When someone suffers harm because another person or business failed to act responsibly, North Carolina law gives them the chance to step into the ring and fight for recovery. Personal injury cases cover a wide range of situations—from car crashes and unsafe properties to medical errors and defective products. Each type of case follows its own rules and evidence requirements, but they all share a common purpose: helping victims regain stability and rebuild their lives.
Lanier Law Group helps clients understand that personal injury law is about restoring balance, not throwing wild punches. Whether the harm occurred on the road, at work, or in a medical setting, the law gives you the tools to stand your ground and pursue accountability. Knowing which type of claim applies to your situation is the first step toward protecting your rights and achieving justice.
Why Accident Victims Trust Lanier Law Group
Lanier Law Group has built a reputation for handling every kind of injury case across North Carolina with care and precision. We combine statewide resources with local knowledge to help clients navigate both simple and complex claims.
Decades of Experience Handling Every Type of Injury Case in North Carolina
Since 1997, we have represented clients in nearly every category of personal injury law. From routine car accidents to catastrophic injury claims, our attorneys understand how to investigate, document, and present a case effectively. We have appeared in courts throughout North Carolina, gaining valuable insight into how local judges and juries evaluate these cases.
Comprehensive Legal Resources and Statewide Trial Experience
We manage every phase of a case—from investigation and evidence collection to negotiation and trial. Our team includes experienced litigators, investigators, and medical experts who work together to strengthen each claim. With offices throughout the state, we are ready to represent clients wherever they live or were injured.
Personalized Attention and Proven Results for Every Client
Our approach begins with listening. We learn how the injury has affected your health, finances, and family life, and then build a strategy tailored to your goals. Each client receives direct access to their attorney and regular updates about their case. While our results reflect decades of advocacy, past outcomes do not guarantee future success. We treat every case as unique and deserving of our full commitment.
Overview of Personal Injury Cases in North Carolina
Personal injury cases arise when someone’s negligence, carelessness, or intentional conduct causes another person to suffer harm. The injury can be physical, emotional, or financial, but the foundation of every case is proving fault.
What Qualifies as a Personal Injury Claim in North Carolina
A personal injury claim is a civil action, not a criminal proceeding. It seeks compensation for losses such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. These claims are based on negligence, meaning the defendant failed to act with the level of care a reasonable person would have used under the same circumstances.
The Role of Negligence and Duty of Care
To succeed, you must show that the defendant owed a duty of care, breached that duty, and caused your injuries as a result. Drivers owe a duty to operate vehicles safely, property owners must maintain safe premises, and medical professionals are required to meet accepted standards of care. Establishing these duties is central to any personal injury case.
Common Legal Doctrines in North Carolina Civil Lawsuits
North Carolina’s contributory negligence rule plays a major role in determining compensation. Under this rule, if the injured person is even one percent at fault, they may be barred from recovery. The state also recognizes rules governing damages, such as limits on punitive awards and medical malpractice claims. These doctrines make careful legal preparation critical to a successful outcome.
How Case Type Determines Evidence and Compensation Strategy
Each type of personal injury case demands a different approach. For example, auto collisions rely heavily on crash reports and medical bills, while medical malpractice cases require expert testimony. Understanding the nuances of each category helps ensure that the claim is presented with the right evidence and legal strategy.
Motor Vehicle Accident Cases: Cars, Trucks, and Motorcycles
Motor vehicle accidents are the most common source of personal injury claims in North Carolina. They can involve private drivers, commercial vehicles, or pedestrians, and they often result in significant physical, financial, and emotional losses.
Car Accidents: Driver Negligence and Insurance Coverage in North Carolina
Car accident claims typically arise from speeding, distracted driving, or impaired driving. Victims can pursue compensation for medical bills, lost income, and property damage through the at-fault driver’s insurance. North Carolina requires minimum liability coverage, but many accidents exceed those limits, making it essential to investigate all available sources of recovery.
Truck Accidents: Federal Regulations and Commercial Liability
Truck accident cases are more complex because they involve multiple responsible parties. Trucking companies must follow strict federal safety regulations concerning maintenance, loading, and driver hours. When companies cut corners, their negligence can have devastating consequences. Our firm investigates driver logs, inspection records, and corporate policies to determine liability and pursue compensation from all responsible parties.
Motorcycle Crashes and Roadway Hazards Unique to Riders
Motorcycle riders face heightened risks due to visibility issues and lack of protection. Even minor collisions can result in serious injuries. North Carolina law requires motorcyclists to follow specific helmet and licensing rules, but those same laws also protect riders from being unfairly blamed for accidents caused by negligent drivers or poor road maintenance.
Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents on North Carolina Streets
Pedestrians and cyclists are vulnerable to severe injuries when drivers fail to yield or follow traffic laws. North Carolina statutes give these road users the right of way in many situations. We help clients pursue claims against negligent drivers, as well as municipalities or contractors responsible for unsafe crosswalks or poorly maintained bike lanes.
Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Claims in North Carolina
When a driver lacks adequate insurance, victims may rely on their own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. These claims can be complicated because your insurer now acts as an opposing party. We handle communication with insurance companies directly to ensure your coverage works as intended and that you receive the benefits you have paid for.
Premises Liability and Slip and Fall Lawsuits in North Carolina
Property owners and managers have a legal duty to maintain safe environments. When unsafe conditions cause injury, victims can bring premises liability claims to recover for their losses.
Property Owner Duties Under North Carolina Law
North Carolina law requires property owners to exercise reasonable care in maintaining their premises. The level of responsibility depends on who enters the property—whether a customer, tenant, or invited guest. Owners must correct known hazards or warn visitors of potential dangers.
Slip and Fall Accidents in Businesses, Apartments, and Public Spaces
Slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere, from grocery stores to apartment complexes. Common causes include wet floors, uneven pavement, and poor lighting. To prove liability, we show that the property owner knew or should have known about the hazard and failed to address it in a reasonable time.
Negligent Security and Third-Party Assaults
Owners may also be responsible for crimes that occur on their property if inadequate security contributed to the harm. Examples include insufficient lighting or broken locks in apartment buildings. These cases combine elements of premises liability and negligence, focusing on whether reasonable steps could have prevented the assault.
Dog Bites and Other Animal Attack Claims
Dog owners can be held liable when their pets bite or injure someone. North Carolina law applies both negligence and strict liability standards depending on the circumstances. Medical documentation, witness testimony, and evidence of prior incidents often play key roles in proving fault.
Proving Notice and Preventability in Premises Cases
A strong premises liability case relies on demonstrating that the property owner had notice of the danger and failed to act. Evidence such as maintenance logs, surveillance footage, and witness statements helps establish that the hazard existed long enough for corrective action to be taken.
Medical Malpractice and Negligence Claims
Medical malpractice is among the most complex types of personal injury litigation in North Carolina. These claims involve high evidentiary standards and specific procedural requirements.
Common Medical Errors: Misdiagnosis, Surgical Mistakes, Medication Errors
When medical professionals fail to meet the accepted standard of care, patients can suffer lasting harm. Common malpractice claims include errors in diagnosis, surgical injuries, anesthesia mistakes, and medication mismanagement. Each requires careful analysis of medical records and expert review.
Expert Testimony and Standard of Care Requirements
State law requires expert witnesses to establish what the medical standard of care should have been and how the provider’s conduct deviated from it. These experts must hold qualifications similar to those of the defendant to testify effectively. Our firm maintains relationships with trusted professionals who can review cases and provide credible testimony.
North Carolina Damage Caps for Medical Malpractice Cases
North Carolina limits the amount of non-economic damages—such as pain and suffering—in malpractice cases. The cap is adjusted for inflation and currently exceeds $560,000. Economic damages like medical expenses and lost wages are not capped. Understanding these limits is critical for setting expectations and negotiating settlements.
Special Filing Rules and Deadlines for Malpractice Claims
Malpractice claims often have shorter deadlines than other injury cases. Patients must generally file within three years of the negligent act or one year of discovering the injury. Early investigation ensures compliance with these time limits and helps preserve medical evidence before it becomes difficult to obtain.
Product Liability Cases and Dangerous Consumer Goods
Consumers trust that the products they use are safe. When a defective or dangerous item causes injury, the manufacturer, distributor, or retailer may be held liable under North Carolina product liability law. These cases require demonstrating how the defect occurred and how it directly caused harm.
Defective Design, Manufacturing Errors, and Failure to Warn
Product defects typically fall into three categories: design flaws, manufacturing mistakes, and inadequate warnings. A design defect occurs when the product is inherently unsafe, even when used as intended. Manufacturing errors happen when a problem arises during production that makes a single batch or item dangerous. Failure-to-warn claims involve products that lack proper safety instructions or hazard warnings. We investigate all potential causes and identify the responsible parties to ensure full accountability.
Dangerous Drugs, Defective Auto Parts, and Medical Devices
Some of the most serious product liability cases involve pharmaceuticals, vehicle components, or medical implants. Defective airbags, contaminated medications, or faulty prosthetic devices can lead to widespread injuries. Our firm has experience analyzing technical documentation, consulting with industry experts, and pursuing compensation from large corporations that put profits ahead of safety.
How North Carolina Product Liability Law Holds Companies Accountable
North Carolina law allows victims to pursue claims under negligence or strict liability theories. Manufacturers and sellers must ensure their products are reasonably safe for their intended use. If they fail to test adequately, issue recalls promptly, or provide clear warnings, they can be found liable for resulting injuries. Holding these entities accountable protects both victims and future consumers.
Evidence Needed to Prove a Product Defect
Strong documentation is essential in product liability cases. We collect maintenance records, expert reports, and product testing data to show how and why the defect occurred. Preserving the defective product itself is critical because it often serves as key evidence. Expert testimony from engineers or safety professionals can help explain complex technical issues to judges and juries.
Workplace and Construction Accident Injury Cases
Workplace injuries are common across North Carolina, particularly in industries involving heavy machinery or construction. While most employees receive benefits through workers’ compensation, there are situations where a separate personal injury lawsuit may also apply.
Workers’ Compensation Coverage in North Carolina
Workers’ compensation provides benefits for medical treatment and partial wage replacement when employees are injured on the job. This system does not require proving fault, but it also limits recovery to specific categories of damages. If an employer has insurance coverage, claims must generally be filed through this process first.
Third-Party Negligence in Construction Site Injuries
Some accidents involve third parties, such as subcontractors, equipment manufacturers, or property owners. In these cases, an injured worker may be able to file a civil lawsuit in addition to a workers’ compensation claim. We evaluate each incident to identify whether third-party negligence contributed to the injury, which can increase total recovery.
Employer Safety Violations and OSHA Standards
Employers must follow Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations and state safety laws. Failure to maintain safe working conditions, provide protective gear, or follow proper training protocols can result in serious injuries. When these violations cause harm, they may serve as evidence of negligence in a personal injury or wrongful death claim.
When You Can File a Personal Injury Lawsuit Outside Workers’ Comp
If an employer intentionally disregards safety laws or a third party’s negligence caused the accident, you may be able to pursue additional compensation. We analyze each situation to determine the best legal approach. Our dual experience in workers’ compensation and civil litigation ensures that no potential recovery path is overlooked.
Wrongful Death Claims in North Carolina
When negligence leads to the death of a loved one, family members have the right to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit. These cases provide compensation for financial losses and emotional harm while holding the responsible party legally accountable.
What Qualifies as Wrongful Death Under North Carolina Statutes
Under North Carolina General Statutes § 28A-18-2, a wrongful death claim may arise from any act that would have allowed the deceased to file a personal injury lawsuit had they survived. Common examples include vehicle accidents, medical malpractice, and workplace incidents.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in North Carolina
Only the personal representative of the deceased’s estate may file a wrongful death claim on behalf of the surviving family. This representative is often named in a will or appointed by the court. Family members such as spouses, children, or parents are typically the ultimate beneficiaries of any damages recovered.
Damages Recoverable by Families and Beneficiaries
Damages in a wrongful death lawsuit can include medical bills related to the final injury, funeral expenses, lost income, and loss of companionship. Compensation also accounts for the emotional suffering of surviving family members. Our firm works closely with families to document every form of loss and ensure that damages reflect the full impact of the tragedy.
Key Deadlines and Legal Process for Wrongful Death Claims
The statute of limitations for wrongful death claims in North Carolina is generally two years from the date of death. Because these cases require probate coordination and complex financial evidence, acting quickly is crucial. We help families handle paperwork, identify beneficiaries, and file claims within all required time limits.
Less Common but Serious Personal Injury Lawsuits
While some personal injury claims are routine, others involve specialized areas of law. These cases often require unique evidence, expert testimony, or complex litigation strategies.
Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Claims
Elderly residents are particularly vulnerable to mistreatment in care facilities. Claims may arise from physical abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation. North Carolina law allows victims or their families to seek damages against both individual caregivers and institutions that fail to provide adequate supervision or staffing.
Toxic Exposure and Environmental Injury Cases
Exposure to hazardous chemicals, contaminated water, or industrial pollution can cause long-term illnesses. These cases frequently involve multiple defendants, including manufacturers and property owners. Proving liability requires scientific evidence linking the exposure to specific health effects.
Maritime and Boating Accident Claims in North Carolina
North Carolina’s coastal waters and lakes see frequent boating and maritime accidents. Federal maritime law may apply alongside state law, depending on where the accident occurred. Claims can involve operator negligence, equipment failure, or inadequate safety precautions. Our attorneys understand the interplay between maritime and state jurisdictions and use that knowledge to pursue compensation effectively.
Civil Assault, Battery, and Intentional Tort Lawsuits
Personal injury law also covers intentional acts that cause harm. Assault and battery claims allow victims to recover compensation for physical and emotional injuries even when criminal charges are filed separately. We help clients hold individuals and entities accountable for violent or deliberate misconduct.
Catastrophic Injuries: Brain, Spinal Cord, and Burn Cases
Catastrophic injury cases involve life-altering harm that affects mobility, independence, and long-term health. These claims often include extensive medical testimony and life-care planning to project future expenses. Our firm coordinates with medical and financial experts to calculate damages that account for rehabilitation, home modifications, and ongoing treatment.
How an North Carolina Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help With Any Case
Personal injury law in North Carolina is broad and complex. Each case requires legal knowledge, investigative skill, and a strategy tailored to the facts. Having experienced representation ensures that your claim is handled thoroughly and efficiently.
Evaluating Case Type and Legal Viability
We begin by reviewing the facts to determine which laws apply and whether negligence can be proven. Clear evaluation saves time and ensures that resources are used effectively.
Investigating Evidence and Building Strong Claims
Our team collects documentation, interviews witnesses, and secures expert opinions. By developing a clear timeline and factual record, we strengthen your position during negotiations or trial.
Coordinating Medical, Economic, and Expert Testimony
Complex injury cases rely on professionals who can explain technical details. We work with doctors, engineers, and economists to show the full extent of harm and the costs associated with recovery.
Negotiating Settlements and Taking Cases to Trial When Needed
Most personal injury cases end in settlement, but we prepare each one as if it will go to court. This readiness increases leverage during negotiation and ensures that we can proceed to trial if fair compensation is not offered.
Injured in North Carolina? Contact Lanier Law Group Today
No matter the type of injury, you deserve a heavyweight in your corner—an attorney who knows how to protect your rights and fight for the results you deserve. We handle every major category of personal injury case across North Carolina and have the experience to pursue compensation even in the toughest bouts.
If you or someone you love has been injured, call 919-342-1368 or contact us online for a free consultation. We are available at any time to answer your questions and explain your legal options. Our firm works on a contingency fee basis—you pay no legal fees unless we recover compensation for you. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes, but our dedication to fighting for North Carolinians never wavers.