injury cases may include wage losses, medical expenses relating to treatment and rehabilitation, the cost for personal items/appliances that aid the injured person in performing daily tasks, and so on. If you are injured in an accident, you may be entitled to compensation. A shoulder injury can be quite serious and may require medical treatment.
If you have been injured in an accident, it is important to consult with a personal injury attorney to discuss your legal options. A personal injury attorney can help you file a claim and may be able to get you the compensation you deserve.
4. Knee Injury
These personal injuries usually result when someone falls down or slips and falls. Knee injuries may also be caused by other accidents such as vehicular accidents.
The damages awarded in knee injury cases include the cost of medical treatment, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, among others. Age, occupation, and severity of the injury are factors that influence compensation amounts in these cases.
5. Ankle Injury
These personal injuries often result from slip and fall accidents or people tripping over objects on the floor.
Damages awarded in ankle injury cases include medical costs relating to diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation, loss of income (past and future), the cost for repairs/replacements for items that were damaged due to accident (home appliances, vehicles), etc. These types of claims may also include compensation for the pain and suffering of the injured person.
Conclusion
Depending on the type, severity, and location of the injury, as well as other factors that may be at play, personal injury cases can result in compensation amounts that vary from a few thousand dollars to millions. If you or someone close to you has been injured due to another person’s negligence, you should contact a personal injury lawyer who will guide you through the process of obtaining financial compensation for your injuries.
