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If you've been awarded a personal injury settlement in a recent case, or are expecting such a settlement sum in the near future, you may already be thinking about important areas like taxes and tax returns with regard to this sum of money. In particular, a common question is regularly asked in these scenarios: Is a personal injury settlement considered income that's then taxable on your yearly tax return?

At the offices of William Rawlings & Associates, we happily assist clients around Salt Lake City, Provo, Draper and surrounding areas of Utah with all their personal injury attorney needs, from auto accident lawyer services and motorcycle accident attorneys to areas like dog bite claims, wrongful death and more. Here are some of the elements of a typical personal injury settlement, plus some of the ins and outs of whether they will be considered taxable income. 

Personal Injury Settlement Considered Income

Medical Bills

One of the more nuanced areas when it comes to personal injury settlements and taxation relates to medical bills. A couple relatively consistent tenets of IRS qualification to keep an eye on here:

Emotional Distress

Also known as mental anguish, this is another area that's somewhat nuanced. Generally, whether emotional distress portions of a personal injury settlement will be considered income will depend largely on whether these sums relate to the subject of the settlement itself. 

That is, if you undergo emotional distress as the direct result of a physical injury like those mentioned above, it's unlikely the IRS will consider this taxable income. But if a settlement is based purely on emotional distress with no physical element involved, it may be considered income and taxed as such.

Lost Wages

In most cases, any portion of your personal injury settlement that's specifically designated to replace lost wages from missed work as a result of the injury will be considered taxable income. In these cases, your employer may also be required to report this income and issue you a W-2 form at the end of the year.

However, if you are receiving disability payments for lost wages through an insurance policy, these generally will not be considered taxable income. This is because they are meant to compensate for lost wages and do not represent income. 

Punitive Damages

For those unfamiliar with them, punitive damages refer to those set aside in cases where the defendant is found to have acted with gross negligence or malicious intent. These are meant as a punishment for such actions, rather than to compensate victims for specific losses.

The IRS considers punitive damages to be taxable income in most cases. This applies even if they're part of a personal injury settlement that also includes non-punitive sums – only the punitive portion will be taxed, while the others may not be if they meet the criteria outlined above.

In fact, punitive damage taxation tends to override some of the other basics we've gone over here. For instance, even if the punitive damages are directly related to physical injury or illness, they will not receive the same tax exemption that other portions of a settlement might. 

Settlement Interest

In some cases, particularly if a large punitive damage payment was part of your settlement, you may consider investing some or all of the sum. In these cases, it's important to remember that any interest you receive from this investment will be considered taxable income – even if other portions of your settlement may not be.

In addition to these factors, there are some special considerations for certain types of personal injury settlements. For example, if your settlement includes reimbursement for attorney fees or legal costs, these may be considered tax-deductible. Additionally, if your settlement is paid out over multiple years, this could potentially impact the way it's taxed each year. 

Ultimately, the specifics of your personal injury settlement will dictate its taxation – for these and any other relevant areas or questions, our experienced attorneys are here to provide guidance and expertise. Contact our team at the offices of William Rawlings & Associates to learn more about any of our personal injury attorney services around SLC, Provo, Draper or nearby areas of Utah.

Insurance coverage can be confusing at times, particularly when it's possibly necessary for a personal injury situation or certain similar settings. A common question asked of personal injury attorneys within this vein: Does renter's insurance cover personal injury issues that take place on the rented property in question?

At the offices of William Rawlings & Associates, we proudly offer the very best personal injury attorney services you'll find in Salt Lake City, Draper, Provo or any nearby part of Utah, handling cases ranging from car and truck accident injuries to personal injury types like dog bite injuries, property liability and much more. The short answer to the question above: Usually yes, at least to some degree. Let's dive a bit further, however, into the key factors at play in whether a personal injury you or someone close to you sustained might be covered by renter's insurance.

Dog bite or other dog attacks

What is Renter's Insurance?

Firstly, for those who aren't familiar with the concept, what exactly is renter's insurance? It's a specific type of insurance coverage that tenants, or renters, take out on their rented homes or apartments. This coverage provides financial protection against losses due to several basic events such as thefts and fires. 

Precisely what is covered by a given renter's insurance policy will depend on the specifics of the policy itself, including its terms and coverage limits. 

Common Accident Types Often Covered

While this will again depend on the specific policy, most renter's insurance policies cover the following kinds of accidents or injuries:

However, it's important to note that each insurance policy is different and may have varying coverage limits. It's always best to carefully review your own policy and speak with your insurance provider for specific information on your coverage. Additionally, if you are injured in a

Accidents Not Covered

While most common accidents and personal injuries sustained on rented properties are often covered by renter's insurance, there are some notable exceptions. These include:

As always, it's crucial to carefully review your own renter's insurance policy and speak with your provider for specific details on coverage. In addition, if you sustain a personal injury on a rented property, it's important to consult with a personal injury attorney to determine your legal options and potential for compensation. Don't hesitate to contact the team at William Rawlings & Associates for experienced and knowledgeable representation today, whether you're in SLC, Provo, Draper or any nearby area of Utah!

There are certain kinds of accidents or injuries that can take place in ways or settings where injury seems entirely unlikely, and a common example here is the slip and fall accident. While some slip and fall accidents do happen in likely places like wet surfaces or those being cleaned, they can also take place in totally unexpected situations - and knowing what to do if this happens to you is important. 

At the offices of William Rawlings & Associates, we're here to help clients around Salt Lake City, Provo, Draper and surrounding areas of Utah with all their personal injury lawyer needs, ranging from car and truck accident attorney services to distinct injury types like slip and fall cases, trampoline injuries, dog bite cases and more. Like many other personal injury situations, knowing what to do in the aftermath of a slip and fall accident where you feel another party may be liable for your injuries is important - here are some of the basic steps to follow. 

fall accident

Common Slip and Fall Settings and Injuries

Before we dig into the specific approach you should take after a slip and fall accident, let's briefly touch on some of the most common settings and injuries that may result from this type of situation. As we noted earlier, slips or falls on wet surfaces or while cleaning are relatively common - but so too are those that happen in grocery stores due to spills or tripping hazards, accidents at work due to unsafe conditions, and even slip and falls on items like broken escalators or elevators. 

Injuries that may result from these accidents can range from minor scrapes and bruises to serious issues like head trauma, spinal cord injuries or broken bones. And in cases where these injuries were caused by another party's negligence, you may be able to pursue compensation through a personal injury case. 

So what should you do in the aftermath of a slip and fall accident? Here are some key steps to follow in our next few sections. 

Immediate Medical Attention

Just like in a car accident or any other situation where you or someone close to you has been injured, the very first step to take after a slip and fall accident is ensuring that everyone involved receives proper medical attention. Even if you don't feel like you've been seriously hurt, it's important to get checked out by a doctor as soon as possible, both for your own health and to document any potential injuries for the purposes of future legal action. 

This includes not only getting immediate medical attention, but also following up with any recommended treatments or appointments to ensure that you make a full recovery. Failure to do so may hurt your case if you decide to pursue legal action for your injuries. 

Gather Evidence at the Scene

In addition to obtaining medical care, another important step after a slip and fall accident is gathering evidence at the scene. This can include taking pictures of the area where the accident occurred, documenting any hazards or conditions that may have contributed to your fall, and getting contact information from any witnesses who may have seen what happened. 

This evidence can be crucial in proving liability for your injuries and building a strong case in your favor. It's important to do this as soon as possible after the accident, as conditions may change or evidence may be removed over time. 

File a Report (Incident, Police, Etc)

Depending on the severity of your injuries and where the accident took place, you may also need to file a report with the proper authorities. This could include an incident report with the property owner or manager, a police report if necessary, and even an incident report with your employer if you were injured at work. 

Having these reports on file can help to establish a timeline of events and provide additional documentation to support your case. 

Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer

One of the most important steps you can take after a slip and fall accident is to contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. An experienced attorney can evaluate your case, gather evidence on your behalf, and help you pursue compensation for your injuries and other damages. They can also handle communication and negotiations with insurance companies or other parties on your behalf, allowing you to focus on your recovery. 

At William Rawlings & Associates, we have a team of dedicated personal injury lawyers who are ready to help you navigate the aftermath of a slip and fall accident. We want all prospective clients to know that there is no obligation to hire us after an initial consultation - we just want to make sure you understand your rights and options in the aftermath of this type of injury. 

Keep Details Private

At this point, it's important to remember that any communication about your case should be kept private and only shared with your personal injury lawyer. This includes discussions with insurance companies or other parties who may try to contact you - always refer them to your attorney for any questions or requests for information. 

This also includes social media - try to avoid posting about your accident or injuries on social media, as it may be used against you in your case. 

At the offices of William Rawlings & Associates, we're here to help you with every step of the slip and fall accident process. Contact us today for a free consultation if you or a loved one has been injured in this type of accident, or for any personal injury attorney need around SLC, Provo, Draper or other parts of Utah.

While most people are aware that they should be hiring an attorney for any major car accident in which they were injured by the fault of another party and are seeking just compensation, some have understandable questions about whether this is necessary for a more minor accident. And while we understand this question, the reality is that it's actually often framed in the wrong way. 

At the offices of William Rawlings & Associates, we proudly provide the very best auto accident lawyer, truck accident attorney and related vehicle accident services around Salt Lake City, Provo, Draper or any nearby part of Utah. We serve clients across all types of vehicle accidents, even including many that some would consider "minor" in nature - and we're here to tell you that the severity of the accident itself actually isn't the largest factor in whether you should hire an attorney. Here are some basics on why this is the case, some misconceptions about "minor" accidents, and when it makes sense to call a car accident attorney. 

errors vehicle accident liability

Injuries Can Still Happen in "Minor" Accidents

You may have noticed that we keep putting the word "minor" in quotation marks, and there's a reason for that - because many accidents that are labeled as "minor" by those involved can actually cause significant injuries. In fact, it's not uncommon for someone to walk away from an accident thinking they're fine, only to find out later that they have whiplash, soft tissue damage or other similar issues. 

Furthermore, even supposedly minor accidents can cause immediate, severe injuries. These include traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, and other problems that require immediate medical care and can lead to long-term effects. So even if your accident seems minor, it's always best to get checked out by a doctor just in case - and this is especially true if you're hoping to seek any type of financial compensation for the damages caused.

"Minor" Accidents Can Still Cause Major Damage

Another misconception about "minor" accidents is that they don't cause significant damage to vehicles. In reality, even low-speed collisions can result in expensive repairs or even total losses for your vehicle. And if the accident was caused by someone else's negligence, you shouldn't be responsible for paying these costs out of pocket.

Moreover, even if the damage to your vehicle is minimal, it's important to remember that it's not just about the physical damage. The emotional stress and inconvenience caused by a car accident can be significant, and you shouldn't have to shoulder these burdens alone.

Legal Necessity of Reporting Accidents - Even "Minor" Ones

Down somewhat related lines, it's vital to remember that "minor" accidents still need to be reported to the authorities and your insurance company, just like any other accident. Failure to do so can lead to legal complications and jeopardize any potential claims you may have for compensation.

Value a Car Accident Attorney Brings to the Table

Even if your accident is considered "minor", it's still a good idea to consult with a reputable car accident attorney. They can help you navigate the legal process, handle negotiations with insurance companies and ensure that you receive the full amount of compensation you're entitled to. 

Additionally, they can provide valuable insight into the true extent of your injuries and damages, helping you accurately assess the value of any potential settlement offers. And in the event that a settlement can't be reached, having an experienced car accident attorney on your side can greatly improve your chances of success if you need to take the case to court.

What a Car Accident Attorney Will Do

When you contact our office, our team of experienced attorneys will immediately begin working on your case. We'll gather all the necessary information and evidence, handle communication with insurance companies, and fight for your rights every step of the way. We handle everything from liability and injury assessment to negotiating settlements and representing you in court, so you can focus on recovering from your injuries. 

Don't let the term "minor" accident fool you - if you've been injured in any type of vehicle accident, it's always best to consult with a car accident attorney to ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve. Don't hesitate to reach out to William Rawlings & Associates for a free consultation and let us help you get the justice and compensation you deserve, whether you're in SLC, Provo, Draper or any nearby area of Utah. We also assist with numerous other personal injury lawyer needs and case types.

There are a few different conditions or disorders that may arise from various traumatic events, and one that's somewhat well known is PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder. Can PTSD symptoms be considered part of personal injury cases when a claim is being made against another party for a given incident?

At the offices of William Rawlings & Associates, we assist clients around Salt Lake City, Draper, Provo and nearby parts of Utah with all their personal injury attorney needs, covering cases ranging from car and truck accidents to dog bite injuries, child injuries, wrongful death and more. We're here to tell you that yes, PTSD symptoms can often be included as part of your claim against another party for negligence or other liability - our attorneys will be happy to walk you through this entire process if you believe PTSD to be part of your symptoms. Here are some basics to keep in mind if your case may include this sort of thing.

PTSD claims personal injury

Two Kinds of PTSD Claims

There are two broad types of PTSD claims that may be used in personal injury cases:

Properly Documenting PTSD

If you believe you may be suffering from PTSD related to a given incident, the first step is always seeking proper medical care from professionals who can properly diagnose and document your condition. This documentation will be key in any personal injury case where PTSD is involved - without it, proving that you're owed damages for this type of pain and suffering will be very difficult.

This documentation may include:

Proving PTSD

When it comes to actually proving that PTSD was caused by a given incident or series of incidents, the burden is on the plaintiff (you) to do so. This will generally come down to testimony and documentation from medical professionals, along with any other evidence you can provide.

There are a couple witness types you may utilize here, depending on the specifics of the case:

For instance, a therapist is a common example of an expert witness in PTSD cases, providing valuable insight into the origin and impact of your symptoms. A therapist may be called to testify that your PTSD symptoms are a direct result of the traumatic event in question, as well as to explain how these symptoms have impacted your daily life and ability to function. This testimony won't necessarily be the only or even the largest factor in proving your case, but it will play a significant role in convincing the court that you're owed damages for these symptoms.

In addition to expert witnesses, other evidence like medical records, personal journals or even testimony from friends and family can also help support your claim for PTSD in a personal injury case.

The key is building a strong case with all the necessary documentation and testimony, which is something our attorneys excel at here at William Rawlings & Associates. We're proud to help clients secure the compensation they deserve for all their personal injury needs, including those related to PTSD and other trauma-induced conditions. So if you believe that your PTSD symptoms are a result of someone else's negligence or wrongdoing, don't hesitate to reach out to us for assistance in building your case - we serve clients around SLC, Draper, Provo and nearby parts of Utah.

There are a few cases of personal injury situations where some people wonder if they're legally allowed to seek compensation from another party, and one good example here is when the party involved is a government employee or entity of any kind. Some good news right off the top: It's absolutely possible and legal to seek such compensation if you're injured in this way - there just may be a few additional nuances involved.

At the offices of William Rawlings & Associates, we're here to offer the very best personal injury attorney services you'll find in Salt Lake City, Draper, Provo or any other part of Utah, from car and truck accident cases to numerous others. It's absolutely within your rights to file a claim and seek compensation for injuries you believe were caused by a government employee or entity - here are some basics on how our attorneys will help you through this process and some of the particular details that may come up along the way.

filing claims government entities

Determining Proper Defendant

Firstly, one of the areas that can be a bit more complex when dealing with government-related injury cases is determining the proper defendant. In most personal injury cases, this is a fairly straightforward process - it's whoever was responsible for your injuries.

However, in government scenarios, there may be multiple layers or parties involved that could be held liable for your damages. For example, if you were injured by a government employee while they were on the job, they may be the defendant in your case. But if the injury occurred due to a faulty government-owned property or equipment, it may actually be the government entity itself that is responsible. Our experienced attorneys will help you navigate these complexities and ensure the proper parties are held accountable for your injuries.

Also at play here is whether you're filing a claim against a city or town, a state, or a federal entity - each one has different laws and procedures that must be followed, which our attorneys are well-versed in.

Duty of Care

When considering filing a suit against a government employee or entity, one of the key factors our attorneys will help you evaluate is whether there was a duty of care owed to you by the government in this situation. If the employee or entity did not owe you a duty of care, then it may be difficult to prove they were responsible for your injuries.

However, if they did owe you a duty of care, our attorneys will work tirelessly to show how that duty was breached and resulted in your injuries. For instance, if a government entity failed to properly maintain their property and it led to your injury, they may be held liable for not upholding their duty of care.

Tort Claims Acts and Statutes of Limitation

From a details perspective, two areas our attorneys will be highly knowledgeable about are tort claims acts and statutes of limitation.

A tort claim is a legal proceeding against the government for damages caused by its employees or entities, and each state has specific guidelines for how these must be filed. Our attorneys will make sure your case follows all necessary procedures to avoid any potential roadblocks.

Statutes of limitation refer to the time limits you have to file a claim against the government. These can vary significantly from state to state and depend on several factors, such as whether the case is being filed under federal or state law. Our attorneys will ensure your case is filed within the appropriate timeframe to avoid any consequences.

Be Prepared for "Immunity" Defenses

In many cases, government entities or employees may try to claim immunity from liability for your injuries. This is when they argue that they cannot be held responsible for certain actions due to their role as a government entity. This can be a complex defense to navigate, but our attorneys have the experience and knowledge necessary to counter these claims and fight for your rights.

Seeking compensation for personal injuries caused by a government employee or entity can be overwhelming, but our experienced attorneys at the offices of William Rawlings & Associates are here to guide you through the process and fight for your rights. Don't hesitate to reach out to us if you find yourself in this situation - we're ready to help you get the justice and compensation you deserve, whether you're in SLC, Draper, Provo or any nearby part of Utah.

While many personal injury cases are based around direct forms of physical harm like car accidents or traumatic injuries, there are also many other types to consider. One sadly common example here is that of product defects, and one especially worrisome area where this can be a concern is within the realm of defective child toys.

At the offices of William Rawlings & Associates, we're here to provide the best personal injury attorney services you'll find around Salt Lake City, Provo, Draper and nearby parts of Utah - including not just common claim types like car accidents, but also many others including child injury cases and more. Let's look at some of the kinds of injuries that children can sustain from defective toy products, the classifications that resulting claims are often placed into, how liability is established in these cases, and how our attorneys will work around the common defenses that toy manufacturers tend to fall back on in such cases.

liability defective child toys

Kinds of Injuries Children Can Sustain Due to Defective Toys

Sadly, there are a number of possible injuries that children can sustain from defective toy products. They range in severity all the way from minor bruising and scrapes to more serious damage like lacerations, burns, choking hazards, suffocation risks, electrical shocks and other similar concerns.

While it's certainly essential to keep a close eye on young ones while they're playing with toys of any kind, even then it's sometimes not enough to prevent injuries - particularly in cases where products are defective.

Classification of Resulting Claims

In the legal world, claims resulting from defective child toys can be placed into a few general categories. These are as follows:

Establishing Liability

When it comes to building a case against toy manufacturers for injuries caused by defective products, there are two general approaches our attorneys may take:

Common Defenses in Toy Product Liability

If you're filing a claim against a toy manufacturer for a defective product, there are several defenses they may try to use. These can include:

So remember, if your child has been hurt by a faulty toy, call William Rawlings & Associates today for expert legal representation and advice! We fight for the rights of parents and children around SLC, Provo, Draper and other parts of Utah on a regular basis, helping them win the compensation they deserve for medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages and more. Consultations are always free, so don't hesitate to reach out and speak with us about your case today. Your child deserves justice!

While various social media entities have created whole new ways for people to communicate and share their lives, there are some potentially significant downsides to improper usage of these sites in certain situations. One great example: Within a personal injury case, where improper care with social media posts during your case may have an adverse effect on your results.

At the offices of William Rawlings & Associates, we're proud to assist clients around Salt Lake City, Provo, Draper and nearby parts of Utah with all their personal injury claim needs, whether you're filing for a car accident claim or one of numerous other types like dog bite claims, child injuries and more. We regularly advise clients on care with social media posts following any kind of injury or accident where they're making a claim, helping ensure they do not damage their case accidentally. Here are some basics on why social media posts about your injury can be risky, plus some best practices on how to behave in the social sphere during a personal injury claim.

social media risks personal injury

Process of Discovery

To help understand why you need to be careful with social media posts about your injury, it's important to first understand the process of discovery in a personal injury case. During this process, both sides will gather evidence and information from each other to build their case. This includes requesting documents, conducting depositions, and more.

And as you may have guessed already, social media posts can be used as evidence during this process. This means that any careless or inappropriate posts you make about your injury on social media can end up being used against you in court. This can have a major impact on the outcome of your case and potentially limit the compensation you receive.

Types of Posts to Avoid

So what types of posts should you avoid during a personal injury case? Here are some examples:

Best Practices for Social Media During a Personal Injury Claim

To protect your personal injury claim and avoid any potential negative impacts from social media posts, here are some best practices to follow:

Don't Delete Old Posts

One important facet of proper social media usage during a personal injury claim is to not delete any old posts that may be used as evidence. This can actually be seen as tampering with evidence and could harm your case even further.

Furthermore, it's easier for computer experts to retrieve deleted posts than you may think. Instead, follow the best practices mentioned above and refrain from posting anything that could damage your case in the first place.

Posting About Settlements

Many personal injury cases end with a settlement between the parties involved. It's important to note that any discussion or posts about your settlement on social media can also have negative consequences. For example, if you post about receiving a large settlement and then shortly after purchase an expensive item, this could be used to argue that you were not truly injured and did not need as much compensation.

In fact, there may be specific limitations or restrictions on what you can say or post about your settlement depending on the terms of the agreement. Always consult with your attorney before making any public statements.

In short, social media usage during a personal injury case should be approached with caution and care. Any posts related to your injury or claim could potentially harm your case and limit the compensation you receive. It's always best to consult with your attorney and limit or refrain from social media use during this time.

At the offices of William Rawlings & Associates, our experienced personal injury attorneys are here to guide you through the process and help ensure you receive the maximum compensation for your injuries. Contact us today for a free consultation for legal needs around SLC, Provo, Draper or any nearby part of Utah.

While the vast majority of personal injury claims and cases that are brought will be resolved via a settlement between the two parties involved, there are definitely some exceptions to this. In cases where the parties simply cannot agree on liability or other key parts of a settlement, a jury trial may be required to ultimately settle the matter. 

At the offices of William Rawlings & Associates, we're here to offer the very best personal injury attorney services you'll find around Salt Lake City, Draper, Provo and other parts of Utah. Our attorneys assist with a huge range of cases, from car and truck accident liability to wrongful death, dog bite cases and many others. While most of our cases do end up settled outside of court, as is common in this industry, we're also experienced in handling cases that proceed all the way to jury trial as well. Here's a breakdown of the general stages and process of a jury trial for a personal injury case, plus what to be thinking about if you're part of a case that has made it to trial. 

sporting events personal injury liability

A Quick Word on Bench Trials

Before we get started, a quick word on bench trials - that is, trials that do not involve a jury, and are overseen only by a judge. These are significantly less common than jury trials in personal injury cases, but they do happen. 

In most bench trials, the judge will be responsible for making all decisions and rulings related to the case, while also determining relevant facts and evidence. Bench trials can sometimes lead to quicker resolutions than jury trials, but not always - it depends on how much evidence is available and how much is being disputed. 

Our subsequent sections will cover the typical stages of a jury trial - many of these will be similar to parts of bench trials, but some will be different. 

Jury Selection Process

Assuming your case has required a jury trial, the first step will be to select jurors for the trial. This process takes place in court, and is referred to as "voir dire" - a French term meaning "to speak the truth." The goal of this process is for each side to determine who they believe would be a good juror for the case, then filter out any who may have biases or prejudices. 

Jurors will be asked questions by both sides and must answer truthfully - this often includes questions about their backgrounds, beliefs and other relevant information that could impact the outcome of the case. Ultimately, a pool of jurors is chosen from these initial questioning rounds - usually around 12 or so for a civil case. 

Opening Statements

Once the jury is selected, both sides will have the opportunity to give opening statements that outline their position and what they plan to prove during the trial. These statements are not meant as evidence themselves, but more of a roadmap for how each side views the case and its key points. 

Evidence and Testimony From Witnesses

As we get into the meat of the trial, each side will present their evidence and testimony from relevant witnesses. This can include expert opinions, eyewitness accounts, and more - all meant to support or refute claims made by either side. Each witness will also be subject to cross-examination by the opposing attorney. 

Witnesses for a personal injury case can vary widely, from medical professionals to accident reconstruction experts and more. They will also commonly include the plaintiff themselves, and may include friends or family members who can speak to the impact of the injury on their loved one. 

Closing Arguments

Once all evidence and testimony has been presented, both sides will have the opportunity to make closing arguments - a final attempt to sway the jury in their favor. This is often where attorneys will summarize key points of evidence or highlight specific inconsistencies in the opposing side's story. 

The plaintiff's attorney will typically make the first closing argument, followed by the defendant's attorney. Typically, the plaintiff will get the "last word" via a short rebuttal to the defense's closing argument. 

Jury Instructions

Now that both sides have made their case, the judge will instruct the jury on what they are to consider when making their decision. This can include specific laws, relevant evidence and other considerations that may impact the outcome of the case. 

Deliberation and Verdict

Once instructed by the judge, jurors will retreat to a private room where they will discuss the case amongst themselves and come to a decision. This process can take anywhere from a few hours to several days, depending on the complexity of the case. Once they have reached a verdict, it will be delivered in open court and read aloud by the judge. 

Appeals

It's important to note that either side has the right to appeal a jury's decision if they feel there were errors made during the trial. This can lead to a higher court reviewing all evidence and potentially overturning or changing the original decision. 

If you have any further questions about jury trials in personal injury cases, our experienced attorneys at William Rawlings & Associates are always here to help. We're happy to walk you through this process and make sure you feel comfortable every step of the way for any personal injury case across SLC, Draper, Provo or any other part of Utah.

While it's somewhat common (and understandable) to hear people complain about the areas of their lives that insurance doesn't cover, there's actually a flip side to this as well. There are a number of injury types that you may not have ever thought would be covered by insurance, but actually are - including several common injury types that often result in personal injury claims. 

At William Rawlings & Associates, we have decades of experience dealing with insurance companies as we strive for just compensation for our personal injury clients around Salt Lake City, Draper, Provo and other parts of Utah. While many of our cases are in more well-known areas like car accidents or child injuries, we also help with lesser-known case types like passenger claims, malpractice suits and more. Whether it's your insurance or the insurance of a different liable party that's providing the compensation, here are several examples of surprising injury types you may not have realized are often covered by insurance.

injuries slip fall cases

Passenger Accident Claims

As we alluded to above, a great example here is passenger claims. What happens if you're not the driver in a car accident, but rather are just an innocent passenger – perhaps even with no control over the vehicle at all? 

In these cases, insurance companies will often provide coverage for personal injuries that occur to passengers, as long as they were not behaving negligently themselves. In cases where it's determined that a separate party in a different vehicle caused the accident, they may be responsible for your compensation via their insurance even if you were a passenger in a car that wasn't theirs. 

Dog Bites

Many people don't realize this, but dog bites are actually covered by homeowner's insurance in most cases. This includes both incidents that occur on the owner's property and those where the dog is taken off-site, such as to a park. Dog bite claims often include not just physical injuries, but also property damage or trauma compensation as well.

Once again, it's important to note that in some cases, the owner's insurance may not cover bites if they occur due to negligence or intentional harm. But more often than not, dog bite claims are eligible for compensation from insurance providers. 

Defective Product Injuries

There are a few parties that may be considered at fault for injuries that occur due to a defective product: The manufacturer, the distributor or the seller of the product. In many cases, these parties will have some form of insurance coverage that can provide compensation for any resulting personal injuries. 

This is especially important to note if you've been injured by a defective product and are considering filing a lawsuit – even if it's not clear at first who the liable party is, it's often possible to receive compensation from some form of insurance coverage. Make sure to discuss this with your personal injury attorney as you consider your options for seeking compensation. 

Medical Malpractice

Another common area where people may not realize insurance is often involved: Medical malpractice. In many states, doctors and medical professionals are required to carry malpractice insurance as a form of financial protection for those who may be injured in their care. 

This means that if you suffer an injury or illness due to negligence or error by your doctor, you may be eligible for compensation from their insurance company. This also includes professionals like dentists, therapists, and nurses. 

Slips and Falls

Depending on the circumstances, injuries that occur due to slip and fall accidents may also be covered by insurance. For example, if a business owner is found negligent in maintaining safe conditions on their property and you suffer an injury as a result, their liability insurance may cover your medical expenses or other damages. 

Injuries Usually Not Covered

While we've spent most of this blog going over injuries that are often covered by insurance in some way, here are some examples of those on the flip side - that will almost never be covered:

It's important to understand the extent of insurance coverage when it comes to personal injury claims. While there are many common injury types that are often covered, there are also several that typically are not. 

At the offices of William Rawlings & Associates, we are dedicated to helping our clients receive the compensation they deserve for their personal injuries. Our experienced team is well-versed in dealing with insurance companies and will work tirelessly to fight for your rights and just compensation. If you or a loved one has suffered a personal injury around SLC, Draper, Provo or any other part of Utah, contact us today for a free consultation.

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