Charlotte, NC Catastrophic Injury Attorneys
Strategic help for victims of life-altering injuries in Mecklenburg County
Catastrophic injuries are typically defined as those that affect the spine, spinal cord, and brain, as well as injuries that significantly disable an individual. These types of injuries can alter the course of a person’s life forever – they are permanent and often life-threatening injuries that require extensive medical treatment or care.
These injuries can occur in a variety of ways but are often caused by careless or negligent actions taken by individuals, businesses, or other entities. At Price, Petho & Associates, our catastrophic injury attorneys have been helping the people of Charlotte since 1979 and we can help you, too. When another person has caused your injury, we will fully investigate your claim and work to secure the compensation to which you or your loved one are entitled.
What would you like to know?
What are some examples of catastrophic injury?
Generally, an injury is considered catastrophic if it causes immediate disability or is one expected to never fully heal. Examples of these types of injuries include:
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These injuries can occur in a variety of ways, in nearly any type of incident. Our Charlotte catastrophic injury attorneys will examine the facts of your case and work to determine the best path forward to securing the compensation you need and deserve.
What are the most common causes of catastrophic injuries?
Catastrophic injuries typically happen from serious and traumatic accidents, including:
- Car accidents. High-speed crashes, drunk driving accidents, and distracted driving can all lead to severe and life-altering injury.
- Truck accidents. Because of the massive weight and size of commercial trucks, collisions with tractor-trailers often end with serious physical trauma to passenger car occupants.
- Workplace accidents. Industries like construction and manufacturing pose extra risks for workers, and with improper safety procedures in place, employees can suffer severe and catastrophic injuries.
- Slips and falls. Unsafe premises can lead to slips, trips, and falls – one of the leading causes of serious injury in the country.
- Medical malpractice. From birth injuries to surgical mistakes, medical negligence can leave a patient with injuries that will affect them for the rest of their life.
Our Charlotte personal injury attorneys determine exactly what caused your injuries and then work to prove liability – most importantly, that you did not cause your own injuries in any way.
What is contributory negligence regarding Charlotte injury claims?
North Carolina is one of very few states that still uses a contributory negligence system when it comes to shared fault in injury cases. Here, injury victims are prohibited from covering any damages from an at-fault party if they are found to be responsible for their injury in any way. Even if they are only one percent at fault for causing the incident that led to their injury, they will receive no compensation.
This is commonly referred to as an “all-or-nothing rule” that most states have moved away from. This is why it is crucial that you work with a skilled lawyer in the aftermath of sustaining a catastrophic injury. It is essential your legal team demonstrates the at-fault party was 100 percent responsible for your injuries so you can secure proper compensation for your losses.
What are the long-term effects of catastrophic injuries?
Because of the nature of catastrophic injuries, survivors feel the effects throughout the course of their lives. The lifelong impact of catastrophic injury can include:
- Permanent disability or loss of function
- Inability to work
- Need for long-term care or assistance
- Need for prosthetic or assistive devices
- Lifelong medications or therapies
This does not take into account the emotional and mental toll of a catastrophic injury, which can also be a tremendous burden on a victim.
How much does a Charlotte catastrophic injury lawyer cost?
Catastrophic injuries can lead to tremendous medical bills, and often result in a victim being unable to work. This can leave an injury victim and their family in a precarious financial situation. At Price, Petho & Associates, we understand the challenges presented by a severe injury, which is why we take Charlotte catastrophic injury cases on a contingency fee basis. This means that our clients pay no upfront or out-of-pocket costs. Our clients only pay legal fees after we obtain the compensation to which they are entitled for their injuries and other losses. Simply put, if we do not win, our clients do not pay.
How long do I have to file a Charlotte catastrophic injury claim?
Injury victims and their families need to be particularly aware of the time limits in place to file legal action. The personal injury statute of limitations in North Carolina is three years from the day the injury occurred. This means that a victim of a catastrophic injury has a three-year window with which to file their lawsuit against the negligent party. Failing to file a lawsuit in this amount of time will likely result in you being unable to recover the compensation you deserve.
Some injury cases are resolved through settlements with insurance carriers before a lawsuit is filed. However, it’s important to understand that insurance carriers have deadlines as well. In general, insurance carriers require victims to submit their claims very soon after the accident occurs. Failing to file a claim within a reasonable amount of time will likely result in a claim being delayed or denied altogether.
It's also important to note that, especially in cases of catastrophic injury, consider consulting with an attorney before accepting any type of settlement. These types of injuries can last a lifetime and it’s crucial you understand the true scope of your injuries before signing any agreements. The experienced attorneys at Price, Petho & Associates can help explain your options.
Is there a catastrophic injury attorney near me?
The main office of Price, Petho & Associates is located at 1430 Elizabeth Ave. in Charlotte, NC. We also maintain offices in Richmond County and Rutherford County, allowing the firm to serve clients across the state. If you are too injured to come to us, we make home and hospital visits.
Your trusted Charlotte catastrophic injury lawyers
If you or someone you love experienced a catastrophic injury caused by the actions of another individual, company, or entity, the attorneys at Price, Petho & Associates want to help with your case. We understand the true scope of these types of injuries and how they can affect you for the rest of your life. Let us ensure you have the financial resources to care for yourself and your family. Call 704-372-2160 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation. We serve clients throughout Charlotte, Rockingham, Rutherfordton, North Carolina and South Carolina.