Many types of personal injury claims are filed each year in Indiana, but cases involving motor vehicle crashes, workplace injuries, slip and fall accidents, and medical malpractice top the list. These claims may be based on theories of negligence, products liability, or strict liability. By filing personal injury claims, people may recover compensation for economic and noneconomic losses that resulted from the intentional or negligent acts of others.
Motor Vehicle Accident Claims
Nearly six million motor vehicle accidents happen every year in the United States. These crashes cause about two million people to suffer serious injuries or fatalities. When negligent drivers, defective components, or poorly maintained roads cause car, motorcycle, or truck accidents, victims may file motor vehicle accident injury claims to recover compensation for their losses. If the at-fault party’s insurance company denies a claim or offers an unreasonably low amount, victims may file personal injury lawsuits to recover damages.
Slip and Fall Accident Claims
Slip and fall accident cases involve plaintiffs who have slipped, tripped, or fallen because of a hazardous condition on someone else’s property. These types of accidents often happen when people are shopping at stores or visiting businesses. If the property owner knew or should have known about the hazardous condition that caused the injuries, but failed to correct the problem or warn people about its existence, the injured victims may be able to recover compensation through lawsuits.
Workers’ Compensation Claims
Workers who are injured while they are working are entitled to recover compensation through their employers’ workers’ compensation insurance. In Indiana, all employers are required to carry this type of coverage. Workers’ compensation may pay for the workers’ medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and lost income. When workplace injuries are caused by a third party, injured workers may also file personal injury lawsuits to recover damages not covered by workers’ compensation insurance.
Medical Malpractice Claims
Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare professional, hospital, or other medical facility commits an error that causes injury or death to a patient. If what a doctor or hospital performs below the appropriate standards of care, the patients may recover compensation for their injuries.