FAQs

In North Carolina, most personal injury claims must be filed within three years and wrongful death claims within two. Missing these deadlines can bar recovery, as some claims against government entities have shorter deadlines. To protect your rights, act quickly to preserve evidence and meet requirements. See G.S. 1-52 (three years) and G.S. 1-53 (two years). 

We represent clients in various types of injury cases, including car accidents on I-40 and I-85, trucking incidents in Charlotte and Raleigh, motorcycle crashes in Asheville, workplace accidents in Greensboro, slip and fall claims, construction site accidents, defective product claims, dog bites, and long-term orthopedic injuries. Our focus is on severe cases involving surgeries, permanent impairments, and life-altering injuries, where an experienced NC injury attorney can provide practical assistance.

At Galbavy Law, there are no upfront costs. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only receive payment if we successfully recover compensation on your behalf. If we fail, you owe us nothing. The initial consultation is complimentary, and you can ask questions without incurring any additional charges. This system guarantees access to legal help regardless of financial status.

Workers’ compensation often covers workplace injuries, but that’s not the whole story. If another party was responsible, like a subcontractor or equipment manufacturer, you may have both a workers’ compensation and a personal injury claim. These systems operate differently, making coordination a complex task. David Galbavy, a Board-Certified Workers’ Compensation Specialist, understands both sides and can help ensure you receive all compensation due. The North Carolina Industrial Commission offers guidance on workers’ compensation rights. 

These damages necessitate vigorous legal representation. Orthopedic injuries typically involve surgery, extended recovery periods, physical therapy, and enduring limitations. Obtaining a permanent impairment rating can significantly enhance the value of your claim. We collaborate with medical specialists to clarify the costs of surgery and their impact on your employment, income, and overall life. As an NC orthopedic injury lawyer, we understand how to optimize your claims.

The timeline varies depending on several factors. Cases with clear liability and well-documented injuries may settle within a few months. More complex cases, especially those involving defenses such as contributory negligence or permanent impairments, can take over a year to resolve. If litigation is required, the process could take even longer. The most important thing is to avoid rushing into a low settlement. At Galbavy Law, our focus is on developing strong claims that fully reflect your losses, even if it takes more time to resolve.

Early settlement offers are usually lower than your case's true value because insurers exploit your stress and eagerness to settle. Always consult an attorney before signing, as accepting means you may not be able to seek additional compensation if your injuries worsen. We carefully review offers, assess true damages, and negotiate settlements that reflect the actual impact of your injuries.

Clients keep choosing us due to our proven results and personal service. We have recovered $25 million for injured North Carolinians, showcasing our ability to achieve excellent outcomes. David Galbavy's experience with insurance companies gives us an edge, allowing us to predict their tactics and respond effectively for our clients. They appreciate our approach, which emphasizes clear communication, transparency, and respect. We recognize that for our clients, this is more than just a case; it’s a crucial moment in their lives that demands our full dedication and compassion. We are committed to guiding them throughout the process.

The first step is to ensure everyone's safety and call 911. Even if the crash seems minor, having a police report is essential for your claim. Seek medical attention right away, even if you think your injuries are minor. Some conditions, like concussions or internal injuries, may not appear immediately.

If you can, take photos of the scene, exchange information with the other driver, and gather contact details from any witnesses. Finally, contact a North Carolina car accident lawyer before speaking with the insurance company.

North Carolina is one of the few states that follows the doctrine of contributory negligence. If you are found even one percent at fault, you could be barred from recovering compensation. Insurers are aware of this and often attempt to argue that you share some degree of responsibility. At Galbavy Law, we build strong cases to clearly demonstrate that fault lies with the other driver, decreasing the chances that contributory negligence will be used against you.

The statute of limitations for most car accident cases is three years from the date of the crash. For wrongful death claims, the statute of limitations is two years. There may be exceptions for cases involving government vehicles or minors. Missing these deadlines can result in losing your right to seek compensation entirely, so it's best to contact an attorney as soon as possible.

Not every case requires legal representation. If there are no injuries and only minor property damage, you may be able to resolve the claim on your own. However, if you have suffered any type of injury, especially one that requires medical treatment, it is wise to consult an attorney.

Many seemingly “minor” crashes result in long-term back or neck problems that insurers try to dismiss. Speaking with an auto accident attorney NC residents trust ensures you understand your options before accepting a settlement.

If a drunk or impaired driver hurt you, you might be eligible for both compensatory and punitive damages. Compensatory damages cover your losses, while punitive damages aim to punish reckless behavior and discourage others. These cases can also involve criminal charges against the driver, but your right to compensation is handled through a civil lawsuit.

Many people are injured in car accidents while on the job, such as delivery drivers or employees traveling between work sites. In these situations, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits in addition to a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver. These are two separate cases.

Because David Galbavy is a Board-Certified Specialist in Workers’ Compensation, we are uniquely equipped to handle both claims and make sure you do not miss out on any available compensation.

At Galbavy Law, there are no upfront costs. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only receive payment if we successfully recover compensation on your behalf. Our fee is a percentage of the settlement or verdict. The initial consultation is free, and you won't be billed for asking questions about your case.

Timelines depend on case complexity. Some claims are settled within months, but cases involving permanent impairments or contributory negligence can take a year or longer to resolve. If litigation is needed, the process may be extended. Our focus is on securing a fair settlement that accurately compensates you for your losses, rather than rushing for the first offer.

Most car accident cases in North Carolina are resolved through settlement; however, some do proceed to trial. We prepare every case as if a jury will hear it. This preparation not only ensures we are ready for court but also gives us leverage in negotiations. Insurers know we are willing to fight, which often results in better settlement offers.

Medical providers, health insurers, and government programs like Medicare or Medicaid may place liens on your settlement to recover the cost of treatment they covered. These liens can reduce the amount you take home and should be handled carefully. At Galbavy Law, we negotiate with lien holders to reduce these claims whenever possible, maximizing the final recovery for our clients.

Our firm has recovered over $25 million in settlements and verdicts for injured North Carolinians. David Galbavy’s background as a Board-Certified Specialist in Workers’ Compensation and a former insurance defense lawyer gives our clients a distinct edge.

We understand how insurers operate and how to counter their tactics effectively. More importantly, we merge those credentials with personal service. Our clients can easily reach us, receive honest answers, and trust that their cases are handled with the care they deserve.

It’s not always necessary to hire an attorney, but if you have a serious injury, want help handling your case, want to ensure you are treated fairly, or want help getting the maximum compensation possible, we recommend you hire an attorney as soon as possible.

We recommend you hire an attorney as soon as possible after you are hurt. The insurance company will start its investigation the moment it learns of your injury, which may included a recorded statement. They will be looking for any piece of information to use against you. Also, talking to your doctors can be complicated, and we can help make sure you get the necessary message to your medical team to ensure they know how you were injured, your diagnosis, your treatment plan, and if your injuries are related to your accident. If you wait until later in the case to seek counsel, you may have already made mistakes that we cannot change.

Choosing a small firm can offer several advantages over opting for a larger firm. One of the most significant benefits is the personalized attention and tailored legal services that small firms typically provide. In a smaller setting, attorneys can afford to take a more individualized approach to each case, spending more time understanding the nuances of a client’s situation. This can lead to more thorough preparation and a stronger representation in negotiations or at trial.

Another advantage is the level of communication and accessibility a small firm can offer. Clients often find it easier to get in touch with their lawyers, receive updates about their case, and have their questions answered promptly. This open line of communication fosters a stronger attorney-client relationship, ensuring that clients feel supported and informed throughout the legal process.

In contrast, clients at larger firms may experience longer wait times for responses and less direct interaction with the attorney handling their case. Big firms want to minimize your contact with the attorney. They will sign you up without even talking to an attorney, and the first time you talk to your attorney may be when they are ready to settle your case. That’s not how we do it at Galbavy Law. You talk to David early and often, because that is how it should be.

For almost all of our cases, we get paid on a contingency fee basis. That means we don’t get paid unless you do, as we get a set percentage of your recovery. Rest assured that we are motivated to get you the best possible outcome possible, not just because that’s our duty to you, but that’s also how we get paid.

Almost all personal injury and workers’ compensation firms in North Carolina use contingency fee agreements. For workers’ compensation claims, our fee is 25% of the recovery. For personal injury claims, our fee is 33% of the recovery. For all claims, our fee goes up a few percentage points if we have to take your case to court. We will review our representation agreement with you when we sign you up and answers other questions you may have.