While nobody expects to get hurt, mistakes and accidents that lead to severe injuries are not uncommon. Although most of them happen unexpectedly, they are usually preventable and tend to be caused by the negligent, careless, or wrongful acts of other individuals.
In addition to dealing with the pain, stress, and suffering that comes with bodily injuries, you also have to worry about medical bills and your financial future. The situation even worsens if you are unable to resume work.
Fortunately, the state of Georgia allows victims of personal injury to seek compensation from the party at fault by filing a personal injury claim. However, these cases are not usually straightforward and so, it is advisable to seek legal counsel from a Buckhead personal injury lawyer.
At The Hurt Boss in Buckhead, GA, we know that you are undergoing physical and emotional pain and that’s why we specialize in helping our clients seek justice and fair settlement. Get in touch through 678-806-7715 and learn more about how we can help!
Table of Contents
What Should You Do After an Injury?
Following a personal injury, ensure you do the following to increase your chances of being compensated:
Seek Medical Care
Following an accident, it’s trivial that you seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if you do not feel injured. It is imperative to have the injuries documented by a licensed physician to diagnose your injuries and get the right treatment. This also allows you to keep a record of the treatments, which will come in handy as you pursue compensation.
Take Photos and Videos of the Scene
If possible, use your smartphone to take photos and videos of both your injuries and the accident scene. This will help a lot in presenting solid evidence when making a claim.
Collect Names and Contact Information of Witnesses
If there were any witnesses, it’s advisable to collect both their names and contact details. That’s because their testimonies will help to solidify your case, especially if it goes to court.
Report the Accident
It is mandatory and paramount that you notify the relevant parties about the injury. If it is a slip and fall at an establishment like a restaurant, notify the manager. If it is an auto accident, report it to the police. If it is a work-related injury, notify your employer. Also, ensure you get a copy of the accident report.
Never Admit Fault
Whether you think you could be partly liable for the accident or not, never apologize to the other party or admit fault. Keep in mind that fault for personal injury cases is determined after a thorough investigation is done and the last thing is to potentially ruin chances of compensation.
Contact a Buckhead Personal Injury Lawyer
It is also important to call a lawyer as soon as possible. You will want a seasoned attorney in the personal injury field. The team at The Hurt Boss has experience in all types of personal injury including car accidents, slips and falls, defective products, truck accidents, etc.
By hiring our lawyers, the other team will see that you’re taking the case seriously and avoid any cheap tricks to deny the claim.
Why Should I Hire a Buckhead Personal Injury Lawyer?
Hiring a lawyer provides the best chances of success in your injury case. Our qualified and experienced lawyers will be able to help you by handling the following:
Case Preparation/Filing a Lawsuit
Once you reach out to The Hurt Boss, our lawyers will initiate the process by looking at your legal options and then conducting a comprehensive investigation and gathering all the necessary evidence to make a strong case. Our team will be able to figure out the value of your personal injury claim and establish liability by working with other experts.
Settlement Negotiations
Before your case goes to court, our team will try to reach a fair compensation agreement with the liable party or the insurance provider. We have been in this industry for years and know how to strike fair settlement deals through great negotiation skills. Once we figure out how much your case is worth, we’ll do our job to ensure you get what you deserve.
Trial Preparation & Representation
If we are unable to come to a fair agreement for the compensation, our team will proceed to take your claim to court. We will prepare a solid case by ensuring we have the necessary evidence and then fight aggressively for your rights in front of the judge or jury. Court proceedings may be lengthy, but justice and fair compensation are important.
How Is Liability in Georgia Determined?
All personal injury cases in Georgia are governed by the law of negligence. This means in order for the defendant to be deemed liable for your injuries or losses, you need to show negligence, which involves the following:
- Duty of Care – First, you need to prove that the other party owed you a reasonable duty of care in the situation that resulted in the accident.
- Breach of Duty of Care – Next, you need to prove that the accused breached that duty of care. This can be by acting or failure to act in a manner that a reasonable person would have.
- Causation – Third, you need to prove that the other party’s breach of duty of care was a direct cause of your injuries and losses.
- Damages – Lastly, you need to prove that you experienced injury and losses.
What Types of Damages Can You Recover in Georgia?
In the state of Georgia, there are three categories of damages you can recover in a personal injury lawsuit.
Economic Damages
Also known as special damages, economic damages are the tangible or monetary losses you experience following an injury. They are more concrete as they are readily documented and easy to calculate. Damages that fall into this category include medical bills, utility bills, lost wages, property damages as well as expenses that come with living with an injury.
Non-Economic Damages
These involve damages that are subject in nature and relate to harm types that don’t come with objective documentation such as receipts. They are designed to compensate the victim for emotional harm and include mental distress, ruined reputation, loss of consortium, pain, and suffering, loss of enjoyment in life, and disfigurement.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are awarded to punish the party responsible when they are found to have been extremely careless, willful, fraudulent, or malicious in their actions that led to harm, injury, or losses to the victim. These damages are also designed to discourage other people from acting in a similar way.
How Much Time Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Claim in Georgia?
Personal injury cases in Georgia have a time limit which is known as the statute of limitations. This law gives victims exactly 2 years from the date of the accident to file a claim. Failure to make a claim within this period will give no legal grounds to sue the liable party or seek compensation.
Personal Injury Claims Process in Georgia
Each personal injury claim is different, but the process is usually the same.
Free Consultation With a Lawyer
First, you need to consult an attorney and ask any questions you may have about the claim. A reputable lawyer like those at The Hurt Boss will provide a free no-obligation initial consultation, provide advice on your legal options and handle the rest of the process if they agree to pick the case.
Gather Evidence
At this stage, the lawyer will start gathering the necessary evidence and information relevant to your case. This entails speaking to witnesses and police as well as going through your medical records.
Demand Letter
The lawyer will then send an official notification letter to the insurance company notifying them of your decision to file a claim. The insurer will send a reservation of rights letter and acknowledge that they will investigate the claim.
Settlement Negotiations
From here, they will get into negotiations with the insurance provider in an attempt to reach a fair settlement. Keep in mind they might go back and forth several times. Following negotiations, you should get a fair settlement agreed upon by both parties.
Trial
Settlement negotiations are successful in most instances, but in some cases, negotiations fail and filing a lawsuit is the only option. If you don’t come to an agreement, your case will proceed to trial, where the jury or judge will determine liability and the damages you can recover.
How Much Does a Buckhead Personal Injury Lawyer Cost?
You do not have to fret over the cost of hiring a personal injury lawyer in Buckhead, GA. Most firms including The Hurt Boss operate on a contingency basis. Simply put, it means you don’t have to pay us anything unless you win the case. If you win, we will take an agreed-upon percentage of the compensation.
The Types of Personal Injury Cases We Handle at The Hurt Boss
You can count on our team to provide a solid representation in the following types of personal injury cases in Buckhead, GA:
Car Accidents
Auto accidents are not uncommon in Buckhead and can be very dangerous. If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident, resulting in severe injuries and damages, our team is here to make sure you get a fair settlement.
Truck Accidents
Commercial trucks are not only large but also heavy. Unfortunately, they can ruin lives when they get into accidents. If you’ve been hurt in a truck accident in Buckhead, call us. We can help you recover the maximum possible compensation under the law.
Ride-Sharing Accidents
Uber and other ridesharing companies have become the go-to for affordable and convenient movement. However, ridesharing accidents tend to be complicated due to the many parties involved, particularly insurance companies. However, you can count on our Uber accident lawyers to navigate the murky waters and protect your rights.
Motorcycle Accidents
When a collision occurs, motorcycle riders tend to pay the price due to their exposure. If you become a victim, it is important to get in touch with a motorcycle accident lawyer immediately. This will help secure evidence even during a hit and run and increase your chances of fair compensation.
Workplace Accidents
Accidents while at the workplace are also quite common in Georgia. Being injured while working may affect your ability to resume work, resulting in lost wages. With the right representation, however, you can seek workers’ compensation benefits.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Both private and public premises are supposed to be safe for everyone, but accidents do happen. Landlords and property owners are expected to identify and handle any potential hazards. If you were injured in a slip and fall, then seek legal counsel for compensation.
Burns
All forms of burns can be extremely painful and result in serious scarring among other injuries. Depending on the burn type and severity, you may need hospitalization or surgery. If you sustain a burn injury from the negligent or careless actions of another party, do not hesitate to reach out for professional legal assistance.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) not only put the victim at risk of physical disability but may also affect their functionality, memory, and motor functions. Our team knows the physical and emotional stress that comes with TBIs and will work with you to ensure that you or your loved one is fairly compensated.
Spinal Cord Injury
An injury to the spinal cord can have life-altering effects. If you are not able to walk, chances are you will have to alter your house and even change your career. Spinal cord injuries are also likely to put you under financial strain due to long-term treatment. The team at The Hurt Boss will help you put the party liable accountable.
Wrongful Death
A wrongful death may occur as a result of many different kinds of negligence. If your loved one lost their life due to another party’s negligence, we can help you recover compensation for that wrongful death.
Get a Reliable Buckhead Personal Injury Attorney Today!
Personal injuries can be devastating and life-changing to both the victim and their family members. If you or a loved one sustain injury due to the negligent, careless, or wrongful actions of another person or entity, do not hesitate to reach out to The Hurt Boss in Buckhead, GA by calling 678-806-7715. We will provide a free no-obligation consultation to help you know more about your legal options.
