Gastonia Personal Injury Lawyer

Personal Injury Attorney in Gastonia, NC

A personal injury can be extremely difficult to manage alone, especially when you are trying to juggle the physical and emotional toll with legal responsibilities. This is why it’s highly recommended to hire a Gastonia personal injury lawyer to advocate for your rights while you recover.

At Roberts Law Firm, P.A., we are dedicated to helping North Carolina residents who have been injured due to another’s negligence. If your life has been altered as a result of an unexpected personal injury, we can help protect your rights and aid in your recovery.

Our attorneys have nearly 40 years of combined experience providing legal counsel and representation for those involved in a personal injury incident. We are ready to provide insight for your situation.

What Are the Most Common Personal Injury Cases in Gastonia?

In 2023, 62 million people in the United States needed treatment for preventable injuries, and that came at a cost of around $1.2 billion. Slips and falls make up 35% of all injuries.

Personal injury cases are defined as any instance where someone suffers harm due to another party’s negligent actions or actions that happened on purpose. When this happens, the injured party has the right to file a personal injury claim.

It’s important to know the most common types of personal injury cases to understand if you have a valid claim and what steps you should take next. Some of the most common cases include:

Car Accidents

Car accidents are one of the leading causes of injury in Gastonia, North Carolina. These cases often involve at least one negligent party whose behavior violated a traffic law, like speeding or running a red light. Many different injuries qualify for reimbursement through a legal claim, such as minor injuries like whiplash and severe injuries like traumatic brain injury.

Slip-and-Fall Accidents

Another common type of personal injury claim is a slip-and-fall accident. These can happen in both residential and commercial settings due to a hazardous condition.

These conditions can either be an act of intentional wrongdoing or negligence. For example, if someone slips on a wet floor and there is no visible sign to warn them of this hazard, they may have grounds to take legal action to be compensated for their injuries.

Medical Malpractice

Acts of medical malpractice happen when a healthcare provider fails to meet the accepted standard of care that is expected of them. When it results in an injury or harm to a patient, there could be grounds to file a medical malpractice injury claim. These cases are extremely complex and often require testimony from a healthcare provider to prove that the provider in question acted negligently.

Workplace Accidents

The workers’ compensation system in North Carolina covers most injuries that happen at work, but some cases may involve third-party liability. In these situations, victims can file a personal injury claim as well.

For example, if a contractor’s negligence caused an accident to happen on a construction site, the injured worker can file a claim to pursue additional compensation. This is outside of what they might already receive from workers’ compensation.

Product Liability

Anytime a product liability case arises, it typically means that a defective or dangerous product caused injury to a consumer. This can happen due to faulty vehicle parts, unsafe medical devices, contaminated food, or even defective household appliances. In these cases, the manufacturer or distributor can be held responsible for any harm caused, as long as the victim is able to demonstrate how the defect caused their injury.

Wrongful Death

A wrongful death case involves fatalities caused by another party’s negligence or intentional actions. These claims are often tied to other cases where there is a death involved, such as a car accident or medical malpractice. Compensation in these cases can extend what is traditionally provided in a personal injury claim to cover funeral expenses or loss of companionship.

What to Do After an Accident in Gastonia

Accidents can be stressful. Knowing what to do right away can help protect your health, your rights, and your legal claim. Following the right steps under North Carolina’s personal injury laws can help you handle the situation and prepare for what comes next. These steps include:

• Getting medical care as soon as possible. Even if your injuries seem minor, immediate treatment helps connect your injuries to the accident. Additionally, some injuries do not show up immediately after the accident and require a medical evaluation to be revealed.
• Reporting the accident. You can do this by either calling the police or by filing an incident report, depending on the type of accident.
• Documenting everything. Take photos of the scene, vehicles, hazards, and any visible injuries while the evidence is still fresh.
• Collecting the names and telephone numbers of any witnesses.
• Avoiding recorded statements or signing any documents.
• Keeping records of all receipts, medical bills, and documentation of missed work.
• Contacting a lawyer as soon as possible.

If you have questions or need guidance, the Gastonia personal injury attorneys at Roberts Law Firm, P.A., can help you avoid costly mistakes.

FAQs

Q: How Long Does It Take to Resolve a Personal Injury Case in Gastonia?

A: The amount of time it takes to resolve a personal injury case in Gastonia can vary depending on many different factors. These include how complicated the case is, how willing the insurance company is to negotiate, and how severe your injuries are. Simple cases could settle in just a few months, while cases that require litigation could take a year or longer.

Q: Can I Still Recover Compensation if I’m Partially At-Fault for My Accident?

A: No, you can’t still recover compensation if you’re partially at-fault for your accident. North Carolina follows a contributory negligence rule. This means that even if you’re found to be even slightly at fault, it could bar you from recovering anything. Our experienced Gastonia personal injury attorneys can review the circumstances and gather evidence to reduce or dispute your fault.

Q: Should I Talk to the Insurance Company After an Accident?

A: No, you shouldn’t talk to the insurance company after an accident. Giving recorded statements or signing any documentation without speaking to a lawyer could mean you might have to settle for less than what your claim is worth. Our Gastonia personal injury attorneys can communicate with insurers on your behalf and make sure you get every last cent you’re entitled to.

Q: Do I Have to Appear in Court for My Personal Injury Claim?

A: No, you might not have to appear in court for your personal injury claim. That’s because many personal injury claims can be settled through negotiation or mediation. However, if the insurance company refuses to cooperate or continues to undervalue your claim, litigation could become necessary. Our team can handle all negotiations and represent you in court if required

Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer from Roberts Law Firm, P.A., Today

Understanding personal injury laws is crucial when seeking full compensation in your personal injury claim. That’s why you should hire a personal injury lawyer from Roberts Law Firm, P.A. We’re ready to fully represent your interests.

Our team is dedicated to assisting clients with their legal matters. Learn about our law firm by reading what our clients have said about their experiences with us. Contact us today to get started on your case.

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