5 Common Personal Injury Lawsuits in Texas
“Personal injury lawsuits are a common occurrence in Texas, ranging from car accidents to slip-and-fall incidents, with victims seeking compensation for their injuries caused by another person’s negligence or intentional actions,” says personal injury attorney Carlos A. Saldaña of KGS Law PLLC. Also, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration(NHTSA) affirmed that personal injury accidents are the leading cause of death in the United States.
When these injuries occur due to another person’s negligence or intentional actions, the injured person may seek compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. The kind of injury a person sustains will determine the type of claim. This article will explore Texas’s typical personal injury lawsuits and how to file a claim.
Car Accidents
Car accidents are the most common reason people file personal injury lawsuits in Texas. According to the NHTSA, up to 17,000 accidents occur daily on American roads. While some victims sustain minor injuries, many incur thousands of dollars as medical bills.
The victim of a negligent or reckless driver may be entitled to compensation if the accident results in injuries. This claim is to compensate the victim for medical expenses, losses, and general pain and suffering. As a result, accident victims must work with a knowledgeable legal expert who can support their case and help them get the compensation they deserve.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Although many people believe slip-and-fall accidents are minor, they are a common cause of personal injury lawsuits in Texas. Property owners are expected to maintain safe premises. If they fail to do so and someone slips and is injured, the injured party can file a lawsuit to recover damages.
Slip-and-fall accidents can occur in various settings, including grocery stores, restaurants, and parking lots. Common injuries victims suffer include fractures and head injuries.
Medical Malpractice
When a healthcare professional violates an acceptable standard of care and causes harm to the patient, this is known as medical malpractice. Examples of such malpractice include surgical errors and medication mistakes like prescribing the wrong medication or dosage, making an incorrect diagnosis, leaving objects inside a patient’s body during surgery, ordering a false test or failing to order one, performing surgery on the wrong part of the body, etc.
Dog Bites
Texas has a “one bite” rule, which means that a dog owner is only liable for injuries caused by their dog if the owner knew or should have been aware that the dog had the propensity to bite. If a dog bites someone and the owner knows of the dog’s aggressive tendencies, the injured party may be able to recover damages.
Construction Accidents
Construction sites can be dangerous, and accidents can occur due to unsafe working conditions, equipment failure, or human error. When a construction worker sustains an injury on the job, they may be able to recover damages through workers’ compensation. However, if a third party’s negligence contributed to the accident, the injured worker may also be able to bring a personal injury lawsuit.
Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit in Texas
In personal injury cases, the plaintiff must file a lawsuit within a certain period or risk losing their right to compensation. This timeframe is the “statute of limitations.” As specified by the state of Texas, the statute of limitations is two years from when the injury accident occurred or when the victim became aware of the injury.
The court expects both parties (victim and defendant) to argue their positions and provide all relevant evidence. If you or your relative has suffered an injury because of someone else’s negligence, it is crucial to seek the advice of an experienced personal injury attorney. A skilled and experienced lawyer can help you navigate the legal procedure for claiming compensation.
