Atlanta, GA Injury Attorneys
Accident Attorneys Representing Victims in Atlanta and the Surrounding Areas
If you've been hurt in an accident in Georgia and are struggling with medical bills or need time off work to heal, you might consider filing a personal injury lawsuit if the accident was someone else's fault. An experienced trial lawyer can guide you through the process.
At Van Sant Law, our team of personal injury attorneys is here to help. We’ve offered dedicated legal services and strived for favorable outcomes for our clients since 2003. You can initiate your case by signing up electronically or arranging a visit to your home or another location that suits you.
Our lead attorney, David M. Van Sant, is nationally recognized as a skilled trial attorney. He was selected to the Georgia Super Lawyers list from 2014 through 2025, a distinction bestowed upon only 5% of attorneys in the state. Trust us to support you in seeking the compensation you deserve.
Schedule a free consultation with one of our Atlanta injury attorneys by calling (800) 234-9556 or sending an online contact form.
Holding Liable Parties Responsible
Some of the cases we handle include the following:
Some think that ‘personal injury lawyer' and ‘car accident lawyer' are synonymous. And while it's true that car accidents are a type of personal injury, the reality is that personal injury law encompasses many other matters.
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Car AccidentsCar Accidents
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Truck AccidentsTruck Accidents
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Motorcycle AccidentsMotorcycle Accidents
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Rideshare AccidentsRideshare Accidents
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Wrongful DeathWrongful Death
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Workers CompensationWorkers Compensation
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Dog BitesDog Bites
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Food PoisoningFood Poisoning
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Medical MalpracticeMedical Malpractice
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Nursing Home AbuseNursing Home Abuse
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Premises LiabilityPremises Liability
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Defective ProductsDefective Products
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Diminution in Value ClaimsDiminution in Value Claims
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Car Accidents
Car accidents are among the most prevalent in the nation. Due to the congested roadways and our dependence on motor vehicles to get us from one area to the next, we spend a considerable portion of our time in automobiles. When we get into an accident, we can sustain painful and life-threatening injuries. With an experienced Atlanta attorney, you can fight for the compensation you need to recover from your injuries. Our car accident attorneys represent injured victims throughout Georgia and can protect your rights.
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Truck Accidents
Due to the large size and speed of trucks, accidents involving large commercial vehicles are some of the most devastating. If you are looking to file a claim, it is essential to remember that you will not only be facing an individual driver, you will also be facing the trucking company that backs them. You will need a law firm with experience taking on the trucking industry. We are prepared to even the playing field when you have to take on a trucker and his employer. We know their tactics and can work toward recovering the compensation you deserve when you have suffered serious injuries.
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Motorcycle Accidents
You may be more vulnerable on the road as a motorcyclist. However, that does not mean drivers are excused for their negligence when they fail to operate safely around you. If they do not look out for you and do not drive in a manner that promotes your safety, they should be liable for injuries you incur. Police officers, insurance companies, and judges often make assumptions about motorcyclists being reckless and side with the driver of a car involved in a collision. This bias makes it very hard for bikers who were hurt by a driver’s negligence or carelessness to hold the driver accountable and pursue the compensation they deserve. We protect the rights of motorcyclists in Georgia and can fight for you if you have been seriously injured.
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Rideshare Accidents
While ridesharing apps can make transportation more convenient, they also result in a greater number of car accidents. Whether you are a passenger in an Uber that is involved in a crash, or the driver of another car hit by an Uber driver, you may sustain serious injuries. These can include broken bones, organ damage, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord damage, amputations, burns, or disfigurement. If you were injured in an Uber accident in Georgia, you may be able to recover damages.
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Wrongful Death
Not every personal injury claim involves the injured themselves seeking legal recourse. In some cases, if the accident was fatal, the surviving family can seek compensation to cover funeral and burial costs, the loss of future income, and even the loss of companionship. Your injury attorney in Atlanta knows how emotionally difficult it can be to handle these cases. If you lost a loved one because of another person’s carelessness, negligence, or willful intention, you may be able to hold that person accountable through a wrongful death action. We want to help you protect and provide for the family that a negligent person so tragically tore apart.
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Workers Compensation
With as many hours as we spend at our jobs, it is no surprise that employees can suffer severe injuries and illnesses from accidents that occur or from long-lasting circumstances. Workers’ compensation protects employees’ rights as a no-fault insurance coverage. Our injury law firm in Atlanta, GA, knows the nuances surrounding these claims and is prepared to do what it takes to help our clients. If you have experienced any resistance from your employer following a work injury, talk to one of our workers’ comp attorneys as soon as possible. You may feel that you deserve this important coverage, but it can be challenging if your employer disputes your eligibility. Our legal team can fight to protect your rights. Contact us to discuss your situation with an experienced workers’ comp attorney.
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Dog Bites
If a pet dog bit you or a loved one, you know how serious the injury can be. The physical harm a dog bite can cause is nothing to take lightly. Our personal injury lawyers in Atlanta do everything we can to defend the rights of dog bite victims. Dog bite laws vary from county to county in Georgia, so you must consult a law firm familiar with the variations. It can be challenging to hold dog owners responsible for the actions of their pets. Still, our attorneys take action to pursue the compensation you need to recover from the physical and emotional damage.
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Food Poisoning
When you go to a restaurant or food establishment, you are not typically concerned about the safety of the food. Unfortunately, food poisoning can occur due to poor hygiene or poorly handled food. If you have sustained serious illness from contamination, contact our personal injury law firm in Atlanta as soon as possible. Salmonella, e. coli, and listeria are some harmful contaminates that could be in the food you eat in a restaurant or school cafeteria or buy in a grocery store. Exposure to these toxins can be fatal in young children, older adults, and those with compromised immune systems. If you or a loved one ends up in the hospital after exposure to contaminated food anywhere in Georgia, talk to our Metro Atlanta attorneys as soon as possible.
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Medical Malpractice
If you become ill or are injured in an accident, you trust doctors, hospitals, or other medical professionals to take care of you. When healthcare workers behave in a manner that does not uphold professional standards, serious injury and illness can occur. In these cases, these individuals and facilities should be liable for damages. If you suspect that a doctor or hospital made a mistake that left you or a family member worse off after treatment, contact our medical malpractice attorneys. We can examine your case in a free consultation and let you know if we can help. We take medical malpractice cases on a contingency basis, so you will not owe us a fee unless we win for you.
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Nursing Home Abuse
In many situations, our elderly loved ones go to facilities to be sure that they are cared for. While many facilities uphold high standards, some can be negligent or flat-out abusive. Fortunately, laws protect your loved one from such treatment. If you suspect nursing home abuse, give us a call. Our personal injury attorneys in Atlanta can investigate the situation and determine whether you have a case. If enough evidence exists to prove that a nursing home or assisted living facility abused or neglected your loved one, we can help you seek financial compensation.
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Premises Liability
Were you injured on property that belonged to a third party? If the injury could have been prevented through better maintenance or safety features, you may have grounds to file a premises liability claim. It can be daunting to deal with circumstances of this nature. Our personal injury lawyers in Atlanta help our clients protect their legal rights. Premises liability claims are not easy to prove, and many injury attorneys are unwilling to do the work it takes to win them. We want to hear your story. If our experienced lawyers believe you have a valid claim, we can work toward recovering the compensation you deserve from the negligent property owner or occupier.
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Defective Products
Sometimes, manufacturers are in such a hurry to get a product on the market that they do not adequately test it. This rush can result in a product with unknown dangers or dangers known by the manufacturer but not revealed to consumers in the form of safety warnings. One example of prevalent defective products involves defective tires. We recognize these dangers and are prepared to help our clients protect their legal rights to the full extent of the law. If you or a loved one has been harmed by a defective product, such as the DePuy hip implant or another medical device, contact our attorneys. We seek to hold manufacturers responsible when they release dangerous products.
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Diminution in Value Claims
Your vehicle could lose much of its value following a car accident. Moving through the claims process can be confusing if this is the case. Our personal injury law firm in Atlanta can fight to pursue fair financial compensation — regardless of the diminished value. Insurance companies know they owe you the full value of your car, not just what it is worth after the accident, but they will try to avoid paying you what you are owed. When you work with our attorneys on a diminished value claim, we can protect your right to a fair recovery.
Additional practice areas
- Airplane Accidents
- ATV Accidents & Four-Wheeler Accidents
- Bad Faith Insurance
- Bicycle Accident
- Boating Accident
- Bus Accidents
- Catastrophic Injuries
- Commercial Vehicle Accidents
- DOT Claims
- Elevator & Escalator Accidents
- Funeral Home Negligence
- Golf Cart Accidents
- Pedestrian Accidents
- Police Brutality
- Public Transportation Accidents
- Rape & Sexual Assault Victims
- Scooter Accidents
- Soft Tissue Injury
- Swimming Pool Accidents
- Train Accident
- Whiplash Injury
Personal Injury Overview
Personal injury lawsuits may arise from situations such as car crashes, motorcycle collisions, bicycle collisions, truck accidents, nursing home negligence, animal attacks, trips and falls, or defective products.
What you must prove after an accident depends on the circumstances under which you were injured. However, many personal injury lawsuits are pursued under a theory of negligence. Under this principle, you must prove by a preponderance of the evidence that a defendant failed to use reasonable care under the circumstances and that this failure caused your injuries and resulting losses.
For example, you may be able to recover damages if you can establish that you sustained traumatic brain injuries in a motorcycle accident caused by a drunk driver who failed to yield when making a left turn. Or, for instance, a personal injury attorney in your area may be able to help you recover damages if you sustained spinal cord damage and crush injuries due to a trucking company’s negligent training of a truck driver who plowed into your vehicle.
Slip and fall accidents are a little different. You must show that you were injured on someone else's property, that the property owner owed you a duty to keep the property safe for visitors, that the property owner's failure to abide by that duty caused your injuries, and that you sustained damages. In addition, you will need to show that the property owner had actual or constructive knowledge of the dangerous condition that caused your injuries.
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I had the best experience with VanSant Law. I am forever grateful for Van Sant Law and will use them in the future.
- Moe -
I had a head on collusion that left me with a totaled car & very bad injuries. From the first time I spoke to David Van Sant to the end I have been totally satisfied. I worked with Patricia she was very compassionate yet professional she was always ready to answer any concerns that I might have. I am grateful that my daughter found this law firm for me.
- Karen J. -
Van Sant Law was just the right people to call after my car accident. They were referred to me by a friend. They were helpful and understanding of my needs and pains. From start to finish they were helpful in explaining the process with the doctors and insurance. Thank you for getting me back on feet.
- Abby C. -
I was in a car accident with a tractor trailer two years ago and David Van Sant came highly recommended for someone I could talk to about the situation. Best decision I've ever made! He fought for me in ways that was truly amazing. Thank you David, Michael and everyone in the office.
- Mary -
They were referred to me by a close friend of mine. Extremely professional, and asked the language I feel comfortable to discuss my case in. Alex Rusanov was my case manager and explained every aspect of my case during the process. I would highly recommend to use this law firm if you were injured in a car accident. Drive safe and stay alert!- Angela
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I used Van Sant Law for my auto accident claim and I'm so glad I did! Parker, my attorney, was especially great. He really eased my pain and got me the best settlement possible. I highly recommend Van Sant Law. They did right by me and I'm very happy with their level of service.
- Mark A. -
From the beginning, they demonstrated a deep understanding of my case and a commitment to achieving the best possible outcome. Their attention to details, professionalism, and expertise was truly remarkable.
- Tina R. -
R. Shannon Carpenter is the guy to call! Because of him I got a far larger compensation than I ever expect and the whole process was stress free for me!
- Chase V.
frequently asked questions
Personal Injury
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How Can I Know if I Really Need an Atlanta Personal Injury Lawyer?
No two cases are the same. Because of this, it can be challenging to know whether you should retain a personal injury lawyer after being involved in an accident. If the incident involved only personal property damage and nobody was injured, you probably do not need an attorney's help in seeking a fair settlement from the responsible party's insurer. In these situations, the insurance company's offer should be based on the cost to repair or replace the personal property.
When an accident involves injuries, however minor they may seem initially, consulting with a skilled Atlanta injury attorney can be a good idea. That's because sometimes, the full extent of a victim's injuries is not immediately apparent.
Accepting the insurance company's initial settlement offer could mean you are short-changing yourself, as well as denying yourself the opportunity to pursue additional compensation for your injuries later. Insurance companies, unfortunately, do not have victims' best interests in mind. They aim to settle claims quickly and for as little money as possible.
A skilled personal injury attorney can determine how much compensation you should receive and will fight for your rights. Your attorney can be a fierce advocate, seeking fair compensation on your behalf and fighting for solutions to help you get back on your feet. Having a knowledgeable lawyer can be instrumental in helping you through what can be a daunting process.
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What Actions Should Personal Injury Victims Take After Becoming Injured?
Understanding what to do after an injury accident occurs can help you move on from the incident with confidence.
Any time an injury accident occurs, it is critical to obtain prompt medical attention. Having your injuries examined by competent medical professionals can help ensure you receive the necessary treatment. In addition, your medical records can help document your claim for damages, should you choose to pursue your right to compensation.
You should also report the accident to law enforcement and request a copy of the accident report when completed. If you can safely capture photos, videos, and/or witness statements at the accident scene, this documentation can be instrumental in proving your claim.
Limit your conversation with the other party. Don’t admit fault at the accident scene — even if you think you may be partially responsible. Similarly, be careful about what you share on social media, as your posts and comments could be misconstrued and used against you.
Keep all paperwork related to the accident, including documentation of your medical bills, appointments, and receipts.
Lastly, consult an Atlanta accident law firm that provides legal services for personal injury. An attorney who regularly handles cases such as yours can help you understand the relative strength of your claim, explain the legal process, and evaluate your options.
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Can I Obtain Compensation for Emotional Distress from My Accident?
You may be entitled to compensation for emotional distress. To prevail on a pain and suffering claim, your accident injury attorney in Atlanta will need to be able to show that you experienced psychological trauma as a direct result of the accident. Documentation of mental health treatment, evaluations, therapy records, and testimony from experts can all bolster your claim.
Scheduling a free case evaluation with a personal injury attorney is the first step in understanding your rights.
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How Should I Respond to the Insurance Company After a Personal Injury Accident?
Always report injury accidents to your insurance company as soon as possible. It is essential to be honest and complete in your responses to the insurer’s questions. However, be careful not to admit fault for the accident — even if you believe your actions may have been contributing factors in causing it.
You may also face a settlement offer from the responsible party’s insurance company. It can be tempting to accept this initial offer. However, a best practice is to consult with attorneys from personal injury law firms in Atlanta, who can help you evaluate the offer. Unfortunately, the other party’s insurance company does not have your best interests in mind. An attorney can help you understand whether the offered settlement is fair based on the underlying facts and circumstances.
When you choose to work with a skilled accident attorney in Atlanta, you can be confident your case is in good hands. Your lawyer can communicate and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf, working toward a favorable outcome for your claim.
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What Is the Statute of Limitations for My Case?
A statute of limitations limits the amount of time a victim has to file a personal injury lawsuit. Statutes of limitations for personal injury cases vary from state to state.
In many states, the time limit begins immediately after the injury occurs. However, there are exceptions to the statute. Contact a personal injury attorney to find out the laws in your state.
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What is Personal Injury?
Personal injury is a legal term that refers to an injury to the body, the mind, or emotions, as opposed to an injury to personal property. While a personal injury lawsuit may also involve damaged personal property, it is the personal injury that requires the use of a personal injury attorney.
Personal injuries typically fall into the following categories:
- Motor vehicle accidents: This includes accidents involving cars, trucks, motorcycles, boats or aircraft, as well as pedestrians who are injured by a motor vehicle.
- Negligence: Negligence occurs when someone who had a duty of care failed to uphold that duty. This category includes medical malpractice, nursing home/elder abuse, dog bites, premises liability (such as “slip and fall” injuries), food poisoning, defective products and more.
- Wrongful death: A wrongful death case can result from either an intentional or a negligent act. In these cases, the victim's surviving family members have the right to take legal action to seek damages from the party or parties responsible for the death.
The most common type of personal injury accident are traffic accident. Other personal injury claims can arise from workplace injuries, accidents in the home, assault claims, medical malpractice, or any number of other incidents.
If you are injured, the most important thing to do is to seek medical attention for your injuries. Once you’ve done that, the second thing you should do is consult with a personal injury attorney. An attorney will help you determine if you have cause for a lawsuit against an individual or a company, and help you get the justice you deserve.
Personal injury cases are often won or lost based on the definition of negligence. If it can be proven that an injury was caused due to the negligence of another, the victim may be entitled to monetary compensation. That compensation might cover medical bills, lost work, property damage, and pain and suffering.
Monetary compensation for an injury claim is most often based on the severity of the injury and the extent of the negligence, but many other factors come into play.
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What Types of Damages Can I Recover in a Personal Injury Case?
In Georgia, you can recover three types of damages in a personal injury case: economic, non-economic, and, in some cases, punitive damages. Economic damages cover measurable costs such as medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. Non-economic damages compensate for subjective losses like pain, suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. Punitive damages–intended to punish egregious misconduct–are awarded in rare cases involving willful or reckless behavior. Your attorney can help assess which damages apply to your situation.
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How Are Personal Injury Settlements Typically Calculated in Georgia?Settlement amounts depend on the specifics of your case, including the severity of your injuries, the impact on your ability to work, and the extent of your medical expenses. Non-economic damages like pain and suffering are often calculated using a multiplier method, which applies a factor (typically between 1.5 and 5) to your economic damages. The final amount also depends on liability, available insurance coverage, and the skill of your legal representation. An attorney can provide a more precise estimate based on the details of your case.
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How Long Does It Take to Resolve a Personal Injury Case in Georgia?The timeline for resolving a personal injury case depends on several factors, including the complexity of the case, the severity of the injuries, and whether the case settles out of court or proceeds to trial. Simple cases may settle in a few months, while more complex cases involving disputes over liability or significant damages can take a year or more. The process involves investigation, negotiation, and sometimes litigation, which can extend the timeframe. Your attorney can provide a realistic estimate based on the specifics of your case.
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How Does The Court Determine Fault In a Personal Injury Case?In Georgia, fault is determined based on the legal concept of negligence. The court examines whether the defendant owed the plaintiff a duty of care, breached that duty, and caused the injury as a direct result. Evidence such as witness testimony, expert analysis, medical records, and accident reports can be used to establish fault. Georgia’s modified comparative negligence rule also plays a role, as it reduces the plaintiff’s recovery if they are found partially at fault.
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What Is The Role of Insurance Companies In Personal Injury Cases?Insurance companies often play a central role in personal injury cases, as they are typically responsible for paying settlements or judgments on behalf of their insured clients. However, their primary goal is to minimize payouts, which can lead to low settlement offers or disputes over liability. It’s important to approach negotiations with caution and avoid accepting an initial offer without consulting an attorney. An experienced lawyer can handle communication with the insurer and ensure your rights are protected.
Why Choose Van Sant Law?
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Van Sant Law has recovered millions in compensation for our clients’ benefit.
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Van Sant Law is committed to professional and experienced personal injury representation.
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10.0 “Superb” rating on Avvo™, Super Lawyers Rising Stars, National Trial Lawyers Association Top 40 Under 40
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Our legal team includes former defense attorneys for large insurers who know how they settle injury claims.
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Our firm works hard to ensure that your needs are taken care of during your recovery time. We work for you so you can get your life back.
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Our firm works on a contingency fee basis. Meaning there are no fees or costs unless we recover compensation for you!
Comparative Negligence
In a personal injury lawsuit, it is not uncommon for a defendant to blame the plaintiff for the accident. Georgia follows the rule of modified comparative negligence. Under this rule, you can be barred from recovery if you were 50% or more responsible for an accident. Otherwise, your damages will be reduced proportionate to your degree of fault. For example, if the damages are $500,000, and you are found to have been 10% at fault for the accident, you can recover $450,000 from the other party.
At our personal injury law firm, attorneys on our team have worked for years defending many of the nation's largest employers and insurance companies. We know, therefore, how they operate and what they will try to do to deny a person the full financial settlement they are due.
Insurance companies commonly often try to pay as little as possible on claims. They use many tactics to reach that goal. David Van Sant and each of our personal injury attorneys in Atlanta operate on the principle that we can pursue just compensation through hard work and diligence.
Retain a Personal Injury Lawyer in Atlanta or the Surrounding Areas
If you sustained injuries because of another party’s negligence or misconduct, consult our seasoned bodily injury lawyers at Van Sant Law. Our firm pursues justice for accident victims. We also represent workers in their workers’ compensation claims.
We are conveniently located near key Atlanta landmarks. Close to I-85 in the Home Park neighborhood and west of the Atlanta Botanical Garden, our office is centrally located and accessible for anyone needing legal advice and services for car accident cases and other personal injury matters. Situated at 307 14th St. NW in Atlanta, we are approximately 13 miles north of Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.
We assist people throughout Georgia from offices in Atlanta, Alpharetta, Athens, Cumming, Duluth, Lawrenceville, and Gainesville. Call us at (800) 234-9556 or complete our online form.
Damages in Personal Injury Claims
If your Atlanta personal injury claim lawyer can establish liability, you can recover compensatory damages. These are damages meant to make you whole. When injuries are catastrophic or fatal, it can be difficult to quantify them. An injury attorney can make a difference in pursuing the full damages to which you are entitled.
Economic damages are typically documented.
You may recover economic losses like:
- Loss of wages
- Medical bills
- Household expenses
- Out-of-pocket costs
- Alterations to your home
- Rehabilitation