What is Personal Injury Law?
“Personal injury” refers to mental or physical harm that occurs as a direct result of another party’s actions — whether accidental or intentional.
These cases can arise from a wide range of situations, including car, motorcycle, and commercial vehicle accidents, as well as slip and fall incidents.
Many personal injuries occur due to negligence, though some involve deliberate harm. If you’ve been injured as a result of third party negligence or intentional acts, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages.
Common consequences of personal injury include physical pain, emotional distress, property damage, costly medical bills, and loss of income. A skilled personal injury lawyer can help you recover the compensation you deserve.
The Importance of Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer
An experienced personal injury attorney can:
- Evaluate your case and protect your legal rights
- Communicate with insurance companies on your behalf
- Negotiate for the maximum settlement possible
- Represent you in court, if necessary
The at fault party and their insurance company will often attempt to reduce or deny your claim. With Brady Mertz on your side, you can focus on healing while he handles the legal complexities.
Common Examples of Personal Injuries
Personal injury cases include any type of injury sustained as a result of another person’s fault.
- Auto, motorcycle and commercial trucking accidents
- Wrongful death
- Sexual abuse or assault
- Medical accidents
- Slip and fall injuries
- Boating accidents
- Work related injuries
- Injuries caused by product malfunctions
- Dog bites
Understanding Negligence
Most personal injury cases arise from negligence — when someone fails to exercise reasonable care, resulting in harm to another.
To prove negligence, three key elements must be established:
- Duty of Care – The responsible party had a legal obligation to act safely.
- Direct Cause – Their action or inaction directly caused your injury.
- Harm – You suffered measurable losses, such as medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering.
Establishing these elements with strong evidence is crucial to achieving a successful outcome.
Premises Liability
“Premises liability” refers to a property owner’s responsibility for accidents or injuries that occur on their property due to unsafe or defective conditions.
Common examples include:
- Slip and fall accidents
- Inadequate maintenance
- Defective stairs or walkways
- Insufficient security
Property owners must maintain a safe environment for guests. When they fail to do so, victims may be entitled to financial compensation for their injuries.
Commercial Accidents/Injuries
Accidents involving large commercial trucks, delivery vehicles, or other commercial transport can cause devastating injuries or fatalities due to the size and weight of the vehicles involved.
In many cases, commercial drivers face long hours and tight deadlines, increasing the risk of negligence. Companies often deploy their own investigators immediately after an accident — which is why it’s critical to contact a lawyer right away.
Your first step after any accident should be seeking medical attention. Next, contact Brady Mertz, an experienced Salem personal injury attorney, to help you recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Property damage
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
When you need a Salem, Oregon personal injury attorney and accident lawyer, contact Brady Mertz.
