Few people in Georgia would ever anticipate the need for a Worth County personal injury attorney. Residents are immersed in their daily routines, and visitors are captivated by local attractions. However, what happens when this tranquility is disrupted, and someone sustains an injury?
The party responsible for the injuries must be held accountable for their consequences, whether they involve financial or other damages. Nevertheless, obtaining fair compensation is far from a simple task. It requires an in-depth understanding of Georgia’s legal system and court procedures, along with the meticulous handling of extensive paperwork.
Prioritizing the contact with a Lee County personal injury attorney is essential for those who have suffered injuries due to another party’s negligence. If you’ve experienced a personal injury, don’t hesitate to reach out to the office of Joe Durham Jr., P.C. today at 229-210-6226. The timeliness of your action is crucial in determining your ability to pursue a claim.
Representing Clients in Lee County
In Lee County, Georgia, the courts include the Lee County Magistrate Court, Lee County Superior Court, the Southwestern Judicial Circuit, Leesburg Municipal Court, and Smithville Municipal Court.
The Magistrate Court handles dispossessory, garnishments, writ of possessions, and small claims for civil actions involving $15, 000 or less.
The Superior Court has exclusive jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, juvenile cases, domestic relations, equity and cases regarding title to land.
The Municipal Court has jurisdiction over city ordinances and misdemeanor traffic offenses.
At Joe Durham Jr., P.C., we are dedicated to pursuing and obtaining justice in the following courts:
- Lee County Magistrate Court
- Lee County Superior Court
- Southwestern Judicial Circuit
- Leesburg Municipal Court
- Smithville Municipal Court
Lee County Overview & Information
Lee County is located in the southwestern part of the state of Georgia and is part of the larger Albany Metropolitan area. The county seat is Leesburg.
It is bordered by several other counties, including Dougherty County, Terrell County, Worth County, and Sumter County. The population off Lee County has been growing steadily over the years. According the 2020 United States Census, the population was around 31,390 people.
Like many other counties in the region, Lee County has an economy with a significant agricultural base. The county is known for the production of peanuts, cotton, and pecans. In recent years, there has been some diversification of the local economy.
The county is served by the Lee County School District, which operates several public schools in the area. It is also home to Lee County High School, a notable educational institution.
For recreation, Lee County offers various opportunities, including lakes, parks, and outdoor activities. Lake Chehaw is a popular destination for fishing and boating.
Lee County Court Locations
Below is the local contact information for the Lee County courts.
104 A Leslie Highway
Leesburg, Georgia 31763
Phone: 229-759-6016 / 229-759-6031
- Chief Magistrate Judge Jim Thurman
- Associate Judge Carla Brown
100 Leslie Highway
Leesburg, Georgia 31763
Phone: 229-759-6018
- Sara Clark – Clerk of Superior Court
500 West Lamar Street
Americus, Georgia 31709
Phone: 229-928-4553
- Chief Judge R. Rucker Smith
- Judge W. James Sizemore, Jr.
- Judge Jimmie H. Brown
- Debra Gibson – Circuit Court Administrator
107 Walnut Avenue, North
Leesburg, GA 31763
Phone: 229-759-6465
- Judge John Wheaton
- Cathy Daniels – Chief Clerk of Court
- Debra Perry – Clerk of Court
116 Main Street
Smithville GA 31787
Phone: 229-846-2101
- Judge Jim Thurman
Lee County Law Enforcement & Other Agencies
Below is the general and emergency contact information for local police and fire departments.
Sheriff Reggie Rachals
119 Pinewood Road
Leesburg, Georgia 31763
Phone: 229-759-6012
Emergency: 911
Chief Christopher J. Prokesh
107 Walnut Avenue, North
Leesburg, GA 31763
Phone: 229-759-6465
Emergency: 911
116 Main Street
Smithville, Georgia, 31787
Phone: 229-846-2203
Emergency: 911
Fire Chief David Forrester
934 US Highway 19 South
Leesburg, Georgia 31763
Phone: 229 435-5419
Emergency: 911
Cities in Lee County
- Leesburg
- Smithville
Lee County Personal Injury Q&As
Why Do I Need A Personal Injury Lawyer?
If you were injured due to someone else negligent or reckless actions, you should contact an experience lawyer who can help you with:
- Case preparation/filing a lawsuit
- Settlement negotiations
- Trial preparation and representation
What Are The Steps To Filing A Personal Injury Claim?
If you have been injured in an accident, follow these steps to help you prepare for a personal injury case:
- Seek medical treatment and keep records of your treatment
- Take photos and videos is possible of the accident scene
- Get contact information, name and phone numbers, of any witnesses and take note of any security or traffic cameras in the area
- If you were in a car accident, report it to the police. If you were in a workplace accident, report it to your supervisor, etc.
- Never admit any fault
- Contact a personal injury lawyer
What Kind Of Damages Can I Recover In A Personal Injury Case?
In Georgia, there are no limits on the amount of economic or non-economic damages that can be awarded. There are three main categories of damages in Georgia, and any of them may be relevant to your personal injury case. These are:
- Economic Damages: these damages include monetary loss such as lost wages, property damage, and medical bills
- Non-Economic Damages: the damages can include inconvenience, pain and suffering, emotional distress, stress, anxiety, loss of companionship, and loss of consortium
- Punitive Damages: these are awards under specific circumstances. Punitive damages apply to financially punish the at-fault person from behaving similarly in the future.
Will I Have To Go To Court For Personal Injury?
Personal injury claims frequently end amicably and without the need for court action. Through agreements outside of court, we routinely settle cases for our clients to everyone’s satisfaction.
Why Do Personal Injury Claims Go To Court?
A personal injury claim will end up in court if a settlement cannot be reached during negotiations, or when the company or person that the claim is against does not respond.
Which Georgia Court Will Handle My Personal Injury Case?
Georgia is an at-fault state, therefore accident victims must first file a claim for compensation with their insurance companies before filing a lawsuit. The courts’ resources won’t be used excessively thanks to this law, which simplifies the legal process.
When the other side refuses to settle, you can take them to trial seeking compensation for your injuries. These are the five types of trial-level courts:
- Magistrate: issues warrants, hears minor criminal and civil cases with the amount less than $15,000, civil disputes that include landlord/tenant, bad checks, county ordinance and dispossessory actions
- Probate: probate of wills and estates, as well as authorized to handle commitments to incapacitated adults or appoint legal guardians
- Juvenile: criminal offenses involving minors under the age of 18, also works concurrently with superior courts to handle child custody and child support cases
- State: county jurisdiction, traffic violations, warrants, and preliminary hearings
- Superior: civil and criminal jurisdiction, felony and divorces
What Happens To My Personal Injury Lawsuit?
The value of the claim is one of the variables that determine where your case will be heard in court. A magistrate judge often hears cases with a value of less than $15,000 in which the party in question represents themselves.
The lawsuit would go forward in the higher court system, though, for claims worth more. Personal injury lawsuits often need to be filed in the county where the accident happened. Because state laws and state courts have authority over matters involving personal injuries, this is true.
What Happens If My Personal Injury Claim Goes To Trial?
If your personal injury case goes to trial, a jury will listen to the evidence presented and determine if the defendant is responsible. If the jury finds the defendant liable, they will award you compensation, either as a lump sum or structured settlement.
Contact Our Experienced Lee County Personal Injury Attorney Today
In personal injury cases, prompt action is absolutely crucial. Any delay can result in the loss of vital evidence and the fading of witness memories. With each passing moment without obtaining experienced legal counsel, there’s a greater risk that those responsible for your injuries could avoid their obligations.
Protecting your rights and claims is paramount. If you’ve been injured in an accident due to someone’s negligence, reach out to Joe Durham Jr., P.C. without hesitation today at 229-210-6226!
