Comprehensive Counsel for All Types of Personal Injury Claims
Morrison & Hughes is comprised of talented trial lawyers whose decades of collective experience allow our firm to take on all types of cases. From motor vehicle accidents to catastrophic injuries and wrongful death, we know how to help victims level the playing field with powerful insurers and fight for the financial recoveries to which they’re entitled.
We’re available to discuss potential claims involving all types of accidents and injuries, including:
- Car Accidents
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents
- Truck & Commercial Vehicle Accidents
- Slip and Fall Accidents
- Premises Accidents
- Workplace Accidents:
- Product Liability
- Wrongful Death
How Can Morrison & Hughes Help?
Personal injury claims are powerful tools for making victims whole, but they are still complex legal processes that are adversarial in nature (often pitting victims against large and powerful insurance companies ) and unfamiliar to most folks and families.
Fortunately, victims can work with experienced attorneys like those at Morrison & Hughes to navigate these challenges.
As a firm focused exclusively on fighting for the injured and disabled, we offer the comprehensive counsel clients need to address every aspect of the personal injury claim process. While we know filing a personal injury claim in Alpharetta can be daunting, it’s a necessary task that can be made easier with our step-by-step support:
- Consultation: We offer free consultations to help victims evaluate their potential claims and how we can help. Because we work on contingency, clients who choose to work with us pay nothing up front – we only collect a fee if we win.
- Investigation: We work immediately to investigate accidents. This includes gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, reviewing accident reports and medical records, and, in some cases, collaborating with experts who provide important testimony. We also handle the process of constructing claims and arguments, filing claims in accordance with applicable rules and procedures, and handling processes such as discovery (the exchange of evidence between both parties in a lawsuit) and pre-trial motions.
- Negotiation: As corporations that put profits over people, insurers utilize many tactics to dispute claims, deny liability, and pay victims as little as possible. We use our experience working against insurers and our attorneys’ backgrounds as defense attorneys to help clients negotiate for the maximum recovery possible.
- Litigation: Most personal injury cases are settled out of court, but not all. Sometimes, insurers and defendants dispute material facts or simply refuse to accept accountability. If this happens, we’re prepared to take cases to court, where we’ll present their claims and advocate for the compensation they deserve.
How Do Personal Injury Claims Work?
Personal injury lawsuits are civil claims that allow victims harmed by the negligence or wrongful acts of others to hold at-fault parties accountable. These claims can be resolved through out-of-court settlements negotiated with defendants and/or their insurers, or through judgments and awards handed down by juries. When they are, they allow victims to collect financial compensation for damages they suffered as a direct result of their accidents and injuries.
Personal injury cases are unique and fact-specific specific matters, which is why the best way to evaluate whether you have grounds to file a claim is to have yours reviewed personally by an attorney. Generally, you may have a potential claim if:
- Negligence: Someone else's careless or reckless behavior caused your injury.
- Duty of Care: The at-fault party had a legal obligation to ensure your safety.
- Breach of Duty: The at-fault party failed to meet their duty of care.
- Causation: The breach of duty directly caused your injury.
- Damages: You suffered actual harm, such as physical injury, emotional distress, or financial loss.
Personal Injury FAQs
What Should I Do If I’ve Been Injured in an Accident in Alpharetta?
- Seek Medical Attention: Your health and safety are the top priority. Get medical help right away and continue to follow up with your doctor and treat your injuries. Not only is this the best way to take care of yourself, but it also provides documentation for your claim.
- Report the Incident: Notify the appropriate authorities or property owner about the accident. This creates a record of the accident and your injuries.
- Document the Scene: Take photos, gather contact information from witnesses, and keep records of your injuries and expenses. If the accident involved a defective product, try to preserve the product as best as possible so it can be evaluated by an attorney.
- Contact a Lawyer: Reach out to a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your case. Acting fast can ensure that your attorney can begin investigations while evidence is fresh, promptly handle communications with insurers, and assist you in moving forward before the statute of limitations expires.
How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Claim in Alpharetta?
In Georgia, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is two years from the date of injury. This means you generally have two years to file a lawsuit. However, there are several important exceptions to the general two-year limit:
- Minors: If the injured party is a minor, the statute of limitations may be extended. The clock typically starts when the minor turns 18.
- Medical Malpractice: In cases involving medical malpractice, the delayed discovery rule may extend the time limit if the injury was not immediately apparent.
- Product Liability: Injuries caused by defective products may be subject to a statute of repose, which can place an absolute limit on claims regardless of when the injury was discovered.
- Government Claims: If your injury involves a government entity, special notice requirements and shorter time limits may apply. For example, claims against a city or county typically must be filed within six months, while claims against the state of Georgia must be filed within 12 months.
- Tolling of the Statute: In certain circumstances, the statute of limitations may be "tolled" or paused. This can happen if the injured party is mentally incapacitated, if the defendant is out of state, or if there is fraud involved in concealing the injury.
Because of these exceptions and the complexity of determining the deadline for your specific case, it is crucial to contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as you can. Delaying legal action can jeopardize your right to compensation, as failing to file within the applicable statute of limitations generally results in the loss of your right to pursue a claim.
What Compensation Can I Recover in a Personal Injury Claim?
Case value depends on several factors, including the nature of your injuries, their impact on your life, and whether they will cause further losses in the future. Generally, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
- Loss of enjoyment of life
At Morrison & Hughes, we help clients assess the potential value of their claims at various stages of the process. We also work diligently to document their damages and present claims that position them most effectively to recover what they’re owed.
Will My Alpharetta Personal Injury Case Go to Trial?
Not all personal injury cases go to trial. Many are settled out of court through negotiations with defendants and their insurance companies, and some are resolved through alternative dispute resolution processes like mediation and arbitration.
When fair settlements cannot be reached, it may be necessary to take a case to trial, which may be held in Fulton County Superior Court, another state court in Georgia, or federal court. Our firm prepares every case as if it were to go to trial and helps clients understand when litigating in court is the right option.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer in Alpharetta?
Morrison & Hughes operates on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no upfront fees, and that we only get paid if we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of the settlement or judgment we secure for you.
Can I Handle My Injury Claim Without a Lawyer?
While it is possible to handle your claim without a lawyer, it is not advisable. Personal injury law is complex, and insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. An experienced lawyer can help you navigate the process, gather evidence, negotiate with insurers, and advocate for your best interests.
Request a FREE Consultation: (470) 260-9417
Morrison & Hughes has earned a reputation for providing compassionate, client-focused representation to folks who’ve suffered due to the negligence of others. If you or someone you love were injured anywhere in Fulton County or the surrounding areas, we want to help.
Call (470) 260-9417 or contact us online to request a FREE review of your case.
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