Raleigh Personal Injury Lawyer for You

Life in Raleigh, North Carolina, moves at a vibrant pace, from the bustling streets of Downtown to the popular shopping districts in North Hills or the academic energy around NC State University. But in an instant, an unexpected personal injury may bring your world to a halt. At the Law Offices of James Scott Farrin, we understand the immense challenges you may face. Our Raleigh personal injury lawyers are dedicated to providing the strength, compassion, and advanced legal knowledge you may need during such a difficult time.

Whether it’s a slip and fall on a commercial property, a pedestrian accident near a crosswalk, or a car collision on a busy road like Capital Boulevard, injuries caused by someone else’s negligence may leave you facing mounting medical bills, lost income, and profound physical and emotional pain. You might feel lost and unsure of how to navigate the complex legal and insurance systems.

We are committed to helping injured individuals in Raleigh fight for their rights and pursue the full compensation they may deserve. Don’t face the aftermath of an injury alone. Contact us today for a free and confidential case evaluation.

Key Takeaways

• North Carolina generally follows a three-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims from the date of injury occurrence, but don’t delay.
• Personal injury cases require proving four key elements: duty of care, breach of duty, causation, and quantifiable damages.
• Multiple parties may hold liability in personal injury cases, including individuals, businesses, property owners, and government entities.
• Economic damages may cover medical expenses and lost wages, while non-economic damages can address pain and suffering.
• Claims against government entities in North Carolina have specific filing deadlines that are often shorter than standard personal injury cases.

Why the Law Offices of James Scott Farrin Should Be Your Raleigh Personal Injury Law Firm

When you’ve suffered a personal injury, choosing to get legal representation may profoundly impact your recovery and financial future. At the Law Offices of James Scott Farrin, we bring extensive skill, significant resources, and a steadfast client-first philosophy to every personal injury claim we handle.

Our firm is built on the principle of providing excellent legal representation, providing our clients with compassionate, capable assistance and unwavering advocacy from their initial call through the resolution of their case. We are powerfully equipped to handle the complexities of personal injury cases in Raleigh and throughout North Carolina for people like you.

Our formidable team, comprising 60+ skilled attorneys and more than 200 dedicated staff members, is dedicated to making sure your needs always come first. We can dedicate significant resources to thoroughly investigating your case, developing a strong legal strategy, and challenging large insurance companies.

Our impressive track record demonstrates our commitment to securing justice for injured Raleigh residents:

• We have recovered over $2 billion total for over 73,000 clients since 1997. And counting.¹
• These numbers don’t include the $1.25 billion we led a team of firms to recover for 15,700 claimants in a historic class action case against the U.S. government for discrimination.*
• We recovered over $240 million total for over 5,000 clients in 2024 alone.¹
• We were named to The News & Observer’s 2024 list of “Raleigh’s Best – Law,” a recognition which celebrates the businesses, people, and places that make the Raleigh community proud, as voted by locals.⁴

Many of our attorneys are recognized professionals. And many also hold North Carolina State Bar Board Certification as Specialists in their field.

What Is a Personal Injury Claim?

After being injured by someone else’s negligent behavior, you can bring a personal injury claim to seek compensation for your physical, emotional, and financial harm. These claims are generally filed through the North Carolina civil court system, with Raleigh cases likely at the Wake County District Court.

Common Types of Raleigh Personal Injury Cases We Handle

Personal injury law encompasses a broad range of incidents where negligence leads to harm. In Raleigh, our attorneys frequently handle cases arising from:

• Auto Accidents: Injuries caused by car, truck, motorcycle, pedestrian, and bicycle accidents that are commonly due to distracted driving, speeding, or impaired driving
• Premises Liability: Injuries occurring on someone else’s property due to unsafe conditions, such as slip and falls from wet floors or uneven surfaces in retail stores or apartment complexes
• Defective Products & Drugs (Product Liability): Injuries caused by a flaw in a product’s design, manufacturing, or marketing that makes it unreasonably dangerous
• Employment Injuries: Third-party claims arising alongside workers’ compensation when someone other than the employer contributed to the injury
• Dog Bites: Injuries from animal attacks, where the owner may be held responsible for their pet’s behavior
• Medical Malpractice: Injuries from negligence by healthcare professionals, such as misdiagnosis or surgical errors at local facilities like UNC Health Rex or Duke Raleigh Hospital
• Wrongful Death: Cases brought by surviving family members when a loved one dies due to another party’s negligence

Common Injuries Raleigh Residents May Suffer

The types of injuries sustained in personal injury incidents vary, from minor to life-altering. Our Raleigh personal injury lawyers frequently assist clients who have suffered:

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Ranging from concussions to severe brain damage with long-lasting effects

Spinal Cord Injuries: Injuries that may lead to paralysis or significant mobility issues.

Fractures and Broken Bones: Common in falls and vehicle accidents

Soft Tissue Injuries: Such as whiplash, sprains, and strains that cause chronic pain

Burn Injuries: Burns requiring serious treatment and often leaving lasting scars

Internal Organ Damage: Injuries that may not be immediately apparent but might be life-threatening

Catastrophic Injuries: Life-altering injuries resulting in permanent disability requiring long-term care

Emotional Distress: Psychological trauma, anxiety, depression, and PTSD from the incident

Is My Personal Injury Case Strong?

Determining the strength of your personal injury case in Raleigh depends on several key legal elements. A successful case involves proving:

• A Duty of Care: The at-fault party had a legal obligation to act reasonably to prevent harm, for example, a driver must obey traffic laws, and a store owner must maintain safe premises.

• A Breach of Duty: The at-fault party failed to uphold this duty through their negligent actions or inaction, for example, driving distracted or failing to clean a spill.

• Causation: The at-fault party’s breach directly caused your injuries. There must be a clear link between their negligence and the harm you suffered.

• Damages: You incurred actual, quantifiable losses as a result of your injuries, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Proving these elements and understanding the specifics of North Carolina law is complicated. It’s crucial to consult with an experienced Raleigh personal injury lawyer to assess your situation, explain your rights, and determine the viability of your claim. We offer a free and confidential case evaluation to help you understand your options.

Who May Be Held Legally Liable in a Raleigh Personal Injury Claim?

Identifying all potentially liable parties in a Raleigh personal injury claim is essential for seeking comprehensive compensation. Depending on the accident, responsibility might fall on various individuals, businesses, or entities. Our attorneys meticulously investigate the details to identify all potential sources of liability, including:

• Negligent Drivers: In car, truck, or motorcycle accidents on Raleigh roads, such as along I-40 or Glenwood Avenue, a careless driver is often primarily liable.
• Property Owners: In premises liability cases (like slip-and-fall cases), the property owner (for example, a homeowner, a business in Crabtree Valley Mall, or a Raleigh apartment complex) may be liable if they fail to maintain a safe environment.
• Commercial Businesses: Businesses may be liable for employee negligence, unsafe conditions, or selling defective products.
• Product Manufacturers or Distributors: If your injury resulted from a defective product, the company that designed, manufactured, or distributed it might be held responsible.
• Employers: If the at-fault party was acting within the scope of employment (for example, a delivery driver for a Raleigh-based company), their employer might be liable.
• Government Entities: In some cases, the City of Raleigh, Wake County, or the NCDOT might be liable if the injury resulted from poorly maintained public roads, faulty traffic signals, or negligence by a public employee. Claims against government entities have very specific, often short, filing deadlines.
• Dog Owners: For dog bite incidents, the owner may be liable for injuries caused by their animal, particularly under North Carolina’s “one-bite rule” or if the dog was known to be dangerous.
• Medical Professionals and Facilities: In medical malpractice cases, doctors, nurses, or hospitals (like WakeMed Health & Hospitals or Duke Raleigh Hospital) may be held liable for injuries from negligent care.

Our Raleigh personal injury attorneys conduct thorough investigations to try to identify every potentially liable party and explore all avenues for possible compensation.

What Damages Am I Owed in a Personal Injury Claim in Raleigh?

If your injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, you might be entitled to recover various types of damages in a Raleigh personal injury lawsuit. These potential damages are typically divided into economic, non-economic, and, in some instances, punitive damages.

Economic Damages

Quantifiable financial losses, provable with bills and records, such as:

• Medical Expenses: Past and future medical costs, including emergency services, hospital stays, surgeries, doctor visits, therapy, and long-term care at Raleigh medical facilities.
• Lost Wages and Income: Current and future income loss due to inability to work or reduced earning capacity.
• Loss of Earning Capacity: If injuries permanently reduce your future earning potential.
• Property Damage: Costs to repair or replace damaged property (e.g., your vehicle).
• Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Other direct costs like transportation to medical appointments or necessary home modifications.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages are subjective, non-monetary losses impacting quality of life, such as:

• Pain and Suffering: Physical pain and discomfort
• Emotional Distress: Psychological trauma like anxiety, depression, or PTSD
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Inability to participate in hobbies or daily activities
• Disfigurement and Scarring: For permanent physical alterations
• Loss of Consortium: For a spouse’s loss of companionship and support

Punitive Damages

Sometimes awarded under North Carolina law, these damages punish egregious conduct and try to deter future similar actions. 

Our Raleigh personal injury attorneys are highly experienced in thoroughly assessing all categories of damages, working with medical and financial experts as needed to conduct a comprehensive valuation and striving for maximum compensation on your behalf.

Is There a Deadline for Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit in Raleigh? 

Personal injury cases in North Carolina are subject to a strict legal deadline known as the “statute of limitations,” which dictates how long you have to file a lawsuit in court. For most personal injury claims, the general rule in North Carolina is that you have three years from the date of the injury to file your lawsuit.

Missing this deadline may have severe consequences, and you might permanently lose your right to seek compensation for your injuries, regardless of the merits of your case. Because gathering evidence, identifying any liable parties, and negotiating with insurance companies might be a lengthy process, quickly hiring a skilled attorney is crucial.

How Much Does a Personal Injury Attorney in Raleigh Cost? 

The financial strain that often follows a personal injury can be immense. We don’t want to add the concern of legal fees to your burden. At the Law Offices of James Scott Farrin, your access to experienced and effective legal representation should not be limited by your current financial situation while you are suffering due to someone else’s negligence. That’s why we handle Raleigh personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis.2

This means you pay us no upfront legal fees, and you don’t pay for our legal services unless we successfully secure compensation for you. Guaranteed.² This arrangement means our interests are fully aligned with yours. We are motivated to achieve the best possible outcome for your claim, and this structure reduces the financial risk for you, allowing you to focus on your recovery while we tirelessly fight to secure the full justice and compensation you may deserve.

Partner With the Team at the Law Offices of James Scott Farrin Instead of Trying to Handle Your Claim Alone

Navigating the aftermath of a personal injury in Raleigh can be incredibly complex and emotionally draining. Trying to handle your claim alone against experienced adjusters and corporate legal teams may put you at a significant disadvantage, potentially jeopardizing compensation you may be entitled to.

An experienced Raleigh personal injury lawyer from the Law Offices of James Scott Farrin can be your advocate by taking on the burden of your legal fight, which can significantly improve your chances of securing the compensation you may need to heal and move forward. Here’s how our dedicated legal team can assist you:

Investigation and Evidence Gathering

• Comprehensive Accident Investigation: We know how to launch a thorough investigation into your accident. This includes collecting available evidence such as police reports, medical records, witness statements, photographs, video surveillance, and expert opinions as needed to build a clear and compelling case.
• Determining and Proving Liability: Our attorneys meticulously work to identify all potentially liable parties and gather evidence to try to prove that their negligence directly caused your injuries, a critical step in North Carolina personal injury claims.

Case Development and Valuation

• Accurately Valuing Your Damages: We work diligently to assess the full extent of your possible losses, both current and future. We consult with medical professionals and financial analysts as needed to complete a comprehensive valuation.

Communication and Negotiation

• Handling Communication and Negotiations: Dealing with insurance adjusters can be frustrating and may involve tactics that can lead to reduced payouts. We will handle the communication, negotiation, and paperwork on your behalf, helping protect your rights and identifying common pitfalls that can harm your claim.

Legal Representation

• Litigation Readiness: While most personal injury cases don’t go to trial, we prepare every case as if it might. If insurance companies or at-fault parties refuse to offer a fair settlement, our tenacious litigators are fully prepared to take your case to court if needed, presenting a well-crafted argument to a judge or jury to fight for all the justice you may deserve.
• Managing Paperwork and Deadlines: The legal process is laden with strict deadlines and complex documentation. We meticulously manage the necessary filings, paperwork, and procedural requirements.

Support and Guidance

• Providing Compassionate Guidance: We understand that this is a difficult time for you. Our team provides empathetic support, clear explanations of the legal process, and consistent communication throughout the entire legal process, keeping you informed every step of the way. We are here to answer your questions and alleviate your stress so you may focus on your recovery.

With an attorney from the Law Offices of James Scott Farrin by your side, you gain a formidable advocate dedicated to protecting your rights, alleviating your burden, and tirelessly pursuing the compensation you may need to heal and rebuild your life after a personal injury in Raleigh.

“I’m excited to share the positive support and effective assistance I have encountered since becoming a client for Law Offices of James Farrin. The staff and attorneys are extremely knowledgeable about your individual case.” – LaVonne C., Raleigh Google review¹

FAQ for Raleigh Personal Injury Lawyer

What should I do immediately after suffering a personal injury in Raleigh?

Seek medical attention first, even if injuries seem minor. If possible, document the scene with photos, gather witness contact information, and report the incident to the appropriate authorities. Avoid discussing fault or giving recorded statements to insurance companies before consulting an attorney.

How do I prove negligence in a North Carolina personal injury case?

North Carolina requires proving four elements: the defendant owed you a duty of care, they breached that duty, their breach caused your injuries, and you suffered actual damages. Evidence like police reports, witness statements, medical records, and expert testimony can help establish these elements.

What is North Carolina’s one-bite rule for dog attacks?

North Carolina follows a modified one-bite rule, meaning dog owners may be liable if they knew or should have known their dog had dangerous tendencies. However, liability may also apply if the owner was negligent in controlling their dog, regardless of prior incidents.

How do premises liability cases work for slip and fall accidents?

Property owners in North Carolina must maintain reasonably safe conditions for visitors. Possible liability can depend on your status (invitee, licensee, or trespasser), whether the owner knew of the dangerous condition, and if they took reasonable steps to address it or warn visitors.

What makes medical malpractice cases different from other personal injury claims?

Medical malpractice cases require proving the healthcare provider deviated from the accepted standard of care. North Carolina requires expert medical testimony to establish this standard and often has shorter filing deadlines and damage caps for certain types of malpractice claims.

Take Action for Your Recovery

A personal injury may profoundly impact every aspect of your life, leaving you with lasting pain, financial strain, and an uncertain future. You don’t have to face the complexities of the legal system or the tactics of powerful insurance companies alone.

The Law Offices of James Scott Farrin is committed to serving accident victims across North Carolina, including here in Raleigh. Our goal is to help you secure the financial recovery necessary for your healing and to move forward with your life.

If you, or a loved one, have been injured due to someone else’s negligence, reach out for legal guidance now. For a free and confidential case evaluation, contact our dedicated team. Call us 24/7 at 1-866-900-7078 or contact us online to learn how we can help you. Tell them you mean business.

*In re Black Farmers Discrimination Litigation, the Law Offices of James Scott Farrin led a team of firms to recover $1.25 billion from the U.S. government for discrimination against African-American farmers.1