Getting hurt is never part of the plan. Whether you slipped on a wet floor at the grocery store or were involved in an accident at a construction site, a sudden injury can turn your life upside down in seconds.
If you are thinking about taking legal action, you aren’t alone. Accidental injuries are a massive issue in the United States; in 2023 alone, 62 million Americans sought medical attention for preventable injuries.
If you believe a business is responsible for your pain and suffering, suing might be the right path to recover your costs. However, going up against a company can feel intimidating. Experienced professionals like Attorney Robert Bruner recommend understanding your legal options before taking action, and this guide will help you learn the basics of suing a business for personal injury.
Proving Negligence is Key
The most important concept in any personal injury case is “negligence.” You can’t simply sue a business because you got hurt on their property; you have to prove that they did something wrong. To win your case, you generally need to show that the business had a duty to keep you safe, that they failed in that duty, and that their failure directly caused your injury.
Understand the Financial Impact
One of the main reasons people sue is to recover the money they lose while recovering. Injuries are expensive, not just for individuals, but for the economy as a whole. To give you an idea of the scale, all workers’ compensation claimsbetween 2022 -2023 totaled a staggering $47,316, a figure that includes lost productivity, medical costs, and administrative expenses.
When you file a lawsuit, you are looking for “damages.” This isn’t just about your hospital bill today; it is about the wages you lost because you couldn’t work, the cost of future physical therapy, and the emotional toll the injury has taken on your life.
Workplace Injuries vs. Customer Injuries
It is important to distinguish between being a customer and being an employee. If you are injured while on the job, your case usually falls under Workers’ Compensation rather than a standard personal injury lawsuit. This is a critical distinction because the risks are very real. Tragically, there were 5283 fatal occupational deaths in 2023. Because the stakes are so high, the workers’ comp system is designed to handle these claims without needing to prove the employer was “guilty.” However, if you were injured as a customer or a bystander, you have the right to file a traditional lawsuit to seek compensation for your losses.
Document Everything
If you are injured at a business, your phone is your best friend. Take pictures of the scene, the hazard that caused your injury (like a spill or loose carpet), and your visible injuries. Collect names and contact information from any witnesses who saw what happened.
You should also keep a strict record of your medical journey. Do not skip doctor appointments as insurance companies often for missing gaps in treatment plans.
Do You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer?
While you can handle small claims on your own, personal injury law can get complicated quickly. If your injuries are severe or if the business is denying responsibility, having a professional on your side can make a huge difference. Experienced attorneys understand the nuances of liability and can help navigate the complex legal system.
Getting Compensation
Recovering from an injury is hard enough without the financial stress. By understanding your rights and taking the right steps, you can ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
