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The Different Types of Personal Injury Cases: What You Need to Know

types of personal injury cases

If you or someone you love has been hurt because of another person’s carelessness, you might feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. At Pickford Law, we get it. We know that personal injury cases can be tough, and we’re here to help you through every step of the process.

Personal injuries can happen in all sorts of ways – from car crashes and slip and falls to medical mistakes and faulty products. Tennessee law says that if someone’s negligence causes you harm, you may have the right to seek compensation for what you’ve lost.

In this article, we’ll break down the most common types of personal injury cases and talk about the unique challenges that come with each one. Our goal is to give you the information you need to make the best decisions for your situation.

Most Common Types of Personal Injury Cases

Car Accidents

Car accidents are the most common types of personal injury cases, and for good reason. Tennessee’s roads are bustling with millions of vehicles, and the potential for collisions is ever-present. Whether it’s a rear-end collision, a T-bone accident, or a tragic incident involving a reckless or impaired driver, the consequences can be devastating.

In these situations, liability often falls on the party who failed to exercise reasonable care while operating their vehicle. This could include:

  • Speeding
  • Running a red light or stop sign
  • Distracted driving
  • Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol

However, determining fault is not always straightforward, and that’s where our team of experienced attorneys comes in.

We understand the complexities of car accident cases, from gathering evidence like dash cam footage and eyewitness testimonies to navigating insurance claims and negotiations. Our goal is to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any other damages you’ve endured.

Slip and Fall Accidents

Slip and fall accidents can result in serious injuries, particularly for older adults or those with pre-existing conditions. In Tennessee, property owners are legally obligated to maintain safe premises and address any hazardous conditions that could pose a risk to visitors.

These cases fall under the umbrella of premises liability law, which holds businesses and property owners accountable for injuries caused by their negligence. Examples of slip-and-fall incidents can range from wet floors in a grocery store to poorly lit stairwells in an apartment complex or uneven pavement in a parking lot.

Medical Malpractice

When we entrust our health and well-being to medical professionals, we expect a certain standard of care. Unfortunately, medical malpractice frequently occurs, leading to devastating consequences for patients and their families.

Medical malpractice can take many forms:

  • Misdiagnosis, which can lead to incorrect treatment, delayed treatment, or no treatment at all.
  • Surgical errors such as operating on the wrong body part, leaving surgical instruments inside the patient, or causing unnecessary damage to tissues or organs.
  • Medication errors like prescribing the wrong medication, incorrect dosage, or failing to consider harmful interactions between different medicines.
  • Negligent birth injuries to the baby or mother that occur before, during, or immediately after childbirth.
  • Failure to provide the necessary treatment for a diagnosed condition.

In Tennessee, healthcare providers are held to a high standard of care, and deviations from this standard, especially ones that result in injury to a patient, can be grounds for a medical malpractice claim.

Pursuing a medical malpractice case is often an uphill battle. The burden of proof is significant, and involving expert witnesses and extensive medical records is crucial. At Pickford Law, we understand the nuances of injury law and have a track record of success in holding negligent parties accountable.

Other Notable Types of Personal Injury Cases

While car accidents, slip and fall incidents, and medical malpractice are among the most common personal injury cases, several other notable categories deserve attention.

Workplace Accidents

Tennessee’s workforce is diverse, with millions of individuals employed across various industries, from construction and manufacturing to healthcare and office environments. Regardless of the job, every employee has the right to a safe workplace free from hazardous conditions or negligent practices.

Unfortunately, workplace accidents do occur, and they can range from minor injuries to life-altering or even fatal incidents:

  • Workers can be injured by objects falling from shelves or by machinery in operation.
  • Overexertion can happen when workers lift, pull, push, or throw something, causing strain or injury.
  • Machinery accidents can occur, often due to a lack of proper safety measures or equipment malfunctions.

In some cases, workers’ compensation laws can provide a safety net for injured employees by covering medical expenses and a portion of lost wages. However, in other instances, an employer or other third party’s negligence may warrant a personal injury lawsuit.

For example, if an employee is driving and gets rear-ended, the employee has a workers’ compensation claim because they were working, but they may also have a personal injury claim because a third party’s negligence caused the injury.

Product Liability

We live in a world where countless products surround us, from the cars we drive to the appliances in our homes and the toys our children play with. While we expect these products to be safe and functional, defects or design flaws can sometimes lead to severe injuries or even death.

  • Design defect claims arise when a product is inherently dangerous due to its design, even when manufactured correctly.
  • Manufacturing defects claims occur when a product becomes dangerous due to a flaw in its manufacturing process.
  • Marketing claims involve failures to provide adequate warnings or instructions about the product, leading to an injury.
  • Warranty claims involve a product that fails to meet the terms stated in its warranty or guarantee.

In Tennessee, manufacturers are legally obligated to ensure their products are safe and defects-free. Companies failing to uphold this responsibility may be liable for injuries or damages.

Dog Bites or Dog-Related Injuries

While dogs are often considered beloved companions, they can pose a significant risk of injury if they are not properly trained or restrained. Dog owners are legally responsible for ensuring their pets do not cause harm to others.

Dog bite or dog-related injury cases can be particularly challenging, as they may involve evaluating the animal’s breed, provocation factors, and whether the owner adhered to leash laws or took appropriate precautions. Our team understands the intricacies of these cases, from investigating the incident to working with animal behavior experts and navigating local ordinances and state laws.

Wrongful Death

Perhaps the most tragic of personal injury cases are those involving wrongful death. When someone’s life is taken due to the negligence of another party, the emotional and financial toll on the surviving family members can be overwhelming.

Wrongful death claims can arise from a variety of circumstances, including car accidents, medical malpractice, or workplace incidents.,. The law recognizes this immense loss and provides an avenue for seeking compensation for damages such as loss of financial support, emotional distress, and burial expenses.

We approach these cases with the utmost sensitivity and compassion. Our attorneys understand that no amount of money can truly compensate for the loss of a loved one, but we strive to provide a sense of justice while protecting the financial security of the surviving family members.

Make Pickford Law Your First Call after a Personal Injury in Tennessee

At Pickford Law, we understand that accidents can turn your life upside down. We’ve seen firsthand how personal injuries can affect people and their loved ones. That’s why we’re dedicated to standing up for your rights and fighting to get you the compensation you deserve.

When you work with us, you’re not just a case number. We take the time to get to know you and understand your unique situation. Our experienced team will create a personalized plan to give you the best chance at a successful outcome.

If you or someone close to you has been hurt because of another person’s carelessness, don’t wait. Reach out to us today, and let us help you get back on your feet.

Author Bio

Shalondra Grandberry Pickford

Shalondra Grandberry Pickford is a highly skilled attorney and the founder of Pickford Law. Her legal practice is committed to representing clients on various legal matters, including social security disability, veterans’ disability, estate planning, and personal injury. With over ten years of experience in law and a license to practice in Tennessee and Arkansas, Shalondra is committed to providing personalized and effective legal representation to each client.

Shalondra received her Juris Doctorate from The University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law and is a member of the Tennessee and Arkansas State Bar Associations. She has received numerous accolades for her work, including the exclusive Rising Stars award from Super Lawyers in 2017 and again in 2022.

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