Personal injuries are, unfortunately, very common in the United States. According to the National Safety Council, about 62 million people visited the emergency room for unintentional injuries in 2023. Additionally, over 169,000 people die from these preventable accidents annually. Attorney Aaron Tillmann from Tillmann Law Personal Injury Lawyers, a personal injury law firm in Portland, OR, recommends speaking with a personal injury lawyer who can help you understand your legal options and get the compensation you deserve.
Here are seven situations when you should seek legal counsel rather than trying to handle things on your own.
1. Motor Vehicle Accidents
One of the most common causes of personal injury is motor vehicle accidents. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 2.6 million Americans visit the ER each year due to car crashes. Dealing with insurance companies after a collision can be frustrating and confusing. An attorney has experience negotiating with adjusters and making sure you receive full compensation for medical bills, lost wages, car repairs, and other damages.
2. Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents frequently occur in public places like grocery stores, restaurants, hotels, and shopping malls. In a study by the National Floor Safety Institute, over 8 million fall injuries are reported each year in the US. If you fell due to unsafe premises, such as a wet floor without warning signs, uneven pavement, poor lighting, or other negligence, you may have a legal case.
3. Medical Malpractice
If you or a loved one suffered injury or illness because a doctor, nurse, hospital, or other healthcare provider made a mistake, you may have a medical malpractice claim. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, over 250,000 Americans die due to medical errors each year. Medical malpractice lawyers handle everything from surgical errors to misdiagnoses to medication mistakes.
4. Dog Bites
Dog bites and attacks frequently result in hospital visits and permanent scarring. According to the CDC, dogs bite over 4.5 million people annually in the US. If a dog bite caused injuries, infection, or emotional trauma for you or your child, consult a dog bite lawyer. Laws vary by state, but owners are often liable for bites, especially if the dog had shown aggression before.
5. Wrongful Death
The death of a loved one is painful enough without having to handle legal and financial complexities. If someone else’s negligence or misconduct caused your family member’s death, meeting with a wrongful death attorney is highly advisable. An attorney can investigate what happened, collect evidence, and file a claim or lawsuit against responsible parties on your family’s behalf. While no amount of money can compensate for your loss, it can ease financial burdens as you grieve and adjust to life without your loved one.
6. Defective Products
When a defective product injures consumers, manufacturers should be held accountable. If you suffered harm due to a design flaw, manufacturing defect, or lack of adequate warning labels, a product liability lawyer can manage your case. They subpoena company records, get products tested by experts, identify prior complaints, and pinpoint what went wrong.
7. Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect
Being the victim of nursing home abuse or neglect can leave emotional and physical scars. Your recovery should be the priority, but when you are ready, discuss your case with an attorney. They can handle interactions with the nursing home, law enforcement, prosecutors, insurance companies, and the perpetrator’s legal defense team while you focus on healing.
With an experienced personal injury attorney guiding you, your rights will be protected as you work to recover from what happened.