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T. Madden & Associates, P.C.
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Georgia Personal Injury Lawyer
Have you been traumatized by a devastating accident and debilitating injuries? Has your life been turned upside down by someone else’s negligent actions? If so, you may have the right to maximum compensation for your damages. One way to get justice is to pursue legal action when another party is liable for your injuries.
With help from an experienced Georgia personal injury attorney at T. Madden & Associates, you can heal while we work diligently to build a powerful case against those responsible for your losses. Contact our team for a free consultation and learn more about the value of your personal injury damages and what your next steps should be.
When to Call Our Georgia Personal Injury Lawyers for Help
It is not unusual for personal injury victims to hesitate to contact a lawyer for help. The truth is, many are concerned that they will be accused of filing a frivolous lawsuit or their damages will not be taken seriously. However, the best way to find out whether you have grounds for a claim is to contact a respected Georgia personal injury attorney for a free analysis of your case.
Proving Negligence and Fault
For any personal injury case to be successful, your attorney must show the elements of negligence apply. These include:
- Duty of care – The individual accused of being liable for your injuries must have had a duty to keep you out of harm’s way.
- Breach of duty – The individual accused of liability must have breached their duty of care through action or inaction.
- Causation – The breach of duty must have been the proximate cause of the victim’s injuries or resulting damages.
- Damages – The victim must have suffered severe injuries or losses that substantially impacted their life.
Common Types of Injuries
Many personal injury victims are hesitant about contacting a lawyer because they worry that their injuries are not “severe enough.” However, severity is entirely subjective. For example, a broken bone injury might be a minor injury to one person but could be catastrophic to another. If a marathon runner, for example, breaks a bone and can no longer run marathons, their life will be substantially affected by their broken bones.
It is not the type of injury you are diagnosed with that determines whether you have the right to compensation through a Georgia personal injury claim. What matters is the impact your injuries have on your life. However, we see some types of injuries more often in civil courts than others. Some of the most common types of injuries to sue for include:
- Spinal cord injuries, back injuries, neck injuries, soft tissue injuries, whiplash, herniated discs, muscle sprains, and strains
- Traumatic brain injuries, like concussion, penetrating brain injuries, amnesia, and diffuse axonal injuries
- Emotional trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, intense fear, anxiety, and substance abuse
- Compound fractures, broken bones, lacerations, contusions, sepsis, abrasions, and disfigurement or scarring
- Third-degree burn injuries, amputation, paralysis, and other debilitating injuries
We Are Leading Personal Injury Lawyers Ready to Help You
Choosing the right personal injury law firm to take on your case is crucial. When you choose T. Madden & Associates, you get tough legal representation that is unafraid to challenge money-hungry insurance companies who attempt to take advantage of you.
We make sure our clients understand the specific details of their case, their legal options, and that they are informed as their case progresses so they can make well-informed decisions.
We work for our clients on contingency agreements, so you will never have to worry about finding money to hire a personal injury attorney. Instead, a portion of your settlement funds cover our fees, but only if we win. If we do not win, we do not expect or demand payment for our services or out-of-pocket expenses.
We are dedicated members of the community, as evidenced by our membership in many of Georgia’s most prominent legal associations and organizations, including:
- The U.S. Patent Bar
- The American Bar Association
- The Georgia Trial Lawyers Association
- The Gate City Bar Association
- The Clayton County Bar Association
Attorney Madden also founded the T. Madden & Associates scholarship program, which was awarded over 100 scholarships since its creation. Our firm aims to help those in need by volunteering in our community, through our understanding of the law, and by serving injury victims who need health and fighting for the justice they deserve.
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Case Results
What Types of Personal Injury Cases Do Georgia Lawyers Handle?
Our Georgia personal injury lawyers have experience advocating for clients who have been involved in a wide array of accidents. The cases we have the most experience with include:
Truck Accidents
Trucking accidents can happen for a multitude of reasons. Usually, it is because of negligent driving, dangerous commercial truck parts, irresponsible trucking companies, or hazardous road conditions. Most often, you will file a claim against negligent truck drivers, trucking companies that violate Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) work-hour regulations, and government agencies or municipalities responsible for road maintenance and safety.
Car Accidents
Car accidents occur with alarming frequency across Georgia. Some of the most common causes of motor vehicle wrecks include:
- Drunk driving accidents
- Speeding
- Driving under the influence of drugs
- Rear-end collisions
- Distracted driving
- Operating a vehicle while fatigued
- Aggressive driving or road rage
- Head-on collisions
- Failure to yield the right of way
- Highway accidents
- Accidents at intersections
- Failure to stop
- Making unlawful turns or failing to use a turn signal
- Tailgating for failing to leave enough stopping distance
- Sideswipe accidents
- T-bone accidents
Your Georgia personal injury lawyer will thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your case so we can identify the liable party and ensure anyone who contributed to your injuries is held accountable.
Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents can happen when drivers do not leave enough stopping distance, fail to check their blindspots, or are aggressive drivers who fail to follow traffic rules and regulations. Bikers are far more likely to be accused of sharing liability for the accident or be taken advantage of by insurance companies who attempt to stereotype them as reckless. Suppose you suffered catastrophic injuries in a motorcycle accident. In that case, your personal injury lawyer will work tirelessly to determine who should be held accountable for your damages and fight for maximum restitution.
Slip and Fall
In most slip-and-fall accident claims, the property owner will be held accountable due to their premises liability obligations. Slip and fall accidents can happen in many ways. Some of the most common ways slip and fall accidents can occur include:
- Wet floor accidents
- Debris in the walkway
- Loose floorboards
- Stair or ladder accidents
- Escalator or elevator accidents
- Negligent security
- Inadequate lighting
- Snow or ice accidents
Work Injuries
When you suffer a work-related injury, you may have the opportunity to seek worker’s compensation benefits. However, if another party’s negligence contributed to your injuries, you may have the right to file a third-party liability claim against those responsible.
Your personal injury attorney can help you pursue the worker’s compensation benefits you deserve, aid in your appeal if your claim is denied, and advocate for your rights every step of the way if you move forward with a personal injury lawsuit or insurance claim.
Dog Attacks
Georgia is a strict liability state for dog attacks and bites. If you or your child suffered catastrophic dog bite injuries, the dog’s owner should be held accountable. You might be able to file a claim with their renters or homeowners insurance company, but this may not be enough to cover your damages info. Be prepared to bring your dog bite case to court, where your attorney will advocate for total financial compensation.
Medical Malpractice
If your healthcare provider made a mistake or medical error that caused you severe injury, illness, or the death of someone you love, a medical malpractice insurance or civil claim may be appropriate. Physicians, obstetricians, nurses, and even hospitals can be held accountable for the following:
- Surgical mistakes
- Birth injuries
- Misdiagnosis
- Failure to treat
- Failure to provide follow-up care
- Anesthesia errors
- Medication mistakes
Wrongful Death
If another party’s intentional or negligent actions caused your loved one’s death, you may have grounds for a wrongful death claim. If you are the surviving spouse, child, parent, or executor of the decedent’s estate, you may have the authority to file a wrongful death action. In doing so, you can recover compensation for your damages and that of the deceased and ensure the at-fault party is held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.
Sharing Fault Could Impact Your Georgia Personal Injury Settlement
You should not be surprised if the liable party attempts to blame you for your injuries. It is one of the ways liable parties can reduce their financial obligations. Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence system. The threshold is 50%. This means if your portion of the fault is greater than 50%, you will be barred from pursuing your case in civil courts. However, if your portion of the liability is less than the threshold, your settlement will be reduced proportionately.
For example, if a dog attacked your child, but the defense accused your child of provoking the animal, the judge might find the child 10% responsible for their injuries. If the jury awarded your family $500,000 for your damages, this would be reduced by 10% to account for your child’s portion of the blame. So your family would collect a total of $450,000, which is a $50,000 loss. Since sharing fault could substantially impact your Georgia personal injury claim, make sure you have an experienced attorney advocating for your rights and ensuring fault is established accurately in your case.
Contact Our AttorneysWhat Compensation Can I Receive in a Personal Injury Case in Georgia?
You have the right to compensation for every loss you experience when someone else is responsible for your injuries. These are referred to as compensatory damages. They are a combination of economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include every financially based loss, while non-economic damages include every other loss that has nothing to do with money. Here are some of the most common types of compensation you can receive after a personal injury in Georgia:
T. Madden & Associates, P.C.
Six Reasons to Choose Us
Compassionate
At T. Madden & Associates, we understand what you are going through. We will treat both you and your case as if we ourselves were the injured parties.
Tough
You could say we are “two-faced”. As compassionate as we are towards our injured clients, we can be “tough as nails” towards defendants and insurance companies who try to take advantage of you. Nobody mistreats our clients.
Straightforward
We will explain our view of your case to you in straightforward, no-nonsense language – without using “legalese.” It is important to us that you understand your case, so that you can make the decisions that matter the most.
On your side
Unlike the insurance company you are claiming against, which saves money by shortchanging you, we are on the same side – since we take no fees unless we win your case, we don’t get paid unless you do.
Streetwise
Certain kinds of people skills and practical insights simply can’t be taught in law school. Our Georgia personal injury attorneys are not only well-versed in the law, they understand the practical aspects of what it takes to win.
Approachable
We will give your case the time and attention it deserves, and we will be available to answer your questions in clear, concise and non-evasive terms. Don’t ever be afraid to contact us with your concerns.
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Areas We Serve
This is just a sample of the many cities and counties we serve as we do service the ENTIRE state of Georgia.
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Georgia Personal Injury FAQ
If you have been injured in Georgia due to someone else’s negligent actions, there are multiple ways you can take care of yourself and ensure the at-fault party is held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. At the scene of the accident, you should:
- Contact 911, emergency responders, and law-enforcement officials – It is crucial to obtain a medical evaluation and get the police at the scene of your accident. Even if your injuries seem minor, a police report on the details of how the accident occurred and who is responsible can go a long way in helping you demand justice for your suffering. Your medical evaluation and records will also be meaningful as you must prove that your injuries have greatly impacted your life. Healthcare provider’s opinions, your prognosis, treatment, and ways your life has been affected by your injuries will all be considered.
- Document the accident scene – If your injuries do not prevent you from doing so, take steps to document the scene of your accident. For example, if you were involved in a car accident, you should take photos or videos of the traffic conditions at the time of the crash and, in the aftermath, any damage to surrounding property, such as downed telephone poles, and your injuries. You can also use this time to collect the insurance and contact information of the other involved parties and bystanders who may have witnessed the accident.
- Contact a Georgia personal injury attorney for help – Filing a lawsuit may not be the first thing you think of after suffering a debilitating injury. However, the sooner you get a lawyer working for you, the better. The statute of limitations usually begins on the day of your accident or diagnosis. The sooner we get started on your case, the more likely we can gather time-sensitive evidence, such as video surveillance footage, that may only be available briefly.
- Focus on recuperating from your injuries – In the days, weeks, and months after your accident, healing should be a top priority. When you hire a personal injury lawyer to take on your case, you can attend physician appointments, continue receiving physical or occupational therapy, focus on your mental health, spend time with your family, and let your attorney handle the legal details of your case. While you recuperate, we will be calculating the value of your damages, exploring your legal options, and preparing all necessary documents and court filings.
When you file a personal injury lawsuit in Georgia, you must follow the statute of limitations. This sets the maximum amount of time you have to file your claim. Under O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33, you can only file a personal injury lawsuit up to two years from the date of the accident. However, there may be limited circumstances where the statute of limitations may be tolled, meaning the statute of limitations is temporarily stopped.
For example, if you have a minor child who suffered critical injuries and a dog attack, the statute of limitations may be tolled until your child reaches the age of 18. Suppose you suffered from delayed symptoms and were not diagnosed with injuries related to your accident until the days or weeks afterward. In that case, the statute of limitation may begin from the date you knew or should have reasonably known you suffered injuries. To avoid confusion, make sure you have a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer working on your case.
The burden of proof and personal injury claims is based on a preponderance of the evidence. Unlike criminal court, where the prosecutor must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, it is up to you, with the assistance of your personal injury lawyer, to introduce evidence that convinces the jury the defendant is likely responsible for your injuries. With this in mind, the evidence we present must be powerful and compelling. The type of accident you were involved in will determine which types of evidence will be most valuable. For example, if you were struck by a drunk driver in a car accident, the drunk driver’s chemical blood alcohol test results would be especially valuable. Some examples of other types of evidence that could be used to support your case include:
- Photos of your injuries
- Witness statements and testimony
- Opinions from expert witnesses
- Black box data from event data recorders
- Video surveillance of the crash
- Body or dash cam footage
- Reports from accident reconstructionists
- Your personal journal entries
- Testimony from friends and family members
- Copies of your medical records and physician’s notes
- Property damage repair or replacement estimates
- Receipts for out-of-pocket expenses
These are only a few examples of evidence that could be useful in establishing liability and proving the value of your claim. Safety inspection logs, maintenance records, employee records, and other documentation will also be used to help you maximize the compensation you recover. During your personal injury attorney’s investigation, case-specific evidence will become available and used to support your claim against the at-fault party.
Contact Our Georgia Personal Injury Attorneys for Help Today
The personal injury claims process is often complex and confusing when you are struggling to cope with the physical and emotional ramifications of the trauma you experienced. You can take comfort in knowing our Georgia personal injury lawyers at T. Madden & Associates are here to help you get through these difficult times and recover maximum compensation for your suffering.
Schedule your free, no-obligation consultation today to discuss your legal options and the value of your claim. You can reach us through our online contact form or phone to take advantage of this opportunity.
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We Give Back To The Community
The Terance Madden Foundation is a not-for-profit organization (501c3) dedicated to investing in the youth today to build a stronger tomorrow. The TMF serves to promote higher education primarily by awarding scholarships to deserving college and college-bound students.
Our Mission is to support the educational endeavors of college students in their pursuit of excellence through financial support and community empowerment.
The work of The Terance Madden Foundation (“The TMF”) was initiated in August 2015 by its founder, Attorney Terance Madden as the sole contributor.
Founder Terance Madden values and stresses the importance of education as a great equalizer towards social development. He understands that a good education gives many the opportunity to become contributing members of society and he is devoted to helping students circumvent financial obstacles to reach and attain their goals.
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