(It’s More Than Just Car Accidents)
When people hear “personal injury,” their minds usually go straight to car accidents. And while motor vehicle collisions are among the most common cases, personal injury law covers a much wider range of circumstances where someone is hurt due to another’s negligence.
At Sherwood Law Group, we want to shed light on some of the lesser-known ways you can seek justice and compensation if you’ve been injured—because it’s not always as straightforward as a crash on the highway.
It’s Not Just Car Accidents
There are many different types of personal injury cases that don’t involve vehicles at all. If you've been injured due to a poorly designed product, a lack of safety measures, or even exposure to toxic substances, you could have a valid claim.
Take product liability, for example. If a product malfunctions—think an overheated kitchen appliance or a children’s toy with small parts not properly labeled—it may be due to a design flaw, a manufacturing error, or a failure to warn consumers about potential risks. These cases can be complex, but if your injury was preventable, there’s a strong chance the company responsible should be held accountable.
Then there’s negligent security—a lesser-known area of personal injury law. If you’re assaulted in a parking lot or apartment complex where proper lighting or security measures were missing, the property owner could be liable. These cases often hinge on foreseeability: could the owner have anticipated the risk and done more to prevent it?
Other examples include:
- Toxic exposure to chemicals, mold, or hazardous materials in workplaces or residential buildings
- Recreational injuries at gyms, sports facilities, or even amusement parks—especially when equipment is faulty or staff is untrained
Determining Fault in Unconventional Cases
In every personal injury claim, establishing fault is essential. But in cases like product defects, toxic exposure, or negligent security, fault isn’t always immediately obvious. You may not even realize someone else's carelessness led to your injury.
That’s why collecting evidence is key. Photos, medical records, eyewitness accounts, and even expert testimony can help show that your injury wasn’t just an unfortunate accident—it was preventable.
It’s also important to consider the role of insurance companies. Insurers may try to downplay your injuries or argue that their client wasn’t responsible. In cases that fall outside the usual car accident mold, they may use your uncertainty against you. That’s why it’s so important to speak to an attorney before you accept any offers.
When in Doubt, Reach Out
We often hear from people who aren’t sure whether they have a case—or if they even should call a lawyer. Here’s the truth: if you’ve been hurt and it wasn’t your fault, it’s always worth a conversation.
You don’t have to be 100% sure. That’s what we’re here for. We’ll help you determine whether your situation fits within different types of personal injury cases, and if so, what your next steps should be.
Maybe your injuries seem minor now, but symptoms often worsen over time. Or maybe you’re facing mounting bills and wondering if anyone is responsible. Either way, we can help you sort through the confusion.
Why Choose Sherwood Law Group?
At Sherwood Law Group, we believe every injury deserves to be taken seriously. From the moment you contact us, we focus on understanding the full picture—not just the incident, but how it’s impacted your life.
Whether you’re dealing with a common accident or an unusual injury, our team brings compassion, legal insight, and fierce advocacy to every case. We’re here to help you get the compensation you deserve—and to make sure the factors that affect the value of your personal injury claim are clearly presented and fairly weighed.
Schedule Your Free Consultation
If you’ve been injured and you’re not sure where to turn, let’s talk. Even if your case doesn’t fit the typical mold, it may still qualify under different types of personal injury cases. And remember—the role of insurance companies is to protect their bottom line, not your well-being.
Let us help you protect your rights and get back on the path to recovery. Call Sherwood Law Group today at 312-627-1650 or visit www.sherwoodlawgroup.com to schedule your free consultation.
You don’t have to have all the answers. That’s our job.
