Personal Injury & Wrongful Death

What is Stackable Uninsured/Underinsured Insurance Coverage

When one purchases an automobile insurance policy from their insurance agent, the real reason that the policy is being purchased is to comply with Georgia law, which requires that all automobile drivers have minimum limits of liability insurance in the amount of $25,000.00 per person, $50,000.00 per accident. What this means is that if a driver is to drive lawfully under our laws, one must be financially responsible. If one runs a stop sign and injures another individual and breaks their leg, as an example,
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Most Dangerous Intersections For Motorcycles

Our Atlanta attorneys frequently litigate motorcycle accident cases. Our experience over many years shows that in almost all cases the motorcyclist was not at fault.
Recently, the Atlanta media reported a case in which a young man was fatally injured in the Little Five Points district when the scooter he was driving was hit from behind by a vehicle.
Allstate insurance company has conducted a study of the most dangerous intersections in Atlanta for motorcycle riders.
The data indicates that the intersection of 14th Street
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Deadliest Months For Teen Drivers Begin

As teens begin summer vacations, a disturbing warning has been issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation.
The latest data from U.S. Department of Transportation’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System show that the deadliest days of the year for teens ages 15-19 are in the months of May, June, July and August. During these four months, nearly twice as many teens died on the roads each day as compared to the rest of the year – for an average of nearly 16 deaths per day (15.9)
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Pedestrian Accidents

We read in the paper this week news articles about various traffic incidents involving pedestrians. In one case a drunk driver hit a pedestrian who was walking in a crosswalk at an intersection. The drunk driver apparently ran the stop sign running over and killing the pedestrian. In another case, again, a pedestrian was in a crosswalk and a driver simply failed to pay attention to the situation and ran over the pedestrian, seriously injuring the victim.
Big cities are dangerous because there are many
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Motorcycles and Drunk Drivers: A Deadly Combination

We read in the paper this week about a tragedy involving a motorcyclist who was struck and killed by a drunk driver. According to news accounts, the drunk driver was completely at fault in the incident and struck the innocent motorcycle rider from the rear. Regrettably, this case is indicative of the dangers to which all motorcycle riders are exposed. Such dangers are exponentially increased, obviously, when a drunk driver is involved.
We read in the paper this week about a tragedy involving a motorcyclist
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Dangerous Glass Products and Preventable Injuries

Approximately 2 years ago we published an article on the dangers of unsafe and dangeous glass products. We re-print this article because of the tragic death of a young woman who fell to her death this week after falling through a window at a hotel in downtown Atlanta. This accident was preventable but occurred because safety glass was apparently not properly used. In today’s modern age, with the known dangers involved, this is inexcusable. Our earlier blog entry is posted again in view of this
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Unit Measurement Approach When Discussing Wrongful Death Damages

If a 28 year old male is killed and hypothetically he should have a 48 year life expectancy, when killed at age 28, the decedent has lost 46 years of his life according to the Annuity Mortality Tables of most states. Forty-eight years translates into 46 years times 365 days a year times 16 hours a day of consciousness (46x365x16=268,640 hours). Because we sleep for 8 hours a day, if one argues before a jury that the decedent would have consciously enjoyed life for 46
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Measuring Damages In Wrongful Death Cases

As every individual is unique, so is the challenge faced by a trial attorney in trying to address a jury on the issue of the proper measurement of damages in the wrongful death case of any individual. All individuals are different. They come from different backgrounds and they are different ages, sexes, races, nationalities and religious beliefs. Whoever the unfortunate victim in a wrongful death case may be, the challenge is coming up with the best assessment of addressing damages when trying to obtain
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The Centers For Disease Control Releases Wrongful Death Statistics

According to a recently released report authored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, car accident cases and wrongful deaths cost the State of Georgia approximately $1.5 billion in the calendar year 2005. Regrettably, this is the most recent data which as been collated and studied. Nationwide, car accident related deaths cost approximately $41 billion. Georgia ranked number 4 among 10 other states with the highest medical and work lost costs associated with preventable deaths caused by motor vehicle collisions.
Obviously, much can
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New Georgia Law Designed To Prevent Injury To Children

Georgia Governor Nathan Deal has signed a new law requiring all children under the age of 7 to be placed in booster seats unless they are over 40 pounds in weight and/or stand more than 4 feet 9 inches tall. The new law will go into effect this coming January to give parents time to purchase booster seats if needed. The reason for the new law: Protection of our children. Authorities have tracked injuries to children over the last five years and have determined that
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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

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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

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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?

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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

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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

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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

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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?

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Punitive Damages in Atlanta, Georgia Wrongful Death Cases

Punitive DamagesAs mentioned in Part I, punitive damages are not available as part of the wrongful death claim. They are, however, available in connection with the estate’s claims for the decedent’s predeath injuries and pain and suffering. Donson Nursing Facilities v. Dixon, 176 Ga. App. 700, 701 (1985).

Like with the wrongful death claim itself, punitive damages were not allowed under common law.

They are statutory in nature, and consequently, they are strictly construed.

The relevant statute
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What damages are available in an Atlanta, GA wrongful death case?

Punitive Damages LawyerThis is Part I of a discussion concerning what damages are available in Georgia wrongful death cases.  Part II will be published next week.

Wrongful death claims in Georgia are typically divided into two separate claims: (1) the wrongful death per se as measured by the “full value of the life of the decedent” without deducting for any of the necessary or personal expenses of the decedent had he or she lived;
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Trucking Accidents and Commercial Vehicle Accidents in Georgia

Georgia trucking accidents and commercial vehicle accidents are significantly different than typical motor vehicle collisions that involve two individuals driving privately in vehicles and are not working on behalf of their employer at the time of the wreck.  The primary reason for this is that tractor-trailers and other commercial vehicles are governed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, which have also been adopted by the State of Georgia.  A “commercial vehicle” is defined as any vehicle used on the highway or interstate
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