You often see the words “personal injury” on our website, but may find yourself wondering what that phrase really means. The label “personal injury” is given to legal claims that assert that one individual’s deliberate misconduct or negligence caused injury to another. This injury is often physical, but not always (in the cases of defamation). Whether tangible or intangible, those injuries form the basis for a claim to rights of compensation, also called damages.

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If you have suffered injuries because of another person’s negligence, you may consider filing a personal injury claim. While you may choose to proceed on your own, studies show the help of a personal injury attorney could result in a much more favorable settlement and less stressful claim process.

It’s also important to remember that simply being injured in a situation does not necessarily mean that another person will be liable for your injuries. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you determine whether to pursue a claim.

Common Personal Injury Claim Types

Under the umbrella of “personal injury,” there are several specific types of injury. Your injury would be categorized depending on the circumstances in which you were injured. There are several common categories:

1. Car Accidents

In the US, the largest number of personal injury claims are based on injuries incurred in car accidents. These accidents usually occur when one or more drivers fail to follow laws and guidelines for driving, or when a driver acts carelessly. In most cases, a negligent driver (and their insurance company) will be held financially responsible for the plaintiff’s injuries.

More specific information regarding car accidents can be found in our previous posts:
Personal Injury Laws in Arkansas

Your Checklist for Personal Injury Claims

3 Reasons You Really Need That Uninsured Motorist Coverage

2. Slip-and-Fall Accidents

Every year, thousands of slip-and-fall accidents occur when people fall on a flight of stairs, wet and slippery floors, rough ground, or other hazardous areas. Property owners, whether they own a store or home, must keep their property safe for visitors. They should ensure that hazardous conditions are repaired or eliminated. In the meantime, hazards like wet floors or holes must be clearly marked. If the owner fails to meet the standards of safety and someone is injured as a result, they could be held liable for a slip-and-fall lawsuit.

Check out these articles for more specific information:

When to Agree to a Settlement for a Slip and Fall Case

What is a Slip and Fall Lawsuit Worth?

3. Dog Bites

In many cases, dog owners are held financially responsible if their dog bites someone or causes other injuries. However, the exact laws regarding the responsibility vary from state to state. In some cases, there are strict liability rules. That means the owner will be responsible for damages despite the fact that the dog did now show a tendency to bite or aggression in the past. Arkansas is considered a “one bite” state, meaning that dog owners are typically held responsible only if they had knowledge that their dog was prone to biting or aggressive behavior.

Other common types of personal injury cases:

Workplace accidents
Wrongful death
Medical malpractice
Products liability (defective products)
Defamation: slander or libel

While monetary compensation may not fix all the damage that has been done, it can help ease some of the impact of problems like medical bills, loss of income, and more. Seeking the knowledge and experience of a qualified personal injury lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve.