If you are pursuing damages in a personal injury case, negligence is an extremely important concept. Anyone who wants to win a case like this needs to show that the defendant was negligent, but this is not always easy to do. This is why we do not recommend pursuing compensation on your own. You should talk to a Bexar County, Texas personal injury lawyer and learn more about what our law firm can do for you.
What is Negligence in the Legal Sense?
When we talk about negligence in a personal injury lawsuit, we’re talking about someone who failed to behave in a reasonable way that could prevent foreseeable harm. A good example of this is a driver who speeds through an intersection, not caring about other vehicles or pedestrians. Another example of this would be someone who runs a store seeing a puddle and not cleaning it up or putting down a “wet floor” warning sign to keep people safe.
Essentially, when people behave in a way that shows that they do not care about the safety of others, you can say that they were negligent. This is not the only factor in a personal injury lawsuit though.
How Does Negligence Affect My Case?
Showing that the defendant was negligent is great, but we have to link that negligence to your injuries. This means that we have to consider a few legal concepts.
The first is duty. The defendant owed a duty of care to you in these particular circumstances.
Then we have breach. The defendant acted or failed to act in a way that would maintain a safe environment for you. They breached their duty.
Next up is causation. Because of this breach, the plaintiff (you) suffered an injury.
Finally, we have damages. Because of your injuries, you are owed damages.
A solid personal injury case links all of these things, showing that the defendant’s negligence led directly to your injuries and related expenses and trauma. You would have been just fine if the defendant had acted responsibly.
What Kinds of Damages Can I Win If I Can Prove Negligence?
Once you show that the defendant was negligent, it can make it easier to negotiate for a fair settlement offer or win a substantial verdict. Your damages can help make up for things like:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning potential
- Loss of enjoyment
- Pain and suffering
Do I Need an Attorney?
It can be tough to prove negligence and hold any liable parties accountable. A lawyer does not offer a guarantee, but you can be sure that a personal injury attorney from our firm will do their best to help you secure a fair compensation offer.
Contact Our Law Firm
So if you believe that you have suffered injuries due to someone else’s negligence, contact Sahadi Legal Group. We can schedule a free case consultation for you. Then we can help you fight for the compensation that you deserve.
