Raleigh Personal Injury Attorneys

Experienced Legal Representation for Your Personal Injury Case in North Carolina 

When you have been injured by the negligent, reckless, or wrongful actions of another, you deserve justice. At Hyland, Padilla & Fowler, PLLC, we understand that this is a tough time in your life. A serious injury can not only lead to considerable physical pain and emotional suffering but may also cause significant financial hardship. We believe you should not have to navigate these challenges alone. Instead, our team of Raleigh personal injury attorneys can help you fight for the fair compensation you are owed. 

Our firm is committed to providing personalized legal strategies that reflect the unique needs of each claim. We delve deeply into every detail, ensuring all relevant evidence is uncovered and utilized extensively to strengthen your claim. We work tirelessly to negotiate fair settlements and are fully prepared to take your matter to trial if necessary, always aiming to secure the best possible outcome for our clients.

If you or someone you love was catastrophically injured as a result of someone else's negligence, reach out to Hyland, Padilla & Fowler, PLLC today to request a free, no-obligation consultation. Our bilingual staff can assist you in both English and Spanish, and we do not collect any attorney fees unless we recover a settlement or verdict on your behalf. 

Have you been injured in an accident or due to someone else's negligence? Call Hyland, Padilla & Fowler, PLLC today at (919) 891-8361 or contact us online to discuss your case and see how we can help you secure the compensation you deserve!

Understanding North Carolina's Personal Injury Laws

In North Carolina, personal injury laws are designed to protect individuals harmed by the wrongful actions of others. A fundamental aspect of these laws is contributory negligence, which can bar recovery if the injured party is found to be even slightly at fault. Navigating this legal landscape requires a thorough understanding of evidence management and advocacy. For this reason, securing experienced legal representation is crucial to maximizing your chances of a favorable outcome. Our injury lawyers in Raleigh are adept at countering contributory negligence claims to protect your rights to compensation. 

Besides contributory negligence, it is essential to understand statutes of limitations, which dictate how long you have to initiate legal proceedings. In North Carolina, this period is typically three years from the date of injury. However, exceptions exist, especially in complex claims involving minors. Our legal team evaluates your situation thoroughly to ensure all deadlines are met, safeguarding your right to seek redress. 

Common Causes of Personal Injuries in Raleigh

As a bustling urban center, Raleigh presents various risks for personal injury incidents. Traffic accidents, including those on I-40 and Capital Boulevard, are common due to high traffic volumes and congestion. Additionally, Raleigh’s growth in construction projects increases the risk of workplace injuries. Whether it's a slip and fall on a busy downtown sidewalk or an injury sustained at a local business, understanding the common causes of injuries in Raleigh can be crucial in preventing them and pursuing claims if they occur. 

Other prevalent causes include medical malpractice incidents at local hospitals and injuries from defective products sold by local retailers. Each scenario presents unique challenges and requires specialized legal knowledge to address effectively. At Hyland, Padilla & Fowler, PLLC, we know your claim's regional nuances and can develop a strategy considering these local factors. 

Who Can File a Personal Injury Claim? 

In North Carolina, anyone who can prove that they were injured and caused by someone else—whether another person, a business, a medical provider, a manufacturer, or some other entity—may have a personal injury claim. 

Most personal injury cases are based on negligence. To prove a negligence-based personal injury claim, you must prove the following:

• You were injured, and your injuries led to measurable damages
• Your injury was the result of someone else's negligence or wrongful behavior
• You did not contribute in any way to the incident that caused your injury

Additionally, understanding the legal concept of 'contributory negligence' is crucial in North Carolina. Under this doctrine, if you are found to be even partially at fault for the accident, it could bar you from recovering any damages. Therefore, having experienced legal support is essential to navigate these complexities and effectively demonstrate the responsible party's liability. 

To have a solid claim, you must prove that the other party against whom you are bringing the claim (known as the "defendant") owed you a "duty of care." This means they had a legal obligation to take specific reasonable measures to prevent causing you injury or harm. By proving that the defendant acted negligently or wrongfully, you can show that the defendant breached the duty of care and is liable for your resulting damages. 

What Are Damages? 

Damages are the remedy paid by the defendant to the plaintiff (the party who files the claim) to compensate them for certain losses due to the defendant's negligent or wrongful conduct. 

There are two main types of damages commonly awarded in personal injury cases: 

• Compensatory Damages: As the name suggests, compensatory damages are intended to compensate injured victims for specific losses. These economic or noneconomic losses may include medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.
• Punitive Damages: Punitive damages punish the defendant rather than compensate victims for specific losses. They are usually only available in cases involving gross or egregious negligence, willful or wanton misconduct, or intentional infliction of injury.

In addition, understanding how economic and non-economic damages are calculated is essential. Economic damages cover verifiable monetary losses such as medical bills and lost wages. Non-economic damages, however, compensate for more subjective losses like emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life. In some instances, North Carolina law may limit the amount of non-economic damages a plaintiff can recover, particularly in medical malpractice claims, adding another layer of complexity to personal injury law. 

Depending on the specifics of your case, you could be entitled to fair compensation for your past and future medical bills, lost wages or income, physical and mental pain and suffering, lost earning ability and future wages, and other miscellaneous out-of-pocket expenses. You could also be entitled to punitive damages if the defendant's conduct was egregious, reckless, or intentional. 

How Long Do You Have to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit? 

In North Carolina, you have just three years from the date of injury—or the date on which the injury was discovered or could reasonably have been discovered if it was not and could not have been discovered right away—to file your personal injury lawsuit. If the statute of limitations expires, the court will almost certainly dismiss your claim. 

Statutes of limitations protect defendants from facing lawsuits that are too old to defend against properly due to fading memories and the loss of evidence. However, there are exceptions, especially in claims involving minors or incapacitated individuals, where the time limit might be extended. Engaging with our personal injury attorneys in Raleigh promptly ensures you understand these nuances and safeguards your right to pursue compensation. 

We urge you to contact our Raleigh personal injury attorneys as soon as possible after an accident or injury to learn how we can help. The longer you wait to take legal action, the more difficult it can become to gather evidence and prove your claim. 

Resources for Personal Injury Victims in Raleigh

Raleigh offers several resources for personal injury victims seeking legal and medical assistance. The WakeMed Health & Hospitals network provides comprehensive medical care, including emergency services for accident victims. Their trauma center is equipped to handle severe injuries, ensuring you receive medical attention immediately following an accident. 

Additionally, the City of Raleigh Police Department is a critical resource for obtaining police reports essential for documenting traffic accidents or other incidents requiring a legal response. Accessing these services is often the first step in strengthening your claim and pursuing justice. Our firm is prepared to guide you through interaction with these entities, supporting you in gathering the necessary documentation and coordinating care. 

How Our Raleigh Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help 

Navigating the legal system can be extremely challenging without the help of an experienced attorney. At Hyland, Padilla & Fowler, PLLC, we are here to guide you through the process from start to finish. 

Our personal injury lawyers assist clients throughout Wake County with all types of claims, including those involving: 

• Car Accidents
• Premises Liability
• Wrongful Death
• Truck Accidents 
• Motorcycle Accidents
• Pedestrian Accidents 

We also help people who have suffered on-the-job injuries and occupational illnesses file for workers' compensation benefits. We are well-versed in North Carolina's injury and workers' compensation laws and can help you seek fair compensation for your injuries and related damages. 

Our commitment to our clients extends beyond legal representation. We strive to provide a supportive environment where clients feel heard and understood. We take the time to explain every aspect of the legal process, address any concerns, and ensure you are informed at every step. By submitting thorough documentation and building a comprehensive strategy tailored to your situation, we work to protect your rights and achieve a favorable outcome.

We are proud to offer highly personalized legal services. Our compassionate approach and aggressive client advocacy have earned us the respect and trust of our clients. To date, we have recovered more than $40 million on behalf of the injured and their families—find out how our team can help you with your injury matter today. 

If you or a loved one has suffered an injury, don’t wait any longer to seek justice. Contact our Raleigh personal injury attorneys today for a FREE consultation, and let us guide you through the legal process.