Personal Injury Lawyer
There are numerous types of injuries that occur in our daily lives, ranging from minor bumps and bruises to more severe accidents. While personal injury cases typically involve legal action seeking compensation for damages caused by another party’s negligence, not all injuries fall into this category. In many instances, injuries may not be considered personal injury case worthy due to various reasons such as lack of fault, trivial nature, or absence of substantial damages. According to a personal injury lawyer from our friends at MartinWren, P.C., below are some examples of injuries that typically do not meet the criteria for personal injury cases:
Superficial cuts and abrasions: Minor cuts and scrapes that do not require medical attention or cause significant disruption in a person’s life are generally not suitable for personal injury claims. These types of injuries are considered part of the ordinary risks of daily activities. If you feel like it is a deep cut, seek medical attention and ask how serious it is to determine if you should then contact a lawyer.
Bruises and contusions: Bruises often occur as a result of impact or trauma, such as bumping into a stationary object or a sports-related collision. While they can be painful and temporarily debilitating, bruises generally do not warrant personal injury cases unless they result from deliberate harm or gross negligence.
Mild sprains and strains: Sprained ankles, strained muscles, and similar injuries can happen in various situations, including sports, physical activities, or simply by slipping on a wet floor. Unless such injuries lead to long-term impairment or significant medical expenses, they are unlikely to be pursued as personal injury cases. Even if you feel like the sprain might be injurious to you later in life, it might not warrant a case.
Temporary discomfort: Injuries that cause transient discomfort or inconvenience, such as a sore back after lifting heavy objects or short-lived headaches from minor accidents, typically do not qualify as personal injury cases. For a case to be considered, the injury must cause significant and lasting effects on the victim’s life.
Self-inflicted injuries: Injuries that result from a person’s own actions or negligence, such as tripping over one’s own feet or accidentally cutting oneself while preparing food, generally do not qualify for personal injury claims. Personal responsibility is a crucial factor in determining the viability of a case.
Emotional distress without physical harm: Emotional distress alone, without accompanying physical harm, is usually not sufficient grounds for a personal injury claim. Most jurisdictions require the presence of physical injury or illness as a basis for compensation. Emotional distress can also be extremely difficult to prove.
Pre-existing conditions aggravated by minor incidents: If a person already has a pre-existing medical condition, an injury that exacerbates the condition but does not result from someone else’s negligence may not be eligible for a personal injury case. In such situations, the injury must directly result from another party’s negligence or intentional actions.
It is important to note that laws and regulations regarding personal injury cases vary across jurisdictions. What may be deemed unworthy of a personal injury case in one jurisdiction could be subject to different interpretations elsewhere. If you believe you have a legitimate personal injury claim, it is advisable to consult with a legal professional who can provide guidance based on the specific laws and regulations applicable in your jurisdiction; contact a lawyer near you for help if you need it.