Who can I sue for damages in a personal injury case?

Being in an accident and sustaining injuries may turn your world upside down. Your days can become a complicated disaster, trying to fit in doctor’s appointments, going to therapies, and receiving treatments. All the while, you may be seeing medical bills pile up while being unable to work. If this is your case, you may wonder who you can sue for your damages and how to recover compensation. Talking to a personal injury attorney may shed some light on your situation and help you understand who might be liable for your injuries.

What is liability?

Liability refers to the obligation of someone to pay for injuries they caused. One person or more can be found liable depending on the circumstances of the case. If you have multiple parties liable for your injuries, their degree of liability can be different.

Read More: Personal Injury Claims with Multiple Defendants: Where to Start

Who can be found liable?

Depending on where the accident that caused your injuries took place, you may find different parties to be liable. Here are some examples:

Property Owners

When you slip and fall and sustain injuries in a retail establishment, restaurant, car dealership, or any other place, the property owner may be held liable for injuries that occur on their property. A private homeowner may also be found liable in some circumstances if guests suffer injuries while at their property. Laws will vary depending on whether your injuries happened in a business or on private property where you are a guest.

Party Hosts

Someone who throws a party and serves alcohol to minors may be found liable for alcohol-related injuries. They may also be held liable if the intoxicated minor causes someone to die or injures someone. Some states also find the host liable if they serve so much alcohol to an adult that the drunk person kills or injures someone else.

A Driver

When you are in a car accident, the party at fault may be the other driver. They may have been distracted while driving, driving recklessly, or operating their vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. A drunk or distracted driver may also be found liable when a pedestrian or a bike rider is involved.

A Dog Owner

Many people are bitten by dogs while out walking or by being in certain places where a dog can pass them. In any case, it is the dog owner’s responsibility to keep their pets properly restrained. They may be held liable for your injuries even if they claim that their dog has never harmed anyone in the past.

Read More: Important Things to Remember When Consulting a Personal Injury Lawyer

The Victim

The court may determine that you are partially at fault for the severity of your injuries, depending on the state where you live. When this happens, the compensation you may receive from the other party can be reduced. You may be told that since you did not seek immediate medical help for your injuries, it caused them to worsen significantly. Or you might have been texting while driving when you were hit by a driver who was under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Working with a personal injury attorney is your best option to fight for the compensation you deserve.