Personal Injury
Fry | Goehring successfully helps the injured recover the compensation they deserve.
Cases We Handle
Personal Injury
Decatur Personal Injury Lawyer
Personal injury law, also known as tort law, allows injured victims to seek compensation when another party’s negligence or intentional acts cause harm. Suppose you are suffering from injuries after a car crash in Decatur. In that case, you are likely facing an uphill battle with medical care and bills, a tough recovery, and a severe blow to the lifestyle you enjoyed before the accident.
You may not be able to go to work or even take care of your bills, and there may be no end in sight to your financial troubles. If someone else contributed to or caused your accident, they and their insurance company may owe you compensation.
The experienced Decatur personal injury lawyers at Fry | Goehring help people who have suffered severe injuries in motor vehicle accidents caused by the negligent acts of others. Our Decatur injury lawyers are dedicated to fighting for the rights and interests of accident victims. We understand that injured victims deserve to get the justice and compensation they deserve. Our legal team knows how important it is to make this count.
Fry | Goehring focuses on seeking the best possible compensation for our clients. We have years of experience helping accident victims in Decatur and across Georgia with a wide range of personal injury claims. If you are in this situation, our Decatur law firm could help. Feel free to reach out to us as soon as you are ready. But first, let’s find out how our attorneys can help.
Types of Personal Injury Cases We Handle
At Fry | Goehring, our personal injury lawyers in Decatur handle cases in which one’s negligence causes another person to sustain injuries or die. Some of the practice areas our Georgia law firm handles include:
Car crashes are among the most common personal injury cases in Decatur and across Georgia. They happen daily, with some of the contributing factors including speeding, distracted driving, driving under the influence, and reckless driving. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 110 people die in motor vehicle accidents every day in the U.S.
In a Decatur car accident case, an injured party seeks compensation for damages from the at-fault party. This could be the driver of another car, a motor vehicle manufacturer, or a government entity responsible for poor road conditions. Personal injury cases often hinge on the legal concept of negligence, meaning you must show that the at-fault driver failed to exercise reasonable care on the road.
Since semi-trucks are much heavier and larger than passenger vehicles, a truck wreck can be particularly devastating and lead to catastrophic injuries and significant property damage. Truck accidents in Decatur are usually complex and may involve many parties, including the trucker, the insurance company, and the trucking company. Obtaining crucial evidence, such as maintenance records and the truck driver’s driving logs, is crucial to the success of your trucking accident case.
Motorcycle crashes are particularly notable and often result in severe injuries since riders lack adequate protection. The aftermath of these accidents can be physically and emotionally taxing for accident victims. At Fry | Goehring, our personal injury lawyers in Decatur know what you are going through. We are committed to determining the cause of the accident, proving 78fault, and helping you get the justice and compensation you deserve.
Every day, many cyclists ride their bikes on our streets, whether they are going to work, school, running errands, or just for fun or exercise. These road users face significant risks during collisions since they are virtually unprotected. Bicyclists hit by speeding vehicles are likely to sustain severe, if not fatal, injuries.
Regrettably, every year, thousands of pedestrians in Georgia sustain injuries as a result of crashes with motor vehicles. Many of these injuries require lengthy recovery times. Some of them even result in death.
Georgia law generally requires motorists to exercise reasonable care when driving. If they fail to do so and a pedestrian is injured or killed in a car accident, the at-fault driver may be held liable for damages. Some factors that lead to pedestrian accidents in Decatur include failing to yield the right of way and distracted driving/walking.
When a medical professional, such as a doctor or nurse, violates their profession’s standard of care and causes harm or the death of a patient, this is known as medical malpractice. Any injury to a patient from a professional’s failure to adhere to the standard of care other cautious and capable professionals in the same field and situation would adhere to may give rise to a Decatur medical malpractice claim.
Because medical procedures are sensitive, errors can easily cause injuries, which is, unfortunately, a common reason for personal injury claims. Any doctor, nurse, or other medical practitioner has the potential to injure patients through their careless or reckless actions. Even trivial mistakes, such as misrepresenting a patient’s medical history or giving the wrong dosage, can have detrimental effects.
On the other hand, catastrophic errors such as anesthesia mistakes and wrong-site surgery can escalate routine procedures into potentially fatal circumstances. Some of the common examples of medical malpractice cases our personal injury lawyers in Decatur, GA, can handle include:
- Surgical errors
- Delayed diagnosis
- Birth injuries
- Errors in the prescription of drugs
- Misdiagnosis
Winning a medical malpractice case in Decatur typically requires the support of an expert medical witness.
Every day, there are so many products we use. Erroneous manufacture, design, or labeling of any product, including car parts, toys, prescription drugs, and household appliances such as microwaves and lawnmowers, can severely affect consumers. In such situations, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers might be liable for damages.
In the broadest sense, Decatur product liability claims arise when someone incurs harm from using a defective or dangerous product. These personal injury claims are frequently filed since they directly relate to consumer safety. Every consumer has the right to anticipate that the products they buy and use are safe when used according to their instructions.
If manufacturers, distributors, and retailers fail to do so and a consumer is injured, they can file a lawsuit to hold the responsible party liable.
Every year, thousands of workers suffer severe or even fatal injuries while conducting work-related tasks. In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the U.S. recorded 5,486 fatal injuries in 2022, representing a 5.7% increase from 2021. Alarmingly, BLS reported that a worker died every 96 minutes due to a work-related injury, with 2.8 million non-fatal workplace injuries and illnesses recorded in 2021 from private industry employers.
Workplace accidents can happen in various settings, from construction sites and office buildings to mines and the agriculture sector. Exposure to harmful substances, falls from heights, repetitive stress injuries, and machinery accidents are some of the causes of Decatur workplace accidents. Keep in mind that employers in Georgia have a legal obligation to guarantee a safe working environment per the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards.
If they fail to meet these standards, they can be held liable for work-related injuries. Workers’ compensation in Georgia provides benefits to workers injured on the job, though in some cases, a personal injury claim may be appropriate.
It’s important to point out that the Georgia Workers’ Compensation Act requires a worker to report a workplace accident to their supervisor or employer within 30 days from the date of the accident. Consult an experienced attorney to find out whether you should file a worker’s compensation or personal injury claim.
Animal bites in Decatur are unexpectedly frequent and can result in personal injury claims. Dogs can be very dangerous to humans, regardless of size or breed. Dog attacks can involve more than minor scratches, cuts, fractured bones, or puncture wounds. They may also involve anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and phobias among dog bite victims. Such interactions have the potential to damage victims emotionally, children in particular.
Dog attacks happen regularly despite being considered a man’s best friend. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that roughly 4.5 million Americans are bitten by dogs annually, with children being the most significant percentage of people bitten by dogs.
Owners or operators of public establishments, such as shopping malls or even homes, must ensure that their premises are safe for visitors, workers performing their duties, such as mail carriers and delivery men, and, to some extent, some trespassers like children. Children are protected under the legal doctrine of “attractive nuisance,” which requires home or building owners to institute safety measures protecting them from injuries by things that “attract” them, such as swimming pools and abandoned buildings.
Most premises liability claims in Decatur are filed against businesses, with the most common being slip and fall accident claims. These mishaps happen when a visitor slips or trips and gets injured on someone else’s property. If the property or business owner neglected to maintain the premises appropriately or disregarded warning visitors of potential dangers in the facility, they may be held liable under Georgia’s premises liability law.
Any type of personal injury claim in Decatur can turn into a wrongful death claim in the event the victim dies from the injury. When a loved one passes away due to the reckless, careless, or deliberate actions or inactions of another person or organization, this type of claim becomes operative. Deaths that arise from fatal car crashes caused by driver negligence or hospital medical malpractice may warrant wrongful death claims in Decatur, GA.
Georgia’s wrongful death laws are rather complex. For this reason, surviving family members should consult an experienced Decatur personal injury lawyer when pursuing legal action.
What Makes a Good Personal Injury Attorney in Decatur?
After a motor vehicle accident, you might want a skilled attorney to handle your claim. But what makes an attorney good? Here are some qualities that make an excellent personal injury lawyer:
1. Proven Track Record
An excellent personal injury lawyer for your case should have a solid record of successful settlements and court verdicts for their clients. They also won’t hesitate to share their successes in similar cases. You want to hire someone to help you get the best possible compensation and justice for your case.
You can also check out their testimonials page to see what previous clients say about the law firm.
2. Seasoned
Personal injury law can get complex, particularly if various parties are at fault or the insurer is uncooperative. It takes an experienced lawyer with several years under their belt to navigate such cases. With this in mind, it’s essential to ask your attorney about their experience. Inquire whether they’ve handled claims similar to yours and if they got a favorable settlement from the injury case.
3. Specialization in the Right Practice Area
Just like doctors have different specialties, lawyers practice different areas of law, too. When lawyers focus on a particular area of law, they are able to learn that area of law comprehensively. While it might seem tempting to consult your friend who practices corporate law for an injury case, choose wisely! Experience in personal injury law gives your attorney the skills and insights to handle your case effectively, pushing for the best possible result.
4. Thorough Investigator
A good lawyer understands the significance of conducting independent accident investigations. You don’t want an attorney who solely relies on the police report to build your case. An independent investigation can help identify and preserve crucial evidence to prove the at-fault party caused the accident and your injuries.
If necessary, a good personal injury lawyer will use experts to help with investigations, such as accident reconstructionists, financial advisers, and medical professionals, among others, to ensure they uncover and evaluate every piece of evidence to establish negligence and prove fault.
5. Talented Negotiator
Not every case needs to be litigated. In some personal injury cases, it’s in the best interest of the client to negotiate a settlement before going to trial. To obtain the most positive outcome, it’s best to find a lawyer who’s a savvy mediator as well as a successful and experienced trial attorney.
Civil litigation can be lengthy and costly. You need compensation for your injuries and damages as quickly as possible, but you also don’t want to rush and settle, leaving money on the table. A skilled negotiator understands this, giving you the best chance of maximizing your recovery.
6. Great Listener
A lawyer won’t represent you well if they don’t know the facts of your case from your perspective. Understanding the facts of a case and building a solid case takes a remarkable listener, but not every Decatur lawyer can do it perfectly. For the benefit of your claim, avoid any lawyer who does all the talking, interrupts you while talking, and gives opinions before they hear you out.
This attribute could easily manifest during their conversations with colleagues, experts, witnesses, and judges, making these parties miss essential information that might result in an unfavorable outcome.
However, if they listen and observe keenly with no interruptions, it’s a sign they can evaluate your injury claim comprehensively and build a compelling case.
7. Practical Problem Solver
A good personal injury lawyer near Decatur is one who finds legal remedies to your problems, so it is imperative to find one who displays exceptional problem-solving skills. Personal injury claims and lawsuits aren’t straightforward, meaning you must find an attorney with outstanding problem-solving skills gained through attending trials, reading case studies, and assessing real cases. Besides being excellent at finding solutions, your Decatur car accident lawyer should be open-minded, dependable, and flexible.
Problem-solving skills can help your attorney:
- Pinpoint loopholes in events and evidence
- Determine your injury claim’s likely outcomes early
- Concretely answer questions pertaining to your case
- Be your advocate, informing you about the claims process and all available remedies
8. Fully-Equipped Legal Team
Each personal injury case is unique. Some Decatur cases may even require expert witnesses. There may be confusing evidentiary matters or other issues that you may not know how to navigate. A good personal injury lawyer in Decatur, GA, surrounds themselves with a team of lawyers and adequate resources to handle the unique issues brought about by each case.
9. Clearly Stated Fee Agreement
Having a clearly defined fee agreement is a paramount part of being a good lawyer. You should know how your lawyer will get paid for their services. This agreement should be in writing, and both parties should sign it. You should be able to ask questions about the contract, which should be written in a language you can understand.
10. Genuine Care and Compassion
Trust your instincts. If you don’t feel comfortable with an attorney, don’t settle for them. Injuries are among the most devastating life events one can experience.
In addition to physical injuries, the motor vehicle accident may lead to mental anguish, emotional stress, and financial damages. You deserve a Decatur personal injury attorney who truly cares about your condition and well-being.
Reputable, reasonable, and compassionate attorneys understand the needs and struggles of injured victims and their families. They’ll prioritize your well-being, pushing for the best possible compensation that covers your injuries and other losses.
11. Assertive
An assertive personal injury lawyer is someone who knows how to stand their ground during the claims process while maintaining respect for the other party. Such an attorney will ensure your rights and interests are protected during settlement negotiations and at trial.
12. Professional Office
After a motor vehicle accident, you might want to file an injury claim, which has lots of moving parts and deadlines to be met to keep negotiations going. A professional office suggests that a personal injury attorney has what it takes to do their job effectively. Consider hiring an attorney with an organized office and case files properly stored.
13. Jurisdiction and Licensing
When hiring a lawyer, always make sure they are licensed to practice in the jurisdiction in which you are filing your personal injury case. Your attorney must be authorized to represent you in Georgia or the state where the accident occurred and where judicial proceedings will happen. Verifying their license through the state’s bar association can provide you with peace of mind, affirming that your attorney is qualified and compliant with Georgia’s regulations.
Finding the Right Decatur Personal Injury Lawyer for You
When you are injured in a motor vehicle accident, one of your initial thoughts after the accident could be whether you need a personal injury attorney and where to find one. Finding the right attorney after your accident can tremendously help your personal injury case and bolster your chances of receiving fair compensation.
Remember, you shouldn’t hire just any lawyer to represent you. You need an experienced personal injury lawyer from Decatur that you can trust. Here are some suggestions on how to find the right lawyer for your injury case.
Ask for Referrals
If your family members, friends, acquaintances, or coworkers have previously hired personal injury attorneys, ask them for referrals. However, don’t take their word regarding their attorney’s prowess. Take the time to have one-on-one meetings with the lawyers they refer.
It is crucial to point out that everyone reacts differently to a lawyer’s style. Just because they enjoyed working with them doesn’t automatically guarantee the same experience.
You should hire a professional you are comfortable working with. The only way to gauge whether you can work with an attorney is by taking time to talk to them.
Leverage Existing Legal Contacts
If you have personally or professionally dealt with an attorney, considering them for your car accident case might be your initial instinct. However, it is necessary to consider if they possess relevant expertise and experience in personal injury claims. If not, politely ask them to point you toward a lawyer within their network or elsewhere who is experienced in personal injury cases.
Explore Professional Associations
Websites and state bar associations are valuable resources when looking for a personal injury lawyer in Decatur, GA. They maintain directories of their members and provide a comprehensive list of lawyers by location and specialty.
Still, there are other ways you can find the right attorney for your case, including researching personal injury law firms on the net and looking for reviews on Google or Yelp.
The Benefits of Hiring a Decatur Personal Injury Attorney
After sustaining injuries in an accident that wasn’t your fault, you may be wondering if you need to hire a personal injury lawyer from Decatur, GA. While you are not legally required to hire a lawyer, there are several benefits to hiring one, including:
- No more discrepancies in applications. This eliminates premature rejections since plaintiffs didn’t fill out their applications correctly.
- Close your case quicker. When you hire an experienced attorney, the insurance company might take you more seriously and settle quickly to avoid going to court.
- Collect and preserve evidence. Evidence such as witness statements, police reports, medical records, and traffic camera footage is crucial to winning any personal injury case.
- Negotiate fair compensation. A reliable lawyer will fight to ensure the insurance company doesn’t devalue or deny your personal injury claim.
- Focus on recovery. After sustaining a catastrophic injury, such as a traumatic brain injury or spinal cord injury, you can rest and concentrate on recovery as your attorney handles your case on your behalf.
- Expertise in personal injury law. Since an experienced personal injury attorney has handled many similar cases, they are in the best position to advise you regarding your options.
- Represent you in court. If an out-of-court agreement isn’t feasible, your attorney can build compelling arguments and take your case to trial.
- Even the odds. There’s a likelihood that the defendant may hire an attorney to prove their innocence or pin the blame on you. Having an attorney by your side ensures that they protect your rights while safeguarding your interests.
Contact Fry | Goehring Today for Representation
There are important reasons beyond Georgia’s two-year statute of limitations to seek the counsel of an attorney immediately. Evidence can be essential when establishing negligence and determining who was at fault in personal injury claims, particularly those involving car collisions, truck wrecks, motorcycle crashes, and pedestrian accidents.
Fry | Goehring is a reputable law firm with reliable personal injury lawyers and car accident attorneys in Georgia. We represent injured victims who have suffered losses due to the negligent acts of others. Whether you’ve been injured in a car accident, slip and fall, or bicycle accident, our top-rated legal team can help you file your injury claim.
Contact us today at 404-969-1284 or fill out our free online consultation request form to get started today. Our Decatur personal injury lawyers are ready to answer all your questions.
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