Nobody should be permitted to cause you bodily harm and get away with it. Not all physical injuries result from criminal violence, but you can still obtain justice through a civil lawsuit.
Personal injury claims may be somewhat confusing for plaintiffs because they encompass a vast spectrum of accidents, incidents, and injuries. Generally, a personal injury claim must involve some instance of bodily harm, although various other claims may be filed with the same case. Your attorney can help you get justice by proving how the defendant’s negligent behavior directly caused your injuries or how the defendant purposefully caused harm, depending on the situation. Numerous people or entities, including private individuals, businesses, or organizations, might be to blame for your injuries. If you are unsure when you should talk to a lawyer and get started, there is no time like the present. Be sure to meet with an attorney soon, as the deadline to file your case might be fast approaching.
Call Howe Law at (844) 876-4357 and ask our Savannah, GA personal injury attorneys for a free evaluation of your case.
How Do Personal Injuries Happen in Statesboro, GA?
Personal injuries tend to stem from one of two events: accidents or intentional acts. Accidents are arguably more common. When people are injured, the person responsible likely did not intend to cause injuries, but they were negligent. This is why many personal injury cases do not involve criminal charges against the defendant. There is often no criminal intent behind accidents or personal injuries.
On the other hand, some cases are based on intentional acts of harm, known as intentional torts. For example, if someone accidentally hit you with their car, you have an injury claim based on negligence. However, if you believe they hit you on purpose, perhaps in a fit of road rage, you have an intentional tort. Our personal injury attorneys can help you determine what kind of case you have.
This distinction is important, as proving negligence and intentional harm are very different. Many cases are based on accidental harm and revolve around negligence. Negligence is comprised of four legal elements: duty, breach, causation, and damages. Duty is the legal obligation owed to the plaintiff from the defendant, and the breach is whatever they did to violate their duty of care. Causation is the element linking the injury to the defendant’s breach. The breach must be the direct cause of the accident. Finally, you need to prove real damages.
Proving an intentional tort is different and often unique to the specific tort involved in the case. Often, plaintiffs must show not only that the defendant’s actions directly caused the injuries but that the defendant acted intentionally. Showing intent can be tricky, and it is best to speak to an attorney.
How a Lawyer Can Help You Get Justice and Compensation for Your Personal Injuries in Statesboro, GA
A personal injury lawyer can help you in more ways than one. First, your attorney can help you decide the best way to handle your case. Some people are better served by insurance claims after an accident. Others might need to take defendants to court to get fair compensation for their damages. Your lawyer can help you assess your needs and determine the best way to get you compensation. Sometimes, insurance claims fall through, and plaintiffs pivot to lawsuits. Other times, a lawsuit might end with a settlement agreement rather than a court verdict.
If you file an insurance claim, your attorney can help you fight for fair insurance payouts. Insurance companies are loyal only to their bottom line. If they can find any excuse to reduce your compensation or deny your claim, they will likely do so. An attorney can stand up for you and make the insurance company pay when your injuries and damages are covered by their policy.
Filing a lawsuit can be complicated, time-consuming, and difficult. Not only do you need a lot of information just to begin your case, but you have to navigate complex court procedures. Your lawyer can help you gather evidence, assess your damages, and determine how your injuries occurred so you can prepare a formal complaint and submit it to the court.
People Often Responsible for Causing Personal Injuries in Statesboro, GA
Determining who is responsible for your injuries is not always simple or easy. Many injury victims do not see the face of the person who hurt them or cannot remember the details of the accident. This is common in cases when defendants flee the scene before they can be identified or accidents are especially traumatic.
Often, people end up suing other private individuals. Perhaps your neighbor negligently backed over you with their car. In that case, you can sue them. Maybe you slipped and fell on someone’s front stairs because they did not repair broken steps. In that case, you can sue the homeowner.
Businesses and organizations might also be named in personal injury lawsuits. For example, if you slip and fall on a wet floor in a grocery store or restaurant, you can sue the business. If you were injured in an on-the-job accident, you might sue your employer and the company you work for.
The Right Time to File a Personal Injury Case in Statesboro, GA
The best time to start a personal injury case is as soon as you can. While it is reasonable to meet with a lawyer, explore your options, and take time to decide, you should avoid taking too long. According to O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33, a potential plaintiff has only 2 years to submit their case to the courts. At first, you might think that 2 years is plenty. However, once you begin to work with an attorney, you may realize that the work and preparation will take much longer than you anticipated.
Our Statesboro, GA Personal Injury Attorneys Can Assist You
Call Howe Law at (844) 876-4357 and ask our personal injury attorneys for a free evaluation of your case.
