It’s highly likely that representing yourself in a personal injury case that was caused by the carelessness and negligence of somebody else will be distressing and exhausting, especially when you’re experiencing the pain and discomfort from the injuries. Those issues can be eliminated when you retain a good personal injury attorney to represent you. You’ll gain an understanding of the steps involved in pursuing a Georgia personal injury case, and the entire process will become far more manageable.
The Initial Consultation
The first step in the right direction in any Gainesville, GA personal injury case is to consult with a knowledgeable and dedicated personal injury attorney. It’s during this initial conference that an evaluation of whether your case is meritorious and compensable. Relevant documents like a police accident report and emergency room records will be discussed, and a decision will be made on undertaking your representation.
Investigation of the Accident
Assuming that your case has merit and is compensable, the attorneys will begin their representation of you by investigating the accident. Most investigations are typically ongoing and involve statements from eyewitnesses, post-occurrence witnesses, medical records and reports and the like. Not only is a thorough investigation required for purposes of establishing liability, but it’s also for purposes of anticipating any defenses and determining the value of the case.
Additional Care and Treatment
It’s highly likely that you received medical care and treatment immediately after suffering your injury. It’s usually strongly recommended that you continue such medical treatment until it is determined that you have reached maximum medical improvement. The records of such care and treatment will be used in verifying your claims of personal injury.
Filing a Civil Lawsuit
Both civil and criminal cases might spin off of your injury case. If your attorneys are unable to satisfactorily settle your case, a lawsuit seeking compensation for damages incurred by you will likely be filed within two years pursuant to the Georgia personal injury statute of limitations at OCG 9-3-33. A failure to file a personal injury lawsuit within two years will ordinarily result in being forever barred from seeking compensation for your injuries. Your case need not be determined within two years, but it must be filed in court within two years.
Discovery
The discovery process generally refers to each side turning over to the other, all relevant and material information sought in connection with the case. From that material, the parties and the court can determine liability and damages. The duty to comply with discovery orders is typically ongoing.
Settlement Negotiations
Settlement negotiations ordinarily commence after all discovery orders have been complied with. The plaintiff typically makes a settlement demand, and the defendant responds to it. If the parties cannot agree on a settlement, the case is set for trial. Neither a judge nor a jury can compel the parties to settle, although some settlements might occur after the parties have each put on their evidence and they jury is deliberating. If a jury find the defendant guilty, he or she must compensate the plaintiff accordingly.
After being in an accident in or around Gainesville, GA involving serious injuries, speak to a reputable firm in your area. The highest rated personal injury attorney in Gainesville Georgia is Weaver Law Firm Injury Attorneys.