Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Gastonia

Frequently Asked Questions

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

  You can contact the local police department in Gastonia, North Carolina at 704-866-3300.

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

  You can obtain a copy of a police report for incidents in Gastonia, North Carolina through the Gastonia Police Department's Online Crime Report Retrieval System.

• What is the statute of limitations for personal injury cases in Gastonia?

  Personal injury cases in Gastonia generally have a three-year statute of limitations. The statute of limitations for wrongful death and workers' compensation claims is two years. Medical malpractice claims have a three-year statute of limitations that begins when the injury is discovered. Personal injury claims where the victim is a minor have a statute of limitations that starts when the minor turns 18 years old.

• Are there limits on pain and suffering compensation in Gastonia?

  Except in medical negligence cases, there is no cap on pain and suffering compensation in Gastonia. According to a 2011 statute, there is a $500,000 cap on pain and suffering or non-economic damages in a medical malpractice lawsuit. The $500,000 limit will not apply if the court concludes that the defendant was reckless, grossly negligent, dishonest, willful, or malicious in causing the plaintiff significant damage or death.

• What constitutes serious injuries in Gastonia?

  Serious injuries are defined as physical injuries that pose a risk of death or result in permanent disfigurement, coma, a permanent or prolonged condition causing extreme pain, or permanent loss or impairment of the function of a bodily member or organ that requires hospitalization for an extended period of time. If you have suffered serious injuries, you should get medical assistance immediately and retain a Gastonia personal injury lawyer to handle the legalities on your behalf.

• What is the cap on punitive damages in Gastonia?

  In Gastonia, punitive damages are limited to 300 percent of compensatory damages or $250,000, whichever is higher. On the other hand, punitive damages are not covered by insurance plans. Thus, they are not imposed when a court believes the defendants cannot potentially afford to pay them out of their own funds. If you have been seriously injured, you should seek legal counsel from an experienced Gastonia personal injury attorney to help you obtain fair compensation.

• What are the elements needed to prove emotional distress in Gastonia?

  You must prove that the defendant acted negligently, the conduct caused you severe emotional distress, and it was reasonably foreseeable that such conduct would cause you severe emotional distress. You must also be able to demonstrate that you suffer from a debilitating mental or emotional illness resulting from the misconduct or negligence that mental health specialists would typically diagnose and treat. Phobia, psychosis, chronic depression, and neurosis are examples of these conditions. If you have endured severe emotional distress, you must retain the services of an experienced Gastonia personal injury attorney to handle the legal aspects of your case.