Personal Injury
According to the National Safety Council, there were over 55 million injuries in America in 2020. In Phoenix, the most common type of injury is a slip-and-fall, which can occur on a variety of surfaces, including wet or icy sidewalks, stairs, and floors. Other common injuries include being hit by a car while walking or biking, or suffering a dog bite.
If you have been injured in an accident, you may be wondering if you need to consult an attorney. The answer to this question depends on the severity of your injuries and the circumstances surrounding your accident. Whether you feel your injuries are serious or not, it’s important to consult with an attorney right away to protect your rights. A Phoenix personal injury lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Even if your injuries are not serious, you may still benefit from consulting an attorney. If the accident was caused by another person’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
If you are not sure whether you need to consult an attorney, you can always schedule a free consultation. During this consultation, you can discuss your accident and injuries with an experienced Phoenix personal injury lawyer. The lawyer will then be able to advise you on whether you have a case and what your next steps should be.
What Is a Personal Injury Claim?
A personal injury claim is a legal process that allows individuals to seek compensation for harm they have suffered as a result of another person’s actions. This type of civil lawsuit can address a variety of damages, including physical injuries, emotional distress, and financial losses. The goal of a personal injury claim is to hold the responsible party accountable for their negligent or reckless conduct and to provide a means for the injured party to recover their losses.
To file a personal injury claim successfully, the injured party must show that the defendant was negligent or reckless. This means proving that the defendant had a duty to act in a certain way, failed to meet that duty, and directly caused harm to the injured party. Establishing this link is essential for getting compensation and seeking justice for the victim.
The Personal Injury Claim Process
The personal injury claim process helps individuals seek compensation for injuries caused by someone else’s negligence or intentional actions. It typically starts with a consultation with a personal injury attorney and includes several important steps to guide victims to get the justice they deserve.
Contact Van Peursem Law today to speak with a professional about your case!
How do Personal Injuries Commonly Happen?
There are many ways that people can sustain personal injuries in Phoenix, Arizona. Some of the most common ways include car accidents, slip-and-falls, and dog bites.
Car accidents are unfortunately very common in Phoenix. With the high amount of traffic on the roads, it is not surprising that there are a lot of accidents. Many times, these accidents are caused by driver error, such as distracted driving or driving under the influence.
Slip-and-falls are another common type of personal injury. This can happen anywhere but is especially common in grocery stores or restaurants where spills on the floor may occur. The liability in these cases can lie with the store owner or property owner. Only experienced personal injury lawyers know the ins and outs of personal injury cases.
Dog bites can also be a serious type of personal injury. In Phoenix and all of Arizona, it is the law that dog owners must keep their pets under control at all times. If a dog does get loose and bite someone, the owner can be held liable.
If you have sustained any type of personal injury, it is important to seek legal help.
What Types of Injuries and Damages Can Result?
A personal injury can result in many types of injuries, including physical, emotional, and psychological. The most common type of physical injury is a broken bone. However, other physical injuries, such as burns, can also occur. Emotional injuries can include anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Psychological injuries can include nightmares, flashbacks, and difficulty concentrating.
Injuries and damages can result from many different kinds of accidents. Some of the most common personal injuries include:
Car accidents. Automobile accidents can cause a variety of injuries, from minor cuts and bruises to more serious injuries like broken bones, spinal cord damage, and traumatic brain injury.
Slip and fall accidents. These accidents can also cause a variety of injuries, ranging from minor bruises to more serious injuries like fractures, concussions, and spinal cord damage.
Workplace accidents. Depending on your job, workplace accidents can cause a variety of injuries, from minor cuts and bruises to more serious injuries like amputations, burns, and traumatic brain injuries.
Defective products. Using a defective product can also cause a variety of injuries. If you were using the product as intended and were hurt by a manufacturer’s defect, you could be entitled to compensation.
Arizona Laws Impacting Personal Injury Claims
Arizona laws play a crucial role in shaping personal injury claims, influencing both how claims are filed and the compensation that victims may receive. Understanding these laws is essential for anyone considering filing a personal injury claim in the state.
Statute of Limitations
One of the most significant aspects of Arizona's personal injury law is the statute of limitations. This law establishes a strict deadline for filing a claim, requiring individuals to act promptly after suffering an injury. In Arizona, the statute of limitations is generally two years from the date of the injury.
This timeline is important because if a claim isn’t filed within this period, the injured party will lose their right to seek compensation. It’s crucial to start the claims process as soon as possible, as delays can mean giving up the chance to recover damages. Consulting with a personal injury attorney soon after an accident can help ensure that all necessary paperwork is filed on time.
Damages and Compensation
In addition to understanding the statute of limitations, it is important to recognize how damages and compensation laws in Arizona influence the potential payouts for personal injury claims. Arizona law allows individuals to seek various forms of compensation, including:
Medical expenses. Medical expenses cover everything related to the treatment of injuries, from hospital bills to rehabilitation costs.
Lost wages. Lost wages compensate for the income lost while recovering from injuries.
Pain and suffering. Pain and suffering account for the physical and emotional distress experienced as a result of the injury.
Determining Negligence in Arizona
Arizona is a modified comparative negligence state, which means that if the injured party is found partially at fault for the accident, their compensation can be reduced accordingly. For example, if a victim is deemed to be 20% at fault for their injuries, their compensation would be reduced by that percentage.
Understanding these laws can be daunting, and that’s where a personal injury attorney becomes invaluable. Our experienced lawyers can guide you through the intricacies of Arizona’s legal framework so that you understand your rights and options regarding damages and compensation. We will work diligently to build a strong case, advocate for fair compensation, and help you navigate the complex legal landscape.
How Do You Know If You Should Consult With a Phoenix Personal Injury Lawyer?
If you’ve been injured in an accident, you may be wondering if it’s time to consult with a Phoenix personal injury lawyer. Here are four signs that it may be time to seek legal help:
Your injuries are serious. If you’ve suffered serious injuries, you may need to hire a lawyer to help you get the compensation you deserve.
The accident was caused by someone else’s negligence. If another person or company is at fault for your accident, you may have a case against them.
You’re not getting fair compensation from the insurance company. If the insurance company is lowballing you or refusing to pay your claim, a lawyer can help you get the money you deserve.
You’re not sure what to do next. If you’re not sure whether you have a case or what steps to take next, a consultation with a personal injury lawyer can help you figure out your next move.