Motor vehicle accidents
Ask any personal injury lawyer what type of case makes up the bulk of their day, and by far, it is motor vehicle accidents. Year after year, Texas leads as one of the most dangerous states for drivers. Further, a recent report ranked Brownsville 12th as the city with the most fatal accidents in the state.
According to a recent report from the National Safety Council, in one year, motor vehicle accidents were the second-leading cause of preventable injuries in the United States.
Common injuries resulting from motor vehicle accidents include:
- Soft tissue injuries
- Cuts, bruises, and lacerations
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones
- Burns
- Spinal cord injuries
- Emotional distress
Wrongful death
Sadly, unintentional injuries are consistently the leading cause of death in the United States. A wrongful death suit is challenging because it can appear as if it should compensate you for your loved one’s death. This reason is not the purpose of a wrongful death case.
When a person dies, there are many costs associated with the death. Beyond medical bills and funeral costs, you must consider the impact of lost wages. When a family loses a loved one, money is the last thing they should worry about. A wrongful death action allows the victim’s loved ones the time to grieve without the worry of mounting debt.
Premises liability accidents
While you may not know the term premises liability, premises liability accidents happen daily. The law requires any person who owns or rents property to maintain it in a way that is safe and free of dangers for visitors. When a person fails in their duty to keep their property, they may be responsible for costs and damages related to any subsequent injuries. Premises liability accidents can happen almost anywhere. Examples include:
Slip and fall accidents: If you have never suffered an injury after a fall, it can be easy to dismiss slip and fall claims as frivolous lawsuits. But the truth is, every day, falls result in severe and life-changing injuries. Slip and fall accidents include any fall that happens at ground level.
Common causes of slip and fall accidents include:
- Wet flooring
- Uneven sidewalk
- Loose carpet
- Cluttered walkways
- Icy sidewalks
Dog bites: According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, approximately 4.5 million people suffer from dog bites every year. Of these, one in five requires medical attention. Common injuries include lacerations, infection, scarring, and PTSD.
Dogs bite for a variety of reasons. They could be scared or protecting their owner—even dogs with zero biting history nip and cause serious injury. In Texas, you can hold dog owners liable for any costs incurred if the dog has a history of dangerous behavior.
Negligent security: An employer must take the necessary steps to ensure the safety of its employees. A landlord must make sure you can come and go without the risk of harm. When a property owner fails to provide adequate security, they may be responsible for any injuries that result from their negligence.
What constitutes adequate security varies on a case-by-case basis. In some instances, outdoor lighting may be sufficient. In areas where crime is prevalent, it may be necessary for the property owner to put up fencing or hire a security company.