While the courts aren’t perfect, it’s certainly a better system than revenge. Americans courts are busy, and we are constantly hearing about frivolous lawsuits, but there are many occasions when filing a lawsuit is a reasonable course of action. Here are four good reasons for suing someone.
Personal Injury
If you come to harm through the actions or negligence of someone else, you’re entitled to make a claim against them, if for no other reason than to collect for lost wages or medical bills. This can also cover property damage orĀ punitive damagesĀ if you prove your case. For example, when you’re bitten by a dog, you need to show that the owner knew or should have known the animal was dangerous, and failed to take reasonable precautions.
Breach of Contract
If someone violates the terms of an agreement, you have the right to demand damages as determined by the values stated in the contract. This could be anything from a lease to a contract for services. It can be between individuals, customers and companies, or two businesses in contract. If both parties understood and agreed to the agreement, the party that fails to honor it is in breach of contract. However, this requires that the actual contract is legal in the first place, and not deceptive or violating any other legal statutes.
Medical Malpractice
Even with digital records and established procedures, physicians still make the occasional error. If a physician performs the wrong operation, or otherwise causes you lasting or serious physical harm due to a mistake, you can sue for malpractice. Professionals like doctors are expected to adhere to a high standard and certain processes for prevention of harm, such as strict cleanliness and careful diagnosis. Behavior that doesn’t meet medical standards and directly causes you harm may constitute malpractice. This is a very complicated branch of law, so if you think you might qualify for this type of claim it is definitely worth your time to reach out to an attorney like Otorowski Johnston Morrow & Golden P.L.L.C. or another firm that specializes in medical malpractice.
Fiduciary Trust
This can take place when certain moneys are left with a trustee, or someone granted power of attorney, to pay bills, make purchases, or other expenses from funds legally allocated to this purpose. It can also apply to trusts left to your children or designated heirs. If the trustee fails to honor their duties, or spends your money inappropriately, you can sue for damages or sue to have the trustee replaced with someone more reliable.
There are a wide range of reasons to sue, such as for unfair job termination, discrimination, or even a neighbor’s fence that blocks your view. If you feel someone else’s actions have diminished your quality of life, you may have a good chance of winning a lawsuit.