Norcross Personal Injury Lawyer
Experienced Legal Representation Seeking Justice for Accident Victims
Accidents happen every day, often due to someone else’s negligence. If you have been injured because of another party’s careless or wrongful actions, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. At Bowman Law Firm, we are dedicated to helping injury victims obtain justice and recover the damages they deserve. Norcross personal injury lawyer Shireen Hormozdi Bowman brings over 20 years of legal experience to her role as an advocate for clients who have suffered due to negligence. Call today for a free consultation to discuss your claim.
What Does It Take to Prove Negligence in a Personal Injury Case?
To successfully pursue a personal injury claim, you must be able to prove that the other party was negligent. This requires establishing the following elements:
- Duty of Care – The defendant had a legal obligation to act with reasonable care to prevent harm.
- Breach of Duty – The defendant failed to uphold that duty through reckless, careless, or intentional conduct.
- Causation – The defendant’s actions directly caused your injury.
- Damages – You suffered losses as a result, such as medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Our firm thoroughly investigates each case, gathers evidence, and works with experts when necessary to build a strong claim for compensation.
Types of Damages Recoverable in a Personal Injury Case
Personal injury victims may be eligible to recover compensation for a variety of damages, including:
- Medical Expenses – Costs for hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and ongoing medical treatment.
- Lost Wages – Compensation for time missed from work due to injuries.
- Loss of Earning Capacity – If the injury affects your ability to earn income in the future.
- Pain and Suffering – Physical and emotional distress caused by the injury.
- Property Damage – Repair or replacement costs for personal property damaged in the accident.
- Punitive Damages – In cases involving egregious misconduct, additional damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar actions.
Georgia’s Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Cases
Under Georgia law, you generally have two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you fail to take legal action within this timeframe, you may lose your right to pursue compensation. There are some exceptions, such as cases involving minors or delayed discovery of injuries, but it is crucial to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to ensure you do not miss critical deadlines. For instance, if the claim is against the government, such as a car accident involving a government employee or vehicle, you must file a notice of claim within 12 months.
The Impact of Georgia’s Comparative Negligence Rule on Your Personal Injury Claim
Under Georgia’s modified comparative negligence rule, if you are partially responsible for the accident, your compensation can be reduced in proportion to your percentage of fault. However, if you are found to be 50% or more at fault, you will be barred from recovering any compensation. Insurance companies often attempt to shift blame onto injury victims to minimize payouts or avoid liability altogether, but our firm fights aggressively to protect our clients’ rights and maximize their compensation by proving the full extent of the other party’s negligence.
Why Choose Bowman Law Firm for Your Norcross Personal Injury Case?
At Bowman Law Firm, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that an injury can take on your life. We provide compassionate, results-driven legal representation to help you move forward. Our firm offers:
- Personalized attention and direct communication with an experienced attorney.
- In-depth knowledge of Georgia personal injury law and insurance claims.
- Skilled negotiation and litigation strategies to secure the compensation you deserve.
Attorney Shireen Hormozdi Bowman and her team of legal professionals have been helping personal injury victims since 2012, including taking numerous cases to verdict with a 100% success rate. Whether settling out of court or going to trial, Bowman Law Firm is dedicated to achieving maximum compensation on your behalf.
Norcross Personal Injury FAQs
If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, you may feel overwhelmed by medical bills, insurance claims, and the legal process required to hold the negligent party accountable for the harm done to you. At Bowman Law Firm, we’re here to answer your questions and help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about personal injury claims. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a car or truck accident in Gwinnett County, contact our office for immediate assistance from an experienced and successful Norcross personal injury attorney.
What Is a Personal Injury Claim?
A personal injury claim is a legal action taken by someone who has been injured due to another party’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional wrongdoing. Common examples include:
- Car, truck, and motorcycle accidents
- Workplace accidents
- Dog Bites
- Wrongful death cases
The goal of a personal injury claim is to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages.
How Do I Know If I Have a Valid Personal Injury Case?
The following elements must be present to prevail on a personal injury claim. In the case of a trial, each element must be proven by a preponderance of the evidence, although most personal injury claims settle without needing to file a lawsuit or go to court:
- Duty of Care: The other party had a legal responsibility to act in a way that would not harm others.
- Breach of Duty: That duty was breached through negligence or misconduct.
- Causation: The breach directly caused your injury.
- Damages: You suffered physical, emotional, or financial harm as a result.
Our attorneys can evaluate your situation and help determine if you have a valid claim.
What Compensation Can I Recover in a Personal Injury Lawsuit?
The compensation you may be entitled to depends on the circumstances of your case. Potential damages include:
- Medical expenses: Current and future treatment, surgery, rehabilitation, and medication
- Lost wages: Income lost due to time away from work
- Loss of earning capacity: Reduced ability to earn income in the future
- Pain and suffering: Physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life
- Property damage: Repair or replacement of damaged property
- Punitive damages: Additional payments to punish defendants or set an example in cases of gross negligence or intentional harm
How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Claim?
The statute of limitations is a state law that sets a deadline for filing a personal injury claim. In Georgia, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the injury, although certain factors can extend or shorten this period. In any event, it’s crucial to act quickly because if you miss the deadline, you could lose your right to pursue compensation. Contact us as soon as possible to ensure your claim is filed on time.
Do I Need a Lawyer for a Personal Injury Claim?
While it’s possible to handle a personal injury claim on your own, having an experienced attorney can significantly increase your chances of success. A lawyer can investigate the accident and gather evidence, calculate the full extent of your damages, handle negotiations with insurance companies, and represent you in court, if necessary. Without a lawyer, you are likely to receive less money or have your claim denied.
Our firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we recover compensation for you.
How Long Does a Personal Injury Case Take to Resolve?
The length of a personal injury case depends on several factors, including the complexity of the case, the severity of your injuries, and the willingness of the insurance company to negotiate. Some cases can settle in a few months, while others may take a year or more, especially if they go to trial. We’ll work diligently to resolve your case as quickly as possible while ensuring you receive fair compensation.
What Should I Do After an Accident?
If you’re injured in an accident, take these important steps to protect your health and your legal rights:
- Seek medical attention immediately, even if you think your injuries are minor.
- Document the scene by taking photos of the accident, your injuries, and any property damage.
- Collect contact information from witnesses and the responsible party.
- File a report with the appropriate authorities (e.g., police or property owner).
- Contact a personal injury attorney before speaking to insurance adjusters.
What If I Was Partially at Fault for the Accident?
Even if you were partially responsible for the accident, you might still be eligible for compensation. Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which allows you to recover damages based on your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re found to be 20% at fault for a car accident, your compensation will be reduced by 20%. However, if you are considered to be 50% or more to blame, then you cannot pursue a claim for compensation in court. Our experienced Norcross personal injury lawyer builds a strong case that proves the full extent of the other party’s negligence, helping to minimize your level of fault and maximize your recovery.
Will My Personal Injury Case Go to Court?
Most personal injury cases are resolved through settlements before going to trial; often it is not even necessary to file a lawsuit to resolve your claim. However, if the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, we are prepared to take your case to court and fight for your rights. We’ll handle all negotiations and advise you on the best course of action throughout the process.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer?
At Bowman Law Firm, we handle personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. This means that you don’t pay any upfront fees, and we only get paid if we recover compensation for you. Our fee is a percentage of the settlement or award you receive, which serves as an incentive to maximize compensation and reflects the time and effort taken in your case. A contingency fee arrangement allows you to pursue justice with high-quality legal representation and without worrying about legal fees.
Schedule a Free Consultation Today
If you or a loved one has been injured due to someone else’s negligence in Norcross, Georgia, contact Bowman Law Firm for a free consultation. Let our Norcross personal injury lawyer review your case, explain your legal options, and fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.