Atlanta
General Negligence Lawyer

When you are hurt and can’t work, you may not have a way to pay your medical bills. For an injury that takes weeks or months to recover from, by the time you can return to your job, you may be deep in debt with no obvious way out. One accident can change your life forever. 

However, when the accident happens because of the actions of another person, you may be able to get restitution for the hardships you’ve suffered. An Atlanta general negligence lawyer can explain your rights and fight to get compensation for your damages.

At John Foy & Associates, our Atlanta personal injury lawyers have recovered over $1 billion in awards and settlements for injured victims. When you are hurt in an accident, get the Strong Arm. Call today to schedule a free consultation and find out how we can help.

General Negligence Explained

General negligence happens when a person or organization acts carelessly, resulting in harm. It doesn’t require any intentional wrongdoing; rather, it’s about a simple failure to uphold the duty of care.

There are four main elements required to show general negligence:

• Duty of care: The defendant had a duty to act with reasonable care
• Breach of duty: The defendant failed to meet that duty of care.
• Causation: The breach of duty of care directly resulted in harm or injury.
• Damages: The victim suffered actual harm, such as injuries or property damage, as a result of the breach.

If you were injured in an accident and you believe the other party was negligent, it is important to speak with our Atlanta general negligence attorneys as soon as possible to protect your right to pursue damages. 

General Negligence and Insurance Settlements

If an insurance company knows their client is at fault in an accident due to negligence, they may offer you a settlement to cover your damages. This can be helpful when you are hurt and struggling to pay your bills, but they may have ulterior motives.

Insurance companies sometimes lowball initial settlements, hoping you don’t understand how much your case is really worth. Taking the settlement means you may waive your rights to additional assistance, even if your injury gets worse. 

Never accept a settlement offer without first speaking with an attorney. Our skilled personal injury lawyers have decades of experience dealing with insurance companies. We know their tactics, and we’ll understand what your case is worth. We won’t let them take advantage of you. 

Damages in a General Negligence Case

The compensation you can recover in a general negligence case depends on the extent of your injuries. Your attorney will calculate your economic damages and come up with a number they can use to approach insurance companies about your claim.

Later, your attorney can negotiate for a fair settlement that meets your needs. While every case is unique, some of the costs you may be able to recover in settlement include:

• Ambulance transport and emergency care
• Doctor and specialist visits
• Medications
• Procedures and surgeries
• Physical and occupational therapy
• Lost wages
• Future medical care

You may also be entitled to non–economic damages such as pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, mental anguish, and emotional distress. These damages are harder to prove, and your general negligence lawyer in Atlanta can advise you if they apply to your case. 

Common General Negligence Accidents

Many common accidents stem from general negligence. If a person has a duty to act safely and fails in that duty, you may have grounds for legal action if you were injured as a result of their actions. 

Some examples of actions that often lead to general negligence lawsuits include:

• Car Accidents: Speeding, distracted driving, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and ignoring traffic signals are all examples of motorists failing to meet their duty to drive safely. 
• Truck Accidents: Semi-truck drivers who speed or drive recklessly may be found negligent in a truck accident. So may the trucking company if it fails in its duty to train drivers or maintain the trucks. 
• Slip–and–Fall Accidents: Private and public property owners have a duty to maintain their premises reasonably safely to avoid accidents and injuries. If someone falls and gets hurt, the property owner is often liable. 
• Dog Bites: When a dog bites or attacks another person, it is often because the pet owner failed in their duty to prevent their animal from harming others, and that pet owner may be held liable. 
• Product Liability: Companies have a duty to test their products and ensure they comply with regulations before allowing them on the market. Failing to do so can make them responsible for injuries caused by their products.
• Workplace Accidents: While workplace injuries are typically handled through worker’s compensation, when an employer is grossly negligent in maintaining a safe working environment, it may be grounds for legal action. 

If you have been hurt in one of the types of accidents listed above or in any other situation where you believe general negligence may have played a role, contact our general negligence lawyers immediately. We can review your case and advise you on your best course of action.

Talk to an Atlanta General Negligence Attorney

An accident and resulting injury can mean months of recovery and massive medical bills. Simple things like caring for your family and attending work become much more difficult. It is frustrating to have to endure such hardship when the accident wasn’t even your fault. 

Bad things happen sometimes, but when they happen due to the negligence of another party, you should not have to pay the price. Our Atlanta general negligence attorneys will help you fight for the compensation you need to cover your bills and get your life back on track. 

At John Foy & Associates, our team has over 350 years of combined experience in personal injury law.  Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and tell us your story.