What Is a Personal Injury Lawsuit?

Broadly speaking, a personal injury lawsuit is the legal action a wrongfully injured person takes against another person or entity that the victim alleges caused them harm.

Individuals can sue for compensation for a wide variety of damages, such as:
  • Medical expenses
  • Lost wages
  • Property damage
  • Physical suffering
  • Emotional trauma

Another well-known form of personal injury compensation is workers compensation legislation, which protects workers who get injured while on the job. 

Types of Personal Injury Lawsuits

Personal injury lawsuits cover a broad range of potential circumstances. Below are a few of the more typical types of personal injury cases, but by no means are considered the only types:

  • Motor vehicle accidents including: 
    • Car accidents
    • Truck accidents
    • Semi-Truck accidents
    • Motorcycle accidents
  • Workplace accidents
  • Medical malpractice
  • Dog bites and animal attacks
  • Premises liability
  • Defective products

If you were harmed by another’s negligence and want to find out if you have a personal injury case, fill out the form below or call 404-369-1421 to be connected with a trusted and expert personal injury lawyer in Cobb County, Georgia.

How Can I Determine If I Have a Personal Injury Claim?

You can determine if you have a personal injury claim if negligence was a factor and the injury resulted in costs, such as medical costs and property damage. Negligence is a person’s careless actions that cause injury to another, in other words a failure to behave by the normal standard of care someone else would have exercised in the same situation. 

Georgia is a comparative negligence state, meaning both the plaintiff and defendant in a lawsuit can be found negligent in their actions. Georgia’s modified comparative negligence laws states that the plaintiff must be less than 50% negligent, based on the circumstances in their case, to receive damages. The damages awarded are subtracted by the percentage in which the plaintiff is found to be at fault for their own injuries. 

Personal Injury Damages

Personal injury damages can include:
  • Special or compensatory damages: these damages allow the victim to be compensated and reimbursed for their injuries and economic losses they have suffered
  • General damages: these include any damages not directly linked to economic loss, such as compensation for pain and suffering and mental anguish
  • Direct damages: direct damages result from the negligent act that caused the injury, like a broken ankle after a slip-and-fall
  • Consequential damages: these damages stem from the injury, but are, to some extent, based on different circumstances from that injury
  • Punitive damages: punitive damages serve as punishment for the defendant for acting in an especially grossly negligent or willful way

A seasoned personal injury lawyer in Cobb County, Georgia will be able to navigate the legal system and understand which types of damages are likely to apply to your case. Call us at 404-369-1421 or fill out the form below for a free consultation today. 

How Are Personal Injury Damages Calculated in Cobb County, Georgia?

Calculating personal injury damages is not always straight-forward, since the amount awarded depends on the severity and permanency of an individual’s injuries. Special damages, such as property damage and medical bills, are easier to calculate because they are associated with a specific dollar amount. General damages may need expert testimony, like emotional distress or loss of earning capacity. Punitive damages may also be rewarded, but in Georgia they are typically limited to $250,000, with exceptions such as product liability or DUI cases, and part of the punitive damage reward goes to the state.

Turnbull Law Firm 

Turnbull Law Firm is an esteemed personal injury law firm in Georgia that tackles a wide range of practice areas, including product liability, medical malpractice, and motor vehicle accidents. Turnbull Law Firm both aggressively and compassionately fights to protect the rights of their clients. The attorneys at Turnbull Law Firm are persistent, skilled, and compassionate in obtaining results and justice for the wrongfully injured. 

How the Law Center Can Help

The Law Center is here to help by connecting wrongfully injured individuals with our top local legal team of experts who will advocate for your rights and fair compensation. The Law Center ensures you are in the best legal hands when you file a personal injury claim. To be matched with a top-tier personal injury law firm today, contact The Law Center at 404-369-1421 or fill out the form below.