Personal Injury & Wrongful Death

Landmark Cigarette Ruling Upheld

Last Friday the U.S. Court of Appeals in Washington essentially upheld a landmark ruling that found cigarette makers deceived the public for decades about the health hazards of smoking.
The Court of Appeals upheld the major elements of a 2006 ruling that found the nation’s top tobacco companies guilty of fraud and violating racketeering laws. The ruling said manufacturers must change the way they market cigarettes. It bans labels such as “low tar,” “light,” “ultra light” or “mild,” because such cigarettes have been found to
(more…)

Drug Companies Agree To Reimbursement of Taxpayers

The attorney general of Alabama has announced that 14 major drug companies will pay Alabama $89 million to settle a lawsuit accusing them of defrauding the state Medicaid agency. This lawsuit brought on behalf of the taxpayers of the state of Alabama is one of many throughout the United States brought by state’s Attorney Generals accusing drug manufactures of overcharging and defrauding states for the purchase of drugs used in state sponsored medicaid and health care programs. The lawsuits essentially allege a pattern of fraud
(more…)

Product Liability Claims And Other Claims Related To Dangerous Machinery

Georgia injury lawyers, handling a claim for a catastrophically injured employee or the family of a deceased employee, our investigation will often reveal that the employee received injuries while working on or around a piece of machinery that caused the death, some traumatic amputation or other trauma to the employee. In such a case, the attorney must consider potential product liability claims, such as defective design, manufacture, assembly, testing or failure to warn or misrepresentation. The Supreme Court of Georgia has outlined the
(more…)

South Carolina Teenager Seriously Injured After Being Thrown From ATV

Georgia and South Carolina injury lawyers are seeing ATV accidents involving serious injury and sometimes death are on the rise with the return of warm weather. Tragically many, if not most are preventable by using common sense and obeying ATV rules. Just this week, I read about a Summerville, South Carolina teenager who is fighting for her life as a result of being thrown from the back of a fast moving ATV. According to witnesses, neither the 32 year old ATV driver or the
(more…)

Brain Death

Our Atlanta based lawyers are constantly involved in cases involving brain injury and brain death. As tragic as these cases are, the families and loved ones are many times faced with the decision whether to cease life support after there has been a medical determination of brain death.
In general, brain death is considered to be the irreversible loss of brain function. The exact definition has changed throughout the years and is still subject to debate. The brainstem controls brain function and is responsible for
(more…)

Lawmakers Hold Hearing on Medical Device Safety Act

Defective medical devices can lead to the serious injury or death of innocent people. For this reason Georgia injury lawyers representing victims of defective and dangerous products were dismayed when the Supreme Court decision in Riegel v. Medtronic, held that consumers can’t sue medical device companies over medical devices that have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Now, victims of these dangerous products who say they were injured by faulty medical devices want Congress to pass legislation called the Medical
(more…)

Workers Compensation Injuries – Is There A Premises Liability and Negligent Security Third Party Claims?

The Georgia injury lawyers at Finch McCranie, LLP who handle workers compensation cases always investigate the possibility that there is a negligent third party who can be sued and held accountable for the client’s injuries and damages. As any injured worker knows, the income benefits available under the Georgia Workers Compensation Act are limited. A worker with serious injuries is never made whole with workers compensation benefits alone. Many serious on-the-job injuries or deaths are attributable to the negligence of someone other
(more…)

Congressman’s Death Highlights The Dangers of Operating An ATV

As the popularity of ATV’s (all-terrain vehicles) increases the Georgia injury lawyers at Finch McCranie, LLP see more ATV accidents resulting in death and serious injuries each year. Even experienced riders must be very careful when operating an ATV. On April 18th of this year, former Utah Congressman Bill Orton, age 60, died while operating his ATV. According to authorities, he was riding out on the sand and went off a very steep sand dune, and when he impacted the bottom, the front end
(more…)

Car Roof Crush Standards Increased

Many automobile crashes which our Georgia lawyers investigate involve serious injury and deaths which are caused by roof collapses in rollover situations. Tragically, many of these victims would have been less seriously injured or survived had the roof of the vehicle not collapsed. For many years, safety advocates have urged auto makers and the federal government to increase the minimal standards for vehicle roof strength.
Now, under pressure from Congress, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued increased roof-strength requirements. The long-awaited federal
(more…)

Limiting The Chance For Serious Injury Or Death From Grinding Wheel Explosions

The Georgia injury lawyers at Finch McCranie, LLP have previously posted on the danger posed by defective grinding wheels that explode or disintegrate. When a grinding wheel comes apart, it can result in serious eye injury and even death. Although there are several reasons why these wheels fail, it is thought that many of these are inferior, imported products.
To prevent injuries, the following procedures are recommended when using grinding wheels:
* Check the wheel before each use for any cracks or chips. If
(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…)