Recovering personal injury compensation in North Carolina is trickier than in nearly all other states. This is because North Carolina still follows the antiquated rule of contributory negligence rather than the modern rule of comparative negligence. For many personal injury claimants, contributory negligence will act as a complete bar to recovery of any compensation. Insurance adjusters, however, sometimes assert the rule when it does not apply. If your personal injury claim has been denied because the insurance company says you were contributorily negligent, it is essential that you contact a knowledgeable personal injury attorney.
Comparative vs Contributory Negligence
Contributory negligence is a so-called “affirmative defense” which a defendant may plead in his answer to a lawsuit. It acts as a complete bar to recovery when the plaintiff, by their own actions or omissions, contributed to their injuries. Even if a jury finds the defendant 99% at fault and the plaintiff only 1% at fault, contributory negligence would prevent the plaintiff from recovering any personal injury compensation. The burden, however, is on the defendant to prove that the plaintiff was, in fact, contributorily negligent.
The Last Clear Chance Rule
North Carolina is one of just four states that maintains the archaic contributory negligence rule. Over the years, they have eased the harshness of the rule, but it remains a hurdle for personal injury claimants. There are several exceptions available to personal injury claimants. For instance, if the defendant was grossly negligent, the plaintiff’s simple contributory negligence will not act as a bar. Contributory negligence is also not a bar to intentional torts. Most importantly, there is an exception available called the “Last Clear Chance Rule.” This rule can sometimes serve as a haven for a plaintiff who would otherwise be likely to lose under the contributory negligence rule.
Personal Injury Representation in North Carolina
The personal injury attorneys of Maginnis Howard can help you fight the insurance company’s claims of contributory negligence. We are familiar with the exceptions to the rule and are happy to discuss them with you during your free personal injury consultation. Maginnis Howard accepts all personal injury cases, including car accidents, slip-and-fall accidents, and wrongful death cases, on a contingency basis. You pay no attorneys’ fees until you recover for your injuries.
We accept personal injury cases across the Carolinas. Please contact the firm at (919) 526-0450 to speak with a personal injury lawyer or submit a new case inquiry by visiting our contact page. You may also visit us at our Raleigh, Charlotte, or Fayetteville locations.
