While suing a corporation in Georgia is not the exact same as suing an individual, it can be very similar and certainly actionable. A Columbus personal injury attorney can be an integral asset in helping you stand up to corporations and fight for your right to compensation for your injuries.
When Can You Sue a Corporation in Georgia?
You can sue a corporation in Georgia any time they are responsible for your injuries. It may not be immediately evident that the corporation is the responsible party, but with the support of a competent injury attorney, part of their job is to identify all possibilities for liability.
Some of the circumstances in which you may find a corporation legally liable include:
Premise Liability
Where the company was obligated to ensure its facilities were safe for visitors or licensees, they can be held liable for a premises liability claim if you suffered an injury.
Product Liability
Where the company knowingly or negligently distributes a dangerous product, and that product caused your injuries, a product liability claim can be made.
Child Injuries
A corporation can be held liable if it was responsible for the safety and well-being of your child, and your child was injured due to its negligence. Child injury claims may include a medical or childcare facility whose negligence in training or policy enforcement injured your child.
Nursing Home Abuse
Where a patient is abused or neglected in a nursing home, the corporation running the facility may face a lawsuit if its negligence allowed the abuse to happen or continue once identified.
Since a corporation is considered its own entity, you can sue it whenever there is a legal basis without also suing an individual. In most cases, the standard for liability is the same as that of an individual. However, corporations can face stricter requirements for safety than an individual. Additionally, with rare exceptions, corporations are most often sued for defective products compared to individuals.
How Can I Sue a Georgia Corporation?
If you intend to sue a corporation for your injuries, contacting a lawyer first to understand your situation and discuss your legal options can be beneficial. Many personal injury firms work cases on a contingency, allowing you to secure their services without worrying about paying for them unless or until they recover compensation. Therefore, contacting an attorney is a safe and important first step.
Whether you have an attorney or want to handle your case alone, you will likely continue by filing a claim with the corporation’s insurance. Many confuse a claim and a lawsuit, but attempting to negotiate a claim for a settlement is a necessary first step in most situations. If you cannot agree on a fair and appropriate settlement amount, you may escalate the situation to a lawsuit within the Georgia court system.
If you file a lawsuit, you may be advised to file it in the corporation’s home county. You can check this through the Georgia Corporations Division website. You must have the corporation’s correct legal name to complete the search, file the lawsuit, and determine the appropriate address for service.
What to Expect When You Sue a Georgia Corporation?
Once you or your lawyer notifies the company of your intention to sue, both parties may begin the discovery process. This involves collecting all relevant evidence, which may include medical or psychological evaluations or depositions. Once both parties have the needed evidence, the case can go to trial, where you present your argument before a judge or jury.
Settling Your Case
You may continue to negotiate the terms of a settlement for the duration of a lawsuit. If you have a strong case and the corporation is concerned the judge will rule in your favor, they may become more motivated to settle. They fear the verdict will cost more than simply offering you what you requested. However, you may fare better in some circumstances by denying the offers and allowing the judge or jury to decide.
Considerations in Your Lawsuit
Physical evidence like photos and medical records is critical to your case. However, the court’s perception of you is sometimes equally important, making it crucial to be aware of your presentation and behavior in court, all interactions with the opposing parties, and on social media. Too many attorneys have seen strong cases falter because of reckless social media posts or poor behavior in court.
What Compensation Can You Get from Suing a Corporation?
You may feel intimidated by the thought of suing a corporation. While we understand why, it is often unnecessary, especially with unhelpful insurance companies at play. If the corporation’s negligence caused your injuries, it should be held accountable like any other individual.
The only goal of an insurance company is to reduce its payout, and it often relies on your inexperience navigating personal injury claims to get that. However, if you’ve suffered due to their actions, you are entitled to full compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain, and suffering. Don’t settle for less than what you’re owed, as corporations have resources, but so do you, with the right legal representation.
Contact an Experienced Columbus Personal Injury Lawyer
Suing a corporation can be a long process. An experienced Columbus personal injury attorney can take the burden from you so you can focus on your recovery. Mark Casto Personal Injury Law Firm will fight for your right to compensation.
Contact us today at (706) 940-4030 for a free consultation.
