How long do I have to file a lawsuit?
There are different statutes of limitations, or simply put a limited timeframe for filing a personal injury claim against a negligent party. In the state of Georgia, the statute is two years starting from the date of the accident or incident in question to file an action. This statutory deadline applies to almost all conceivable types of personal injury lawsuits. Whether the lawsuit is based on a liability theory of negligence where a defendant’s carless conduct led to an accident occurring, or an intentional incident where the injury resulted from a purposeful action, the statute stays the same.
Should I sign anything before consulting an attorney?
When it comes to your best interest, you can rest assured a claims adjuster does not have yours at heart. Their interest is in closing the claim at the lowest possible price point for their company. They will attempt to deal directly with you in hopes of settling the case quickly, quietly, and for the best price. If you find yourself a victim of personal injury, make you sure you consult with a Lawyer who is well versed in Georgia State law and knows the local area. The team at Dyal Jenkins is home grown and knows what it takes to help you recover the compensation you deserve.
How much will it cost me to hire a lawyer in a personal injury case?
The short answer is: Nothing out of pocket. Personal injury cases (car accidents, slip and falls, trip and falls, big truck wrecks, etc.) are handled on a contingency basis. This just means that we may take the case, without charging you anything up front, and with the understanding that we will be paid from whatever funds we recover from the at-fault party. Standard fees are 1/3 of whatever is recovered if the case is settled before filing a lawsuit (most are), or 40% of whatever is recovered if we must front costs and file a lawsuit to get you a good result.
Contingent attorneys' fees refers only to those fees charged by attorneys for their legal services. Such fees are not permitted in all types of cases. Court costs and other additional expenses of legal action usually must be paid by the client in the end, by recouping them from settlement funds when the case is resolved.
Unfortunately, it may cost you money NOT to hire a lawyer. There are many elements that go into a personal injury case, such as whether or not health insurance must be repaid, how the various liens that may arise must be handled, and the inherent value of having an attorney on your side with the real threat of litigation. These are only a few of the things that are handled by a good personal injury attorney in addition to recognizing the deadlines, and various exceptions to laws. No matter what, it is always good to at least get a free initial consultation if you were injured by someone else’s negligence. We can come to you in person or digitally, or you can come to our office.
All it takes is making the first call the right call. Dyal Jenkins.
