What these cases involve
A personal injury claim arises when someone is hurt because another party failed to act with reasonable care. That covers vehicle collisions, injuries on unsafe property, and harm caused by a business's negligence.
The claim is not only about the injury itself. It covers the medical expenses that follow, the income lost while unable to work, the cost of future treatment, and the pain and disruption the injury causes.
Two Georgia rules that shape your claim
The two-year deadline. Georgia generally gives an injured person two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33). Claims for property damage generally allow four years. Miss the deadline and the claim is usually barred no matter how strong it is.
Shared fault. Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence rule (O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33). If you are found partly responsible, your recovery is reduced by your share of the fault — and if you are found 50 percent or more responsible, you recover nothing. This is why insurers work hard to assign you a portion of the blame, and why how fault is documented matters so much.
How the firm approaches an injury claim
We start by understanding what happened and what it has cost you — medically, financially, and practically. From there we gather the evidence that establishes responsibility: incident reports, photographs, medical records, witness accounts, and where appropriate, expert analysis.
We handle communication with the insurance carriers so you are not negotiating your own claim while recovering. Early offers frequently arrive before the full extent of an injury is understood, and accepting one usually closes the claim permanently.
Most injury claims resolve through negotiation. Some do not, and preparing a claim properly from the beginning is what makes a strong negotiating position possible.
What to do after an injury
- Get medical attention, and follow through on treatment
- Photograph the scene, the vehicles or hazard, and your injuries
- Get the names and contact details of any witnesses
- Report the incident, and keep a copy of the report
- Keep every bill, receipt, and record of missed work
- Speak to an attorney before giving a recorded statement
Common questions
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in Georgia?
Georgia generally allows two years from the date of injury for a personal injury lawsuit, and four years for property damage. Some circumstances shorten or extend that window — claims against a government entity, for example, carry much earlier notice requirements. Because the deadline is strict, it is worth confirming yours early rather than close to the date.
What if I was partly at fault?
You may still recover. Georgia reduces your compensation by your percentage of fault, and bars recovery entirely if you are 50 percent or more responsible. How fault is assessed is often disputed, which is why the evidence gathered early matters.
Should I accept the insurance company's first offer?
Not before you understand the full extent of your injury. Early offers often arrive before treatment is complete, and accepting one generally closes the claim for good — including for costs that have not yet appeared.
What does it cost to hire the firm for an injury case?
Personal injury matters are commonly handled on a contingency basis, meaning the fee comes from the recovery rather than up front. We will explain the specific terms that would apply to your matter during your consultation.
This page describes general principles of Georgia law and is not legal advice. Statutes and procedures change, and how they apply depends on the facts of your situation. Speak with an attorney about your specific matter.