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Even though accidents are a part of life, they shouldn’t rob you of your financial stability and freedom. If you’ve been injured while on another person’s property, or while visiting a business, you may be able to file a personal injury claim. Especially when negligence is involved, you can often secure a settlement that covers more than your hospital bills. For best results, you’ll need the help of a Jackson, Wyoming personal injury lawyer.
5 Situations That Call for a Jackson, Wyoming Personal Injury Lawyer
1. Slip and Fall Accidents
One of the most common kinds of personal injury cases is the classic “slip and fall” accident. Naturally, these accidents tend to occur more frequently in inclement weather. However, businesses are expected to provide customers with a safe experience. Failing to salt a walkway or clear a path for pedestrians can be seen as a form of negligence. This means the business owner can be held accountable for not properly maintaining the property.
These incidents aren’t limited to private property owners either. Visitors to national parks or other state-owned facilities are entitled to the same protections. A recent lawsuit in Utah settled for hundreds of millions due to negligence by park maintenance staff. This ruling also applies to Wyoming, home to Yellowstone national park. Regardless of where you’ve been injured, you have the right to pursue fair compensation for your injuries.
2. Incidents With Animals
Another common cause of personal injuries is dog bites and other injuries related to animals on private property. These cases are especially common in rural Wyoming. Even though you might think that there is nothing you can do in these cases, property owners are expected to take reasonable precautions with their animals. For instance, a dog should not be able to leave its property limits such that it could reach the street and bite you.
Even if you are on someone else’s property, you are entitled to a reasonable expectation of safety. A dog that would attack a random visitor should be restrained to prevent such situations. However, there are many property owners who misunderstand the law and assume that anyone who steps foot on their land is at fault. This is not the case. If you have been injured by someone else’s pets or farm animals, reach out to a Jackson, Wyoming personal injury lawyer.
3. Car Accidents
Most people don’t think of car accidents as a possible personal injury lawsuit. After all, isn’t your car insurance supposed to cover these situations? While nearly everyone has personal liability insurance, the insurance companies are loathe to pay out fair sums. As a result, they may severely undercut the amount that you are entitled to. For instance, car insurance might cover your medical bills, but refuse to pay for lost wages while you recover. You will need the help of oregon car accident attorney to get the right amount of compensation.
In addition, they rarely settle for non-economic damages, including pain and suffering. Getting your fair share can be even more difficult when government vehicles are involved. In one case, a Wyoming man was originally denied any compensation when he was injured following an encounter with a police vehicle. The law enforcement officer made a sharp turn that forced the man to drive into a ditch, causing his injuries. Fortunately, he secured a large settlement with the help of a lawyer.
4. Injuries at the Workplace
Workplace injuries are far too common and rarely compensated fairly. While employers are required to keep an insurance policy for workplace injuries, these insurers fight tooth and nail to limit payouts. Making matters worse, many employers pressure employees not to file claims or avoid reporting them. Even when terms are agreed upon, insurance companies are always looking for opportunities to back out of their deals. Such was the case of Ms. Johnson.
This Rapid City woman had an injury in the 90s while working for UPS in Wyoming. Though her condition was diagnosed and attributed to her work, the company fought for several years. Finally, a settlement was reached. Despite agreeing to pay for her ongoing medical expenses, the company appealed the ruling in court, dragging it out for over a decade. Finally, the supreme court stepped in and ruled in favor of the injured woman.
5. Other Injury Cases
Although we’ve covered the most common types of personal injury cases, there are still many other situations that can justify a lawsuit. Whether it’s an act of excessive force by police officers, a mishap with a motor vehicle, or a fight with someone who had too much to drink, you may be able to right the wrong with the help of a lawyer.
If you believe you’ve been wrongly injured and that the property owner or another person bears some fault, then you should consult a personal injury lawyer. Explain your case and you may be able to secure a settlement that protects your future.
