TL;DR: The most common personal injury cases in the U.S. include car accidents, slip and falls, medical malpractice, dog bites, workplace injuries, and wrongful death. Knowing how each worksโand your rightsโcan protect your ability to get compensation. Always consult a qualified attorney after any injury.
1. Car Accidents
Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of personal injury claims in the U.S. Injuries can range from minor whiplash to life-altering spinal damage. If another driver was at faultโeven partiallyโyou can recover compensation for your damages.
- Call 911 and seek medical help
- Take photos of both vehicles, the scene, and your injuries
- Get witness names and contact info
- Never admit fault at the scene
Learn how we fight back against insurers.
2. Slip and Fall Accidents
Falls due to unsafe property conditions can lead to broken bones, head trauma, and more. Property owners must keep their premises safeโor be held accountable.
Tip: Take photos of the hazard and report the fall to the property manager immediately.
Common hazards:
- Wet floors without warning signs
- Uneven sidewalks or broken stairs
- Poor lighting in walkways
3. Medical Malpractice
When doctors, nurses, or hospitals fail to meet the standard of care, patients pay the price. These cases are complexโbut you have rights.
Malpractice can include:
- Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis
- Surgical mistakes
- Birth injuries
- Anesthesia errors
Statute of Limitations: In most states, you have 1โ3 years to file. In California, it’s typically 1 year from discovery.
4. Dog Bites
Some states (like California) hold dog owners strictly liableโmeaning the owner is responsible no matter what. Bites can result in infection, scarring, or psychological trauma.
Strict liability = The dogโs history doesnโt matter. The owner is still on the hook.
5. Workplace Injuries
Most workplace injuries are covered under workersโ compensation. But if a third party caused the injury (e.g., a defective ladder), you may be able to file a personal injury claim too.
We help with:
- Construction site accidents
- Delivery driver injuries
- Unsafe equipment and machinery
Why it matters: Third-party claims can offer more compensation than workersโ comp alone.
6. Wrongful Death
When someone dies due to negligenceโwhether in a crash, surgical mistake, or unsafe premisesโthe surviving family may be entitled to compensation for funeral costs, loss of income, and emotional loss.
Learn more about wrongful death claims.
Steps After Any Injury
- Seek medical care immediatelyโeven if symptoms seem minor
- Document the scene (photos, witnesses, incident reports)
- Do not admit fault or sign anything without legal advice
- Track all expenses and recovery progress
- Contact an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible
Client Story: Slip and Fall Victory
San Diego: A retail worker slipped on a greasy floor at a grocery store. The company denied responsibility, claiming there were warning cones. We uncovered surveillance footage proving no cones were in place. Final settlement: $150,000.
Feeling Overwhelmed After an Injury?
Thatโs normal. Take a deep breath and write down everything you remember while itโs fresh. Then let our team take it from there. We know how to protect your rightsโand pursue the maximum compensation you deserve.
No Win, No Fee. Contact us today for a free consultation.
โ Neama Rahmani, Esq., President of West Coast Trial Lawyers
Neama Rahmani, a Harvard-educated attorney with over 20 years of experience and more than $1.7 billion recovered for victims, leads our team of national litigators. Meet our team, read real stories, or verify Neamaโs credentials (California Bar No. 223819).
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult an attorney about your individual case.
