What are the Most Common Reasons for Personal Injury Lawsuits?

Matthew Powell

Slip and Fall. I write about this frequently in this blog and I touch only on the smallest percentage of cases that occur each year.  This type of case is often seen in a poor light in this country, but the truth is that slip and fall accidents can have very devastating effects.  Tens of thousands of Americans die as a result of slip and fall accidents each year.  Millions of others suffer very serious injuries.  The costs – financial, physical, and emotional – that result can be quite astounding and, as a result, the injured parties or their families frequently seek financial assistance in the form of a lawsuit.

Product Malfunction. This is a big reason for lawsuits in this country.  Nearly 20,000 people will be involved in an accident that results in the filing of a claim in 2012.  The reasons for the lawsuits can vary substantially from a child choking on the pieces of a toy to a man collapsing because his pacemaker failed.  The basic underlying principle, however, is always the same – a product that was purchased for a specific purpose malfunctioned and caused harm to someone as a result.

On the Job Injury. Did you know that approximately 5,000 people will die at work this year, as a result of an unexpected accident? It’s easy to think, because of the many new laws and restrictions in recent decades, that people are safe when going to work.  The truth, however, is that millions of people suffer devastating injuries on the job each year and there are thousands of lives lost.  These problems are not limited to “high risk” positions either.  Even the white collar worker who lifts a carton of printer paper wrong can be left with a stress injury to the back.

Fender Benders and Worse. There are many Tampa auto accidents, as well as auto accidents elsewhere, that end in lawsuits each year.  It is far too easy to make a mistake when travelling at high speeds.  When that happens, or an unexpected obstacle suddenly appears, or when a vehicle malfunctions, then the outcome can be horrifying.  Thousands of people are killed as a result of such accidents each year and many, many more are injured.  When it is the fault of another – whether it is the vehicle manufacturer, a distracted driver, or someone asleep at the wheel – then justice can be served in the courtroom.

Matthew Powell