What is Personal Injury?
Personal injury law is based on the concept that when a person is negligent and causes injury to another, that person should pay compensation for the injuries he or she has caused. This concept has been a part of the American legal system since the founding of the country, and it is enshrined in the Seventh Amendment to the Constitution which preserves the right to a trial by jury in almost all civil matters.
Negligence is defined as the failure to use ordinary care. In other words, when a person fails to exercise reasonable care for his or her safety or the safety of another person in a given situation, that person is negligent. When negligence results in injury, the negligent party is liable for the injuries and damages that result from the negligent conduct.
Accidents can happen anywhere and at any time, often when they are least expected. It is for this reason that North Carolina personal injury attorneys exist: to help victims that have been injured either directly or indirectly by the fault of another individual or company. Washington personal injury attorneys handle many types of claims including:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Vehicle accidents
- Airplane accidents
- Semi truck accidents
- Boating accidents
- Dangerous drugs
- Defective medical devices
- Dog bite injuries
- Premises liability
- Much more
Understanding Wrongful Death
Personal injury can include claims focused on wrongful death. Unlike other types of injury claims, wrongful death claims are typically brought about by those closest to the deceased, such as a child, parent or spouse. For example, a wife who has lost her husband due to a company’s negligence could ask for compensation to cover the following:
- Emergency medical care
- Funeral expenses
- Lost current and future income
- Emotional pain and suffering the death has caused the family members
- Additionally, plaintiffs may also be able to ask a court for punitive damages.
What Types of Compensation May a Washington Personal Injury Attorney Pursue?
There are two basic types of compensation that a personal injury attorney may pursue for his or her client: compensatory damages or punitive damages. Compensatory damages include any money lost due to the inability to work or return to work; medical treatments; or physical, mental or emotional pain and suffering; or. On the other hand, punitive damages are reparations required to serve as punishment for the defendant, awarded when it is determined that the responsible party’s behavior is deemed intentionally harmful or reckless.
How a Washington Personal Injury Attorney Can Help
If a victim suffers a personal injury caused by the wrongdoing or negligence of another party, he or she may be entitled to compensation for damages resulting from their injuries, including:
- Medical expenses
- Loss of income or ability to work
- Pain, suffering, and mental anguish resulting from an injury
The families of those who have died may be eligible to recover money for funeral expenses and the pain that comes with losing a loved one.