If you have been hurt by someone else’s negligence, whether in a car accident, slip and fall, or another type of accident, it’s not fair for you to shoulder the financial burdens. At the Law Office of John B. Jackson, our Villa Rica personal injury lawyers fight aggressively to get favorable results for our clients. So whether your personal injury case settles or goes to trial, we will provide you with experienced counsel. Contact us for a free consultation today.
What Should I Do After An Injury?
There are a few things that we need you to do before we can get started with your case. Firstly, we need to gather as much relevant information as possible to explain the nature and extent of your personal injuries and the cause of the underlying accident.
Get Medical Treatment
The first and foremost thing you need to do is get medical treatment for any injuries sustained due to the accident. If your injuries are not apparent right after the accident, you should still consider seeing a doctor as your injuries may take a while to become obvious.
Moreover, make sure that you keep a record of all of the treatments that you’ve received. We will also need details about your medical history and bills as they will come in handy while building your case.
Pictures and Witness Statements
In order to get compensation for your injuries, you will first have to prove that you were actually hurt during the accident. So take as many pictures as you can of your injuries and the scene of the accident (when you are stable). This will help your case as it shows the extent of your injuries and the damages that you’ve had to face.
If you were involved in a car accident, for instance, you can record videos of the vehicles involved and other conditions that may have contributed to the accident’s cause for support. Plus, if you notice any witnesses at the scene, we will require their names and numbers so that they can testify in court if need be.
Report the Incident
It is important to report the incident to the relevant authorities. For example, if you are at your workplace, you should immediately inform your supervisor or your manager. Subsequently, they will report the case to the higher authorities. However, if you are involved in a road accident that has resulted in an injury, make sure that you call the police and let them know what happened.
Don’t Admit Any Fault and Contact Your Personal Injury Lawyer Immediately
Contacting your lawyer eases the burden of collecting evidence, dealing with the police, and making claim settlements with the insurance agency. Keep in mind, though, that you do not need to admit anything to the police or the insurance company until your attorney is present with you. If you contact us soon enough, we will get sufficient time to build your case and plan an appropriate course of action.
Why Do I Need a Lawyer?
A personal injury lawyer can make a significant difference to your case as they are licensed professionals who are skilled at representing individuals injured during an accident. Here are some of the major benefits of hiring a personal injury lawyer.
Case Preparation
Personal injury lawyers have the knowledge and skills needed to build a strong case. We collect the necessary evidence, conduct research, and present it in court. While preparing your case, we will connect you with the best doctors for treatment.
Settlement Negotiation
A lawyer can negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf and help you get the right settlement amount. We don’t recommend accepting the claim until we fully understand the scope of your injuries and how they will affect your life. We aim to negotiate the best possible settlement offer to compensate you for your loss.
Trial Preparation and Representation
When a personal injury case goes to trial, the parties involved argue their cases in front of a judge to determine the extent of injuries and liabilities. It is highly recommended that you hire a personal injury lawyer to represent you at trial because lawyers have the relevant experience and expertise needed to argue and defend a case.
What Type of Damages Can I Recover?
In Villa Rica, there are three types of damages in a personal injury case:
- Economic damages
- Non-economic damages
- Punitive damages
Economic Damages
Economic damages are disbursed to recover the financial losses the plaintiff had to incur. The damages are calculated according to the market price on the date of the incident. Economic damages may include:
- Income loss
- Medical expense
- Damage to property
- Cost of disability expense
Non-Economic Damages
These damages don’t have a monetary value and are usually intangible. Certain factors, such as age, occupation, annual income, and the extent of the injury, are important to determine the value of the amount to be distributed. Non-economic damages may include:
- Mental stress
- Pain of injuries
- Loss of job or reputation
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are awarded if the defendant is found guilty of misconduct or malicious activity. They are not meant as compensation for the plaintiff but rather as a punishment for the defendant for negligence and recklessness.
How Is Liability Determined?
The amount of liability to be paid is determined by comparing the negligence shown by the defendant and the plaintiff. Thus, the percentage of liability determines the damages that need to be paid. For example, if the judge decides that 60% of the damage was caused by the defendant and 40% was caused by the carelessness of the plaintiff, the defendant will only have to pay 60% of the damages rather than the full 100%.
To prove liability, your Villa Rica personal injury lawyer must demonstrate:
Duty of Care and Breach of Duty
Duty of care is the responsibility that one person has to avoid causing harm or injury to other people. In case of breach of duty of care, the person will be liable to compensate for the harm or injury caused to another person.
Causation
Causation is the legal term used to determine whether the accident has the result of the defendant’s negligence or another factor.
Damages
You must prove that you suffered an actual injury and expenses to recover compensation. One way to provide proof of damages is by keeping records of treatment from when you went to the hospital. Other documentation of damages can include receipts for pain medication or bills for car repair.
How Much Time Do I Have To File a Personal Injury Claim?
In Villa Rica, the time allotted to file for a personal injury claim is two years from the date of the accident in most cases. It is important to be aware of the deadline for your case because a delay might cause issues with the claim process.
How Much Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Cost?
Personal injury lawyers in Villa Rica usually charge a contingency fee. This means that they will take a percentage from the client’s settlement claim. You pay nothing unless we win your case.
Types of Personal Injury Cases We Handle at John B. Jackson Law Firm
We represent clients in a variety of personal injury cases, including:
Bicycle Accidents
Personal injuries can be caused while riding a bicycle. For instance, you could get hit by a car and get injured. The Law Office of John B. Jackson will be more than happy to help you get compensated for your injuries.
Car Accidents
Car accidents are the most common cause of personal injuries, and you are entitled to receive compensation according to the extent of your injuries. The Law Office of John B. Jackson has experienced Villa Rica car accident lawyers to help you fight your case.
Dog Bite
Dog bites can result from an unprovoked action and cause serious injuries to anyone – fortunately, our professional personal injury lawyers are here to support you and help you settle your claim.
Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice happens when a medical practitioner or a doctor causes injury to a patient due to negligence or omission of standard practice acts. The Law Office of John B. Jackson will provide consultation and expert opinion on how to proceed further.
Motorcycle Accident
Injury caused by a motorcycle accident due to the negligence of the other party can be dangerous. It is essential to focus on full recovery while we handle your case and help you get the right compensation for your losses.
Slip and Fall
Some of the common causes of slip and fall accidents include wet floors, snowfall, cracked sidewalks, broken staircases, dim hallways, or debris. The personal Injury Lawyers at the Law Office of John B. Jackson will handle your case with expertise.
Product Liability
If you or someone you know has been injured due to insecure or hazardous products, you can reach out to the Law Office of John B. Jackson, and we will help you move forward with your case.
Workers’ Compensation
If you suffered a workplace injury, our Villa Rica workers’ compensation lawyers can help you navigate the workers’ comp system and get the benefits you deserve.
Contact Our Villa Rica Personal Injury Lawyers
After suffering an injury, medical bills can quickly add up and you may be out of work for some time while you recover. This puts a financial burden on you and your family. You deserve compensation if another’s reckless or careless actions caused you to be hurt.
Here at the Law Office of John B. Jackon, our team of personal injury lawyers can help you file a claim. We have the experience necessary to negotiate for a settlement, and if needed, represent you in court. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
