Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Athens

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Athens, Georgia?

  You may call the Athens-Clarke County Police Department at 706-613-3345 for non-emergency situations.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Athens, Georgia?

  You may get a copy of the police report by contacting the Records Division at 706-542-5813. Office hours are from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

• Is retaining a divorce attorney in Athens still necessary if both parties agree on most divorce-related issues?

  Regardless if you and your spouse are divorcing cordially, it is still recommended that you hire an Athens divorce attorney to analyze the details of your divorce settlement. Even if you and your ex-spouse are currently in agreement, it is still a good idea to see an attorney to ensure that your rights are protected if conflicts arise later. In addition, your attorney can help you uncover any loopholes in your divorce agreement and propose more beneficial remedies.

• Does one need to leave the marital home if he or she files for a divorce in Athens?

  In contrast to other jurisdictions requiring divorcing couples to live in separate houses before initiating the divorce process, Athens and the rest of Georgia permit spouses who live together to proclaim themselves "legally separated." A divorce petition can be filed if one spouse believes they are legally separated from the other and no longer have marital relations with their partner.

• How long does it take for a divorce to be finalized in Athens?

  If all issues are resolved amicably, the divorce is deemed "uncontested" and can be finalized 31 days after the paperwork is submitted, barring any change in Georgia's laws. If there is disagreement, the divorce will be finalized when the case reaches court, which might take months or years. However, if you reach an agreement during the pendency of the case, you may present it to the court, and the divorce will be granted.

• What factors are considered in determining child custody following a divorce in Athens?

  During the divorce process, the Athens court will look at a number of variables, such as the child's age and gender and each parent's capacity to provide for and nurture the child. At the age of 14, a kid has the legal right to select which parent will receive custody. Additionally, a child between the ages of 11 and 13 may speak to the judge, but the judge is not compelled to follow the child's preferences.

• What can you do if an ex-spouse does not abide by a court order's terms following a divorce in Athens?

  If an ex-spouse refuses to fulfill a settlement agreement, parenting arrangement, or child support order, your best course of action is to bring an action to hold them in contempt of court and make them cooperate. However, you should also give them every chance to comply before filing a contempt action to increase your chances of getting compensated for any or all of your attorney's fees and litigation costs. You may seek the assistance of an Athens divorce attorney to discuss your options.

• How to choose a personal injury attorney?

  It's crucial to find a personal injury attorney who is experienced, but it's also important to feel comfortable. Take advantage of free consultations and ask questions about how long each candidate has been practicing, how their fee structure works, and who will be handling the majority of the casework (some big firms may hand off routine tasks to paralegals). Above all, find someone who listens well and believes they can achieve an optimal outcome. Still uncertain? Ask friends for referrals and check out online reviews.

• What does a personal injury lawyer do?

  Personal injury attorneys help those who have suffered due to the negligence of others get the compensation they deserve. That may include negotiating settlements with other people, insurance companies, or even government agencies or arguing the case in court. Some attorneys specialize in a certain type of injury, such as auto accidents or birth injuries, while others advocate for almost any injured party.

• What does personal injury law cover?

  In the legal world, "personal injury" is any kind of injury, physical or psychological, that results from the negligence of a person, business, or other entity. While visible or acute injuries such as a broken leg or concussion are among the most obvious types of personal injuries, this category also covers less tangible injuries such as emotional distress and issues such as asbestos exposure that may contribute to long-term problems.

• What are the most common types of personal injury claims?

  Personal injury claims encompass a wide variety of situations ranging from accidents on privately owned property to injuries in the line of duty to whiplash sustained during a commute. These claims may include car accidents, dog bites, slip and falls, medical malpractice, defamation, product defect accidents, premises liability, product liability, workplace accidents, food poisoning at a restaurant, and boating or aviation accidents.

• How do personal injury lawyers get paid?

  Many personal injury lawyers advertise that they don't get paid unless their client does. This is called "working on contingency," meaning the attorney is compensated only if they win their case. These payments are typically percentage based, giving attorneys a predetermined portion of the court-ordered award. Other lawyers may command an hourly rate or combine an hourly rate with a smaller contingency fee.

• How much do personal injury lawyers charge?

  Personal injury lawyer fees can differ from state to state and may be subject to local regulations. In general, personal injury attorneys work under contingency agreements entitling them to 33% of any related settlement or award. Sometimes lawyers use a sliding contingency, charging 33% for awards agreed upon during pre-trial negotiations and raising the fee to 40% once the matter goes to trial.

• When do I need to hire a personal injury lawyer?

  Anytime an injury is known or suspected to be the result of negligence, it's a good idea to consult with a personal injury attorney who can offer insight into the validity of a claim and whether or not that claim is worth pursuing legally. A consultation is particularly important if someone has suffered serious injuries that have left them disabled or otherwise impacted their financial future or quality of life.

• Can I file a personal injury claim without a lawyer?

  It's possible to pursue a personal injury claim without an attorney; however, it's best to save self-representation for cases involving minor injuries or are otherwise considered straightforward. Cases that involve serious injuries that are not completely resolved or where liability has yet to be determined are more complex. Those situations can quickly become stressful and time consuming as they require an understanding of tort law, resources for gathering medical records, and time to review photographs and evidence pertaining to the injury and scene of the accident (if applicable). Bringing on an experienced personal injury lawyer could result in a higher reward while giving the injured party more time to concentrate on their physical, mental, and emotional recovery.

• How long does a personal injury lawsuit last?

  The length of time it takes to settle a personal injury lawsuit is highly dependent on a number of factors ranging from the type of case to the length of medical treatment to whether the suit is settled before court or requires a long trial. While most personal injury cases are resolved within two years, more complicated suits could take longer.

• What are the benefits of hiring a personal injury lawyer?

  It's tempting to save on lawyer's fees by pursuing self-representation, but there are many benefits to hiring a personal injury lawyer including their years of experience. A good attorney will know how to properly assess your damages, including not just medical bills but other concerns, such as lost wages and pain and suffering, to craft a demand that fully reflects the compensation to which the injured party is entitled. They also have the resources and knowledge necessary to consult with experts, negotiate effectively with insurance companies, properly navigate the legal system, and otherwise ensure the best possible outcome.