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Surely, you have heard the term personal injury or personal injury lawyer.  Quite often when I speak to individuals in and around Orange County, I am asked what exactly is meant by “personal injury”.   Most people do not understand what a personal injury claim covers.   In order to explain the term, it is best to clearly examine and define the process in order to understand what a personal injury claim entails.  Considering the sheer volume of people that live in Southern California, and Orange County in particular, it is best to be aware of the different modes in which a personal injury claim can manifest itself.

To answer questions regarding this type of litigation, here are some of the common areas in which personal injury can fall under:

Slip and Fall Accidents - Owners and management of property have a responsibility to make sure obstructions and hazards that can lead to falls are removed or repaired.  Those that do not can be held civilly liable.

Premise Liability - Residential and commercial properties need to be sure both the interior and exterior of the property is safe and free of potential problems.  Those that fail in this regard may find themselves the recipient of a lawsuit if someone is injured.

Vehicle Accidents - Most people believe that vehicle accidents mainly involve automobiles. While most vehicle accidents do involve automobiles, trucks and motorcycles are also involved in accidents quite often.   In fact, because of the type of vehicles involved, the injuries may be more severe than in a car.  Additionally, planes, boats, and trains can fall under the umbrella of vehicle personal injury lawsuits.

Dog Bites - Some dogs are dangerous and those owners that do not effectively prevent their dogs from attacking or biting others may be help responsible for civil liability.

Medical Malpractice - A physician must perform his/her duties properly and not fall below the requisite standard of care.  If not, the door may open for medical malpractice personal injury suits for damages and injuries sustained from a doctor or hospital’s malpractice.

Defective Products - When a person makes a consumer purchase, they should not have to worry about any harm befalling them.  Unfortunately, defective products do place consumers at risk which is why many personal injury suits are built around such products.  These lawsuits are important as they are often the impetus for bringing about safer and more reliable products.

Of course, there are other forms of personal injury.  All facets of this type of law are connected to one common thread: harm and negligence.  Those responsible for both can be held civilly liable.

Parents and students expect that schools should be a safe place.  California courts have recognized that school districts are required to keep the school premises safe and not dangerous.  School authorities have a duty to supervise other students on the school grounds and insure that the district's rules and regulations are complied with so students are protected.  When the school fails to properly supervise its students, an injured student may recover for injuries caused by the school's failure to supervise.  This is especially true with special needs students.  Court's recognize the unique vulnerability of special needs students and the "unique responsibility" of the school district to such students.  If your child has been injured at school, make sure you understand your child's rights, and speak with a lawyer before speaking with the school.  The attorneys at Cohn & Swartzon will fight for you and your child's rights, and obtain fair and reasonable compensation for any injuries sustained.