Personal Injury & Wrongful Death

Worker’s Compensation Claims Overview

In Georgia, worker’s compensation is essentially an insurance program regulated by the state and required of most employers. Worker’s compensation pays medical bills and lost wages for employees who have had work related accidents resulting in illness or injury.
Employees with work-related conditions or injuries are entitled, but not limited, to:
• Reimbursement of travel expenses, including mileage to and from medical appointments
• Prescription reimbursements
• Two-thirds of your weekly wage while you are unable to work and are off work up
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How To Get The Best Settlement In A Personal Injury Case

This past month our firm handled two different cases which both illustrate how to get the best possible settlement for a client in a personal injury case. It is oftentimes said that many cases settle on the courthouse steps. This is true. The reason for this is because if the case is not settled, it will have to be presented to a jury at considerable expense and with great time and effort by all parties. The uncertainty of what a jury might do, either returning
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Should High Speed Police Chases Be Banned ?

The simple answer to the question posed is – No. Some police chases are necessary in order to protect the interests of the public. If someone through a violent act commits the crime of car jacking, is a cop killer or otherwise is attempting to escape law enforcement for the commission of a violent felony where the suspect clearly poses an imminent and present danger to the public, then under such circumstances, the dangers presented by police chases are warranted from a societal standpoint. It
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Dangerous Infant Cribs To Be Banned

Over the years our product liability lawyers have been involved in cases in Georgia in which infants are tragically killed by crib and toy dangers. Now in an effort that we applaud, major manufacturers of infant cribs have agreed on a proposal that would ban drop-side cribs in the United States.
Drop-side cribs allow parents to raise and lower one side for easy access. But bad designs, missing pieces and worn-out hardware have caused the adjustable railings to separate from the cribs. Infants have slid
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Minor Falls Can Lead To Severe Brain Injury

Our Atlanta lawyers see many cases involving serious head injuries which at first appear to be minor or nonexistent. The recent report about actress Natasha Richardson who fell at a Canadian ski slope is a prime example. According to reports, Ms. Richardson, suffered a minor fall while skiing.

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Nursing Home Elder Abuse and Neglect

The Georgia injury lawyers at Finch McCranie, LLP have represented many victims of nursing home abuse over the years. With our aging population, we expect the numbers of these cases to increase. Nursing home abuse and nursing home neglect of the elderly and vulnerable in nursing homes and other facilities occurs in many forms. A Georgia nursing home lawyer is here to assist your loved ones with holding the wrongdoers accountable. Some types of abuse are obvious such as elder sexual or elder
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Defibrillator Recall

Emergency defibrillators in public gathering places have become common throughout Georgia. Now, about 14,000 external defibrillators are being recalled after 39 reported incidents, including two that involved patient deaths.
The recall was announced Tuesday by manufacturer Welch Allyn. It involves 14,054 AED 10 and MRL JumpStart external defibrillators made between Oct. 3, 2002, and Jan. 25, 2007. The company said there is a chance the AEDs, available through prescription, may produce low-energy shock, shutdown unexpectedly or be susceptible to electromagnetic noise interference.
These problems could
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Dangers Of Industry Payments To Doctors

Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia has been involved in a controversy concerning undisclosed payments to the head of the psychiatry department by drug companies. The danger that these financial relationships between physicians and drug and medical device manufactures can pose to patients is being brought to light in West Virginia.
Two companies that make medical devices and surgical materials may face sanctions related to medical malpractice lawsuits filed by patients against John Anderson King, an osteopathic surgeon on the staff of Putnam General Hospital in
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Bowflex Recalls Dangerous Gyms

Many Bowflex exercise machines are found in homes and gyms throughout Georgia. Now, Nautilus Inc, the manufacturer is recalling 78,000 of its Bowflex Ultimate 2 Home Gyms.
There are reports that the seat rails can unlatch causing potentially serious injury. At least 18 people have been injured so far, with some customers suffering cuts to their heads and shoulders; some requiring stitches.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said the gym’s horizontal seat rail, if not manually latched for storage, can fall on a user
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Supreme Court Ruling Affects Georgia Consumers and Others

Georgia residents and countless others across the nation received good news today. In a surprise decision handed down today the United States Supreme Court held that drug manufacturers who fail to warn of known dangers are not immune from liability due to the federal preemption doctrine.

In the case of Wyeth v. Levine , the Supreme Court was confronted with a situation in which drug manufacturer Wyeth had been sued by Levine. Wyeth manufacturers the anti-nausea drug Phenergan. Levine had been injected with Phenergan by a clinician using the IV-push method whereby the drug is injected directly into a vein.

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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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