Thomas R. Burnside III is a fourth-generation Georgia lawyer who understands that individuals deserve access to courts and the right to quality legal representation in their pursuit of justice. This is especially true of people who have suffered a life-altering injury that impacts their ability to earn a living, provide for their family, and meet their financial obligations.
Thomas is a native of Augusta, GA and a personal injury attorney who focuses his law practice on the representation of individuals who have suffered injury as a result of automobile collisions, truck accidents, medical malpractice, work related accidents, unsafe premises or other causes. With over 30 years of experience handling all types of personal cases at both the trial and appellate court levels, Thomas has represented people with virtually every type of injury imaginable, including traumatic brain injuries, back and spinal cord injuries, paralysis, severe burns, broken bones and emotional distress. Thomas has also helped families through the most difficult cases where they have lost a child, spouse, or other loved one as a result of wrongful death.
An experienced and dependable advocate, Thomas is able to help you and your family navigate the legal system, coordinate available insurance benefits, maximize your recovery and secure the compensation you need and deserve so that you can meet the financial challenges that accompany your injury or catastrophic loss. Given his considerable personal injury experience, Thomas is also able to help you evaluate your injury case so you can make an informed decision about your legal rights and the value of your claim.
Thomas is also a dedicated professional who understands the need to give back to the legal profession and is mindful of the stated purpose of the State Bar of Georgia: “to foster among the members of the Bar of this State the principles of duty and service to the public; to improve the administration of justice; and to advance the science of law.” Consistent with these principles, Thomas has devoted considerable time in service to Bar, having served in the following capacities along with numerous other committees, panels, and organizations of the State Bar of Georgia:
- Board of Governors, Member (2007-2022)
- Board of Governors, Executive Committee (2015-2017)
- Advisory Committee on Legislation, Member
- UPL Standing Committee, Chair
- Member Benefits Committee, Member
- UPL District 10 Committee, Chair
- Business Court Committee, Member
- Elections Committee, Chair
- Lawyers Foundation of Georgia, Trustee
- State Disciplinary Board—Investigative Panel
- State Disciplinary Board – Review Panel
Thomas has also been an active member of the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association and recognizes the importance of ensuring that all the citizens of Georgia have access to the court system and the right to trial by jury, a right guaranteed in the Constitution of both Georgia and the United States of America.
Areas of Practice
- Motor Vehicle Accidents
- Truck Accidents
- Dog Attacks/Bites
- Falls and Other Premises Liability
- Hazardous and Unsafe Conditions
- Medical Malpractice
- Personal Injury
- Premises Liability
- On-the-job Injuries
- Workers’ Compensation
- Wrongful Death
Litigation Percentage
- 100% of Practice Devoted to Litigation
Bar Admissions
- Georgia, 1991
- U.S. District Court Southern District of Georgia, 1991
- Georgia Court of Appeals, 1992
- U.S. Court of Appeals 11th Circuit, 1992
- Supreme Court of Georgia, 1992
Education
- Mercer University, Walter F. George School of Law, Macon, Georgia
- J.D. – 1991
- Presbyterian College, Clinton, South Carolina
- B.S. – 1988
- Major: Business
Honors and Awards
- Best Lawyers in America Personal Injury Litigation, 2018 – Present
- Georgia Super Lawyers Personal Injury: Plaintiff, 2013 – Present
- Georgia Trend’s Legal Elite, 2014 – Present
- Atlanta Magazine’s Top Attorneys in Georgia, 2014 – Present
- The National Trial Lawyers: Top 100 Trial Lawyers, 2014 – Present
- State Disciplinary Board, Investigative Panel Member, 1998 – 2001
- State Disciplinary Board, Review Panel, 2009 – 2015
- State Bar Board of Governors, 2007 – 2022
- State Bar Board of Governors Executive Committee, 2015 – 2017
- Fellow, Lawyers Foundation of Georgia
Professional Associations and Memberships
- Georgia Bar Association, Member, 1991 – Present
- Georgia Trial Lawyers Association, Member, 1991 – Present
- American Association for Justice, Member, 1991 – Present
- Augusta Bar Association, Member, 1991 – Present
- Augusta Bar Association, YLA Section, President, 2000
- City of Harlem, Georgia, City Attorney, 1995 – 2002