Personal injury claims are something we hope we never have to experience. Yet, if the worst does happen, it’s important to know what to expect. When it comes to compensation, the amount varies widely depending on your injury. In this article, we’ll look at seven types of personal injury claims that tend to result in the highest compensation.
- Dog Bites
The first item on our list may come as a bit of a surprise, but dog bites can result in serious and lasting injuries (not to mention emotional trauma), so the compensation can be significant. The average dog bite settlement is usually somewhere between $25,000 and $50,000, though it can even exceed $100,000 in more severe cases.
- Medical Malpractice
Errors in healthcare are one of the most costly personal injury cases. This is because of the extent of the consequences of something like a misdiagnosis or surgical mistake. Victims are often left facing extensive medical bills, lost income, and life-altering health effects. Some notable examples of medical malpractice include surgical tools left inside patients or missed diagnoses of life-threatening illnesses. Settlements often reach millions.
- Car Accidents
Car accidents are one of the most common personal injury claims. Collisions that involve catastrophic injuries result in the highest payouts, in part due to the extensive ongoing medical care required. For instance, victims with traumatic brain injuries or those left with a permanent disability may need years of rehabilitation. In cases of gross negligence, like drunk driving, additional punitive damages may be awarded which further increases compensation.
- Workplace Injuries
While workers’ compensation is designed to cover most workplace accidents, some cases can result in larger payouts. This is usually when third-party liability or negligence is involved. High-risk industries like construction tend to see the biggest claims, for injuries involving machinery or falling from height.
- Slip and Fall Accidents
Premise liability cases are where an injury occurs as a result of dangerous conditions on someone’s property. They can often lead to high settlements, especially if the victim suffers an injury like a broken hip, concussion, or spinal injury. The amount paid out depends on both the extent of the injury and the level of the property owner’s negligence.
- Wrongful Death
While no amount of money can make up for the loss of a loved one, wrongful death cases often result in multi-million dollar payouts to compensate for funeral expenses, loss of income, and emotional damages.
- Product Liability
Defective products have the power to cause serious injury, and the resulting payouts can be considerable. High-profile cases include things like defective airbags or faulty household products. These cases often involve large corporations, so the settlements can easily climb into the millions.
Endnote
When it comes to personal injury claims, compensation varies significantly. The amount awarded depends on factors including the severity of harm caused and the unique circumstances surrounding the case. From dog bites to car accidents, and workplace incidents to surgical errors, it’s vital to obtain proper legal representation. An experienced attorney can help maximize your compensation based on the specifics of your personal injury case.
