Personal injury lawyers help people who have been injured because of someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing. If you were hurt in an accident, an experienced attorney can help you seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Here are common types of cases that personal injury lawyers can handle.
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of serious injury and death. According to the NHTSA, traffic accidents caused more than 46,000 deaths and 5.2 million injuries requiring medical care in 2022.
A personal injury lawyer can handle a case involving traffic accidents, including:
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Motorcycle crashes
- Bicycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Rideshare accidents involving Uber and Lyft
- Bus accidents
If another driver caused your accident by speeding, drunk driving, or other negligent behavior, they can be held liable for your damages.
Premises Liability Cases
In Missouri, property owners are obligated to maintain safe premises and correct hazardous conditions. When they breach their duty of care, visitors and guests may suffer serious injuries. Missouri premises liability laws allow injury victims to pursue compensation for injuries caused by hazardous property conditions.
There are many types of premises liability cases, but two of the most common are slip and fall accidents and negligent security claims.
If a property owner knew or should have known about a dangerous condition but failed to fix it, they may be held responsible for resulting injuries. Negligent property owners may be responsible for falls caused by wet floors, icy walkways, damaged flooring and stairways, and poor lighting.
Property owners must also provide adequate security to protect guests and visitors from foreseeable crimes. If someone is assaulted, robbed, or attacked due to poor security, negligent property owners may be held responsible.
Workplace Accidents
Workplace accidents can leave you with expensive medical bills and lost income. While workers’ compensation covers many workers, some may have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit.
Common workplace injury cases involve:
- Construction accidents
- Industrial accidents
- Repetitive stress injuries
- Heavy machinery accidents
- On-the-job vehicle accidents
If a third party, like a subcontractor, equipment manufacturer, or another negligent party, contributed to your injury, you may be able to recover additional compensation through a lawsuit.
Medical Malpractice
Medical professionals must provide a certain standard of care. When doctors, nurses, or hospitals make serious mistakes, patients can suffer severe or life-threatening injuries.
Common medical malpractice cases include:
- Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis
- Surgical errors
- Medication mistakes
- Birth injuries
- Anesthesia errors
- Hospital-acquired infections
Medical malpractice cases are complex and require expert testimony. A personal injury lawyer can help gather medical records, consult with experts, and build a strong case.
Product Liability Cases
Defective products can cause serious injuries, even when used as intended.
Manufacturers, suppliers, and retailers can be held accountable for dangerous products, including:
- Defective auto parts like brakes, airbags, and tires
- Dangerous drugs due to contamination, severe side effects, or undisclosed risks
- Faulty medical devices like hip implants and pacemakers
- Household products like electronics, furniture, and children’s toys
Unlike most personal injury cases, product liability claims don’t always require proof of negligence. These cases involve strict liability, which holds manufacturers accountable for defects even if they are not careless or reckless. You may have a valid claim if a product was defective and caused injury.
Dog Bites and Animal Attacks
A dog bite can cause serious injuries, infections, or even permanent scarring. Unlike some states that have a “one bite rule,” Missouri holds dog owners responsible even if they were not negligent or had reason to believe their dog would bite someone.
Even if a dog has never bitten anyone before, the owner may be liable if their dog bites someone on public or private property if the victim is on the property lawfully.
Assault And Intentional Tort
Not all personal injury cases involve accidents. Some injuries are the result of intentional harm caused by another person. Assault, battery, and other violent attacks can leave victims with serious physical injuries and emotional trauma.
Intentional tort cases may involve physical assault, sexual assault, domestic violence, shootings, and false imprisonment.
In many cases, criminal charges may be filed against the attacker. However, a personal injury lawsuit is a separate civil case that seeks financial compensation for the victim.
Wrongful Death Cases
If someone’s negligence or reckless behavior leads to a fatal accident, their family may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
These cases help surviving loved ones recover damages for:
- Funeral and burial costs
- Lost income and financial support
- Loss of companionship
- Medical expenses before death
- The decedent’s pain and suffering before death
Wrongful death claims can arise from car accidents, medical malpractice, and other personal injury cases.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer for a Free Consultation
Do you have questions about your personal injury case? Contact Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers today at (314) 444-4444 for a free consultation. We’ll review your case and help you understand your rights.
