Atlanta Personal Injury Lawyer

Accidents happen when you least expect them, and the consequences can be catastrophic. Whether it’s a car crash, slip and fall, or a construction injury, a personal injury accident can be overwhelming. 

If you find yourself struggling with medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering, it’s time to contact an experienced Atlanta personal injury lawyer. They can advocate for your rights and help you rebuild your life by fighting for maximum compensation.

At T. Madden & Associates, we are proud to represent the values of excellence, authenticity, and a deep commitment to the Atlanta community. Led by Attorney Terance Madden, our team uses our combined decades of experience in personal injury law to help achieve justice for our clients.

As a Black-owned firm, we are committed to empowering our community through legal advocacy and outreach.  

If you are ready to get started with a free consultation, give us a call at 706-807-1998.  

Why Choose Our Atlanta Injury Attorneys

Proven Track Record of Success
With years of experience advocating for injured individuals, Attorney Terance Madden and his team at T. Madden & Associates have recovered millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for clients throughout Atlanta. Whether you’re dealing with a car accident, slip-and-fall, or other personal injury, our accident attorneys understand the challenges you face and work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome for your case.

Personalized Attention
At T. Madden & Associates, we treat every case as unique. Attorney Madden and our skilled injury lawyers take the time to understand your situation, answer your questions, and develop a legal strategy tailored to your needs. When you work with us, you’re not just another case number — you’re part of our family.

No Fees Unless We Win
We believe everyone deserves access to justice, regardless of their financial situation. That’s why we operate on a contingency fee basis — you don’t pay us unless we recover compensation for you. This allows you to focus on healing while we handle the legal complexities of your case.

Comprehensive Legal Knowledge
Our Atlanta accident attorneys stay up-to-date with the latest developments in personal injury law, ensuring you receive the most effective representation possible. We leverage our extensive legal knowledge and resources to craft compelling cases that stand up to tough opposition.

Strong Community Ties
As proud members of the Atlanta community, Attorney Terance Madden and our team are dedicated to making a difference both in and out of the courtroom. We value our role as advocates for justice and work tirelessly to improve the lives of our clients and neighbors alike.

If you need experienced Atlanta personal injury lawyers who will fight for your rights and provide compassionate support, choose T. Madden & Associates.

Areas We Serve in Atlanta and Surrounding Locations

• Metro Atlanta: Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, East Atlanta, West End
• North Atlanta: Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, Brookhaven, Alpharetta, Roswell
• South Atlanta: College Park, East Point, Forest Park, Union City
• East Atlanta: Decatur, Stone Mountain, Lithonia, Tucker
• West Atlanta: Smyrna, Marietta, Mableton, Douglasville

Madden & Associates is proud to serve clients throughout these areas and beyond. If you’ve been injured in Atlanta or the surrounding communities, contact our experienced Atlanta injury attorneys for personalized legal support.

Free Consultation. No Fees Unless We Win.

T. Madden & Associates, P.C

Schedule An Appointment With Us

What Cases Do Atlanta Personal Injury Lawyers Handle?

Atlanta personal injury attorneys handle a wide range of cases involving injuries and damages caused by the negligence or intentional actions of others. Some common types of cases to seek legal help include:

• Car Accidents: Car accidents are among the most common cases handled by personal injury lawyers. A skilled car accident lawyer can help you get compensation for injuries and property damage resulting from collisions.
• Pedestrian Accidents: When pedestrians are struck by vehicles, they can sustain serious injuries.
• Bicycle Accidents: Similar to pedestrian accidents, bicycle accidents can lead to significant injuries.
• Slip and Fall Accidents: Premises liability cases involve injuries sustained on someone else’s property due to hazardous conditions, such as wet floors or uneven surfaces.
• Truck Accidents: These cases involve accidents with large commercial trucks, which can result in severe injuries due to the size and weight of these vehicles.
• Motorcycle Accidents: Motorcyclists are vulnerable on the road. Their smaller size makes them harder to see, and the lack of protection can lead to serious injuries.
• Wrongful Death: When someone’s negligence leads to the death of another person, a wrongful death lawyer can help the family of the deceased file a claim.
• Nursing Home Abuse: Lawyers advocate for the rights of elderly individuals who have suffered abuse or neglect in nursing homes.
• Construction Accidents: Construction sites can be dangerous, and personal injury lawyers represent workers who are injured due to unsafe conditions.
• Uber and Lyft Accidents: Cases involving accidents with rideshare services often require solid legal knowledge to navigate insurance coverage complexities.
• Catastrophic Injuries: Catastrophic injury lawyers bring specialized proficiency to cases involving severe and life-altering injuries, such as brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and amputations.
• Medical Malpractice: When a doctor or other healthcare provider fails to properly diagnose or treat an injury or illness, they can end up doing more harm than good.
• Product Liability: These cases involve injuries caused by defective products. Manufacturers, distributors, and retailers can all be liable.

The key focus of a capable and driven personal injury law firm is to help injured individuals or their families seek compensation for their losses. If you’re unsure whether your situation qualifies as a personal injury, consult with legal professionals. 

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury in Georgia

Here are a few key points to understand about the statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits in Georgia:

• Two-Year Time Limit: The statute of limitations in Georgia sets the deadline for filing a lawsuit at two years. If you fail to file your lawsuit within this period, your claim may be barred, and you might lose the right to seek compensation.
• Discovery Rule: In some cases, injuries might not be immediately apparent or might worsen over time. In such situations, Georgia follows the “discovery rule.” This means that the two-year period might start from the date you discovered or reasonably should have discovered your injury.
• Exceptions and Special Cases: There are exceptions and variations to the statute of limitations depending on the type of case. For example, medical malpractice cases and claims against government entities have different deadlines. It’s important to consult with a seasoned personal injury lawyer to understand the specific limitations that apply to your case.
• Minors and Incapacitated Individuals: If the injury victim is a minor or legally incapacitated, the statute of limitations might be tolled (paused) until they turn 18 or regain capacity

If you’re considering filing a personal injury lawsuit in Georgia, you should consult with an attorney as soon as possible. Your personal injury lawyer can assess the specifics of your case, determine the applicable statute of limitations, and guide you through the legal process.

How Do Personal Injury Claims Work in Atlanta?

Personal injury claims in Atlanta follow a structured process aimed at helping injured individuals seek maximum compensation for their damages. Here’s an overview of how personal injury claims typically work in Atlanta:

Consultation and Evaluation

• Initial Meeting: The process begins with a consultation between the injured party and a personal injury attorney.During this meeting, your attorney will gather information about the incident, injuries, and damages.
• Case Evaluation: The attorney assesses the merits of the case, including liability and the extent of damages. They’ll advise you on the potential strength of your claim.

Investigation

• Gathering Evidence: Your attorney will conduct an in-depth investigation, which may involve collecting accident reports, photographs, witness statements, medical records, cell phone numbers of witnesses, and any other relevant documentation
• Expert Consultations: Depending on the nature of the case, the attorney might consult experts such as accident reconstruction specialists or medical professionals to bolster the case

Demand Letter and Negotiations

• Demand Letter: If the evidence supports the claim, your attorney will draft a demand letter outlining the details of the case, the extent of
  damages, and the compensation sought. This letter is sent to the at-fault party’s insurance company.
• Negotiations: The insurance company’s adjuster reviews the demand letter and enters into negotiations with the attorney. The goal is to reach a fair settlement that covers medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Settlement or Litigation

• Settlement: If both parties agree on a settlement amount, the case can be resolved without going to court. You will receive the agreed-upon compensation, and in return, will need to sign a release of liability, closing the case.
• Litigation: If negotiations fail to result in a satisfactory settlement, you may choose to file a lawsuit. This involves initiating legal proceedings by filing a complaint against the at-fault party.

Discovery and Trial Preparation

• Discovery: During the litigation process, both parties engage in discovery where they exchange evidence and information relevant to the case. This can include documents, depositions, and interrogatories.
• Trial Preparation: A trial attorney will prepare for legal proceedings by building a strong case strategy, identifying key witnesses, and crafting persuasive arguments.

Mediation or Trial

• Mediation: Prior to trial, parties might engage in mediation—a facilitated negotiation process where a neutral third party helps in reaching a settlement.
• Trial: If mediation fails, the case proceeds to trial. Both sides present their evidence, witnesses testify, and the judge or jury renders a verdict.

Verdict and Compensation

• Verdict: If the case goes to trial, the judge or jury determines whether the defendant is liable and the amount of compensation they have to pay.
• Compensation: If your case prevails, you will receive compensation as determined by the verdict. The losing party may have the option to appeal the decision.

Throughout this process, an Atlanta personal injury attorney will work toward acquiring a fair resolution that compensates you for your physical and emotional damages. Keep in mind that each case is unique, and the timeline and outcome can vary based on individual circumstances and legal challenges. 

How Is Compensation Determined in a Personal Injury Case? 

Compensation in a personal injury claim is determined based on a variety of factors that aim to fairly and accurately assess the damages suffered by the injured party. The goal of compensation is to help you recover financially and emotionally from the impact of the injury. Here are the key factors that influence how compensation is determined in a personal injury case:

• Severity of Injuries: The extent and severity of the injuries play a significant role in determining compensation. More severe injuries or catastrophic injuries will generally lead to higher compensation.
• Comparative Negligence: In claims where the injured party shares fault, compensation might be reduced proportionally based on the degree of fault assigned to them.
• Emotional Distress: Compensation can be awarded for emotional distress caused by the injury, including factors such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress.
• Age and Health: An experienced attorney will consider your age and health while calculating the compensation amount to demand. Younger individuals might receive higher compensation due to the longer impact of injuries on their lives.
• Expert Opinions: Expert testimony from medical professionals, economists, and other specialists can provide insights into the long-term impact of the injury.
• Legal Strategy and Advocacy: The quality of legal representation and the skills of your attorney in negotiating with insurance companies or presenting the case in court can also impact the final compensation amount.

Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If you are found to be less than 50% at fault for an accident, you can still recover compensation, but your award will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20% responsible for a crash, $100,000 of damages would be reduced to $80,000. If you are more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover any damages.

What Damages Can I Seek In a Personal Injury Lawsuit? 

An experienced personal injury attorney will explore all avenues to maximize compensation. They will take all necessary steps to ensure you recover compensation for the following:

• Medical Expenses: This includes reimbursement for all medical costs related to your injury, such as hospital bills, doctor visits, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment.
• Lost Wages: Compensation for wages you’ve lost due to time off work for recovery or medical appointments. If your injury affects your ability to work in the future, you can also seek compensation for future lost earning capacity.
• Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages are meant to compensate you for the physical pain, emotional distress, anxiety, and psychological suffering caused by the injury.
• Loss of Consortium: If the injury affects your relationships with family members, especially a spouse, you might seek compensation for the loss of companionship, support, and intimacy.
• Loss of Enjoyment: This is compensation for the loss of the ability to engage in activities, hobbies, or experiences that you enjoyed before the injury.
• Property Damage: If your property was damaged in the incident, you can seek compensation for repair or replacement costs.
• Punitive Damages: In cases involving extreme negligence or intentional harm, punitive damages might be awarded to punish the responsible party and deter similar behavior in the future.
• Future Medical Costs: This includes compensation for estimated future medical expenses if your injury requires ongoing treatment or rehabilitation.
• Disability and Disfigurement: If your injury results in a permanent disability or disfigurement, you can seek compensation for the impact on your quality of life and self-esteem.
• Legal Fees: Depending on the laws in your jurisdiction, you might be able to seek compensation for attorney fees and legal costs associated with pursuing your claim.

It’s important to note that the availability and limits of these damages can vary based on your jurisdiction and the specific circumstances of your case. Consulting with a personal injury attorney is important to understand your rights and options for seeking compensation. 

An attorney can guide you through the process, determine the appropriate types of damages to pursue and advocate on your behalf to ensure you receive fair compensation for your losses.

Steps to Take After a Personal Injury

While experiencing a personal injury can be overwhelming, it’s important you are aware of how to move forward to ensure you protect your rights and build a strong case. These steps include:

• Seek medical attention immediately: Your health must come first. Even if you don’t feel injured, some injuries will take time to appear. Medical evaluations also create documentation of your injuries to use in court.
• Report the incident: Whether it’s a car accident or workplace injury, report the incident to the appropriate authority. This could be the police, your employer, a property owner, or the management team.
• Preserve evidence: Do not alter or discard any evidence. This includes defective products, torn clothes, damaged vehicles, or hazardous conditions like wet floors. You want your attorney to review this critical information to help you prove fault and negligence.
• Limit communication with insurance companies: Avoid giving any recorded statements or accepting an early settlement before consulting with your personal injury attorney.

How to Maximize Compensation After a Personal Injury

Maximizing compensation in a personal injury lawsuit involves careful planning, strategic execution, and working closely with an experienced attorney. 

Here are steps you can take to increase your chances of obtaining the highest possible compensation in your lawsuit: 

Prioritizing Your Health and Safety

Immediately after being injured, you should prioritize your health and safety. Seek medical attention as soon as you can, even if you don’t think your injuries seem that bad. Some injuries, like concussions or internal damage, do not present symptoms right away. Without proper treatment, these conditions can worsen over time. 

Receiving medical care is also important for creating a comprehensive record of your injuries. This is essential to link them to your accident. Be sure to follow your doctor’s orders by taking any medication as prescribed and complying with all follow-up appointment requests. 

If there is any evidence to show that you are not following a doctor’s orders, it could be used against you to suggest your injuries are not as bad as you claim them to be. 

Document the Scene

If you are physically capable of doing so, document the accident scene as thoroughly as you can. Use the camera on your phone to take pictures of where it happened and what injuries it caused. If either vehicle is damaged, capture the extent of their condition as well. It’s also helpful to capture any evidence of a hazard, like a faulty traffic sign or the absence of a wet floor sign in a slip and fall accident. All of these details can be helpful when reconstructing the incident later.

Gather Contact Information

Be sure to collect the names and contact information of everyone that was at the scene. This also includes any bystanders who may have witnessed what unfolded. If the accident involved a vehicle, jot down the driver’s license information, license plate number, and insurance details.

Collecting contact information for witnesses can be crucial, as witnesses provide an objective account of what they saw. This can strengthen your case if liability is disputed and your own account of what happened is questioned. Your attorney can contact these individuals at a later date to provide statements or testimony to support your claims.

File an Official Report

Depending on how serious the accident is, you may need to file an official injury report. For car accidents in Georgia, you are required to report any accident that resulted in an injury, death, or significant property damage. If the incident occurred at a business or public location, be sure to ask for a complete incident report that includes the property manager or supervisor’s contact details. These reports can create an official record with the foundational details you will need.

Preserve Evidence

Many cases have been jeopardized by lost or destroyed evidence that was needed to prove a claimant’s case. This is why it’s important to preserve evidence as soon as you can. For instance, all physical evidence that you collect, like torn clothing or damaged personal items, needs to be protected so the opposing counsel has no room to suggest the evidence’s integrity was compromised. 

Consult with an Attorney 

Hire a skilled personal injury attorney who has experience in handling cases similar to yours. A knowledgeable attorney can guide you through the legal process and help build a strong case. 

Negotiate

Your attorney will engage in strong negotiations with the opposing party or their insurance company. Skilled negotiation can result in a higher settlement offer. 

Prepare for Trial 

While most cases settle before trial, being prepared to go to trial demonstrates your commitment to obtaining fair compensation. Dedicated trial preparation can also pressure the opposing party to settle for a higher amount. 

Build a Strong Case

Work with your attorney to construct a compelling story that demonstrates the impact of the injury on your life. A persuasive narrative can influence negotiations and, if necessary, a jury.

Explore All Avenues of Compensation 

Depending on the circumstances, you might have additional sources of compensation beyond the at-fault party’s insurance, such as underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage or multiple liable parties. This is where an attorney can provide invaluable legal insight. 

Do Not Settle Prematurely 

Avoid accepting an initial settlement offer without consulting your attorney. Early offers might not reflect the full extent of your damages. Rely on your attorney’s legal acumen to determine the value of your claim. They can prevent you from settling for less than you deserve.

Remember that maximizing compensation requires a strategic approach, aggressive representation, and a focus on the details of your case. An experienced Atlanta personal injury attorney can guide you through these steps and help you pursue the compensation you need. 

Avoiding Common Insurance Company Tactics

Insurance companies are known to minimize payouts. Some common tactics to look out for include:

• Lowball settlement offers: Insurers may offer quick settlements that are less than what you deserve. This is often done before you even understand the full extent of your injuries.
• Shifting blame: Adjusters might try to pin partial fault on you to reduce their liability.
• Delaying claims: Some companies stall in hopes their clients will accept a lower payout due to financial pressure.
• Surveillance and social media monitoring: Insurers may investigate your online activity to try and find evidence to deny your claim. Avoid posting about your injuries or case online.

How Much Will It Cost to Hire an Atlanta Injury Lawyer?

Anyone who needs to hire an attorney after an injury is likely worried about how much their legal costs will be. Fortunately, many Atlanta injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means that a client will only have to pay for their attorney if that attorney wins their case for them. 

See the following for more details about how legal fees could work in your case:

Understanding the Contingency Fee Structure

A contingency fee means that you should not need to pay any upfront costs or hourly rates for your attorney. Rather, they collect a percentage of your settlement or court award as their payment. If you don’t win, you owe your lawyer nothing. The exact percentage of the settlement that an attorney may take for payment should be agreed upon before they start working on your case to ensure you are comfortable with the terms. 

The contingency model provides many benefits, especially by making sure that legal representation is accessible to everyone regardless of their financial circumstances. Other key benefits include:

• No upfront costs are required.
• Extra incentive for your attorney to secure as high of a settlement as possible.
• Lower financial risk, as you won’t be expected to pay for a lawyer if you lose your case.

Additional Costs and Expenses

While the contingency fee covers your attorney’s payment, there may still be added expenses associated with your case. While some attorneys may cover these fees for your case and deduct them later through your final settlement award, others may approach this differently. This is why it’s important to discuss fees with your personal injury lawyer during an initial consultation.

An Experienced Injury Attorney Can Make Your Claim Stronger 

Navigating a personal injury claim alone can be overwhelming. A local Atlanta injury lawyer provides critical support by:

Comprehensive Knowledge of Georgia Laws

Georgia follows a comparative negligence rule, reducing your compensation by your fault percentage. An attorney will collect evidence and craft strategies to minimize your fault and protect your claim.

Establishing Liability

Your attorney will demonstrate how another party’s negligence directly caused your accident and resulting damages. Through thorough investigation and evidence gathering, they build a strong case to prove liability.

Local Resources

An experienced Atlanta injury lawyer understands the city’s court systems, judges, and opposing counsel. They also have connections with accident reconstruction specialists, expert witnesses, and medical professionals to strengthen your claim.

Skilled Negotiation

Insurance companies aim to minimize payouts. Your attorney counters their tactics with evidence and negotiation, ensuring you’re not pressured into accepting less than you deserve.

Accurate Damage Calculation

Compensation isn’t limited to immediate expenses. Your lawyer calculates damages, including future medical costs, lost wages, and diminished quality of life, ensuring your claim reflects the accident’s full impact.

Negotiating Liens and Subrogation

If health insurers or others claim a portion of your settlement, your attorney negotiates to minimize these liens. This ensures you retain as much of your compensation as possible.

Trial Preparation

If a fair settlement isn’t reached, your attorney prepares your case for trial. This includes organizing evidence, identifying witnesses, and crafting a persuasive strategy to present in court.

Locations

T. Madden & Associates P. C.
114 S Main St Jonesboro,
GA 30236

Call Us: 706-807-9122

T. Madden & Associates P. C.
3915 Cascade Rd #200 Atlanta,
GA 30331

Call Us: 706-807-9235

T. Madden & Associates P. C.
431 Walker St Augusta,
GA 30901

Call Us: 706-807-9246

T. Madden & Associates P. C.
115 N McDonough St Decatur,
GA 30030

Call Us: 706-807-9389

T. Madden & Associates P. C.
1305 Hardeman Ave. Macon,
GA 31201

Call Us: 706-807-9433

What to Expect When You Work Our Personal Injury Law Firm

Free Initial Consultation — During your consultation, we’ll review the details of your case, answer your questions, and explain your legal options.

Thorough Investigation — Our team will gather evidence, interview witnesses, and work with experts to build a strong case on your behalf.

Aggressive Representation — Whether through negotiation or litigation, we will fight to secure the maximum compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Support Every Step of the Way — We’re here to guide you through the legal process, providing updates and support at every stage.

Schedule a Free Consultation with Top-Rated Personal Injury Lawyers in Atlanta

Time is critical in personal injury cases. At T. Madden & Associates, we don’t just represent you. We fight relentlessly to secure the justice and compensation you deserve. With our experience and dedication, we are your strongest legal ally.

Let our Atlanta personal injury attorneys fight for your rights and future during this challenging time. To request your free, no-obligation consultation, call us at 706-807-1998 or complete this online form. Your path to justice starts now.

FAQs

What Should I Do If the Insurance Company Offers Me a Settlement?

If an insurance company has offered you a settlement for your injury case, it’s important to discuss it with an attorney before accepting it. Insurance adjusters may try to minimize their payouts. The first offer you receive might not cover the extent of your medical bills, lost wages, and other areas of compensation that you are eligible to collect. An Atlanta injury lawyer can calculate the true value of your claim and negotiate to obtain it for you.

Can I File a Personal Injury Claim if the Accident Was Partially My Fault?

Yes, you are still able to file a personal injury claim even if you share some fault for causing the accident. Georgia operates under a comparative negligence rule, which means that you are able to recover compensation if you are less than 50% at fault for what happened. For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault, and the total damages amount to $100,000, you would be awarded $80,000.

How Long Does a Personal Injury Case Typically Take?

The average length of a personal injury case is dictated by factors like the length of the investigation, how severe the injuries are, and whether the case is settled through negotiation or trial. When liability is clear and evidence is difficult to refute, an injury case could settle within a few months. However, cases with unresolved disputes and significant damages to calculate could take years before a final verdict is made.

How Does Emotional Distress Factor Into a Personal Injury Case?

The emotional toll in the aftermath of an accident is considered non-economic damage. This is a psychological impact that an injury has caused, like anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Emotional distress can significantly affect the quality of your life and outlast physical injuries once they heal. To prove emotional distress, therapy records or testimony from a mental health professional can help add credibility to the claim.