“Personal injury” covers a variety of different types of lawsuits in Arizona. Below we present some of the more common types of personal injury claims. However, a word of caution: just because a specific personal injury isn’t addressed below doesn’t mean you don’t have a claim. Every injury merits a discussion with an attorney to determine whether you have a case. The most common personal injury lawsuits include the following:
- Vehicle accidents;
- Medical malpractice;
- Construction site injuries; and
- Slip and fall cases.
PERSONAL INJURY AND VEHICLE ACCIDENTS
Like “personal injury,” the term “vehicle accidents” covers a wide variety of accidents. Thus, it is perhaps the largest category of personal injury cases. More injuries result from car accidents than any other type of vehicle accident, however, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, and bicycle accidents make up a significant number of injury claims. Additionally, if someone is injured by a car, truck, or motorcycle while they are a pedestrian or bicyclist, thisis also considered a vehicle accident.
Any time a person is injured or killedand a vehicle is involved, there may very well be a personal injury lawsuit. The purpose of a personal injury lawsuit is to fairly compensate the injured victim and to make them whole, to the extent that is possible. Personal injury attorneys can’t unbreak a bone or heal a scar, but they can make sure the responsible party pays to compensate a victim for their injuries and damages.
PERSONAL INJURY AND MEDICAL MALPRACTICE
Medical malpractice can also cover a wide variety of actions or inaction relating to medical treatment and healthcare providers. As a general rule, medical malpractice requires three elements:
- A medical or healthcare professional has a duty to the patient;
- The medical or healthcare professional failed to meet that duty; and
- The failure caused harm to the patient.
Some examples of medical malpractice include failing to diagnose or treat an illness or medical condition; operating on the wrong part of the body; leaving items such as surgical sponges or instruments inside the patient’s body during surgery; treating a patient in unsanitary or unclean conditions; and providing the wrong medication. Medical malpractice can occur in almost any situation. Any time a patient was hurt due to the actions, or lack of action, of a medical or healthcare professional, there may be a medical malpractice claim.
CONSTRUCTION SITE INJURIES
The United States Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has rules governing construction site safety. Unfortunately, despite these rules and regular inspections of construction sites, injuries happen, oftentimes because of a violation of the rules. Both construction workers and lay people are at risk for injury while on or near a construction site. Injuries can occur due to falling objects, electrical shocks, faulty scaffolding, improper use of heavy equipment, fires, explosions, trenches improperly shored up, exposure to toxic chemicals, and in countless other ways.
PERSONAL INJURY AND WRONGFUL DEATH
Wrongful death claims arise whenthe negligence or intentional acts result in death of a family member. These claims may result from a vehicle accident, an accident at work, medical malpractice, falls, or any other negligent act. In these cases, the survivors may recover funeral expenses, medical expenses, future lost wages, and the loss of companionship, love and affection by the surviving family.
IF YOU THINK YOU HAVE A PERSONAL INJURY CLAIM
If you think you have a personal injury claim, contact the law office of Miller Kory Rowe LLP. Our personal injury attorneys will meet with you at no cost to discuss the facts and circumstances of your case. Contact us today for your free consultation at (602) 648-4045.