Atlanta Paralegal Explains How A Lawsuit Works

If you are injured in a Georgia accident caused by another person, you have only two years after the accident to file a lawsuit. Although there are a few very narrow exceptions, you can generally expect to lose all of your legal rights to compensation if you do not file before the two years are up.

Here is what happens in a lawsuit:

1. Complaint filed – this is a technical legal document that is filed with the correct court by the attorneys for the victim against the person(s) at fault. It begins the lawsuit.

2. Complaint served on (delivered to) the person(s) at fault; in the exact way required by Georgia law.

3. Answer filed within 30 days by person(s) at fault.

4. Six month “discovery period” for parties to exchange information as required by Georgia law. Examples of this information include medical records, medical bills, and formal recorded interviews under oath, called “depositions.”

5. Mediation – parties try to reach a settlement in a one-day set of discussions overseen by a neutral third party, called a “mediator,” typically an attorney or retired judge with special training.

6. Trial – if the case is not settled before, during, or after mediation, a trial will be held and a jury will decide how much, if any, must be awarded to the victim. At Stokes & Kopitsky, we make every effort to obtain a satisfactory settlement for each client without going to trial, but we also have years of experience in successfully presenting cases to juries and have recovered many substantial jury awards for seriously injured clients.

If you have suffered a serious injury in an accident that was not your fault, and you would like more information, please call us at Stokes & Kopitsky. We have the experience and knowledge needed to handle the most severe and complicated accidental injury cases. Our team goal is to be your partner in getting you the very best settlement or award possible in your case, and to help you get your life back on track after your injury.

We are available 24/7, and offer a free consultation. If we take your case, we advance all costs, and there is no fee unless and until we obtain an award or settlement for you. We are here to help you. Please call us at 404-892-0011 for experienced, caring, top-quality legal help.