Personal Injury Numbers at All-Time High
Personal injury is at an all-time high. The 2023 National Safety Council annual Injury Facts report shows more than 222,698 people died from unintentional injuries in 2023. According to the CDC, unintentional injuries are the leading cause of death for Americans aged 1-44 years old.
Personal injuries in the United States have reached concerning levels, impacting individuals, communities, and the broader economy. The National Safety Council (NSC) reported significant increases in both fatal and non-fatal injuries, highlighting a sharp rise in injuries across various categories, including motor vehicle crashes, falls, and workplace incidents. According to the most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), unintentional injuries remain a significant cause of death in the United States, with 227,039 people dying from unintentional injuries being the third leading cause of death in the country.
Personal injury cases cost the American population $886.4 billion in 2015, through out-of-pocket costs, higher taxes and more costly goods and services. Personal injury lawsuits are common for incidents ranging from medical malpractice to motor vehicle accidents. A personal injury may also be sustained from incidents such as:
- Defective prescription medications
- Faulty products
- Job-related injuries
- Premises threats
- Nursing home abuse
Even people who use safe practices in their daily lives may be victims of a personal injury.
Common Personal Injury Causes
Here are some common causes for personal injury:
Car Accidents: Vehicle collisions, whether from distracted driving, speeding, or driving under the influence, are among the leading causes of personal injuries. Pedestrians and cyclists can also be injured in these accidents.
Slips, Trips, and Falls: Wet floors, uneven surfaces, poorly maintained stairs, or hazards in public spaces or workplaces are major contributors to falls, which can result in broken bones, sprains, and head injuries.
Workplace Accidents: Hazardous conditions, such as construction sites, manufacturing plants, or even offices with faulty equipment, can cause accidents. Falls, machinery malfunctions, and repetitive stress injuries are common in workplaces.
Medical Malpractice: Errors by healthcare professionals, such as misdiagnosis, surgical mistakes, medication errors, or improper treatment, can lead to severe injuries or complications.
Defective Products: Faulty or poorly designed products, whether it’s a vehicle, household appliance, or even food, can cause injuries. These injuries may result from product defects, failure to provide adequate warnings, or improper instructions.activitie.
Poorly Maintained Property: When property owners fail to maintain their premises—whether it’s in terms of security, cleanliness, or repairs—people can get injured. This includes dangerous staircases, broken fences, or improper lighting in parking lots.
These causes highlight the diverse nature of personal injury cases and the importance of safety measures across various environments to reduce risks.
What to Do If You’re a Personal Injury Victim
If you experience the unfortunate circumstances of sustaining a personal injury because of a professional, good or service that is negligent, it is vital to consult with an attorney. There are many laws in place to prevent risky behaviors, such as distracted driving while texting behind the wheel or using machinery while fatigued. Not only may there be an individual at fault, but an employer may be guilty in allowing unsafe behaviors that could harm you or a loved one.
A personal injury lawyer will be able to evaluate your case to determine reckless behavior and help you to attain compensation for your physical injuries, as well as emotional distress and other consequences that may affect your professional or personal life. Many incidents that may seem “accidental” are quite the opposite, and you are entitled to remuneration for what you experience.
