Personal injury is a legal term that refers to an injury to a person rather than to property. A personal injury may be physical or emotional and is most often the result of negligence on the part of someone else. Personal injury claims may also encompass medical malpractice and intentional wrongdoing.

Common Causes of Personal Injury Claims

The most common causes of personal injury lawsuits are:

• Motor vehicle accidents
• Defective products
• Dangerous drugs
• Asbestos exposure
• Nursing home abuse
• Slip and fall accidents
• Medical and surgical malpractice

A plaintiff is a person who brings a civil action against someone else. Personal injury cases are one of the most common reasons that a plaintiff files a lawsuit. Personal injury law is designed to help a person recover losses or be compensated for losses brought about by an accident, negligence or intentional wrongdoing. Many states have statutes of limitations that restrict the amount of time you have to file a lawsuit after a personal injury has been inflicted.

Actions to Take After a Personal Injury

To assist in achieving the best possible outcome for your personal injury case, you should take the following steps:

• Make a written record of the details of the event, your injuries and other losses you may have suffered as result of the injury
• Keep a detailed account of conversations with those involved in the incident including medical personnel or first responders involved
• Take photos of the physical evidence of the incident and your injuries
• Locate witnesses to the incident
• Contact an experienced personal injury attorney to evaluate and pursue your claim

When someone acts negligently, recklessly or illegally and you suffer a personal injury because of their actions, you should be financially compensated for the losses and damages you have suffered including:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Future earning potential
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Pain and suffering