What is Personal Injury?
Personal injury tends to be devastating and permanent in nature and the injuries typically happen suddenly and without warning. Such injuries may result in severe disruptions or impairments to one or more bodily systems and have a severe impact on the victim's life and possibly on those of loved ones.

Injuries can include traumatic head or brain injuries, brain damage, eye injuries resulting in loss of sight, loss of hearing, spinal cord injuries, accidental amputation, severe burns, severe scarring and/or disfigurement, compound or multiple fractures, severe loss of mobility, bodily system damage due to toxic exposure or lead paint poisoning, paralysis, and/or other neurological disorders. While some people may recover from catastrophic injuries suffered in an accident or exposure to toxic substances (lead paint, asbestos, toxic molds, etc.), others may become permanently disabled and subject to long-term suffering.

Following are some cases personal injury lawyer Terry Welch handles:

• Car, truck, or motorcycle accidents
• Dangerous or defective product injuries (Product Liability)
• Wrongful death accidents
• Toxic exposure
• Medical malpractice
• Dram Shop liability (alcohol service)

What financial compensation can I recover in a personal injury claim?
Pursuing a personal injury case typically involves the filing of a civil lawsuit asking for a lump sum monetary award or ongoing compensation for a tragic injury suffered by an accident victim.

Personal injury victims in Utah may be entitled to recover monetary damages for all losses and expenses they incur as a result of negligence or an accident. Depending on your particular circumstances, damages may include:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages, including overtime
• Pain and suffering
• Physical disability
• Disfigurement
• Permanent scars
• Emotional trauma
• Mental anguish
• Loss of enjoyment
• Loss of love and affection
• Embarrassment
• Mental disability
• Property damage
• Out of pocket expenses

How do I know if I have a case?
Calling a personal injury lawyer for a free consultation is the best way to determine whether you have a good case.

You must be able to prove the other party was negligent or otherwise liable for your injuries under a negligence, strict liability or intentional misconduct theory. In some cases, it is necessary to show the other party was more at fault for the injury than you were. Once liability is established, the judge or the jury may award compensation for medical costs, lost wages and lost future earnings as well as for pain and suffering.