Common Personal Injury Myths and Misconceptions

In every practice area, there are myths that have stood the test of time and remain prevalent despite what experts say. In the area of personal injury law, lawyers are familiar with these myths, which can have a detrimental impact on injured people. Do not fall victim to these common myths and misconceptions.

If you have any questions about whether you have a case, an experienced personal injury attorney can determine whether or not you do. Do not hesitate to call ours at (713) 224-7800. It is always better to be safe than sorry.

Myth #1 - All Personal Injuries Are the Same

False. A person's injuries and the circumstances surrounding them can greatly affect how much compensation they are entitled to. There are many types of personal injury cases. These include but are not limited to:  work injuries, Jones Act cases, motor vehicle accidents, wrongful death, etc. Determining the type of personal injury you have can help you track down the right lawyer for the job and ensure you get the compensation you deserve.

Myth #2 - Personal Injury Lawsuits Only Cover Physical Damage

This is not true. You can seek compensation for all sorts of things related to your personal injury. These include punitive damages, emotional distress, pain and suffering, lost wages, medical bills, etc. Just because you cannot see the damages does not mean they don’t exist.

Myth #3 - My Injuries Are Not Severe Enough to Warrant a Lawyer

After an accident, many people tend to overthink their situation. Even if your injuries are minor, you should speak with a lawyer. You may be entitled to compensation no matter how small your medical bill is. Moreover, some injuries have the potential to worsen over time, so you are better off being safe than sorry.

Myth #4 - I Can File a Personal Injury Case at Any Time

In an ideal world, injured parties would have as much time as they need to recover and build a case. Unfortunately, this is not how things work. Most states have specific statutes of limitations.  A statute of limitations is a law that specifies the maximum period in which parties can initiate legal proceedings following the commission of an alleged offense. A general rule of thumb is to file a claim well before the statute of limitations expires. This is because witnesses' memories fade, and evidence may disappear or be destroyed, so it's best to act as soon as possible.

Myth #5 - If You Get Injured At Sea, You Automatically Qualify for the Jones Act

The Jones Act has many purposes, but in the personal injury space, it requires that ships and their workers follow US worker safety laws. Many assume that if you work at sea, you automatically qualify for this Jones Act protection, but this isn't true. According to the Jones Act, anyone who spends 30% or more of their time on a vessel qualifies for protection. However, this protection can be up to a judge's discretion based on other factors like whether or not your job is seasonal. Reach out to our Maritime Attorneys if you have any questions regarding your eligibility.

We Are Here to Help

Any time you are injured in an accident, you should consult a lawyer who has the expertise to determine whether or not you are eligible for a personal injury claim.

At VB Attorneys, we have extensive personal injury experience and we are prepared to advocate on your behalf. Contact our lawyers today at (713) 224-7800.