People can get injured in a variety of ways. Throughout Texas, people sustain injuries in car accidents, by falls, by criminal acts and more. However, not every injury leads to a personal injury claim. Some injuries are caused by the victim. Some injuries are so minor that a legal claim would be futile. There are some serious injuries that do warrant personal injury claims, however.
There were 539,278 civil and administrative lawsuits filed in Texas in 2015. This is the first time claims increased since 2011. What types of claims are most commonly filed in Texas?
Common Personal Injury Claims
The most common personal injury claims across the United States arise from car accidents. This should be no surprise considering that most adults own and drive at least one vehicle. In many cities, it‘s not uncommon to have thousands of vehicles on the roadway at any given time.
This is the same in Texas. In 2015, there were 37,333 car accident claims—the highest number ever in one year. Texas is the second most populous state in the nation, and this amount of claims shows it.
Medical malpractice is also growing across the country. It is not entirely sure why, since we have so many resources available to doctors nowadays. It is possible that stress and time constraints are putting pressure on doctors, and as a result, they make mistakes that are sometimes fatal. Medical malpractice cases have been on the rise in Texas since 2012. In 2015, there were 995 claims filed in Texas.
Workplace accidents are also common in Texas. While most workplaces are relatively safe, those that involve heavy equipment and machinery—such as construction—tend have high rates of workplace injuries. Employers often do not train employees as well as they should. This leads to serious and even fatal accidents. This is especially true in Texas. As one of the biggest states in the nation, it has to keep up with its growth by building more homes and businesses.
Slip and fall cases—and premises liability cases in general—are also common. Business owners are becoming busier than ever and they are distracted by customers and other pressing issues. While safety should be a top priority, it sometimes isn’t. Liquids are spilled on the ground. Customers bring in debris from outside. These cause slippery conditions, and when customers don’t notice these spills, they can fall and end up seriously injured.
Let an Austin Attorney Help You Today
If you have been injured in a car accident, slip and fall accident, medical malpractice case, product liability case or other situation in which another party caused your injuries, it’s a good idea to seek legal help. You may be eligible to receive compensation for your injuries and other damages suffered.
The Austin, Texas personal injury attorneys at DJC Law can assess your case and inform you of the next steps. You have two years from the date of injury to file a claim, so don’t delay. Contact us at (512) 220-1800 for a free consultation.