While no injury is minor, some types of injuries are more prevalent than others. 63 million people visited a doctor for an injury in 2022, with the death rate 68.1 people per 100k population.
Any type of injury can potentially lead to a claim, but certain injuries are more likely to result in legal action. Here are 5 of the most common injuries that form the basis of personal injury claims.
Car Accident Injuries
Injuries sustained in motor vehicle accidents account for the majority of personal injury claims, with 40,990 car accident fatalities in 2023. Common car accident injuries include broken bones, back and neck injuries like whiplash, traumatic brain injuries, burn injuries, and soft tissue damage. Car accident victims file claims against negligent drivers and sometimes manufacturers if there are defects in the vehicle. Successful claims depend on proving that the other driver caused the accident through actions like speeding, distraction, failure to yield, or drunk driving – 13,524 people were killed by drunk drivers in 2022.
Workplace Injuries
People injured while working can file workers’ compensation claims through their employer’s insurance. Common workplace accidents involve repetitive stress, falling objects, machinery, slippery surfaces, and lifting injuries. Slip and fall injuries accounted for 3.3% of disabling workplace injuries in 2023, but roadway incidents were responsible for 4.4% of disabling injuries. Frequent injuries include back injuries, broken bones, amputations, burns, head trauma, and carpal tunnel syndrome.
Workers must prove the injury occurred on the job and was not self-inflicted. Workers’ compensation pays for medical treatment and replaces lost income but generally does not pay settlements for pain and suffering.
Dog Bite Injuries
Dogs bite 4.5 million people every year and dog bite attacks often lead to personal injury claims against irresponsible owners. Children are most frequently victims of dog bites. Lacerations, scarring, nerve damage, broken bones, head and neck injuries, and psychological trauma are common in severe dog attacks.
Owners are liable when they fail to restrain a dangerous dog or allow the attack to happen through negligence. Homeowners insurance often covers dog bite claims.
Medical Malpractice Injuries
If a doctor, hospital, or other healthcare provider causes an injury through substandard treatment, patients can sue them for medical malpractice. Birth injuries like brain damage, surgical mistakes, medication errors, misdiagnosis, and delayed treatment are common grounds for malpractice claims, which lead to 250k deaths each year. The impacts of medical negligence can be devastating. Damages awarded account for catastrophic lifelong disabilities, loss of wages, and serious emotional distress.
The Gainesville personal injury lawyer Bill Allen from Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers suggests that any kind of injury caused by the carelessness of others could potentially lead to a personal injury claim. However, these are some of the most prevalent accidents and injuries that routinely form the basis of legal cases.
Slip and Fall Injuries
Premises liability claims involving slip and fall accidents are another large category. Store owners are responsible for maintaining reasonably safe premises, so they can be held liable if poor maintenance like wet floors or clutter cause a dangerous slip and fall. Typical injuries include broken bones, fractures, head injuries, back injuries, sprains, and bruises. Documentation like photographs and witness statements are crucial for proving liability in a slip and fall case.
Contacting an attorney helps victims understand their rights and options after suffering an injury. This is important if you have accrued medical expenses or can no longer work because of an injury. Proper legal guidance leads to just compensation for damages suffered due to another party’s negligence.
