If someone else’s negligence caused your injuries, you likely have a personal injury case. In a personal injury case, you can pursue compensation for the losses caused by someone’s wrongful actions or inactions. However, these cases can quickly become complicated. To file a claim, you will need to collect evidence, identify at-fault parties, and negotiate with insurers.
Fortunately, you do not have to file a claim on your own. At Mezrano® Injury Lawyers, our Alabama personal injury attorneys can represent you through the claims process and pursue compensation on your behalf. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you do not have to pay any fees unless and until we secure compensation for you.
What Qualifies as a Personal Injury Case?
In every successful personal injury case, someone had a duty to act reasonably, failed to do so, caused an injury, and the injury resulted in damages. The legal elements of negligence in a personal injury case include:
- A duty of care
- A breach of that duty
- Causation
- Compensable damages
For example, if a store leaves a spill on the floor without warning customers and you slip, suffer an injury, and incur medical bills, you could pursue a personal injury claim. The store likely had a duty to clean up the spill that caused your accident and subsequent injury.
How Do You Know If You Have a Personal Injury Case?
If you have a personal injury case, your accident will likely have some key indicators. These include someone who caused your accident, in other words, an at-fault party, and real injuries.
Personal injury cases typically involve common accidents such as car collisions, slip and fall accidents, and defective products. In these common cases, someone’s actions or inaction caused the accident and the injuries that followed.
How Alabama’s Contributory Negligence Rule Affects Fault
Alabama uses a pure contributory negligence rule to determine how much compensation the plaintiff is entitled to. Under this strict system, even if you are only 1% at fault, it can bar you from recovering damages. Due to the heightened risk of losing out on compensation, it is essential to file your claim early with strong evidence. Having an attorney by your side can be incredibly beneficial in building a compelling claim against the at-fault party.
“Always seek legal advice. Injuries can be difficult for victims, and as a result, can cause financial hardships due to medical treatment, pain and suffering, lost wages, and property damage. Victims require the knowledge, experience, and service of an attorney who will fight for their rights. I understand the pain my clients are going through, and I show them the personal care they deserve."
Is There a Filing Deadline for Personal Injury Claims in Alabama?
Yes. In Alabama, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury case is generally two years from the date of your accident. This means that even if you have all of the qualifying elements, you must also file your claim within the mandated deadlines in order to have a case.
Waiting too long to file your claim can cost you the right to compensation. However, there are also exceptions to this filing deadline that may apply in unique cases, such as those involving government entities, delayed injuries, and minors. Speaking with a lawyer about your case can clarify deadlines and whether any exceptions apply.
What Types of Compensation Can Be Recovered?
The types of compensation you can recover in a personal injury case might include economic damages, such as medical bills, lost wages, and other out-of-pocket expenses. You may also be able to recover non-economic damages for losses such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.
When To Talk to an Attorney About a Personal Injury Case
It is always a good idea to consult an attorney in your personal injury case, especially if you have suffered a serious injury, the other party disputes fault, or an insurance company offers you a settlement that is less than the value of your claim.
A free consultation with our attorneys can help you understand if you have a personal injury case and advise you on your options without any obligation or upfront legal fees. At Mezrano® Injury Lawyers, our legal team can review your case and explain whether pursuing a claim makes sense.
Get in Touch With Mezrano® Injury Lawyers Today To Discuss Your Case
If you were injured because of someone else’s negligence, we are here to help. Our attorneys have secured compensation for numerous clients throughout Alabama. Contact us to schedule a free, confidential consultation by calling 205-537-0112. You pay nothing unless our firm recovers compensation for you.
