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Personal injury law is a branch of civil law that allows injury victims to seek damages from liable parties. While accidents are part of life, they can lead to serious, even disabling injuries, and when someone else is responsible for causing the accident, you have a legal right to file a claim and seek compensation. Here’s a closer look at the role of an attorney and how the claims process works.

When to File a Claim

You should consider filing a legal claim if you suffered a serious injury or major property damage—basically, anything that requires out-of-pocket costs—because of someone else's negligence, recklessness, or harmful intent. You shouldn't have to be on the hook for injury- or accident-related expenses when another party bears the brunt of responsibility for the incident. Bear in mind, however, that there are statutes of limitation in personal injury cases. In Georgia, you have two years from the date of injury to file a claim.

How an Attorney Can Help

An injury attorney will guide you through every step of the legal system. This is an invaluable help, especially if you've never been involved in a lawsuit before.

personal injuryThey’ll handle all the paperwork, filings, and legal motions of submitting a claim while always representing your interests and communicating on your behalf with other parties and attorneys involved in the case. Working closely with you to learn and verify the details of your injuries, they’ll assign an accurate dollar amount that aims to maximize damages. They’ll also negotiate with opposing counsel to get you the most beneficial settlement—and if the need arises, they’ll represent you in court.

The Claims Process

While no two injury cases are exactly like, there’s a general process that all claims follow. It starts with opening a claim with both your insurer and the other party's insurer. If they refuse payment, you’ll file a complaint that states your intention to sue. Your attorney will then prepare a demand package, in which they share your story, evidence that supports the injury and the need for damages, and a request for compensation.

At this point, settlement negotiations will begin. If a settlement agreement can’t be reached, the case will proceed to a trial; this, however, is rare, as most cases are resolved through settlement negotiations.

 

Let a personal injury attorney advocate for you. Morrison & Hughes Law Firm serves the metro Atlanta, GA, area with compassionate advocacy. They offer representation in all manner of injury claims, including auto accidents, workers' compensation, and Social Security disability cases. Call (404) 800-5297 to schedule a consultation with an attorney today or visit their website to learn more about their practice.

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