Columbus Personal Injury Lawyer
The fact that accidents are reasonably common does not detract from the pain and suffering that can result when an injury happens to you or a family member. The number of dangerous obstacles and unsafe behavior that the normal person confronts daily explains why millions of people are treated for injuries in emergency rooms in the United States.
Many serious injuries are the result of the reckless, negligent, or intentional conduct of another party. Georgia state law establishes the legal foundation for imposing civil liability for serious injuries on those who were careless, distracted, reckless, or inattentive.
Financial responsibility may be imposed if there is a viable legal theory for holding the responsible party liable for the financial loss suffered by the victim. The immediate aftermath of an accident can be a critical time to file a personal injury claim. Given the importance of a prompt investigation, it is highly advisable to consult with a dedicated Columbus personal injury lawyer who could evaluate your case and provide you with legal options. Call today to schedule a free case review with an experienced attorney.
Imposing Liability in Personal Injury Cases
There are countless scenarios that can make pursuing a legal claim for damages complicated and tedious. The nuance and sophistication involved in pursuing damages can be impacted by the unique facts of the accident.
One of the common legal theories for imposing liability in a personal injury lawsuit is negligence. When a victim files a personal injury claim based on negligence, he or she is faced with establishing the following elements:
- Legal duty;
- Breach of duty;
- Causation; and
- Injuries and harm sustained.
Liability may be imposed on an individual, company, or government entity for injury to another person if the defendant owes a legal duty of care to the victim. While people generally owe a duty of reasonable care not to cause injuries to others, the duty may exist based on factors such as:
- Family relationships;
- Conduct of the defendant that places the victim in a position of peril;
- Duty imposed by state law, statute, or regulation; and
- Contractual or commercial relationship between the parties.
If a duty of care is owed, then the party’s failure to exercise a reasonable standard of care may be the basis for imposing liability. When someone has been harmed due to negligence or an intentional act, they should obtain a Columbus personal injury lawyer.
Filing Deadlines in Columbus
Georgia has a deadline, or statute of limitations, for filing a personal injury claim in the state’s civil court system following an accident. The law generally gives victims two years to file a lawsuit.
In many cases, the time starts on the date of the accident. However, in rare cases, if a victim suffered an injury that was not detected until some time after the accident, the two-year time limit may not start until the date of discovery.
For injury claims against a government entity, city, or county, victims have anywhere from six months to one year to put the government entity on notice of the claim. Personal injuries caused by a government entity or its employee could include, for example, an injury suffered because of a municipal bus, an accident stemming from the dangerous condition of a government-owned building, or an accident caused by a government employee during official work. A seasoned Columbus personal injury lawyer could assist an injured victim by filing a claim within the statute of limitations.
Consult with a Columbus Personal Injury Attorney
If you have been injured through no fault of your own, you may be entitled to fair compensation. Between dealing with your physical injuries and financial woes, there can be a lot on your mind.
A knowledgeable Columbus personal injury lawyer could fight to protect your rights and work to build a case around your injury. An accomplished attorney will provide cutting-edge technology and an in-house doctor to give you a leg up in your case.