What Falls Under Personal Injury?

Understanding Your Rights When You've Been Hurt

When most people hear the term personal injury, they think of car accidents. But in reality, personal injury law covers a wide range of situations where someone is hurt due to the negligence, carelessness, or intentional actions of another. You may have the right to pursue compensation if you’ve been injured and someone else is at fault. Here's a breakdown of what falls under personal injury law:

1. Motor Vehicle Accidents

Car crashes, truck collisions, motorcycle accidents, and even pedestrian injuries are among the most common types of personal injury claims. Whether it's a distracted driver or a reckless one, if someone else caused the accident, you may be entitled to damages.

2. Medical Malpractice

When doctors, nurses, or hospitals fail to meet the standard of care and it results in injury, illness, or even death, it falls under personal injury. Common examples include surgical errors, misdiagnosis, birth injuries, or medication mistakes.

3. Slip and Fall Accidents

Property owners have a responsibility to maintain safe environments. If you’ve slipped on a wet floor, tripped over a hazard, or were injured due to unsafe conditions on public or private property, you may have a premises liability claim.

4. Construction Site Injuries

Construction zones are high-risk areas. If a worker, contractor, or passerby is injured due to unsafe equipment, poor training, or negligent supervision, it can lead to a personal injury case — separate from workers’ comp in some instances.

5. Defective Products

When a product fails due to design flaws, manufacturing errors, or lack of proper warnings, it can cause serious harm. Personal injury law protects consumers and allows them to hold manufacturers accountable.

6. Dog Bites & Animal Attacks

Animal owners are responsible for controlling their pets. If you've been bitten or attacked, particularly in states with strict liability laws, you may have grounds for a personal injury claim.

7. Assault or Intentional Harm

While many personal injury cases are based on negligence, injuries resulting from physical assault or other intentional acts can also be pursued in civil court, often in addition to criminal charges.

When to Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer

If you've suffered a physical, emotional, or financial loss because of someone else's actions, it’s worth speaking with an attorney. At Awad & Baker, we specialize in helping victims navigate complex legal claims and recover the compensation they deserve. Time limits (statutes of limitations) apply — so don’t wait.

Injured? Confused about your legal rights?

Let Awad & Baker fight for you. Contact us today for a free consultation and take the first step toward justice.

📞 (516) 716-4444

🌐 www.awadbaker.com