Have you recently suffered catastrophic injuries in an accident or incident caused by someone else’s negligence? Do you hope to avoid being stuck covering the cost of another person’s mistake? If so, seeking the financial compensation you deserve should be a top priority.
A highly respected St. Andrews personal injury lawyer at Shelly Leeke Law Firm can help you move forward with your life. Our team is here to investigate the cause of your injuries, gather valuable supporting evidence, and ensure the at-fault party compensates you for every loss. You do not need to go through the claims process alone and risk not getting the most out of your claim.
Contact a committed South Carolina personal injury attorney to request a 100% free consultation today. You can reach us through our secured contact form or by phone. When you do, we can discuss the type of accident you were involved in, who could be at fault, and what to expect next as we demand justice.
Common Types of Personal Injury Cases We Handle in St. Andrews
One of the most common concerns injury victims have after an accident is whether they can move forward with a personal injury or insurance claim. At Shelly Leeke Law Firm, our team handles a wide variety of injury cases. Some of the most common types of accidents and incidents our clients have been involved in include:
- Slip and fall accidents
- Car accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Construction accidents
- Exposure to asbestos
- Motorcycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Product defects and malfunctions
- Nursing home abuse and neglect
Essentially, anytime you have suffered a catastrophic injury, a dedicated personal injury lawyer in St. Andrews, SC, at Shelly Leeke Law Firm will be here for you. Your injuries do not necessarily need to be catastrophic or debilitating for you to have the right to compensation. As long as your injuries have had or are expected to have a significant effect on your life in some way, you may have the right to compensation for your losses and suffering.
Compensation for St. Andrews Personal Injury Victims
When you have been injured in an accident that is not your fault, there is no reason you should be stuck paying for all the expenses associated with your injuries and the accident itself. Fortunately, South Carolina law allows you to seek total reimbursement for your damages. You have the right to be compensated for a combination of compensatory damages, known as economic and non-economic damages, and could also be awarded punitive damages, depending on the specific circumstances of your case.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are some of the most common types of losses injury victims seek. Your personal injury attorney in St. Andrews, SC, will be tasked with gathering financial records, receipts, bank statements, and other evidence to calculate the total value of your financially based losses accurately. Some examples of such damages could include:
- Lost wages
- Diminished earning potential
- Loss of benefits provided by your employer
- Co-pays
- Out-of-pocket medical expenses
- Future healthcare costs
- Medical home accommodations
- Personal property damages
- Loss of household services
Non-Economic Damages
Your personal injury attorney will also be responsible for calculating the value of your non-economic damages, which do not have a monetary value. It is up to your lawyer to determine how much your non-economic damages are worth based on the impact they have had on your life. Some examples of commonly awarded non-economic damages include:
- Skin scarring and disfigurement
- Permanent disability
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Physical pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Inconvenience and embarrassment
- Indignity and shame
- Emotional trauma and distress
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are not considered a compensatory loss. This means they are not something you should expect to be awarded in your personal injury claim unless you are told otherwise by your attorney. Generally, punitive damages are only issued if the defendant’s actions are deemed malicious, intentional, or grossly negligent.
Grounds for a Personal Injury Lawsuit
For a personal injury lawsuit to be successful, you must have grounds for a claim. Here, your personal injury attorney will need to gather compelling evidence to prove the defendant’s liability and negligence. To do this, we must show that the elements of negligence have been met, which include:
- Duty of care
- Breach of duty
- Causation
- Damages
The burden of proof in personal injury cases is based on a preponderance of the evidence. While we do not need to prove liability beyond a reasonable doubt, the evidence introduced must convince the jury of the defendant’s liability. We might gather medical records, witness statements, expert testimony, photos of your injuries, and reports generated by accident reconstructionists to demonstrate the defendant’s responsibility for the accident and your subsequent injuries.
South Carolina Personal Injury Laws to Know
Multiple personal injury laws in South Carolina could have an impact on the outcome of your case. It is important to understand these laws so you are prepared. Some of the most essential rules and regulations you need to be aware of include:
- The statute of limitations for personal injury cases under South Carolina law is just three years.
- If you share responsibility for the accident, your portion of the blame will be deducted from your settlement under South Carolina’s modified comparative negligence laws.
- If your portion of blame is greater than the state’s threshold at 50%, you will be barred from moving forward with your case.
- South Carolina follows fault insurance rules, so you file an insurance claim with the liable party’s insurance provider as opposed to filing a claim against your personal insurance policy.
These are only a few of the laws that could have an influence on your ability to move forward with your claim. There may be other statutes that pertain to your case as well. You can rely on your personal injury attorney to inform you so you are prepared.
Meet with a St. Andrews Personal Injury Attorney for Help Today
Your injuries may be devastating, but when we hold the at-fault party accountable, you have an opportunity to pick up the pieces of your life and avoid financial ruin. The personal injury claims process can be too much to handle on your own. Fortunately, with help from a top-rated St. Andrews personal injury lawyer at Shelly Leeke Law Firm, you can put this traumatic experience behind you.
Our team is here to identify those responsible and make them pay. Whether you file an insurance claim or bring your case to court, our legal team is ready to advocate for your right to maximum compensation. Call our office or fill out our quick contact form to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation today.
