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Frequently Asked Questions For Personal Injury Lawyers

by | Aug 28, 2020 | Firm News

If you have been injured, you probably have many questions to ask about what to do next. You may also be looking for an experienced North Carolina personal injury lawyer who can help answer those questions and guide you through the process.

This FAQ will offer answers to frequently asked questions we get at the law firm of Grimes Yeoman, PLLC., headquartered in Mooresville, North Carolina.

 If you have any additional questions, call us 24/7 at (704) 321-4878.

How Do I Know Whether I Have a Personal Injury Claim?

Many factors need to be considered to determine whether you have a viable personal injury claim and are eligible for compensation.

Personal injury claims frequently involve negligence. Negligence is when someone fails to follow a duty of conduct imposed by law. Every person is under a duty to use ordinary care, that which a reasonable and prudent person would use under the same or similar circumstances, to protect herself and others from injury and/or damage.[1]

Causation is a critical factor. It is the job of the injured person (the Plaintiff) to prove by the greater weight of the evidence that another party (the Defendant) was negligent and that such negligence was a proximate cause of the Plaintiff’s injury.[2]

Proximate cause is a cause which in a natural and continuous sequence produces a person’s injury and/or damage. It is a cause which a reasonable and prudent person could have foreseen would probably produce such injury and/or damage or some similar injurious result. There may be more than one proximate cause involved in causing the injury.[3]  The plaintiff need not prove that the defendant’s negligence was the sole proximate cause of the injury, but only that the defendant’s negligence was a proximate cause.

Proving causation and other elements of a personal injury claim can be challenging. Evidence in the form of witness testimony, expert testimony, and medical records may be necessary.

Furthermore, there are important limits on an injured person’s ability to bring a personal injury claim. A plaintiff who contributed to his injury by her own negligence cannot recover compensation.[4] This is called “contributory negligence.” Statutes of limitation can also affect one’s ability to bring a personal injury claim.

The attorneys at Grimes Yeoman can help you navigate the factors and limits involved in seeking compensation after a personal injury.

 Call (704) 321-4878 today, or contact us online and we’ll reach out to you.

How Long Do I Have to File A Personal Injury Claim After My Injury?

Each state has statutes of limitation that restrict the length of time you have to file a personal injury claim. Different types of claims have different time limits.

For example, North Carolina’s statute of limitations, as a general rule and subject to certain exceptions, for personal injury claims is three years from the date of the injury. N.C. Gen. Stat. §1-52(16). On the other hand, a wrongful death claim must be filed within two years of the date of death. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1-53(4).

If you believe you have a personal injury claim, you should consult an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Grimes Yeoman offers accident victims free initial consultations. During the initial consultation, we can offer advice as to the time period available for filing a legal action.

Will I Have to Go to Court?

Not necessarily. In many cases, we obtain a settlement long before a court date is set. Our goal is always to settle your case quickly, but we are mindful that settling too hastily can sometimes leave money on the table. A lawsuit may need to be filed if a settlement cannot be reached. Timing is critical and an experienced personal injury attorney will be helpful in working through the settlement process in a timely and effective manner.

Why Should I Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer?

There are many reasons you want an experienced personal injury attorney in your corner. A personal injury lawyer has experience handling accident and negligence claims and juggling all the details and nuances that go along with them. He or she can help guide you through the complex and often confusing legal process for seeking compensation.

An experienced personal injury attorney can assist you by saving you the time and hassle of dealing with insurance companies and other parties. He or she will dedicate time and energy to reaching a resolution, so you can focus on what’s really important: recovery.

How Much Will It Cost Me to Hire a Personally Injury Lawyer?

At Grimes Yeoman, working on a contingent fee basis motivates us to get the best and fullest recovery for our clients. A client pays contingent fees to a lawyer only if the lawyer handles the case successfully. In such an arrangement, the lawyer agrees to accept a fixed percentage of the recovery. If you win the case, the lawyer’s fee comes out of the money awarded to you. If you lose, you will not be required to pay your attorney for the work done on the case.

Why Should I Choose Grimes Yeoman to Handle My Claim?

The attorneys and support staff at Grimes Yeoman work as a team to handle victims’ claims and fight for their right to compensation. Each team member brings valuable skills and expertise to the table. Our attorneys have over thirty years of experience handling personal injury cases. They have represented thousands of individuals and obtained numerous large settlements and favorable verdicts.

If you believe you have a personal injury claim, contact Grimes Yeoman to schedule a free consultation. Our team is here to help you through each step of the legal process.

Call (704) 321-4878 today, or contact us online and we’ll reach out to you.

All cases and outcomes mentioned on our website are illustrative of matters handled by attorneys in our firm. The results of each case depend upon a variety of factors unique to the case and not all results are provided. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

[1] https://www.sog.unc.edu/sites/www.sog.unc.edu/files/pji-master-2019/civil/c102.11%20[2018].pdf.
[2] https://www.sog.unc.edu/sites/www.sog.unc.edu/files/pji-master-2019/civil/c102.10A.pdf.
Id.
https://www.sog.unc.edu/sites/www.sog.unc.edu/files/pji-master-2019/civil/c104.10%20[2018].pdf.