Are you hurt from someone else’s carelessness or harmful behavior?
If your answer is yes, you should file a personal injury claim to get the money you deserve.
We often work with clients who want to know:
- What is the personal injury lawsuit process in Georgia?
- How is personal injury lawsuit process different from personal injury settlement process?
We will answer both of these questions below to help you get started.
Steps in the Personal Injury Lawsuit Process in Georgia
There are a few key steps in the personal injury lawsuit process in Georgia. Here are some common steps in personal injury cases:
- Gather evidence at the scene of the accident. Whether you have injuries from a car accident, slip and fall accident, or from a defective product, gather as much information as you can. Take photos at the scene of the accident and get names and contact information of witnesses.
- Seek medical attention. If you think you have any kind of injury, seek medical attention to assess your injuries. Under Georgia’s comparative fault law, the responsible party may argue that you are partly to blame for your injuries. You can also be responsible if your injuries worsen from not getting medical help right away.
- Hire a personal injury lawyer. They will help negotiate a settlement in your insurance claim. They can also take your case to trial if necessary.
- Seek compensation by filing an insurance claim. With the help of your lawyer, you may file an insurance claim to seek compensation. File a lawsuit if you don’t get a reasonable settlement or if insurance limits prevent you from getting full compensation.
- File a lawsuit within Georgia’s personal injury statute of limitations. Personal injury lawsuits must be filed within two years from the date of the injury. If you don’t file within two years, you will not get compensation.
- Attempt to get a settlement from the defendant. After you file a lawsuit, you can continue to negotiate a settlement with your lawyer’s help.
- Take your case to trial. If you don’t get a reasonable settlement, take your case to trial to seek damages for your losses.
Understanding the Difference Between a Settlement and Lawsuit Process
The only difference in the process is when the case goes to trial. Most personal injury plaintiffs first try to negotiate for a settlement. If a reasonable settlement is not offered, the court will determine the plaintiff’s damages.
Contact a Georgia Personal Injury Lawyer
Do you need help with a personal injury claim?
A Georgia personal injury attorney can help.
Contact Georgia Auto Law for more information about filing a lawsuit.