Formal vs. Informal Personal Injury Lawsuits
Have you been injured? Speak with one of the Personal Injury Attorneys at Prior, Criner & Edwards.
Call today to discuss your options (910) 341-3202
GET THE COMPENSATION YOU DESERVE
Personal injury cases can be work related from an auto accident or other fault of a third party.
Getting an attorney who handles both cases is best to coordinate your benefits. A personal injury case typically either develops into a formal lawsuit or an informal settlement depending on the situation. Formal lawsuits are civil court proceedings that allow an injured individual to seek and find the responsible party legally at fault through a court ruling. Informal settlements are more common than formal lawsuits, as this option allows an accident or injury case to be resolved between the individuals/businesses, insurers, and attorneys representing both sides. Settlements start with negotiations and result in a written agreement that prevents either side from taking further action in the future, such as a formal lawsuit. The matter is solved through an agreed upon amount of money.
Statute of Limitations
Injured individuals must understand there is a time limit in which they can file a lawsuit, which is also known as their “statute of limitations.” If they try to sue after their time limit, their claim is barred and the one “at fault” automatically wins. Both North Carolina and South Carolina’s “injury to a person” statute of limitations is three years from the date of the accident.
No matter the situation, personal injury cases require a complete and confident understanding of facts, laws, and legal processes. If you or someone you know has been injured, we recommend consulting with one of our experienced personal injury attorneys. We’ll review your case with you and help determine whether you should pursue a lawsuit.
Call today for a free consultation and explore your options - (910) 341-3202
Our Attorneys
Our attorneys specialize in workman's comp, personal injury, and dispute resolution services.
We have have a long history of building long-term client relationships founded on trust and mutual respect.
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Frank Prior
With over 25 years of experience in civil litigation and thousands of cases mediated, Frank specializes in the fields of workers compensation and personal injury law.
Sherman Lee Criner
Sherman is Licensed to Practice Law in North and South Carolina. He has extensive education in law and the mediation practice, professional experience and impressive memberships in many noteworthy political, civic and business organizations.
Ashley M. Edwards
Ashley is a NC attorney and certified mediator in North and South Carolina, Ashley has represented hundreds of clients and mediated thousands of cases for attorneys, insurance carriers and private companies.
Client Feedback
“These guys are awesome and care about their clients very much. I would suggest anyone hurt on the job to contact them. Cannot express my appreciation enough to them!"
“Ashley Edwards genuinely cares about his clients and holds himself to the highest standards in all of his professional interactions. I am happy to recommend him to anyone who needs help navigating the workers compensation process."
“Ashley has been practicing compensation law in the greater Wilmington area for 15+ years. I have often turned to him for advice and counsel. He knows the law, is trustworthy, listens to his clients, and fights to do the right thing for them. He is my first call!"
“Mr Edwards made my case feel like it was his most important case. He is so caring and attentive."
“This was the first and only law firm I contacted after being injured. Everyone there has been on point concerning my case and extremely professional. I highly recommend contacting workers comp first if injured. It will be as if it's the most important case they have and they will not disappoint. Thank you to the entire team."
“Wonderful Experience under difficult circumstances. They helped me understand my rights and options under the law. Mr. Edwards took the time to help and meet with me whenever I had questions. He is highly recommended for his expert advice and service. "
“This is the place to go if you get hurt on the job Ashley and his paralegal Janet are really nice and super easy to talk to and they take the time to really listen to your problems and get you the help you need and deserve."
“They came out took out time to listen very smart he knows what he's talking about he heard me out and took my case under difficult sircumstances and i highly advise this is the law firm to consider."
“Sherman is one of the best mediators that I know---he is extremely proficient in Workers' Compensation Law and he is an outstanding communicator. I give Sherman my highest rating!"
“Great Experience with a caring lawyer who took the time to actually meet with me. He handled my case to the end and explained everything. Highly recommended."
“Ashley is very knowledgeable and relatable to his clients, to opposing counsel, and to all parties when acting as mediator. "
“Ashley didn't always tell me what I wanted to hear but he always told me the truth. He is very knowledgeable and professional... I would highly recommend Ashley if you feel the need to hire an attorney. "
Get in touch with our team for a free consultation.
Call (910) 341-3202 or complete the form on this page and we'll follow-up with you as soon as possible.
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