Experiencing an injury from a car accident or malicious act can impact your ability to work, pay your bills, and live independently. Disabling injuries result in more than physical and emotional pain, as they can also cause significant future losses. Severe injuries may limit your ability to engage in your hobbies or pursue professional or educational goals. The goal of civil compensation is to place you in the same position in life as if the injuries had never occurred.
Both intentional and unintentional actions can allow a lawyer to pursue compensation from the responsible party. Many torts involve multiple liable parties, and it can be difficult to navigate the complexities of the legal system without assistance.
North Carolina follows a contributory negligence rule that prevents you from pursuing and collecting damages if you are found partially responsible for your injuries. For example, that means if you were injured by a drunk driver but you had improperly turned during the accident, you may not be able to recover damages. If the court determines you are even 1% at fault, you are likely barred from receiving compensation. Therefore, you should discuss your claim with a lawyer. When you file a personal injury claim, depending on your case, you can pursue compensation for:
- Mental anguish and emotional distress
- Medical bills
- Property damage
- Chronic pain
- Lost wages and future lost income
- Loss of consortium and loss of enjoyment
Most personal injury claims must be filed within three years under G.S. § 1-52, making it important to consult with a Shelby personal injury lawyer as soon as possible following your injuries. North Carolina requires you to demonstrate that your injuries caused you actual damages and that your injuries were a direct result of the responsible party’s conduct.
It is important to receive medical treatment after you sustain your injuries, as your medical records help prove the severity of your injuries.
Call Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, today at (704) 482-1112 for a free consultation to discuss your legal options.
What You Need to Know About Personal Injury Claims
When you suffer financial, physical, or emotional harm because of another person’s actions, you may be able to pursue a personal injury claim. When another person’s conduct results in harm, it can impact your career, family life, and overall well-being.
Intentional Torts Can Qualify as Criminal Acts
A personal injury action can involve criminal conduct. Most criminal actions are considered intentional torts because the actor behaved in a malicious, wanton, or fraudulent manner. Intentional torts can allow you to collect additional damages, even if the offender is punished by the criminal justice system.
Examples of intentional torts include:
- Homicide
- Assault and battery
- Burglary and robbery
- Vandalism and property crimes
- Unlawful imprisonment
Unintentional Torts That Could Qualify You to Pursue Compensation
Unintentional torts typically involve negligence, which means another party acted in a manner that violated a legal duty of care. Examples of situations in which a party owes a duty of care include motorists adhering to traffic laws and businesses ensuring their store is safe for consumers. Another issue in negligence cases arises when an individual injures you while they are working and their employer failed to properly manage the employee. For example, if you are injured in a car accident and the other motorist is a delivery driver, you may have a claim against the driver’s employer, especially if the driver has a history of reckless driving or traffic tickets.
Injuries caused because an individual acts recklessly or fails to act prudently can also allow you to pursue a personal injury claim. Examples of unintentional torts that may entitle you to pursue damages include:
- Dog bites
- Medical malpractice
- Car and truck accidents
- Workplace injuries
To discuss whether you have grounds to pursue a personal injury claim, call Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, today at (704) 482-1112.
For a free legal consultation with a personal injury lawyer serving Shelby, call 828.286.3866
Damages You May Be Able to Collect in a Personal Injury Case
A Shelby personal injury lawyer can recover damages for your personal injury case. Damages are based on factors such as your age, the severity of your injuries, and the conduct of the tortfeasor. You have the option to take your case to trial—in which case the jury decides damages—or to settle through negotiations with the other party.
Economic Damages We Will Fight for You to Recover
North Carolina does not limit the amount of economic damages you can recover in most cases. Economic damages are actual financial losses you suffered because of your injuries. A car accident can result in hospitalization, which can lead to excessive medical bills. If your injuries temporarily or permanently prevent you from working, you may also be able to recover lost wages. If your injuries require you to travel to medical appointments, your transportation costs and co-pays are considered economic losses.
Economic losses can be proven with receipts and bank statements and can be itemized. A lawyer can recover economic damages such as:
- Damage to your personal property
- Prescription medications and medical devices
- Vehicle repair and replacement costs
Non-Economic Damages We Will Fight for You to Recover
Non-economic losses are harder to quantify, as they consider factors beyond financial costs. Suffering a severe or debilitating injury can diminish your quality of life, leading to a loss of enjoyment. Chronic injuries can limit your ability to participate in activities you enjoyed before your injury, while losing the ability to work can also impact your dependents. You can also recover non-economic damages for future losses, and you can be additionally compensated or if your injuries impair a major bodily function, such as walking.
The National Institute of Mental Health reports that emotional distress and mental anguish (in the form of PTSD, for instance) can occur following a traumatic event like a car accident that leaves the victim with serious injuries. Your injuries may cause anxiety, trauma, or depression, which can impact your daily life. Non-economic damages are generally uncapped in personal injury cases under G.S. § 90-21.19.
Shelby Personal Injury Lawyer Near Me 828.286.3866
Call Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, Today for More Information
When injuries from an accident or intentional tort limit your ability to work or diminish your quality of life, you may be able to collect civil compensation by filing a personal injury claim. Damages are meant to provide you with reimbursement for your actual costs, as well as your emotional and physical pain and suffering. A Shelby personal injury lawyer can protect your legal interests while pursuing damages against the liable parties.
For a free consultation to discuss your case, call Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, today at (704) 482-1112.
Call or text 828.286.3866 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form