Common Types of Personal Injury Cases in Charlotte, NC: Causes and Legal Options

Personal injuries can be devastating, both physically and emotionally. The pain and suffering can be overwhelming and all-consuming, and the financial costs can be staggering. In Charlotte, NC like in any other city, personal injury cases are all too common. They can arise from a wide range of accidents, from car crashes to slip and fall incidents to dog bites.

Common Types of Personal Injury Accidents

From car accidents to medical malpractice, the personal injury category covers a wide range of accident cases and the steps you can take to protect your rights.

Car Accidents

Car accidents are one of the most common causes of personal injury in Charlotte, NC. They can be caused by a wide range of factors, including driver negligence, speeding, distracted driving, drunk driving, and poor weather conditions. In addition to seeking medical attention, you should also contact a personal injury lawyer. Your lawyer can help you gather evidence, navigate the complex legal system, determine what is a fair compensation for your injuries and damages, and work with the insurance companies to get you timely and fair compensation for your case.

We recommend that you speak with an experienced car accident attorney before speaking to the insurance companies. After an accident, you may be overwhelmed, injured, and generally stressed out and you may say something that could be used against you later. An attorney is able to coordinate and communicate with everyone involved and help you understand the process so that you are not overwhelmed or caught off guard with questions.

Slip and Fall Incidents

Slip and fall incidents are another common cause of personal injury. They can be caused by a variety of factors, including wet or slippery floors, uneven surfaces, and inadequate lighting. If you fall and are injured through the negligence of a company or individual, you may be entitled to compensation to cover your injuries, pain & suffering, Proving liability and that an organization or individual knew (or should have known) about the potential hazard can be difficult, so it is important to have a skilled Charlotte slip and fall personal injury lawyer on your side.

Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider fails to provide the appropriate level of care, leading to injury or death. You put your life or the life of a loved one in the trusted care of a medical professional and sometimes their actions can lead to life-changing complications or even tragically, death. Medical malpractice cases can be extremely complex, and they require the expertise of a skilled medical malpractice personal injury lawyer who can gather all the evidence in order to support your case and get you the compensation you need and deserve in order to move forward after you have had complications from your medical provider’s care.

Dog Bites

In 2021, there were almost 18,000 dog bite claims in the US. If you have been bitten by a dog in Charlotte, NC, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Dog bites can cause serious injuries, including infection, scarring, and nerve damage. They can be caused by a wide range of factors, including aggressive behavior, neglect, and lack of training. According to NC General Statute § 67-4.1, owners have civil liability for the actions of their pets and therefore can be sued for compensation because of injury, loss of work time, and pain & suffering. An experienced Charlotte dog bite lawyer can help you determine whether you are entitled to compensation for your injuries.

Legal Options for Personal Injury Victims 

If you have been the victim of a personal injury in Charlotte, NC, you have a number of legal options available to you. Your lawyer can help you explore your options and a path forward, which usually starts with the insurance companies and escalates if an agreement on terms cannot be reached.

Settling Out of Court

You and your lawyer will first want to try to obtain fair and adequate compensation from the liable parties and their insurance company. Settling out of court can be a much less stressful and expensive way to resolve a personal injury case. In many cases, insurance companies will offer a settlement to victims rather than going to court because legal fees can compound quickly. Sometimes, however, the liable party and their representatives may not feel that they are at fault. If this is the case, you may not be able to reach a settlement because they are unwilling to pay for your injury and the bills associated with it.

Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit

If you are unable to reach a settlement, you and your lawyer may decide to file a personal injury lawsuit to help you recover compensation for your injuries. In order to have a successful lawsuit, you must be able to prove that the other party was at fault for your injuries. In North Carolina, you will often start by going through mediation with both parties and their lawyers present. This is the fastest and least expensive way to come to a resolution before gearing up for a long and expensive trial. Having everyone around a table with someone guiding the conversation is much less stressful and intimidating than testifying in a courtroom, so both sides will want to make this work if possible. 

If mediation fails, then you and your lawyer may decide to proceed with a jury trial. This can be a complicated and long process, so trusting your personal injury lawyer is essential to getting the outcome you deserve. 

Finding an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer in Charlotte, NC 

The stress of navigating a personal injury claim while recovering from your injuries can be greatly reduced by choosing an experienced Charlotte personal injury lawyer and trusting them to do their very best to get you the compensation you deserve.  Call our Charlotte Law Firm at 704-714-1450 today for a free consultation about your case and let our experienced and caring staff help you bring closure to your case.