Personal Injury & Wrongful Death

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
(more…)

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
(more…)

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

(more…)

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
(more…)

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
(more…)

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
(more…)

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
(more…)

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
(more…)

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
(more…)

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,
(more…)

Who Is the Best Personal Injury Lawyer in Duluth, GA, in 2026?

There is no single personal injury lawyer in Duluth, who is best for every case. The right lawyer for a serious injury should have experience with your type of claim, sufficient investigative resources, a history of preparing cases for trial, clear fee terms, and a communication style that makes you feel informed rather than pressured.

Georgia generally provides two years to bring an action for personal injuries, although exceptions can change the applicable deadline. Georgia’s comparative-fault rules may also prevent recovery when an injured person is 50% or more responsible for the claimed harm.

Choosing the best lawyer is therefore not about finding the biggest advertisement or accepting a promise of fast compensation. It means identifying an attorney whose experience, resources, preparation, and communication practices fit the facts and demands of your case.

This decision becomes particularly important after a severe truck crash, possible medical negligence, catastrophic injury, or the preventable death of a family member. These claims may involve substantial losses, complicated evidence, corporate defendants, expert witnesses, and insurers with experienced defense teams.

(more…)

Do You Need a Medical Malpractice Lawyer in Atlanta for Nursing Home Neglect?

A Medical Malpractice Lawyer in Atlanta may be able to help when nursing home neglect involves improper medical care that injures a resident. 

However, not every nursing home complaint is classified as medical malpractice.

Some cases involve professional medical decisions, such as medication management, wound treatment, health monitoring, or emergency response. 

Others involve failures in supervision, hygiene, staffing, facility maintenance, or protection from abuse. A case may also include several types of negligence at the same time.

Determining what kind of claim may apply requires examining what happened, who was responsible, and how the conduct harmed the resident. 

A legal assessment can help families understand whether the matter involves medical malpractice, ordinary negligence, abuse, or another legal issue.

(more…)

What Happens If an Insurance Company Contacts You After a Wrongful Death in Duluth, GA?

If an insurance company contacts you after a wrongful death in Duluth, GA, the representative may ask about the incident, request a recorded statement, seek access to records, or discuss a possible settlement. 

You are not required to provide detailed answers or accept an offer immediately. The insurer’s role is to investigate the claim and protect its policyholder’s interests. 

Before signing documents, providing a recorded statement, or discussing compensation, consider obtaining legal advice about your family’s rights under Georgia law.

Why Would an Insurance Company Contact the Family?

An insurance company may contact surviving family members shortly after learning about a fatal accident or another incident that could result in a wrongful death claim.

The representative may be investigating:

  • How the death occurred
  • Who may be legally responsible
  • Whether the policy covers the incident
  • The amount of available insurance coverage
  • Whether another person or company shares responsibility
  • The financial value of the potential claim
(more…)

Common Allegations of Negligence in Psychiatric Malpractice Claims

Psychiatric care involves highly personal and often complex interactions between patients and healthcare professionals. 

Patients may rely on psychiatrists to evaluate their symptoms, identify mental health conditions, recommend appropriate treatment, prescribe and monitor medications, and respond to signs of a psychiatric emergency. 

Because of the nature of these responsibilities, mistakes or failures in care can sometimes have serious consequences.

When a patient believes that a psychiatrist or another mental health professional failed to provide appropriate care and that the failure caused harm, the circumstances may lead to a psychiatric malpractice claim. 

However, not every unfavorable treatment outcome or unsuccessful diagnosis constitutes malpractice. 

Mental health conditions can be difficult to diagnose and treat, and treatment outcomes can vary from one patient to another.

A malpractice claim generally requires evidence that the provider owed the patient a duty of care, failed to meet the applicable standard of care, and caused legally recognized harm. 

The exact requirements and available claims depend on the facts of the case and the law of the jurisdiction where the claim is brought.

The following are some of the common allegations that may arise in psychiatric malpractice cases.

(more…)

Wrongful Death Lawyer in Atlanta for Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect

When a nursing home resident dies, families may wonder whether the death resulted solely from an underlying medical condition or whether abuse or neglect played a role. 

While not every nursing home death gives rise to a legal claim, evidence may show that inadequate care, delayed treatment, medication errors, or other forms of neglect contributed to the resident’s death. 

Understanding how Georgia law addresses nursing home abuse, neglect, and wrongful death claims can help families evaluate their legal options. 

This guide explains the key legal principles, filing requirements, and evidence commonly involved in these cases. 

What Is Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect?

Nursing home abuse and neglect occur when a resident is harmed because of intentional misconduct or a failure to provide proper care. 

Abuse involves deliberate actions that cause physical, emotional, sexual, or financial harm. 

Neglect refers to failing to meet a resident’s essential needs, such as providing adequate food, water, hygiene, medical care, supervision, or assistance with daily activities. Both abuse and neglect can affect a resident’s health, safety, and quality of life. 

(more…)

Who Can Sue for Wrongful Death? A Complete Guide for 2026

Losing a loved one because of another person’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct can leave a family facing both emotional trauma and unexpected financial challenges. 

In these situations, surviving family members may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim against the party responsible for the loss. 

However, not everyone connected to the deceased is automatically allowed to file a lawsuit. 

State law generally determines who has legal standing, what damages may be recovered, and how long the family has to take action. 

Understanding these rules can help families identify their legal options and protect their rights during an extremely difficult time.

What Is a Wrongful Death Claim?

A wrongful death claim is a civil lawsuit filed when someone’s death results from another party’s negligence, recklessness, wrongful act, or misconduct. 

These cases may involve car accidents, medical malpractice, defective products, workplace incidents, dangerous premises, or nursing home neglect.

(more…)

What Defines Medical Malpractice Lawyers Top-Rated in Georgia?

Choosing a medical malpractice lawyer requires more than looking at online ratings, awards, or years of practice. 

Patients and families dealing with a suspected medical error need an attorney who can evaluate complex medical records, understand the applicable legal standards, work with qualified experts, and determine whether negligence caused harm.

The term “top rated” does not represent a specific legal certification or guarantee of success. Instead, it may refer to professional recognition, client feedback, peer reviews, or an attorney’s experience handling similar cases. 

A careful evaluation should focus on the lawyer’s qualifications, approach to investigation, communication, and ability to handle the medical and legal issues involved in a Georgia malpractice claim.

What Does “Top Rated” Mean for a Medical Malpractice Attorney?

“Top rated” is not a formal legal designation or a guarantee of an attorney’s success in a medical malpractice case. 

The term may refer to professional recognition, peer evaluations, client feedback, legal directories, or experience in a specific area of law.

(more…)

What should you know about Psychiatric Malpractice and Patient Rights

Mental health patients rely on psychiatrists and other professionals for accurate diagnosis, appropriate treatment, medication management, and ongoing care. 

When a provider fails to meet the accepted standard of care and causes harm, psychiatric malpractice may be involved. 

Understanding patient rights, including the right to appropriate treatment and informed care, can help patients and families recognize potential negligence and determine when to seek legal advice. 

What Is Psychiatric Malpractice?

Psychiatric malpractice is a form of medical negligence involving improper care by a psychiatrist or other mental health professional. 

Responsibilities may include diagnosing conditions, creating treatment plans, prescribing and monitoring medications, and assessing patient risks. 

A malpractice claim generally requires showing that the provider failed to meet the accepted standard of care and that this negligence caused or contributed to the patient’s harm. 

(more…)

Georgia Delivery Truck Injury Lawyer for Accident Compensation Claims

Delivery vehicles are a regular presence on Georgia roads. Package trucks and commercial vans travel through Atlanta neighborhoods, apartment communities, shopping centers, office developments, loading areas, and major highways every day. 

Their frequent stops and close interaction with pedestrians, cyclists, parked vehicles, and local traffic can create complicated situations when a collision occurs.

A crash involving a package delivery vehicle may look similar to an ordinary car wreck at first. 

However, the legal investigation can become more complex because the driver may work for a national delivery company, a local logistics provider, a staffing agency, or an independent contractor. 

The vehicle may also be owned, leased, or maintained by another business.

A Georgia delivery truck injury lawyer examines these relationships to determine who controlled the driver, who owned the vehicle, which insurance policies may apply, and whether a preventable failure contributed to the collision. 

The availability of financial recovery depends on the evidence, the nature of the injuries, the applicable law, and the conduct of each person or business involved.

(more…)

How an Experienced Wrongful Death Lawyer Handles Drowning Cases

The loss of a loved one in a drowning can leave a family with difficult questions about what occurred and whether someone could have prevented the incident. 

A swimming pool, lake, dock, boat, or other water setting may appear safe, yet failures involving supervision, maintenance, access control, or emergency response can create serious risks.

An experienced wrongful death lawyer near me in Duluth can examine the circumstances surrounding a fatal drowning and help determine whether another person, property owner, company, or organization may be legally responsible. 

This process requires more than identifying a dangerous condition. The evidence must connect the actions or inaction of a responsible party to the death.

Each drowning case presents different legal and factual issues. A child may enter an unsecured residential pool, a hotel guest may experience distress in an inadequately monitored swimming area, or a boating passenger may be placed at risk by careless operation. 

An attorney must study the setting, the people involved, the available records, and the duties that applied at the time.

(more…)