The need for a Mitchell County personal injury attorney is not something that many people in Georgia anticipate. Local residents are engrossed in their daily routines, while visitors are enchanted by the area’s attractions. However, what happens when this tranquility is disrupted, and someone endures an injury?
The individual or entity responsible for the injuries must be held accountable for the consequences, whether they are financial or otherwise. Nevertheless, obtaining fair compensation is far from a simple task. It necessitates a thorough understanding of Georgia’s laws and court procedures, substantial evidence, and a substantial amount of paperwork.
Prioritizing contact with a Mitchell County personal injury lawyer is crucial for those who have experienced injuries due to another party’s negligence. If you’ve suffered a personal injury, do not hesitate to reach out to the office of Joe Durham Jr., P.C. at 229-210-6226 today. Your ability to file a claim hinges on taking action as promptly as possible.
Representing Clients in Mitchell County’s Courts
In Mitchell County, Georgia, the courts include the Mitchell County Magistrate Court, Mitchell County State Court, Mitchell County Superior Court, Camilla Municipal Court, Pelham Municipal Court, and Sale City Municipal Court.
The Magistrate Court handles dispossessory, garnishments, writ of possessions, and small claims for civil actions involving $15, 000 or less.
The State Court has a Criminal Division that handles misdemeanor criminal cases only, including DUI, but does not preside over felonies. The State Court also has jurisdiction over civil actions regardless of the amount in controversy.
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:
- Mitchell County Magistrate Court
- Mitchell County State Court
- Mitchell County Superior Court
- Camilla Municipal Court
- Pelham Municipal Court
- Sale City Municipal Court
County Overview & Information
Mitchell County is located in the southwestern part of the state of Georgia and the county seat is Camilla.
It is bordered by several other counties, including Dougherty County, Baker County, Grady County, and Colquitt County. The population has fluctuated over the years and according the the 2020 United States Census, the population was around. 21,024 people.
The economy has historically been based on agriculture, with a focus on the production of crops such as peanuts, cotton, corn, and pecans. Agriculture remains a significant part of the local economy, and the county is often referred to as the “Peanut Capital of the World” due to its peanut production.
Mitchell County offers opportunities for recreational activities, such as hunting, fishing, and exploring its rural landscape. The Flint River flows through the county, providing scenic views and recreation.
Mitchell County Court Locations
Below is the contact information for the local courthouses in Terrell County, Georgia.
Mitchell County Magistrate Court
22 North Court Ave
Camilla, Georgia 31730
Phone: 229-336-2077
- Chief Magistrate Randall E. Chew
- Magistrate Judge E.P. “Bubba” Lamb
- Janice Smith – Clerk of Magistrate Court
- Alecia Lawrence – Deputy Clerk
30 North Court Ave
Camilla, Georgia 31730
Phone: 229-336-2040
- Judge Richard Waters, Jr.
- Lisa Shiver – Administrative Assistant
Mitchell County Superior Court
26 North Court Ave
Camilla, Georgia 31730
Phone: 229-336-2021
- Adayna Broome – Clerk
80 W Broad St
Camilla, Georgia 31730
Phone: 229-336-2201
- Judge Gregory T. Williams
- Blake Brantley – Court Solicitor
- Shirley Williams – Court Clerk
- Wendy Barton – Deputy Court Clerk
108 Hand Ave West
Pelham, Georgia 31779
Phone: 229-294-6202
- Judge Gregory Williams
- Helen Cody – Clerk of Court
122 E Broad St
Sale City, Georgia 31784
Phone: 229-336-7885
- Judge Rich Waters
- Tess Gay – Clerk of Court
Local Law Enforcement & Other Agencies
Below is a list of the local police and fire departments with their contact and emergency contact information.
Mitchell County Sheriff’s Department
Sheriff W.E. Bozeman
4815 Highway 37 East
Camilla, Georgia 31730
Phone: 229-336-2030
Emergency: 911
Chief John Mark Hendricks
Assistant Chief Robert Casterline
80 W Broad St
Camilla, Georgia 31730
Phone: 229-336-2201
Emergency: 911
Chief Nealie McCormick
Assistant Chief Rod Williams
337 Pride St
Pelham, Georgia 31779
Phone: 229-294-6003
Emergency: 911
Chief Timmy Barnes
Assistant Chief Bobby Gray
122 E Broad St
Sale City, Georgia 31784
Phone: 229-336-7885
Emergency: 911
Mitchell County Volunteer Fire Department
Chief Michael Jones
4838 Highway 37 East
Camilla, Georgia 31730
Phone: 229-330-0542
Emergency: 911
Fire Chief Jamie Sullivan
80 West Broad St
Camilla, Georgia 31730
Phone: 229-330-2330
Emergency: 911
Fire Chief Jimmy Luckey
Assistant Chief Tyler Wood
115 E Broad St
Sale City, Georgia 31784
Emergency: 911
Cities in Mitchell County
- Camilla
- Pelham
- Baconton
- Sale City
- Branchville
Community Resources
Here are some of the community resources available when it comes to personal injury in Dougherty County, Georgia.
- FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers: Their highly skilled, compassionate team of physical therapists are 100% focused on achieving optimal health and wellness for you so you can get back to living the life you enjoy.
- Pelham Chiropractic Clinic: They are a high quality chiropractic and sports rehabilitation clinic dedicated to helping you maximize your quality of life.
- Archbold Mitchell County Hospital: Offers patients in Camilla and surrounding Southwest Georgia communities convenient access to advanced medical technology and award-winning healthcare.
Mitchell 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.
Get in Touch with Our Seasoned Mitchell County Personal Injury Attorneys
In personal injury cases, acting promptly is of the utmost importance. Any delay could result in the loss of vital evidence and the fading of witness memories. With every moment of postponement in securing experienced legal representation, the chances increase that those responsible for your injuries might escape their obligations.
It’s crucial to safeguard your rights and claims. If you’ve been injured in an accident due to someone’s negligence, reach out to Joe Durham Jr., P.C. today at 229-210-6226!
