About Personal Injury

Plaintiffs' Personal Injury Law Firm

General Description

Personal injury law is a branch of tort law that deals with any damage that is done to a person's rights or property. If someone's reputation is damaged via libel or slander, this can also constitute a personal injury. There are many places where an actionable personal injury can happen including a neighbor's home, the workplace, or a public place such as a retail store. In order for the personal injury to be actionable, it has to take place because of someone else's negligence or unsafe actions by someone who owes you an ordinary duty of care.

This means that you cannot file a personal injury claim if there has been no dereliction of duty or negligence on someone else's part. Some actionable personal injury cases include medical malpractice, nursing home abuse, libel, and wrongful death. When many people think of personal injury, they think only of a physical injury such as a broken bone or a chemical burn. However, actionable claims can revolve around physical or psychological injury. This means that it may be possible to recover damages for emotional distress, anxiety, or depression caused by a personal injury. Personal injury law also covers occupational illnesses such as mesothelioma and occupational deafness.

Personal injury law differs from criminal law in many ways. One of the biggest differences is that criminal charges are brought by the government, but a personal injury case involves two private parties. The party that was injured and is filing a personal injury claim is the plaintiff, and the person or company defending themselves against the claim is known as the defendant. Because personal injury law is so complex, it is important that both parties are represented by an experienced personal injury lawyer. This can help prevent the dismissal of a claim or loss of a personal injury case based on inexperience or a lack of knowledge of personal injury law.

Your attorney will rely on your account of the accident and your resulting injuries, so it is important to have as much documentation as possible. Personal injury cases may take some time to complete, and your memory of the events may fade as time passes. After your accident, write down everything that happened. Take note of any unsafe conditions at the accident site and write down the names of anyone who witnessed what happened. The first few days after your accident, keep daily records of your health and injuries. This includes taking note of any pain, discomfort, anxiety, or insomnia that may occur. Just because the problem is not visible on the surface of your skin does not mean that you should not document it.

If you visited the emergency room or had an outpatient doctor visit as the result of your accident, keep all discharge instructions and hospital receipts. If you had to purchase prescription medications for pain, inflammation, or other injuries, keep the receipts from your purchases. All of this information can help your attorney determine how to handle your case so that you have the best chance of recovering damages from the defendant.

At Napoli Bern Ripka LLP, we have the experience and knowledge needed to help you file a personal injury claim and see it through to its resolution. Our experienced attorneys can answer your questions and ease your concerns so that you can concentrate on healing from your injury.

Personal Injury

Medical Malpractice