Personal Injury Lawyer Overview
Last updated: April 10, 2026
What Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Do?
A personal injury lawyer represents people who have been injured due to someone else's negligence or wrongful conduct. They help victims recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Types of Personal Injury Cases
Slip and Fall / Premises Liability
- Wet floors
- Uneven walkways
- Inadequate lighting
- Stairway accidents
- Poor maintenance
- Negligent security
Animal Attacks
- Dog bites
- Other animal attacks
- Property owner liability
Construction Accidents
- Falls from heights
- Falling objects
- Equipment failures
- Electrical accidents
- Scaffolding accidents
Defective Products
- Manufacturing defects
- Design defects
- Failure to warn
- Product recalls
Workplace Injuries
- Beyond workers' compensation
- Third-party claims
- Toxic exposures
- Equipment failures
Recreational Accidents
- Sports injuries
- Boating accidents
- Pool accidents
- Amusement park injuries
- Ski accidents
Catastrophic Injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Burns
- Amputations
- Wrongful death
What Compensation Can You Recover?
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Medical expenses | Past and future treatment |
| Lost wages | Income from time off work |
| Loss of earning capacity | Reduced ability to earn |
| Pain and suffering | Physical and emotional |
| Disability | Long-term impairment |
| Loss of consortium | Impact on relationships |
| Punitive damages | Egregious conduct |
Average Settlement Amounts
| Severity | Range |
|---|---|
| Minor | $5,000-$25,000 |
| Moderate | $25,000-$100,000 |
| Severe | $100,000-$1,000,000 |
| Catastrophic | $1,000,000-$10,000,000+ |
| Wrongful death | $500,000-$5,000,000+ |
How Much Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Cost?
Most work on contingency:
- No upfront cost
- 33-40% of recovery
- No fee if no recovery
Why You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer
Studies show injured people who hire attorneys recover 3.5 times more than those who handle claims themselves. Lawyers can:
- Investigate the accident
- Calculate true damages
- Negotiate with insurance
- File lawsuits if needed
- Take cases to trial
- Protect your rights
Free consultations are standard. Most cases settle without trial.
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