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    • Medical Malpractice
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    • Neck Injuries
    • Catastrophic Injuries
    • More Cases >
      • Brain Injuries
      • Back Injuries
      • Spinal Cord Injuries
      • Amputation, Disfigurement, Paralysis
      • Chemical Exposure and Industrial Accident Attorneys
      • Electrocutions, Burns and Explosions
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      • Truck Accident
      • Boating Accident
      • Dangerous Defective Products
  • Other Cases
    • Social Security Disability
    • Premises Liability
    • Commercial Litigation
    • Maritime Injury >
      • What Does the Jones Act Mean for Injured Seamen?
      • Offshore/Oil Rig Accidents
    • Jones Act
    • Workers' Compensation
    • Employment Attorney
    • Labor Relations
  • Find a Lawyer
  • Blog
  • About
    • Contact us
  • Location
    • Biloxi, MS
    • Gulfport, MS

The Most Common Types of Personal Injury Cases and How They Work
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If you're injured because of someone else's negligence, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit. In this article, we'll talk about the most common types of personal injury cases and how they work. Personal injury cases can result from a variety of accidents, including car accidents, slip and falls, dog bites, and product defects. Each type of case has its own unique set of laws and procedures.
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Most personal injury cases are settled out of court, but sometimes they go to trial if a settlement can't be reached. If you're thinking about filing a personal injury lawsuit, it's important to understand the different types of cases and how they work.

What is a personal injury case

A personal injury case is a legal dispute that arises when an individual suffers an injury because of someone else's negligence or purposeful act. The injured person (the "plaintiff") sues the person or entity responsible for the injury (the "defendant"), seeking compensation for their damages.

Types of Personal Injury Case

Here are some of the most common types of personal injury cases:
  • Car accidents: Car accidents are the most common type of personal injury case. If you're injured in a car accident that was caused by someone else's negligence, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit. An experienced car and truck accident attorney can help you understand the laws in your state and guide you through the claims process.
  • Slip and fall accidents: Slip and fall accidents can occur anywhere, from a grocery store to a friend's house. If you're injured in a slip and fall accident, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against the property owner. The key to winning a slip and fall case is proving that the property owner knew or should have known about the hazard that caused your fall.
  • Dog bite cases: Dog owners are responsible for their dog's actions, even if the dog has never shown signs of aggression before. If you're injured by a dog, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against the dog's owner.
  • Product liability cases: Product liability cases arise when a defective product causes injuries. If you're injured by a defective product, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against the manufacturer or seller of the product. Product liability claims often lead to recalls and can help prevent future injuries.
  • Medical malpractice: Medical malpractice cases arise when doctors, nurses, hospitals or medical professionals fail to provide adequate medical care. If you're injured because of medical malpractice, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible party. Common types of medical malpractice include birth injuries, surgical errors, and misdiagnosis.
  • Wrongful death: If you've lost a loved one due to someone else's negligence, you may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Most wrongful death lawsuits arise from car accidents, medical malpractice, or workplace accidents.
  • Workplace accident: If you're injured in a workplace accident, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against your employer. Workers' compensation laws vary from state to state, so it's important to understand the laws in your state and how they apply to your case. If you've been injured on the job, an experienced workers' compensation attorney can help you understand your rights and options.
  • Assault: If you're injured in an assault, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against the attacker. In some cases, the property owner may also be liable if the attack occurred on their property.
  • Libel and slander: Libel and slander are types of defamation. If you're the victim of libel or slander, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against the person who made the false statement. Libel is a written defamation, while slander is a spoken defamation.

What the types of compensation in personal injury cases

Compensation in personal injury cases is intended to make the victim "whole" again. That means that victims should be compensated for their medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. In some cases, punitive damages may also be awarded if the defendant's actions were particularly egregious.
If you're considering filing a personal injury lawsuit, it's important to understand the types of compensation that may be available to you:
  • Compensatory damages: Compensatory damages are intended to reimburse the victim for their losses. This includes medical bills, lost wages, and property damage.
  • Pain and suffering: Pain and suffering damages are intended to compensate the victim for their physical and emotional pain and suffering.
  • Punitive damages: Punitive damages may be awarded if the defendant's actions were particularly egregious. Punitive damages are intended to punish the defendant and deter others from engaging in similar conduct.

What does a personal injury attorney do

If you're considering filing a personal injury lawsuit, it's important to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney. An attorney can help you understand your rights and options and can guide you through the legal process. Contacting an attorney as soon as possible after your accident can help preserve evidence and protect your rights.
Personal injury attorneys typically work on a contingency fee basis, which means that they only get paid if you recover compensation in your case. Contingency fees are typically a percentage of the total recovery, so it's important to understand how much you'll owe if you win your case.
A lawyer who works on personal injury cases:
  • Reviews evidence to determine whether there is a basis for filing a personal injury lawsuit.
  • Analyses the applicable laws and court precedents.
  • Identifies and interviews witnesses.
  • Prepares and files legal documents, such as complaints, motions, and discovery requests.
  • Represents clients at hearings and trials.
  • Negotiates settlements on behalf of clients.

What is the statute of limitations for personal injury cases

The statute of limitations is the deadline for filing a personal injury lawsuit. In most states, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is two years from the date of the accident. That means that if you don't file your lawsuit within two years of the date of your accident, you will be barred from recovery. There are some exceptions to this rule, so it's important to consult with an experienced attorney to determine the deadline in your case. 

Contact Wetzel Law Firm today

​No two personal injury cases are alike, but understanding the types of cases and how they work can help you decide if filing a lawsuit is right for you. If you've been injured because of someone else's negligence, contact Wetzel Law Firm today for a free evaluation of your claim. We have the experience and knowledge to help you get the compensation you deserve. Call us today to get started on your case.
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1701 24th Avenue
Gulfport, MS 39501
(228) 864-6400
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1084 Judge Sekul Avenue
Suite D
Biloxi, MS 39530

(228) 273-4883
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​[email protected]