Nobody is entirely untouchable, and serious accidents happen. Most of us have experienced broken bones, sprained ankles, back injuries, knicks, cuts, and bruises. We can take steps to protect our health and safety, but we will never be able to control the actions of other people.
That begs the question: what happens if your injury was caused by someone else? What happens if their carelessness or deliberate intent causes a serious accident? This is when personal injury claims come into play.
Serious injuries often cause high medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term emotional trauma. You should not be responsible for these costs if the accident was caused by someone else’s negligence.
But what types of cases do Houston personal injury attorneys deal with? Are you entitled to financial compensation as a result of your injuries?
Continue reading to learn everything there is to know about the various types of personal injury cases handled here at West Loop Law and the Law Office of Nhan Nguyen, MD, JD.
Car Crashes
Accidents involving motor vehicles are among the most common types of personal injury cases. Every year, over six million car accidents occur in the United States, and more than three million people are injured nationwide. Typically, the costs are well-covered between your auto insurance and your medical insurance.
Unfortunately, insurance companies are not always willing to cooperate. They look for loopholes and red tape to limit the amount of money you get for your claim.
Insurance companies, like any other business, exist to make money, not to give it away. They are happy to take your monthly payment, but settling claims can be difficult.
A personal injury attorney can represent you and ensure that you receive the financial compensation you are entitled to. This could come from your health insurance, your auto insurance, or the insurance of the other driver.
In the event of a ride-sharing accident, a personal injury attorney is essential. In the last few years, companies like Uber and Lyft have exploded, making public transportation much easier and more convenient.
However, things can get complicated if you are involved in an accident while riding with an Uber or Lyft driver, but that doesn’t make your personal injuries any less significant or deserving of compensation.
Premises Liability
What if you get hurt while on someone else’s property? It was obviously an accident caused by user error if you cut yourself while slicing some carrots.
What if your injury was caused by the property owner’s negligence? For example, what if you slip outside while going down the stairs because the owner did nothing to prevent ice build-up? What if you hit your head on a low-hanging obstruction or brush up against a jagged edge?
These are some examples of personal injury cases involving premise liability. It is the responsibility of the property owner to ensure that their property is safe and free of hazards. Commercial and residential property owners are both subject to these laws.
For example, if a homeowner has a pool in their yard that is not fenced in, they may be held liable if a neighbor’s child drowns or is injured. The homeowner was responsible for fencing in the pool or yard, even though the neighbor kid had no right to be there.
Businesses are also frequently sued for slips and falls. Wet floors, ice, tripping hazards, faulty railings, and other factors are common causes.
Dog Bites
Pet ownership entails a significant amount of responsibility. You are in charge of the animal’s overall health and well-being, but your responsibilities do not end there.
Pet owners are also responsible for ensuring that their animals do not harm others (or their property). Personal injury cases involving dog bites are not uncommon in Texas.
This could also fall under premises liability depending on the circumstances, like if you were invited to someone’s house and their dog bit you. Also, some business owners allow their pets to roam freely inside the establishment and interact with customers.
If you are attacked while walking down the street or on the sidewalk by an unleashed dog, it is still considered a personal injury case. Regardless of the circumstances, an animal’s owner is responsible for its actions.
Product Liability
When you buy a product as a consumer, you shouldn’t have to worry about being hurt by it. Certain products, such as bicycles, power tools, and trampolines, have inherent risks. The user is responsible for these risks.
It is a different story if a product defect causes an injury. You may be entitled to compensation if you were injured by a product defect while using it for its intended purpose.
As a result, manufacturers frequently include legal disclaimers to limit their exposure. Work with a personal injury lawyer in Houston to see what options you have if you were injured by a faulty product.
Wrongful Death
When a loved one passes away, it can throw your life into disarray. Aside from the emotional turmoil, you must also deal with the financial implications of their death. This includes lost wages, burial and funeral expenses, and other expenses.
You can sue for restitution if your loved one died as a result of someone else’s negligence or willful intent. In a wrongful death case, compensation may be sought for mental anguish, loss of income, loss of retirement benefits, funeral expenses, and other factors.
Personal injury law is broad, and each type of case comes with its own unique set of rules. That is why you need to consult a qualified Houston personal injury attorney if you or a loved one has been injured.
Nhan Nguyen, MD, JD and Nader Rabie, JD are here to help you make a complete recovery if you or a loved one has been seriously injured by another party’s negligence.
Contact West Loop Law and the Law Office of Nhan Nguyen, MD, JD immediately at (713) 840-7200 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation today.
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