There are so many areas of law that most law firms specialize in a certain field whether that be bankruptcy law, oil and gas, copyright law or family law. One of the most common practice areas for lawyers is personal injury law. Each law firm is different but personal injury lawyers commonly represent the victims of negligence, defective products, car accidents, wrongful death, nursing home abuse and more.

What is Negligence?

Negligence involves conduct that falls beneath the standard of care established for the protection of others against the unreasonable risk of harm. Simply put, negligence means failing to do what you are supposed to do, causing damages or injuries to others. A classic example of negligence is the driver who runs a red light. A reasonable person would stop at a red traffic signal. The driver who fails to stop, however, has acted negligently and may potentially cause an accident which could severely injure others.

What is Wrongful Death?

Wrongful death is a term normally referencing a civil claim that is brought against a person or company who is accountable and liable for causing the death of another person. A wrongful death lawsuit alleges that a victim died due to negligence on the part of the defendant. Surviving dependents or beneficiaries of the victim are then entitled to monetary compensation for damages caused due to the death of the victim. In the context of a lawsuit, the wrongful death must have been caused, in whole or in part, by the defendant's conduct, even if there was no direct intent to kill the victim. The defendant must have been negligent or strictly liable for the victim's death.

What is Medical Malpractice?

When someone suffers an injury as a result of medical negligence, he must prove by evidence that the injury was caused by conduct of a healthcare provider that fell beneath the standard of care for that provider. Medical malpractice claims take many forms: failure to diagnose a condition or illness, improper treatment, prescription errors, or misdiagnosis. Medical negligence may occur during a variety of events, including pregnancy or birth, surgery, hospitalization, or even a simple office visit.

The above are just a few areas of law that fall under personal injury. If you believe you have a personal injury claim it is always best to discuss your options with a certified, reputable lawyer. Most law firms offer free consultations to discuss possible cases – by talking with a lawyer you’ll know better whether they can help you and you’re not losing anything. It is important that you are comfortable with whoever you choose as your legal representation. When choosing a lawyer, ask questions. Do you get to speak with the lawyer that will handle your case or office personnel? Does your lawyer explain things to you in a way that is clear and that makes sense? The best lawyers are the ones that are informative, available and helpful when you need them – and that will work tirelessly to get the best outcome possible for your case.