When you're harmed due to someone else's negligence, you may not be financially responsible for the damages. In these unfortunate situations, you can file personal injury claims with the help of an attorney. Here's a closer look at this area of practice and how it can serve you.

What Is Personal Injury Law?

Personal injury or tort law comes into play when someone is physically, mentally, or emotionally harmed due to someone else's negligence or intentional misconduct. These claims can result from car, boat, or motorcycle accidents, slips and falls on private property, or even medical mistakes made by professionals.

What Do You Need to Prove Negligence?

To prove that you deserve compensation, your attorney will need to show the judge that the defendant owed you a duty of care. This means they were expected to act reasonably and responsibly to not cause injuries or property damage. For instance, drivers owe other drivers a duty of care, as doctors do to patients.

They must then prove that the defendant breached this duty and that this negligence directly resulted in your injuries. For example, a driver may breach their duty by texting behind the wheel or swerving recklessly, causing a collision that injured another party.

What Damages Can You Receive Compensation for?

If your personal injury claim is successful, you won't have to pay for medical expenses for your injury, such as hospital stays, surgery, or physical therapy. If you were unable to work due to the injury, you could also receive compensation for lost wages and benefits. Plaintiffs can even seek compensation for pain and suffering, which is the mental or emotional anguish they experienced due to the injury and its consequences.

If you believe you may have a valid personal injury claim, reach out to TLW & Associates, LLC, in Saint Louis, MO. When you need dedicated representation in the wake of an injury, you can count on their passion and acumen to give you the best chance of success. Learn more about their practice areas by visiting their website, or call (314) 531-4747 to arrange a consultation.