Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Jacksonville, NC

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Jacksonville, North Carolina?

  Contact the Jacksonville Police Department at 910-455-1472.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Jacksonville, North Carolina?

  Request police reports by mail by including a self-addressed stamped envelope and sending it to the Jacksonville Police Department, 206 North Marine Boulevard, Jacksonville, North Carolina 28541. You may also visit the police station from Mondays to Sundays, 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

• How can you be eligible for a Camp Lejeune water contamination claim in Jacksonville?  

  Civilian employees, military veterans, and military families must have been in Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days on August 1, 1953, to December 31, 1987, to be exposed to contaminated water. They must have suffered medical conditions such as congenital cardiac defects, different types of cancer, and Parkinson's disease. They must also be able to provide proof that the chemicals in the contaminated water caused their medical condition.

• How do you establish fault in a personal injury case in Jacksonville?

  To establish fault, you need to provide evidence in your personal injury case in Jacksonville that another person's negligence caused you harm. Negligence can come from distracted drivers, dog owners, doctors, and property owners. You need to provide proof that another person intentionally harmed you, such as in assault, battery, and road rage cases. There are also situations where fault can be established as a matter of law, like injuries caused by a defective product.

• What happens if the other party assigns blame to you in a personal injury case in Jacksonville?

  Your personal injury case in Jacksonville may be at stake if the other party assigns blame to you. This is because, under North Carolina's "pure" contributory negligence law, a claimant may not be able to recover compensation if found to be even slightly at fault. While there are exceptions to this rule, such as in cases of gross negligence, seeking the guidance of a lawyer may help you preserve your rights.

• What types of compensation can you recover in a personal injury claim in Jacksonville?

  The compensation that can be recovered in a Jacksonville personal injury claim are medical expenses, home renovations to make room for a disability, and rehabilitation costs. Any lost income, including the possibility of losing future earnings due to the injury, can be compensated. Intangible hardship such as pain and suffering, mental anguish, and loss of life's enjoyment can also be compensated.

• What should you do if you get injured at work in Jacksonville?

  You need to provide your employer with written notice that you were hurt at work. Seek appropriate medical care and follow the doctor's treatments, medical advice, and recommendations so that you will not have problems with your workers' compensation benefits. A third party's negligence may be responsible for your injuries, and because of this, you may be eligible to file a third-party personal injury claim. In situations like this, you may consult a lawyer for guidance.

• How to choose a personal injury attorney?

  It's crucial to find a personal injury attorney who is experienced, but it's also important to feel comfortable. Take advantage of free consultations and ask questions about how long each candidate has been practicing, how their fee structure works, and who will be handling the majority of the casework (some big firms may hand off routine tasks to paralegals). Above all, find someone who listens well and believes they can achieve an optimal outcome. Still uncertain? Ask friends for referrals and check out online reviews.

• What does a personal injury lawyer do?

  Personal injury attorneys help those who have suffered due to the negligence of others get the compensation they deserve. That may include negotiating settlements with other people, insurance companies, or even government agencies or arguing the case in court. Some attorneys specialize in a certain type of injury, such as auto accidents or birth injuries, while others advocate for almost any injured party.

• What does personal injury law cover?

  In the legal world, "personal injury" is any kind of injury, physical or psychological, that results from the negligence of a person, business, or other entity. While visible or acute injuries such as a broken leg or concussion are among the most obvious types of personal injuries, this category also covers less tangible injuries such as emotional distress and issues such as asbestos exposure that may contribute to long-term problems.

• What are the most common types of personal injury claims?

  Personal injury claims encompass a wide variety of situations ranging from accidents on privately owned property to injuries in the line of duty to whiplash sustained during a commute. These claims may include car accidents, dog bites, slip and falls, medical malpractice, defamation, product defect accidents, premises liability, product liability, workplace accidents, food poisoning at a restaurant, and boating or aviation accidents.

• How do personal injury lawyers get paid?

  Many personal injury lawyers advertise that they don't get paid unless their client does. This is called "working on contingency," meaning the attorney is compensated only if they win their case. These payments are typically percentage based, giving attorneys a predetermined portion of the court-ordered award. Other lawyers may command an hourly rate or combine an hourly rate with a smaller contingency fee.

• How much do personal injury lawyers charge?

  Personal injury lawyer fees can differ from state to state and may be subject to local regulations. In general, personal injury attorneys work under contingency agreements entitling them to 33% of any related settlement or award. Sometimes lawyers use a sliding contingency, charging 33% for awards agreed upon during pre-trial negotiations and raising the fee to 40% once the matter goes to trial.

• When do I need to hire a personal injury lawyer?

  Anytime an injury is known or suspected to be the result of negligence, it's a good idea to consult with a personal injury attorney who can offer insight into the validity of a claim and whether or not that claim is worth pursuing legally. A consultation is particularly important if someone has suffered serious injuries that have left them disabled or otherwise impacted their financial future or quality of life.

• Can I file a personal injury claim without a lawyer?

  It's possible to pursue a personal injury claim without an attorney; however, it's best to save self-representation for cases involving minor injuries or are otherwise considered straightforward. Cases that involve serious injuries that are not completely resolved or where liability has yet to be determined are more complex. Those situations can quickly become stressful and time consuming as they require an understanding of tort law, resources for gathering medical records, and time to review photographs and evidence pertaining to the injury and scene of the accident (if applicable). Bringing on an experienced personal injury lawyer could result in a higher reward while giving the injured party more time to concentrate on their physical, mental, and emotional recovery.

• How long does a personal injury lawsuit last?

  The length of time it takes to settle a personal injury lawsuit is highly dependent on a number of factors ranging from the type of case to the length of medical treatment to whether the suit is settled before court or requires a long trial. While most personal injury cases are resolved within two years, more complicated suits could take longer.

• What are the benefits of hiring a personal injury lawyer?

  It's tempting to save on lawyer's fees by pursuing self-representation, but there are many benefits to hiring a personal injury lawyer including their years of experience. A good attorney will know how to properly assess your damages, including not just medical bills but other concerns, such as lost wages and pain and suffering, to craft a demand that fully reflects the compensation to which the injured party is entitled. They also have the resources and knowledge necessary to consult with experts, negotiate effectively with insurance companies, properly navigate the legal system, and otherwise ensure the best possible outcome.