If you are injured because of the negligence of another person or entity, you have the right to seek compensation from that party. This right is law, and it falls under the umbrella of personal injury law. Many different types of situations are considered personal injuries. The list is quite long, from dog bites and car accidents to defective products and slip and falls. While this is true, in Port St. Lucie, some personal injuries are more common than others. Keep reading to learn about the most common types of personal injury cases and lawsuits that are filed in this area.
1. Car Accidents
For most people, this is no surprise. According to the NHTSA, traffic accidents are still a main public safety concern in Port St. Lucie, Florida. This includes car, truck, motorcycle, bicycle, and pedestrian accidents.
Unfortunately, there is no sign that the number of accidents occurring in this area will slow down anytime soon. With almost 200K residents in the area, and the population growing regularly, the likelihood of accidents continues to grow.
If you are involved in this type of accident, you have rights. It is best to contact an attorney who can help preserve evidence and get you the compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages.
2. Medical Malpractice
Each year, over $4 billion in medical malpractice damages is paid out in the United States. Unfortunately, Florida and St. Port Lucie residents are not immune to this type of personal injury situation.
Most allegations of medical malpractice are related to misdiagnosis, treatment, and surgery. The state of Florida is ranked fifth in the list of states with the highest medical malpractice rates.
Keep in mind that medical malpractice covers many things. A medical malpractice case may occur from:
- Birth injuries
- Failure to diagnose a serious health condition
- Surgical errors
- Pharmacy errors
- Improper treatment
- Misdiagnosis
Most medical malpractice cases are complex. Because of this, having a medical malpractice attorney on your site is a must.
3. Product Liability
Defective and dangerous products may result in an injury in your home, at work, or in a public location. Things like improper warnings and incomplete operation manuals can also cause injuries.
Some examples of common harmful products include:
- Medical devices
- Vehicle parts
- Children’s products
- Consumer products
- Food
- Dangerous drugs
If you suffered an injury due to an unsafe product, you should contact an attorney to determine if you have a case. They can also help to determine who is responsible for the injuries you suffered.
4. Slip and Fall
Each year, in the state of Florida, slip and fall accident cases account for over one million emergency room visits. They also account for over 12% of all falls that occur.
According to the Florida Department of Health, falls are the number one cause of injury and death for residents who are 65 years old or more. It is ranked fourth for total deaths overall.
These cases often occur when property owners do not keep premises or property free of hazards and safe. They can occur on private property or take place in a public building or store.
A common example of this type of injury is if a car dealership or big box store does not clean up a puddle of oil or water or put-up caution warnings about the spill. Someone may encounter a puddle, slip, fall, and suffer an injury. The store is considered liable for the injury because the puddle was not addressed right away.
5. Workers’ Compensation
In the highly competitive, cut-throat pace that most companies work at today, it is not surprising that workers’ compensation claims are on the rise. With more pressure coming from the top down to meet consumer demand in a down market, workers are being pushed, which leads to more accidents and injuries.
Another reason that work-related accidents and injuries are growing is because of many business practices being rushed. It is estimated over three million injuries are occurring on the job every year. These usually occur when the worker is on the job.
Find an Attorney to Help with Your Personal Injury Case in Port St. Lucie
If you are the victim of a personal injury, you should hire an attorney to help with your case. Regardless of what happened, things can get complicated, and you may not fully understand the law related to your situation.
An attorney will help ensure your rights are protected and that you have the best chance of getting the compensation deserved for the injuries and damages you incurred.
If you have questions about your case or would like to schedule a free consultation, contact our team at Fetterman & Associates by calling 561-845-2510. We can help with your personal injury case.