How do I know if I have a valid case?

Injured in an accident but unsure if you have a case?

You’re not alone. Many people wrongly assume they don’t qualify for compensation because they’re uncertain about who was at fault or whether their injuries are severe enough.

But here’s the truth—if someone else’s negligence contributed to your injury, you may have a strong case. Personal injury law allows victims to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

However, proving liability is key. Some people hesitate to file a claim because they think:

• “What if I was partially at fault?”
• “What if I didn’t go to the doctor right away?”
• “What if there were no witnesses?”

The good news?

You don’t need to have all the answers—our experienced staff at MB Injury Lawyer can evaluate your situation for free.

The 4 Key Elements of a Valid Personal Injury Claim

Not every accident automatically qualifies for a personal injury claim.

Your case must meet four key legal elements to prove liability and recover compensation. Your claim may be denied or undervalued if any of these are missing.

1. Duty of Care

The at-fault party must have had a legal obligation to keep you safe. This is called a duty of care, meaning they were expected to act responsibly to prevent harm.

Examples:

• Drivers must follow traffic laws and drive safely.
• Property owners must keep walkways free of hazards.
• Doctors must provide appropriate medical treatment.

If someone owed you a duty of care, your case meets the first requirement.

2. Breach of Duty

Once the duty of care is established, you must prove that the other party failed to uphold their responsibility through negligence or reckless behavior.

Examples:

• A driver runs a red light and crashes into another vehicle.
• A store ignores a spill, leading to a slip-and-fall accident.
• A doctor misdiagnoses a patient, causing avoidable harm.

3. Causation

You must show that the breach of duty directly caused your injury.

Example:

• If a distracted driver crashes into your car, their negligence directly led to your injuries.
• If you slipped on a wet floor in a store, the owner’s failure to clean up caused your accident.

4. Damages

To file a claim, you must have actual losses that can be proven through documentation.

Recoverable damages include:

• Medical expenses (hospital bills, rehabilitation, prescriptions)
• Lost wages & future earnings
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage

If all four of these elements apply to your case, you likely have a strong claim. A personal injury lawyer can help maximize your compensation.

Types of Personal Injury Cases That Qualify

Not every accident leads to a valid personal injury claim, but if someone else’s negligence caused your injury, you could be entitled to compensation.

Here are some of the most common cases that qualify:

Car Accidents

Car crashes are one of the leading causes of personal injury claims. If another driver was speeding, texting, driving under the influence, or otherwise reckless, they may be liable for your damages.

Slip and Falls

Property owners have a legal duty to maintain safe premises. If you slipped on a wet floor, tripped over an obstruction, or fell due to poor lighting or broken stairs, you may have a valid claim against the property owner.

Medical Malpractice

Patients suffer the consequences when doctors, nurses, or hospitals fail to provide proper care. You could pursue a malpractice claim if you were harmed due to misdiagnosis, surgical errors, incorrect medications, or delayed treatment.

Workplace Injuries

If you were injured on the job due to unsafe working conditions, defective equipment, or third-party negligence, you may be entitled to more than just workers’ compensation benefits.

Defective Products

Manufacturers have a responsibility to ensure their products are safe. You could sue for product liability if a dangerous drug, faulty medical device, or defective vehicle part caused harm.

Common Myths About Valid Personal Injury Cases

Many people wrongly assume they don’t have a case based on misinformation. Here’s the truth behind some of the most common myths:

Myth #1: “I Was Partially at Fault, So I Can’t File a Claim.”

Even if you were partially responsible, you may still recover compensation. Most states follow comparative negligence laws, which means your payout is reduced based on your percentage of fault—but you don’t lose your right to file.

Myth #2: “There Were No Witnesses, So I Can’t Prove My Case.”

While witness statements can help, they’re not required to win a claim. Other evidence—such as surveillance footage, accident reports, medical records, and expert testimony—can prove what happened and strengthen your case.

Myth #3: “I Feel Fine Now, So I Don’t Need to File.”

Not all injuries appear immediately after an accident. Internal injuries, concussions, and soft tissue damage may take days or weeks to show symptoms. If you delay medical care or legal action, you may lose your right to compensation.

Never assume you don’t have a case based on myths or misinformation—consulting a personal injury lawyer can help determine your legal options.

What Evidence Strengthens Your Case?

Strong evidence can make or break a personal injury claim. The more proof you have, the stronger your case—and the higher your chances of winning compensation.

Here’s what you need:

• Medical Records – Show proof of injury, doctor evaluations, treatment plans, and recovery progress.
• Police/Accident Reports – Provide an official record of the incident, including fault determinations.
• Photos & Videos – Capture the accident scene, vehicle damage, hazardous conditions, and visible injuries.
• Witness Statements – Testimonies from bystanders or first responders can help confirm what happened.
• Expert Opinions – Medical professionals, accident reconstruction experts, and forensic analysts can strengthen your case.

What to Do If You’re Unsure About Your Case

Not sure if you have a valid personal injury claim?

You’re not alone—many people miss out on compensation simply because they assume they don’t qualify. The best way to find out? Speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer.

At MB Injury Lawyer, we offer free case evaluations to help you understand your legal options. Our lawyers can:

• Review your accident details and determine if negligence was involved.
• Estimate the potential value of your case based on medical bills, lost wages, and emotional suffering.
• Handle negotiations with insurance companies to prevent lowball settlements.

Don’t let uncertainty cost you the compensation you deserve. There’s no harm in asking—but waiting too long could mean losing your right to file a claim.

Wrapping It Up

If you’ve suffered an injury, don’t assume you don’t have a case. The best way to find out is by talking to a legal expert who can analyze your situation and guide you toward compensation.

At MB Injury Lawyer, we fight for injury victims every day—and we don’t get paid unless you win. With a free case review, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Wondering if you have a valid case? Let’s find out.

Contact MB Injury Lawyer today for a free consultation!