Personal Injury & Wrongful Death
Representation for individuals and families facing serious injury or wrongful death caused by another party's negligence, including disputes with insurance companies and complex litigation.
A serious injury changes everything, all at once.
Between medical treatment, lost income, and an insurance company already building its own case, it's difficult to know where to start — or who is actually looking out for your interests.
When We Can Help
- You or a family member has suffered a serious or catastrophic injury
- A loved one has died because of another party's negligence
- An insurance company has denied, delayed, or undervalued a legitimate claim
- A case involves multiple parties, complex liability questions, or significant damages
- You want an attorney who will strategically prepare your case from day one
Our Approach
Personal injury and wrongful death claims are ultimately about credibility — of the claim, the client, and the case built to support it. Insurance companies are sophisticated, well-resourced, and organized around minimizing what they pay. The strongest counterweight is a case built carefully from the outset: complete medical documentation, a clear account of liability, and a realistic, well-supported view of damages, rather than an early settlement offer accepted under pressure.
This firm's approach is deliberately selective rather than high-volume — every matter receives direct, personal attention from intake through resolution. Where a case benefits from additional trial experience or local expertise, Steltzer Law works alongside trusted co-counsel to bring the right resources to the matter, without ever losing the personal relationship at the center of it.
Types of Cases We Handle
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Motor vehicle collisions, including cars, trucks, and motorcycles
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Premises liability and unsafe property conditions
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Wrongful death claims on behalf of surviving family members
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Catastrophic and permanent injury, including traumatic brain and spinal cord injury
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Product liability and defective-product injuries
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Insurance bad faith — when an insurer unreasonably denies or delays a valid claim
Dealing with Insurance Companies
From the earliest stage, an insurance company's claims process is designed to protect its own bottom line — not necessarily to fairly value a claim. Recorded statements, quick settlement offers, and requests for broad medical authorizations are common early tactics, each of which can quietly limit what a claim is ultimately worth.
Steltzer Law manages all communication with insurance adjusters directly, so that nothing is said or signed that could undermine the claim's value later. Where a fair resolution isn't offered, the firm is prepared to pursue litigation to secure it.
Our Process
Steltzer Law's approach to every matter follows the same method — Assess, Prepare, Navigate. For a personal injury or wrongful death claim, that method moves through this specific sequence:
Investigation
The facts, records, and circumstances surrounding the injury are gathered and assessed, often before an insurance company has finished forming its own account of events.
Demand
A formal demand is presented to the responsible party's insurer, outlining liability and the full scope of the harm suffered.
Negotiation
Most matters are resolved through negotiation with the insurer, guided by a clear-eyed view of the claim's actual value.
Litigation
Where a fair resolution isn't reached through negotiation, filing suit — and, where appropriate, working with trusted co-counsel — keeps the matter moving toward the best available outcome.
Not every matter follows this exact sequence, and many resolve well before litigation becomes necessary. The stages above describe the general process — the specifics depend on your claim and the insurer involved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have a case?
Whether a claim is viable depends on the specific facts — how the injury occurred, who was responsible, and what harm resulted. That is best assessed in an early conversation, not guessed at in advance.
How are personal injury matters billed?
These matters are typically handled on a contingency basis, meaning there is no fee unless a recovery is obtained. The specific terms are discussed and agreed upon before any representation begins.
How long will my case take?
Timelines vary significantly depending on the severity of the injury, whether liability is disputed, and whether the matter resolves through negotiation or litigation — from several months to considerably longer.
Should I speak with the insurance adjuster?
It's advisable to avoid giving a detailed statement to any insurance adjuster — including the at-fault party's insurer — before speaking with counsel. Early statements are often used later to minimize a claim's value.
What if a loved one died because of someone else's negligence?
Georgia law allows certain family members to bring a wrongful death claim when a loved one's death was caused by another's negligence. These matters involve their own procedural requirements and are handled with particular care.
Will my case go to trial?
Most matters resolve through negotiation, but not every insurer offers a fair value voluntarily. Being prepared to litigate — and to try a case, when necessary — is often what drives a fair resolution at the negotiation stage itself.
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured, the earliest conversations matter most.
Every consultation is confidential. Personal injury and wrongful death matters are typically handled on a contingency fee basis. The specific terms of representation will be discussed and agreed upon before representation begins.