An Atlanta personal injury attorney works under Georgia law: most injury lawsuits must be filed within two years (O.C.G.A. 9-3-33), and a person 50% or more at fault recovers nothing (O.C.G.A. 51-12-33). Fees are usually contingency, about 33% to 40% of the recovery. Henningsen Injury Attorneys, P.C. is one such Atlanta firm.
Key Takeaways
- Georgia’s general deadline to file a personal injury lawsuit is two years from the injury under O.C.G.A. 9-3-33; claims against a Georgia city need written ante litem notice within six months.
- Georgia uses modified comparative negligence: an award is reduced by the injured person’s share of fault, and a person 50% or more at fault recovers nothing (O.C.G.A. 51-12-33).
- Georgia’s 2025 tort reform law, Senate Bill 68, signed on April 21, 2025, lets juries see amounts actually paid for medical care, allows seatbelt evidence, limits “anchoring” arguments and allows split trials; it did not cap damages.
- Henningsen Injury Attorneys, P.C. lists its main office at 5855 Sandy Springs Circle, Suite 300, Atlanta, GA 30328, plus offices in Cumming and McDonough, as of September 2026.
- Before hiring any lawyer, confirm active status in the State Bar of Georgia member directory and get the contingency fee terms in writing, as Georgia Rule of Professional Conduct 1.5(c) requires.
Henningsen Law, whose legal name is Henningsen Injury Attorneys, P.C., is a personal injury law firm in the Atlanta area that represents people hurt in accidents. This guide summarizes how the firm describes itself, lists the facts about it that can be checked in public sources, and explains the Georgia personal injury rules that apply to any Atlanta claim, whichever lawyer a reader chooses.
According to the firm’s website, as of September 2026, Henningsen Injury Attorneys has its main office at 5855 Sandy Springs Circle, Suite 300, Atlanta, GA 30328, and additional offices in Cumming (north of Atlanta) and McDonough (south of Atlanta). The firm’s website states that its founding attorney, Todd Henningsen, has more than two decades of legal experience; the website also names attorney Richard Kopelman.
Henningsen Law describes its approach as client-focused. They are committed to defending the rights of their clients and pursuing justice on their behalf because they are acutely aware of the negative effects that legal disputes can have on people and their families. The firm says it aims to give each client individual attention and support; as with any law firm, no particular level of service or outcome can be guaranteed.
Offers compassionate support
It can be difficult on both a cerebral and emotional level to navigate the legal system. At Henningsen Law, they understand how critical it is to give their clients sympathetic support throughout the whole legal process. The firm says it aims to guide and reassure clients through each stage of a claim. The firm states that it keeps clients informed and supported through what can be a long process.
Customized attention
Every client needs special care and consideration, in their opinion. They take the time to hear their worries, comprehend their particular situation, and then adjust their strategy to best suit their requirements. Because legal issues can feel complex and overwhelming, the firm says its lawyers aim to make clients feel heard and in control of the decisions in their case.
Ethical Conduct
They at Henningsen Law uphold the strictest ethical principles. Their dedication to justice is based on principles of honor, honesty, and openness. In order to ensure that their clients are informed at every stage of the process, they believe in setting clear and reasonable expectations for them. Every Georgia lawyer’s dealings with clients, opposing counsel and the courts are governed by the Georgia Rules of Professional Conduct. Avvo’s attorney profile for Todd Henningsen, which draws on state licensing records, lists him as an active member in good standing of the State Bar of Georgia with no misconduct found, as of September 2026; readers can confirm this directly in the State Bar of Georgia member directory.
Proper Preparation
They think that the secret to success in any legal dispute is careful planning. To develop solid cases, their skilled legal team conducts in-depth investigations, looks into every aspect, and compiles convincing evidence. The firm says it investigates each case before negotiating or filing suit. Careful preparation matters in any injury claim, because the evidence gathered early usually shapes both settlement talks and any trial.
Empower clients through legal representation
Strategic Direction
Knowing the law alone is not sufficient for effective legal representation. It entails creating strategic plans that are adapted to the particular circumstances of each client. At Henningsen Law, they take the time to carefully review every case’s specifics, pinpoint its advantages and disadvantages, and create specialized legal strategies. Their objective is to provide their clients with the strategic direction they need to make educated decisions and get the results they want.
Knowledge is Power
They are adamant that information is a powerful tool. The firm’s website lists practice areas including car, truck, bus and bicycle accidents, catastrophic injuries, wrongful death, construction and workplace accidents, and premises liability. Keeping up with legal changes matters in Georgia in particular, because the 2025 tort reform law (Senate Bill 68) changed several rules for injury cases; those changes are explained later in this guide. They enable their clients to actively engage in their legal journey by arming them with knowledge and understanding of their legal rights and options.
Strong Advocacy
The firm describes its role as advocating for its clients’ interests. They are committed to upholding the rights of their clients and looking out for their best interests. As with any law firm, results depend on the facts of each case, the evidence and the insurance coverage available. The firm says it relies on negotiation and, where needed, litigation to pursue fair compensation.
Why choose Henningsen Law?
Readers considering Henningsen Law as an Atlanta automobile accident lawyer can check several points before hiring the firm, as they would with any lawyer. The firm states that it has obtained settlements for clients; this article could not independently verify its case results, and past results do not predict the outcome of a new case. According to the firm’s website, Todd Henningsen holds a J.D. and an M.B.A. from the University of Richmond and a B.A. in economics from Wake Forest University, and is admitted to practice in Georgia, Virginia and federal courts in both states; Avvo lists his Georgia license as dating from 2007 and his Virginia license from 2002.
The firm says Henningsen focuses on personal service to each client. He is here to offer emotional support and direction throughout the entire process because he is aware that being in a car accident can be a painful event.
What are the services provided by Henningsen Law
Settlement and Negotiation
Henningsen Law will represent you in negotiations with the insurance company after gathering the required proof. The firm’s stated objective is to obtain fair compensation for the client’s documented harms and losses. The firm states that it will take a case to trial if a fair settlement cannot be reached.
Collection of proof and examination
According to the firm, its first step in an Atlanta automobile accident case is a careful review of the facts. This entails gathering proof to support your case, such as police reports, witness testimony, and medical data.
Future profit and misplaced compensation
An automobile accident might result in lost future earnings in addition to medical costs and lost revenue. The firm says it works with financial specialists to estimate the future income an injured client is likely to lose and includes that figure in the claim.
Treatment and therapeutic care
Henningsen Law is aware of the physical and psychological harm that a car accident can inflict. The firm says it can connect clients with medical providers. Clients remain free to choose their own doctors, and under Georgia’s 2025 tort reform law, treatment arranged under a “letter of protection” (paid from any settlement) can be examined by the defense in court.
Enthusiastic boost
Henningsen Law is there to offer emotional support and counseling throughout the entire process because a car accident can be distressing. The firm says it recognizes that clients may be dealing with both physical and mental effects of a crash.
Are you involved in a car accident in Atlanta? What to do?
There are specific actions you should take if you are in a car accident in Atlanta to safeguard your rights and make sure you receive the compensation you are entitled to. First and foremost, treat any injuries for which you need medical attention. It’s crucial to visit a doctor for a checkup even if you feel fine.
Then, consider speaking with a licensed Georgia vehicle accident lawyer, such as Henningsen Law or another firm, well before Georgia’s two-year filing deadline. Your lawyer can advocate for you by gathering facts, negotiating with the insurance provider, and putting together a compelling case. It is worth remembering that the other driver’s insurer represents its own policyholder, and an early settlement offer may not account for future medical costs or lost income. A lawyer can help you judge whether an offer fairly reflects your documented losses.
Additionally, it’s critical to take pictures of the accident area and exchange contact details with the other motorist. Take pictures of your car’s damage and any wounds you may have received. Get the contact information of any witnesses to the collision and swap contact and insurance information with the other driver.
Henningsen Injury Attorneys: Facts at a Glance
The table below lists the facts about Henningsen Injury Attorneys, P.C. that could be checked in public sources as of September 2026. It is a factual summary, not an endorsement or ranking; readers should compare several firms before hiring one.
| Item | Detail (as of September 2026) | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Legal name | Henningsen Injury Attorneys, P.C. | Firm website |
| Main office | 5855 Sandy Springs Circle, Suite 300, Atlanta, GA 30328 | Firm website |
| Other offices | Cumming, GA and McDonough, GA | Firm website |
| Founding attorney | Todd Henningsen (J.D. and M.B.A., University of Richmond) | Firm website |
| Licenses | Georgia (2007) and Virginia (2002); no misconduct found | Avvo profile based on state licensing records |
| Practice areas | Car, truck, bus and bicycle accidents; catastrophic injury; wrongful death; construction, workplace and premises liability cases | Firm website |
| Fee basis | Contingency (“no fees unless we win”) | Firm website |
Bar status can change. The State Bar of Georgia’s online member directory is the authoritative place to confirm that any Georgia lawyer is currently an active member in good standing.
How Long Do You Have to File a Personal Injury Claim in Georgia?
Georgia’s statute of limitations for personal injury is two years from the date the right of action accrues, usually the date of the injury, under O.C.G.A. 9-3-33. A lawsuit filed after the deadline can be dismissed no matter how strong the claim is.
The same statute gives four years for loss of consortium claims (a spouse’s claim for the loss of companionship) and one year for injury to reputation. Claims for damage to a vehicle or other property generally have four years. Some exceptions can pause or shorten the clock, so the exact deadline for a specific case is a question for a Georgia lawyer.
Shorter notice deadlines for claims against the government
A claim against a Georgia government body requires a written “ante litem” notice long before the two-year lawsuit deadline. Georgia courts apply these notice rules strictly.
| Defendant | Notice deadline | Georgia statute |
|---|---|---|
| City or other municipality (for example, a City of Atlanta vehicle) | 6 months from the injury | O.C.G.A. 36-33-5 |
| County (for example, Fulton or DeKalb County) | 12 months | O.C.G.A. 36-11-1 |
| State of Georgia or a state agency | 12 months from when the loss was or should have been discovered | O.C.G.A. 50-21-26 (Georgia Tort Claims Act) |
How Does Georgia’s Comparative Fault Rule Affect Compensation?
Georgia follows modified comparative negligence with a 50% bar. Under O.C.G.A. 51-12-33, a jury assigns a percentage of fault to each party, the injured person’s award is reduced by his or her own percentage, and a plaintiff who is 50% or more responsible recovers nothing.
| Injured person’s share of fault | Damages found by the jury | Amount recoverable |
|---|---|---|
| 0% | $100,000 | $100,000 |
| 20% | $100,000 | $80,000 |
| 49% | $100,000 | $51,000 |
| 50% or more | $100,000 | $0 |
The figures are an illustration only. Because fault percentages decide how much a person recovers, insurers often argue that the injured person shared the blame. Photos, witness details and the police report gathered at the scene help answer that argument. For more on how claims resolve, see this guide to practical outcomes of settlement claims after a car accident.
What Changed Under Georgia’s Tort Reform Law (SB 68)?
Georgia Senate Bill 68 is a tort reform law signed by Governor Brian Kemp on April 21, 2025, together with Senate Bill 69 on litigation funding. Law firm analyses published after the signing describe it as Georgia’s first major tort reform since 2005. The main changes for injury claims are:
- Medical expenses (“phantom damages”): juries may consider the amounts actually needed to pay medical bills, not only the billed amounts, and letters of protection with medical providers can be discovered and admitted. This applies to causes of action arising on or after April 21, 2025.
- Seatbelt evidence: the earlier ban was removed, so a defendant may show that an injured person was not wearing a seatbelt when arguing negligence, causation or fault, for causes of action arising on or after April 21, 2025.
- Anchoring limits: lawyers may suggest a dollar figure for pain and suffering only if it is rationally related to the evidence, and may not compare an injury with unrelated values such as athletes’ salaries.
- Split trials: in most injury and wrongful death cases, either side can ask for fault and damages to be tried separately.
- Procedure: discovery is paused while a motion to dismiss is pending, and a plaintiff may dismiss a case without court permission only within 60 days after the defendant files its answer.
- Negligent security: property owners face a narrower test for liability when a third party commits a crime on their premises, for causes of action arising on or after April 21, 2025.
- Attorney’s fees: the law bars double recovery of fees, and a contingency fee agreement cannot by itself prove what a reasonable fee is.
- Litigation funding (SB 69): third-party litigation funders must register with the Georgia Department of Banking and Finance from January 1, 2026.
SB 68 did not cap damages. Georgia’s governor’s office said the package preserves jury discretion over pain-and-suffering awards without caps. Because some provisions apply only to injuries after April 21, 2025, the date of an accident can change which rules apply.
What Should You Do After a Car Accident in Atlanta?
- Report the crash. Under O.C.G.A. 40-6-273, a driver in a crash that causes injury, death or apparent property damage of $500 or more must immediately notify local police, or the county sheriff or Georgia State Patrol outside a city.
- Get medical care. Some injuries appear hours or days later, and treatment records document the link between the crash and the injury. See this guide on why medical treatment after a crash matters for an injury claim.
- Record the scene. Photograph vehicles, road conditions and injuries, and collect witness names and phone numbers.
- Exchange insurance details. Georgia is an at-fault state, and every driver must carry at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury and $25,000 for property damage (often written 25/50/25).
- Be careful with recorded statements. Statements given to the other driver’s insurer can be used to argue shared fault under the 50% rule.
- Note the deadlines. Two years for most injury lawsuits, and as little as six months for a notice to a city.
Truck crashes often involve extra evidence such as driver logs and multiple insurers; this overview of the most common causes of truck accidents explains why.
How to Choose a Personal Injury Lawyer in Atlanta
The best way to choose an Atlanta personal injury lawyer is to compare two or three licensed firms on the same checklist, rather than relying on advertising. Useful checks include:
- License and discipline: confirm active, good-standing membership in the State Bar of Georgia member directory.
- Relevant experience: ask how many cases like yours (car, truck, premises, wrongful death) the lawyer handles, and whether he or she has tried cases to a jury.
- Who does the work: ask which lawyer will handle the case day to day and how often you will hear from the firm.
- Fee terms in writing: the percentage, how it changes if a lawsuit is filed, and how case expenses are handled.
- Honest assessment: be wary of any lawyer who promises a specific result; outcomes depend on the evidence, fault and insurance limits.
For a general checklist, see these tips for selecting a personal injury attorney.
How Much Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Cost in Georgia?
Most Georgia personal injury lawyers charge a contingency fee, meaning the fee is a percentage of the money recovered and nothing is owed as a fee if there is no recovery. Georgia firms commonly describe a range of about 33.3% (one-third) when a case settles before a lawsuit and about 40% once a lawsuit is filed, as of September 2026. These are market norms, not limits set by law, and the percentage can be negotiated.
Georgia Rule of Professional Conduct 1.5(c) requires a contingency fee agreement to be in writing, signed by the client, and to state the percentage for settlement, trial or appeal, the expenses to be deducted, and whether those expenses are deducted before or after the fee is calculated. It must also tell the client which expenses he or she owes even if the case is lost.
| Example: $90,000 settlement | Expenses deducted after the fee | Expenses deducted before the fee |
|---|---|---|
| Contingency fee (one-third) | $30,000 | $29,000 |
| Case expenses | $3,000 | $3,000 |
| Before medical liens and bills | $57,000 | $58,000 |
The example is illustrative arithmetic only. Unpaid medical bills and liens are usually paid from the client’s share, so the final amount depends on those as well. Cases also vary widely in length; this article explains why some car accident cases take much longer to settle than others.
This guide is general information about Georgia law as of September 2026, not legal advice. Laws change, and the right answer for a specific injury depends on its facts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Henningsen Law a real Atlanta law firm?
Yes. Henningsen Injury Attorneys, P.C. lists its main office at 5855 Sandy Springs Circle, Suite 300, Atlanta, GA 30328, with offices in Cumming and McDonough, as of September 2026. Its founding attorney, Todd Henningsen, is listed by Avvo as licensed in Georgia since 2007.
What is the statute of limitations for personal injury in Georgia?
The statute of limitations for personal injury in Georgia is generally two years from the injury under O.C.G.A. 9-3-33. Claims against a city need written notice within six months, and claims against a county or the state within 12 months.
Can I recover damages in Georgia if I was partly at fault?
Yes, if you were less than 50% at fault. Georgia reduces the award by your percentage of fault, and a person found 50% or more at fault recovers nothing under O.C.G.A. 51-12-33.
Did Georgia’s tort reform law cap pain and suffering damages?
No. Georgia’s 2025 tort reform law, SB 68, did not cap pain-and-suffering damages. It limits how lawyers can argue dollar amounts, lets juries see amounts actually paid for medical care and allows seatbelt evidence in car crash cases.
How much do Atlanta personal injury lawyers charge?
Atlanta personal injury lawyers usually charge a contingency fee, commonly about one-third of the recovery before a lawsuit and about 40% after one is filed. Georgia requires the agreement to be in writing and signed by the client.
How do I check whether a Georgia lawyer is licensed?
Search the lawyer’s name in the State Bar of Georgia online member directory, which shows whether the lawyer is an active member in good standing. Third-party profiles such as Avvo can help, but the State Bar record is authoritative.
