Chances are you’ve heard the term “personal injury law” thrown around a time or two, right? While this is a very broad – and the most popular – type of law, many do not really understand what it is. Also referred to as tort law, personal injury law is designed to allow someone who has sustained an injury go to court and receive compensation for their injuries. It is important to note that personal injury law only refers to injury or damaged done to a person’s actual body, not their property, such as an automobile. Personal injury claims can also be pursued by family members for the death of a loved one by wrongful means, which is categorized under wrongful death claims.
In most cases, personal injury claims occur when another person’s negligence or distraction results in injury or death to another individual. A personal injury case typically begins when the injured person – referred to as the plaintiff – sues a person or business – known as the defendant – who is responsible for their injury. The intention behind this claim is to receive compensation, typically monetary, which is referred to damages.
Common Types of Personal Injury
As briefly mentioned above, personal injury is a very widespread area of law, which is why it can be somewhat confusing to people. Here is a look a few of the most common types of personal injury cases:
- Automobile accidents – This includes accidents involving cars, large trucks, motorcycles, and even pedestrians
- Pedestrian accidents
- Product liability – Which includes defective products, medications, and recalled products
- Dog bites and other animal injuries
- Premises liability – Including slip and fall accidents and other injuries sustained on someone else’s property
- Medical malpractice – These types of cases cover injuries or death caused by the negligence or malpractice of a doctor, nurse, or other medical professional
- Birth injuries – These cases involve injuries sustained to either the fetus or newborn prior to or during birth and occur because of negligence or malpractice on the part of the nurse or doctor
- Construction accidents – Injuries sustained on a construction worksite that happens as a result of lack of supervision or failure to adhere to proper safety procedures
- Drunk driving accidents – When the driver of a vehicle is under the influence of either drugs or alcohol and causes an accident resulting injury, the victim can sue
- Traumatic brain injury
- Wrongful death – The family members of a deceased loved one can take the responsible party to court in order to receive compensation for emotional and financial damages
- Nursing home abuse – When an elderly person is either physically, emotionally, sexually, or financially abused
As you can see, there are many, many different types of personal injury cases that can be brought to the court with the help of a knowledgeable Oklahoma personal injury lawyer. Due to the complicated nature of many of these types of cases, it is important that you seek legal representation and understand your rights before proceeding. Attorneys at AMA Law handle personal injury cases throughout Oklahoma on a daily basis, which means we are prepared to sit down and discuss your case with you today to ensure you understand what lies ahead. If you or a loved one has been injured as the result of another person’s negligence, distraction, or ill will, please contact AMA Law today.