Any type of injury may leave you reeling and can change your life forever. Carmel injury lawyers are there to help you determine whether you have a legitimate case and work through the details of fighting for justice on your behalf. When you or a loved one suffers because someone else was careless, negligent, or reckless, you are not alone.
Personal Injury Law Explained
Personal injury law is also referred to as tort law. It protects someone from another individual’s actions or even lack of actions that led to an injury or property damage of some sort. A case that is successful will help acquire compensation for the victim of those actions or inactions.
These are different elements of personal injury law:
- Personal Injury
- Negligence
- Medical Malpractice
- Product Liability
Personal Injury
In a personal injury claim, there are damages and responsibility to be considered. Attorneys who work through a claim will determine liability and damages, as well as discovering the extent or cause of the injuries in question.
In most cases, personal injury claims with a strong case are awarded compensation when damages and liability are proven.
Negligence
Most personal injury cases stem from negligence. This includes accidents, slips and falls, and other similar causes. In this situation, the plaintiff is required to prove that the other party was negligent in some way that caused the injury. The other party had an obligation and they infringed on that obligation, leading to the injuries.
Cases can involve economic and non-economic damages, including medical expenses, loss of earnings, emotional distress, pain and suffering, etc.
Medical Malpractice
Personal injury medical malpractice cases are linked specifically to negligent actions or lack of the duty of care by a medical provider. This is not just doctors. It can include nurses, technicians, aids, hospital workers, hospice, and other related professionals in the medical field. The medical malpractice case occurs when one of these providers deviates from the standard of care or is negligent and it leads to harm or injury.
Product Liability
When you are injured by a defective product, you are protected by law. The US laws are very strict for manufacturers who send out defective items that cause harm. You don’t have to prove a product was defective for this type of case, but you will have to prove injury and the cause of injury. This action can be taken against any parties that designed, distributed, manufactured, or sold the product.
Common Causes of Personal Injury Claims in Indiana
There are many different reasons that an injury can occur across the state. However, the leading causes of injuries directly related to negligence stem most frequently from car accidents, semi accidents, and bicycle accidents.
Car Accidents in Indiana
Car accident injuries can lead to a broad range of issues. For some, it will be minor injuries, while others may experience permanent or severe injuries or even death. In 2018, Indiana experienced more than 47,000 injuries directly related to car accidents.
The majority of those accidents were caused by speeding vehicles, although many also occurred in work zones. A victim should seek legal representation to figure out whether they have a case and to work through the process of seeking compensation for their injuries.
Semi Accidents in Indiana
Commercial automobiles and semi accidents account for nearly 17,000 accidents every year in Indiana. The type of commercial vehicle involved is not always a semi, but may include vehicles like pickups, buses, and large-capacity transit vehicles as well.
Bicycle Accidents in Indiana
Indiana provides some bike lanes, and bicycles are a common means of transportation for residents in the state. While there are bike lanes, there are not enough. Drivers often don’t see bikers or don’t pay enough attention. Cyclists also need to be sure they are following the rules of the road.
Establishing Damages for a Personal Injury Claim in Carmel
When you’ve been injured by someone else’s negligence, you need to hire an attorney to pull the case together and gather any necessary data or documentation. The attorney can investigate your case and help you come up with a number for damages, injuries, and emotional distress.
A plaintiff can typically seek both economic and non-economic damages for their case. These are some costs that might be considered as part of damages:
- Out-of-pocket costs
- Required household services
- Medical or emotional treatment
- Medical bills and expenses
- Property damage
- Loss of income
- Loss of wages
- Loss of quality of life
There will be varying details based on the injury and the severity of the injury, but your attorney can help you navigate the process.
Hire an Experienced Lawyer for Personal Injury Cases
When you’ve experienced a personal injury or loss because of someone else’s actions or inactions, you could be entitled to compensation. The best thing to do is to hire Carmel injury lawyers to review your case, determine your options, and work through the process with you.
Be sure to use an experienced and knowledgeable lawyer who has a track record of success in situations like yours.
