Personal Injury Cases

Personal injury cases can stem from a variety of incidents, including commonplace accidents like fender benders and small falls. No matter how minor the collision or accident, the potential for sustaining injuries is great and can lead to a wide range of complications.

Victims of at-fault injuries are allowed, by state’s tort law, to seek restitution and damages in a personal injury lawsuit from the party at fault, even in accidental or negligent instances, and often, minor accidents are the root of the lawsuit.

Common Types of Accidents

Below are some of the most common types of accidents that lead to personal injury lawsuits:

• Car accidents – In a car accident, there is typically a distinct separation of blame. The driver of one car is more liable than the other, either through a traffic violation, negligence or impairment such as drunk or drugged driving. In New Jersey, most drivers involved in a car accident have to collect from their own insurance providers to cover expenses, medical bills and more because New Jersey is a “no fault” state. However, in cases where the driver or passengers are severely injured, or the at-fault party acted intentionally negligent or reckless, the state may make certain exceptions.
• Slip and fall – Property liability laws come into play here, as property owners — homeowners, businesses, and even the state or county — have a responsibility to maintain their properties and keep them reasonably safe and hazard-free. An owner who fails to do so can be considered negligent and can be held liable for any injuries sustained in a fall on dangerous property or other accidents.
• Animal bites – Dogs, cats and other pets can be vicious around strangers and even family members and friends, so much so that they can cause dangerous bites. In New Jersey, there is a strict liability policy, which makes the owner of the animal responsible for any injuries caused by the pet, even if reasonable precautions were taken.
• Defective products – When a product does not work as advertised, or has unclear instructions, it could be unsafe for the user, especially for certain products such as cars, power tools and other items with high danger potential. The law requires all products to be safe when used according to the manufacturer’s instructions and intentions, but if the product is defective or unsafe, strict liability laws apply. Users who are injured can sue for damages and restitution.
• Dangerous drugs – There are so many drugs on the market today, and although rigorous testing is involved, sometimes unsafe drugs slip through. An unsafe or untested drug can cause serious medical complications and may even cause a condition to worsen. Often, lawsuits are filed as class actions against the manufacturing company, but individual victims can file private lawsuits as well.

At Helmer, Conley, and Kasselman, PA, our New Jersey personal injury attorneys represent anyone who has been victimized by another person’s negligence or carelessness. To discuss your case and determine what your best options for restitution will be, contact an HCK lawyer today.