Personal injuries can happen to anyone and can range from minor to severe. While no one expects to get hurt, knowing the most common types of personal injuries can help you take precautions and know your legal options if you suffer an injury. This article will cover the 5 most frequently occurring personal injuries in the United States.
Car Accidents
Car accidents are one of the leading causes of personal injury each year. According to statistics, an estimated 29,135 people died in traffic crashes in the USA in 2024 between January and September alone. Contributing factors for car crashes include distracted or impaired driving, speeding, weather conditions, and mechanical failure. Car accident injuries can range from minor cuts and bruises to traumatic brain injuries or paralysis. If you are injured in a car crash, especially one that is not your fault, contacting personal injury lawyers can help you recover compensation for medical bills, lost income, and other damages.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents frequently occur in public places and businesses when hazards are left unattended. For adults ages 65 and older, falls are the top cause of personal injury. Over 14 million older adults fall each year, equal to 1 in 4. Slip and fall injuries include sprains, strains, fractures, traumatic brain injuries, and even death. Property owners can be held liable if they fail to maintain safe conditions. To receive compensation, document the hazardous conditions and speak with a premises liability attorney.
Dog Bites
Dog bites are a widespread concern, with over 800,000 Americans requiring medical care for dog bites each year. This equates to 1 out of every 73 people suffering a dog bite injury. Children are most frequently bitten, with the face, neck, and extremities being the most common body parts injured. Dog bite injuries include lacerations, infections, nerve damage, disfigurement, and psychological trauma. Seeking prompt medical attention and contacting an attorney can assist dog bite victims in receiving compensation for their damages.
Medical Malpractice
When doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals provide substandard care, patients can experience life-altering personal injuries. Data shows that between 2019 and 2023, 3,043 medical malpractice claims were made, with 721 claims for “vicarious liability,” resulting in average indemnity payments of $725,404. Birth injuries, surgical errors, misdiagnosis, lack of informed consent, and medication errors are common reasons patients pursue medical malpractice claims.
Workplace Injuries
Employees in many occupations face risks of workplace injuries on a daily basis. Within private construction, workplace falls accounted for 31.5 injuries per 10,000 full-time workers during 2021-2022. Other common workplace injuries include repetitive motion injuries, burns, chemical exposures, and injuries from defective equipment. When workplace accidents occur due to employer negligence or failure to maintain safety, employees have legal rights to obtain workers’ compensation benefits.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
Suffering any type of personal injury can greatly impact one’s life. Being aware of the most frequent injury causes can help you be prepared and know your legal options. If you are injured due to another party’s negligence, contacting a personal injury attorney is advisable to help recover damages and justice. With compassionate legal guidance, many injury victims can move forward after tragic accidents.
