Charlotte is a beautiful city known for its top-notch medical facilities, professional sports teams, and vibrant economy. Unfortunately, accidents happen in Charlotte, just like any other city, and if you are a victim of these accidents you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.
In some cases, you may need to file a lawsuit to get the money you deserve. A personal injury lawsuit is a legal action that allows an injured party to seek compensation for their injuries from the person or entity who caused them. At The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor, a Charlotte personal injury lawyer can help you file a claim and fight for your rights in court if that’s what it takes.
An injury can happen in many ways. Some people are injured on the job, while others are injured by a faulty product or someone else’s negligence. If you have been hurt, a personal injury lawyer at our firm can help you obtain financial compensation for your medical bills and other losses related to your injury. Contact one of our experienced attorneys today, and we will help you get started.
Common Examples of Negligence in Charlotte Personal Injury Claims
Common examples of negligence in Charlotte personal injury cases include:
Car Accidents
The most common types of negligence claims are those related to car accidents. These claims can be filed against the driver who caused the accident. In addition, some car accidents may lead to product liability claims against the property owner or operators, such as a trucking company.
Slip and Falls
A slip and fall claim is another common type of negligence claim that involves many different types of incidents where you may be injured on someone else’s property. These cases often involve allegations that the property owner or occupier failed to maintain the premises safely, leading to an accident that caused injuries like broken bones and concussions.
Medical Malpractice
Under personal injury law, medical malpractice occurs when a doctor or other healthcare professional fails to provide care that meets the standard of care for that community in a specific area of practice. This can occur during treatment or diagnosis and result in catastrophic injury or death for the patient.
This type of negligence claim may also apply to nursing homes, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities if they fail to provide proper patient care due to negligent hiring practices or failure to properly train their staff members on proper procedures for administering medical treatment.
Animal Attacks
Animal attacks are another common type of negligence claim and typically involve dogs. These types of claims may be brought against the dog’s owner even if there is no prior history of aggressive behavior. This may also apply if a dog is not adequately trained and has injured someone because it was not appropriately restrained outside in public areas.
Should I Settle Before Going to Court?
If you’ve been injured in an accident, it’s natural to want to get your life back on track as soon as possible. You may be tempted to settle a personal injury claim instead of going through the court system, and while most claims do settle outside of court, this can be risky.
Suppose you settle with the other party instead of going to court. In that case, you give up the right to sue for more compensation later, meaning you lose your ability to recoup damages for future medical expenses and lost wages if they were not accounted for in the settlement. This often happens if you try to settle too early, before you know the full nature and extent of your injuries.
If your injuries are severe enough to require continued treatment or rehabilitation services, they could cost thousands of dollars each year — money that may not be included in any settlement amount agreed upon with the other party if you settle too soon.
Filing a lawsuit and going through the legal process with a lawyer is an excellent way to ensure that all of these costs and expenses are covered. However, it would be best if you also remembered that settlements and verdicts are never guaranteed. The best way to protect yourself is by having a solid personal injury case from the start, hiring a lawyer, and being prepared for whatever happens in court.
How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Claim in Charlotte, NC?
The statute of limitations is a law that determines how long you have to file a claim after the incident occurred. In North Carolina, injury victims typically have three years to file personal injury lawsuits from the date of the incident. For example, if you were injured in a collision that was the result of someone else’s negligence on December 31st, 2022, you must settle your claim or file a lawsuit against the responsible party by December 31st, 2025. If you miss this deadline, then your case will be dismissed. The statute of limitations in your particular case is something you should discuss up front with your lawyer.
When Should I Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer?
It’s best to hire a lawyer immediately after the accident. A Charlotte personal injury attorney can help you understand your rights and determine whether you have a valid compensation claim. If you do, the attorney will take care of filing paperwork and all other aspects of your case. Here are some signs it may be time to hire a lawyer:
If You’re Injured
If you’ve been hurt in an accident, it’s important to seek medical attention right away. This is true even if you don’t think your injuries are severe enough to warrant seeing a doctor.
Anytime you suffer an injury, there is a possibility that it could worsen or lead to complications down the road. If this happens, it’s best to have the issue addressed as soon as possible, so it doesn’t get worse.
If Your Injuries Are Serious
If your injuries are serious enough to keep you from working or performing day-to-day activities for extended periods, then it may be worth hiring an attorney to help with your case.
An experienced personal injury attorney can help determine how much compensation you deserve for your damages, obtain evidence from witnesses (if necessary), and negotiate with insurance companies for maximum compensation for your losses and suffering.
The Insurance Company Is Acting in Bad Faith
There is no third-party bad faith in North Carolina. However, there is first-party bad faith. That means if you are dealing with your own insurance, whether through a medical payments, uninsured or underinsured claim, they owe you a duty of good faith. If you think your insurance company is acting in bad faith, it may be time to hire a personal injury attorney. Bad faith can include refusing to offer fair compensation for your injuries or denying liability for causing the accident in the first place.
You Lost a Loved One
The death of a loved one is difficult to deal with, especially if they were killed in an accident that was not their fault. If this happens to your family, it’s important to know that you may be entitled to compensation for your loss through a wrongful death claim. Contacting an experienced attorney can help you determine how much compensation you are owed for your loss and suffering due to the death of a family member.
If I Win My Case, How Much Will I Get?
Several factors can affect how much money you receive in a personal injury lawsuit. You may be offered a lump sum or structured settlement if the case is settled out of court. If your case goes to trial and you win, a judge or jury will determine how much money you should receive. The amount of compensation can vary widely based on factors such as:
- The severity of your injuries (how long they last and how much they affect your day-to-day life)
- The amount of available coverage
- The amount of your medical bills reasonably paid or incurred
- How much money you lost due to missing work or inability to perform your job duties.
- How the accident affected your personal life and relationships
Contact the Charlotte Personal Injury Attorneys at The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor Today
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, you should immediately contact the Charlotte personal injury lawyers at The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor. We can help answer any questions you have about your rights and options under North Carolina law, and we’ll work to get you the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
