An accident entitling you or someone you love to file a personal injury insurance claim or lawsuit will have an immediate financial impact. When you hire legal representation for your case, most personal injury lawyers in Georgia get paid on a contingency-fee basis. It means you will incur no upfront or out-of-pocket costs related to your case.
Instead, your lawyer will accept a percentage of your resulting financial award as compensation for their fees. In most cases, your lawyer will negotiate a fair and appropriate settlement with the at-fault party and their insurance company. Rarely, your case will have to go to court for resolution. If it must, your lawyer will also represent you on the same contingency fee.
Why Should I Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer?
The days and weeks after an accidental injury can be stressful, confusing, and uncertain. When you hire a personal injury lawyer to represent you, they can take on the myriad details of building your case while you focus on getting better.
Your lawyer will:
- Investigate the cause of your accident
- Compile supporting evidence
- Meet the required burden of proof
- Negotiate with the at-fault party
- Locate and interview witnesses
- Provide you with updates on your case
Your lawyer can also ensure your case receives an accurate value. On your own, it can be easier than you think to overlook damage you are entitled to recover.
What Types of Damages Will a Lawyer Help Me Recover?
The monetary value of your case is unique to you. Even two people injured in the same accident will have varying expenses and losses. Every personal injury case will have its own set of recoverable damages. In general, your lawyer will request the following damages:
- Past, current, and future medical expenses
- Past, current, and future lost wages
- Property repair or replacement
- Ongoing physical pain and suffering
- Ongoing mental and emotional distress
- Wrongful death damages, where applicable
You do not have to determine the monetary value of your personal injury case without legal guidance and support. Your lawyer will assess your damages and ensure no valid expenses are overlooked or omitted.
What Percentage of My Compensation Will a Lawyer Receive?
The percentage of your financial award your lawyer retains can vary from law firm to law firm. Your lawyer will explain the particulars of their fee structure in detail. They will also thoroughly explain:
- The details of your case review
- The strengths and merits of your case
- Their plan to recoup the accident’s costs
- The position of the at-fault party
Your lawyer will ensure you understand every detail of your case and their fee structure right from the beginning. They will also explain the process of receiving your financial award. Typically, the insurance company will send payment to the attorney who maintains a trust account. They will then deduct their fees and remit the remainder to you.
For a free legal consultation, call (404) 888-8888
What Upfront Costs Will the Lawyer Cover?
Building a personal injury case means incurring several costs. Costs your lawyer will cover for you include:
- Investigative costs
- Court and filing fees
- Paperwork and documentation
- Expert witness consultations
- Accident scene reconstructionist fees
Your lawyer will clarify what costs he expects to incur. In most cases, if your personal injury case does not result in financial recovery, you will not owe your lawyer any fees.
How Soon Do I Need to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer?
The sooner a lawyer is involved in your case, the better. In Georgia, every type of civil lawsuit has a statute of limitations. Your potential lawsuit must comply with the filing deadline, but doing so may be complicated since the outcome and circumstances of your accident can alter the deadline.
In general, you have:
- Up to two years from the date your injury occurred to file your personal injury lawsuit, according to O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33
- Up to two years from the date of a loved one’s accident-related demise to file your wrongful death lawsuit, according to O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33
- Up to two years from the date of injury or of discovery to file your medical malpractice lawsuit, according to O.C.G.A. § 9-3-71
The law firm handling your case will explain the statute, clarify any factors that could cause a fluctuation, and ensure your lawsuit is filed on time.
Your Case Review Is Always Free
If you or someone you love was involved in an accident caused by negligence, our law firm will help you build a strong case for financial compensation. We will explain how personal injury lawyers get paid in Georgia and the benefits of trusting our legal team to fight by your side.
Contact one of our case review team members at Bader Scott Injury Lawyers to get started today.
Call or text (404) 888-8888 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
