Personal Injury Attorney Marietta GA
Suffering an injury after an accident can be life-changing. Whether you are injured in a motor vehicle accident, a slip-and-fall, by a defective product, or even if you or a loved one are a victim of a dog bite, the effect can be the same. Injuries can lead to medical bills, lost wages, and the inability to experience what you once enjoyed. If you believe your injury is the result of another’s negligence or carelessness, it is important to contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible.
An injury alone is not sufficient to warrant compensation in Georgia. In order to be compensated for your injuries, you must prove that the other party was negligent and that this negligence caused your injuries. In the state of Georgia, you must prove four “elements” in order to bring a successful personal injury claim. You must show:
- Duty – the other party had a “duty” to act (or not act) in a certain manner.
- Breach of Duty – the other party breached the duty owed.
- The Breach of Duty Caused Harm to the Injured – the breach of duty actually caused injury to the victim.
- Damages – you suffered compensable harm as a result of the other party’s negligence.
Personal Injury Damages in Atlanta
If you are able to prove that the other party’s negligence caused you to suffer economic loss, you may be entitled to recover damages. In the case of a personal injury claim, damages are money awarded to an individual to compensate them for losses suffered as a result of the other party’s negligence. Damages can be economic, non-economic, or punitive.
Economic damages include quantifiable monetary losses suffered by the injured, in the past or future, as a result of their injuries. For example, economic damages can include medical bills, lost wages, and property damages.
Non-economic damages are damages that are not quantifiable. For example, you cannot quantify the pain and suffering or mental distress an individual may experience after an injury. However, Georgia law recognizes this type of injury and compensation may be awarded.
Punitive damages are recoverable only in cases where the other party acted recklessly or willfully. The purposes of these damages is to punish the at-fault party and are not commonly awarded.
Should I Hire a Personal Injury Attorney?
It is important to know that in Georgia, there is a time limit to file a claim, known as a the Statute of Limitations. If you do not file your claim, typically two years from the date of your injury, you may not be able to recover damages.
If you or a loved one believe that an individual or entity acted negligently and was at-fault in causing your injuries, it is always a good idea to speak with qualified attorney. If you have questions about your case, call to schedule a consultation with attorney Tom Mitchell of the Mitchell Law Group. The facts of each case are unique and the legal system can be confusing. Mr. Mitchell can review the facts of your case and help guide you through the legal process to help ensure you receive the compensation you are rightfully owed.
The Mitchell Law Group represents clients throughout Georgia. Contact us today to discuss your needs and for a consultation.