Charlotte, NC Personal Injury Lawyer
For many people involved in an accident that results in injury to the victim or the victim’s property, it is often a difficult decision whether or not to file a lawsuit against the wrongdoer. The legal process can be time consuming, confusing, and to some, frightening. However, if you have been involved in an accident that results in injury to your person or property, such as a car accident, you should seek legal advice as soon as possible. The decision to seek timely legal advice is very important due to North Carolina’s statute of limitations.
The Importance of Seeking Timely Legal Advice
North Carolina General Statute § 1-52(16) is North Carolina’s statute of limitations for personal injury. It states that lawsuits for compensation arising out of injuries to one’s person or property must be brought within three years after the injury becomes apparent or should reasonably have become apparent to the victim. This statute is important because it means that an injured person has three years to file a lawsuit against whomever is liable. This statute essentially acts as a deadline. If the three-year deadline passes, then the victim will be “barred” from filing a lawsuit. Being “barred” from filing a lawsuit means that the victim will no longer be legally allowed to file a lawsuit and the victim will have no possibility to recover damages caused by the wrongdoer.
Differing Statutes of Limitations
Statutes of limitations also vary depending on several factors. Statutes of limitations differ in length from state to state. For example, the statute of limitation in New Jersey, Ohio, and many other states forpersonal injury is two years rather than the three provided by North Carolina. Furthermore, the statutes of limitations in North Carolina vary depending on the type of injury. An example of such is North Carolina’s wrongful death statute, which provides two years for the family of decedents to file a civil suit. Finally, the statute of limitations can differ depending on the identity of the wrongdoer, such as if the liable individual was associated with a government entity. Due to the varying statutes of limitations, it is very important to seek legal advice as soon as possible.
Contact an Attorney at Bice Law LLC
If you or a loved one has been injured in North Carolina or South Carolina, seek immediate medical attention and then contact an experienced personal injury attorney by calling 877-BICE-877 or online to schedule a free consultation. An experienced Bice Law personal injury attorney knows the laws and will help you to understand the legal process during a difficult time. A Bice Law attorney is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to answer any questions you may have regarding your possible lawsuit. Having a seasoned attorney on your side can provide comfort and a sense of understanding throughout the difficult legal process. Don’t hesitate or wait too long, because you never know when the statute of limitation on your possible case will run.
