Have you been injured in an accident? Personal injury claims are common in today’s fast-moving world; they encompass a wide range of situations where individuals suffer harm due to the negligence or misconduct of others. The list of potential personal injuries is extensive and can significantly impact your life. From car accidents to toxic exposure at work and medical malpractice, it’s critical to understand the different types of personal injury cases and the medical-legal considerations that come with them.
Auto and Trucking Accidents
One of the most prevalent sources of personal injuries in Texas is car accidents. These incidents may result from:
- Reckless driving
- Negligence
- Failure to follow traffic rules
- Drunk driving
- Mechanical failures
Injuries from a car or truck accident may range from minor scrapes and bruises to severe brain trauma or even death. Car and trucking accidents can be a traumatic experience that is often compounded by medical expenses, physical pain, disability, loss of work, emotional distress, or loss of enjoyment of life.
Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice cases involve healthcare providers (such as physicians, registered nurses, pharmacists, or nursing assistants) failing to meet the standard of care for their patients. This can include:
- Misdiagnosis
- Improper treatment
- Failure to manage complications
- Surgical errors
- Medical device injuries
- Failure to communicate or follow-up
- Mismanagement of treatment
These mistakes can often have severe and long-term consequences for a patient’s health. Due to the nature of the healthcare system, these claims are usually complex and difficult to litigate. However, our firm has the expertise to review virtually any case involving suspected medical malpractice.
Construction Accidents
Even with advancements in safety protocols, equipment, and training within the construction sector, this industry is a high-risk environment for workplace injury. The “Fatal Four” leading causes of construction injuries and deaths are falls, struck by equipment, caught between objects, and electrocutions. Nearly 1 in 5 deaths among U.S. workers are in the construction industry. In these types of personal injury claims, determining the liability and understanding each party’s responsibilities at the construction site is crucial.
Slip and Fall
These cases occur when someone slips or trips on a poorly maintained surface. One of the most common causes of slip-and-trip-fall accidents is wet floors and uneven flooring, such as loose tiles or cracked pavement. Establishments must keep their premises safe for visitors. The consequences of this type of accident can include broken bones, head injuries, or back injuries.
Refinery & Plant Explosions
It is well-known that Texas plants and refineries employ thousands of hard-working men and women and that the Gulf Coast has a large concentration of refineries in the United States. While strides have been made to ensure the safety of refinery workers – accidents still occur due to:
- Regulatory flaws
- Safety violations
- Staffing levels
- Lack of training
- Improper safety equipment or systems
Refinery accidents can be catastrophic and lead to various injuries, some of which are life-threatening and cause long-term side effects that affect a person’s quality of life. These are the types of injuries that are commonly seen:
- Traumatic injuries: Refineries are complex, and each square foot is utilized to maximize productivity. Between the weather, equipment, fast-paced environment, and loud noise – the potential for an accident is around every corner. Some traumatic injuries include open or closed bone fractures, dislocated joints, crush injuries, internal bleeding, impaled objects, or brain damage.
- Respiratory injuries: Chemicals, gases, or toxic fumes are common in plants and refineries. If inhaled, it can cause severe and irreversible damage to the airway and lungs. While some forms of respiratory irritation can be reversed with oxygen and time, some fumes can cause severe respiratory distress and permanent scarring.
- Burn injuries: This industry uses many flammable materials, vapors, and fluids, such as H2S (hydrogen sulfide), which is commonly used during the production process of crude oil and natural gas. Even the most minor ignition source, such as welding sparks, can cause a significant fire or explosion. Furthermore, plants and refineries commonly store and ship chemicals such as fertilizers, hydrochloric acid, and ammonia, which are highly acidic to the skin. Specialized medical care is required, which includes skin grafts, wound care, pain medication, antibiotic use, physical therapy, and reoccurring follow-up appointments.
Legal guidance is crucial for a successful claim against the negligence or wrongful party. An attorney can determine if you have a valid claim, gather the appropriate evidence, negotiate on your behalf, and represent you in court if necessary.
Ghuneim Law Firm’s legal representation extends to the residents in the Pasadena-Houston Metro area. Call us today at 281-487-8929.
References:
Harris, MS, W., Yohannes, MPH, T., & Trueblood, DrPH, B. (2023, March). Data bulletin March. Fatal and Nonfatal Focus Four Injuries in Construction. https://www.cpwr.com/wp-content/uploads/DataBulletin-March2023.pdf