Georgia Personal Injury Attorney

Georgia Personal Injury Attorney

What Is a Georgia Personal Injury Lawyer And How Can They Help You?

A Georgia personal injury or accident is always an overwhelming experience. Anytime you leave home, you don’t anticipate sustaining a serious injury due to another party’s wrongdoing orTypes of Personal Injury Cases negligence. Sadly, personal injuries are unpreventable, and when they happen, accidents result in more damage than just physical injuries.

Personal injuries can be costly, highly stressful, and time-consuming. If either you or your loved one has suffered serious injuries due to another person, motorist, or a company’s negligence, it can be tough knowing what to do next. You might be facing an extended recovery period combined with mental and physical pain and suffering, rapidly growing medical bills, and wage losses. Thankfully, an experienced personal injury attorney can help you navigate the complex legal system and recover compensation for your damages and injuries.

A Georgia personal injury attorney is a trained legal professional that provides legal services to those who claim to have been injured either physically or psychologically due to the negligence of another person, company, entity, or government agency. Personal injury attorneys practice in an area known as tort law. This segment of law specializes in private or civic wrongdoings or injuries, monetary as well as nonmonetary damages.

Although personal injury attorneys are armed with the necessary licenses to practice in all facets of law, they generally tackle cases that fall within tort law, such as road accidents, accidents caused by slips and falls, work injuries, flawed products, and other types of accidents.

The most important professional mandate of a personal injury attorney is to help victims obtain the justice and compensation they deserve for losses incurred. These losses include the loss of capability to earn, pain and suffering as well as the inability to perform normal duties. What’s more, they include medical expenses that may arise, property damage, loss of companionship, loss of enjoyment of life, legal costs, attorney fees, and emotional distress.

What Types of Personal Injury Cases Are Handled By Our Georgia Personal Injury Attorneys?

Georgia personal injury lawyers handle anything that involves someone getting injured due to another party’s negligence. Below is a complete list of the types of cases that would warrant the intervention of a personal injury attorney:

Motor Vehicle AccidentsGeorgia Motor Vehicle Accident

Motor vehicle accidents such as truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, and car accidents are arguably the most common accidents that result in a personal injury claim. Everyone is always at risk of getting involved in a motor vehicle accident. Daily, we contend with poor road conditions as well as drivers that are either distracted or impaired in some way. While we always try to do our very best to keep ourselves and loved ones safe on the road, sometimes our efforts are not enough.

When you are injured in a motor vehicle accident because of another driver’s wrongdoing, you may be entitled to take legal action to recover your damages. An experienced injury attorney can help you pursue legal action against the individual or party responsible for your injuries and other damages.

Slip and Fall Accidents

Slip and fall-related injuries can sometimes cause serious injuries to your limbs, brain, and back. Treating such injuries can be quite expensive, and can last indefinitely. Falls can also result in disabling injuries that impact your ability to work and provide for your family.

Take the steps to protect your legal rights by contacting the experienced injury attorneys at Scholle Law. We believe that negligent property owners should take responsibility for unsafe conditions that cause slip-and-fall accidents. We boast the experience and resources to investigate and evaluate your case and fight for the compensation you deserve for your damages.

Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice occurs when health professionals provide care that’s short of what is expected, causing harm to the patient such as a birth injury, surgical error, or misdiagnosis. A medical mistake by someone you trust changes your life forever. Whereas some patients may face a lifetime of permanent changes, others may face a lengthy recovery. At Scholle Law, our award-winning medical malpractice lawyers fight for negligent medical care victims.

Workplace Accidents and Workers’ Compensation

If yo or your loved one is injured at work, chances are high that your only source of recovery will be a workers’ compensation claim.

Products Liability

Georgia Product Liability Lawyers

Despite strict consumer protection laws, thousands of defective products continue to put the health of consumers at risk every year. Some manufacturing firms are just not as careful as they should be when making products you bring into your home. Thankfully, if you have suffered serious injuries or lost a loved one due to a defective product, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your damages. Our Decatur-based Scholle Law firm represents individuals and families in legal cases against corporations or manufacturers who have sold defective or dangerous products to consumers.

Nursing Home Injuries and Abuse

Facilities and institutions offering care to the elderly are often guided by a variety of safety rules and regulations that are supposed to protect the safety and well-being of every resident. But the unfortunate reality is that nursing home abuse remains a major issue across the United States. If your loved one has suffered abuse as a nursing home resident, you have the right to file a case on their behalf.

Premises Liability

Businesses and commercial stores have the responsibility to ensure their premises are safe for both their employees and customers. Homeowners bear the same responsibility. Sometimes just occur, but other times they happen due to the failure of a homeowner or a business to mitigate a dangerous condition. Failure to remove broken glasses and dangerous metals, clean up spills, fix frayed electrical cables or repair damaged floors can endanger the safety of safety.

If you or a loved one have experienced any type of injury or accident you believe could have been prevented by mitigating a dangerous hazard in a business, home, or commercial store, don’t hesitate to contact our injury attorneys at Scholle Law.

Wrongful Death

Georgia Wrongful Death Lawyers

If an individual dies because of the wrongful conduct or negligence of another person or entity, surviving family members may file a lawsuit against the party responsible for the death. There are numerous types of wrongful death cases, ranging from auto accidents, work accidents, medical or professional malpractice, airplane crashes, and defective products, among others. At Scholle Law Firm, we boast significant experience in all types of wrongful death claims. If you believe the demise of your loved one was caused by the wrongful or negligent actions of another, kindly give us a call.

Animal Attacks and Dog Bite Injuries

Dogs and other animals can cause serious harm, especially to the elderly and children. Dog bites, in particular, can result in serious injuries. Some homeowners often fail to understand that they have a responsibility to keep their pets secure and away from neighbors, runners, walkers, bikers, and delivery persons. Dog bites can easily result in infections, disfigurement, or even fatalities.

Injury Claims Against the Government

Injury claims can arise against the government in numerous ways. You could slip and fall inside a government building, or you could be hit by a city bus. And the government, just like anyone else, can be held liable for causing your injuries.

Steps That Personal Injury Attorneys Take When Representing A Client

If you are looking to lodge a personal injury claim, you may want to know more about the process before you start the journey. It’s important to note that every personal injury claim is different based on the specific circumstances and facts surrounding each case. But nearly all personal injury claims will pass through the following crucial steps:

Initial Consultation

During the initial consultation, your personal injury lawyer will meet with you to discuss and evaluate the circumstances surrounding your personal injury claims. In general, you and your attorney will discuss several topics, including:

  • How the accident took placeGeorgia Personal Injury Claim
  • What parties were involved in the accident
  • Who may be responsible for the accident
  • What injuries were sustained due to the accident
  • The type of treatment you have received for the injuries suffered
  • What future treatment you may need to treat those serious injuries
  • How to move forward with you insurance company

Gathering evidence

This is arguably the most important step in any personal injury claim investigation process. Your experienced personal injury attorney at Scholle Law will initiate a complete investigation into the facts as well as the circumstances of your claim. On most occasions, this step will involve your Decatur personal injury attorney doing the following:

  • Taking pictures of the scene of the accident
  • Obtaining any incident or accident reports regarding the events that form the basis of your case. If the police witnessed the incident, your lawyer will speak with them and acquire a copy of the police report. What’s more, your attorney will try to contact the people who saw the accident and ask for their statements to support your claim.
  • Identifying those at fault and setting up claims with their respective insurance companies.
  • Acquiring the medical bills and records associated with treatment for the injuries sustained during the incident or accident.

Assess your injuries or illness and Arrange for Further Treatment

Your personal injury attorney will have to provide evidence for your injuries or illness and explain the impact they’ve had on your well-being. If you have already seen your GP, your attorney will access your medical records to assess your injuries.

Medical Billing in Personal Injury LawDuring your medical assessment, a medical professional will examine your injuries in person. If there are any visible injuries, the doctor will take photos of them. What’s more, they will ask about any discomfort or pain you have, how they’ve impacted your day-to-day life as well as how the accident affected you psychologically.

Helping personal injury victims make the best possible recovery is always the main priority of personal injury attorneys. The  injury attorneys at Scholle Law will also arrange for your medical care and rehabilitation.

If you are not able to receive the level of medical care you need through the NHS, our team can help you access private care to ensure you get the best possible treatment, when you need it. What’s more, we will discuss your recovery goals and devise a plan to help you realize those goals.

Establish Your Compensation Package

Once your attorney has collected all the crucial evidence needed, he will proceed to work out how much compensation you deserve. Usually, this package considers:

  • Your injuries, properties as well as items damaged during the accident, pain, and suffering
  • Total travel costs to and from your medical treatment and appointments relating to the incident
  • The cost of any medical treatment, therapies as well as rehabilitation
  • Lost income if you are unable to continue with your previous job or are simply out of work due to your injuries
  • Care costs
  • The cost of adaptive equipment such as an accessible vehicle, prosthetics, wheelchairs, and perhaps the cost of moving to a more accessible home

It’s worth noting that the calculation of your compensation package will take into consideration the costs or losses that you have already incurred and those that your attorney predicts you’ll face in the future.

Once your compensation package is complete, you will review it together with your attorney. It will then be forwarded to the insurance company of the party at fault for your damages.

Negotiations

After reviewing your compensation package, the insurance company of the guilty party will respond with their settlement offer. Your experienced Decatur personal injury lawyer at Scholle Law will notify you about the offer and discuss with you the options you have based on knowledge and experience in dealing with thousands of other similar cases. But the ultimate decision on whether to accept or reject their offer or file a lawsuit is yours! After all, it’s your case.

Settlement

If your personal injury attorney is able to negotiate a desirable settlement with the insurance company of the party at fault, then your attorney will prepare a settlement agreement that outlines the terms of your settlement. The decision about how you’ll receive your compensation package will also be made during this stage. Usually, you’ll receive your compensation package as a lump sum, minus any interim payments you have earlier received.

Litigation

While most personal injury cases are usually negotiated successfully, sometimes a lawsuit must be filed when the insurance companies fail to appreciate the full value of your injuries and other damages. When this happens, your personal injury attorney will file a lawsuit and present your case to court before a jury and obtain a verdict against those responsible for your injuries.

What To Look For What Choosing The Right Georgia Personal Injury Lawyer

Although some minor personal injury claims may not require the intervention of an attorney, it’s usually a great idea for victims to hire an attorney. With numerous attorneys to choose from, the prospect of finding the right personal injury attorney can sometimes prove to be a daunting task. Below are a few critical factors to consider when choosing the best attorney to help you handle your case:

  • Go for experience: Research shows that working with an experienced attorney can help triple your potential compensation package. It’s important to find a lawyer with the necessary experience to win a personal injury case like yours. It’s highly advisable that the attorney you hire has a track record of fighting for victims and securing huge settlements.
  • A free consultation is a must: When looking to hire a personal injury attorney, hire one that provides free consultations. This means you’ll have the chance to ask important questions and catch a glimpse of the attorney’s qualifications.
  • Cost: Cost will always be a major concern for personal injury victims. It’s important that you work with an attorney paid using contingency fees. In case you didn’t know, a contingency fee payment structure simply means your attorney won’t receive any payment until they win or settle your case.
  • Excellent communication skills: A lawyer must also offer information you need in a way that you can easily understand.

Importance of Having a Strong, Experienced Lawyer When Dealing With a Personal Injury Case

Many personal injury victims often find themselves facing an uncertain future after a serious accident. Thankfully, when this occurs, you can rely on the knowledge of an experienced personal injury attorney to guide you through this difficult period. But why exactly do you need a personal injury attorney?A Successful Personal Injury Claim

A personal injury lawyer will be your advocate, representing you as well as your interests. They will protect your legal rights in a court of law and guide you through filing a compensation claim. Your attorney will strive to ensure that all the relevant information is gathered and presented to help establish whether there was any wrongdoing on the part of the guilty party.

Most importantly, a good personal injury lawyer will work with you to assess the extent of your injuries and establish how they have impacted your ability to function and work normally in everyday life. They will use this information to ensure you receive fair and reasonable compensation for your damages.

Working with an experience personal injury lawyer for your personal injury claim such as those at Scholle Law, shows an insurance firm that you have the ability to go to court if necessary. In most cases, your ability to go to trial alone can be enough for the insurance company of the guilty party to table a greater settlement package.

At Scholle Law, you can find a trusted personal injury attorney in your hour of need. From handling the legwork of your claim to connecting you to some of the best medical professionals in Decatur, our attorneys can take care of the numerous crucial tasks for you while you focus on your recovery. We will not only help you overcome your challenges and obstacles, but will equally advocate for the best possible compensation outcome on your behalf.

A Few Tips On How To Prepare For A Personal Injury Case

The most frustrating aspect of a personal injury case is that a lot of what takes place after filing your claim is totally out of your control. However, there are a few things you can do to maximize your chances of getting the compensation package you deserve including:

  • Gather and organize your evidence: Regardless of the type of your personal injury case, you should collect all crucial information that may prove negligence, such as photos of the scene of the accident and your injuries, witness information, medical records, receipts of money spent on the treatment of your injuries, the defendant’s information as well as the contact information of the insurance companies.
  • Seek medical attention right away: It’s very important that you seek immediate medical attention following an accident. Some injuries such as internal injuries don’t exhibit any symptoms until hours or days after the accident. This means that seeking treatment almost immediately could save your dear life. Your attorney will also use your medical records as crucial pieces of evidence, as they will reveal the full extent of your injuries. Depending on the level of your injuries, your physician may place you under a long-term treatment plan, which you should follow to the latter because it’s one of the things that will protect your personal injury lawsuit.
  • Stay off social media: If you are claiming serious or life-threatening injuries, but your Instagram or Facebook pages tell a different picture, it may jeopardize your case.
  • Speak to a personal injury attorney immediately: Unless you were involved in a minor accident, it’s always a good idea to seek the services of an attorney. Bearing in mind that personal injury lawyers usually work on a contingency fee basis, they’ll honestly tell you whether you have a legitimate claim based on the facts and circumstances of your case.
  • Know when to accept a settlement package: Keep in mind that going through a trial can be an arduous process that can take months or even years. However, your personal injury attorney will always have your best interest at heart. And your attorney may receive unsatisfying offers, there are times when a settlement offer will have to be accepted. Follow your attorney’s advice and carefully weigh your options. It’s good to understand that there will be instances when a settlement may be a better option than going to trial, helping save on legal fees, and time as well as prolonged agony and stress.

Summary:

Personal injury attorneys are trained litigators who seek justice for those who have experienced physical or emotional suffering because of the recklessness or negligence of another party. In other words, the work of a personal injury attorney is to act on behalf of personal injury victims and help them negotiate fair compensation for losses and injuries incurred in an accident.

If either you or your loved one has recently sustained an injury due to another person’s fault, you may want to receive compensation for your damages. However, navigating the complex legal process can be overwhelming for anyone who is not too familiar with personal injury claims. Hiring an experienced personal injury lawyer can offer you the support and guidance you need throughout the whole claim process.

The Bottom Line:

Personal injury accidents in Georgia, can be life-threatening. Your world can change dramatically after someone else’s wrongdoing. A personal injury attorney is a qualified and licensed professional who provides legal representation to injured accident victims in negligence claims.

Even if you’re not sure if you have a personal injury claim, it’s recommended to speak with a lawyer to discuss your options. The initial conversation is free, and our attorneys will do everything we can to make sure you get all the information you need to make an informed decision.

We hope that we’ve adequately explained what a personal injury attorney is, and shown the different steps that a Georgia personal injury attorney takes when representing a client. We also hope that we have provided you with practical tips on how to choose the best Georgia personal injury lawyer. We can’t stress enough, the importance of hiring a competent lawyer to help you handle your injury case. Failure to hire an experienced attorney such as those at Scholle Law can deprive you of the opportunity to receive fair and just compensation for your damages.

Georgia Personal Injury Claim Glossary of Terms

  1. AccidentAn unforeseen and unintentional event, typically one that causes damage or injury. 
  2. NegligenceFailure to exercise the level of care that a reasonably prudent person would in similar circumstances. 
  3. LiabilityLegal responsibility for one’s actions or omissions.
  4. Personal injuryPhysical or psychological injury sustained by a person as a result of the actions or omissions of another person. 
  5. TortA civil wrong that causes someone to suffer loss or harm resulting in legal liability for the person who commits the tortious act. 
  6. DamagesMonetary compensation awarded to an injured party in a civil action as a result of the wrongful conduct of another. 
  7. Strict liabilityLegal responsibility that does not depend on actual negligence or intent to harm, but rather is based on the breach of a duty imposed by law. 
  8. Comparative negligenceA legal doctrine that allows the damages awarded to a plaintiff in an injury case to be reduced based on the plaintiff’s own degree of fault for the accident. 
  9. Contributory negligenceA legal doctrine that bars a plaintiff from recovering damages if the plaintiff’s own negligence contributed to the accident. 
  10. Assumption of riskA defense to a claim of negligence, in which the defendant argues that the plaintiff voluntarily assumed the risk of injury by participating in the activity that led to the injury. 
  11. Statute of limitationsA law that sets a time limit for filing a legal claim. 
  12. Settlements An agreement to resolve a dispute or claim, typically one reached between the parties involved without the need for a trial. 
  13. VerdictA decision made by a jury or judge in a court case. 
  14. JudgmentA formal decision made by a court following a trial or other legal proceedings. 
  15. AppealA request to a higher court to review the decision of a lower court. 
  16. MediationA form of alternative dispute resolution in which a neutral third party facilitates communication between the parties to help them reach an agreement. 
  17. ArbitrationA form of alternative dispute resolution in which a neutral third party makes a binding decision to resolve a dispute. 
  18. Wrongful deathA legal cause of action that allows the estate of a deceased person to bring a lawsuit against the person or entity responsible for the death. 
  19. Statutory damagesDamages that are awarded by law, rather than being based on the actual damages suffered by the plaintiff. These damages may be specified in a statute or other legal authority, and are typically intended to punish the defendant or deter future wrongdoing. 

 

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