According to Cornell law, negligence is defined as, “A failure to behave with the level of care that someone of ordinary prudence would have exercised under the same circumstances.” This can happen when someone fails to do their duty in preventing an accident; basically, an accident was avoidable if a certain party had been performing at a reasonable level of care. This can apply to a number of situations and is a serious legal matter that should be addressed. If you feel that you have been injured as a result of a negligent act, keep reading to find out what you should do in this situation.
Examples of Negligence
Common types of negligence include fall accidents, car accidents, and medical malpractice cases. A slip and fall accident can be considered negligent if a person fails to put up a wet floor sign that could have alerted a patron of the danger. A car accident case can include negligence if the at-fault driver was texting or engaging in some other distracted behavior that led to the wreck. Medical malpractice cases often cite negligence if a doctor fails to perform his or her job at the same level that another practitioner would have done in the same situation.
What to Do as a Victim of Negligence
Victims of negligence may feel helpless about how to go about proving a case. After the accident, be sure that you document all important dates and events because cases can stretch out over months, and details can become foggy. You should also visit a doctor after the accident so that you will have an official medical report of injuries sustained during the accident. It is advised that you contact a personal injury lawyer who has experience in these matters to help you fight for the rights and compensation that you deserve. He or she can help you gather the evidence to prove that negligence occurred and can help you navigate through the court system should you pursue a lawsuit.
If you have suffered an injury as a direct or indirect result of the negligence of another party, you could be entitled to compensation for medical bills and loss of work and wages related to the accident. Contact a lawyer, like a personal injury lawyer from Davis & Brusca, LLC, today to find out the next action to take in making your case. You should not be afraid to fight for yourself, especially when you know that the accident could have been avoided altogether if someone would have been more cautious.