Personal injury law offers a means of obtaining compensation if you’ve been harmed due to someone else’s negligence or intentional wrongdoing. While a fender-bender might not qualify, serious accidents that result in significant losses often lay the groundwork for a personal injury case. Understanding what qualifies as a personal injury helps determine if you have grounds to seek legal counsel.
Motor vehicle crashes
Motor vehicle accidents tops the most common reasons for personal injury lawsuits. Approximately 6.7 million police-reported car crashes occurred in the U.S. in 2019, with over 36,000 fatalities. The Texas Department of Transportation reports that in 2022 alone, there was one reportable crash on Texas roads every 57 seconds.
Car crashes, motorcycle collisions, pedestrian accidents, and trucking incidents can all cause life-altering injuries. If another party’s reckless driving, negligence, or disregard for traffic laws caused your accident, you might be entitled to compensation.
Catastrophic Injury Claims
Catastrophic injuries drastically alter a person’s life. These injuries often lead to permanent disability, long-term medical requirements, and a complete change in lifestyle. Examples of catastrophic injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Limb amputations
- Severe burn injuries
- Paralysis
Due to the lifelong impact and immense costs associated with such injuries, catastrophic injury claims frequently involve substantial compensation. You want to contact a Houston injury lawyer if you or a loved one has experienced a catastrophic injury.
Workplace Disasters
Unfortunately, workplace accidents can have devastating consequences. Industrial accidents, explosions, construction site hazards, and exposure to toxic chemicals are just some examples of workplace events that may lead to severe injuries or even death.
If your injuries stem from unsafe working conditions, employer negligence, or faulty equipment, you might have a strong case for a personal injury claim. Workplace injury law is complex, so consulting with a Houston injury lawyer is essential for understanding your rights and options.
Dog Bite Lawsuits
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that approximately 4.5 million dog bites occur in the U.S. each year. Dog bites can cause significant physical injuries, emotional trauma, and lasting scars. Children are disproportionately affected by dog bites, and severe injuries often result in extensive medical care and reconstructive surgery. Owners of dogs can be held liable for injuries their pets cause, especially if the owner knew or should have known of the dog’s aggressive tendencies.
Wrongful Death Claims
When a person’s death is caused by another party’s negligence or intentional harm, surviving family members may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim. These cases are often emotionally devastating, and securing rightful compensation can help cover funeral costs, loss of companionship, and lost wages of the deceased.
Situations that might give rise to a wrongful death claim:
- Fatal car accidents
- Medical malpractice incidents
- Defective products
- Workplace accidents
Mass casualty incidents
Mass casualty incidents (MCIs) are large-scale emergencies that overwhelm local resources due to the number of victims. These incidents can be caused by natural disasters, acts of violence, or transportation accidents. Injuries in MCIs are often severe and require immediate, specialized care.
Examples of mass casualty incidents:
- Hurricanes, tornadoes, and other severe weather events
- Mass shootings
- Large-scale explosions
- Train derailments or bus crashes
Defective Products
Defective products can cause serious injuries or even death. When a product is dangerously designed, poorly manufactured, or lacks adequate warnings, consumers may unknowingly put themselves at risk. If you’ve been harmed by a defective product, you may have grounds for a product liability lawsuit against the manufacturer, distributor, or seller.
Types of Product Defects
- Design defects: Exist when the product’s inherent design is unsafe.
- Manufacturing defects: Arise during the production process when the product deviates from its intended design.
- Marketing defects: Occur when insufficient instructions or inadequate safety warnings accompany the product.
If you are in the Houston area and believe you have a personal injury case, seek legal advice from a qualified Houston injury lawyer. A lawyer will assess your situation, explain your rights, and fight for the best possible outcome in your case.