Georgia Personal Injury Lawyer David T. Whitworth of the Whitworth Law Firm, P.C. Frequently Asked Questions

The following information includes frequently asked personal injury questions. The answers stated are general in nature and are not intended to apply to every personal injury situation. Each case is different and carries its own set of circumstances which must be taken into consideration by competent legal counsel. By contacting Georgia personal injury lawyer David T. Whitworth of the Whitworth Law Firm, P.C., you can receive a personal consultation regarding your specific legal claim.

What is Personal Injury?

Personal injury is any physical or mental injury to a person that results from another person’s negligence or harmful act. Personal injury involves civil law cases as opposed to criminal law cases which involve a defendant and the State of Georgia. Personal injury can occur in a wide variety of ways. The following are some of the most common accidents resulting in personal injury:

  • Auto Accidents
  • Other Vehicle Accidents (Aviation, Bicycle, Boat, Motorcycle, Railroad, Truck)
  • Burn Accidents
  • Construction/On the Job Accidents
  • Dangerous or Defective Products
  • Dog/Animal Bites
  • Medical Malpractice (Birth Injuries, Misdiagnosis, Surgical Negligence)
  • Aviation Accidents and Plane Crash Events
  • Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect
  • Slip and Fall Accidents/Premises Liability
  • Spinal Cord Injury
  • Toxic Exposure
  • Traumatic Brain Injury

To find out the strength of your case and the amount of compensation you have a right to claim, call Georgia injury Attorney David T. Whitworth today.

> Back to Top

What financial compensation can I recover in a personal injury claim?

Personal injury accident victims are entitled to recover monetary damages for all losses and expenses sustained as the result of an accident. Depending upon the particular circumstances of your case, damages may include recovery for any of the following:

  • Medical Bills
  • Lost Income, Including Overtime Wages
  • Pain & Suffering
  • Physical Disability
  • Disfigurement
  • Emotional Trauma
  • Mental Disability
  • Property Damage

If you have been injured through the neglect or intentional actions of another person , call Brunswick, Georgia personal injury lawyer David T. Whitworth of the Whitworth Law Firm, P.C., today for solid and experienced representation.

> Back to Top

How do I prove negligence?

The burden of proof in a tort case, as in most civil law cases, is lower than the proof required in criminal law cases. In a criminal case, the state must prove a person's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. To win a personal injury lawsuit based on tort law, the plaintiff need only prove that a majority of the evidence shows that an injury was caused by the defendant's negligent actions. This standard of proof is called "the preponderance of the evidence." The different burdens of proof mean that a company might be acquitted of criminal charges stemming from its actions, but be found liable in a civil lawsuit stemming from the same actions.

> Back to Top

What is the Statute of Limitations?

Every state has certain time limits, called "statutes of limitations," that govern the period during which you must file a personal injury lawsuit. In some states, for example, you may have as little as one year to file a lawsuit from an automobile accident. When the statute of limitations expires on your case, you simply don't have a case anymore.

Statutes of limitations differ not only from state to state, but also in regard to the kinds of lawsuits involved. In some states the statute of limitations for medical malpractice, suits against governmental agencies, and wrongful death actions is shorter than that for other types of personal injury cases. In general, however, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is from one to three years, and the time begins from the time of the accident. For more information regarding the limitations for your specific case, contact Georgia personal injury lawyer David T. Whitworth right away.

> Back to Top

What are Aviation Accidents?

Aviation accidents occur in a variety of different situations. While the most common aviation accidents are those involving commercial airlines, many accidents occur with private airplanes, as well as commercial and private helicopters. The leading causes of commercial airline accidents include engine failures, controlled flight into terrain, approach and landing, loss of control, runway incursions and weather (including turbulence). Private or "general" aviation accidents can include controlled flight into terrain, weather, loss of control and runway incursions.

Depending on the circumstances surrounding the accident, the investigation is conducted by one or more of the following agencies: National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI). But, accident investigations may also involve foreign or local authorities, or the Departments of Justice, State and/or Defense. Agencies such as the American Red Cross, Department of Health and Human Services, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency may also be involved in providing services to victims and their families. If you have been seriously injured or a loved one has been killed as the result of a plane crash or other aviation accident, call Georgia accident Attorney David T. Whitworth today to stand up for your legal rights and provide strong representation.

> Back to Top

What is Nursing Home Neglect?

The State of Georgia has special laws enacted for the specific purpose of protecting the elderly population (over 65) and dependent adults. These laws were designed to encourage victims and their attorneys to pursue legal cases against all persons or entities that abuse or neglect this vulnerable segment of society. Elder, disabled and dependent adults depend on nursing homes to provide most if not all of their daily care, which includes food, water, medicine, toileting, grooming, social and physical stimulation, as well as regularly being turned in their beds. However, because nursing homes are not sufficiently staffed, and the staff there is generally underpaid, millions of elder and dependent adults are repeatedly being neglected and abused. Signs of nursing home abuse and neglect include:

> Back to Top

  • Bed Sores (pressure sores, decubitus ulcers)
  • Burns
  • Rapid Weight Loss
  • Unexplained Bruises
  • Emotional Withdrawal
  • Malnutrition or Dehydration
  • Heavy Sedation
  • Inability of Caretakers to Explain Patient’s Condition

If you suspect that you or a loved one is or was subject to nursing home abuse, it is important to report that abuse or neglect right away. Georgia nursing home abuse Attorney David T. Whitworth has prosecuted many cases involving the abuse or neglect of the elderly and dependent and provides free consultations to any individuals who believe that abuse or neglect may have been committed.

> Back to Top

What is Wrongful Death?

Wrongful death occurs when a person's death was caused by the negligent, willful or wrongful act, neglect, omission or default of another, such as careless driving or a deliberate murder. In addition to injuring the person who died, people who depended upon the deceased for financial or emotional support may be entitled to compensation for the wrongful death. The State of Georgia has enacted a statute permitting a lawsuit to be brought by the relatives of a person who died as a result of a wrongful act.

> Back to Top

Under what circumstances can a wrongful death occur?

Wrongful Death Law provides financial compensation to the family of a person whose death was caused by the negligent, willful or wrongful act of another. Wrongful death cases are filed as a result of a variety of situations, including:

  • Medical malpractice resulting in a patient's death
  • Neglect or abuse on the part of a nursing home that results in a patient's death
  • Automobile, bus, train, airplane or other common carrier fatality accident
  • Occupational exposure to hazardous conditions or substances (exposure to asbestos, etc.) resulting in death
  • Death during a supervised activity (sports tournament, field trip, etc.)

If you have lost your loved one due to the careless actions of another and you want advice about getting started with a wrongful death lawsuit, call Georgia wrongful death Attorney David T. Whitworth today.

> Back to Top

How do I know if I need an attorney?

If you have been seriously injured in Brunswick , Georgia or within the surrounding areas of Georgia , and are unsure about the outcome of your injury, consult with an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Make sure this is done before you give any official statements or sign papers of any kind. Georgia laws require filing a lawsuit within a specific period of time. Depending upon the circumstances of your case, you may be prohibited from filing a lawsuit and obtaining any compensation for your injuries if you delay. Brunswick wrongful death Attorney David T. Whitworth of the Whitworth Law Firm, P.C., can advise you on the applicable statute of limitations for your injury case.

> Back to Top

Take Action To Protect Your Rights:

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured or suffered wrongful death as the result of another person’s negligence, carelessness or other wrongful act in Glynn County, Camden County, Wayne County, Ware County, McIntosh County, Chatham County, Brunswick, St. Mary’s, Jesup, Waycross, Darien, Brunswick or within the surrounding cities and counties of Georgia and you need the help of an experienced serious injury lawyer, call Brunswick, Georgia personal injury Attorney David T. Whitworth of the Whitworth Law Firm, P.C., today at 866-717-4703, or complete the contact form provided on this site to begin your consultation with a skilled Georgia accident attorney. Your initial consultation on personal injury matters is free.

> Back to Top

What type of injuries do you have?

Auto/Motor Vehicle Accident
Slip and fall
Dog bite
Railroad accident
Wrongful death
Hurt on the job
Other

What is the extent of your injuries?

Have you seen a doctor?

Yes
No

What are your medical bills?

Have you filed any claims?

Yes
No

Have you filed a police report?

Yes
No

Were there any witnesses?

Yes
No

Do you have insurance that covers you for this type of incident?

Yes
No
Not Sure

Do other involved parties have insurance that covers this type of incident?

Yes
No
Not sure

* Please enter the security code shown below:

Captcha Image

      

This is a paid advertisement.
By submitting a question, you agree to our terms and conditions.

Lead Counsel Program | Site Map
Copyright 2009 LawInfo.com, Inc. All rights are reserved.
No portion of this site may be reproduced in any manner in any medium without the express written consent of LawInfo.com, Inc.