Suffering an injury can turn your life upside down. You can be left feeling stressed and unsure of your next steps. If these injuries are the cause of someone else’s negligence, you have the right to take legal action against them.
Whether your injury was from a dog bite, workplace incident, or motor vehicle accident, you can pursue damages from negligent parties. The South Carolina personal injury lawyers at Shelly Leeke Law Firm have provided guidance and support to injury victims for over a decade. Contact us for a free consultation with our Summerville personal injury attorney.
Our Practice Areas
Personal injury law in South Carolina covers a range of topics. Injuries can happen at any time and usually when you least expect it. Our South Carolina personal injury lawyers specialize in helping injured individuals in Summerville recover financial compensation for their injuries and losses. Some of our personal injury practice areas include the following:
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Wrongful death
- Dog bites
- Child injury
- Bicycle accidents
- Nursing home abuse
- Motorcycle accidents
- Premises liability
- Truck accidents
- Catastrophic injury
This list is not all-encompassing, as the Shelly Leeke Law Firm handles many personal injury cases. If unsure whether you have a claim, call our office for guidance.
Why You Should Choose the Shelly Leeke Law Firm
When your life’s on the line, you need a personal injury lawyer in Summerville, SC, with your best interest in mind. Not only do you want a Summerville personal injury attorney with a proven track record of success but also someone who cares about you. We will build a personal rapport with our clients to ensure you are comfortable throughout the claims process.
Our knowledgeable staff also has detailed biographies so that you can learn more about our backgrounds and approach.
Damages in Personal Injury Cases
Medical bills and lost wages are substantial losses you will suffer. When you file a personal injury claim, you aim to recover these and other accident-related expenses. There are economic and noneconomic damages you can pursue.
Sometimes you can seek punitive damages when egregious or intentional actions lead to the accident. Economic damages cover tangible losses, including:
- Property damage
- Lost wages
- Medical expenses
- Disfigurement
- Ongoing medical care
- Home and vehicle modifications
Non-Economic Damages
Noneconomic damages are calculated in different ways than economic damages. These damages are subjective, but you can present evidence supporting your claim. Noneconomic damages are calculated using either the multiplier or per diem method.
An economist testifies the number of damages in the multiplier method and multiplies it by a number based on injury severity. Per diem is less common and also involves an economist.
This time they will take the total for economic damages and divide it by the days between the accident and the trial. They will use this number to convince the jury to award you damages.
Determining Fault in Personal Injury Cases
During a case review, we will address a vital issue: who was at fault for the accident? You likely have a personal injury claim when it is another person, entity, or company.
Even if you contribute to the accident, you can still pursue compensation under comparative fault laws. The caveat is you must be 50% or less to blame. Any damages award you receive will be lowered by your shared fault.
Time Limits for Filing Claims
All personal injury claims have strict filing deadlines established by the state. Failure to meet these deadlines can hinder your ability to take legal action.
In South Carolina, that statute is three years from the accident date. Since the deadline is stringent, it is imperative that you speak to a Summerville personal injury lawyer immediately.
It is understandable to feel lost and confused after suffering an injury. Not knowing what to do next or your rights can add to your stress and anxiety. Fortunately, our Summerville personal injury attorneys have answers to a few of the most frequently asked questions injury victims have.
Examining Possible Caps on Wrongful Death Damages
When the negligent actions of another person kill a loved one, you have the right to seek justice. Wrongful death damages help beneficiaries get financial assistance and closure. South Carolina does not have damage caps for wrongful death claims. There are some exceptions that you must discuss with your personal injury attorney in Summerville.
Never Accept the Initial Settlement Offer
No, you should not accept your first worker’s compensation or personal injury offers. At first, when injury victims receive an offer, they are happy because they believe the insurance company is willing to pay them for their losses. That is not the reason behind a fast settlement offer.
The insurance company is sending this offer so they can settle for less.
Car Insurance Does Not Cover Legal Fees
Car insurance policies in Summerville do not cover attorney fees. They are your responsibility.
The good news is personal injury attorneys in Summerville can work on contingency fees. That means you will not pay until you resolve your case. A percentage of your settlement is allocated to cover your legal expenses.
PTSD Damages and Car Accident Claims
PTSD is a mental health condition that can impact a person after a terrifying or traumatic event. Car accidents are traumatic experiences that can bring on flashbacks, anxiety, and nightmares.
When symptoms are severe, they can impact every aspect of your life, from mood to enjoying life. To recover damages for PTSD, you should see a doctor and work with a personal injury attorney in Summerville, SC, that has experience managing cases involving PTSD.
Call the Shelly Leeke Law Firm Today
You face many challenges when you suffer an injury or are involved in an accident. You will have lost income, mounting medical bills, property damage, and more. You can be entitled to financial compensation if another person or entity is responsible for your injuries.
You must act quickly to protect your rights. The Shelly Leeke Law Firm offers comprehensive legal assistance in personal injury cases. We can determine if you have a claim and the next steps.
Call our office or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation with a Summerville personal injury attorney.
