Personal Injury

Personal injury is a legal term referring to harm or injury to a person's body, mind, or emotions, as opposed to damage to property. It typically involves a type of civil lawsuit (a tort claim) where the injured party (plaintiff) sues the person or entity responsible for causing the harm through negligence, reckless conduct, or intentional wrongdoing.

Key points about personal injury include:

• It covers physical injuries (bodily injury) as well as emotional or psychological harm.
• The injured person seeks compensation (damages) for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and diminished quality of life.
• Personal injury law is a branch of civil law, distinct from criminal law, and often involves settlements before trial.
• Common examples include car accidents, slip and falls, workplace injuries, and medical malpractice.
• To succeed in a personal injury claim, the plaintiff generally must prove:
  • The defendant owed a duty of care,
  • The defendant breached that duty,
  • The breach caused the injury,
  • The injury resulted in damages that can be compensated.

In summary, personal injury law addresses legal claims arising from harm to a person caused by another's negligence or misconduct, aiming to provide financial compensation for the losses suffered.