What Are The 5 Most Common Personal Injuries?

In case you have been looking for some of the most common personal injuries and which ones you can claim for, you are not the only one!

You see, accidents involving personal harm happen more often than you might think. Annually, the National Safety Council (NSC) estimates that 62 million Americans are injured, many of them severe enough to require medical attention.

Car accidents, slip-and-falls, and workplace injuries can all result in psychological distress, high medical expenses, and lost wages. Certain injuries are more common than others in terms of lawsuits.

The most common types of personal injury cases are those involving medical negligence, dog attacks, industrial injuries, slip and fall injuries, and car accidents.

You might have the right to pursue damages if someone else’s carelessness caused your injury. However, how can you determine whether your claim is legitimate?

Hi. In today’s blog, this is something that I will be talking about. So, if you are injured and are unsure about your legal rights, this article is for you. 

Therefore, keep on reading this blog till the end, and thank me later!

Can You Claim for Personal Injury?

Yes, you can file a claim for a personal injury if someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing caused you harm.

The law allows victims to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. However, whether you have a valid claim depends on several factors.

1. Proving Negligence

Firstly, you must prove that someone else caused your damage to get the compensation. This includes demonstrating that:

• The other person had an obligation to protect you (for example, a motorist obeying traffic laws or a property owner keeping a secure environment).
• By driving carelessly or failing to maintain a dangerous floor, for instance, they failed to fulfill that obligation.
• Your injury was a direct result of their carelessness.
• As a result, you experience losses like missed wages or medical costs.

2. Types of Compensation

Secondly, depending on the severity of your injury, you may get different types of compensation, such as:

• Medical expenses (hospital bills, therapy, medications, surgeries)
• Lost wages (if you had to take time off work)
• Pain and suffering (for physical and emotional distress)
• Property damage (if your belongings were damaged, such as in a car accident)

3. Statute of Limitations

Finally, every state has a time limit for filing personal injury claims. This is what we know as the statute of limitations.

In most states, it ranges from one to four years from the date of the injury. Failing to file within this period can result in losing your right to compensation.

Common Personal Injuries You Can Claim For!

While no one wants to get injured, accidents and unavoidable injuries can and do happen daily – a sprained ankle from slipping on black ice or whiplash from a fender bender at a local intersection.

Below are some of the most frequently occurring personal injuries that you can claim for:

Car Accident Injuries

First, are car accident injuries. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that one person died in auto accidents every 12 minutes in 2022, with 5.9 million collisions.

These collisions can cause minor injuries, serious injuries, or even death. Among the most frequent injuries sustained in car accidents are:

• Whiplash: Every year, three million people suffer from whiplash, a neck injury brought on by the head abruptly moving back and forth. It may cause neck pain, stiffness, and decreased range of motion.
• Broken bones: When the body strikes the inner surfaces of the car in a high-impact crash, it frequently results in fractures to the ribs, arms, legs, etc.
• Head injuries: When the head strikes a window, dashboard, or steering wheel, it frequently results in concussions or other traumatic brain injuries.
• Back injuries: Compression fractures in the vertebrae and injury to the spinal discs can result from a sudden collision.

Slip and Fall Injuries

Secondly, slip and fall accidents rank among the most common causes of bodily injury. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), fall injuries will cause 865 fatalities and almost 1 million hospitalizations annually in 2022.

Some typical slip and fall injuries include the following:

• Broken bones: The wrists, elbows, hips, and ankles are most susceptible to fractures during falls.
• Head injuries: When a person falls, hitting their head on the ground or other objects can cause traumatic brain injury.
• Sprains: Unexpected slips and twists can cause sprains to the ankles, knees, wrists, and other joints.
• Back injuries: The impact of a fall on the spine might result in strained muscles or disc ruptures.

Sports Injuries

Third, it should come as no surprise that 3.5 million sports injuries occur annually in America, where a large number of people participate in recreational sports.

Among the most frequent injuries sustained in sports are:

• Fractures: Sports like hockey, skating, snowboarding, and others frequently cause falls that break collarbones, arms, and wrists.
• Head injuries: Most contact sports, including rugby, football, and boxing, have a risk of concussions.

Dog Bites

Over 4.5 million people suffer from dog bites in the United States each year, according to the CDC.

The following are a few of the most typical dog bite injuries:

• Lacerations: Deep cuts are frequently caused by dog attacks. One frequent consequence is infection.
• Nerve damage: Biting close to nerves, ligaments, or tendons can harm these tissues and cause functional impairment.
• Broken bones: Dog bites can occasionally cause fractures to the hands, arms, legs, and fingers.
• Scarring: Dog bite wounds frequently leave behind lifelong scars, particularly on the face.

If you have been injured, an attorney can help you get the most money possible, says Lafayette injury lawyer Kenny Habetz.

Which Lawyer Can Help You with a Personal Injury Case?

When dealing with a personal injury case, it’s important to hire the right lawyer to represent you.

A personal injury lawyer specializes in helping victims get the compensation they deserve. These lawyers have experience handling cases related to car accidents, medical malpractice, workplace injuries, and more.

What Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Do?

Now that you know that only personal injury lawyers can help you in such matter, here’s how they do their work:

• Investigates Your Case: They gather evidence, interview witnesses, and collect medical records to build a strong case.
• Handles Negotiations: Most personal injury cases are settled outside court. Your lawyer will negotiate with insurance companies to ensure you receive fair compensation.
• Represents You in Court: If a settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer will present your case in front of a judge and jury.
• Advises You on Legal Matters: They guide you through the legal process, helping you understand your rights and the best steps to take.

How to Choose the Right Personal Injury Lawyer

There are a few things that you need to keep in mind when you are trying to choose your lawyer for your case. Here are a few of them:

• Experience: Look for a lawyer who has handled cases similar to yours.
• Reputation: Check client reviews and testimonials to learn about their success rate.
• Communication: A good lawyer will keep you informed and explain legal terms in simple language.
• Fee Structure: Many personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win your case.

Wrapping It Up!

In conclusion, hiring the right lawyer can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case, ensuring you receive the financial support you need to recover.

Being aware of the dangers around you and possibly preventing yourself from becoming a victim yourself can be achieved by knowing the most common types of personal injuries.

Ultimately, the greatest method to lower your odds is to minimize risk and take safety precautions, even though not all injuries can be avoided.

Read Also:

• What Are The Most Common Causes Of Personal Injuries?
• What Is A Personal Injury Lawyer? What does a Personal Injury Lawyer do?