Accidents happen all the time, and they can cause serious injuries to innocent people. While many accidents do not involve illegal activities or criminal offenses, you may still get justice through the legal system. Our lawyers can help you file a personal injury claim against the person responsible for the accident, so you get fair compensation.
Personal injury cases span a wide range of accidents and injuries. Common examples include accidents from unsafe or defective consumer goods, workplace accidents, and even traumatic injuries like brain damage or severe burns. In many cases, plaintiffs have only about 2 years to file a personal injury case, but certain circumstances might allow you to pause the clock and buy yourself some extra time. Your attorney can help you file your case on time. Before that, we need evidence. It might come from practically anywhere, and we should cast a wide net to find what we need. Without evidence, you might not have a strong claim.
Call Rice Law at (470) 287-3070 and ask our Atlanta personal injury attorneys for a confidential case assessment for no charge.
Common Personal Injury Claims in Lawrenceville
Personal injury law is very broad and may encompass a litany of accidents, injuries, and legal claims. Since there are innumerable ways in which a person might become injured, it makes sense that there are also various types of personal injury claims. Below are just a few examples of claims our team has handled, and you should hire an attorney who knows how to handle cases like yours.
Defective Goods and Products
Many personal injury claims stem from defective goods and products. Occasionally, a product purchased by an unsuspecting consumer is defective or so poorly designed as to be unsafe for use. Often, consumers cannot tell just by looking at the product that it is defective, so they use it and get hurt.
For example, a defective power tool might cause serious harm if it malfunctions. Another common scenario involves car accidents. If your brakes fail because they are defective, you might be injured in a bad collision. If this sounds like your situation, our personal injury attorneys can help you file a case against the negligent manufacturer of the defective good. Be sure to hold onto the defective good so we can use it as evidence.
Accidents at Work
In other cases, people are injured while at work. While we often think of work-related injuries as happening in dangerous jobs, this is not always the case. You might be hurt while working at a desk in an office. However, jobs that involve a bit more risk often see higher rates of injuries. For example, you might be hurt by heavy machinery at your factory job or while working on a construction site. Often, it is the employer’s responsibility to make sure the workplace is safe, and that tools and equipment are functioning properly. You might be able to sue your employer and possibly others for your injuries.
Traumatic Injuries
Some personal injury claims involve severe and traumatic injuries. For example, you may file a personal injury case for injuries, including traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), spinal cord injuries, and severe burns. These injuries often come with serious medical complications, and victims are often left with permanent disabilities, scarring, or disfigurements. Often, the injured victim is so badly hurt that they need someone else to take legal action on their behalf. If you or someone you care about has been severely injured, contact an attorney for help.
The Right Time to Begin a Personal Injury Case in Lawrenceville
No one ever tells you the best time to begin a personal injury case. You might spend weeks or months just trying to recover from your injuries and come to terms with how your life has changed. However, you should speak to an attorney about your case as soon as possible, as you only have so much time to file it with the courts. If you do not file the case on time, you might not be permitted to bring the cause of action at all.
Statute of Limitations
According to the statute of limitations for personal injury cases, under O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33, plaintiffs have only 2 years to file their cases in court. This limitation period begins on the same day as the accident, so the clock may already be counting down by the time you speak to an attorney. Remember, personal injury cases take time to prepare, and you should maximize your time with your lawyer by calling them as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the less time you have to gather evidence, assess damages, and draft the legal paperwork needed to start the case.
Tolling the Limitation Period
Under very specific conditions, your attorney may be able to help you have the statute of limitations tolled. Tolling essentially pauses the clock counting down your limitation period. How long the clock is paused depends on your circumstances. If time is running out, ask your lawyer if tolling is available in your case.
According to § 9-3-90(a), tolling is available to those under a legal disability when the cause of action accrued. A common example of a disability is being a minor. Minors do not have all the same legal rights and privileges as adults, and they are often unable to initiate legal action on their own. As such, if you were injured in an accident when you were under 18, your 2-year limitation period would not begin until you turn 18, giving you until age 20 to file a case.
What happens if you find yourself under a legal disability after the accident happens? Legal disabilities might be various conditions that prevent a person from taking legal action independently. For example, many mental conditions make it hard for plaintiffs to understand their injuries or legal rights. According to § 9-3-91, if a disability arises after the cause of action accrues, and the plaintiff did not voluntarily take on or initiate the disability, the limitation period may cease until the disability is removed.
Contact Our Lawrenceville Personal Injury Attorneys to Discuss Your Case
Call Rice Law at (470) 287-3070 and ask our personal injury attorneys for a confidential case assessment for no charge.