Everything changes in the aftermath of an injury accident. You’re likely dealing with physical pain, emotional turmoil, and an uncertain future. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed at times like this. But you don’t have to face it alone.

Schwaba Law Firm knows your recovery extends beyond physical healing. It’s also about recovering financially and getting your life back on track. If someone else is to blame for your injuries, you have the legal right to demand that they compensate you for the harm they caused you. Let Andrew Schwaba help by taking on the big insurance companies on your behalf. He will advocate for your needs while giving you the time and space to heal.

Andrew has built a reputation for turning the odds in his clients’ favor and recovering millions of dollars on their behalf. Reach out to Schwaba Law Firm today for a free, no-obligation initial consultation with a Mooresville, NC, personal injury lawyer.

What Are Common Personal Injury Cases in Mooresville, NC?

Personal injury law covers a broad spectrum of incidents in which a party suffers harm due to the negligent or wrongful actions of another. Such cases can stem from everyday accidents as well as more complex situations.

Some common grounds for a personal injury case include:

  • Defective products
  • Dog bites
  • Wrongful death
  • Assault and battery
  • Aviation accidents
  • Boating accidents
  • Burn injuries
  • Bus accidents
  • Spinal cord injuries

What Types of Injuries Happen Due to Personal Injury Accidents?

Personal injury accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, from mild to severe. Some injuries present immediate symptoms, while others might not become apparent until days or even weeks later.

Common examples include the following:

  • Soft tissue injuries
  • Whiplash
  • Scrapes and cuts
  • Head injuries
  • Facial and dental injuries
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Concussions
  • Fractures
  • Dislocations
  • Sprains and strains
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Burn injuries
  • Neck and back injuries
  • Internal injuries
  • Crushing injuries
  • Loss of limb
  • Eye injuries
  • Hearing loss
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Emotional distress
  • Scarring and disfigurement

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

The viability of a personal injury claim largely depends on the specifics at play.

Generally, you will have a claim if you’ve suffered an injury, and another party’s wrongful or negligent actions are to blame. The injury could be physical, emotional, or even financial. It could take a number of different forms, such as a dog bite, an unsafe product incident, or even an act of violence.

The simplest way to determine whether you have a valid claim is to consult a legal professional. Andrew Schwaba, an experienced personal injury attorney, can assess your situation and guide you on the right course of action.

What Must Be Proven in a Personal Injury Claim?

As you pursue a personal injury claim, one of your attorney’s key responsibilities is to demonstrate that the other party acted wrongly or negligently and caused your injuries as a result.

Essentially, a lawyer must establish a clear link between the other party’s actions or inaction and your injury. Additionally, they have to prove that your injuries led to measurable losses, whether physical, emotional, or financial. These could include dollars-and-cent losses like medical expenses, anticipated future medical costs, and lost income, as well as subjective losses like pain and suffering.

It’s important to remember that proving these elements is a complex task that requires a thorough understanding of the law. With thousands of cases under his belt, Andrew Schwaba has the knowledge and experience to build a strong claim on your behalf and advocate effectively for your rights.

What Damages Could I Be Entitled to in a Personal Injury Case?

In the context of your personal injury case, the term “damages” refers to the money you could be entitled to receive for the injuries and losses you’ve experienced. The specific damages you could recover will vary based on the circumstances of your case and could include:

  • Medical expenses
  • Future medical costs
  • Lost income
  • Lost earning potential
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Property damage

Can I Still Get Compensation If I Was Partly to Blame for My Injuries?

North Carolina follows a harsh, “pure contributory negligence” standard in personal injury cases. This strict rule could prevent you from recovering compensation if you are found even partially responsible for the incident that injured you.

Here’s how it works. If you get hurt in an accident and sue for damages, the court will review the evidence and apportion fault between all the parties involved. Under the pure contributory negligence rule, you may not be able to recover any damages if you are at all to blame for your injuries — even if you are 1 percent at fault and the other person is to blame for the other 99 percent. However, exceptions may apply. As a result, skilled legal representation from a Mooresville, NC, personal injury attorney is essential, especially if someone tries to pin the blame on you.

Andrew Schwaba knows how to meticulously examine the details of a case and work to present the strongest argument possible on his client’s behalf. If allegations of fault jeopardize your injury case, you can count on Andrew to fight for your rights and keep the pressure on the other party.

How Long Does a Typical Personal Injury Case Last?

The duration of a personal injury case depends on the specific issues at play. Some might reach a settlement within a few months, while others — particularly complex ones — could drag on for years.

Factors that influence the timeline of your case include the severity of your injuries, the clarity of who’s at fault, and the other side’s willingness to settle. While wanting to move things along is understandable, patience is essential during this process, as rushing could result in a less favorable outcome.

How Long Do I Have in North Carolina to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit?

In North Carolina, you typically have three (3) years from the date of an injury to file suit against the people to blame. This time frame applies regardless of whether you were injured in a car accident, a slip-and-fall, or a dog bite or animal attack.

However, certain factors could significantly shorten or lengthen your legal time limit for a personal injury lawsuit. For instance, if the lawsuit involves a wrongful death, the time limit is only two (2) years.

There are other practical concerns to consider as well. Personal injury cases take time to build, and the more time has passed, the harder it might be for your attorney to investigate the scene and gather other physical evidence. Memories also fade over time, which means once-credible witnesses may struggle to remember critical details that could support your case.

How Soon Should I Start a Personal Injury Claim?

The sooner you start a personal injury claim, the better. Acting quickly is the best way to ensure that evidence is preserved, witnesses’ memories are fresh, and legal deadlines are met.

In North Carolina, the standard time limit for filing a lawsuit for most personal injury cases is three years from the date of the accident, but certain cases require more immediate action. However, initiating a claim doesn’t mean you’ll immediately be heading to court. Most cases begin with an insurance claim followed by settlement negotiations and only proceed to court if a fair settlement can’t be reached. The vast majority end long before they see the inside of a courthouse. Still, this process takes time, so getting started as soon as possible is wise.

What Will a Mooresville Personal Injury Lawyer Do for My Case?

A personal injury lawyer plays a pivotal role in your pursuit of fair compensation after an injury.

They bring a comprehensive understanding of the law and the legal system to help you through this often-complex process. A Mooresville, NC, personal injury attorney with Schwaba Law Firm can assess your case and:

  • Gather the necessary evidence to substantiate your claim;
  • Determine how much compensation you could be owed; and
  • Communicate with insurance companies and other interested parties on your behalf.

Andrew Schwaba also is an experienced negotiator, and he’ll fight hard for a fair settlement. If a suitable agreement can’t be reached, Andrew is also prepared to represent you in court and argue your case in front of a judge and jury. His goal is to allow you to focus on recovery while he handles the legal aspects of your case.

Contact a Personal Injury Attorney in Mooresville Today

Did someone else injure you in Mooresville, NC? If so, they could owe you compensation for your medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, property damage, and much more. But getting this money could be difficult without a dedicated advocate. You need Andrew Schwaba to fight for what you’re owed so you get your life back on track.

Contact Schwaba Law Firm now for your free consultation with a personal injury lawyer in Mooresville, NC.