Personal Injury Laws in North Carolina: An Overview

In the complex world of personal injury law, understanding the specific legislation that affects your situation is crucial. In North Carolina, these laws govern how individuals may seek compensation for injuries sustained due to someone else's negligence. North Carolina, however, is one of the only states to follow the strict doctrine of contributory negligence, which significantly impacts personal injury claims.

North Carolina's personal injury laws can affect anyone who lives, works, or even visits the state. From residents of Charlotte to those who are unfortunately injured while visiting the Tar Heel State, understanding how these laws operate is important in protecting your rights and interests. That's where the expertise of a seasoned North Carolina personal injury law firm like Rosensteel Fleishman Car Accident & Injury Lawyers comes into play.

Understanding Personal Injury Laws in North Carolina

Personal injury laws, often referred to as tort laws, allow an injured person to go to civil court and get legal compensation (damages) for the losses stemming from an accident or other incident. The purpose of the personal injury system is to allow the injured person to be compensated financially after suffering harm due to someone else's carelessness or intentional actions.

These laws cover a range of incidents. From car accidents and medical malpractice to slip and fall cases and wrongful death, the spectrum is broad. If you've been injured in any such incident in Charlotte, getting in touch with a knowledgeable North Carolina personal injury law firm can help you navigate the complexities of your case.

North Carolina's personal injury laws dictate how claims must be handled in the state. An essential component is the statute of limitations, which in North Carolina gives you three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit in the state's civil court system. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to compensation. There are some nuances to this law, however, and a skilled personal injury lawyer can help you explore these exceptions if needed.

In terms of damages, North Carolina law allows for the recovery of economic damages (like medical bills and lost income), non-economic damages (like pain and suffering), and in some extreme cases, punitive damages. While there is no cap on economic damages for your case, there is a cap on the amount that can be awarded for noneconomic damages such as pain and suffering and emotional distress.  As of January 1, 2023, in accordance with N.C.G.S. 90-21.19, the cap on noneconomic damages was increased to $656,730 in order to keep pace with inflation. To successfully recover these damages, hiring a reputable Charlotte-based law firm with experience in successfully settling personal injury lawsuits can significantly improve your chances.

Contributory Negligence: An In-depth Look

Contributory negligence is a common law doctrine stating that if a person was at all negligent in causing their injury, they can be barred from recovering damages. This is a very different statute from the majority of states, which follow the rule of comparative negligence, where the fault is divided up and damages are reduced to be proportional with the amount of fault given to each party, not denied completely to the victim.

North Carolina is one of the few states that still adheres to the rule of contributory negligence. This means that if you're found even 1% at fault for your injury, you may not be able to recover damages. In such a strict legal environment, having a skilled North Carolina personal injury attorney to fight for your rights becomes even more essential. 

The doctrine of contributory negligence can significantly impact personal injury claims in North Carolina. Even if the other party was largely at fault, if the injured party contributed to the accident in the smallest way, they may be barred from seeking compensation for their injuries and suffering. This makes North Carolina's personal injury claims challenging and often necessitates the need to find a personal injury lawyer who can help you present the case correctly to get the compensation you deserve.

For example, if a pedestrian was hit by a speeding driver but was found to be jaywalking at the time, the pedestrian may be barred from recovering damages because it could be argued that by not crossing in the designated crosswalk area, the pedestrian was partly to blame for the accident due to contributory negligence. To deal with such complexities, it's crucial to engage a personal injury attorney who has spent their career working with North Carolina's unique laws.

The Role of a Personal Injury Lawyer in Navigating Contributory Negligence

Given the unique application of contributory negligence in North Carolina, a personal injury lawyer's role is even more critical. A skilled attorney can examine the facts, build a compelling case, and work to demonstrate that the injured party did not contribute to the accident. This can be the key to securing compensation for your injuries.

It is important to find a personal injury lawyer who is experienced in the type of accident you have been involved in and has successfully fought and won settlements for their clients. A good personal injury lawyer will listen to your story, ask detailed questions and provide a strategy for moving forward. They will gather evidence, paperwork, police reports (if applicable) and rely on expert testimony to help them build your case. They will negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf and if both sides can not come to an agreement, they will be able to argue your case in court. This allows you to focus on recovering, following your medical orders, and getting back to your normal life without the constant stress of making sure you have all the necessary documentation and are saying the right things to people who negotiate these settlements for a living with the impending timeline of the statute of limitations running out as a constant ticker in the back of your mind.

Navigating personal injury laws and understanding the impact of contributory negligence in North Carolina can be complex. Whether you live in Charlotte or elsewhere in the state, knowing these laws is crucial when dealing with an injury claim. Rosensteel Fleishman Car Accident & Injury Lawyers are here to help you navigate through the confusing landscape of personal injury law in North Carolina. Call us today at 704-714-1450 for a free consultation about your case and let us help you get the compensation you deserve.