Article -> Article Details

Did you know that over 400,000 personal injury claims are filed in the U.S. each year? That’s more than 1,000 claims every day. These cases cover everything from car wrecks to slip-and-fall injuries—and often involve people who need legal help to get fair compensation.

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “What exactly do personal injury lawyers handle?” — the answer goes far beyond just auto accidents. Personal injury attorneys deal with a wide variety of situations where someone has been injured due to someone else’s negligence.

In this article, we’ll explain the most common types of personal injury cases, how these claims are handled, and why having a skilled attorney on your side can make all the difference.

What Is a Personal Injury Lawyer?

A personal injury attorney is a legal professional who represents individuals who’ve been injured physically, emotionally, or financially due to another party’s careless or wrongful actions.

Their role includes:

• Investigating the incident

• Collecting evidence

• Communicating with insurance companies

• Filing lawsuits and negotiating settlements

• Taking the case to trial if necessary

The ultimate goal? To help clients recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

1. Motor Vehicle Accidents

One of the most common personal injury cases involves motor vehicle collisions. These include:

• Car accidents

• Motorcycle accidents

• Trucking accidents

• Rideshare crashes (Uber, Lyft)

• Pedestrian and bicycle accidents

Attorneys work to prove fault, calculate damages, deal with insurance companies, and ensure their clients aren’t pressured into accepting lowball settlements.

2. Slip and Fall Accidents

Slip and fall injuries fall under what’s known as premises liability law. Property owners are legally obligated to keep their premises safe. When they fail to fix or warn about hazards, they can be held accountable.

Examples include:

• Wet or slippery floors

• Uneven walkways or sidewalks

• Loose carpeting

• Broken stairs or poor lighting

A personal injury lawyer can help prove that the property owner’s negligence caused your injury.

3. Workplace Injuries

Not all work-related injuries are limited to workers’ compensation claims. If your injury was caused by a third party (like a subcontractor or faulty equipment), you may also have a personal injury claim.

Common cases include:

• Construction site injuries involving third parties

• Accidents caused by defective tools or machinery

• Delivery drivers injured in traffic collisions

An attorney can help determine whether you’re eligible for additional compensation beyond workers' comp.

4. Medical Malpractice

When doctors, nurses, or other healthcare professionals make serious mistakes, the consequences can be life-altering.

Medical malpractice cases may involve:

• Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis

• Surgical mistakes

• Incorrect medications or dosages

• Birth injuries

• Neglect or failure to provide proper care

These cases often require expert testimony and detailed medical records. A knowledgeable attorney can navigate the complex legal and medical issues involved.

5. Defective Product Claims (Product Liability)

When a dangerous or defective product causes injury, the manufacturer, distributor, or retailer may be legally responsible.

Product liability cases include:

• Faulty auto parts

• Unsafe toys or electronics

• Defective medical devices

• Contaminated food or household products

Personal injury attorneys work to hold corporations accountable for releasing harmful products into the market.

6. Wrongful Death

Losing a loved one due to someone else’s negligence is heartbreaking. Wrongful death claims help families seek justice and compensation for their loss.

These claims may arise from:

• Fatal car accidents

• Medical malpractice

• Workplace incidents

• Defective products

Damages may include funeral costs, lost income, emotional pain, and loss of companionship.

7. Dog Bites and Animal Attacks

Dog bites, especially those involving children, can cause serious physical and emotional trauma. In many states, dog owners are legally liable if their pet attacks someone—whether it happens in public or under certain circumstances on private property.

A personal injury lawyer can help recover compensation for medical treatment, emotional distress, and any long-term effects or scarring.

8. Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect

Families place immense trust in nursing homes to care for their loved ones. Sadly, nursing home abuse and neglect are more common than most people think.

These cases can involve:

• Physical or emotional abuse

• Poor hygiene or medical neglect

• Malnutrition or dehydration

• Financial exploitation

An attorney can investigate the facility, gather evidence, and hold those responsible accountable.

9. Construction Accidents

Construction sites are hazardous environments, and accidents can cause severe or even fatal injuries. While workers' compensation may apply, third-party claims are sometimes also an option.

Common causes include:

• Falls from scaffolding or ladders

• Electrocution

• Machinery accidents

• Falling tools or materials

An experienced attorney can determine whether you have grounds for a lawsuit outside of workers’ comp.

Why You Need a Personal Injury Attorney

If you’ve been injured, you’re likely facing a lot—medical bills, lost wages, emotional distress, and an insurance company trying to pay you as little as possible. That’s where a personal injury lawyer comes in.

A good attorney can:

• Investigate your case

• Gather the right evidence

• Deal with the insurance companies

• Negotiate for a fair settlement

• Represent you in court if necessary

Their job is to fight for the full compensation you deserve—so you can focus on healing.

Quick Summary: What Do Personal Injury Lawyers Handle?

Personal injury attorneys work on a wide variety of cases, including:

• Motor vehicle crashes

• Slip and fall injuries

• Work-related accidents

• Medical malpractice

• Dangerous or defective products

• Wrongful death

• Dog bites

• Nursing home abuse

• Construction site accidents

In every case, the goal is the same: to get justice and compensation for those who’ve been harmed by someone else’s actions.

Injured? RIE Law Is Here to Help.

If you or someone you love has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, don’t wait. Get trusted legal advice before speaking with the insurance company or accepting any offer.