If you or someone you know has been the victim of a personal injury, you’re not alone. Every year, millions of people in the United States are injured due to the negligent or intentional actions of others. Here are the five leading reasons for personal injuries in the country.
Car Accidents
Car accidents are one of the most common types of personal injury cases. In 2019, there were more than six million car accidents in the United States, resulting in nearly three million injuries and 36,096 deaths. If another driver caused a car accident that you were in, you could be compensated for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents are another leading cause of personal injuries. These accidents can occur anywhere but are widespread in grocery stores, shopping malls, and office buildings. If you slip and fall on someone else’s property and sustain an injury, the property owner may be held liable. Things like uneven pavement and wet floors can cause serious injuries.
Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice is a leading cause of severe injuries in the United States. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, annually, medical errors cause 250,000 deaths in hospitals. Medical malpractice occurs when a doctor or other healthcare professional makes an error that causes injury or death.
Animal Bites
An estimated 4.5 million dog bites occur annually in the United States, resulting in nearly $1 billion in medical costs. In addition, dog bites can cause severe injuries and infections that require immediate treatment. If you sustain a dog bite, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Workplace Accidents
Workplace accidents are another leading cause of personal injuries. These accidents can occur in any workplace but are widespread in hazardous environments like construction sites and factories. If you’ve been injured at work, you may be able to file a workers’ compensation claim to recover damages.
Personal injuries are all too common in the United States. Thankfully, there are ways you can avoid them and even get compensated if you experience any of them. Here are some preventive methods to prevent these injuries.
Training and Seminar
Driving accidents are some of the leading causes of personal injuries in the United States, but you can avoid them by undergoing driving safety training and seminars. These programs teach you essential, safe driving techniques that reduce your chances of being involved in an accident. Some of the most common driving safety courses include defensive driving, car control, and vehicle dynamics.
Walking Safety
Another way to avoid personal injuries is to keep up your walking safety. Over one-third of all pedestrian accidents occur at night when it’s difficult for drivers to see you on the road. So wear reflective clothing and a flashlight to keep yourself safe while walking at night.
Proper Lifting Technique
Slip and fall accidents are common causes of serious injury, but you can reduce your risk by learning proper lifting techniques. If you need to lift something heavy, bend at the knees instead of your back and use your legs to lift.
Insurance
Personal injuries can be pretty hard to avoid, given that some of them can be caused by external forces. However, getting good insurance policies can reduce your risk of injury and financial loss. Here are four of the essential insurance policies you should get:
Health Insurance
You can never determine whether you or someone you love will be involved in a personal injury, which is why it’s essential to have good health insurance. Ensure that your policy covers all essentials, like hospital visits and emergency services.
Auto Insurance
Accidents can happen anywhere and anytime, so carrying auto insurance is crucial. You should find an auto insurance policy that covers any injuries you sustain in an accident and pays the costs of damage to your vehicle.
Home Insurance
Besides auto accidents, personal injuries can occur at home as well. To protect yourself against these accidents, getting good homeowners insurance is essential. This policy should cover medical expenses if someone is injured on your property.
Life Insurance
You never know what the future holds, so having adequate life insurance is essential. In addition, if you were to pass away unexpectedly, this policy would become your surviving loved ones’ source of financial support during difficult times.
Compensation
Lastly, if you’ve been injured in an accident or through no fault, you must seek legal help as soon as possible. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you get compensated for injuries that are caused by others’ negligence or wrongdoing. They can even give you guidance and counseling on claiming compensation.
If you have been the victim of a personal injury, it is essential to know that there are steps.
As you can see, there are many steps you can take to reduce your risk of personal injury and get compensated if one does occur. By following these tips, you can stay safe on the road, at work, and home.
