If you believe another party is responsible for causing a personal injury to you or a loved one, you may be wondering about the step-by-step guide to preparing a personal injury claim in Charlotte. This kind of civil case could potentially yield recompense for all the damages you suffered, but you will need an experienced attorney on your side to maximize your chances of success with the case.
Steps for Filing a Personal Injury Claim in Charlotte
It’s possible for a personal injury case to arise from many different circumstances. In Charlotte and throughout North Carolina, some common causes of personal injuries include motor vehicle crashes and workplace accidents. Some of the busiest highways in the area, such as I-85, I-485, and I-77, are hotspots for high-speed accidents and drunk driving accidents. Charlotte also has a very busy retail scene, and slips and falls can have traumatic results.
The North Carolina Department of Transportation reported 37,177 crashes in Mecklenburg County, resulting in 17,399 injuries and 139 fatalities in 2022. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that in North Carolina in 2023, more than 68,600 injuries were reported in private sector workplaces. Workplace injuries typically lead to workers’ compensation claims, but some injured workers will have grounds to file third-party personal injury cases.
The first step in filing a personal injury claim in Charlotte is determining fault for the injury. Before you can recover any recompense for your damages, you must identify the party responsible for the injury and prove how they caused it. Many personal injuries in Charlotte happen because of negligence in specific situations. However, some happen due to illegal misconduct, such as violent acts or driving while intoxicated.
Once you have determined who is responsible for your injuries, you will need an attorney’s help to accurately calculate the extent of the damages you are eligible to claim. You have the right to claim compensation for any financial losses you suffered from the injury, including anticipated future damages. For example, you can claim lost income and lost future earning capacity if you are permanently disabled and cannot work.
Along with medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and other economic losses, you also have the right to claim pain and suffering compensation. A Charlotte personal injury attorney can help you determine a reasonable figure to seek with your claim that reflects the serious nature of your injury and the scope of its effects. An experienced lawyer can be an invaluable resource in preparing your personal injury claim.
Resolving Your Personal Injury Case in Charlotte
Once you have determined fault for your personal injury and proven the extent of your damages, you are ready to file your claim with the court. You must do this within the statute of limitations; otherwise, you will lose your chance to claim compensation. At this point, the defendant may agree to settlement negotiations, or the case will proceed to litigation if they deny liability. The vast majority of personal injury cases filed in Charlotte end in a settlement.
While every personal injury case will follow similar steps when it comes to preparing and filing the case, every case is unique when it comes to the damages involved and the potential complications the plaintiff could face as they seek recompense for their damages. Bridgman Gantt Law Offices can provide the guidance and support you need when preparing your personal injury case in Charlotte, so reach out to our team and learn how we can assist with your case.
FAQs
How Much Compensation Can I Claim for a Personal Injury in Charlotte?
The amount of compensation you can claim for a personal injury in Charlotte depends on the severity of your injuries. You have the right to seek full recompense for the economic and non-economic damages the defendant caused. You may be eligible to claim compensation for property damage, medical expenses, lost income, and your pain and suffering.
How Is Compensation for Pain and Suffering Calculated in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, compensation for pain and suffering compensation is calculated based on the serious nature of the victim’s injury and whether they suffered any long-term or permanent harm. Personal injury attorneys often multiply their client’s total economic damages by a factor that reflects the nature of their injury. Generally, the more serious the injury is, the more the plaintiff will secure in pain and suffering compensation.
What Happens if I Was Partially at Fault for My Personal Injury?
If you were partially at fault for your personal injury in Charlotte, it negates your ability to claim compensation from any other liable party under North Carolina’s pure contributory negligence rule. Under this rule, if a plaintiff shares any fault with the defendant, they are not allowed to claim compensation, even if they are only found slightly at fault. Consult an attorney if you are worried that you bear partial responsibility for your personal injury.
How Long Does It Take to Resolve a Personal Injury Case in Charlotte?
The time it could take to resolve a personal injury case in Charlotte will depend on the specific details of the case. Many personal injury cases throughout the United States are resolved in settlement negotiations, which typically unfold more quickly than litigation. An experienced personal injury lawyer can explain what you can expect in terms of your case’s likely timetable.
How Much Will It Cost to Hire a Charlotte Personal Injury Lawyer?
The cost to hire a Charlotte personal injury lawyer depends on the value of your case if you choose Bridgman Gantt Law Offices to represent you. We take personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning our client only pays a fee if and when we win their case. Our contingency fee is a percentage of the total amount recovered, and if there is no recovery, the client pays no fee.
Ultimately, filing a personal injury claim in Charlotte can provide substantial recompense for your damages if you have the right attorney representing you. The team at Bridgman Gantt Law Offices has helped many past clients with their personal injury cases and will put this experience to work for your case. Contact us today and schedule a free consultation with our team to learn how we can help with your personal injury claim in Charlotte.
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