When we hear about injuries or fatalities that seem to happen in unexpected places, we may consider them as rare accidents. However, that is probably only because we are not aware of just how common some accidents are. Truth be told, an accident can happen virtually anywhere and at any time, and may be due to sheer unluckiness or the fault of another person. Here are examples of rare accidents that are actually more prevalent than you may have previously imagined.
Jaywalking
There are so many stories out there that begin with someone just walking down the street, minding their own business, when something terrible happened. Thousands of people are killed just trying to cross the street while going about their day, and in many cases, it is the car driver who wasn’t driving safely. It doesn’t matter if you were hit while jaywalking or within a crosswalk, the driver may still be held liable for your injuries. Pedestrians have the right of way, and drivers must always be alert to their presence and allow them to cross when needed.
Elevators and Escalators
Millions of people use escalators and elevators without realizing just how dangerous they can be. In fact, escalator injuries have been increasing over the past several years, and the most common cause of them is from a tragic fall. Other reasons escalator injuries may happen include a sudden stop, missing or loose parts, debri on the stairs, improper maintenance, and side entrapment (shoes getting caught on stairs).
In a situation where someone was injured while on an elevator, it can happen due to poor safety designs, obvious hazards, or lack of proper inspections. Elevator riders are suspended in air from within a cabin that goes up and down along vertical shafts. As a personal injury lawyer West Lafayette, IN residents trust from Hall-Justice Law Firm LLC knows, despite safety systems and inspections, accidents are just bound to occur simply due to the dangerous way that elevators operate.
Medical Malpractice
People want to trust that their doctor is going to make their condition better, not worse. We visit doctors because something doesn’t feel right and we want treatment for it. But when a doctor fails to provide the medical standard expected for professionals and a patient is harmed, that doctor may face a medical malpractice lawsuit. Doctors may commit errors related to diagnosis, treatment plan, basic lab testing, prescriptions, and so much more. Any situation where a patient was injured or killed due to a doctor’s mistake is worth investigating further. Surviving loved ones of someone who passed because of a doctor’s negligence can seek restitution in honor of their loved one and the financial impact it has made on their family.
The above examples are just a few scenarios of what we think are rare accidents, but occur more frequently than we may have originally thought. Unfortunate accidents happen every day, but there are instances where an individual, company, or other party was responsible. Those who commit negligence or recklessness should be held accountable for how other’s lives have suffered or been lost.