A Breakdown of the Most Common Personal Injury Cases in Texas
Personal injury can be broken up into various kinds of accidents. From car collisions, the most common of all in Texas, to product defects, there are so many to be aware of. Each personal injury is different because they may require different kinds of rules to follow, steps to take in a claim, and different terms of compensation and awards. To learn more about these accidents, continue reading our in-depth breakdown of common cases in Texas.
Car Accidents and Collisions
Car accidents, crashes, and collisions are one of the leading personal injury cases in Texas. According to the most recent TXDOT data, there were 19,448 people that sustained serious injuries in 2021 alone as a result of car accidents. These personal injury claims can be some of the trickiest to file because drivers may experience several kinds of damages, such as:
- Medical damages
- Pain and suffering
- Lost income
- Mental anguish
Drunk Driving
Drunk driving is also another common issue that leads to personal injuries. When filing a claim for a drunk driving accident, you do not have to worry about Texas laws regarding drunk driving. Texas is not a “no-fault” state, therefore, the person that caused the accident as a result of being under the influence is required to pay damages.
Injuries on Property or Premises
Texas is always seeing several kinds of workplace accidents. One very important workplace or site accident to be aware of is an oilfield accident. Texas is highly populated with oil fields and rigs, therefore, the risk of an accident or personal injury shoots up. Oilfield accidents usually result in:
- Toxic chemical exposure
- Broken bones
- Strained muscles
- Equipment malfunction injuries
- Slips and falls
Slip and falls
Slips and falls, above all, are the most common injuries reported on work sites. It is important to file a claim for slips and falls, especially when they occurred on work sites, because some companies may do what they can to get out of paying high settlements. Some cases or claims can be settled out of court if the company or insurance does not have an issue with providing as much compensation as demanded by the injured individual.
Dog bites
These kinds of injuries are only difficult to navigate if they happen on other people’s property. There are many ways these claims can play out. Because Texas follows the “one bite” rule, this means a dog owner is liable for a pet that attempts to bite or harm the injured more than once. This rule is basically based on negligence on behalf of the pet owner.
Construction accidents
Aside from oilfield accidents, there are a number of injuries that occur every day on construction sites and in many other labor-heavy jobs. Workplace accidents are also difficult because while an individual will most likely receive the compensation they need, they may not be able to sue the company if this is the path they pursue. This is because some types of damages, such as pain and suffering, are not available to file in workers’ compensation claims.
Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice is a personal injury that should be handled immediately as injuries can easily worsen within a very short time frame. If you or a loved one has experienced medical malpractice, you should file a claim right away and include important details such as:
- Misdiagnosis
- Wrong medication or too high of a dosage
Because of the potential results and costs, Texas sets a limit on the number of damages recoverable to $250,000.
Product Liability
Product liability occurs when products are defective and dangerous to consumers, causing harm and personal injuries. If a product causes injury or some kind of damage, the seller could still be held liable, alongside the designer or manufacturer. Products are required to warn consumers of potential hazards, which is why this personal injury case does not always work out as consumers may expect.
Wrongful Death
Personal injury cases that lead to death are commonly settled through lawsuits. Families of the deceased can receive compensation or settlements, which is why wrongful death is categorized as a personal injury. Family members may be eligible to receive compensation for:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Medical or funeral expenses
Compensation for the deceased is usually a result as:
- Lost wages and benefits
- Loss of earnings
- Medical or funeral expenses
Stay Updated on Personal Injury Laws in Texas with Huerta Law Firm
If you or a loved one recently experienced a personal injury, you should approach legal services right away. A lawyer will make sure your claim is on the right track to helping you receive the compensation you deserve. Contact us today by calling (915) 629-9988 to learn more.