What Is a Personal Injury Attorney?

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A personal injury attorney provides legal representation to people who have sustained an injury due to the action or inaction of a person, business, or body of government. Most often, these injuries are caused by negligence, drug or alcohol use, or even a defective product.

What Types of Injuries Do Personal Injury Attorneys Represent?

Each attorney typically specializes in specific types of injuries. However, they usually all cover one, some, or all of the following types of injuries.

Motor Vehicle

Motor vehicle injuries are a common occurrence, and they come in many forms. They might occur due to any of the following:

• Auto accident involving one or more vehicles
• Motorcycle crashes
• Vehicles hitting a pedestrian
• Big rig or tractor-trailer accidents
• Drunk driving incidents
• Hit and runs
• Car service accidents, such as Lyft and Uber

Premise Injuries

These are injuries sustained on the property of someone else. This is usually a slip and fall accident that is caused by the property owner’s neglect. As the owners are required to keep their property safe, they can be held liable for accidents if they have not done this.

Dog Attacks

Different cities and states have specific laws about steps dog owners must take, including keeping them enclosed and not allowing them to run free around the neighborhood. When the owner does not follow these rules and the dog bites someone, they can be held liable.

Nursing Home Incidents

Sadly, abuse and neglect do occur at times in nursing homes. When it does, personal injury lawyers can provide representation. The most common incidents include things such as:

• Broken bones or dislocated joints
• Untreated injuries or wounds
• Bruises, welts, and scars that cannot be explained
• Bedsores due to not turning patients
• Improper hygiene
• Injury to the head, neck, or brain
• Drug overdose
• Not giving medication
• Rapid weight loss and a lack of nourishment

Malpractice

Most people trust their doctors to help them get better. Unfortunately, this does not always happen and, sometimes, things can get worse. This is not always the doctor’s fault, of course. They aren’t infallible and there are times when things simply do not work out as planned.

Sometimes, though, the doctor just does not provide the appropriate standard of care. In these cases, a personal injury attorney can represent you in a medical malpractice case.

Work Injuries

Job-related injuries are a very common issue. While they can include nearly anything, some include injuries due to:

• Slips and falls
• Coal mining
• Toxic fumes
• Fracking
• Heavy machinery
• Loud noise exposure
• Power lines
• Construction
• Gas drilling
• Lacerations
• Falling objects

Workers’ compensation handles most job-related injuries. However, there are times when a coworker or supervisor is the cause of an injury due to neglect or intent. In these cases, a personal injury claim is helpful.

Defects

Negligence and irresponsibility can often lead to defects in manufactured products. And though some of the defects cause nothing more than a low-quality item, others can be dangerous.

For example, defective auto parts, medical equipment, and medication can lead to injury and – sometimes – death. When you or a family member is harmed due to a defective product, contact a personal injury attorney.

Personal injury attorneys can help ensure you get the compensation you deserve. If you feel you have a claim, contact an attorney to discuss your case.