The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention tracks injuries in the U.S. and has found that injuries and violence are the leading causes of death in the nation for individuals ages 1 to 44 when compared to other leading causes of death. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2014 it is estimated that almost 3 million individuals were hospitalized due to injuries. Almost one million of these personal injuries required time away from work.
New York Personal Injury Statistics
According to NY State’s Department of Health, unintentional injuries are the leading cause of disability – and death – among all age groups. New York personal injury statistics illustrate that long-term consequences of these injuries may include chronic pain, limited range of motion, permanent disability, among others. More than 1 million New Yorkers are treated and released from ER departments annually due to injuries and 130,000 are injured severely enough to be admitted. Studies show non fatal injuries, each year, across the nation to total:
- Strains, sprains and tears: 331,180;
- Back injuries:162,720;
- Car accidents: 2.3 million;
- Slip, trip and falls: 247,120;
- Fire, burn and explosions: 450,000;
- Medical malpractice: 85,000;
- Assault, battery and other intentional torts: 26,000;
- Dog bites:16,550;
- Train accidents: 2,500; and
- Boating accidents: 3,000.
Because of this large number of personal injuries (and accidental deaths) that occur every year in the United States, and because fault – and, therefore, liability for monetary compensation – is often at dispute, personal injury claims and litigation often follow suit.
Nearly 60 percent of tort, contract and real property cases nationwide are personal injury cases. In fact, in the 75 most highly populated counties in the nation, more than 7,000 personal injury cases were tried in state courts. Moreover, the median award has increased over the years – particularly in products liability cases.
Nationally, more than 16,000 personal injury cases were fought at the state court level. However, a vast majority of cases are settled before they reach the courthouse steps. According to this calculation, the actual number of personal injury claims filed in the U.S. would total more than 400,000 annually.
Brooklyn Personal Injury Lawyer: Assistance When You Need It
Personal injuries can be physically and financially devastating. Beyond this stress, the law can be complicated as multiple defendants may be involved. For this reason, it is important to seek out a, seasoned Brooklyn personal injury lawyer to handle your case. If you or someone you know has been injured due to the negligence of another contact the Law Office of Jeffrey K. Kestenbaum to learn about your rights under the law. Call (718) 237-5586 for your initial case evaluation.
