Common Personal Injury Cases

A personal injury is a physical, mental, psychological and emotional harm caused by the negligence or fault of another. A person may be allowed to recover compensation for the losses and injuries caused by another person or entity. This tort lawsuit may be very complex, and the claims vary from case to case depending on the circumstances, negligence on the part of the tortfeasor, and the contributory negligence on the part of the victim. The most common types of personal injury cases are listed below. It is essential for you to know that a competent and experienced Rhode Island personal injury lawyer may guide you in understanding your legal rights and options, and assist in establishing the key elements to prove your case.

Vehicle accidents

Accidents involving automobiles, trucks, motorcycles or bicycles are the most common types of personal injuries. These may cause minor injuries, deformities, permanent disability or death. Your claim may vary depending on who is legally at fault for the accident and the extent of damage caused to your health and property.

Medical malpractice

When you go to a doctor to seek medical or surgical attention, you entrust him or her with your life. These healthcare professionals and institutions are obligated to carry out their tasks with a greater standard of care and diligence. When their performance is proven to be negligent and has caused a medical error that imperils the life and safety of a patient, the victim or his relatives may be entitled to compensation for the minor injuries, major disfigurement, emotional losses and suffering, infections and wrongful death.

Premises Liability

When a person is injured in a building or while on the property that belongs to another person or entity, he or she may be entitled to compensation when the owner, manager or employee has failed to maintain the safety and good condition of the property and has not provided sufficient warning about the potential hazard. The most common types are slip and fall injuries suffered by the patrons, or workplace-related injuries sustained by the employees.

Product liability

Injuries are also often sustained when the manufacturer, distributor or retailer of a product has failed to provide sufficient information and warning regarding the use and components of a particular product or medication. If it can be proven that the manufacturer, retailer or distributor had actual or constructive knowledge regarding the defect of a certain product, and still sold it anyways, then the company may be held responsible.