Injured in Decatur?
The city of Decatur has enjoyed renewed growth due to its long-term vision for a thriving downtown area. However, with this growth comes more traffic, more car accidents, and more injuries.
According to recent statistics, crashes have been on the rise in recent years, with around 5% of them resulting in serious injuries.
David Brauns is a Decatur personal injury lawyer who believes in client satisfaction and service above all else. The people who come to us in need of legal help are our neighbors and important parts of our community.
A dedicated team of injury law professionals means you have more resources available to help you with the nuisances of life after a car accident that most law firms never want to deal with.
Knowing if You Have a Valid Case
Several factors come into play when evaluating the validity of a personal injury case, especially in the context of personal injury accidents. These factors include:
- Duty: Establishing that the defendant owed a legal duty of care to the plaintiff. This duty particularly arises in situations such as slip-and-fall accidents, car crashes, workplace accidents, medical malpractice, or dog bites.
- Breach of Duty: Demonstrating that the defendant breached this duty by failing to act as a reasonable person would under similar circumstances. This could involve negligent actions or omissions.
- Causation: Proving that the breach of duty directly caused the injury. This means showing a direct link between the defendant’s actions and the harm suffered by the plaintiff.
- Damages: Documenting the actual damages resulting from the injury, such as medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering.
Grasping these elements aids legal professionals in assessing the validity of your personal injury claim and exploring your legal options.
What is Your Case Worth?
A holistic approach is employed when calculating compensation for a personal injury. The different types of damages that may be awarded include:
- Economic damages: These cover past and future medical costs, lost wages, and loss of earning capacity.
- Non-economic damages: These include pain and suffering, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Punitive damages: In some cases, these may be awarded for willful misconduct or gross negligence.
Georgia personal injury lawyers use various methods, like the multiplier or per diem formulas, to quantify non-economic damages.
The severity and longevity of injuries significantly impact the amount of compensation. Considering both economic and non-economic damages is a fundamental step towards securing fair compensation.
Believe You Have a Claim? Get in Touch
Consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney can help you understand the potential settlement or recover compensation that you might expect and the legal options available to you.
To get started, you can contact Brauns Law by calling 404.205.8792 or by visiting their office located at 3175 Satellite Blvd, Bldg 600, Suite 330, Duluth, GA 30096. You can also reach out through our contact page.
Brauns Law: Decatur Personal Injury Lawyers
Brauns Law Accident Injury Lawyers, PC, is dedicated to providing specialized representation in personal injury cases. Founded by David Brauns, the firm offers:
- Free initial consultations
- Operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning clients don’t pay unless they win
- Insider knowledge from David’s previous career as an insurance defense attorney, which gives him a unique perspective on handling personal injury claims.
The legal team at Brauns Law is committed to keeping clients informed and reducing stress during the legal process. Our smaller size allows for more efficient and dedicated client service, ensuring personalized attention for each case.
Meet Your Decatur Personal Injury Attorney
David Brauns, the founder of Brauns Law Accident Injury Lawyers, PC, has over a decade of experience in personal injury law. His practice focuses solely on personal injury cases, including car accidents, truck accidents, and wrongful death.
With a background as an insurance defense attorney, David has valuable insights into the tactics used by insurance companies. He earned his law degree from Georgia State University College of Law and a bachelor’s degree from Clemson University.
Here are just some of David’s accolades:
- Recognized as one of the ‘Top 100 Trial Lawyers’ by The National Trial Lawyers
- Active member of the State Bar of Georgia and the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association
Why You Need a Decatur Personal Injury Lawyer
Hiring a Decatur personal injury lawyer is essential for ensuring fair compensation and navigating the complex legal process. Serious injuries, like spinal cord or traumatic brain injuries, require specialized legal knowledge and skill.
An experienced personal injury attorney can help ensure that the compensation offered by insurance companies is fair and adequate. We can also negotiate settlements or take cases to trial if necessary.
At Brauns Law, the focus is on building meaningful relationships with clients and providing a personalized, customized approach to each case.
Some of Our Case Results
Our Decatur personal injury lawyers have achieved significant results for clients in serious cases. For instance, a woman rear-ended by an ambulance received a $3.5 million verdict after sustaining neck injuries that required surgery. In another case, a mother and daughter received a combined settlement of $650,000 for injuries sustained in a head-on collision.
These results demonstrate our commitment to securing fair compensation for our clients, whether they’ve suffered minor cuts or more serious injuries requiring long-term care.
Client Testimonials
Clients consistently praise the personalized attention and understanding shown by our attorneys:
Caring and Thoughtful
“If you’re ever hurt in a wreck that wasn’t your fault, call Brauns Law. David is a great lawyer and a caring, thoughtful business owner who does the right thing by his clients and his team!”
Very Satisfied
“Everyone was really sweet and professional. They kept in contact, and I am overall very satisfied with my experience!”
Very Happy
“I am very happy with the services provided with the team at Brauns Law. Elsa was very informative and kept me up to date on my case.”
How Our Experienced Personal Injury Attorneys Can Help
Our experienced personal injury attorneys offer comprehensive legal support, from the initial consultation to case resolution. We provide the following services:
- Conduct a thorough initial consultation to understand your case’s specifics and provide an accurate assessment of its value
- Develop a tailored negotiation strategy to maximize your settlement amount
- Provide continuous communication and updates throughout the legal process
If the settlement offer is not satisfactory, we are prepared to take your case to trial. Our goal is to navigate the complex legal procedures and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Steps to Take After a Personal Injury Accident
Certain steps are necessary after a personal injury accident to preserve your rights and fortify your claim:
- Report the incident to the police to ensure an official record is created.
- Document the accident scene thoroughly, including details like time, location, and weather conditions. This can provide crucial evidence for your case.
- Gather contact information from witnesses. Their testimony can be valuable in supporting your claim.
- Preserve evidence by taking notes about what happened before, during, and after the incident. This can help establish the sequence of events and support your version of the story.
- Avoid making any statements about fault at the accident scene and inform insurance providers immediately, especially in Decatur, GA, where the at-fault party’s insurance is responsible for damages.
Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury in Georgia
It’s critical to be aware of the statute of limitations for personal injury cases in Georgia. Generally, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit.
If a government entity is liable for your injuries, you might have as little as six to twelve months to file an ante litem notice.
For medical malpractice claims, the time limits can be more complex than the standard two years.
The statute of limitations may be tolled if you were a minor at the time of your injury or mentally incapacitated.
For medical malpractice claims, the time limits can be more complex than the standard two years.
For further guidance on how long you have to file a claim, get in touch with our personal injury firm today for a free consultation
Gathering Evidence
Collecting and maintaining evidence is paramount for substantiating your personal injury claim. Here is a comprehensive list of key evidence that might be needed:
- Photographs and Videos: Capture the accident scene, any property damage, and visible injuries from various angles. This visual proof can be vital for demonstrating the extent of damages and conditions at the time of the incident.
- Witness Information: Gather contact details of all witnesses present at the scene. Eyewitness testimonies can help establish liability and support your version of events.
- Police Reports: Request a copy of the police report. This official document can provide an objective account of the incident and is often a critical piece of evidence during negotiations or trial.
- Medical Records: Keep detailed records of all medical treatments, diagnoses, and expenses related to the injury. This includes hospital visits, doctor consultations, medications, and any rehabilitation services.
- Employment Records: Document any lost wages or impact on your ability to work. Pay stubs, employment contracts, and statements from your employer can help substantiate claims for lost income.
- Personal Notes: Maintain a personal diary detailing your physical and emotional condition following the accident. This can provide insight into the pain and suffering experienced and support claims for non-economic damages.
- Repair Estimates: Obtain estimates for the repair or replacement of any property damaged in the accident. This includes vehicles, personal belongings, and any other affected items.
- Expert Testimonies: In some cases, expert witnesses such as accident reconstruction specialists, medical professionals, or economists may be needed to provide additional support for your claim.
- Correspondence: Keep copies of all correspondence with insurance companies, medical providers, and any other parties involved in your claim. This includes emails, letters, and phone call logs.
We know how difficult it can be to gather this information after suffering from mental and physical injuries. Trust in our law firm to take on this burden for you while you focus on recovery.
Information on Our Contingency Fees
Our firm operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning clients don’t pay legal fees unless we secure a monetary recovery on their behalf.
The attorney’s fee in a contingency arrangement is a pre-determined percentage of the financial award, excluding costs. This fee structure may vary based on case circumstances, such as filing a lawsuit or preparing for trial.
This arrangement ensures that clients don’t worry about hourly billing and aligns the interests of the client and attorney.
Types of Personal Injury Cases We Handle
Our Decatur personal injury lawyers handle a wide range of personal injury cases, including:
- Bicycle accidents
- Birth injuries
- Car accidents
- Catastrophic injuries
- Child injuries
- Dog bites
- Mass transit accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Motorcycle accidents
- Nursing home abuse and neglect
- Pedestrian accidents
- Truck accidents
- Premises liability
- Product liability
- School bus accidents
- Slip and fall accidents
- Spinal cord injuries
- Taxi accidents
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Trucking accidents
- Workplace injuries
- Wrongful death
Each type of case requires specialized knowledge and experience to navigate the legal process and ensure fair compensation for injury victims. Our team in Decatur GA is adept at covering all areas of personal injury law and fighting the insurance company on your behalf.
Locations We Serve
No matter if you’ve been involved in a truck or car accident, motorcycle accident, a slip-and-fall situation, or are suffering from a TBI, we cast our net far and wide, including but not limited to:
We are committed to providing high-quality legal representation to clients across these practice areas and, ensuring that they receive the justice and compensation they deserve.
Understanding the Legal Claims Process
The legal claims process in personal injury cases can be complex, but understanding it can help you navigate it more effectively. Personal injury law varies by jurisdiction, affecting how negligence is applied and the limits on compensation.
In Georgia, the modified comparative fault rule means you can recover damages only if you are less than 50% at fault for the injury. The DeKalb County Courthouse in downtown Decatur handles a variety of civil actions, including personal injury claims, and is where many of these legal matters are resolved.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
While negotiating with insurance companies may be intimidating, the expertise of a personal injury attorney can aid in securing just compensation. Insurance companies often attempt to settle claims for as little as possible to minimize their costs.
An attorney’s knowledge and experience in dealing with insurance adjusters can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. They can appeal a denial of your claim and present evidence to increase the chances of success.
Additionally, obtaining and using a police report can strengthen your position during negotiations.
Going to Trial
If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiations, your case may go to trial. Trial preparation encompasses collecting witness testimonies and expert perspectives to bolster your claim. During the trial, both parties present evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and make opening and closing statements.
The jury then determines liability and the appropriate compensation based on the evidence presented. Having an experienced personal injury lawyer by your side throughout this process is important to effectively presenting your case and fighting for your rights.
Common Challenges in Personal Injury Cases
Numerous challenges can arise in personal injury cases, adding complexity to the legal process.
Georgia’s modified comparative negligence rule, which bars financial recovery if the injured party’s negligence is over 50% responsible for their injuries, adds complexity to these cases.
Preserving physical evidence, such as damaged property, is essential to strengthening your claim. Additionally, accident reconstruction can be vital in disputes over liability, providing an objective account of the incident.
