No matter how careful you are at work, in your downtime, or while running an errand, there's always a possibility you might sustain an injury. If you get seriously injured, you should always seek out personal injury law firms. According to findings reported by the U.S. Department of Justice, only 4% of personal injury cases (16,397 cases) go to trial annually since a settlement is usually reached out of court. Some of the most common cases your personal injury lawyer may see include the following.

1. Dog Bites

You may not view dogs as a threat to your safety. However, some of them may bite even when they shouldn't. According to Green Poison, serious medical complications can result from a dog bite, such as lung collapse, infections, bone fractures, as well as damage to your intestines. The first step you should take is to seek medical care. However, a personal injury attorney can also let you know what your legal claim is and what damages you can get.

2. Slip-and-Fall Accidents

Unfortunately, slip-and-fall injuries are quite common in many settings. According to the National Floor Safety Institute, they are the most common claims workers make. People in the construction industry often walk on surfaces containing various materials that can cause a slip. Food service workers often have similar vulnerabilities since they work around numerous liquids that can spill at any time. Many employers can prevent this type of injury by installing epoxy flooring that can protect staff from a slippery floor. However, accidents can still happen, and it's important to seek legal representation when they do.

3. Vehicle Collisions

Are you a responsible driver who knows to always keep their hands on the wheel, use a seat belt, and not talk on a cell phone when driving? While these steps can help you stay safe, not every driver on the road is responsible, and there's always a possibility of a collision occurring. Injuries from car accidents are often among the top claims personal injury law firms have to handle. People may suffer physical and psychological harm as a result of a crash. However, with the right representation, individuals can get the compensation they deserve to help their recovery.

4. Wrongful Death

A wrongful death case often comes about when a person dies under the care of someone who was supposed to be supervising them. In other words, a victim is usually in a hospital, a nursing home, or under the care of a home health aide. An example includes someone going in for a simple surgery but dying because a doctor made a mistake. A nurse or other medical practitioner could also administer the wrong amount of medication, leading to cardiac arrest or another fatal reaction. In cases like these, the victim's family will need to seek out legal representation to ensure they are fairly compensated for their loss.

5. Pedestrian Accidents

When it comes to injuries resulting from car accidents, the person injured doesn't necessarily have to be in the car. Drivers are supposed to slow down and yield to pedestrians, but they may not do so if they’re distracted or under the influence. If you're hit by a car, don't hesitate to seek legal representation to cover your medical bills and other expenses.

6. Food Poisoning

Nothing can ruin a good meal more than food poisoning after the fact. According to Forbes, common examples of food poisoning are botulism, Campylobacter, E. coli, hepatitis A, listeriosis, norovirus, and Salmonella. Food poisoning can be highly inconvenient and may cause gastrointestinal issues like ongoing vomiting. In some cases, it may be extremely severe and cause significant internal problems or even fatality. Personal injury law firms can help victims of serious food poisoning and their families get the compensation they deserve.

Accidents can happen at any time. Some injuries may even be so serious that they result in fatality. While suffering from an injury or losing a loved one can be painful, personal injury law firms can represent the injured person or loved one left behind. If you or someone you love has been the victim of a fall, vehicle collision, hit-and-run, dog bite, or any other incident that has caused bodily harm, Gridley, Ward & Hamilton can help. Call our local firm today for a free consultation.