Mishaps and accidents can be fairly common in modern day life. However, if you were the victim of an accidental injury caused by another, you are legally entitled to damages and compensation. There’s no checklist to determine whether or not you should file a personal injury claim, but here are some tips to help you determine the best path for your case.
Determine if Your Injury Qualifies
Personal injury is a broad category that includes harm suffered on a physical, psychological, or emotional level. It is harm specifically to a person, not their property. A personal injury case can only be put forward if someone else is legally responsible for that harm, whether directly or through negligence.
Document the Event
If your claim moves forward, the focus will be on the exact incident and the harm that resulted. You won’t be able to determine if you have a good claim if you don’t have specific written evidence. Here are some items to make sure you collect.
- Detailed notes of the incident from your perspective – include time, place, surrounding environment, other parties present, and any conversations had
- Photographs related to the accident and its location
- Names and contact information of all witnesses
- Notes or recordings of your conversations with the witnesses
- Medical treatments and bills, hospital visits, physical or emotional therapy, documentation of lost work and wages
- Day-to-day details of your injuries and changes to your lifestyle
Don’t Wait Too Long
Georgia has a two year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. However, if you’re filing a claim against a government agency or employee, the time frame to file is as little as 60 days. If you miss the window, you may not be able to ever bring suit or collect any compensation.
Consult a Legal Expert
Personal injury cases can be a long, complicated process. Having the proper documentation is the first step to determining whether you have a viable claim. Consult an experienced personal injury attorney to analyze your evidence and give you sound legal advice.
Matthew G. Midgett, P.C. offers no-obligation consultations for your personal injury claim. Contact the Law Offices of Matthew G. Midgett to begin navigating your concerns today.