Despite the efforts of many consumer advocacy groups and government agencies the number of injuries and deaths, as well as the amount of property damage that result from the use of defective and/or unsafe consumer products continues to skyrocket.

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, nearly 4,500 deaths and in excess of 358,000 injuries a year are caused by defective products. And these numbers don't include any deaths or injuries caused by drugs, food, or medical devices, which are overseen by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration).

Nor do they include the numbers of injuries and deaths related to defective automotive products, which are regulated by the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration).

If, as a consumer, you or someone close to you has suffered a personal injury due to an unsafe and/or defective product then you may be entitled to compensation after you file a personal injury claim. If you file such a claim you may hold manufacturers, product designers, and/or distributors liable for the injuries that their products caused.

The term "personal injury" is a legal term. It refers to an injury to a person's mind, body, or emotions. That's what differentiates it from an injury to property.

Personally injury usually refers to a type of tort lawsuit that alleges that the injury suffered by the plaintiff was caused by another's negligence.

Accidents at work, road traffic accidents, assault claims, product defect accidents, product liability, tripping accidents, and holiday accidents are the most common types of personal injury claims.

Medical negligence claims also fall under the umbrella of personal industry claims. Medical negligence includes dental as well as medical accidents.

In addition, industrial disease cases are conditions that are often classified as personal injury claims. These include work related conditions and diseases such as mesothelioma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, vibration white finger, occupational deafness, repetitive strain injuries, contact dermatitis, pneumoconiosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, silicosis, and more.

If another party's negligence is proved then the injured party - the person who has filed the personal injury claim - might be entitled to monetary compensation from the defendant.

Because many of these cases can become very complex it is often essential that you have an attorney represent you. This is especially true if medical malpractice is involved.

Hiring an attorney can be very expensive. However, most attorneys and law firms that represent clients that file personal injury claims, work on a contingency basis.

If a lawyer works on a contingency basis then his or her fees are a percentage of the eventual compensation that will be paid by the plaintiff. And these fees are only payable if the case is successfully resolved.