You can think that a personal injury lawyer is merely a lawyer who represents their clients. Surprisingly, it goes beyond that to include a person who, aside from being a lawyer, focuses exclusively on the area of personal injury.
“Other than representing their clients after a personal injury has occurred, lawyers also have other roles like investigating their client’s case and ensuring negotiations go smoothly,” says Ben Clary the Attorney of Chattahoochee Injury Law. If you are in Georgia, this article helps you understand who a personal injury lawyer is and the roles they play for their clients.
Defining a Personal Injury Lawyer
A personal injury lawyer in Georgia is a legal professional who represents individuals who have sustained physical, emotional, or psychological injuries caused by the negligent or wrongful actions of another. These attorneys practice under Georgia’s tort law system, which governs civil wrongs and remedies.
The objective of a personal injury lawyer is to secure fair compensation for the injured party. This compensation may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and in some cases, punitive damages. Georgia law recognizes that when one party’s negligence causes harm to another, the injured individual deserves to be made whole through the legal system.
The Core Roles of a Personal Injury Lawyer in Georgia
The responsibilities of a personal injury lawyer in Georgia extend far beyond filing lawsuits. Their role begins at the moment they accept representation and continues through every stage of the legal process.
- Advocates and Advisors to their Clients
A personal injury lawyer first serves as an advocate and advisor to the clients they work with. From the initial consultation, the lawyer evaluates the facts of the case, determines whether a legal claim exists, and advises the client on potential outcomes.
- Investigators to Collect Evidence
Beyond legal advice, the lawyer assumes the role of investigator after they have been briefed on the details of a case. Personal injury cases require meticulous evidence collection to prove negligence or liability of the at-fault party. This may include studying police reports, obtaining medical records, interviewing witnesses, consulting qualified specialists, and reconstructing accidents.
In Georgia, where the burden of proof rests on the plaintiff, the quality of evidence obtained and presented can determine the success of a claim.
- Negotiators to Ensure a Fair Settlement is Reached
Once the evidence is gathered, the attorney becomes a negotiator, ensuring the interests of their client are protected. Most personal injury cases in Georgia are resolved through settlements rather than trials to ensure the public image and goodwill of the parties are protected.
A lawyer must engage effectively with insurance companies to ensure that settlement offers reflect the true value of the client’s damages. Insurance adjusters frequently try to reduce settlements, but an experienced personal injury lawyer uses facts, extensive appraisals, and strategic bargaining to counteract those efforts
- Litigator When the Case Proceeds to Trial
If settlement negotiations fail, the attorney transitions into the role of litigator, presenting sound arguments on their client’s behalf. At this stage, the lawyer files a formal complaint in the appropriate Georgia court and represents the client throughout the litigation process. This includes pre-trial motions, discovery, depositions, mediation, and trial.
All through these stages, the lawyer presents evidence, cross-examines witnesses, and argues the case before a judge or jury to secure a favorable verdict.
What Ethical and Professional Standards Bind Personal Injury Lawyers?
The State Bar of the state where a personal injury lawyer practices provides certain ethical rules that guide the lawyer’s professional conduct. At the core of these rules is the need for a lawyer to maintain the highest level of competence, diligence, and confidentiality at all times and in every dealing with their clients.
Conclusion
There is no questioning the importance of a personal injury lawyer and his or her responsibilities. In Georgia, your personal injury lawyer can be the difference between getting the compensation you deserve and getting less or missing out completely. As such, if you or anyone you know is dealing with a personal injury case, it is advised that you contact a personal injury lawyer in Georgia today.
Also Read: Why You Need to Contact a Lawyer after a Personal Injury Incident
