If you got hurt and it was someone else’s fault, you might have a few questions. It would be impossible to address every question you might have in this one article, but we will answer some of the frequently asked questions about personal injury claims. A South Carolina personal injury attorney can help you hold the at-fault party accountable for your injuries and other losses.
Do You Have a Personal Injury Claim?
Good question. We will have to prove that the defendant (person we sue or file a claim against) was negligent and that negligence caused the accident that harmed you, to hold the defendant liable. For example, reckless driving is negligent. If the defendant drove unsafely and crashed into you as a result, we could pursue a claim against them for your injuries.
Having a claim for personal injuries on one day might not mean that you have a valid claim on some other day in the future. Things can happen well after the accident that take away your right to seek compensation for your losses.
Is There a Deadline for Taking Legal Action in South Carolina?
Yes, every state limits how much time you have to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you miss the deadline, also called the statute of limitations, you lose the right to go after money damages from the at-fault party.
Negotiating with the insurance company does not satisfy the statute of limitations. Also, the insurance company will stop negotiating with you after the filing deadline expires because they no longer owe you any money.
How Much Money Can You Get for Your Personal Injury Claim?
Every personal injury case is different, so no one can say how much money you might get for your claim before they talk to you and investigate your situation. Your claim could include things like medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses.
What Kinds of Personal Injury Claims Are There?
You might have heard about personal injury claims for injuries suffered in motor vehicle accidents and slip-and-fall accidents. There are many other types of personal injury claims, like:
- Products liability, when a defective item causes you harm
- Wrongful death
- Medical malpractice
- Dangerous drugs and medical devices
- Intentional acts, like assault
These are just a few examples, so do not lose heart if your situation is not on this short list. Your personal injury lawyer can talk to you about whether you might have a personal injury claim.
How Can You Afford to Hire a South Carolina Personal Injury Lawyer to Handle Your Claim?
Most lawyers handle personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, which means that you will not have to pay any upfront legal fees. Your lawyer’s fees will come out of the settlement proceeds or court award. You will get the details of your attorney’s contingency in a written agreement at the beginning of your case.
Do You Really Need a Lawyer for Your Personal Injury Claim?
South Carolina law does not force you to hire a lawyer to handle your case, but doing so can be a smart choice. You will get to rest and recuperate while your attorney does the leg work. Also, having a lawyer on your side can protect you from questionable tactics that the insurance company might try.
You can reach out to your South Carolina personal injury attorney today for a free initial consultation. Contact our office today for help with your case.