FAQs

After an accident occurs or an injury is suffered, you may feel lost and confused. Few people who have suffered an accident or incurred an injury have an extensive background in this area. Without this knowledge, they are left wondering how best to proceed in order to protect their legal rights. Fortunately, we are here to provide you with the answers that you are looking for. Check out our many frequently asked questions and their accompanying answers for more information.

What recovery is available for the family of a loved one was killed in an accident?

In a wrongful death action, the spouse, children or next of kin may bring an action to recover damages for medical bills, funeral expenses, lost wages and/or loss of future earnings, pain and suffering, and emotional distress on behalf of the person who was killed in an accident.

What rights do nursing home residents have?

The rights of nursing home residents can be found at this fact sheet provided by National Citizens’ Coalition for Nursing Home Reform. http://www.justice4all.org/files/Fact%20Sheet%20on%20Residents%20Rights.pdf

What should I absolutely avoid saying after an auto accident in North Charleston, South Carolina?

Your key goal-at least when it comes to your words-after an auto accident in North Charleston, South Carolina, is to protect your potential accident claim. This means you need to avoid saying anything that can discredit you as a plaintiff, witness and/or injured victim.

Your North Charleston, SC, injury lawyer is your best bet when it comes to formulating an approach to your personal injury claim, but he or she is not always going to be directly by your side. It is up to you to keep their advice at the forefront of your mind. Ask your attorney for a detailed list of the types of phrases that could damage your claim and how to approach your communication with everyone from your doctor to the insurance adjusters to your own employer.

For a general idea of some of the most potentially damaging things you could say after an accident in North Charleston, South Carolina, please keep these 5 phrases in mind. They are some of the more destructive things you could say:

"I have no idea how the accident happened." - This may seem harmless, but in fact, it may imply that you weren't paying attention to your surroundings while you were driving.
"I don't need medical care." - If you dismiss medical responders at the scene of an accident, it may lead the insurance company to question whether you were truly injured.
"I'm sorry." - Don't apologize at the scene of the auto accident and don't apologize in subsequent conversations with insurance adjusters. This is perceived as an admission of liability.
"It's all his/her/their/your fault." - Avoid playing the blame game and let your attorney handle any assertions of liability.
"You're right. I probably don't need an attorney." - The insurer may try to tell you that you don't need a lawyer, even if your injuries were severe. This is simply not their decision to make and you owe it to yourself to get a second opinion.

Your legal team will give you more specific details about what you should and should not do and say after you have suffered injury in an accident.

Seeking the Help of a North Charleston, SC, Injury Lawyer

The South Carolina personal injury attorney team at the Shelly Leeke Law Firm is available to help accident victims cope with the legal implications of a serious injury. Our firm's focus on personal injury cases includes injury from auto accidents including pedestrian and bicycle injuries, work-related injuries and Workers' Compensation claims, and injuries resulting from dangerous prescription drugs.

Before you file a South Carolina personal injury claim, request a free copy of our South Carolina injury book. When you're ready to get started on settling your accident claim, contact a North Charleston personal injury attorney for a free information packet and consultation, 1-888-690-0211.

What should I bring when I meet with the attorney about my medical malpractice claim?

Here are some of the recommended items that will assist an attorney in evaluating your case:

Medical records – Medical malpractice claims center around the medi-cal care received. It is essential to provide the attorney with all relevant medical records in your possession. Treatment history, results, reports, prognoses, prescriptions, hospital records, etc. will all be useful.
Contact information – In addition to basic contact information for your-self, it is recommended that you gather contact information for the doc-tors , hospitals, and any individuals who may be called upon as witnesses or to provide further information.
Timeline of services received – Many times, malpractice can occur over time. It is helpful to provide a timeline of all medical treatment and services leading up to and following the medical malpractice. Make a list with the date of symptoms, the actions taken per date, the doctor visits per date, follow-up procedures per date, injuries noticed per date, etc.
Medical Bills & Prescription Costs – Provide the attorney with a detailed record of all medical expenses related to your case. Gather medical bills you have received as well as receipts for all prescriptions related to your medical treatment and injury.
Other doctor reports – As malpractice involves procedures below the recommended level of care, it is helpful to provide doctor reports that indi-cate injury specifically related to the subpar performance or procedures previously received.
Record of injuries - Keep a log of all of your injuries. This may include lost wages, loss of future income, emotional injuries suffered; emotional damage to the rest of your family, inability to enjoy previously enjoyed ac-tivities, dependence on the services of others and more.

Medical malpractice litigation is a lengthy, complex process. Giving as much information about your case to your attorney can help him or her in building your case and attaining the maximum possible compensation you deserve.

What should I do after I file a complaint against a South Carolina nursing home for abuse?

Once you file a complaint against a South Carolina nursing home, you may be worried about what will happen to your elder who is living in the nursing home. Although the Omnibus Adult Protection Act was put in place to prevent the elder from experiencing further abuse, it is usually recommended that you try to find a different nursing home for them to live in during the time that you are pursuing a nursing home abuse case. In the meantime, your South Carolina nursing home abuse attorney will collect evidence and an investigation will take place in order to file your nursing home abuse claim.

What should I do after I have been involved in a bicycle accident?

Immediately after the accident you should call 911 and move out of the roadway to safety. If possible, do not move your bicycle; it is best if the police officer can see the bicycle in the original position it was in after the accident. While you are waiting for the police officer to arrive,

collect information from anyone who may have witnessed the accident. Also, take pictures of the scene of the accident and collect the driver's contact information and the information of any passengers in the vehicle. Do not discuss who was at fault with the driver. Once the officer arrives, file an official accident report and be sure to get a copy of the report as well as the contact information for the police officer. Seek medical assistance immediately if you are injured and make sure to keep all documentation of your injuries. Even if you do not feel as though you are injured, it is recommended that you go to a doctor anyway just in case. You should then contact an attorney about the accident. An experienced South Carolina bicycle accident attorney will be able to determine whether or not you should pursue a lawsuit against the driver.

What should I do after my child was injured in someone else’s pool?

Pool accidents involving children can be very serious. One of the first things you should do is seek medical assistance. Then, take pictures of the surrounding area to preserve any evidence of negligence, such as a defective diving board or a broken ladder. Also, write down the names of any of anyone who may have witnessed the accident. Make sure that you keep any and all medical records related to the accident as well as the police report. These documents will be helpful when you speak with an experienced South Carolina pool accident lawyer, which should be the next step that you take. Throughout this process, you should not speak with an insurance company. Your personal injury attorney should handle speaking with the insurance company so that your rights are fully protected.

What should I do if I’m involved in a South Carolina traffic accident?

If you are involved in a South Carolina traffic accident, there are certain things you should and shouldn't do. Your immediate actions could greatly impact the outcome of your South Carolina personal injury claim.

After a South Carolina Traffic Accident

If you're able, follow these steps after a South Carolina traffic accident, including:

leave your vehicle where it is unless it is in an unsafe spot;
contact the police department;
call 911 if there are any serious injuries;
move to a safe spot;
look over the police report for accuracy;
document the details of your accident;
get contact information from any witnesses;
take pictures of the damage to all involved vehicles;
get contact information of the towing company if your vehicle is being towed;
seek immediate medical attention, even if your injuries appear to be minor;
don't discuss the accident with anyone;
don't provide a recorded statement to others; and
seek legal counsel.

It is always a good idea to speak with a Charleston car accident lawyer to determine whether you have a valid South Carolina personal injury claim. Sometimes injuries that appear to be minor at the onset will turn into something more serious. You want to make sure that you are protected in the event this happens.

A Charleston car accident lawyer can work with you to collect all of the necessary evidence to build a solid South Carolina personal injury claim. In addition, a Charleston car accident lawyer can help you to receive compensation to which you may be entitled in order to cover your medical expenses and lost wages.

Contacting a Charleston Car Accident Lawyer Today

Before you file a South Carolina personal injury claim, request a copy of our complimentary consumer guide, The South Carolina Accident Book for Personal Injury Victims. When you're ready to get started on settling your car accident claim, contact a Charleston car accident lawyer for a complimentary information packet and consultation - 888-690-0211.

What should I do if my child is bitten by a dog?

The first thing you should do if your child is attacked is call the police and seek medical treatment for the child. It is important to report the attack so that the police may report the incident. You should immediately seek medical attention for your child to ensure that he/she has not suffered a severe injury and that the dog was not rabid or infectious.

After your child receives treatment for their injuries, if you would like to pursue a personal injury claim against the dog owner, you should contact a South Carolina dog bite attorney. An attorney can help you to determine whether or not you have a case and what steps to take next in order to seek justice.

What should I do in the weeks and months following the accident?

Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions and keep all medical appointments. Take pictures of your car and your injuries. You may settle and release your property damage claim with the other person’s car insurance company. However, make sure you carefully read the release. You should not sign a full release, so it is better to have the release reviewed by an attorney first. This may seem confusing, so it is best to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney, who will help you through the personal injury legal process. To speak with a South Carolina car accident lawyer today, call Shelly Leeke Law Firm at 1-888-690-0211 to set up a free consultation appointment!