What Do Personal Injury Attorneys Do?
A personal injury lawsuit is the result of a "tort," or a civil wrong. An Atlanta personal injury lawyer attempts to right this wrong through the civil justice system. An experienced attorney understands how to effectively represent a client's rights and obtain compensation. Our lawyers effectively educate the defense attorney and the insurance company about the injuries you have sustained, the circumstances of the accident, and other related losses. By effectively telling your story, our lawyers work to establish the fault of the defendant.
Trial lawyers
Some accident cases are settled without a trial. Other personal injury lawsuits have to be resolved in court. Every case is different. The personal injury attorneys at Morgan & Morgan are trial lawyers; we are expected to take cases to court if a fair and appropriate settlement is not offered. Many of our attorneys are in trial multiple times each year. If a settlement offer is not fair and will not adequately compensate you for your injuries, we are ready, willing, and able to go into the courtroom and fight for your rights. Our reputation in the courtroom precedes us. Other lawyers and the insurance companies know that we are not afraid of a trial and that we will fight for our clients.
Steps in the Personal Injury Lawsuit Process
Once a client hires us to represent them, we will immediately start working on their case. Below, you find a general overview of some of the steps involved in a personal injury lawsuit.
- The attorney will contact the defendants and any insurance companies involved to discuss the case. In some cases, they may advise that a lawsuit be filed immediately.
- An investigation of the events surrounding the accident or event will be conducted. Evidence will be collected. This may include witness testimony, surveillance video, or police reports.
- All relevant medical records will be obtained. This includes progress reports and records. Usually, a final report from the medical provider will be obtained after the client completes his or her treatment. This information is used to determine the extent of the damages.
- After analyzing the client's losses, the attorneys will put together a "demand package" or "demand letter," generally within 30 days of the end of the client's treatment. This document will detail the extent of the injuries and the facts surrounding the accident, as well as itemize the monetary damages.
- If the attorneys cannot reach a reasonable pre-suit resolution (settlement), they will proceed with a personal injury lawsuit.
- Additional experts may be hired to support the client's claims for trial.
- Witnesses and evidence will be prepared for trial.
- The case goes to court.
At Morgan & Morgan we treat each client with personal care. This level of care is absolutely necessary to achieve the best results for you and your loved ones.
How Long Does a Lawsuit Take?
Not every Atlanta accident lawsuit will strictly follow the steps outlined above. The entire process can take considerable time and in some cases may take years. A client only has one opportunity to pursue an injury claim and seek a fair recovery. Patience combined with the right lawyer are the keys to success in an Atlanta personal injury case.
Common Concerns
- I don't have enough money to hire a lawyer
- All of the work we do related to personal injuries is based on a contingency fee, also called "no win, no fee." In other words, our clients don't pay anything unless we obtain a recovery for them through a settlement or verdict. We are happy to address any financial concerns with our clients.
- Who do I talk to first?
- After seeking medical attention, it is important that victims contact an attorney before speaking to an insurance adjuster.
- Why can't I sue someone on my own?
- The short answer is: you can. But, remember that tort law can be extremely complex. A personal injury lawyer is a professional trained to handle these types of cases. Working with an experienced attorney can help ensure you are adequately compensated.
At Morgan and Morgan your case evaluation is always free. We will gladly review your case today and there is no obligation to proceed any further after speaking with us.
