FAQ – Personal Injury

When faced with a personal injury case in Georgia, one of the most common questions we get asked from clients is whether you will need a personal injury lawyer to handle your case or if it better to represent themselves.

The short answer we always give is please call and talk to us before making a decision to represent yourself. We will be open and honest about your case to help you determine the best course of action as we have managed thousands of cases since 1987.

The long and more complicated answer to this question depends on various factors, including the complexity of the case, the severity of the injury, and your ability to navigate the legal system.

In most cases, it is highly advisable to hire a personal injury lawyer to handle your case. In fact, studies have shown that people are far more likely to receive a settlement if they are represented by an attorney, and those represented by a lawyer received net payouts that were multiple times what unrepresented individuals received even after deducting contingency fees.

While it is possible to represent yourself in a personal injury case, known as “pro se” representation, it is generally not recommended unless the case is straightforward and the injury is minor. Without legal training and experience, you may overlook important legal rights or fail to maximize the compensation you are entitled to.

For more information on how Blaska Holm can help you with your personal injury case, click here or call us at 770.998.1005.

Winning together is our motto. Our personal injury fees are contingency-based, you don’t pay unless we win. Typically, this means a percentage of the final recovery depending on the case stage. Contact us for more information if you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence in Georgia.

A personal injury lawyer brings legal expertise, strategic negotiation skills, and access to expert resources that often result in significantly higher compensation – and peace of mind. If you have been injured and the accident was not your fault, you should strongly consider hiring an attorney to represent you.

Studies have shown that people are far more likely to receive a settlement if they are represented by an attorney, and those represented by a lawyer received net payouts that were multiple times what unrepresented individuals received even after deducting contingency fees. 

Damages in a personal injury case in Georgia depend on the extent and severity of injuries sustained. Generally, damages are divided into economic (special) and noneconomic (general) components. Special damages include medical expenses, lost income, and property damage. General damages include compensation for pain and suffering, disfigurement, and emotional distress. In particularly egregious cases, punitive damages may be available as well. Contact us for a free case evaluation if you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence.

Every personal injury case is unique. Factors like the extent of your injuries, duration of treatment, loss of work, and future care all affect the value. Once we review your medical records and case facts, we’ll provide a range estimate.

It will depend on the case, the severity of injuries, and the other parties involved. It can last anywhere from a few months to two years.

We gather evidence, handle paperwork, coordinate with medical providers, and negotiate with insurers – all while keeping you informed. We use an app called “Case Status” that keeps you updated every step of the way and allows to email/text with your attorney directly for immediate communication.

Visit our personal injury page for more information about the full process.

You should seek medical attention immediately, either through your primary care physician or an urgent care/emergency room. We also know medical facilities throughout GA that have helped our personal injury clients heal and recover, and we can work with you to ensure that you get the medical help you need.

Common medical malpractice claims in Georgia include:

• Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis of an illness or injury
• Prescription errors, such as incorrect dosage or medication
• Misinterpretation of lab results or imaging (like X-rays or MRIs)
• Surgical mistakes, such as operating on the wrong site or leaving instruments in the body

While these incidents are rare, they can result in serious or life-threatening injuries. If you or a loved one has been harmed by suspected medical negligence in Georgia, contact us for a free consultation.

Medical malpractice cases are legally and medically complex. To succeed in a claim, Georgia law requires proof of four key elements:

1. Duty of care – A professional relationship existed between the provider and patient.
2. Breach of duty – The provider failed to meet the accepted standard of care.
3. Causation – This breach directly caused injury to the patient.
4. Damages – The injury led to physical, emotional, or financial harm.

These cases often involve expert witnesses, detailed records, and a rigorous legal process.

We’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Like other personal injury claims, a medical malpractice claim must generally be filed within two years of the date of the incident in Georgia. However, every situation is different, and the statute of limitations may toll in certain circumstances.

The best way to know is to speak with a qualified attorney like Blaska Holm who has a track record of taking on and winning medical malpractice cases. We review medical records, consult experts, and determine if negligence likely occurred. We offer free case evaluations to help you understand your options.

The value of a medical malpractice case depends on several factors, including the extent of injury, medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. We evaluate each case thoroughly to ensure you receive the maximum compensation.

It’s important to note that not all bad health outcomes are malpractice. Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider deviates from the accepted standard of care, and that deviation causes injury. Some risks are inherent in treatment, even when performed correctly.

These cases often take 1–3 years due to the complexity and need for expert review. We manage each step carefully to build a strong case while keeping you informed every step of the way.

A premises liability case seeks to hold a property owner, or sometimes a property manager, legally responsible for injuries caused by unsafe or hazardous conditions on their property. These cases often involve:

• Slip and fall accidents due to wet floors, broken stairs, or poor lighting
• Trip hazards, like exposed wiring or uneven surfaces
• Negligent security, where inadequate measures lead to assaults or criminal activity
• Swimming pool or playground injuries

If you’ve been injured on someone else’s property in Georgia, contact us for a free consultation to understand your legal rights.

Yes, in Georgia, you may be entitled to compensation if you’ve been injured by a dog or other animal, especially if the owner knew the animal had aggressive tendencies or failed to restrain it properly. These cases may fall under premises liability or be handled as negligence claims, depending on the circumstances.

You may be eligible to recover:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering

You must generally prove that the property owner knew, or should have known, about the dangerous condition and failed to fix it or warn visitors in time. We help gather evidence like surveillance footage, maintenance records, and witness statements to build your case.

The value depends on the severity of your injury, medical costs, impact on your life, and any permanent effects. We provide an estimate after reviewing your medical records and case details.

If the at-fault driver is uninsured, you may still be covered through your Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage—if it’s included in your auto insurance policy. To file a claim under UM coverage, you’ll need to prove:

• The other driver caused the accident
• You sustained injuries or property damage

We can help gather evidence and deal with your insurer to ensure you’re treated fairly.

Immediately after the accident, especially if you’ve been injured. Early legal guidance can:

• Preserve important evidence (photos, witnesses, police reports)
• Prevent damaging statements to insurers
• Help get you medical care and manage bills

Calling us is free, and if you hire us, we only get paid if we win. Let us handle the insurance companies so you can focus on recovery.

Insurance companies typically cover vehicle replacement or repair, depending on fault and coverage. We assist with managing these claims.

No, and it’s often better if you don’t. Their goal is to minimize your payout. Let us handle the communication to protect your rights.

The statute of limitations is generally two years from the date of the accident. But starting early helps preserve evidence and strengthens your claim.

Move to safety, call 911, get medical attention, and document the scene with photos. Exchange information with all parties and call a lawyer before speaking to insurers.

Yes, if you were injured in a truck accident, you may be able to sue not only the truck driver but also:

• The trucking company that hired or contracted them
• A freight broker or shipping company, if negligence played a role
• Maintenance providers or manufacturers, if equipment failure was involved

Liability and compensation will depend on the cause of the crash, the severity of your injuries, and how regulations were followed or violated.

We can investigate all responsible parties and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Truck accidents differ significantly from typical car accidents because of:

• Size and force – A fully loaded commercial truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, causing devastating impacts.
• Regulatory standards – Truck drivers must comply with federal and state safety laws, such as hours-of-service rules, drug testing, and maintenance logs.
• Multiple liable parties – Unlike car accidents, trucking cases often involve layered liability.

These cases require deep knowledge of transportation law and aggressive investigation.

Call us for a free case review—we know how to handle complex trucking claims.

Call 911, get medical help, and try to document the scene. Take photos, get witness info, and avoid discussing fault at the scene. Contact a truck accident attorney like Blaska Holm before speaking to insurance adjusters; they’re trained to protect their own interests, and we are trained to protect yours.

After an accident with a semi-truck, you may be entitled to:

• Medical bills (current and future)
• Lost wages and future earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage
• Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence (e.g., DUI or logbook fraud)

Truck cases rely heavily on technical evidence, such as:

• Black box (ECM) data
• Driver logs and maintenance records
• Dashcam or surveillance footage
• Accident reconstruction reports

We act quickly to preserve and analyze this evidence before it’s lost.

In Georgia, a wrongful death claim arises when someone dies due to:

• A criminal act
• Negligence (e.g., car accidents, medical malpractice)
• A dangerously defective product, even if not directly tied to negligence.

In a wrongful death lawsuit, certain family members may seek compensation from the individual or company legally responsible. Georgia law determines who may file, typically:

• The surviving spouse
• Children (if no spouse)
• Parents (if no spouse or children)
• The administrator of the estate (on behalf of next of kin)

But every case is different. Contact us for a free consultation to understand your legal rights.

Georgia allows two main types of damages in wrongful death cases:

1. The “full value of the life” of the deceased – Includes lost income, benefits, and the intangible value of life (e.g., time with family, activities).
2. Estate-based damages – Covers medical bills, funeral expenses, and the decedent’s pain and suffering before death.

Family members may also be eligible for compensation based on the emotional and financial impact of the loss. Our team can help assess the potential value of your claim with compassion and care.

The right to file is determined by Georgia statute and follows a specific order: surviving spouse first, then children, then parents, and finally the estate representative. Only one wrongful death claim can be filed per death.

We highly recommend having an attorney to handle a wrongful death claim in Georgia. Wrongful death cases are legally and emotionally complex. An experienced attorney can:

• Determine eligible parties
• Calculate appropriate damages
• Navigate Georgia’s court system while managing insurance negotiations or litigation
• Protect your family’s legal and financial interests