Personal injury lawsuits are one of the most common forms of litigation in the United States. However, personal injury suits are complex and difficult to prove, requiring detailed documentation and medical evidence to succeed. Personal injuries can range from accidents that cause minor injuries to accidents that lead to fatalities.

There are two main elements involved in personal injury cases: liability and damages. Liability means proving that the person or persons that the caused the injury have legal responsibility. Liability could involve negligence and/or recklessness, causing an injury that may have been prevented.

Damages refers to the monetary compensation the plaintiff is entitled to on account of the defendant’s negligence. Damages could include monetary compensation that will cover medical expenses, rehabilitation and/or lost wages. In severe cases, there could be additional damages awarded to cover psychological pain and/or suffering. These two elements make up the two most important components of personal injury cases.

Personal injuries can happen anywhere and to anyone. The most common are injuries in the work place, especially on construction sites. These can range from minor injuries to more serious injuries and even death. Negligent parties can range from the general contractor to the manufacturer of machinery, if tools are involved, or even the architect. Other personal injuries could be simple slip-and-fall injuries, auto accidents including reckless drivers, or injuries arising from defective products.