You may have heard the terms “personal injury” and “bodily injury” before, but are you absolutely certain you know what they mean? Each term is unique in its own right, particularly in the eyes of the law.
Here are the differences between a “personal injury” and a “bodily injury:”
Personal Injury
Personal injury is a facet of civil law. Personal injury claims are designed to compensate victims of accidents or social wrongs, such as defamation of character.
Examples of Personal Injuries
Personal injuries can arise in seemingly endless ways. The following are some of the most common reasons why people file personal injury lawsuits:
- Defective products
- Car accidents
- Premises liability
- Professional malpractice
- Nursing home abuse
Statute of Limitations
There is a limit on the amount of time you have to file a personal injury lawsuit in Arkansas. The state gives you three years from the date of your injury to file a claim.
Once the three-year time period has passed, you will no longer be eligible to file a lawsuit.
Proving Negligence
For your case to be successful, there are several factors of negligence you must prove, such as:
- The party at fault owed you a duty of care
- There was a breach in the duty of care
- Your injuries or losses were the direct results of the at-fault party
- The actions of the at-fault party caused you to sustain damages
Bodily Injury
A bodily injury isn’t the same as a personal injury because it refers to a specific injury to your body that was caused by another person. The term “bodily injury” is typically used in reference to criminal cases, but there are also insurance implications.
If you’ve been injured as a direct result of someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. Our attorneys are highly skilled in the area of personal injury law and have helped many others just like you. Let us see if we can help you, too.
Contact the experienced attorneys at Caddell Reynolds Law Firm by calling 800-671-4100 or filling out an online contact form today.
