Augusta Personal Injury Lawyers
Are You in Need of a Personal Injury Attorney in Augusta, Georgia?
If you're seeking compensation after experiencing a personal injury from a negligent party, you don't have to accept the first offer you get from the insurance company. Even if the insurance company denies your claim, you may still be eligible for compensation. Butler Prather LLP can help you take the necessary steps to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Why Choose Us Over Other Augusta Personal Injury Lawyers?
Butler Prather LLP has been getting justice for accident victims in Augusta, Georgia, for over 30 years. You won't find a better personal injury law firm in August—or anywhere in the country.
Butler Prather LLP | Augusta Personal Injury Law Firm
- We've successfully represented clients in more than 30 states across the country.
- We've won nine verdicts over $100 million.
- We've won more than 60 verdicts and settlements over $10 million.
- We've won more than 175 verdicts and settlements over $1 million.
- Our partners are recognized by Super Lawyers based on peer reviews and independent research.
Call to Schedule a FREE Consultation: (706) 322-1990
Do I Have a Personal Injury Case in Georgia?
If the person who caused your injuries failed to exercise reasonable care, you have the right to seek compensation to cover the cost of your medical bills and other expenses. Examples of negligence in an Augusta personal injury claim include a texting driver who crashes into your car at an intersection, a landlord who fails to perform regular safety inspections or a trucking company that hires an employee with an unsafe driving record. During your free consultation, Butler Prather LLP will assess your personal injury or wrongful death case and go over your legal options.
What Types of Compensation Can I Recover?
Damages is a legal term that refers to a monetary award received to compensate for injuries or losses. Calculating medical expenses in an Augusta personal injury case involves a detailed assessment of all costs incurred due to the injury. This includes immediate costs such as ambulance fees, emergency room visits, and surgeries.
Extended medical care costs, like hospital stays, in-home care, and follow-up appointments, are also crucial components. Specialized medical care must also be accounted for, including physical therapy and the need for medical devices like wheelchairs or mobility aids. It is essential to document each expense meticulously to ensure accurate compensation. Future medical expenses are projected based on the severity.
Your personal injury attorney in Augusta will play a vital role in calculating these costs. They’ll ensure that no expense is overlooked and that claims accurately reflect the financial impact of the injury.
Lost wages frequently constitute a significant component of economic damages in a personal injury case. This compensation is meant to cover the income you would have earned had the injury not occurred. This includes your regular salary or hourly wages in addition to potential overtime, bonuses, and any other earnings you missed during your recovery period. Calculating lost wages requires documentation such as pay stubs and employment records to verify your income. In cases where the injury results in long-term or permanent disability, loss of future earning capacity may also be considered. This involves projecting potential future income losses based on factors like age, occupation, and career trajectory.
When a personal injury impacts mobility or daily functioning, home modifications become a necessary consideration in economic damages. These modifications may include installing wheelchair ramps, widening doorways, or making bathrooms accessible to accommodate mobility challenges. The costs for these changes can be substantial, but they are crucial for creating a safe and functional living environment. Assistive devices such as electric scooters, adjustable beds, and wheelchair lifts for vehicles may be required to enhance independence and quality of life. Documenting the need for these modifications and aids is essential to ensure they are accurately reflected in your personal injury.
Noneconomic damages account for the physical discomfort and emotional distress experienced as a result of an injury. The impact of pain and suffering is influenced by factors like the severity of the injury and its long-term implications. Calculating these damages involves collecting medical records, professional testimony, and personal accounts that illustrate the extent of the suffering endured.
Emotional distress is a fundamental component of noneconomic damages, reflecting the psychological impact of an injury. This distress can manifest as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health challenges. Such conditions can severely disrupt daily life, affecting personal relationships, work performance, and overall well-being.
Noneconomic damages for loss of quality of life are awarded in acknowledgment that an injury can have long-lasting impacts beyond physical and emotional distress, affecting an individual's overall life experience and happiness. This may include limitations on hobbies, social interactions, and the ability to perform tasks that were once routine.
How Can an Augusta Personal Injury Attorney Help?
Butler Prather LLP will conduct a thorough investigation, gathering relevant information to support your claim. This process involves collecting evidence such as dashcam footage, surveillance videos, and photographs from the accident scene. We scrutinize police reports and medical records because they provide essential information about the injuries you sustained. When an accident occurs at a private business or an apartment building, there will be an incident report that provides key details about the event that caused your injuries.
Additionally, we interview witnesses to get firsthand accounts of the accident event that caused your injury. We may also seek professional testimony to establish liability and clarify technical aspects of your case.
Negotiating your settlement is the next step in an Augusta personal injury case. Our goal is to reach an agreement that covers your damages. Insurance companies often propose initial offers that are lower than what you deserve, making skilled negotiation vital. We'll counter lowball offers and advocate for a settlement that accurately reflects the full impact of your injuries.
When settlement negotiations don't yield a satisfactory outcome, our lawyers are always prepared to take your case to trial. We'll develop a comprehensive trial plan, which includes preparing opening statements, cross-examinations, and closing arguments. Professional witnesses may be engaged to provide specialized testimony that can reinforce your case.
Don't Wait | The Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury in Georgia
The statute of limitations is a legal deadline for filing a lawsuit; failing to meet this deadline can result in losing your right to pursue compensation. In Georgia, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is generally two years from the date of the injury. It's essential to consult with an Augusta personal injury attorney right away to ensure your case is filed within the applicable timeframe.
Understanding Negligence in a Personal Injury Case in Augusta
Everyone has a duty of care to avoid actions that may cause reasonably foreseeable injuries to another person. In personal injury law, negligence occurs when your injuries are caused by someone who failed to uphold the duty of care. To prevail, you must prove that you suffered quantifiable losses due to the accident.
Motor vehicle accidents are a major cause of personal injury claims in Augusta. Semi-trucks pose another major threat to drivers due to the size of these vehicles and the serious injuries that result when a truck collides with a car, pedestrian, bicycle, or motorcycle. Further, motorcycle riders face an inherently higher risk of injury in accidents compared to occupants of enclosed vehicles. The lack of a protective barrier can result in traumatic brain injury (TBI), fractures, paralysis, and other catastrophic injuries.
Aggressive driving is a serious threat to motorcycle riders. Speeding, tailgating, and erratic lane changes create hazardous conditions for bikers. When drivers fail to signal their intentions in advance, it makes it difficult for motorcycle riders to anticipate their movements. The failure to yield, particularly at intersections, further compounds the dangers that motorcycle riders face.
Another type of driver negligence that may be referenced is distracted driving, which typically involves any activity that diverts attention from driving, including texting or using a smartphone, eating or drinking, adjusting the radio or GPS, or talking to passengers. Speeding is another common type of driver negligence. It can exacerbate the extent of injuries sustained, leading to higher medical expenses and longer recovery times. Additionally, driving under the influence (DUI) is a severe form of negligent driving with profound implications for personal injury claims in Augusta.
Slip-and-fall accidents are caused by hazards such as wet floors, uneven surfaces, broken handrails, or poorly lit areas such as stairways. Augusta property owners have an obligation to provide a safe environment for residents, employees, and visitors. That means promptly addressing hazards that could lead to severe injuries. If you want to prove negligence after a slip-and-fall, you must show that the property owner was aware or should have been aware of the unsafe condition.
Some of Our Personal Injury Case Results
Medical Malpractice / Misdiagnosis - $2,255,062 (Estimated Projected Lifetime Payments: $4,249,695)
Unnamed Plaintiff v. Hospital, Doctor and Anonymous Defendant, State Court of Cobb County, Georgia. A 32-year-old man, after an automobile accident, was discharged from the ER with a cervical sprain diagnosis but later developed progressive paralysis. Subsequent examination revealed a C6-C7 spinal injury resulting in permanent C7-level paraplegia. The case reached settlements with three defendants post-discovery, while claims against others remain active. The guaranteed cash and annuity payout totals $2,255,062, with projected lifetime payments to the plaintiff estimated at $4,249,695.
Car Accident - $900,000 + $25,000
Sistrunk v. Peachtree Pest Control and Freddie May, State Court of DeKalb County, Georgia. In the case of Sistrunk v. Peachtree Pest Control and Freddie May in the State Court of DeKalb County, Georgia, a 52-year-old electrician sustained injuries from a road accident, including a broken ankle and left wrist that necessitated plates and screws, incurring $40,000 in medical expenses. The employer contested the case based on the scope of employment, but the jury found both the employee and employer liable. The verdict awarded the electrician $900,000 for pain and suffering and $25,000 for loss of consortium, despite the last settlement offer being $100,000.
Tractor-Trailer Wreck - 15 Times $50,000 Available Policy Limit
Strickland v. Progressive Express Insurance, James Green and A Plus Flat Rate Logistics, U.S. District Court, Northern District of Georgia. Wrongful death of 65-year-old retiree. The suit was brought against the trucking company, driver, and trucking company's insurer. The insurer took the position that the total policy limits available were $50,000. After the suit was filed seeking a declaration that the policy failed to comply with Florida insurance requirements, the trucking company insurer settled the case for 15 times the amount of the stated policy limits and pre-suit offer.
What People Have to Say About Us
"Thorough, Available, and Compassionate" - Kathy Thrasher (5-Star Google Review)
Mr. Jim Butler and his colleagues worked diligently on my behalf. Their ability to navigate our situation gave my family and me the peace of mind that our case was in competent hands. Everyone was thorough, available, and compassionate as they guided and assisted me through this difficult time.
"Got a Verdict of $150 Million" - Lindsay (5-Star AVVO Review)
We filed a wrongful death case from a car wreck, and my son passed away. We went all the way to trial and got a verdict of $150 million. We couldn't have made this happen without this wonderful man and his associates.
"We Recommend Him Highly." - Anonymous (5-Star FindLaw Review)Mr. Butler represented my wife and me in a very professional (and successful) manner. Even after the successful settlement, his firm stayed with us to ensure that we were properly advised on the best use of our assets. His experience, professionalism, and honesty were much appreciated. We recommend him highly.
Let Butler Prather LLP Help You Today!
Contact our Georgia law firm at (706) 322-1990 for highly responsive and trustworthy legal guidance on your personal injury case.
Other Locations We Serve in Georgia
Personal Injury FAQs
What if the offender is a large business or corporation?
At Butler Prather LLP, we say: Bring it on. We've won lawsuits against major automakers and other big corporations and have the necessary resources to take on whoever is liable for your injuries.
How much does it cost to hire a personal injury attorney in Georgia?
It's absolutely free to hire Butler Prather LLP to handle your Augusta personal injury case. There are never any upfront costs, and you won't owe us anything unless we win you a settlement.
What should I do after an accident occurs?
First, check yourself and your passengers for injuries and apply first aid if necessary. Then, call 911 to alert first responders. You also want to take pictures of your injuries and the accident scene. It's also important that you see your doctor right away and explain any symptoms you're experiencing. Don't forget to consult with an Augusta personal injury lawyer at Butler Prather LLP before signing any agreements or discussing accident details with any insurance company.
What factors influence the size of a personal injury settlement in Georgia?
Claims for catastrophic injuries—including extensive medical treatment—are likely to result in larger settlements and judgments. It also helps to choose the right personal injury lawyer in Augusta who knows the best legal strategies for maximizing your settlement.