Finch McCranie, LLP

Finding a Qualified Attorney

As I ride around the City, I am amazed at the number of billboard advertisements by attorneys. Occasionally, even though I am working all day long, I also get a chance while I am in a waiting room (usually awaiting a doctor’s deposition) to watch daytime TV. When I watch the TV, I am similarly amazed at the number of lawyer advertisements on daytime television. Obviously, this leads me to consider how the average person goes about finding a qualified personal injury attorney in a
(more…)

Loss of Consortium Claims

Many of the clients we represent are married individuals. When they are seriously injured, obviously, their spouses are adversely affected. The emotional toll of caring for an injured spouse, worrying about their health and financial issues and being overwhelmed by dealing with the totality of a serious injury case can be debilitating. The spouse of the actual client may be emotionally taxed and physically burdened by increased demands and therefore entitled to compensation for their damages. The question is whether a loss of consortium claim
(more…)

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Don’t Leave Home Without It

A typical case we see far too often is that where the motorist who caused the damage to our client had the minimum limits of Georgia law which provides only $25,000.00 in liability insurance coverage. Typically such a driver has little or no personal assets to satisfy an excess judgment against them. In those cases where our client’s damages (medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering) clearly exceed the $25,000.00 in available limits, the best chance for an excess recovery is to procure uninsured/underinsured motorist
(more…)

Family Purpose Liability: Alive and Well in Georgia

In our serious injury practice we are often times confronted with cases involving the Family Purpose Doctrine. It is not unusual for one of our clients to be injured by the acts of a teenage driver. More often than not, the teenage driver is operating the automobile with the express permission of the owner of the car which are usually the parents. Under Georgia law, when a family purpose car that is furnished by the owner to a member of the family for their convenience
(more…)

Insurance Coverage for Intentional Torts

Our lawyers are often times confronted with cases where the clients complain of intentional torts committed against them. For example, we have had clients that have come in swearing that the driver that hit them did so on purpose because of some longstanding feud or vendetta. Unfortunately, if someone acts intentionally to cause harm, their insurance policy will typically provide no coverage for them. Insurance coverage is purchased to protect against negligent acts and omissions which give rise to liability to third parties. If someone
(more…)

Suing Uncle Sam Under the Federal Tort Claims Act

The Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) waives sovereign immunity only for the acts or omissions of an “employee of the government while acting within the scope of his office or employment. . .” 28 U.S.C. § 1346(b). Because it is a limited waiver of sovereign immunity, the provisions of the Federal Tort Claims Act are strictly construed and must be followed if a valid claim against the government is to be asserted under its provisions.

(more…)

LAKE ACCIDENTS IN GEORGIA

On May 12, 2007, we wrote here about an increase in boating accidents in Georgia. We handled several such cases in 2006 and based on our experience were very aware of the peculiar dangers affiliated with recreational boating activity. Unfortunately, in yesterday’s paper, we read about 4 separate deaths which occurred in Georgia lakes over the Memorial Day weekend. Thus, even before the summer has officially begun, we have already seen tragic evidence of the dangers associated with boating.
We cannot tell from the news
(more…)

ALL TERRAIN VEHICLE (ATV) ACCIDENTS OFTEN RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH

We recently filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the owners of an ATV who failed to supervise the use of their ATV. The owner’s minor daughter and our client, a seventeen year old girl, were riding the ATV at night. Our client, the passenger, was thrown from the ATV which resulted in her sustaining internal injuries which lead to her death.
With the growing popularity of ATV’s serious injury and death cases are on the increase, especially among children. Believe it or not, the ONLY
(more…)

Wrongful Death of a Child: Apportionment of Proceeds Between Divorced Parents

Anyone who has practiced law for any period of time in the area of Serious Injury Litigation unfortunately comes across cases where a child has been killed as a result of the negligent act of a third party and the cause of action resides in divorced or separated parents. These cases not only are tragic, they can be very sad and/or messy.
The law has long been in Georgia that where parents are divorced and their unmarried child dies as a result of a negligent
(more…)

More Traps for the Unwary: Problems Under the Federal Tort Claims Act

We have previously written about procedural problems that clients may face when dealing with claims against governmental entities. Specifically, if an individual has a claim against a city or county government, there are certain pre-suit, ante litem requirements that must be observed before suit can be filed. We have written about this in earlier articles and would refer the reader to the same. We have also written these procedural problems under Georgia’s State Tort Claims Act. Here, we write briefly to discuss some unique issues
(more…)

What Is The Average Payout For A Motorcycle Accident?

The average pay out for a motorcycle accident settlement varies depending on several factors.

It’s important to note that each case is unique, and there is no fixed amount for an average payout.

The specific circumstances of the accident, the severity of injuries, the extent of property damage, and other relevant factors play a significant role in determining the settlement amount.

Average Motorcycle Accident Settlement Amount

Motorcycle accidents can result in several injuries & significant financial burdens.

If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle

(more…)

How Much Is The Average Medical Malpractice Settlement?

Medical malpractice is a major issue that can lead to significant harm and financial burden for the victims. If you or a loved one has experienced medical malpractice, you may wonder how much compensation you could receive from a settlement. The average medical malpractice settlement amount can vary depending on various factors. In this article, we will delve into the characteristics that determine the value of a medical malpractice settlement, high-profile cases, other influencing factors, how to calculate the potential value of a topic,

(more…)

How to File a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit: A Step-by-Step Guide

Medical malpractice is a serious issue that can have detrimental effects on patients’ lives. When medical professionals fail to meet the expected standard of care, resulting in harm or injury to a patient, it may be necessary to file a medical malpractice lawsuit. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide on how to file a medical malpractice lawsuit, including important considerations and steps to follow.

What Is Medical Malpractice?

Before delving into the process of filing a medical malpractice lawsuit, it’s crucial

(more…)

How Long Do You Have to Sue for Medical Malpractice?

When it comes to medical malpractice, time is of the essence. If you believe you have been a victim of medical negligence, you may wonder how long you have to take legal action and sue for medical malpractice. The timeline for categorizing a medical malpractice lawsuit can vary depending on many elements, including the jurisdiction and the nature of the case. In this article, we will delve into the intricacies of the medical malpractice statute of limitations and provide you with a comprehensive understanding

(more…)

What Percent Of Motorcycle Accidents Result In Injury Or Death?

Motorcycle accidents can have severe consequences, often resulting in injuries or even fatalities. Understanding the statistics and factors involved in motorcycle accidents can provide valuable insights into the risks riders face on the road.

Common Causes Of Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents can occur due to various reasons, including:

What Percentage Of Motorcycle Accidents Are The Rider’s Fault?

(more…)

How Long Does a Medical Malpractice Law-suit Take?

When it comes to medical malpractice cases, time is of the essence. Patients who have experienced harm due to medical negligence often wonder how long it will take to resolve their lawsuit. While there is no definitive answer, as each case is unique, it’s essential to understand the typical timeline and factors that influence the duration of a medical malpractice lawsuit. This article will delve into the different stages of a medical malpractice case and provide insights into the time it may

take to resolve.

Typical Timeline of a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit

The Initial Stages: Filing a Law-suit

(more…)

What Is Product Liability Law? – Legal Considerations To Know

Product liability law refers to the legal framework that holds manufacturers, distributors, and sellers accountable for defective products that cause harm or injury to consumers. It is based on the principle that companies are responsible for ensuring the safety & quality of the products they bring to the market. When a product fails to meet these qualities & results in harm, the injured party may have grounds for a product liability claim.

Understanding product liability law

is crucial for both consumers and businesses. Knowing their rights and obligations enables them to navigate the complexities of product liability cases more effectively.

Understanding The Product Liability Law

(more…)

What is the Statute of Limitations on Medical Malpractice Cases?

Medical malpractice cases are governed by statutes of limitations, which define the timeframe in which a patient can file a lawsuit against a healthcare professional or institution for negligence. These statutes vary according to the jurisdiction and facts of the case. Individuals seeking legal redress for medical malpractice must first understand the limitations period. This article will delve into the complexities of the medical malpractice statute of limitations, its significance, the factors influencing it, and how to effectively

navigate the legal process.

Understanding the Law of Limitations for Medical Malpractice

(more…)

What Is Medical Malpractice And Negligence

Medical malpractice is when a healthcare expert, such as a doctor, nurse, or other medical personnel, deviates from the obtained standard of care, resulting in harm or injury to a patient. On the other side, negligence is a broader legal concept encompassing various forms of professional medical malpractice and misconduct.

Medical malpractice takes place when a healthcare provider fails to provide the quantity of care that a reasonably skilled and competent professional in the

same field would provide under similar circumstances. It involves an act or omission that falls below the standard of care, causing injury, harm, or even death to a patient.

What Constitutes Medical Malpractice?

(more…)

Opioid Prescriptions, Prosecution of Physicians, and the Mens Rea Dividing Line

opioids

In response to the opioid crisis, the Department of Justice (“DOJ”) has long prioritized prosecution of doctors prescribing opioids in violation of the Controlled Substances Act (“CSA”), 21 U.S.C. § 841.

Passed in 1971, the CSA is an expansive criminal statute originally designed to prosecute people involved with trafficking so-called street drugs—i.e., marijuana, heroine, cocaine, and the like.

Because the CSA was not created to target licensed medical doctors prescribing controlled substances with legitimate medical uses (e.g., opioids)—or to criminalize the provision of socially beneficial medical care more generally—there have long been questions about how to apply the CSA fairly in physician prosecutions.

(more…)
Secret Link