North Myrtle Beach Personal Injury Lawyer

North Myrtle Beach Personal Injury Attorney

Personal injuries in North Myrtle Beach can occur in various settings. These include automobile accidents, slip and fall incidents, and workplace accidents. Injuries may also be sustained due to poorly maintained public or private properties. Given the area’s popularity as a tourist destination, its crowded streets, busy businesses, and bustling recreational areas can increase the likelihood of accidents.

Types of Personal Injury Cases in North Myrtle Beach

Understanding the different categories of personal injury can help you determine whether your situation merits legal action. Some common examples include:

• Auto Accidents: These are among the most frequent personal injury cases in North Myrtle Beach. They often occur during the heavy traffic and influx of tourists during peak seasons. Accidents can involve drivers, passengers, pedestrians, or bicyclists who suffer injuries due to another driver’s negligence. Examples include driving faster than the posted speed limit or while under the influence.
• Slip and Fall Accidents: Property owners, including businesses and homeowners, are responsible for maintaining safe premises for visitors. Slip and fall accidents can occur when hazards like wet floors, uneven surfaces, or poorly lit areas are not addressed. When someone slips or falls from these unsafe conditions, a personal injury claim may arise.
• Medical Malpractice: Medical malpractice cases involve healthcare professionals, such as doctors, nurses, or hospital staff. When they fail to provide the appropriate standard of care, they may harm the patient. Examples include misdiagnoses, surgical errors, medication errors, and failure to obtain informed consent.
• Workplace Accidents: Employees in various industries can suffer injuries due to unsafe conditions or negligence by their employer. Construction sites, restaurants, and retail stores are some examples of workplaces where accidents can frequently occur. Injured workers may have a personal injury claim in addition to workers’ compensation benefits, especially if their employer’s negligence contributed to the incident.
• Product Liability: Product liability cases occur when a dangerous or defective product harms consumers. This can include faulty appliances, unsafe toys, contaminated food, or defective automobile parts. In such cases, a personal injury claim can be filed against the product’s manufacturer, distributor, or seller. This can hold them accountable for the harm caused.
• Dog Bites: South Carolina law holds dog owners liable for injuries caused by their pets if they fail to properly control or restrain the animal. Dog bites can result in severe physical and emotional injuries, including scarring, disfigurement, and psychological trauma. A personal injury attorney can help victims pursue compensation from the dog owner for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.

Proving Negligence in a Personal Injury Case

To successfully pursue a personal injury claim, the plaintiff must prove the defendant was negligent. Establishing negligence is crucial to obtaining compensation for the injured party. There are four elements required to demonstrate negligence in a personal injury case:

• Duty: The first step in establishing negligence is to show that the defendant owed a legal duty to the plaintiff. This duty is often called the “standard of care.” This is the level of caution and attentiveness that a reasonable person would exercise in a similar situation. For example, drivers must obey traffic laws and exercise caution to avoid causing harm to others on the road. Similarly, property owners have to maintain safe premises for visitors and address potential hazards.
• Breach: Once it is established that the defendant owed a duty to the plaintiff, the next step is to demonstrate that the defendant breached this duty. A breach occurs when the defendant fails to meet the expected standard of care. This could include driving recklessly, failing to maintain a safe property, or providing inadequate medical care. Proving a breach often requires gathering evidence and potentially calling upon witnesses or other testimony to support the claim.
• Causation: After proving a breach of duty, it is necessary to demonstrate causation, showing that the defendant’s actions or inactions directly led to the plaintiff’s injuries. This element is crucial. It connects the defendant’s negligence to the harm suffered by the plaintiff. Causation can be challenging to prove, particularly in cases where multiple factors contributed to the accident or injury. A North Myrtle Beach personal injury lawyer can help gather evidence and build a compelling case for causation.
• Damages: The final element in proving negligence is to show that the plaintiff suffered actual harm or losses due to the defendant’s negligence. Damages can include hospital expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses attributable to the injury. It is essential to document these damages thoroughly. It is also critical to provide evidence, such as medical records, bills, and employment records, to support the compensation claim.

Compensation in Personal Injury Cases in North Myrtle, SC

In a successful personal injury case, the plaintiff may be awarded various forms of compensation. This can help them recover from the harm they have suffered. This compensation is intended to make the injured party “whole” again to the greatest extent possible. The three primary categories of compensation include:

• Economic Damages: Economic damages cover the plaintiff’s financial losses resulting from the injury. These losses can be quantified and typically include:
  • Medical Bills: This includes the cost of emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, medications, and any future medical expenses related to the injury.
  • Lost Wages: If the injured party cannot work due to their injuries, they can seek compensation for the income they have lost while recovering.
  • Loss of Earning Capacity: In cases where the injury results in long-term or permanent disability, the plaintiff may be entitled to compensation for the diminished capacity to earn a living.
  • Property Damage: If the plaintiff’s property, such as a vehicle or personal belongings, was damaged in the accident, they may seek compensation to repair or replace the damaged items.
• Non-Economic Damages: Non-economic damages compensate the plaintiff for non-financial harm. This is more subjective and difficult to quantify. These can include:
  • Pain and Suffering: This refers to the physical discomfort and emotional distress experienced by the plaintiff due to their injuries.
  • Emotional Distress: In some cases, the psychological impact of an accident can be severe, leading to anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder. Compensation may be awarded to address the emotional and mental toll of the injury.
  • Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If the injury prevents the plaintiff from participating in activities they previously enjoyed, they may be entitled to compensation for the diminished quality of life.
  • Loss of Consortium: In cases where the injury affects the plaintiff’s relationship with their spouse or partner, compensation may be awarded for the loss of companionship, affection, or intimacy.
• Punitive Damages: Punitive damages are not awarded in every personal injury case. However, they may be considered in cases involving intentional or extremely reckless behavior by the defendant. The purpose of punitive damages is to punish the wrongdoer. It also serves as a deterrent against similar conduct in the future. These damages are typically awarded in addition to economic and non-economic damages. They are subject to certain limitations under South Carolina

FAQs About North Myrtle Beach, SC Personal Injury Laws

How Much Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Charge in South Carolina?

Personal injury lawyers in South Carolina typically work on a contingency fee plan. This means that they do not charge upfront fees for their services. Instead, they collect a percentage of the settlement or award obtained for the client. This percentage can range from 25% to 40%, depending on the case’s complexity and whether it goes to trial. Before hiring a personal injury lawyer, it is essential to discuss their fee structure. You should also ensure that you understand the financial implications of your agreement.

Do I Need a Lawyer for My Personal Injury Case?

While you are not legally required to hire a lawyer, having experienced legal representation can improve your chances for compensation. Personal injury cases can be complex, and navigating the legal system without professional guidance can be challenging. A personal injury lawyer can help you gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent your interests in court if necessary.

What Is the Average Settlement in South Carolina for a Personal Injury Case?

It is difficult to provide a specific average settlement amount for personal injury cases in South Carolina. Each case is unique, and the exact settlement amount depends on various factors. These factors include:

• The severity of the injury
• The extent of medical expenses
• The degree of negligence involved
• The impact of the injury on the plaintiff’s life

Some cases may result in settlements of a few thousand dollars, while others may involve millions. It is crucial to work with a personal injury lawyer. They can accurately assess your case’s value and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

What Are Some Tips for Hiring Personal Injury Attorneys?

When choosing a personal injury lawyer, research and select an accident attorney with experience handling similar cases. Ask for references from past clients and read online reviews to better understand the attorney’s quality of service. Additionally, be wary of lawyers who guarantee success or offer unreasonably large settlements. There is no way to guarantee the outcome of a case.

Contact Axelrod & Associates Today

If you have been injured due to another person’s negligence, the experienced legal team at Axelrod & Associates can help. Our attorneys understand the details of South Carolina’s personal injury laws. We can provide comprehensive legal guidance throughout your case. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about your legal options.