Personal Injury
Advocacy in serious personal injury cases involving negligence, premises liability, and wrongful death.
Overview
Personal injury law addresses harm caused by the negligence, recklessness, or intentional conduct of others. At Ennis, Baynard, Morton, Medlin & Brown, our attorneys handle personal injury matters from both the defense and plaintiff perspectives, giving us a comprehensive understanding of how these cases are evaluated, litigated, and resolved.
Our extensive experience in insurance defense gives us a unique advantage in personal injury litigation. Because our attorneys have spent decades understanding how insurance companies evaluate claims, assess exposure, and make settlement decisions, we are able to anticipate the defense strategy in any personal injury matter and position our clients accordingly — whether we are defending the claim or pursuing recovery.
Personal injury cases in North Carolina are governed by the contributory negligence standard, which is one of the strictest in the country. Under this rule, a plaintiff who is even partially at fault for their own injuries may be barred from recovery entirely. This makes the investigation, evidence preservation, and legal analysis in North Carolina personal injury cases particularly critical, and it is one more reason why experienced trial counsel makes a significant difference in case outcomes.
Partner Stephen Baynard has achieved notable results in personal injury defense, including obtaining summary judgment in Columbus County in a child dart-out pedestrian case, securing a trip-and-fall defense verdict upheld on appeal, and successfully dismissing litigation with a defended appeal from Brunswick County. These results demonstrate the caliber of advocacy our clients receive.
Our personal injury practice covers automobile accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle collisions, premises liability (slip-and-fall, negligent maintenance, inadequate security), dog bite claims, wrongful death actions, and other negligence-based claims. Whether the case involves a straightforward fender-bender or a catastrophic injury with life-altering consequences, our attorneys bring the same level of thorough preparation and aggressive representation.
Types of Cases We Handle
Auto & Truck Accidents
Claims arising from motor vehicle collisions involving cars, trucks, motorcycles, and commercial vehicles.
Premises Liability
Slip-and-fall, negligent maintenance, and inadequate security claims against property owners.
Wrongful Death
Claims brought on behalf of families who have lost a loved one due to another party's negligence.
Dog Bite Claims
Liability claims arising from animal attacks and dangerous animal incidents.
Negligent Security
Claims against property owners for failing to provide adequate security measures.
Catastrophic Injuries
Cases involving traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, amputation, and other life-altering harm.
Why Ennis, Baynard, Morton, Medlin & Brown
Our dual perspective — handling both defense and plaintiff personal injury cases — gives us a comprehensive understanding of how these matters are evaluated from both sides. Partner Baynard's documented appellate victories in personal injury defense, combined with the firm's over 100 years of combined trial experience, ensure that clients receive aggressive, well-prepared advocacy in every personal injury matter.
Frequently Asked Questions
North Carolina is one of only a few states that follows the contributory negligence rule, which means a plaintiff who is even partially at fault for their own injuries may be completely barred from recovery. This makes legal representation critical in any North Carolina personal injury case.
North Carolina's statute of limitations for personal injury is generally three years from the date of the injury. For wrongful death claims, the statute is two years from the date of death. Missing these deadlines can permanently bar your claim.
Recoverable damages may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and in some cases, punitive damages. The specific damages available depend on the facts of your case and the theories of liability involved.
Need Aggressive Representation?
Contact our Wilmington office to discuss your case. We'll be where you need us.