1. Tate Law Group, LLC
Focus Area: Personal injury litigation with emphasis on catastrophic injury, mass torts, and class action lawsuits
Practice Areas: Automobile accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, premises liability, wrongful death, medical malpractice, product liability, workers compensation, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries
Background: Founded in 2007 by Mark Tate, a trial lawyer with over 30 years of civil litigation experience. The firm has litigated hundreds of cases and recovered over $100 million in damages for clients. Member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum. Licensed to practice in Georgia and South Carolina.
Location: 2 East Bryan Street, Suite 600, Savannah, GA 31401
Contact: (912) 234-3030 | https://www.tatelawgroup.com
Consultation: Free initial consultation. Contingency fee basis, meaning no fees unless the case is won.
2. Spiva Law Group, P.C.
Focus Area: Catastrophic injury and serious personal injury litigation
Practice Areas: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, wrongful death, workers compensation, orthopedic injuries, premises liability, medical malpractice
Background: Established in 1984, with over 30 years of experience representing Georgia residents in serious injury cases. The firm focuses exclusively on catastrophic injury cases and limits case intake to provide personalized attention. Secured a $12 million verdict for a client.
Location: 1137 Mohawk Street, Savannah, GA 31419
Contact: (912) 920-2000 | https://www.spivalaw.com
Consultation: Free case consultation available. Operates on contingency fee basis with no upfront costs.
3. Harris Lowry Manton LLP
Focus Area: Complex personal injury litigation and high-value catastrophic injury cases
Practice Areas: Motor vehicle accidents, truck accidents, medical malpractice, product liability, nursing home abuse, premises liability, wrongful death, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, business litigation
Background: Established in 2006. The firm has won more $10 million verdicts than any other law practice in Georgia in the last decade. Partners Jeff Harris, Steve Lowry, and Jed Manton are recognized trial attorneys with offices in both Savannah and Atlanta. Members of American Association for Justice, American Board of Trial Advocates, and Georgia Trial Lawyers Association.
Location: 410 East Broughton Street, Savannah, GA 31401
Contact: (912) 651-9967 | https://www.hlmlawfirm.com
Consultation: Free initial consultation offered. Contingency fee arrangement available.
4. The Eichholz Law Firm
Focus Area: Personal injury and wrongful death litigation
Practice Areas: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, slip and fall, premises liability, wrongful death, catastrophic injuries, nursing home abuse, medical malpractice
Background: Over 40 years of experience helping clients recover millions in damages. Serves Savannah, Augusta, Atlanta, and surrounding areas. Known for community involvement including scholarship programs and annual laptop giveaways to Georgia high school students.
Location: Savannah, GA (Multiple Georgia locations)
Contact: Available through website | https://www.thejusticelawyer.com
Consultation: Free consultation available. Contingency fee structure.
5. The Brown Firm
Focus Area: Personal injury with integrated medical expertise
Practice Areas: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, dog bites, slip and fall, medical malpractice, wrongful death, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries
Background: Led by Harry Brown, who holds both a law degree and chiropractic credentials, providing unique medical insight for injury cases. The firm represents clients throughout Georgia and South Carolina, with decades of combined experience among the legal team.
Location: Savannah, GA (Headquarters)
Contact: Available through website | https://www.harrybrownlaw.com
Consultation: Free 24/7 consultations available. No upfront fees required.
Personal Injury Laws in Georgia
Statute of Limitations: Georgia law requires personal injury lawsuits to be filed within two years from the date of injury under Georgia Code Section 9-3-33. For wrongful death claims, the two-year period also applies. Property damage claims have a four-year statute of limitations, while loss of consortium claims must be filed within four years.
Negligence Rule: Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence system under Georgia Code Section 51-12-33. Injured parties can recover damages even if they share fault for the accident, as long as their percentage of fault is less than 50%. If the injured party is found to be 50% or more at fault, they cannot recover any compensation. Damages are reduced proportionally by the percentage of fault assigned to the injured party.
Damage Caps: Georgia limits punitive damages to $250,000 under Georgia Code Section 51-12-5.1(g), except in product liability cases where no cap applies. Medical malpractice damage caps were struck down by the Georgia Supreme Court in 2010. For claims against the State of Georgia, damages are capped at $1 million per person and $3 million per incident.
Auto Insurance Requirements: Georgia operates as an at-fault state, meaning the driver who caused the accident is responsible for damages. The state requires minimum liability coverage of 25/50/25, which translates to $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for total bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage. Uninsured motorist coverage is not required but is recommended, as approximately 18% of Georgia motorists are uninsured.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I am partially at fault for a car accident on I-16 or I-95 in Savannah?
Georgia’s modified comparative negligence rule means you can still recover damages if you are less than 50% responsible for the accident. For example, if you are found 30% at fault for a highway collision, your compensation will be reduced by 30%. However, if the jury determines you are 50% or more responsible, you will not be able to recover any damages from the other party.
How do maritime and port-related injuries work differently in Savannah?
Savannah’s active port and maritime industry means some injuries may fall under federal maritime law rather than Georgia state law. The Jones Act and Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act provide different protections and procedures for maritime workers. These federal laws may offer broader remedies but have specific requirements and shorter deadlines. An attorney experienced in both state personal injury law and maritime law should evaluate port-related injuries.
What should I do if I am injured in a historic district pedestrian accident?
Savannah’s famous historic district sees significant pedestrian traffic, and accidents involving tourists and residents are common. After seeking medical attention, document the scene with photographs, gather witness information, and report the incident to police. Property owners in the historic district have the same duty to maintain safe premises as elsewhere in Georgia. File your claim within the two-year statute of limitations.
Can I sue a drunk driver for punitive damages after a DUI accident in Chatham County?
Yes, Georgia law allows punitive damages when the defendant acted with willful misconduct, malice, fraud, or conscious indifference to consequences. Driving under the influence typically qualifies for punitive damages because it demonstrates conscious disregard for safety. While punitive damages are generally capped at $250,000, exceptions may apply in cases involving intentional conduct.
How long do I have to file a claim after a slip and fall at a Savannah business?
The standard two-year statute of limitations applies to slip and fall cases in Georgia. However, evidence can disappear quickly, and businesses may not retain surveillance footage for long periods. To preserve your rights and strengthen your case, consult with an attorney as soon as possible after the incident. The business owner must have had actual or constructive knowledge of the dangerous condition for you to recover damages.