Almost all personal injury cases, whether in Atlanta, GA or anywhere else, deal with negligence. When there is a breach of the duty of care owed to another person, an accident can occur. The basis of the compensation to which a plaintiff may be entitled is substantially based on present negligence laws.
If injured through the carelessness of another person, you have the right to proper compensation in Georgia. It is important that you consult with a personal injury lawyer in Atlanta as immediately as possible.
An Atlanta personal injury attorney can help you understand present negligence laws that affect your case in Atlanta, GA.
Negligence Defined, According to Georgia State Laws
Property owners, motorists, businesses, and even government agencies can be negligent in their actions and cause injuries to others. A homeowner, for example, has to keep his premises safe for invitees or guests. Motor vehicle drivers in Atlanta, GA should exercise caution while on the road. A grocery store owner has to properly arrange his merchandise to avoid items falling on unsuspecting shoppers.
When you consult a personal injury lawyer in Atlanta they will most likely explain the essential elements of negligence. First, there should be a duty of care to the injured individual. Second, there must be a breach of this duty of care to the injured person or plaintiff. Third, a connection has to be established between the actions of the defendant and the resulting injury in Atlanta, GA. Fourth, the negligent party must have foreseen the harm arising from his or her actions. Finally, the negligent conduct of the defendant should have resulted in losses and damage to the injured individual.
An Atlanta personal injury attorney can also explain the effects of shared negligence between the defendant and the plaintiff. Georgia, including Atlanta, GA, operates through the Modified Comparative Fault rule. You can recover from the other party only if your own percentage of fault is at 50% or less. If you are at fault for less than 50%, the amount that you can recover can reduce accordingly.
Negligence Complications and the Need for a Personal Injury Lawyer in Atlanta
Negligence laws can be complex if there is shared liability involved, and both parties are able to present ample proof. Moreover, the insurance company of the negligent party may try to reduce the compensation amount due to you.
To ensure that you are able to recover for damages in a fair manner, you will need reliable legal help. An Atlanta personal injury attorney can be your most important advocate in this most pressing time.
The other ways in which a personal injury lawyer in Atlanta can assist you include:
Procuring important evidence.
To establish the careless actions of the other party, ample evidence will be necessary. In a motor vehicle accident, for instance, you may check the police accident report for possible road violations. These violations can help establish the negligence of the liable party. Additionally, you can verify if the police accident report has mentioned eyewitnesses. Your personal injury lawyer in Atlanta can work on your behalf if you can’t do this on your own.
Negotiating with insurance companies/filing a lawsuit.
When seeking compensation, you and your Atlanta personal injury attorney will need to confer with insurance company representatives. This can happen for settlement purposes or during mediation prior to the filing of a lawsuit. In these meetings, insurance carriers will almost always have the upper hand. Their representatives will have already been attending these settlement meetings for a long time. This means they will have proven tactics for reducing the settlement amount or pinning the negligence on you. Without the help of an Atlanta personal injury attorney, you can easily lose in a settlement or litigation case.
Recommending medical specialists.
Medical records can serve as important documentary evidence as to the severity of your physical injuries. Since the compensation awarded to you will be based on your injuries and pain and suffering, these records are crucial. Your personal injury lawyer in Atlanta can recommend the right specialists to help quantify your physical losses most accurately.
Need to Hire an Atlanta Personal Injury Attorney? Consult with Us at the Law Office of John B. Jackson
If you’re unfamiliar with important negligence rules in Atlanta GA, seeking proper compensation can be a challenge. The other party may accuse you of negligent actions that can substantially affect your ability to recover. To help you in your claim, you will need a committed personal injury lawyer in Atlanta.
Here at the Law Office of John B. Jackson, we have Atlanta personal injury attorneys ready to assist you. Whether you’re dealing with workers’ compensation, premises liability, or a motor vehicle accident, we can help. Our goal is to represent you and to work on your case in Atlanta, GA the best way possible.
To get started get in touch with a skilled injury law firm today.