Personal Injury Lawyer
Strong personal injury lawyers protect the rights of their clients and work hard to hold accountable those responsible for injuries. A great attorney-client relationship is necessary to achieve this goal, starting with finding someone who cares enough about your well-being as they take on an essential task like yours!
Injury Lawyer Team, sponsored by Rosenfeld Law Offices, is committed to helping you get the compensation to help your loved ones heal emotionally and physically. Our personal injury attorneys will be there for you after an accident, fighting alongside your case and helping to ensure that justice is served.
Contact an injury lawyer at our law offices today to schedule a free consultation. We file a personal injury demand on behalf of our clients and accept cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning no upfront fees are required until your claim is resolved. All information you share with us is protected through a confidential relationship.
Table of Contents
Personal Injury Statistics for the United States
According to the National Crime Victimization Survey website, personal injury cases involving violence, such as rape or sexual assault, account for only about 10% of all personal injury cases.
Most personal injury situations in the United States are related to motor vehicle accidents, which account for more than two-thirds of all personal injury legal demands. Slip and fall accidents are the second leading cause of personal injury claims, accounting for about 15% of all such cases.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in the United States in 2020, there were:
- 37,461 people were killed in motor vehicle accidents
- 2.44 million people are injured in motor vehicle accidents
That means that, on average, there were 101 fatalities and 9,967 injuries every day in the United States due to motor vehicle accidents in 2020.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), in 2020, there were:
- 6.3 million police-reported crashes
- 2.4 million people are injured in motor vehicle accidents
Of those who were injured, about 2% died from their injuries. That means that, on average, there were 49 fatalities and 4,368 injuries every day in the United States due to motor vehicle accidents in 2020.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2020, the latest year for which data is available, there were:
- 2.5 million visits to emergency rooms for motor vehicle accident-related injuries
- 467,000 hospitalizations for motor vehicle accident-related injuries
What Causes Personal Injuries?
There are many possible causes of personal injuries, but most can be broadly classified into three categories.
Reckless or Careless Behavior
Someone else’s negligence or recklessness could cause an injury. For example, if you are injured in a car accident that the other party caused, or if you slip and fall because of hazardous conditions on someone’s property, you may be able to sue the other party for damages.
Nursing home negligence falls into this category where nurses, doctors, and nurse’s aides neglect the resident’s needs, leading to severe injuries, slips and falls, broken hips, and other injuries.
Making a Mistake
The second category is when the injury is caused by a treatment mistake, such as being prescribed the wrong medication. Many people are injured through medical malpractice when healthcare professionals fail to provide the standard of care that a reasonable person would expect.
The medical professional might have caused a surgical error, used a defective product, or failed to maintain proper medical records.
Intentionally Causing Harm
The third category is when the injury is caused by sexual abuse or other forms of gross negligence. In these cases, it may be possible to bring a criminal claim against the other party in addition to filing a civil lawsuit. These cases involve another’s intent to act, where an injury might result from being raped, molested, or harassed.
It could happen in many ways, but it often occurs when someone is in a position of power over the victim. Nursing home abuse falls into this category, where the nursing staff, employees, visitors, or other residents physically, sexually, emotionally, or mentally harm a resident.
One would expect these places to be necessarily secure. However, these situations cause severe emotional distress to the involved victims.
No matter the cause of your personal injury, speaking with an experienced attorney who can help you understand your legal rights and options is essential. Call for a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer today.
What are the Types of Personal Injuries?
When you are injured because of someone else’s negligence, it can be a challenging experience. You have to deal with the physical and emotional effects of the injury, and you may also have to go through a legal process to be compensated for damages, which may include medical bills and emotional distress.
Most people think of personal injuries as physical injuries, such as a car accident or slip and fall. However, many different types of personal injuries can occur, and each one has its own unique set of characteristics, including:
Car Accidents
A minor to a catastrophic car accident can leave behind a trail of horrific injuries and even death. Nearly all vehicle accidents are the result of someone else’s negligence and could involve:
- Head-on collisions
- Side-impact collisions
- Rear-end collisions
- Rollover accidents
- Multi-vehicle pileups
- Drunk driving accidents
- Hit and runs
- Distracted driving accidents
- Dangerous roadway accidents
- Adverse weather
- Road hazards
Truck Crashes
The sheer size and weight of a fully loaded semi-tractor-trailer traveling on the highway at the speed limit can cause devastation when colliding with objects and other vehicles.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), large trucks were involved in 4,761 fatal crashes in 2017, an 8 percent increase from the previous year.
Common causes of truck accidents include:
- Speeding
- Driver fatigue
- Distracted driving
- Reckless driving
- Overloaded or improperly loaded trucks
- Dangerous roadway conditions
Bike Accidents
With the popularity of bicycling for recreation and commuting, there has been a sharp increase in bicycle-related injuries and fatalities in recent years. According to the NHTSA, there were 783 bicyclists killed in traffic accidents in 2018, a 6.3 percent increase from the previous year.
Some common causes of bike accidents include:
- Dooring accidents
- Car turning accidents
- Distracted driving
- Reckless driving
- Dangerous roadway conditions
Motorcycle Accidents
Although motorcyclists make up a small percentage of the vehicles on the road, they are involved in a disproportionate number of crashes and fatalities. According to the NHTSA, there were 5,286 motorcycle riders killed in traffic accidents in 2018, which is a 3 percent increase from the year before.
Some common causes of motorcycle accidents include:
- Speeding
- Driving under the influence
- Lane splitting
- Distracted driving
- Reckless driving
Pedestrian Accidents
With the rise of distracted driving, pedestrian-related injuries and fatalities have also increased in recent years. According to the NHTSA, there were 6,283 pedestrians killed in traffic accidents in 2018, which is a 4 percent increase from the year before.
Some common causes of pedestrian accidents include:
- Distracted driving
- Auto accident
- Reckless driving
- Dangerous roadway conditions
Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents can occur anywhere, at any time. However, these accidents usually result from someone else’s negligence in maintaining safe premises. Some common causes of slips and falls include:
- Wet or icy surfaces
- Uneven surfaces
- Loose carpeting or floor mats
- Clutter or debris
Dog Bites
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year, and one in five of those bites results in an injury that requires medical treatment and high medical bills.
Some common causes of dog bites include:
- Unsupervised dogs
- Dogs with a history of aggression
- Dogs that are not spayed or neutered
Nursing Home Abuse
According to the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA), as many as 5 million elders are abused yearly. Nursing home abuse can take many different forms, including:
- Physical abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Emotional abuse
- Financial exploitation
Nursing Home Negligence
The nursing staff and medical team failing to provide adequate care and hygiene assistance to nursing home residents could result in severe medical complications and death. Nursing home negligence could involve:
- Life-threatening bedsores
- Lack of supervision leads to slips and falls
- Medication administering mistakes
- Filthy living conditions
- A lack of security leads to wanderlust residents getting lost.
Product Liability
The product manufacturer can be liable under product liability law when a defective or dangerous product injures a consumer. Some common causes of product liability claims include faulty designs, inadequate manufacturing processes, and a failure to warn of dangers.
Product liability lawsuits can involve any type of product, including:
- Automobiles
- Appliances
- Toys
- Tools
- Medical devices
Construction Accidents
Construction workers are at a higher risk for accidents and injuries than most other occupations. Accidents in construction sights usually lead to expensive medical bills and a long road to recovery. Some common causes of construction accidents include:
- Falls from scaffolding or roofs
- Electrocutions
- Being struck by an object
- Exposure to hazardous materials
Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare professional fails to provide adequate care and causes injury or death to a patient. Some common causes of medical malpractice include:
- Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis
- Surgical errors
- Birth injuries
- Anesthesia errors
Workplace Accidents
Workplace accidents can occur in any industry and result in serious injuries or even death. Some common causes of workplace accidents include:
- Falls from heights
- Being struck by an object
- Exposure to hazardous materials
Premises Liability
Personal injury accidents on someone’s property can lead to a premises liability claim. For the property owner to be held liable, however, you must have been injured due to their negligent security in maintaining safe premises. Some common causes of premises liability claims include:
- Slip and fall accidents
- Dog bites
- Negligent security
Wrongful Death
It occurs when someone is killed due to someone else’s fault by being negligent or an intentional act. Some common causes of these claims include:
- Car accidents
- Auto accident
- Medical malpractice
- Workplace accidents
- Violent crimes
Pursuing Personal Injury Cases: 10 Tips To Help You Through The Process
No matter the cause of your accident, you may be entitled to compensation if you’ve been injured. The attorneys at Injury Lawyer Team, sponsored by Rosenfeld Law Offices, can help you understand your legal rights and options. We represent clients on a contingency fee basis, which means we don’t get paid unless and until you do.
After you have suffered injuries due to someone else’s negligence or intent, you may feel powerless and helpless. The at-fault party’s insurance company will likely try to take advantage of your vulnerability by offering you a lowball settlement.
However, there are things you can do to level the playing field and fight for the maximum compensation possible, which might include your medical bills, future medical expenses, damages for pain and suffering, and so much more, depending on your case.
Here are ten tips for maximizing compensation in your personal injury case:
1. Hire an experienced personal injury attorney with a successful track record.
With legal representation, you can be sure that the at-fault party and their insurer take your claim seriously. A lawyer can handle every legal aspect of your case while you heal.
2. Preserve evidence and get names and contact information for witnesses.
If you have pictures of the accident scene or injuries, get them to your lawyer as soon as possible. Also, collect names and contact information for anyone who saw what happened.
3. Get medical attention immediately after the accident and follow all treatment recommendations.
If you wait too long to seek medical care, the at-fault party’s insurance company may try to claim that your injuries are not related to the accident. Follow all treatment recommendations from your doctor to ensure a full and speedy recovery. Your doctor may be one of your expert witnesses.
Also, don’t forget to get a copy of your medical records, expenses, and anything else paid to a healthcare provider.
4. Keep a journal documenting all physical pain and emotional suffering caused by the accident.
Your personal injury attorney will use your journal entries as evidence of the damages you have suffered and other evidence you might’ve noticed.
5. Do not sign or give recorded statements to the at-fault party’s insurance company without consulting your attorney.
The insurance adjuster may try to get you to sign away your rights or make a recorded statement that could be used against you later.
6. Know the value of your case and don’t accept the first settlement offer.
Your personal injury lawyer will thoroughly investigate and build a solid case to collect compensation at the highest level. Do not accept the first settlement offer without talking to your attorney first.
7. Be prepared for trial.
Many demands involving injuries end up in a personal injury settlement out of court, but it is crucial to be prepared for trial in case negotiations break down. Your attorney will help you with every step, whether your case settles or goes to trial.
8. Don’t post anything about your accident or injuries on social media.
Anything you post on social media, including pictures and status updates, can be used against you by the insurance company representing the other party.
9. Handle all correspondence with the at-fault party’s insurance company through your attorney.
Your lawyer will know how to deal with the insurance adjusters and protect your rights. The right legal professional will be aware of the insurance company’s interests and manage to file an insurance claim to protect your needs in case of personal injury accidents.
10. Be patient and let your attorney handle everything.
The personal injury lawsuit process can take time, but it is essential to be patient and let your lawyer do their job. Pursuing a personal injury case is not easy, but with the right attorney by your side, you can get the compensation you deserve.
Average Settlement Amount in Personal Injury Cases
The severity of your injuries is the primary factor determining how much your personal injury settlement is worth.
If you’ve suffered life-changing injuries that have caused you to incur extensive medical bills and miss out on a significant amount of income, including lost wages, you can expect to receive a much higher settlement than someone who sustained less severe injuries or doesn’t have the medical reports to prove it.
The average settlement amount for personal injury cases has been estimated at $62,600. However, this can vary depending upon several factors like where it happened or who was injured, alongside other variables that affect payouts, such as the severity level of damage done to each party involved (soft tissue vs. hard tissue).
Additionally, the insurance company of the other part will also factor in their liability, the jurisdiction where the accident occurred, and any pre-existing conditions you had. To get a better idea of how much your demand is worth, it’s best to speak with a personal injury attorney used to representing clients that suffered injuries from a vehicle accident, a medical treatment mistake, a grossly negligent professional, etc.
The highest amounts are paid for severe injuries such as paralysis or disfigurement. If mental health problems caused by an auto accident contribute to increased pain and suffering experienced during treatment, compensation will also be due.
Losing a loved one is always challenging, but when they die due to another person’s negligence or intentional action, it can devastate family members.
The loss brings about many personal and emotional challenges for those left behind. It includes dealing with guilty thoughts over what happened during their last days on earth, which may have led to their death.
It can be an extremely trying time to deal with the death of a loved one and have to manage funeral arrangements and bills. You may feel like you are in a fog and that everything is happening around you, but you cannot focus on or participate in any of it.
Understandably, many people want to take a legal initiative following the death of their loved ones to obtain justice for what happened.
Pursuing a claim will not bring your loved one back, but it can help ease some of the financial burdens placed on you and give you a sense of closure. It can also send a message to the responsible parties that their actions have consequences and that they will be held accountable for their negligence or wrongdoing.
What Is a Wrongful Death Claim?
It is a civil lawsuit filed by the surviving family members of someone who has died due to someone else’s fault or an entity’s negligent or intentional actions.
The purpose of the lawsuit is to seek financial compensation for the damages that have been suffered as a result of the death, such as funeral and burial expenses, lost income and benefits, and the loss of love, companionship, and protection.
In some cases, punitive damages may also be awarded in a lawsuit. These damages are designed to punish the responsible party for their actions and deter others from engaging in similar behavior.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim?
In most states, the deceased person’s surviving spouse, children, or parents can file a claim. In some cases, other family members, such as siblings or grandparents, may also be able to file a claim.
The first step in filing a demand of this nature is to contact a specialized personal injury lawyer who can help you understand your legal rights and options. An attorney will also be able to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death and gather evidence to support the claim.
What Damages Can Be Recovered in Claim Following the Demise of Your Loved One?
The damages that can be recovered in a claim depend on each case’s facts and circumstances. Generally, damages that may be awarded in a lawsuit include:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Lost income and benefits, including the loss of future earnings
- Loss of love, companionship, and protection
- The family’s emotional distress
- Pain and suffering that the deceased person experienced before their death
- Punitive damages, in some cases
How Is a Wrongful Death Claim Filed?
A claim is filed in civil court instead of criminal court. It means that the family members filing the claim are doing so against the responsible party to recover damages.
The burden of proof in a civil lawsuit is lower than in a criminal case, which means that the family does not have to prove that the responsible party is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Filing a Wrongful Death Claim?
The statute of limitations is the period in which a lawsuit must be filed. In most states, the statute of limitations for filing a claim for the wrongful demise of your loved one is two years from the date of death.
However, there are some exceptions to this rule, so it is crucial to speak with an attorney as soon as possible to ensure that your claim is filed within the applicable period.
What To Do If The Insurance Company Refuses To Pay A Personal Injury Claim
If the other driver’s insurance company for your personal injury claim, it’s essential to document the evidence that supports why this happened.
You, or your lawyer, should contact them and provide any recordings or transcripts from statements made with authorities present during an initial investigation. The documentation of what occurred will prove how serious these injuries are compared to an insurance adjuster’s estimate of damages done based on the limited information given by the parties involved.
If negotiations still don’t result in a fair amount, your lawyer can help take the case to trial.
Taking Legal Action Following the Demise of Your Loved One Using the Skills of Personal Injury Lawyers: Getting Compensated Resolving Personal Injury Claims
A personal injury lawyer can help resolve compensation claims by helping to gather evidence, negotiating with the insurance company, and filing a lawsuit if necessary. They have the experience and knowledge to get the best possible outcome for your case.
Our lawyers are experienced in the legal issues surrounding numerous practice areas, including:
- Car accidents
- Truck crashes
- Motorcycle collisions
- Slip and fall accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Dog bites
- Product liability
- Premises liability
- Accidental drowning
- Nursing home abuse and neglect
- Medical malpractice
No matter the cause of your injuries, our personal injury attorneys will fight to get you the compensation you deserve. We have recovered millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements on behalf of our clients, and we are ready to put our experience to work for you.
Call us today for a free consultation with one of our personal injury attorneys. We will review your case and answer any questions you have about the legal process. There is no obligation to hire us, and we will not charge you a fee unless we recover your compensation.
How Much Will Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer Cost? Your Legal Rights and Responsibilities as an Injured Party
You must know your legal rights and responsibilities when you’ve been injured in an accident.
One of the critical questions you may have is whether or not you need to hire a personal injury lawyer. The answer depends on many factors, but if you were injured due to someone else’s negligence, you should at least consult with an attorney.
The cost of hiring a personal injury lawyer will vary depending on the lawyer’s experience, the type of case, and the location where the case will be tried.
In most cases, personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee arrangement. It means that they only get paid if they win your case. If they lose, they don’t receive any compensation.
Most personal injury law offices will also advance all costs associated with your claims, such as filing fees and expert witness expenses. If they win, these costs are typically recovered from the defendant’s payout.
- Medical expenses: You may be responsible for any medical bills incurred due to your injuries. It includes hospitalization, surgeries, rehabilitative care, and other necessary treatments. Sometimes, your health insurance company may refuse to pay for certain types of treatment if they are not considered “necessary” or “medically necessary.” If this happens, you may be responsible for paying out-of-pocket expenses.
- Lost wages: If you are unable to work because of your injuries, you may be able to recover your lost wages. It includes any income you would have earned had you not been injured, as well as any bonuses, commissions, or other compensation you would have received.
- Pain and suffering: You may be entitled to compensation for the physical and emotional pain and suffering caused by your injuries. It can include things like anxiety, depression, nightmares, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Property damage: If your personal property was damaged in the accident, you might be able to recover the cost of repairs or replacement. It can include your car, clothes, electronics, or other personal belongings.
- Punitive damages: In some cases, the court may award punitive damages to punish the person who caused your accident. Punitive damages are not available in every case, and they are typically only awarded if the other party’s actions were particularly egregious.
The amount of money you may be entitled to receive will depend on the specific facts of your case. An experienced personal injury lawyer will be able to evaluate your case and give you a better idea of what to expect.
Hire The Injury Lawyer Team to Resolve a Personal Injury Case
Are you, or a loved one, the victim of a personal injury? Did someone else’s negligence or intentional action lead to your damages? The personal injury attorneys at Injury Lawyer Team, sponsored by Rosenfeld Law Offices, can help.
Contact an experienced personal injury lawyer today to pursue compensation from all responsible parties. Let our legal team handle your settlement negotiations to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
We accept all cases on a contingent fees basis. This agreement ensures you postpone paying legal fees until your personal injury attorney resolves your case through a negotiated settlement or court award.
Contact us to schedule an initial consultation and free case evaluation. All sensitive or confidential information you share with our legal team remains private through an attorney-client relationship.