Most Common Types of Personal Injury Claims in Waldorf, MD
Some people assume vehicle accidents are the only type of personal injury claim, but there are a number of other types of claims that can fall under the personal injury umbrella. Finding an attorney who handles a variety of Maryland personal injury claims can be beneficial if you have legal issues that need resolution.
Auto Accidents
While auto accidents make up the majority of personal injury claims filed each year, they can also involve more than just cars. Accidents can involve pedestrians, motorcycles, off-road vehicles, bicycles, trucks, etc. Many accident claims involve property damage and bodily injury, but wrongful death claims related to fatalities also occur. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s Highway Loss Data Institute, Maryland had 505 fatalities in 2016. They can be broken down by:
- Car occupants: 199 people, 39%
- Pickup and SUV occupants: 82 people, 16%
- Large truck occupants: 9 people, 2%
- Motorcyclists: 73 people, 14%
- Pedestrians: 104 people, 21%
- Bicyclists: 16 people, 3%
Premises Liability
Slip and falls are common incidents that fall under premises liability. Unfortunately, as people age, the risk of injury becomes greater. Because businesses are required to keep their premises safe and clean. Spilled food and drink in a grocery store or an unmarked hole on a sidewalk can present a dangerous situation, especially for someone who is older. Other scenarios that can result in a premises liability claim include failure to adhere to building codes. Even dog bite cases can fall under premises liability.
Product Liability
Product liability claims encompass defective and/or dangerous products. Both manufacturers and sellers have a duty to produce and sell safe products. There are strict rules on products intended for use in the consumer market. A product liability claim can include causes of action like a manufacturing defect or failure to properly include a necessary safety warning.
Workers’ Compensation
Work-related injuries comprise another area of personal injury claims. There are a number of reasons outside of someone accidentally getting hurt that can bring rise to a workers’ compensation claim. If an employer does not maintain a safe environment or provide the necessary safety equipment, there is a risk of injury to the employee. Depending on the type of work, some employees might have a workers’ compensation claim for exposure to hazardous materials.
In 2017, there were a total of 23,336 workers’ compensation claims filed with 12,253 temporary total awards issued. 6,468 claims were settled while 7,818 were deferred and 551 disallowed by the commission.
Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice is another important area of personal injury claims. Medical malpractice claims can often be difficult to prove, but they can also provide some of the largest settlement awards since the harm is typically very significant. These are typically lengthy lawsuits and often involve the use of experts who can testify in support of the level of negligence by the medical provider.
Retaining a Maryland Attorney
Retaining a skilled Maryland personal injury attorney is an important first step in pursuing a personal injury claim. Contact the Law Office of Robert R. Castro at 301-870-1200 to schedule a consultation today.
