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Charlotte Personal Injury Lawyer

Were you injured due to someone else’s negligence? Let the team at Shane Smith Law help.

Charlotte Personal Injury Lawyers

Fighting For INjury Victims in North Carolina

Auto accidents, truck crashes, slips and falls, and other personal injury incidents can leave victims seriously injured, unable to work, and grappling with unexpected debt. If you find yourself in a similar scenario after being harmed due to someone else's negligence, it’s hard to ignore the profound unfairness of the situation – after all, this wasn’t your mistake, so why should you bear the consequences?

You shouldn't – and if another person or entity's negligence caused your injuries, we can assist you in fighting for the fair compensation you deserve.

At Shane Smith Law, we understand that what you’re going through is extremely difficult, and while we can’t turn back the clock to prevent your accident and injury, we are here to assist you in your pursuit of justice. Post-accident, our personal injury attorneys in Charlotte can help you understand your rights, consider your legal options, and determine the best path forward, whether that’s settling your claim out of court, proceeding to trial, or choosing not to take legal action. Whatever your decision, we’re here for you – and are eager to show you how we can support you and your case.

Call Shane Smith Law today at (980) 246-2656 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our personal injury attorney in Charlotte.

Personal Injury Cases We Handle

Our firm handles personal injury cases involving:

North Carolina Personal Injury Laws

Most personal injury claims in North Carolina are based on the legal theory of negligence. To prove negligence, the plaintiff must demonstrate that the defendant owed a duty of care, breached that duty, and caused harm to the plaintiff as a result of the breach.

Keep in mind that North Carolina follows a pure contributory negligence rule. This means that if the plaintiff is found to be even slightly at fault for the accident, they may be barred from recovering any damages.

Typically, the statute of limitations is three years from the date of the injury or from the date the injury was discovered. However, there are exceptions, especially for cases involving medical malpractice or injuries to minors.

How to Prove Negligence

To prove negligence, the following elements must be demonstrated:

  • Duty of Care: The defendant had a legal duty to act in a manner that would prevent harm to others. For example, drivers have a responsibility to follow traffic laws and drive their vehicles safely.
  • Breach of Duty: The defendant failed to maintain their duty of care. Examples include reckless driving, failing to maintain safe premises, or manufacturing defective products.
  • Causation: There must be a direct link between the defendant’s actions (or inaction) and your injuries. This involves verifying that the breach of duty directly caused the harm you suffered.
  • Damages: You will need to provide evidence of the physical, emotional, and financial losses resulting from the injury. This can include medical records, proof of lost earnings, and testimony from expert witnesses.

Injuries Associated With Personal Injury Accidents 

The injuries sustained in personal injury incidents can vary dramatically depending on factors such as accident type and severity.

However, the following injuries are common in personal injury cases overall:

  • Lacerations
  • Contusions
  • Soft-tissue injuries, including whiplash
  • Internal injuries
  • Fractured, broken, or crushed bones
  • Head and brain injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
  • Back and shoulder injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries, including varying degrees of paralysis
  • Dental trauma
  • Joint dislocations
  • Disfiguring facial injuries
  • Burns
  • Amputations and lost limbs
  • Death

Experienced Legal Representation For Your Personal Injury Case

After a serious personal injury incident, you need someone you can trust to look out for your best interests. Our Charlotte personal injury attorneys represent clients in cities throughout North Carolina.

Hiring our firm offers the following benefits:

  • Legal Expertise: We have extensive knowledge and experience in handling personal injury cases in the area. Our team understands the intricacies of state laws and court procedures, allowing us to navigate your case efficiently and effectively.
  • Investigation & Evidence Gathering: We will conduct a thorough investigation into your accident to gather evidence supporting your claim. This may include collecting witness statements, obtaining accident reports, and working with experts to analyze the circumstances surrounding your injury.
  • Legal Strategy & Advocacy: We will develop a personalized legal strategy tailored to the specifics of your situation. Whether negotiating with insurance companies or advocating for you in court, we will work tirelessly to pursue the compensation you deserve.
  • Maximizing Compensation: Our goal is to ensure you receive full and fair compensation for your injuries and losses. We will carefully assess the damages you have suffered, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future rehabilitation needs, to pursue the best possible outcome for you.
  • Handling Communication & Negotiation: Dealing with insurance companies can be daunting, especially when you’re recovering from an injury. We will handle all communication with insurers on your behalf, protecting your best interests and shielding you from tactics designed to minimize your claim.
  • Litigation Experience: While many personal injury matters are resolved through negotiation or settlement, we are fully prepared to take your situation to trial if necessary. With our courtroom experience, we will vigorously represent you to achieve a favorable outcome.
  • Peace of Mind: By entrusting your situation to us, you can focus on your recovery and well-being, knowing that we are diligently working to pursue justice on your behalf. We will keep you informed at every stage of the process and provide compassionate support every step of the way.

If you have questions about a personal injury matter, contact Charlotte personal injury attorney today at (980) 246-2656!

Potential Damages for Personal Injury Victims

Many of the types of injuries associated with personal injury incidents can have long-lasting or even life-long effects, which may cause victims to require extensive medical treatment, costly home modifications, or personal care services. Personal injury victims may have also sustained significant property damages and other losses as a result of the accident.

Fortunately, North Carolina Allows Personal Injury Victims to Pursue Compensation for a Wide Range of Economic & Non-Economic Damages, Including:

  • Medical expenses
  • Property damages
  • Lost wages
  • Loss of income
  • Physical pain and suffering
  • Mental anguish
  • Scarring and disfigurement
  • Permanent disability
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • And more

Wrongful death claimants who lost a loved one due to negligence are eligible to seek compensation for losses related to the death, such as:

  • Funeral fees
  • Burial or cremation expenses
  • Loss of the decedent's expected earnings
  • Loss of benefits, such as medical coverage or pensions
  • Loss of inheritance
  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of care, guidance, and protection
  • Loss of love and companionship
  • And more

In cases where the defendant's behavior was particularly egregious, the court may order an additional type of financial award known as punitive damages. Instead of compensating you for an economic or non-economic loss, punitive damages are part of the defendant's punishment, payable to you.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Cases in North Carolina?

In the state of North Carolina, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is typically three years from the date of the injury. This means you have a limited time to initiate legal action against the party accountable for your injuries. Failing to file within this timeframe can lead to losing your right to pursue compensation, regardless of the severity of your injuries or the strength of your case.

However, certain circumstances can vary in this timeline. For instance, if the injury involves a minor, the statute of limitations could be extended until the individual turns 18. Additionally, claims involving government entities often have shorter deadlines and demand specific procedures to be followed. Consulting with our Charlotte personal injury attorney promptly can ensure your case complies with all legal requirements and is filed within the applicable timeframe.

Contact Our Personal Injury Attorney in Charlotte Today

If you’ve been injured because of someone else’s negligence, you don’t have to navigate the legal process alone. Shane Smith Law is dedicated to fighting for justice and securing maximum compensation for injury victims. Whether you’re dealing with a car accident, slip and fall, workplace injury, or another type of personal injury, we’re here to help.

Don’t let the stress of this claim prevent you from seeking the justice you deserve. Let us handle the legal complexities so you can focus on recovery and rebuilding your life.

Our Charlotte personal injury lawyer can advise you of which type of damages might be applicable in your matter. Contact us today to learn more.