Injured in Lawrenceville? Brauns Law Accident Injury Lawyers, PC has been serving Lawrenceville and the state of Georgia for nearly two decades. No matter what type of accident you’ve been in, we’re here to help.
You don’t need to deal with the stress and financial burden caused by someone else’s negligence. Your focus should be on recovering from your injuries.
Our experienced Lawrenceville personal injury attorney can help guide you through the aftermath of an accident.
Do I Have a Personal Injury Case?
There are a few requirements to warrant a personal injury case. They mostly revolve around proving the at-fault party’s negligence. The main factors include the following:
- Duty: The at-fault party must have some kind of duty to keep you and others safe. The most common example is drivers have a responsibility to obey traffic laws to keep others safe. Also, a property manager has a duty to keep the premises safe from hazards.
- Violation of the duty: You must also show that the liable party didn’t uphold that responsibility. This is what proves the defendant was negligent. You may do this by showing a driver ignored a stop sign or a property owner skipped needed maintenance.
- Resulting injury: You’ll then have to prove that your injuries were caused by the accident and directly resulted from the at-fault party’s negligence. It’s essential to see a doctor as soon as possible after the injury happens to establish this.
You likely have a personal injury claim if you can prove all of these aspects. You could also be eligible to receive compensation for your injuries.
Our Lawrenceville personal injury attorneys can help you determine if you have a case and pursue your financial recovery.
Compensation for Personal Injury Cases
When pursuing a personal injury claim, damages are typically categorized into three main types: economic, non-economic, and punitive damages. Each category serves a distinct purpose in compensating for the various impacts of an injury.
Economic Damages
Economic damages, also known as special damages, are intended to compensate you for the tangible financial losses resulting from your injury. These damages are relatively straightforward to calculate as they are based on actual expenses and financial losses. Common types of economic damages include:
- Medical Expenses: This includes costs for hospital stays, surgeries, doctor visits, medications, physical therapy, and any future medical care required as a result of the injury.
- Lost Wages: If your injury prevents you from working, you can claim compensation for the income you have lost. This also includes future lost earnings if your ability to work is permanently affected.
- Property Damage: If your personal property, such as a vehicle, was damaged in the incident, you might be entitled to repair or replacement costs.
- Out-of-Pocket Expenses: This can cover a variety of costs directly related to the injury, such as transportation to medical appointments, home modifications, and hiring help for household tasks you can no longer perform.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages, or general damages, compensate for the intangible, non-financial aspects of your injury. These damages are more subjective and can be more challenging to quantify. Common types of non-economic damages include:
- Pain and Suffering: Covers the physical pain and emotional distress you have endured due to the injury. The amount awarded can vary based on the severity and duration of your suffering.
- Emotional Distress: Compensates for psychological effects such as anxiety, depression, and trauma stemming from the injury.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injury has significantly impacted your ability to enjoy daily activities, hobbies, or overall quality of life, you may be entitled to compensation.
- Loss of Consortium: This is awarded to the spouse or close family members of the injured party for the loss of companionship, affection, and sexual relations due to the injury.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are not intended to compensate you for your losses but to punish the at-fault party for particularly egregious or malicious conduct and to deter similar behavior in the future.
Contact us Today to Pursue Your Claim
Contact our Georgia personal injury lawyers today to seek compensation for your injuries and to understand how personal injury law might apply to your situation:
- Call us on 404.205.8792
- Fill out our online contact form
Free Consultation for Lawrenceville Personal Injury Cases
Our Lawrenceville personal injury attorneys provide potential clients with free initial consultations. This no-obligation meeting serves as a valuable opportunity for you to:
- Discuss your case with a legal professional
- Gain insights into your legal options
- Explain the circumstances of your injury
- Ask questions about the legal process
- Get a sense of the attorney’s experience and approach to handling cases like yours
The free consultation is also an excellent chance to:
- Evaluate the lawyer and determine if they’re the right fit for your needs
- Assess their communication style, level of expertise, and overall demeanor
- Come prepared with questions about their experience, success rate, and how they plan to handle your case
- Be honest and thorough when describing your situation, as this will help the attorney provide accurate feedback and a preliminary assessment of your case’s strengths and potential challenges.
Remember, this initial meeting is as much about you evaluating the lawyer as it is about them evaluating your case. Use this opportunity to gather the information you need to make an informed decision about your legal representation.
Brauns Law: Lawrenceville Personal Injury Lawyers
Brauns Law Accident Injury Lawyers, PC, is dedicated to providing exceptional legal representation to individuals who have been injured due to someone else’s negligence.
Our Mission and Core Values
Our mission is to offer compassionate and effective legal support to our clients, helping them secure the compensation they need to recover and move forward with their lives. Our core values guide every aspect of our practice, ensuring that we consistently deliver high-quality legal services:
- Client-Centered Approach: We prioritize our clients’ needs and well-being, providing personalized attention and tailored legal strategies to achieve the best possible outcomes.
- Integrity: We uphold the highest ethical standards in all our interactions, maintaining transparency and honesty with our clients and within our team.
- Excellence: We strive for excellence in every case we handle, leveraging our extensive knowledge and experience to deliver outstanding results.
- Compassion: We understand the physical, emotional, and financial challenges our clients face after an injury, and we approach each case with empathy and dedication.
- Teamwork: Our collaborative approach ensures that our clients benefit from the collective expertise and resources of our entire legal team.
Meet Your Duluth Personal Injury Attorney
David Brauns is the founder and principal attorney at Brauns Law Accident Injury Lawyers, PC. With a deep commitment to advocating for the rights of injury victims, David has dedicated his career to providing compassionate and effective legal representation.
His extensive experience in personal injury law and his unwavering dedication to his clients have earned him a reputation as one of Lawrenceville’s leading personal injury attorneys.
David’s journey into personal injury law began with a desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who have been wronged. He understands the physical, emotional, and financial toll that an injury can take on individuals and their families. This empathy drives his client-centered approach, ensuring that each case receives the personal attention it deserves.
David Brauns holds a law degree from the University of Georgia School of Law and has been admitted to practice law in Georgia. Throughout his career, he has successfully handled a wide range of personal injury cases, including car accidents, truck collisions, slip and fall injuries, and wrongful death claims.
What sets David apart is his dedication to transparency and integrity. He believes in maintaining open and honest communication with his clients, keeping them informed at every step of the legal process. This approach not only builds trust but also empowers clients to make informed decisions about their cases.
Contact David Brauns today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how he can help you pursue justice and compensation for your injuries.
Examples of Our Successful Cases
$3.5 Million Payout
S.N.’s neck injuries ultimately required surgery. She lost her long-time lucrative job as a pharmacy technician at a local hospital.
After four long years of work we, along with several other lawyers working the case together, were able to obtain a $3.5 million verdict for her in DeKalb County State Court. S.N. now has the funds to live life to its fullest and not worry about living expenses or not being able to physically work.
$250,000 Car Accident Settlement
Our client, a Lawrenceville resident, was rear-ended by a distracted driver, resulting in severe whiplash and a concussion. Through diligent negotiation and evidence presentation, we secured a $250,000 settlement to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
$600,000 Truck Accident Triumph
A family of three was traveling on the interstate when a tractor-trailer (semi-truck) sideswiped them, causing our client to lose control of the vehicle. The mother sustained a major knee injury, requiring surgery.
Kind Words From Our Clients
Awesome A+
“Mr. Brauns is an awesome and very nice honest attorney. He returns calls in a timely manner. Mr. Brauns keeps you informed on what’s going on. You don’t have to chase him to get answers to your case. A+”
Definitely Recommend
“It was a great experience working with this law firm. I would definitely recommend them to everybody I know.”
Took Care of Everything
“Excellent experience with David Brauns and his team. They took care of everything after my accident and stayed in constant communication. You can definitely rely on this A Team to follow through and get the best settlement possible for your situation. Wish I could rate higher than 5 stars!”
How Our Lawrenceville Personal Injury Attorney Can Help
A Lawrenceville personal injury attorney from our firm serves as your advocate, guide, and protector throughout the legal process. Their role extends far beyond merely filing paperwork; they are your strategic partner in seeking justice and fair compensation.
We contribute a plethora of knowledge and experience to your case, working relentlessly to make sure your rights are safeguarded and your voice is recognized.
From the moment you engage our services, your personal injury attorney can significantly influence your case in the following ways:
- Dealing with insurance companies on your behalf
- Investigating the circumstances of your injury
- Building a compelling case
- Providing guidance and advice throughout the legal process
By having an experienced personal injury attorney on your side, you can increase your chances of receiving fair compensation for your injuries.
Protecting Your Right to Compensation
One of the primary roles of a personal injury attorney is to safeguard your right to fair compensation. They serve as a formidable barrier between you and the frequent aggressive strategies of insurance companies.
We understand that insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts, and they know how to counter these strategies effectively. By intervening on your behalf, we ensure that your rights are protected and that you’re not pressured into accepting an inadequate settlement.
Negotiation is a critical skill that personal injury lawyers bring to the table. They engage in robust negotiations with insurance companies, leveraging their legal knowledge and experience to secure settlements that truly reflect the extent of your injuries and losses.
If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, your attorney is prepared to take your case to court. We will file a personal injury lawsuit and work tirelessly to recover the compensation you deserve, presenting your case compellingly before a judge or jury if necessary.
This unwavering advocacy ensures that you have the best possible chance of receiving full and fair compensation for your injuries.
Managing Legal Procedures
Navigating the legal system can be overwhelming, especially when you’re dealing with the physical and emotional aftermath of an injury. This is where the expertise of a personal injury lawyer becomes invaluable.
We take on the complex task of managing all legal procedures associated with your case. We handle the intricate paperwork, ensuring that all documents are filed correctly and within the stipulated deadlines. This meticulous attention to procedural details is pivotal, as even minor errors or missed deadlines can significantly impact the outcome of your case.
Moreover, our personal injury lawyers serve as your primary point of contact for all legal matters related to your case. We field questions, provide updates, and offer guidance throughout the entire process.
This extensive handling of legal procedures enables you to concentrate on what’s most significant – your recovery. By shouldering the legal burden, your attorney provides you with peace of mind, knowing that your case is in capable hands.
Our expertise in navigating the complexities of the legal system ensures that, as your legal team, we protect your rights at every stage of the process, from initial filing to final resolution.
Investigating and Building Your Case
A crucial aspect of a personal injury attorney’s role is conducting a thorough investigation to build a strong case on your behalf. This process involves:
- Collecting and analyzing a wide range of evidence to support your claim
- Gathering police reports, medical records, and witness statements
- Consulting with accident reconstruction experts to determine the exact cause of the incident, especially in complex cases like car or truck accidents
In addition to collecting evidence, our personal injury attorneys provide the following services:
- Working with medical professionals to assess the full extent of your injuries
- Conducting comprehensive evaluations to accurately calculate the compensation you deserve, including current and future medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering
- Conducting in-depth investigations to collect all necessary probative evidence for your case
- Overcoming potential obstacles in the evidence-gathering process, such as difficulties in obtaining time-sensitive evidence or delays due to the defendant’s investigation
By constructing a strong and well-documented case, we enhance your chances of obtaining just compensation for your injuries.
Steps to Take After a Personal Injury in Lawrenceville
In the aftermath of a personal injury in Lawrenceville, taking the right steps can significantly impact the outcome of your case.
The actions you take immediately following an accident are vital not only for your health and well-being but also for protecting your legal rights.
Each of these steps plays a vital role in building a strong foundation for your personal injury claim:
1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention
This step is paramount not only for your health and well-being but also for the strength of your potential legal case. Prompt medical care ensures that all visible and hidden injuries are diagnosed and treated early, preventing complications and promoting a quicker recovery.
Moreover, immediate medical attention can reveal serious injuries that may not show symptoms right away, such as internal bleeding or concussions.
From a legal perspective, seeking immediate medical care is important for several reasons:
- It establishes an official medical record of your injuries, which is fundamental for any personal injury claim.
- This documentation serves as crucial evidence, linking your injuries directly to the accident.
- Delaying medical treatment can be used against you by insurance companies, who may argue that your injuries were not severe or were caused by something other than the accident in question.
- Accurate and immediate medical documentation supports your claim for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- It strengthens your case for fair compensation.
2. Document the Scene
This documentation plays a pivotal role in building a strong personal injury claim.
Start by using your smartphone to capture clear, detailed photos of the scene. These should include:
- Images of any visible injuries you’ve sustained
- Damage to vehicles or property
- Relevant road conditions or hazards that may have contributed to the accident.
- Don’t forget to photograph the overall location, including street signs and landmarks, as these can help establish the exact site of the incident.
Give particular attention to details that might be missed but could be critical to your case. For instance, skid marks on the road or debris from the accident can provide valuable information about how the incident occurred.
Beyond photographs, gather any available accident reports or police reports and, if possible, collect statements from witnesses. Witness accounts can offer an objective perspective on the incident, potentially supporting your version of events and helping to establish who may have been at fault.
Remember, the more comprehensive your documentation, the stronger your case will be when seeking compensation for your injuries.
3. Contact a Lawrenceville Personal Injury Lawyer
After seeking medical attention and documenting the accident scene, the next crucial step is to contact a Lawrenceville personal injury lawyer.
This step is vital in protecting your rights and ensuring that you have expert guidance from the outset of your case. A seasoned attorney can provide invaluable advice on how to proceed, what to say (and not say) to insurance companies, and what additional evidence might be needed to strengthen your claim.
A key reason to promptly contact a lawyer is the vital role they play in obtaining and safeguarding evidence.
Insurance companies and opposing parties are not always forthcoming with necessary documents and information. An experienced attorney knows how to navigate these challenges, ensuring that all relevant evidence is collected and preserved.
They can also help you avoid common pitfalls that could potentially weaken your case, such as giving recorded statements to your insurance company or adjusters without proper preparation.
By involving a lawyer early in the process, you set the foundation for a strong case and increase your chances of receiving fair compensation for your injuries.
Costs and Fees for Hiring a Lawrenceville Personal Injury Lawyer
One of the most common concerns for individuals considering legal representation is the cost.
Fortunately, our personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This arrangement means that you don’t pay any upfront legal fees. Instead, your attorney’s payment is contingent upon winning your case or securing a settlement on your behalf.
The contingency fee structure offers several advantages to clients:
- Minimizes financial risks for those seeking legal representation. If your lawyer doesn’t win the case, you don’t owe any legal fees.
- Ensures that your interests align with your attorney’s, as they are motivated to secure the best possible outcome for your case.
- Contingency fee agreements must be in writing and should clearly outline the method for calculating the lawyer’s compensation.
Ultimately, the goal is to find a fee arrangement that works for both you and your attorney while ensuring you receive the high-quality legal representation you deserve.
Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Cases in Georgia
This legal time limit sets the deadline for filing a lawsuit after an injury occurs. Most personal injury claims in Georgia must be filed within two years from the date of the injury or death. This means that if you don’t file your lawsuit within this two-year window, you may lose your right to seek compensation through the court system.
However, it’s important to note that there are exceptions and extensions to this general rule. For instance, the statute of limitations may be extended in cases involving mental incapacity, minors, or fraud.
Claims against government entities in Georgia may have even shorter deadlines, potentially as brief as 6 to 12 months, depending on the specific entity involved.
Additionally, if the defendant leaves Georgia after the incident but before a lawsuit is filed, the statute of limitations may be paused until they return to the state.
In medical malpractice cases, while the standard two-year limit applies, there’s also a statute of repose that sets an absolute deadline of five years from the date of the negligent act, regardless of when the injury was discovered.
There are also specific considerations for certain types of claims. For example, a claim for loss of consortium (typically filed by a spouse) can be filed within four years from the date of the injury.
Given these intricacies and variations, it’s vital to consult a Lawrenceville personal injury lawyer as quickly as possible following an injury. Early engagement with an attorney ensures that you don’t miss any critical deadlines that could jeopardize your right to compensation.
Types of Personal Injury Cases We Handle in Lawrenceville
Our Lawrenceville personal injury attorneys are equipped to handle a wide array of cases stemming from injuries sustained from negligence-based incidents. We tackle various personal injury cases, ensuring comprehensive legal support for the community:
- Bicycle accidents
- Birth injuries
- Boat accidents
- Bus accidents
- Car accidents
- Catastrophic injuries
- Construction accidents
- Child injuries
- Dog bites
- Lyft accidents
- 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
- Uber accidents
- Workers’ compensation
- Wrongful death
This wide range of expertise guarantees that regardless of your personal injury’s nature, a competent advocate is available to endorse your cause.
Car Accidents in Lawrenceville
Car accidents are unfortunately common occurrences on Lawrenceville’s roads, and they can leave victims grappling with physical injuries, emotional distress loss, trauma, and financial burdens.
In these challenging times, our Lawrenceville personal injury lawyers step in to provide vital assistance. We help car accident victims navigate the complex aftermath, addressing various aspects of their case with expertise and compassion.
Lawrenceville, Georgia is served by several major roads that facilitate easy access to various parts of the city and surrounding areas, with the majority of accidents occurring on them:
- Georgia State Route 316 (SR 316): Also known as University Parkway, this major highway connects Lawrenceville to Athens and provides a direct route to Interstate 85.
- Georgia State Route 20 (SR 20): This road runs through the heart of Lawrenceville and connects the city to Buford and Loganville.
- Georgia State Route 120 (SR 120): Also known as Duluth Highway, this route connects Lawrenceville to Duluth and continues westward towards Roswell.
- Sugarloaf Parkway: This major thoroughfare provides a loop around the city, connecting various neighborhoods and commercial areas.
- Lawrenceville Highway (US 29): This historic route runs through downtown Lawrenceville, connecting the city to Atlanta and other nearby communities.
Truck Accidents in Lawrenceville
Truck accidents in Lawrenceville present a unique set of challenges that set them apart from typical motor vehicle collisions. The sheer size and weight of commercial trucks often result in more severe injuries and property damage, making these cases particularly complex.
This complexity is further compounded by the intricate web of regulations governing the trucking industry and the potential involvement of multiple parties in the accident.
One of the most significant hurdles in truck accident cases is determining liability. Unlike car accidents, where fault typically lies with one or two drivers, truck accidents can involve a multitude of potentially liable and involved parties. These may include:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- The vehicle manufacturer
- The cargo loading company
Navigating this maze of potential defendants requires the expertise of experienced personal injury attorneys. We possess the understanding and resources required for comprehensive investigations, identifying all accountable parties, and constructing a solid case to ensure injury victims receive just compensation.
Dog Bite Incidents in Lawrenceville
Dog bite incidents can be traumatic experiences, often leaving victims with physical scars and emotional distress. Personal injury lawyers play a pivotal role in helping these victims seek justice and compensation.
One of the key aspects of handling dog bite cases is gathering compelling evidence. Lawrenceville lawyers meticulously collect and analyze all available information to support the claim. This may include:
- Medical records
- Photographs of injuries
- Witness statements
- Animal control reports
By building a comprehensive case, we aim to demonstrate the extent of the victim’s suffering and the owner’s liability.
Wrongful Death Claims in Lawrenceville
Wrongful death claims are among the most emotionally charged and complex cases that our Lawrenceville personal injury attorneys handle. The profound grief and sense of loss experienced by these families are often compounded by financial burdens and the daunting prospect of navigating the legal system during such a difficult time.
In these challenging circumstances, we step in to provide compassionate legal assistance, guiding families through the intricate process of filing a wrongful death claim. We understand the sensitive nature of such cases and work diligently to ensure that the rights of the bereaved are protected throughout the legal proceedings.
A key aspect of wrongful death claims is seeking damages for various losses, including:
- The profound loss of companionship
- Emotional distress
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical expenses
- Loss of financial support
By seeking the help of Lawrenceville attorneys, you can navigate the complexities of a wrongful death claim and seek the compensation you deserve.
Locations We Serve
No matter if you’ve been involved in a truck 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:
Common Injuries in Personal Injury Cases
Every personal injury claim is unique and depends on its own set of circumstances, but we often see certain kinds of injuries, including:
- Broken bones: A broken bone is a painful injury that requires medical treatment and possible surgery to heal properly. Further, when a broken bone doesn’t heal appropriately, it can lead to chronic pain and even to a permanent disability. No one should overlook the seriousness of a broken bone.
- Traumatic brain injuries: Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) happen due to trauma to the head or by the violent shaking of the head (both of which are common to every manner of traffic accident). Because these injuries affect the brain, they are as unpredictable as they are serious. Several types of impairments can result from TBIs, including cognitive difficulties and physical disabilities. This type of injury commonly keeps victims out of work, school, and regular activities for a period of time, if not permanently.
- Spinal cord injuries: Spinal cord injuries can happen anywhere on the spine and are generally caused by a significant force to the head, neck, back, or shoulders, such as victims of traffic accidents often endure. These injuries tend to seriously limit the sufferer’s range of motion in the affected area. When the injury affects the spinal cord’s entire width, it causes permanent paralysis and forever alters the course of the victim’s life. This is not to mention the fact that paralysis tends to lead to serious secondary health concerns.
- Serious burns: Severe burns can result from fires, but they can also happen in a variety of other accidents. Serious burns are among the most painful injuries one can endure, and they often lead to serious complications, including life-threatening infections. Further, when a burn is on or near the face, it can be permanently disfiguring.
These are far from the only types of injuries that can lead to a personal injury claim. If your injuries resulted in medical bills or other losses, you deserve compensation from liable parties.
Never think your injury is too minor or severe for a consultation with our legal team. Case evaluations are always free with no obligation, so you have nothing to lose by giving us a call.
Our Lawrenceville personal injury lawyers will be honest and straightforward about your rights and whether we can help with an injury claim.
FAQs
When someone else’s negligence leads to an accident that injures another party, these injuries are compensable via a personal injury claim.
Some common types of accidents that may lead to personal injury claims include (but are not limited to) the following:
- Motor vehicle collisions – When a person operates their vehicle in a negligent manner, such as by speeding, engaging in distracted driving, or otherwise failing to obey the rules of the road, a serious accident can occur that results in one or more personal injuries. Soft tissue neck and back injuries are especially common in motor vehicle collisions, due to the forceful back-and-forth movement that a vehicle occupant’s body experiences during a car crash. If this sounds like something you or a loved one is currently dealing with then contact our skilled team of Lawrenceville car accident lawyers, or Lawrenceville truck accident lawyers.
- Slip and fall accidents – A property owner is responsible for maintaining their properties to ensure it is safe for visitors. The property must be in a reasonably safe condition for the benefit of business invitees and social guests, for example. If a defect or another dangerous condition exists on the property, the property owner is responsible for making repairs within a reasonable amount of time or alerting others of the hazardous condition.
- Bicycle and motorcycle accidents – Bicycles and motorcycles are no match for a car or truck. in a Lawrenceville bicycle accident or Lawrenceville motorcycle accident, the rider can fall off the bike and impact the ground directly. The bike or motorcycle operator can suffer severe injuries as a result.
- Medical malpractice – When a doctor commits medical negligence or misconduct, such as failing to act in the reasonable manner expected of a healthcare professional in a specific set of circumstances, the patient may file a claim or lawsuit against the doctor or the treating facility.
- Pedestrian accidents – Pedestrians have the right-of-way at crosswalks and other designated pedestrian areas. However, if a driver is distracted and injures a pedestrian who has the right-of-way, the pedestrian may place a claim against the negligent motor vehicle operator.
- Defective products – Product manufacturers owe consumers a duty of care to correctly and safely design, manufacture, and test their products. When a product malfunctions, explodes, or does not operate the way it’s supposed to work when being used properly, the person using it may bring a claim or file a lawsuit against the manufacturer or someone else in the chain of distribution.
- Negligent security claims – Businesses are supposed to ensure that their premises are safe and secure at all times for the benefit of their consumers. When an accident or crime occurs on the business premises due to a lack of appropriate safety measures and/or security personnel, the injured victim may file a claim or lawsuit for negligent security.
The experienced Lawrenceville personal injury attorneys at Brauns Law Accident Injury Lawyers, PC can assist you in filing a personal injury claim if you are the victim of these types of accidents.
If you sustain injuries in an accident that was not your fault, your injuries are compensable as part of a Lawrenceville personal injury claim. Generally speaking, the more serious the accident you were involved in, the more serious the injuries you may suffer.
Some of the most common injuries that form the basis for personal injury claims include the following:
- Soft tissue injuries, including muscular sprains, strains, and contusions
- Bone breaks and fractures
- Traumatic brain and head injuries
- Spinal cord and back injuries
- Shoulder sprains, strains, and rotator cuff injuries
- Internal injuries, such as internal bleeding
- Death
If an accident caused by another person injured you, the experienced Lawrenceville personal injury lawyers at Brauns Law Accident Injury Lawyers, PC might file a legal claim on your behalf and assist you with pursuing the monetary compensation you need. If your loved one has died due to an accident someone else caused, our team can also help you with filing a wrongful death claim against the at-fault person or persons.
Personal injury claims filed with an at-fault party’s insurance company usually begin when the injured accident victim’s attorney makes a settlement demand. Depending upon the policy limits of coverage, the accident victim’s attorney may demand policy limits to settle the claim, even if it is unlikely that the insurance company would be willing to take such a step.
A demand letter prepared by the victim’s personal injury lawyer may reference monetary demands. The demand letter typically includes all of the accident victim’s medical and physical therapy records, surgical reports, and imaging studies (including X-rays and MRIs). These documents allow the insurance company’s adjuster to review all of the material to get a sense of the victim’s medical treatment as a result of their injuries, as well as the cost of that treatment.
In addition to the medical records and bills, the accident victim’s attorney will include lost wage documentation in the demand package if the accident victim has missed work due to injuries. This documentation may consist of copies of lost wage slips, salary verifications, and medical documents in which a healthcare provider authorized an accident victim to take time off from work.
The demand package in motor vehicle accident cases may include a police report or incident report. They typically include a diagram of the accident scene indicating where the collision occurred, an officer’s professional opinion on which party or parties caused the accident, whether or not a police officer issued a traffic citation to one of the involved parties, and the names and addresses of all of the involved drivers and passengers.
The demand package should also include any available photographs that relate to the accident. Often, the types of pictures that may be helpful depend on the nature of the accident and its occurrence. In motor vehicle accidents, for example, photographs of the collision scene, property damage to the involved vehicles, and the accident victim’s injuries soon after the accident are essential to back up a claim. Demand package photographs for slip-and-fall accidents often display a property defect, such as a spill on the floor or a leaky roof, that provide proof of fault on the part of the property owner or operator.
Finally, demand packages can include a written victim impact statement. In a victim impact statement, the accident victim typically describes how the accident occurred, what they experienced during and after the accident, a comparison of the accident victim’s life before and after the accident, and the further impact that the accident has had on the victim’s life.
The Lawrenceville personal injury attorneys at Brauns Law Accident Injury Lawyers, PC can assist you with filing a personal injury claim with the at-fault person or entity’s insurance company. Additionally, the team can negotiate further on your behalf, to obtain a favorable settlement offer in your case. If the insurance company refuses to offer you the fair compensation that you deserve, our legal team can help you litigate your personal injury case through the state court system.
In the event the at-fault person’s insurance company refuses to adequately compensate you for the personal injuries sustained in the accident, there is always the option of filing a lawsuit in the state court system. It is crucial to keep in mind that just because you file a lawsuit, doing so does not necessarily mean that your case will proceed all the way to a jury trial. In many instances, in fact, the attorneys on both sides of a personal injury dispute will keep settlement negotiations going even after the accident victim or the accident victim’s attorney has filed a lawsuit against the at-fault individual.
A personal injury lawsuit filed in state court officially begins the litigation process. Once a lawsuit is filed and the defendant, most often the individual or entity who was at-fault for the accident, receives and accepts service of process, the defendant’s insurance company will appoint a lawyer. Both parties will then engage in oral and written discovery. The primary purpose of the discovery process is for each side of the dispute to gather more factual information concerning the case, including how the accident occurred, the specific issues that are genuinely in dispute, and the total amount of damages claimed.
If the case does not settle during litigation, the parties will try the personal injury case in front of a jury in state court. After the trial, the jury will resolve the disputed issues in the case, usually liability and/or damages, and reach a verdict.
Some personal injury cases are not resolved in court, but rather by alternative dispute resolution, such as mediation or arbitration. During these processes, a neutral third-party mediator or arbitrator steps in to assist the parties with resolving the personal injury case in a less-adversarial process than a jury trial offers.
The experienced Lawrenceville personal injury lawyers at Brauns Law Accident Injury Lawyers, PC will lay out all of your litigation options and help you decide on the best course of action that suits your needs and the needs of your personal injury case.
In a Lawrenceville personal injury case, you recover monetary compensation by first filing a claim or lawsuit. You then resolve the claim or suit in a manner that is listed above: a personal injury settlement, jury verdict, or alternative dispute resolution proceedings, such as mediation or arbitration.
The damage types and related amounts for which you might recover compensation in a personal injury case depend upon the nature and extent of the injuries you sustained in your accident, the severity of the accident, the degree of medical care and treatment you underwent as a result of the accident, the existence of any personal injury that may cause you to experience lifelong pain and suffering, and the likelihood that you will have to undergo one or more medical procedures in the future, such as surgery.
Personal injury accident victims may be eligible to pursue and recover monetary compensation for all of their medical bills, past and future lost earnings, inconvenience, pain and suffering, mental distress and anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, loss of spousal care and companionship, loss of family support, and loss of use of a body part. To be eligible to recover a certain amount or type of monetary damages, the accident victim must show that the accident was the source of the injuries and damages they are claiming.
Contact a Lawrenceville personal injury attorney to discuss your case and receive guidance on getting the just and fair compensation you deserve.
If you have suffered one or more personal injuries in an accident that someone else caused, your first step on the road to recovering monetary compensation is to file a personal injury claim. In most instances, a personal injury claim names the at-fault person or entity’s insurance company. If you were part of a hit-and-run motor vehicle accident, or if the driver who hit your vehicle was uninsured, then you can file an uninsured motorist claim against your own motor vehicle insurance policy.
As part of the claims-filing process, the accident victim’s lawyer will prepare a demand package and send it to the insurance company for the other side. The demand package typically includes a settlement demand letter, copies of all of the accident victim’s treating medical records and bills (including medical reports detailing any performed procedures, such as injections or surgeries).
The demand package can also include copies of other pertinent pieces of documentation, including lost wage documentation from the accident victim’s employer, a copy of the police report, photographs of the property damage sustained to the accident victim’s vehicle, and photographs of the accident victim’s injuries.
The settlement demand letter that accompanies the demand package will make a monetary demand for settlement. In some serious personal injury accident cases, the initial settlement demand could be the full limits of the insurance policy that was in place at the time of the accident.
Upon receipt, the insurance company adjuster will review the settlement demand letter and all of the supporting documentation. They will then make an opening settlement offer on the personal injury case. In many instances, these opening settlement offers are extremely low and do not fully and fairly compensate accident victims for the personal injuries that they suffered in their accidents.
One reason why these initial offers are so low is that the insurance company “cuts” specific medical bills or lost wages, claiming that they are unrelated to the accident.
In the case of personal injuries and medical treatment, the insurance company can opine that certain injuries were pre-existing and not related to the accident, certain medical treatment was unnecessary, or that the accident victim “over-treated” for their injuries.
Another reason for these initial lowball settlement offers is to see if the accident victim will “bite” and settle their case for a low number. After all, the primary goal of the insurance company is to save itself as much money as possible, and the insurance company does this by paying out as little monetary compensation as possible when settling personal injury cases.
If the insurance company is unwilling to make you a favorable offer on your personal injury case, you have legal options open to you. Specifically, at that juncture, you or your lawyer can file a lawsuit in the Georgia court system.
Just by filing a lawsuit, you can light a fire under the insurance company’s feet, so to speak, and incentivize offering you a more favorable settlement. If not, the experienced Lawrenceville personal injury lawyers at Brauns Law Accident Injury Lawyers, PC can assist you with litigating your case to a conclusion in the courts.
In a Lawrenceville personal injury case, the accident victim, also known as the plaintiff, has the legal burden of proof. The individual or entity that the plaintiff is suing, also known as the defendant, does not need to prove anything in the case.
Specifically, the plaintiff must meet their burden of proof by a standard known as the ‘preponderance of the evidence’ standard, meaning the accident victim must demonstrate that it is more likely than not that the defendant was negligent and that the accident victim suffered injuries as a direct and proximate result of the defendant’s negligence.
Specifically, the accident victim must prove the following legal elements by a preponderance of the evidence:
- Duty element – First and foremost, you must demonstrate that the person or entity that was responsible for your accident owed you a duty of care. For example, motor vehicle operators owe all other drivers and pedestrians on or near the road a responsibility to operate their vehicles in a reasonable, prudent, safe, and careful manner at all times. Premises owners usually have a duty to ensure that their premises are kept free from hazards and defects, and that they repair or warn about all known hazards and defects that would not be readily apparent to a visitor upon a reasonable inspection. Product manufacturers and distributors have a duty to carefully manufacture, design, and test their products before making them available to the public for purchase.
- Breach element – In a personal injury case, the accident victim must demonstrate that the responsible person or entity violated the applicable duty of care and engaged in unreasonable behavior under the circumstances. For example, in a motor vehicle accident case, the at-fault driver could have been speeding or violating some other traffic law, or a premises owner failed to clean up a floor spill in a reasonable amount of time, resulting in a slip-and-fall accident. When a person or entity violates a statute that is on the books, that violation alone can be sufficient to establish a breach of the applicable duty of care in a civil personal injury case.
- Causation element – The accident victim must demonstrate that the accident (and subsequent injuries) would not have occurred without the responsible person or entity’s carelessness or negligence. The accident victim must also show that the accident was a foreseeable consequence of the at-fault party’s negligence.
- Damages element – Finally, the accident victim in a personal injury case must demonstrate that they suffered at least one personal injury and that the injury or injuries sustained actually resulted from the accident.
The experienced Lawrenceville personal injury lawyer at Brauns Law Accident Injury Lawyers, PC can assist you with satisfying all of the legal elements of your personal injury claim or lawsuit, putting you in a position to pursue and recover monetary damages in your case.
A person can choose to litigate a Lawrenceville personal injury case if the at-fault person’s insurance company is unwilling to offer them a fair and reasonable amount to settle the case. At other times, an accident victim can file a lawsuit in their case to protect the applicable two-year statute of limitations.
Whatever the reason, just because your attorney files a complaint in the Georgia state court system does not necessarily mean that your personal injury legal action will go all the way to trial. In fact, a majority of Lawrenceville personal injury cases settle well before the trial date. Filing a complaint in the court system simply gets the ball rolling.
Once the at-fault party receives a process and an attorney enters an appearance on their behalf, the discovery process will likely begin. During this part of the personal injury case, each side will answer written questions, called interrogatories. Moreover, the defense attorney can take the accident victim’s deposition. During a deposition, the defense lawyer asks accident victim questions about how the accident occurred, the injuries they suffered in the accident, and the permanent impacts of any physical injuries sustained.
During personal injury litigation, there is usually at least one pre-trial or settlement conference in the case. During a settlement conference, both sides will meet and attempt to work out a resolution to the personal injury case by way of a settlement. The same type of process occurs in mediation if the parties choose to go that route.
If the case does not settle at mediation or a settlement conference, the court will usually set a trial date. At a jury trial, the accident victim will have an opportunity to tell their side of the story, including the impact that the accident and injuries had on their life. It will then be up to the jury to decide what, if any, monetary compensation to award the accident victim.
Litigating your personal injury case through the Georgia court system can be a long and tedious process. The knowledgeable team of Lawrenceville personal injury lawyers at Brauns Law Accident Injury Lawyers, PC can assist you throughout the litigation process and work to bring your case to an efficient and favorable conclusion.
