Personal Injury Lawyer in South Kingston

Did you sustain injuries after an accident in South Kingston? Known as personal injury cases, these experiences can happen anywhere, and unfortunately, they are not always avoidable. We wish we could go back in time and stop this from happening to you. But realistically, all we can do is help you proceed from here. 

The aftermath of a personal injury can overwhelm you with bills, pain, and uncertainty, but you don’t have to face it all by yourself. Instead, let an attorney explain your options, guide you through the legal process, and protect your rights.

At Gemma Law, we have over 100 years of combined experience representing injury victims across Rhode Island. With 48 years in business, we’ve helped thousands of clients recover millions. We’ll advocate for you as your personal injury lawyer in South Kingston. 

Understanding the Definition of Personal Injury in Rhode Island

Personal injury law provides a pathway for injured individuals to seek compensation when another party’s negligence or intentional actions cause harm. 

In Rhode Island, this body of law covers a broad range of scenarios, from car accidents on Route 138 to slip-and-fall incidents at local businesses or construction accidents on development sites around town.

For an injury to qualify under personal injury laws, three core elements generally must be present:

1. Duty of care: The responsible party had a legal obligation to act with reasonable care.
2. Breach of duty: That party failed to uphold their obligation.
3. Causation and damages: The breach directly caused harm. 

Cases Our Personal Injury Lawyers in South Kingston Can Handle

Personal injury accidents don’t all look the same. The type of accident, the injuries sustained, and the way Rhode Island laws apply can vary from case to case. 

In general, local roads, workplaces, businesses, and neighborhoods all present risks that can contribute to injury claims. Knowing the different types of personal injury cases can help victims identify their situation and begin pursuing compensation. 

Here are examples of cases that our South Kingston personal injury attorneys can handle:

• South Kingston car accident lawyer: We handle cases involving people injured in crashes caused by speeding, distracted driving, failing to yield, or operating a vehicle while impaired on local roads like Route 1 and major intersections around the University of Rhode Island.
• South Kingston motorcycle accident lawyer: We assist victims involved in motorcycle collisions, which can be particularly disastrous due to the lack of protection for riders and the subsequently heightened risk of traumatic injuries.
• South Kingston slip and fall lawyer: We help individuals hurt due to unsafe property conditions in stores, restaurants, apartment buildings, or public sidewalks, including hazards like ice, uneven pavement, or poor lighting.
• South Kingston dog bite lawyer: We represent victims attacked by dogs while lawfully on private or public property, including cases involving children, delivery workers, or pedestrians.
• South Kingston wrongful death lawyer: We work on behalf of families who lost a loved one due to negligence, whether from a fatal car crash, workplace accident, or hazardous conditions on someone else’s property.
• South Kingston workplace accident lawyer: We represent employees or bystanders injured in construction zones, warehouses, offices, or other work environments due to falling objects, equipment failures, or unsafe practices.
• South Kingston medical malpractice lawyer: We handle cases involving inaccurate diagnoses, surgical errors, medication mistakes, or delayed treatment that result in serious injury, if not death.
• South Kingston pedestrian accident lawyer: We advocate for individuals struck by vehicles while crossing streets, walking near intersections, and exploring areas with inadequate signage, crosswalks, or lighting.
• South Kingston product liability lawyer: We pursue claims against manufacturers, designers, or distributors when defective products cause injury, including consumer goods, vehicles, or medical devices.

Rhode Island’s Comparative Negligence Rule

Rhode Island follows a pure comparative negligence rule. This means that even if an injured party shares some responsibility for an accident, they can still recover damages. However, their recovery will be lowered proportionately in response to their percentage of fault.

This system is in place to maintain accountability on all sides while still allowing victims to seek compensation for the injuries or the damages they sustained. It may help to understand why the burden of proof matters in an injury claim under this rule. 

Essentially, the injured party must provide evidence that shows how the other party’s negligence directly caused the incident that ultimately led to their injuries. Without meeting this burden, it becomes much harder to recover fair compensation, especially when fault is shared. 

Statute of Limitations That Your South Kingston Personal Injury Lawyers Will Abide By in Your Case 

The state of Rhode Island allows three years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit for personal injuries or wrongful deaths. This means, under many circumstances, you and your South Kingston personal injury attorney must take legal action within 36 months. 

That said, there are exceptions to the statute of limitations, such as cases involving medical malpractice or injuries to minors. Either of these scenarios might have different timelines based on the details of the case.  

Meanwhile, if a government entity is involved in the incident—such as an accident caused by a municipal vehicle—there are also special notice requirements. Additionally, shorter deadlines will likely apply as well. 

Call Our South Kingston Personal Injury Law Firm ASAP For Insight Into How Our Attorneys Can Help You 

As a family-owned and -operated law firm with deep roots in the state of Rhode Island, Gemma Law knows what it takes to represent personal injury victims just like you. Recognized for our high standards, we’ll do everything we can to work toward a favorable outcome in your case. 

We understand just how stressful and confusing personal injuries can be, especially if you have never experienced something like this before. However, with us by your side, you can trust that we will protect your rights and advocate for you every step of the way. Call now for details.