Injury Lawyer Frequently Asked Questions
Q What is personal injury law?
A: Personal injury law can involve many different types of claims. Some of the more common are:
Animal bites can result in the animal owner's liability to the person who is bitten or who is injured.
Assault and battery are two intentional torts that involve improper contact with another, without permission or consent, or the threat of such contact.
Aviation accidents can result in serious injury or death. These raise serious questions regarding the liability of the airline as well as, its employees. The government may also be at issue.
Defamation and privacy are two separate areas that address the rights of individuals to have their names and reputations protected.
Motor vehicle accidents concerns the liability of one participant to another and also raise the question regarding who should be responsible for covering the losses.
Premises liability concerns the responsibilities of owners of property to protect others from dangerous conditions on the property and to prevent others from being injured while on the property.
Property damage causes of action concern the rights of owners of property to protect their property from damage, theft or intrusion.
Railroad accidents may result in personal injury or death and subject the railroad company to liability.
Slip and fall cases are common causes of action and relate closely to the duty of an owner of property to maintain the property in a safe manner for the benefit of others lawfully entering upon the property.
Wrongful death actions may be brought by the dependents or beneficiaries of a deceased individual against the party whose action or inaction was related to death.
Q How do I know if I have a Personal Injury claim?
A: To file a personal injury claim, one must be able to prove that an injury has occurred. The injury can be a physical or emotional. One must prove that another party is at fault for the injury. Sometimes it may be necessary, to be able to prove that plaintiff is less at fault then the other party.
Q: What kind of financial compensation can be awarded
A: First, there are both federal and state laws that govern the types and limits of financial compensation that a victim can receive. Second, there two main types of personal injury damages; compensatory damages and punitive damages.
Compensatory Damages are damages that depend on the type of personal injury and the extent of the injury. Compensatory damages may be awarded for the following: Medical bills, Lost Wages, Pain & Suffering, Physical, Mental/Emotional Disability and Property Damage.
Punitive Damages are compensation intended to punish the defendant. Damages are often awarded to the plaintiff in addition to compensatory damages.
