What Types of Cases Do Personal Injury Lawyers Handle?

Personal injury law refers to the legal practice area that involves harm or injury caused by another person’s actions or negligence. Portland personal injury Lawyers handle various cases involving physical, mental, or emotional harm. 

If you have been injured due to another person’s negligence, it is helpful to understand what types of cases they handle so you can be more knowledgeable about whether you have a claim for compensation. The following list is not exhaustive but includes some of the most common types of personal injury cases:

Car Accidents

Car accidents are perhaps the most common personal injury case in Oregon. They can range from minor fender benders to catastrophic accidents that result in death or permanent disabilities. To win a car accident case, you need to show that the other driver was negligent and, therefore, at fault for the accident.  

This can include texting while driving or failing to obey traffic signals. You’ll also need to show that you suffered damages from the accident, such as medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering.

Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents are also quite common, especially in urban areas. If you are hit by a car while walking, you could be entitled to compensation for your injuries. You will need to prove that the driver was negligent – they were speeding, driving while intoxicated, distracted, or violated a traffic law.

Additionally, it is crucial to gather evidence, including eyewitness accounts, surveillance footage, and medical records.

Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare professional is negligent and causes harm or injury to a patient. Negligence in this area is when medical treatment falls below the accepted standard of care.

Medical malpractice cases can include misdiagnosis, medication errors, surgical errors, birth injuries, and more. Patients who have suffered harm due to medical malpractice may be entitled to compensation for economic and non-economic losses.

Slip and Fall Accidents

Another type of case personal injury lawyers handle is slip and fall accidents. These accidents can occur on someone else’s premises due to hazardous conditions such as wet floors, uneven pavement, or poorly maintained staircases. 

Personal injury lawyers can help you prove that the property owner was negligent and that the accident could have been prevented, resulting in compensation for your injuries.

Dog Bites

Dog bites are a prevalent cause of personal injury, and they can sometimes inflict catastrophic physical and mental injuries that last a lifetime. In Oregon, you have to show that the owner did not use reasonable care to control or confine their dog. 

The owner may try to shift blame back to you by claiming that you provoked the dog, so you should be aware of this possibility and be prepared to present evidence that this was not the case.

Product Liability

Product liability cases arise when someone is injured due to a defective product. This can include anything from defective car parts to malfunctioning medical equipment. The first step is determining who is responsible for the defect, which can be the manufacturer, distributor, or even the retailer in some cases. 

To prove a product liability case, you’ll need to show that the product was defective, the defect caused your injury, and you were using the product as intended when the injury occurred. It’s essential to keep the defective product and any accompanying documentation, such as instructions and warranties, as evidence.

Workplace Accidents

One of the most common types of personal injury cases is workplace accidents. Injuries can be caused by heavy machinery and tools, slips and falls, falling from heights, and more. 

In a workers’ compensation claim, you do not have to prove that your employer was negligent; this is not a fault-based system. You typically just need to show that you were injured on the job.

The purpose of workers’ compensation is to offer financial assistance to workers who have been injured while performing their job duties. If you suffer a workplace injury, it’s critical to document the incident accurately and promptly notify your employer.

Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect

Nursing home abuse and neglect cases can be some of the most heartbreaking. If you suspect your loved one is being mistreated in a nursing home, it’s important to act fast. Signs of abuse can include unexplained bruises, sudden weight loss, and emotional withdrawal. 

You’ll need to gather evidence, such as medical records and witness testimonies, to prove a nursing home abuse case. 

Wrongful Death

A wrongful death lawsuit is brought when someone dies due to another person’s negligence or wrongdoing. In cases of wrongful death, the family members of the deceased may pursue a claim to seek financial compensation and justice on behalf of their loved one. 

Wrongful death can occur in many different situations, including car accidents, slips and falls, and work accidents.

Contact a Portland Personal Injury Lawyer To Determine Whether You Have a Valid Case

Personal injury cases can be complex and emotionally draining, but you don’t have to face them alone. You can seek justice and hold those responsible accountable if you understand the common forms of personal injury cases and how to prove them. If you’d like to learn more, contact the experts at Tillmann Law Personal Injury Lawyers by calling (503) 773-3333 to schedule a free consultation.