Injuries are not uncommon, and most of us get hurt at one point or another in our lives. However, many accidents are not just accidents but the result of someone else’s carelessness. You may be entitled to financial compensation, and an attorney should help you.
A personal injury claim often arises after an accident. Auto accidents, workplace injuries, accidents on unsafe property, and even defective products may lead to personal injury claims. If you sue the person or people responsible, you may claim numerous damages, such as medical costs, property damage, lost income, pain, suffering, and more. Contact an attorney for help as soon as possible, as we may need as much time as we can get to investigate and find evidence.
Contact our personal injury attorneys for a free, confidential legal analysis of your claims by calling the Graves Injury Law Firm at (305) 614-2767.
What Can You Claim in a Personal Injury Lawsuit?
When suing for personal injuries, we must have an accurate and thorough accounting of all your damages. Damages vary from case to case, and we may need to investigate to determine all your damages.
Hospital Bills
Personal injuries often require medical care, which is unfortunately very expensive. Even just one visit to the emergency room could cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars. People with severe injuries that require more extensive, long-term treatment can easily rack up tens of thousands of dollars in medical bills.
Costs of Property Damage
In addition to physical injuries, you may suffer property damage. After a car accident, your vehicle and all your personal belongings inside might be damaged or destroyed. Even in slip and fall accidents, you might land on your cell phone in your pocket, crushing it. Replacing property can be costly, and it should be accounted for in your damages.
Lost Income from Missing Work
Injuries can be so serious that victims cannot return to work for a while. If you cannot work, you may lose income. The longer you cannot work, the more income you lose, and the higher your claims for damages should be. Talk to your attorney about your job and income so they can calculate how much income you have lost and may continue to lose as your case progresses.
Pain and Suffering
Not all damages are based on how much money they cost. Your non-economic damages may revolve around your physical pain, mental or emotional distress, and suffering.
These damages are unique to each person and may vary based on how they affect your daily life. The more these painful experiences disrupt your life, the more damages you should claim.
Future Damages
Some damages may continue long after a lawsuit ends. For example, many injured victims need long-term medical care that lasts beyond the end of a personal injury lawsuit. Those same people might remain out of work and continue to lose income.
In these cases, our personal injury attorneys can help you consider claiming future damages. We need to calculate how much your future medical care will likely cost and the value of lost future income, which may be substantial.
How Do You Find Proof of Your Personal Injury Claims in Myrtle Beach, SC?
Evidence of your claims may come from almost anywhere, depending on how the accident and your injuries occurred. Below are some examples of evidence commonly used in various personal injury cases.
Photos of the Accident
After an accident, it is a good idea to take as many pictures as possible while waiting for help. Most cell phones today have high-quality cameras that you can use to snap quick pictures very easily. The more pictures you take, the more evidence you might have to support your claims.
Video Footage
If we can find video footage of the accident, it may be some of the most powerful evidence we have. Videos of accidents often show exactly what happened and shed light on how the defendant caused the accident. Such videos may be difficult to dispute in court.
Video footage may come from nearby security cameras, dashcams inside vehicles, or videos people recorded using their cell phones.
Witnesses
Even when other evidence is lacking, we can build a strong case based on accurate witness testimony. People who saw the accident happen, or those who might have been involved or caught up in the accident, may provide testimony supporting your claims.
We may need to review police reports to identify potential witnesses. Also, you should speak to others at the accident scene while waiting for help and take note of their names.
Medical Records
We also need some evidence of your injuries that shows their extent and severity. Your medical records about your injuries may be necessary. They may show exactly how you were hurt, the extent of the injuries, and the cost of medical care. We should request copies of your medical records quickly, as they can take time for hospital workers to compile.
FAQs About Personal Injury Cases in Myrtle Beach, SC
How Do You Know if You Have a Personal Injury Claim?
Personal injury claims must involve some form of bodily harm. You may claim other damages, but bodily injuries are a must. Many personal injury cases stem from unintentional accidents, although you can sue for intentional torts, too.
When Should You File a Lawsuit for Personal Injuries in Myrtle Beach, SC?
You should file a lawsuit as soon as possible. In South Carolina, injured plaintiffs have 3 years to file a personal injury lawsuit, and this time begins on the day of the accident.
Should You Report Accidents Involving Personal Injuries to the Police?
Yes. Many accidents constitute serious emergencies or even crimes, and the police should be involved. They can investigate the accident, draft formal reports on their findings, and render emergency aid until medical personnel arrive.
Are Personal Injury Claims Worth Much Financial Compensation?
Possibly. Many injury cases involve severe injuries, costly medical treatment, and numerous other losses and damages. It is common for plaintiffs to claim many thousands of dollars in damages, sometimes even more in extreme cases.
Ask for Legal Support from Our Personal Injury Attorneys in Myrtle Beach, SC
Contact our personal injury attorneys for a free, confidential legal analysis of your claims by calling the Graves Injury Law Firm at (305) 614-2767.
