Although mishaps happen all too often, it doesn’t detract from the pain and suffering that result from accidents or injuries to you or your loved ones. Sometimes, it’s necessary to take legal action to protect your rights—a Wyoming personal injury lawyer can help with that. Other times it’s necessary to hire someone to defend you. What constitutes personal injury, and what can that mean for you?
What Does “Personal Injury” Mean?
By definition, the term “personal injury” is used to describe any physical or emotional harm that you have suffered as a result of another person’s negligence. This might include car accidents, slips, and falls, workplace injuries, or any other type of accident in which someone else was at fault.
Personal injury can also refer to cases of sexual abuse or assault, as well as emotional stress caused by another person. In some cases, you may be able to file a lawsuit even if you haven’t suffered any physical injuries.
Bodily Injury vs. Personal Injury
Bodily injury is a type of personal injury. It is defined as any physical harm that you have suffered as the result of another person’s actions. This might include injuries caused by an automobile accident, slip and fall, or another type of accident.
Emotional Distress vs. Personal Injury
While emotional injury is not a physical injury, it can still be very real and damaging. It is defined as any mental or emotional harm that you have suffered as the result of another person’s actions.
5 Common Personal Injury Cases
The most common type of injury cases involves automobile accidents. But other types include injuries and damages caused by defective products, medical malpractice, slip-and-fall accidents, workplace injuries, or assaults.
1. Automobile Accidents
Wyoming law requires all drivers to be insured and also allows people who have been injured in an accident to seek compensation for damages, including medical bills and pain and suffering.
2. Defective Products
If you or your loved one has suffered injuries as a result of using a defective product, such as food poisoning or an injury from a faulty electrical component,
3. Medical Malpractice
Doctors and nurses have a legal duty to provide reasonable care to their patients. If they fail in this responsibility, they can be held liable if the patient suffers harm as a result.
4. Slip-and-Fall Accidents
Property owners are responsible for maintaining their premises in a safe condition. If they fail to do so and someone gets hurt as a result, the owner may be held liable.
5. Workplace Injuries
Employers have an obligation under the law to provide employees with a safe working environment. If you suffer an injury or illness at work, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills and lost wages.
What Are My Rights?
If you have been injured as the result of someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The vast majority of personal injury cases are resolved through settlements, but a small number end up in court.
If you’ve experienced any of the above, it may be in your best interest to speak with a personal injury lawyer in Wyoming who can help you determine whether or not you have grounds for filing a lawsuit. They will review all the details surrounding your case and help you decide on the best course of action.
Filing a Lawsuit
Filing a lawsuit is the first step toward obtaining compensation for your injuries or losses, as well as any emotional trauma you may have experienced. Depending on the details of your case, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the person who caused your injury, or against their insurance company.
It’s important to note that there is usually a time limit for filing personal injury lawsuits, so it’s important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible if you think you may have a case.
Likely Outcomes
Most personal injury cases are settled out of court, which means you and the other party reach an agreement regarding your compensation. If a settlement is not reached, your case may end up going to trial.
In some instances, both parties may agree to use arbitration instead of a lawsuit for their resolution process. This allows them to work through their differences outside of court and is often less costly than going to trial.
Finding a Wyoming Personal Injury Lawyer
If you have been injured, it is important to seek legal help as soon as possible. Personal injury cases can be complex and time-consuming, so don’t try to go through this process on your own. Speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer. They can advise you of your rights and help you get the compensation you deserve.
