Newport Personal Injury Lawyer

Experienced Attorney Protecting the Rights of Newport Residents

Cities that are brimming with activity, like Newport, offer many attractions for tourists and jobs for residents. Unfortunately, the benefits of a busy city typically come with the risks of an injury. For instance, a person who undergoes treatment at Newport Hospital may sustain injuries due to a medical provider’s failure to provide care that meets the appropriate standard. Or a visitor to one of the shops or restaurants on Thames Street may be injured in a slip and fall accident if the owner of the establishment fails to maintain its premises in a safe condition. If you suffered injuries due to an accident in Newport that was caused by someone else’s negligence, you should speak with an experienced Newport personal injury lawyer to discuss your options for seeking compensation. Attorney David Tapalian has the knowledge and experience needed to aid you in developing effective arguments that will provide you with a strong chance of obtaining a favorable outcome under the facts of your case.

Common Types of Accidents

Serious injuries can be caused by a variety of accidents. Slip and fall accidents can be caused by a foreign substance on the ground, or ice or snow. Watersports, which are a common activity in Newport in the summer, often cause injuries as well. For example, if a person using a device such as a jet ski does not have sufficient training, or if the jet ski is not properly maintained, this can result in an accident. Inadequate medical care, whether in a hospital, a nursing home, or a doctor’s office, can also result in illnesses and injuries. Dog bites and car accidents are other common causes of injuries.

Proving Liability for Harm Suffered

The theory of liability most commonly asserted in personal injury cases is negligence. To recover under a negligence claim, a personal injury attorney in the Newport area must show that the defendant owed the injured party a duty to refrain from negligent acts, the defendant breached the duty, the breach caused the injured party harm, and the harm resulted in calculable damages. A common defense in personal injury claims is that the injured party’s negligence caused or contributed to the harm sustained, and therefore he or she should be precluded from recovering damages. Under Rhode Island’s comparative negligence statute, however, a finding that the injured party failed to exercise reasonable care will not bar the injured party from recovering compensation. Instead, any damages awarded will be reduced in proportion to the amount of negligence attributed to the injured party.

Any personal injury lawsuit brought in Rhode Island must be filed within three years after the cause of action accrues. In medical malpractice claims, the statute of limitations does not begin to run until the injured party discovers or reasonably should discover the injury that caused his or her harm. If you suffered a serious injury, it is important to speak with a skilled Newport personal injury attorney as soon as possible to avoid losing your right to pursue damages.

Damages Recoverable in a Personal Injury Action

If you successfully prove that another party caused you harm, you may be able to recover economic and noneconomic damages. Economic damages include the cost of any medical treatment for the injuries that you sustained. You may also be able to recover foreseeable medical expenses. Additionally, if you could not work due to your injuries, you may be awarded damages for future lost earnings. Noneconomic damages include damages for any pain and suffering caused by your injuries. If you were married when the accident occurred, your husband or wife may also be able to recover damages for loss of consortium.

Retain an Attorney to Pursue a Personal Injury Claim

Newport is an idyllic seaside town, but it is not immune from accidents that cause serious injuries. If you sustained an injury due to someone else’s negligent acts, you should meet with an experienced personal injury attorney to discuss your options for seeking damages. Attorney David Tapalian has the skills and experience needed to help you pursue a favorable outcome. Mr. Tapalian’s primary office is in Providence, Rhode Island, and he is also available by appointment at his office in Seekonk, Massachusetts. Attorney Tapalian can be reached at 401-552-5000 or through our online form if you want to speak with a personal injury lawyer about a Newport accident.