A single accident or incident can change the course of a person’s life forever. If your actions or conduct are responsible for someone else’s injuries, you could be held legally accountable for their medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
When it comes to personal injury claims, most people tend to think of car accidents, slip and falls, medical malpractice incidents, and various intentional torts. But personal injury litigation covers a broad field of accidents and injuries, and there are quite a few scenarios that could easily result in a court case. In fact, some of the most common personal injury claims are filed for what many consider to be everyday accidents. Many defendants don’t even believe they’re facing a lawsuit until they’re forced to call a lawyer.
To help you stay safe and out of a courtroom, the personal injury attorneys at The Stewart Law Firm, PLLC have compiled this list of common – but surprising – accidents that frequently lead to civil litigation.
A Guest or Trespasser Is Harmed on Your Property
Texas’ premises liability laws state that a property owner is required to afford a high standard of care to guests, trespassing children (attractive nuisance doctrine), bystanders, and tenants. If someone gets hurt because you failed to maintain your property, you could be held liable for their injury-related financial losses. Even an adult trespasser can file a claim against a negligent property owner, depending, of course, on case-specific circumstances.
Premises liability injuries are commonly caused by:
- Slippery floors
- Loose wires
- Falling objects
- Insufficient lighting
- Obstructed or damaged pathways
- Inadequate building security
- Unsafe playground equipment
Many people, especially in rural areas, have been known to set traps to keep trespassers or wild animals away from their property. But these traps can just as easily harm wandering children or innocent passersby. Ironically, even a trespasser with nefarious intentions may be able to file a claim if they’re injured on your land.
Dog “Attacks”
Dog bites are responsible for thousands of lawsuits each year, and, as a pet owner, you have a responsibility to protect both strangers and your dog from an unfortunate incident.
Many people forget that man’s best friend is an animal prone to anxiety, fear, and aggressive behaviors. When a dog feels threatened, it may instinctively lash out and snap at someone in self-defense. You’re legally responsible for your dog’s actions. If your dog has aggressive tendencies or gets anxious around strangers, you may need to purchase a special halter or muzzle leash to prevent a potential attack.
There is also another situation to consider: some dogs are aggressively friendly and prone to jumping on people. If your dog knocks someone over and they sustain injuries, you could find yourself facing a costly lawsuit.
Accidental Food Poisoning
We can’t all be 4-star chefs, but we also can’t put family and friends in danger by serving them unsafe mystery dishes. Undercooked meat, spoiled foodstuffs, and allergic reactions can easily send guests to the hospital.
Before planning a dinner party, make sure that your cooking utensils are clean, your working surfaces and dishes are disinfected, and all the ingredients have been properly stored. It’s also critical that you double-check expiration dates! Otherwise, a sick guest may file a claim to mitigate their medical expenses.
Flying Your Drone
Drone technology is no longer limited to the military landscape; today, children and adults can buy small, inexpensive machines at their local toy stores. Serious aficionados can even purchase expensive devices that take cinematic videos and pictures from a bird’s eye view. No matter your personal preference (or budget), all drone and drone-like products share one trait: they can easily cause harm to an unsuspecting person.
People have been known to fly drones at weddings, funerals, sports events, and more. However, they underestimate how dangerous and distracting these products can be. Operators can lose control of their drones and crash them into people, buildings, and vehicles. If a drone is faulty or broken, it can also fall from the sky and land on a person. A drone’s flimsy propellers spin thousands of times per minute and can tear through just about anything that gets caught between the blades.
You can avoid an unfortunate accident by reading the instruction manual, researching what to do in a drone emergency, and choosing safe – and preferably people-free – areas to launch your drone.
Do You Require Representation in a Personal Injury Case?
Contact the personal injury lawyers at The Stewart Law Firm, PLLC if you or a loved one requires legal representation after an accident. We can investigate the case and collect evidence that proves the negligent party caused or at least contributed to your injuries. With our guidance, you can secure damages that provide for your personal and financial losses.
Call The Stewart Law Firm, PLLC at (512) 326-3200 to schedule a free consultation.
