Which factor primarily affects venue in Georgia personal injury cases?

In Georgia, the residence of the defendant is the primary factor that determines venue in personal injury cases. Venue refers to the specific location where a case is tried and is typically governed by statutes that dictate the proper jurisdiction based on certain criteria.

When a defendant resides in a particular county, that county is often the appropriate venue for the lawsuit. This principle is grounded in the notion that a defendant is more likely to have meaningful connections to their own county, ensuring that they can adequately defend against claims made in that jurisdiction.

Other factors, such as the convenience of the plaintiff, the availability of witnesses, and the location of legal counsel, can be relevant to the overall logistics of a case but do not override the general rule that the defendant's residence is the key determinant for venue in personal injury actions in Georgia. Thus, while those other considerations may influence where a case may ultimately be heard, the residence of the defendant remains the cornerstone upon which venue is established.