Finch McCranie, LLP

Family Files Wrongful Death Suit Over Police Chase That Ended in Fatality

It seems that everyday when our personal injury lawyers open the paper, we read about another wrongful death in the context of a high speed police chase. Today, we read about another tragic police chase, this one in Montana. The Billings Gazette reported that the family of a Billings nurse killed by a drunken teenager who was fleeing from police has filed a wrongful death and negligence lawsuit, claiming city officers and county deputies violated their own pursuit policies. Stahl died shortly
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Dangerous Contraceptive Pills Yaz and YasminShould Be Removed From The Market

As Georgia injury lawyers, we are well aware that citizens can no longer rely on the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) to be the guardian of public safety when it comes to new drugs that come to market. Every year, the cash rich pharmaceutical companies, with their high powered lobbyist market and sell dangerous drugs and medical devices to the public. The Coalition Against Bayer Dangers, a consumer watchdog group, has demanded an ban of “third generation” contraceptive pills with increased rates of side effects. Studies
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Aide Pleads Guilty To Neglect In Nursing Home Death

Nursing home neglect and nursing home negligence leading to the wrongful death or serious injury of the elderly is a growing problem. With the number of aging baby boomers steadily increasing, it is likely to continue to be a problem. Neglect takes many forms. Recently, we read that an Illinois woman involved in a lawsuit over the alleged wrongful death of an 89-year old Alzheimer patient has pleaded guilty to criminal neglect, according to the Chicago Tribune. Sara Wentworth died of hypothermia earlier this

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Federal Pleading Standards Receiving Congressional Scrutiny

Pleading standards in Federal Courts have been dramatically impacted by two recent United States Supreme Court decisions. These decisions, Bell Atlantic Corp. v. Twombly and Ashcroft v. Iqbal, raised the standard that parties bringing a lawsuit must meet to avoid having their cases dismissed.
At issue is how specific a pleading must be under the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. Rule 8 requires that a complaint include “a short and plain statement of the claim showing that the pleader is entitled to relief.” Rule 12
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Serious Injury Or Death Often Results From Electrocution Injury

As Georgia injury lawyers, we have seen a number of electrocution cases over the years. Some of the electrocutions result in serious injury and many result in death. Electrocution injury can cause many problems which include, tingling, pain, tetany, palpitations, chest pain, respiratory arrest, amnesia, seizures, altered mental state, coma, blistering and wounds. This week we had occasion to investigate the electrocution of a client who is a lineman for an electric utility company. He was seriously injured when he came into contact
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Nine Deaths Linked To Highly Flammable Women’s Robes

The product liability injury lawyers at Finch McCranie,LLP have handled many wrongful death cases stemming from dangerous products. These products take many different forms. The Associated Press reported this week that full-lenght women’s chenille robes made in Pakistan are being recalled because they are highly flammable and are now linked to nine deaths of women, most of whom were in their 70’s and 80’s. Most of the incidents occurred while the victims were cooking.
Our firm has seen many wrongful death cases
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Doctors Convicted Of Felonies Still Paid By Taxpayers

Doctors who have committed crimes are still being paid by taxpayers for doing work for the Food and Drug Administration according to a report in the Wall Street Journal. This work ranges from conducting research for the agency or overseeing the safety of patients in clinical trials. The report takes the FDA to task for slowness in debarring ,( disqualifying ), health professionals who have been convicted of crimes.
The FDA has the authority to debar doctors from overseeing the safety of patients in clinical
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Ford Recall:Cruise Controls Malfunction

Recently our firm posted a blog about a tragic accident in Georgia where an 11-year old girl lost her life due to an apparent malfunctioning cruise control switch on a Ford Econoline Van. Last week, we noted with great interest that shortly after this tragic event occurred, the Ford Motor Company recalled 4.5 million vehicles over “faulty cruise control switches.” According to the recall, the faulty cruise control switches being recalled could cause a fire in the vehicle which was the stated reason for the
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Defective Cruise Control Suspected In Wrongful Death

We read today about a tragic case in which an 11-year old girl was killed in an accident that may have resulted from a defective product. According to news accounts, a 1997 Ford Econoline Van lost control near the intersection of U.S. 441 and Interstate 16 while the van was being operated by the child’s grandfather. The grandfather reported to the Georgia State Patrol that the cruise control had gotten stuck and that he could not cut it off. As the driver took the exit
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Recreational Off-Road Vehicle Rules Proposed

Our Atlanta attorneys frequently review cases involving recreational off-road vehicles which involve death and serious injury. The Consumer Product Safety Commission staff has recommended that the agency set mandatory rules to regulate recreational off-road vehicles.
The CPSC’s five commissioners received the written recommendation this week, and must propose a rulemaking before any rules could be implemented. An agency spokesman said the commissioners could vote on whether to proceed with the rulemaking as early as Wednesday of this week.
The off-road vehicles, also known as ROVs,
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Dog Bites: A Crash Course on Potential Legal Liability

Man’s best friend can turn into a legal headache when a dog bite occurs. Understanding the potential legal liabilities surrounding dog bites is essential for both dog owners and those who find themselves on the receiving end. In this crash course, we delve into the intricacies of dog bite laws and the responsibilities that come with canine companionship.

The Legal Landscape of Dog Bites

In many jurisdictions, dog owners are held strictly liable for injuries caused by their pets. This means

that regardless of the dog’s previous behavior or the owner’s knowledge of aggressiveness, they may be held responsible for damages resulting from a bite. This strict liability extends to public places, private property, and even the dog owner’s home.

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MEDICAL EXPENSES OR OTHER BENEFITS WITH SUBROGATION

Subrogation is a complicated concept, likely unfamiliar until you find yourself entangled in a lawsuit. In the realm of personal injury cases, it empowers insurance providers to step into the injured party’s shoes, posing critical questions about medical expenses and responsibility.

Illustrating Subrogation in Personal Injury

Imagine being in a car accident through no fault of your own, resulting in medical treatments covered by your health insurance. If you decide to sue the at-fault driver, the crux becomes whether their insurance should reimburse your

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How to Prepare a Good Personal Injury Demand

To start, let’s define what a demand is. Demands come in many forms, but when it comes to personal injury, a market is a written formal request for payment to settle an outstanding claim or legal matter.  More simply, it is an offer stating the amount of money it would take for your client to pay all claims and dismiss or refrain from filing a lawsuit against the party that caused harm.  Accordingly, it must be presented well.

Writing a demand is an

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Who is the Proper Party to Bring a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Georgia?

For over 50 years, Finch McCranie L.L.P. has been a stalwart advocate for families in Atlanta and across Georgia, handling numerous wrongful death lawsuits. In the unfortunate event of a person’s demise due to negligence, understanding the intricacies of wrongful death claims becomes paramount. This comprehensive guide sheds light on critical aspects, from entitled parties to the bifurcation of claims.

Understanding Wrongful Death Claims in Georgia

Wrongful death claims in Georgia typically encompass two distinct categories:

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Tolling of Estate Claim in Georgia Wrongful Death Cases

Tolling of Estate Claim

This post will deal with the tolling of claims due to death and up until the appointment of an administrator.

Remember, a wrongful death action consists of two categories of claims:

those that belong to the decedent’s survivors and consists of the “full value of the life of the decedent,” and those that belong to the estate and include medical expenses incurred prior to death, funeral and burial expenses, conscious pain and suffering prior

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How Much Is Medical Malpractice Insurance? – Find Out Here!

If you’re in the healthcare profession, understanding the cost of medical malpractice insurance is crucial.

Medical malpractice insurance provides coverage for healthcare professionals in the event of claims arising from alleged negligence or mistakes in their practice.

The price of this insurance can vary depending on many factors, including the location, specialty, and healthcare provider’s experience.

Let’s delve into the details and shed light on the average cost, factors influencing pricing, different pricing options, and tips for obtaining affordable medical malpractice insurance.

What Is The Average Cost Of Medical Malpractice Insurance?

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Hiring the Right Advocate: A Guide to Medical Negligence Attorneys in Atlanta

Pursuing justice in medical negligence cases in Atlanta requires a skilled legal ally. 

Finding the right attorney is crucial when you or a loved one has experienced harm due to medical malpractice. 

A Medical Negligence Attorney in Atlanta can be the key to navigating the complex legal terrain and securing the compensation you deserve.

Understanding Medical Negligence

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Damages in a Georgia Medical Malpractice Case

Understanding the intricacies of damages is crucial in legal battles concerning medical malpractice. 

These cases involve compensation for various losses incurred by the plaintiff due to negligent medical care. 

Contrary to popular belief, the scope of damages in a medical malpractice case is not vastly different from those in typical personal injury cases. 

Both general and special damages constitute the core elements of compensation that a plaintiff is entitled to recover.

General Damages: Pain, Suffering, and Beyond

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Time Limitations in Georgia Medical Malpractice Cases

Time is a pivotal factor in legal proceedings, especially when dealing with medical malpractice cases in Georgia. 

These cases come with stringent limitations and exceptions, shaping the window of opportunity for seeking justice. 

Understanding the intricacies of these limitations is crucial, as they significantly impact the ability to pursue a case successfully.

Statute of Limitations: A Race Against Time

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The Future of Product Liability: Emerging Trends and Challenges

Product liability refers to the legal responsibility of manufacturers and sellers for injuries and damages caused by their products. 

Traditionally, product liability cases focused on defective products or inadequate warnings. 

However, several new developments are influencing the future of product liability.

Digitalization and IoT

The Internet of Things (IoT) revolutionizes how products operate and interact with users. 

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