Personal Injury Lawsuits: When you’ve been harmed in an accident, you may be considering hiring a personal injury lawsuit. This lawsuit can be brought forth against another person, company, or organization when that party is believed to be responsible for your injuries.
In North Carolina, an individual has three years from the day they received a personal injury to file a case against it. They also have a comprehensive law detailing ‘shared fault’ in which the other party can claim that you were also at fault. It can decrease your compensation, so you need to appoint the right lawyer to help you win your case.
If you’re considering filing a personal injury claim of any kind, it’s essential to understand what may happen during this type of legal process. This article will provide you with valuable pieces of information regarding personal injury lawsuits, as well as tips on hiring a North Carolina personal injury attorney to take on your case.
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What Is Personal Injury Law?
Personal injury law handles civil matters involving the unlawful, negligent or intentional conduct of another person in which an individual is injured. This type of law can cover many situations, including car accidents, slip and fall accidents, dog bites, and more.
What Compensation Can Be Received In A Personal Injury Lawsuit?
There are three types of damages that you may be able to recover in a personal injury lawsuit: compensatory, punitive, and medical.
Compensatory damages are aimed to restore you to where you were before the accident occurred; they also serve as a way to compensate you for your injuries and other losses resulting from an accident. Compensable items can include:
- Medical expenses (past, present, and future)
- Lost wages or income (past, present, and future)
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
Punitive damages are given in cases where the defendant’s conduct was particularly egregious.
Medical damages are designed to cover your costs associated with any necessary medical treatment resulting from the accident.
How To File A Personal Injury Lawsuit?
You must file a complaint about a personal injury lawsuit in the North Carolina court. This document will outline the facts of your case and why you are entitled to damages as a result of the defendant’s actions.
After your complaint is registered, it will be served to the defendants, and they have a chance to submit an answer to the court. Once you file your complaint and give a copy to the defendants, their next step can include one or more of the following:
- Dismiss the case
- Settle the case outside of court
- File a motion to dismiss the case
- Answer the complaint
- File a counterclaim
How Can A Personal Injury Lawyer Help Build A Strong Case?
If you’re considering filing a personal injury lawsuit, it’s vital to have an experienced lawyer on your side. An efficient North Carolina personal injury attorney will help build a strong case on your behalf and can work to get you the best possible outcome in your case. Some of the ways a lawyer can help include:
- Detailed Investigation: An experienced personal injury lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation, including witness interviews and other relevant information, to help build the most robust case possible.
- File all Necessary Paperwork with the Court: A skilled personal injury lawyer will also know exactly what paperwork needs to be filed to advance your case forward, as well as the deadlines associated with every action.
- Negotiations: Your North Carolina lawyer can negotiate with the defendants on your behalf and help you reach an acceptable settlement to avoid going to court. If necessary, your lawyer may also be able to guide you through all aspects of litigation so that you’re prepared for what’s ahead.
- Advise You of Your Rights: Your lawyer will be able to advise you of your rights throughout the entire process and can help keep you informed of what to expect at every step.
Cost of A Personal Injury Lawyer
Many Attorneys Specializing in personal injury work on contingency fees, which means they will not charge you any fees unless they successfully win your case. It also means that you will not be responsible for any expenses incurred by your North Carolina personal injury attorney during your case.
Who Pays for Personal Injury Lawsuits?
The defendants typically pay personal injury lawsuit costs. These costs can include:
- Court fees associated with filing a lawsuit and serving it on the defendant(s)
- The prices of hiring experts to testify on your behalf
- Fees for obtaining medical records and other documentation
- Any applicable deposition costs
How Long Can a Personal Injury Lawsuit Take?
The length of a personal injury lawsuit can vary depending on the individual case. However, most lawsuits take between one and three years to resolve when you’re fighting it in North Carolina.