When another party harms you or causes physical pain due to their own negligence, they are legally responsible for your injuries. You can open a personal injury case and seek compensation for damages, such as medical bills, missed workdays, and emotional trauma. However, many people don’t know when the other party is financially responsible for an injury, which can lead to financial ruin for some. If you’ve been harmed physically, here’s what you need to know. 

A Guide to the Different Types of Personal Injury Cases

1. Dog Bites

If you’re injured by a dog, whether they bite you or knock you over, the owner is generally responsible. However, the injured party will likely lose the case if they were trespassing on the defendant’s property or teasing and abusing the dog.

In Connecticut, canine bites fall under strict liability, so the owner will likely be financially responsible even if they had no way of knowing that their dog would bite someone. In other words, saying that they thought their canine was friendly may not hold up as an effective defense in court. 

2. Slip & Fall Injuries

Property owners are responsible for keeping their premises safe and hazard-free to prevent injury. Generally, the owner will be liable if you fall and hurt yourself on their property. However, there are a number of elements to prove in court. For example, a lawyer will need to show that the owner had a duty to keep the area hazard-free. Next, the attorney must establish that the property was unsafe; there may have been broken lights, loose cords, or leaks. Finally, they’ll need to prove that the owner received notice of the problem and failed to take action.  

3. Car Accidents

One of the most common causes of personal injury cases, auto accidents often happen because one of the motorists was being careless or reckless. If that’s the case, the negligent party may be financially responsible for injuries, such as whiplash, knee trauma, broken ribs, or cuts. If you were in a collision, an attorney can help you find an expert physician to document your injuries, work with the insurance companies, negotiate a settlement, and prove that the other party was responsible for the crash. 

When you need a personal injury attorney, contact Mark O. Grater Attorney at Law. Serving Southeastern Connecticut, Attorney Grater has over 25 years of experience protecting his clients’ rights. He is always available to answer your calls and will accompany you through each step of the legal process. To learn more about the firm’s services, visit the website or call (860) 449-8059.