Answers To Common Questions About Personal Injury And Wrongful Death

You may not know all your rights or if you even have a viable personal injury case. We answer some frequently asked questions to help you understand the legal process and how an attorney can help.

Our founding attorney, Richard Kopelman, can address your specific questions in a free consultation. Call or text us at 404-351-5900 to arrange a time.

Do I have to hire a lawyer to file a personal injury claim?

Technically, no. Anyone can file a lawsuit. But as a practical matter, without a lawyer, you are unlikely to get full value for your claim – if you get any recovery at all. A personal injury attorney knows how to investigate and document your claim to (a) establish the defendant’s negligence and (b) maximize your compensation. Insurance adjusters will do all they can to minimize your case. You deserve someone who will maximize it. That’s what we do.

Will I have to go to court?

Most personal injury claims are eventually settled without a trial. But you want to be represented by a lawyer who has actually tried and won cases before a jury. Without the credible threat of a trial, there is less incentive for the defendant and their insurer to offer a decent settlement. Also, your case could be one that can only be resolved through litigation.

How much does it cost to hire a personal injury lawyer?

Nothing up front. We handle personal injury and wrongful death cases on contingency, which means we get paid only if we obtain a monetary recovery for our client. Attorney fees depend on whether the case is resolved through negotiations or in litigation.

How much is my case worth?

That’s a complex question. There is no fixed price tag on a broken leg or brain injury or any other injury. Every case is different. Damages may reflect hospital bills and rehab, lost income and loss of future earnings, and other economic damages. You may also be entitled to compensation for permanent impairment or disfiguration, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life. Even if your damages are worth millions on paper, your actual compensation may be limited by the available insurance coverage.

What is a wrongful death?

A wrongful death means someone’s negligence or reckless acts caused or contributed to the death. A wrongful death lawsuit seeks to hold that individual (such as a careless driver) or entity (such as a trucking company or hospital) accountable. The lawsuit compensates the surviving family members for their economic losses and the loss of the deceased’s contribution to family life.

What if I was partly at fault for the car accident?

Under the doctrine of comparative negligence, you can still recover partial compensation even if you are found partly to blame. If you were 25% at fault, your damages would be reduced by 25%. You should never admit fault for a car crash or assume you were mostly to blame. The other driver or a third party may turn out to be more negligent.

Our Personal Injury Lawyer Personally Handles Your Case

Richard Kopelman brings 35 years of experience to your case. To get a free consultation and case evaluation – and answers to all your questions – call Kopelman Sitton Law Group, LLC or text us at 404-351-5900 or send us an email.

We take cases in metro Atlanta and statewide across Georgia.