What Is Personal Injury?

Personal injury refers to any damage or loss that impacts a person’s body, mind, or emotions. While physical injuries are common, mental and emotional damages can also qualify, even if they don’t have visible physical side effects. Personal injury is a broad area of law, typically referred to as “torts,” which allows individuals to seek compensation when they’ve been harmed due to someone else’s negligence or misconduct.

Types of Personal Injury Claims

In Connecticut, personal injury claims can arise from a wide variety of incidents. Some of the most common types include:

• Car accidents
• Dog bites
• Slip and fall accidents
• Bus crashes
• Motorcycle accidents
• Medical malpractice claims

Among these, car accidents are the most common type of personal injury case in Connecticut and across the United States. Personal injury claims allow victims to seek financial compensation for damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering caused by the incident.

How Do I Prove a Personal Injury Case?

To succeed in a personal injury case, you need to prove that the other party was negligent. This requires demonstrating the following elements:

1. Duty of care: The other person had a legal obligation to act in a way that would not cause harm.
2. Breach of duty: The other person violated their duty through negligence or misconduct.
3. Causation: Their actions directly caused your injuries or losses.
4. Damages: You suffered tangible or intangible losses as a result of their actions.

While these elements are required for most personal injury cases, certain types—such as medical malpractice or dog bite claims—may involve additional specific requirements. Some cases are easier to prove than others, which is why seeking legal guidance is crucial.

What If My Injuries Are Minimal?

You may still have a valid personal injury claim even if your injuries are minor. For example, in a car accident where the damage is mostly to your vehicle and you’ve only experienced slight physical discomfort, you can choose to file a claim for property damage alone. However, it’s often a good idea to include any physical injuries, no matter how small, as part of your case. Combining all your claims into one case can simplify the legal process and maximize your compensation.

Discussing your situation with an experienced personal injury attorney can help you make informed decisions about how to proceed with your claim.

Get Help from Bert McDowell Injury Law in Connecticut

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, Bert McDowell Injury Law is here to help. Our experienced legal team is dedicated to serving clients throughout Connecticut. We’ll evaluate your case, explain your legal rights, and help you pursue the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.

Don’t wait to take action. Contact us today for a free consultation. Call us at 475-231-3274 or fill out our online contact form to get started.