A personal injury is generally defined as an injury that occurs outside of work – work-related injuries are handled differently – due to someone else's negligence.
In fact, personal injury cases make up the bulk of civil litigation in the United States. Below are some of the most common reasons why you may find yourself needing assistance from a personal injury attorney in Orange County.
Auto Accidents
More than a million people are fatally injured in vehicle-related accidents each year. An additional 20-50 million individuals are injured in accidents of this nature. In many instances, a personal injury attorney in Orange County may be able to help an affected victim or their surviving family members secure appropriate compensation, although there are some exceptions. Negligence related to an auto accident may involve:
- Electronic distractions
- Intoxication or impairment
- Personal distractions – e.g., talking to passengers, eating, etc.
- Not being mindful of the road
- Reckless driving that may include illegal lane-changing or running red lights
Medical Malpractice
If reasonable standards of care are not maintained, an affected patient may be able to pursue a medical malpractice claim. This type of personal injury applies to the process of making a diagnosis as well as the actual care given. Because it can be difficult to prove that a reasonable standard of care wasn’t maintained, a personal injury attorney in Orange County can prove to be a valuable asset when weighing your options with a case of this nature.
Slip and Falls
Residential property owners and business owners both have an obligation to keep their properties as safe as possible. For homeowners, this often means keeping sidewalks clear, and business owners are typically expected to keep public walkways clear and post signs if interior floors are slippery. An Orange County personal injury lawyer can offer advice based on what legal responsibilities a property owner had to prevent a slip and fall accident and resulting injuries.
Dog Bites
In most states, a dog owner is held legally responsible if their dog inflicts a personal injury on another person. Some states, like California, are “strict liability” with dog bite laws. This means victims of dog bites, if they are bitten when on public property or while lawfully on private property, can take legal action against the animal’s owner. A personal injury attorney in Orange County may look for additional signs of negligence, such as a dog owner not posting appropriate warning signs or not property restraining an animal.
Defective Products
Personal injuries of this nature involve products that are defective in some way. With cases like this, an Orange County personal injury lawyer may look at the manufacturer’s testing data to determine if defects were known. Businesses that sold or marketed a known defective or recalled product could also be held legally responsible.
When you are injured as a result of another individual’s negligence, a personal injury attorney in Orange County can explain your legal options so you can make a well-informed decision about what actions to take. If a responsible party is able to remain civil, it may be possible to work out a fair settlement without court intervention. If court does become an option, a lawyer typically gathers relevant evidence to present a compelling case.
