Have you recently been involved in a personal injury case in Greensboro, North Carolina? It pays to know what a personal injury lawyer does and how they can help navigate your case. It’s essential to get proper legal guidance to protect your rights in any case.
Overview of the Personal Injury Law in NC
Before you reach out to a personal injury lawyer to help with your case, you must have a general understanding of NC law. As you might already know, personal injury law varies from state to state. However, in North Carolina, the state statute and common law will take effect when determining the outcome of your case.
First, you must know there is a time limit for filing a lawsuit if you suffer a personal injury. The time limit varies based on the type of case you wish to file. The statute of limitations in North Carolina is three years from the date of the injury. You must go to a civil court and file your lawsuit within that period. If not, your case is closed, and you cannot seek justice or compensation for the personal injury sustained.
North Carolina laws on personal injury also acknowledge shared fault. It means that the person or entity you are filing a lawsuit against can claim that you share part of the blame for the injury. If you share a degree of liability for the incident, the NC personal injury law observes the “modified comparative negligence rule.” If this applies, the compensation from your personal injury case will be reduced proportionately to your percentage of the liability. However, you can’t collect any payment if you are primarily to blame for the injury.
The NC law also limits the damages you can collect from personal injury (as with many US states). For example, at most, a medical malpractice case can issue compensation of $500,000 per case. For other injury cases, the cap is at $250,000. There are other specific guidelines within the NC law on personal injury cases, which is why it is always important to seek professional legal advice to help with your particular case.
What Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Do?
If this is your first time interacting with the NC legal system, you must tap into the expertise of a personal injury lawyer to help you out. They are knowledgeable about the personal injury law in the state, so they can help you get the best possible settlement or compensation.
Here are some things a personal injury lawyer can help you with.
- Gather Evidence to Support Your Personal Injury Case
The first thing that a personal injury lawyer in NC will do is gather evidence to support your case. The court will require proof of harm caused to you by an incident. For example, you must obtain a medical certificate to prove that you sustained a substantial injury and that it warrants a lawsuit.
The next piece of evidence you must collect is proof that the other party you’re filing a case against is to blame for that injury. For example, you were rear-ended at a traffic light. You can obtain a copy of the CCTV footage from that intersection to show the other party’s negligence, resulting in your injury.
- Communicating With The Other Party
A personal injury lawyer in NC can also communicate with the other party on your behalf. They serve as your legal counsel, whether you are seeking compensation or settlement. If the other party hires an attorney, it’s advantageous to have someone on your side who is knowledgeable about the law so you can use it in your favor.
- Get the Best Settlement Possible
A personal injury lawyer in NC can help you achieve the highest possible compensation for your personal injury. While the NC law puts a cap on the payment you can receive, your lawyer can help you get the fullest extent of the compensation you’re entitled to based on the degree of your injury.
- Handle Your Case at Trial
If your case goes to trial, your personal injury lawyer can represent you in court to protect your rights and ensure you get the compensation you seek.
The Bottom Line
If you have suffered a personal injury due to the recklessness of another person or organization, you must speak to a lawyer about filing a personal injury case. They can help you demonstrate the wrongdoings of the other party that resulted in your injury. In addition, it will help you receive payment from the guilty party, especially if you have to seek medical care or are unable to work due to your injury.