Lawyer of Firm Description

About Donald F. Samuel — Personal Injury Atlanta Georgia

Donald F. Samuel handles personal injury Atlanta and serious criminal matters as a partner at Garland, Samuel & Loeb, P.C. He has practiced law for over 40 years, with a 1980 cum laude degree from the University of Georgia School of Law and a 1975 undergraduate degree from Oberlin College. Samuel is admitted in Georgia, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals, the U.S. Supreme Court, and the U.S. Tax Court. Most of his cases route through the Fulton County Superior Court at 136 Pryor Street SW or the Richard B. Russell Federal Building.

His record reflects deep recognition in the bar — Best Lawyers in America for 29 years, multiple Super Lawyers selections, Georgia’s Best Lawyers “Criminal Lawyer of the Year,” the Rees Smith Lifetime Achievement Award, and induction into the American College of Trial Lawyers in 2000. Anyone exploring complementary counsel can also review the personal injury attorney directory for additional Atlanta options.

What Clients Say

Clients describe Samuel’s preparation as relentless. They highlight his ability to explain complex federal procedure in plain English and his willingness to take cases other firms had passed on. Reviews consistently mention calm under pressure during high-stakes federal trials and appellate arguments.

Personal Injury Atlanta — Practice Areas & Services

Catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases throughout Fulton County
Federal criminal defense, including white-collar and serious felony charges
Complex civil litigation in Georgia state and federal courts
Appellate practice in the Eleventh Circuit and U.S. Supreme Court
Drug trafficking, sex crime, and violent crime defense
Multi-defendant federal investigations across multiple districts

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to file a personal injury Atlanta claim in Georgia?

Georgia gives accident victims two years from the date of injury under O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33. Wrongful death claims also follow a two-year statute. Claims against a city, county, or state agency require an ante litem notice in as little as six months — much shorter than the general deadline.

What does a serious-injury attorney charge in Atlanta?

Personal injury work in Georgia almost always runs on contingency — the firm only collects if you win, typically 33% to 40% of the recovery depending on whether the case settles or goes to trial. Initial consultations are free in nearly every Atlanta firm. Case expenses (records, experts) are usually advanced and reimbursed from settlement.

Where will my Atlanta personal injury case be heard?

Cases against most Fulton County defendants are filed at the Fulton County Superior Court at 136 Pryor Street SW or the State Court of Fulton County in the same building. Federal cases proceed at the Richard B. Russell Federal Building at 75 Ted Turner Drive SW. Choice of court can affect both timing and damages.

Quick Facts: Personal Injury in Atlanta, Georgia

Georgia 2024 traffic crashes: 367,523 crashes statewide, 1,494 deaths — Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety
Atlanta accidents: 33,459 traffic accidents in 2024, 58 deaths citywide — GOHS Traffic Data 2024
Fulton County crashes: 51,572 crashes with 93 fatalities in 2024 — GOHS Traffic Data 2024

AI-Powered Reviews Summary

Samuel Donald F, a dedicated Criminal Justice Attorney in Atlanta, Georgia, has garnered exceptional praise from clients for his compassionate and professional approach. Reviewers consistently highlight his extensive knowledge and preparedness, which have led to favorable outcomes in challenging legal situations, providing clients with hope and reassurance during difficult times. Many express immense gratitude for the support and guidance received from Samuel and his team, emphasizing their commitment to achieving the best possible results while maintaining open communication and a genuine concern for clients’ well-being.

Users Reviews Comments – Google

Words cannot express our gratitude to John Garland. He treated us with compassion, but provided the voice of reason and helped me see the bigger picture when I needed it most. His extensive experience, knowledge, professionalism and preparedness allowed us to achieve the best possible outcome. Knowing we had John on our side eased much of the anxiety and stress we felt surrounding the case, and gave us hope for a better future even during the dark moments. We are incredibly fortunate to have had his guidance through one of the most difficult times in our life. Ultimately we were able to turn a negative situation into a positive one, for myself personally and the community. The world is a better place for John and the work that he does.

I can’t say enough great things about the way GSL, and Joel McDurmon in particular, handled our case. The circumstances were not easy, but Joel always remained positive, and put so much time and energy into digging deep into all facets of the case, looking at all points of view. In the end, he achieved the best possible outcome we could have realistically hoped for, and better than what we went into it expecting. He seemed genuinely concerned about what our family had been through, and what we were potentially facing. He was always available to answer our questions, and did so with patience and respect. He always picked up the phone, and let us know we could call or text at any time, which was so comforting at a time when we had to put so much trust and faith about ones future in the hands of another!

Thankful for this law firm and Amanda. She is an amazing attorney! Since the start she was very attentive and communicative through out my case. With her amazing knowledge I felt at ease knowing she took my case and ended with great results!!! Forever grateful with Ms Amanda!!!

If you ever find yourself in need of a legal representation, please consider Garland, Samuel & Loeb, P.C. I was very pleased with working with them and they brought the best possible outcome one can expect from the case.

For some of us, the need for an attorney is not necessarily for a positive reason. In my situation, the loss of my wife necessitated my need for competent and experienced legal counsel. Robin Loeb took on my case and even through the difficulties of the recent past caused by C0vid shut downs of the courts, she delivered in every aspect that was important to me and the outcome was beyond satisfactory. Contact Garland, Samuel & Loeb if you desire a favorable experience in your complex legal scenario.

Splendid attorneys!

John A. Garland may not wear a red cape, but he is definitely our hero! After eighteen months, all charges against my son were dismissed! John is passionate, professional, caring, thoughtful, and absolutely brilliant. He kept in constant contact with our family, and was always confident and encouraging. He was kind, but I knew behind the scenes he was tough, fierce and defending my son in every way he knew possible. John was definitely the calm in the storm. If you ever find yourself in need for the best defense attorney in Georgia, do not hesitate, call John, A. Garland! He is definitely a “Super Lawyer “!

If you want an excellent legal outcome you

I was referred to the firm by another attorney. My situation was urgent, with a scheduled court appearance only a few days away. Attorney Amanda Clark-Palmer assured me that she would take care of me, and she did! Honestly, I can’t say that I’ve met an attorney quite like her.

This Law firm have great attorneys and professional service.

Well, David Tuszinski was my lawyer, and HE did an excellent job. I guess they all do!

I was accused of a criminal act in Federal Court. I contacted Mr. Don Samuel and Amanda Clark-Palmer. They met with me and reviewed my case. They then investigated the charges and kept me abreast of court proceedings as the case was postponed some 6 times. Their defense was very organized. 18 months later they defended me in Federal Court and prevailed.

Garland, Samuel, and Loeb represented my wife and I in a long and drawn out litigation. John Garland was our primary counsel and did an excellent job. In addition to his primary responsibilities he also went out of his way to be available by phone and email when we had questions and was always completely prepared in court. I highly recommend this law firm.

Attorney Don Samuel and John Garland are my saviors. Not only are they knowledgeable, but they also supported me the way a friend would during my darkest hour, and always helped me analyze the situation and determine the best path to take. My case had a very happy ending after fighting it for four years and it is all thanks to their efforts.

The only lawyers to call in Atlanta if you are in need. I originally went to another attorney and was charged by the hour. Thousands of dollars later and with little help I was left with the choice of taking a bad plea or my lawyer telling me to fire him and find another. After this plea I used John Garland. I was charged and all inclusive up front fee and was able to go back and have the plea modified. Mr. Garland was very upfront about what we should do and what to realistically expect and hope for. Before and after the hearing I needed help with applications for work and graduate schools. Mr. Garland was always prompt in returning messages to help. If you have any legal needs this is the firm you should chose. Plain and simple.