Personal Injury Lawyer Olive Branch, MS
No one plans to get injured. Personal injuries can turn your life upside down in an instant. In addition to the physical pain, victims often face mounting medical bills, lost wages, and emotional trauma. This is why you need a personal injury lawyer in Olive Branch if someone else’s negligence has harmed you.
At Stroud, Flechas & Dalton, we aggressively represent injury victims across DeSoto County and Northwest Mississippi. We stand up for people who have been hurt due to someone else’s carelessness. If you or a loved one has suffered a serious injury, our experienced Mississippi personal injury attorneys can help you take the next step toward recovery and justice.
What Is a Personal Injury Claim?
A personal injury claim is a legal action brought by someone who has been physically or emotionally injured because of another party’s negligence or intentional wrongdoing. These claims can arise from car accidents, motorcycle wrecks, pedestrian injuries, dog bites, defective products, workplace accidents, and more.
In Mississippi, you have the legal right to pursue compensation from the party responsible for your injuries. That compensation may include medical expenses, lost income, property damage, pain and suffering, and other losses.
Why Choose Stroud, Flechas & Dalton to Handle Your Olive Branch Personal Injury Claim?
We know you have choices when it comes to legal representation. Here is why individuals and families in Olive Branch and across North Mississippi trust us with their most important cases:
We Put People First
At Stroud, Flechas & Dalton, we treat every client like family. We will take the time to understand your unique circumstances, explain your legal options clearly, and keep you informed throughout the legal process. Your recovery and peace of mind are our top priorities.
Decades of Combined Experience
With decades of legal experience in personal injury law, our personal injury lawyers know how to navigate complex cases and go toe-to-toe with big insurance companies. We bring the knowledge and courtroom skills needed in any personal injury case to fight for the maximum compensation.
Local Roots, Statewide Reputation
We are proud to serve the people of Olive Branch and the broader Northwest Mississippi region. With deep ties to the community, we understand the local courts, juries, and values that influence personal injury litigation here. Our reputation for integrity and results has made us a trusted name throughout the state.
A Proven Track Record of Results
Our firm has successfully recovered millions of dollars on behalf of injury victims and their families. We relentlessly pursue full and fair compensation for every client. We fight relentlessly for full compensation and will not hesitate to go to trial if needed.
Common Personal Injury Cases We Handle in Olive Branch
Our personal injury lawyers have extensive experience handling a variety of injury and negligence claims. We understand that no two cases are exactly alike, and we approach each one with the attention and care it deserves. Below are some of the most common types of personal injury cases we handle for clients in Olive Branch and throughout Northwest Mississippi:
- Car accidents: Auto accidents are one of the leading causes of serious injuries in Olive Branch. Whether you were rear-ended at a red light, T-boned in an intersection, or involved in a multi-vehicle pileup, we are here to help you recover the compensation you need to heal and move forward.
- Truck accidents: Olive Branch sits along key commercial routes, which means semi-truck and 18-wheeler accidents are unfortunately common. These cases often involve complex liability issues, including violations of federal trucking regulations, and we hold negligent truck drivers, trucking companies, and cargo handlers accountable.
- Motorcycle accidents: Motorcyclists are uniquely vulnerable on Mississippi’s roads, and the consequences can be devastating when drivers fail to check their blind spots or give riders enough space. We fight to ensure motorcycle accident victims receive the compensation they need for medical care, lost wages, and long-term recovery.
- Drunk driving accidents: Drunk driving is a reckless, preventable behavior that risks lives. If an intoxicated driver injures you, we will aggressively pursue compensation for your injuries and, in some cases, punitive damages to punish the at-fault driver for their dangerous conduct.
- Dog attacks and bites: Mississippi law holds dog owners responsible in certain situations when their animals bite or injure others. We provide dedicated legal representation to dog attack victims, helping them recover compensation for medical bills, scarring, emotional trauma, and other damages resulting from these incidents.
- Slip, trip, and fall accidents: Property owners in Mississippi must maintain reasonably safe premises. If you have been injured due to hazardous conditions such as wet floors, uneven sidewalks, inadequate lighting, or unmarked obstacles, we will investigate the circumstances of your fall and pursue a claim against the negligent property owner to recover compensation for your injuries.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): TBIs can have devastating and long-lasting consequences, affecting cognitive function, physical abilities, and emotional well-being. We have experience representing individuals who have suffered TBIs due to various accidents, including car crashes, falls, and assaults, and we understand TBI survivors’ complex medical and financial needs.
- Spinal cord injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can lead to partial or complete paralysis, impacting your ability to work, live independently, or care for yourself. We will fight for the full and fair compensation these life-altering injuries demand.
- Burn injuries: Burn injuries can be caused by fires, chemical exposure, electrical accidents, or unsafe premises, and victims often face painful treatments, surgeries, and permanent disfigurement. We advocate for those who have suffered burns due to negligence, helping them receive compensation for their physical and emotional pain.
- Medical malpractice: Medical malpractice occurs when healthcare professionals fail to provide the accepted standard of care, resulting in injury, illness, or death. We handle a variety of medical negligence cases, including surgical errors, misdiagnosis, delayed diagnosis, medication errors, and birth injuries.
- Nursing home negligence: We are committed to protecting the rights and well-being of vulnerable adults residing in nursing homes. When nursing home staff or facilities fail to provide adequate care, leading to injuries, neglect, or abuse, we will vigorously advocate for residents’ rights and hold the responsible parties accountable for falls, malnutrition, dehydration, medication errors, and physical or emotional abuse.
- Fair Labor Standards Act claims: Although not a traditional personal injury claim, violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act often cause financial and emotional stress. If you have been denied proper overtime pay, misclassified as an independent contractor, or otherwise shortchanged by your employer, our team can help you recover the wages and justice you are owed under federal labor laws.
Our dedicated team at Stroud, Flechas & Dalton provides you with the experienced legal representation and compassionate support you need to navigate your case’s complexities and pursue the justice and compensation you deserve.
What to Do After a Personal Injury in Olive Branch
The moments after an injury are often confusing and overwhelming. However, taking the right steps can significantly impact the outcome of your case.
- Seek medical attention immediately: Even if you do not think you are seriously hurt, a doctor can identify injuries that may not be visible or immediately painful.
- Report the incident: File a police report for auto accidents or an incident report for slip and fall accidents or injuries at work.
- Document everything: Take pictures of your injuries, the accident scene, and property damage. Collect contact information for witnesses.
- Do not admit fault: Be cautious with your words, especially when speaking to insurance adjusters.
- Contact an Olive Branch personal injury attorney: The sooner you get legal representation, the better your chances of building a strong case.
Compensation You May Be Entitled to After an Olive Branch Personal Injury Accident
Mississippi injury victims may be eligible for several types of compensation, including the following:
- Medical expenses: Emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, medications, and future medical needs
- Lost wages: If your injury prevents you from working temporarily or permanently
- Pain and suffering: For physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life
- Property damage: Costs to repair or replace damaged property, such as a vehicle
- Loss of consortium: For the impact your injuries have had on your relationship with a spouse or family
- Punitive damages: In rare cases where the defendant’s conduct was especially reckless or malicious
Proving Negligence in Olive Branch Personal Injury Cases
To win a personal injury case, you must prove that another party was negligent and that their negligence caused your injuries. This typically involves showing the following:
- Duty of care: The other party owed you a duty of care. For example, drivers must operate their vehicles safely, and property owners must maintain a safe environment for visitors.
- Breach of duty: They breached that duty by acting carelessly or recklessly. This could involve speeding, running a red light, failing to warn of a hazardous condition, or providing inadequate security.
- Causation: That breach directly caused your injury. There must be a clear link between their negligence and the harm you suffered.
- Damages: You suffered actual damages as a result of your injuries, such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage.
We investigate every case thoroughly, gather critical evidence, work with expert witnesses when necessary, and construct a compelling argument for liability.
Mississippi’s Personal Injury Laws
Understanding the laws that govern personal injury cases in Mississippi is key to protecting your rights. Here are some essential rules that could affect your claim:
Statute of Limitations
Mississippi Code § 15-1-49 generally gives you three years from the date of your injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. You may lose your right to recover any compensation if you miss this deadline.
Comparative Negligence
Mississippi follows a pure comparative negligence rule. Under Mississippi Code § 11-7-15, if the court finds you partially at fault for your injury, it will reduce your compensation by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are 20% at fault for your accident, the court will reduce your award by 20%.
Damage Caps
In medical malpractice cases, Mississippi Code § 11-1-60 caps non-economic damages like pain and suffering at $500,000.00. Likewise, most personal injury claims also have a damages cap on non-economic damages in the amount of $1,000,000.00. This cap applies only to elements such as pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment and quality of life. It does not cap economic damages for recovery of items such as medical bills (past, present and future), loss of earnings, property damage, etc.
Navigating the Personal Injury Claims Process
The process of pursuing a personal injury claim in DeSoto County can be daunting. Insurance companies often prioritize their bottom line over injured individuals’ well-being. Our experienced personal injury attorneys will handle all aspects of your claim to protect your rights. Our typical approach involves:
- Initial consultation and case evaluation: We offer a no-obligation consultation to discuss your case, understand the circumstances of your injury, and provide you with an honest assessment of your legal options.
- Thorough investigation: We will comprehensively investigate the accident or incident that caused your injuries. This may involve gathering police reports, witness statements, medical records, employment records, and other relevant evidence. We may also work with accident reconstruction experts or other specialists to build a strong case.
- Demand letter and negotiation: Once we have gathered sufficient evidence, we will prepare a detailed demand letter to the responsible party and their insurance company, outlining the facts of your case, the extent of your injuries, and the compensation you seek. We will then engage in skillful negotiations to reach a fair settlement.
- Filing a lawsuit if necessary: If we cannot reach a fair settlement through negotiation, we will be prepared to file a lawsuit on your behalf to protect your rights and pursue your case in court.
- Discovery and litigation: During the litigation process, we will conduct discovery, which involves exchanging information with the opposing party through interrogatories, requests for production of documents, and depositions. We will also prepare legal motions and represent you in court hearings.
- Trial if necessary: If your case proceeds to trial, our experienced trial attorneys will present a compelling case to the judge and jury, advocating aggressively for your right to compensation.
Get the Legal Help You Need from Our Olive Branch Personal Injury Lawyers
If you have been injured in Olive Branch or anywhere in North Mississippi, do not wait to get the help you deserve. The sooner you speak with our qualified attorneys at Stroud, Flechas & Dalton, the better your chances of protecting your rights and recovering full compensation. Contact us today to schedule a no-obligation consultation, and let us help you fight for justice.