What is a personal injury claim?

A claim for a personal injury can arise any time a victim suffers injuries for the careless, reckless, or intentional acts of another person. The at-fault person or entity can be held civilly responsible for their actions and your injuries. Most often, this is done by pursuing a claim for negligence. For a more detailed understanding, visit either our Civil Justice System FAQ or our Negligence FAQ.

What is a wrongful death claim?

A wrongful death is actually a broad term that's often used to help nonlawyers understand their legal rights. Technically, it describes two separate legal claims created by Georgia's statutes. These claims arise when someone has lost their life due to the wrongful – or negligent – conduct of someone else. ​ These statutes permit surviving family members and/or estate administrators to pursue civil justice for the unnecessary loss of life. Incidentally, these claims allow the families to achieve closure on their sudden loss of a loved one. For a more detailed explanation, visit our Wrongful Death FAQ page.

How much does a personal injury and wrongful death attorney cost?

A personal injury and wrongful death attorney should only work on a contingency fee. You have probably heard the slogan before - "no fees unless we win." This is true for all personal injury and wrongful death attorneys. This means that there are no upfront costs, expenses, or retainer. Instead, the attorney advances his own money to cover the case costs. And, the attorney does not collect a fee - nor is he reimbursed his case costs - until your case finally resolves. For a better understanding of the attorney fee arrangement, visit our Attorney Fees and Expenses FAQ page.

What type of compensation am I entitled to receive?

If you are the victim of an actionable personal injury, you may be entitled to a wide variety of compensation, depending on your injuries. The law seeks to make victims like you "whole" again, atleast as much as possible. Usually, this is achieved by compensating you by placing a dollar value on your injuries. Different types of compensation could include: ​

• Medical expense (past and future);

How much time do I have to file a claim?

In Georgia, a personal injury or wrongful death victim generally has 2 years from the date of injury to initiate their claim in court. A victim could forever lose their right to pursue their claim if they do not timely pursue it. This time period is known as the statute of limitations. It's important for a victim not to wait too long before consulting with an attorney. An experienced attorney will need time to gather evidence and investigate your case. Also, in order to be eligible under certain insurance policies, the insurance carrier is required to receive timely notice.

What should I expect at an attorney consultation?

Attorney consultations for personal injury and wrongful death cases are free. No commitments. In order to take advantage of this consultation, it's important that you are prepared. Bring evidence and documents for the attorney to review. This could include the police report, photographs, medical bills and records, and other similar items. This way, the attorney can provide precise answers to your questions. You should also prepare a list of questions for the attorney. Decide the purpose of the consulation before you call the attorney - i.e. Do you want to hire an attorney? Do you want to understand your options? Do you need help with a property damage claim only? Knowing your purpose and having specific questions for the attorney will help make the most out of your free consultation. For additional guidance on meeting with an attorney, visit our Attorney Consultation FAQ page.