Personal injury laws in Delaware are designed to protect your rights and ensure that you receive compensation for any injuries you sustain due to the negligence of another party. If you’re involved in an accident that was caused by someone else’s carelessness, you may be entitled to damages. To navigate the complexities of Delaware’s personal injury laws, it’s important to understand the basics. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know to get started.
Table of Contents
What is a Personal Injury?
A personal injury is a physical injury, illness, or disease that results from someone else’s negligence or intentional harm. It can also result from defective products or services. Personal injuries can occur in various circumstances and can range from minor to severe or even life-threatening.
Types of Personal Injury Cases
Personal injury cases in Delaware can include but are not limited to:
- Car accidents
- Slip-and-fall accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Workplace accidents
- Dog bites
- Product liability
- Assault and battery
- Wrongful death
Statute of Limitations
The statute of limitations is the amount of time a plaintiff has to file a lawsuit. In Delaware, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is two years from the date of the injury. This means that if you don’t file a lawsuit within two years of the accident, you may lose your right to seek compensation.
Shared Fault in Delaware Personal Injury Cases
Delaware follows the doctrine of comparative negligence. Comparative negligence means that if you are partially at fault for your injuries, your damages may be reduced proportionally. For example, if you’re found to be 25% responsible for an accident, your damages will be reduced by 25%.
Compensation
If you’re successful in court, you may be awarded compensation for your damages. Compensation can encompass various areas, such as:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Disability
- Property damage
Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer in Delaware
If you’ve been injured and believe you’re entitled to compensation, it’s important to hire a personal injury lawyer. Your lawyer can help you navigate the legal system, gather evidence, and build a strong case. Additionally, most personal injury lawyers in Delaware work on a contingency fee basis, which means you won’t pay any legal fees unless you win your case.
Conclusion
Personal injury lawsuits are complex, and navigating Delaware’s legal system can be challenging. If you’ve been injured, understanding the basics of personal injury laws and working with an experienced attorney can help you win your case and receive the compensation you’re entitled to. Remember to seek legal advice as soon as possible since the statute of limitations in Delaware is only two years.