As an attorney at a personal injury law firm, I often get asked the question: “What does personal injury mean in Kentucky?” It’s a great question, and one that I’m always happy to answer. Personal injury law is a complex and ever-changing field, so it’s important to understand what it means in your state. So, let’s dive in!
In Kentucky, personal injury refers to any injury or harm that is caused to a person’s body, mind, or emotions. This can be the result of a variety of incidents, including car accidents, slip and falls, medical malpractice, and more. When someone is injured in an accident or incident that was caused by someone else’s negligence, they may be entitled to compensation for their damages.
One important thing to note about personal injury law in Kentucky is that the state operates on a pure comparative fault system. This means that if you are injured in an accident, but you were partially at fault for the accident, your damages will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were in a car accident and it was determined that you were 20% at fault for the accident, your damages would be reduced by 20%. This can be a complex calculation, which is why it’s important to have an experienced personal injury attorney on your side. Doug and myself have a combined 30 plus years of experience in personal injury and we take the best care of every single client. We'd love to serve you as well.
When it comes to personal injury cases, there are a few key types of damages that may be awarded to the injured party. These include:
Economic damages: These are damages that can be easily calculated and are meant to compensate the injured party for out-of-pocket expenses such as medical bills, lost wages, and property damage.
Non-economic damages: These are damages that are more difficult to quantify, as they relate to things like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Punitive damages: These are damages that are meant to punish the at-fault party for particularly egregious behavior. They are not awarded in every case, and are usually only awarded when the at-fault party’s behavior was intentional or extremely reckless.
It’s important to note that there are limits on the amount of damages that can be awarded in a personal injury case in Kentucky. For example, there is a cap on non-economic damages in medical malpractice cases, and there are limits on punitive damages in all types of cases.
Another important aspect of personal injury law in Kentucky is the statute of limitations. This is the time limit within which a person must file a lawsuit in order to seek compensation for their damages. In Kentucky, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is one year from the date of the accident or injury. This means that if you wait too long to file a lawsuit, you may be barred from seeking compensation.
So, what should you do if you’ve been injured in an accident in Kentucky? Here are a few steps to take:
Seek medical attention: Your health and safety should always be your top priority. If you’ve been injured, seek medical attention right away. Even if you don’t feel like your injuries are severe, it’s still a good idea to get checked out by a medical professional.
Contact an attorney: Personal injury cases can be complex, and it’s important to have an experienced attorney on your side. Contact Mory & Colliersmith Injury Law Firm as soon as possible to discuss your case and your options for seeking compensation.
Document everything: Keep track of all of your medical bills, receipts, and any other documentation related to your injury. This will be important evidence in your case.
Don’t talk to the insurance company: Insurance companies are not on your side. They are focused on minimizing their own liability, not on getting you the compensation you deserve. Don’t give them any information without consulting with your attorney first.
In conclusion, personal injury law in Kentucky is a complex and ever-changing field that requires the expertise of a skilled attorney. If you’ve been injured in an accident or incident caused by someone else’s negligence, it’s important to take the steps outlined above to protect your rights and seek compensation for your damages. Remember, you don’t have to navigate the legal system alone. Contact myself, Natalie Colliersmith, Attorney at Mory & Colliersmith injury law firm today to discuss your case and your options for seeking justice.
Contact Natalie today (502) 212-4333