The Role of Climate Change in Increasing Personal Injury Cases

Climate change is no longer a distant threat—it is a reality affecting every facet of our lives, including the field of personal injury law. As weather patterns become more unpredictable and severe, we are witnessing an increase in accidents, leading to a rise in personal injury claims. This article delves into how climate change is impacting personal injury law and why it is more important than ever to have a skilled attorney on your side.

Extreme Weather Events and Personal Injury Cases

Climate change increases the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events such as hurricanes, floods, heatwaves, and blizzards. These events often lead to accidents, property damage, and personal injuries. For instance, severe storms can result in car crashes due to poor visibility and slippery roads, while extreme heat can cause heat-related illnesses, particularly in work environments with inadequate heat protection measures.

The Role of Negligence in Climate Change-related Injuries

While nature might be the immediate cause of weather-related accidents, human negligence often plays a significant role in exacerbating the damage and injury. For example, property owners who fail to secure their premises properly during extreme weather events may be held liable for injuries resulting from falling debris or slippery surfaces. Similarly, employers who don’t provide adequate protection for employees working in extreme heat conditions may face liability for heat-related injuries.

Climate Change, Product Liability, and Personal Injury

Climate change can also give rise to product liability claims, a subset of personal injury law. Products designed or manufactured without taking into account changing climate conditions may fail under extreme weather, leading to personal injuries. Manufacturers could be held accountable if it can be proven that they did not adequately consider and adapt to climate change in their product design and testing.

The Importance of a Skilled Personal Injury Attorney

In the evolving landscape of climate change and personal injury law, having a knowledgeable and experienced attorney becomes crucial. These cases often involve complex issues of liability and require meticulous investigation and evidence gathering.

Moreover, an attorney can help argue against attempts to dismiss climate-related personal injury claims as ‘Acts of God’, which are typically exempt from liability. While extreme weather events might be natural occurrences, many injuries associated with these events can be traced back to human negligence.

At SELPH LAW, we are deeply committed to staying abreast of evolving legal landscapes, including the impacts of climate change on personal injury law. Our attorneys are adept at handling complex personal injury cases, no matter the cause. We understand the changing environment and are ready to navigate these challenges to advocate for our clients’ rights.

If you or a loved one has suffered an injury due to an extreme weather event and believe negligence was a factor, contact us at (614)-453-0971 for a free consultation. With over 70 years of combined legal practice and a commitment to white-glove service, we are prepared to fight for the justice you deserve in these changing times.

The Role of Climate Change in Increasing Personal Injury Cases