Personal Injury & Wrongful Death

Defective Dehumidifiers Recalled

http://www.serious-injury-litigation.com/lawyer-attorney-1259787.htmlGeorgia injury lawyers know that dangerous products can cause serious injury or death to innocent consumers. For example, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced the voluntary recall of Gold Star and Comfort-Aire portable dehumidifiers due to a fire hazard. The Commission said the recall involved 98,000 dehumidifiers exported from China by LG Electronics Tianjin Appliance Co. Of China. According to the Commission, the dehumidifiers have power connectors that can short circuit, posing a fire risk. The company has received four reports of fires involving dehumidifiers including Gold Star model # GHD30Y7, which were sold at Home Depot outlets, model # DH305Y7, sold at Walmart stores, and Comfort-Aire model # BHD-301-C dehumidifiers, sold at Heat Controller.
Defective and dangerous products coming into the United States from China are increasing at an alarming rate. In 2008, 80% of all product recalls in the U.S. involved imported products from China. Other dangerous recalled products include dog food, toys with lead paint, drywall and even pharmaceuticals.

(more…)

Carbon Monoxide Leaks Often Result In Wrongful Death

Every year Georgia citizens die needlessly as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning. According to Journal of the American Medical Association, carbon monoxide is the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in America, yet many people do not know when they are being affected by it since its symptoms appear flu-like. Exposure to high levels of carbon monoxide can result in death.
Most of the time this poisoning occurs as a result of defectively installed or maintained gas furnaces or gas hot water heaters, although there are many sources of carbon monoxide which include house fires, faulty furnaces, heaters, wood-burning stoves, internal combustion vehicle exhaust, electrical generators, propane-fueled equipment such as portable stoves, and gasoline-powered tools such as leaf blowers, lawn mowers, high-pressure washers, concrete cutting saws, power trowels, and welders. Exposure typically occurs when equipment is used in buildings or semi-enclosed spaces. Poisoning may also occur following the use of a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCUBA) due to faulty diving air compressors. Riding in the bed of pickup trucks has even led to poisoning in children. Idling automobiles with the exhaust pipe blocked by snow has led to the poisoning of car occupants. Generators and propulsion engines on boats, especially houseboats, has resulted in fatal carbon monoxide exposures.
Many of the deaths that occur as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning could have been avoided had the owner of the property, whether it be a hotel, apartment of single family dwelling, conducted reasonable maintenance inspections and installed carbon monoxide detectors. Many times local governments require such things when it comes to hotels and apartments. Failure to abide by building codes in the installation, replacement and servicing of furnaces and hot water heaters often results in carbon monoxide leaks and either chronic or acute poisoning.

(more…)

Medical Malpractice Realities

Medical malpractice lawsuits in Georgia have long been the target of doctors’ groups and big insurance companies. Using advertising, political contributions, and misinformation, they have been successful in fostering the notion that these lawsuits are frivolous. Many people have bought into this misconception, that is, until it happens to them or a loved one.
A recent story in the Miami newspaper illustrates this well. A Belle Glade, Florida judge plans to sue two radiologists and a surgeon after a foot long by foot wide
(more…)

Medical Error Costs Quantified

Preventable medical errors add extremely high costs to the healthcare provided in Georgia and across the United States. The Society of Actuaries, the largest professional organization dedicated to supporting 21,000 members in the United States and Canada, recently commissioned a study to assign a cost to these medical errors.
The study defined measureable costs of medical errors to include increased medical costs, costs related to an increased mortality rate, and costs related to lost productivity after the occurrence of an error. Most other costs of
(more…)

Hit-and-Run Crash Results In Death Of Georgia Motorcyclist

Inattentive drivers are responsible for many Georgia motorcycle accidents every year. Sadly the negligence of these inattentive drivers often results in the serious injury or wrongful death of the motorcyclist. Such may have been the case yesterday in Macon, Georgia when a woman driving a 1999 Chevrolet Impala ran a stop sign at the intersection of Peeble Street and Second Avenue and struck a motorcycle. According to witnesses, the woman struck 59-year old James Collins of Danville and then left the scene of the accident. The victim was pronounced dead shortly after the crash.
Hopefully authorities will be able to apprehend the driver and prosecute her for her callous, criminal conduct and hopefully for the family of the victim, there will be insurance coverage to compensate them for their loss.

(more…)

Dog Bites and Dog Attacks Are Serious Business – Georgia’s Homeowners Should Beware!

Georgia injury lawyers know that dog bites can result in serious and disfiguring injuries and sometimes the wrongful death. Because of the population of Atlanta area, it is not uncommon to hear about these cases on a weekly basis. It is estimated that almost 5 million Americans each year are dog bite victims. About 800,000 of these are serious enough to seek medical treatment for their injuries. Sadly, about half the victims are children and most of them are between the ages of 5 and 9 years old.
According to the law, dog owners are responsible for their dog’s actions and homeowner’s insurance will pay for the damages. Owning a dog know to have dangerous propensities or failing to abide by leash laws will subject the owner to liability if the dog bites someone. It is estimated that dog bites account for roughly one-third of homeowners’ insurance claims. For that reason, many insurance companies that sell homeowner’s insurance coverage will now inquire about the types of pets the prospective insured may have living in the home and factor that into the underwriting process when determining a fair premium.
Georgia law provides two ways that an animal owner or handler may be found liable for injuries inflicted by the animal. The first requires that the victim prove: (1) that the animal is dangerous or vicious; (2) that the owner or handler had knowledge of the dog’s viciousness or tendency to attack humans; and, (3) that the owner or handler either carelessly managed the animal or allowed it to go at liberty. The second basis upon which an owner or handler may be found liable for injuries inflicted by an animal requires that the victim prove that the animal; (1) was not at heel or on a leash as required by a local ordinance; and, (2) that the owner or handler either carelessly managed the animal or allowed it to go at liberty. The second ground does not require knowledge of dangerousness or viciousness of the animal. To successfully prove liability under the Georgia statute, the claim can be based on either a violation of a leash law or the owner’s or handler’s knowledge that the dog had the temperament or propensity to bite people.

(more…)

Reporting Reduces Medical Errors

Acts of medical malpractice are often hidden by the secrecy afforded hospitals and health care providers by various state laws which make these matters confidential and immune from discovery by the public.
In an effort to reduce these sometimes deadly errors, the state of Indiana initiated a method of publicly tracking preventable medical errors. In just the fourth year of reporting, Indiana hospitals and surgery centers reported more than a 10 percent decrease in errors between 2008 and 2009.
Indiana’s Medical Error Reporting System requires
(more…)

Depuy Orthopedics Hip Implant Product Recalled

On August 4, 2010, DePuy Orthopedics recalled its ASR XL Acetabular System (hip implant) and ASR Hip Resurfacing System. Recent data from the National Joint Registry of England and Wales indicated a higher than expected revision rate at five years. Specifically, the data showed that the five-year revision rate for ASR XL Acetabular System was approximately 12% and for ASR Hip Resurfacing System was approximately 13%.
The revision rate was highest with ASR head sizes below 50mm in diameter and among female patients.
DePuy is
(more…)

Road Debris Can Kill

Not a week goes by that we do not see a significant number of road debris items laying in the middle of Georgia highways. Whether it is an old mattress, furniture, tools, chain, truck tie-down straps or whatever, these items on the highway often result serious injury or death to innocent motorists who encounter and try to avoid them.
In October of 2008, a woman, trying to avoid road debris, died instantly in a single car crash. The accident happened at about 7:30 a.m.
(more…)

Traffic Fatalities Show Significant Decrease

Traffic fatalities in Georgia and across the United States have shown a significant decline between 2008 and 2009, according to a report released on Thursday by the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Georgia’s number of traffic fatalities in the period fell by 14 percent for a total of 1,495 in 2009. Florida led the nation with 422 fewer traffic fatalities in 2009, followed by Texas (405 fewer), California (353), Pennsylvania (212) and Georgia (211 fewer).
Increased seatbelt use and campaigns against drunk driving are being credited
(more…)

Georgia Wrongful Death Lawyer: Why Families Need Legal Help After Intentional Violence

Intentional violence can take the life of a person, and it should never be ignored. 

It is one of those unexpected situations that leaves families helpless and creates uncertainty about what to do after losing a loved one. 

After having a calamitous experience of wrongful death, families get blank and feel challenged at the time of immediate action. 

A Georgia wrongful death lawyer at  Finch McCranie LLP
(more…)

Cosmetic Surgery Complications: When You Need a Cosmetic Surgery Malpractice Attorney

Many people get cosmetic surgery to improve their appearance, correct imperfections, and boost their confidence, but most procedures go smoothly, some patients experience severe complications that go far beyond an unsatisfactory result. 

When cosmetic surgery leads to preventable injury, disfigurement, or long-term medical problems, it may be more than a bad outcome and require medical malpractice attorney

This guide explains when complications become malpractice, warning signs you should never ignore, and how a cosmetic surgery malpractice
(more…)

Is it Possible to Claim an Injury During Holidays?

The holiday season is assumed to be a leisure day for all, including residents and office workers. 

However, hiring a personal injury attorney in Atlanta becomes necessary after a serious truck accident that can turn your life into a nightmare

Whether it is medical malpractice, felony murder, wrongful death, highway accidents, a fall from a high-storey building, or any other unexpected situation, accident lawyers have specially acquired
(more…)

Top 10 Questions to Ask During the Hiring Process of a Truck Accident Lawyer

Questions to ask a truck accident lawyer during the hiring process are crucial for ensuring that you hire the right attorney for your case. 

Asking the right questions helps you gauge their experience, approach, and communication style, making sure your expectations align. 

This guide covers the essential questions to ask during your first meeting with a truck accident lawyer to help you make an informed decision and get the best possible representation

Why
(more…)

How Do Medical Malpractice Lawyers in My Area Investigate Hospitals or Clinics?

Medical malpractice can be a devastating experience, leaving patients and families with physical, emotional, and financial burdens.

When a medical error occurs, understanding whether it constitutes malpractice and determining the responsible parties requires careful investigation.

Medical malpractice lawyers play a critical role in this process, leveraging their expertise to scrutinize hospitals, clinics, and healthcare providers to build a strong case.

If you are searching for medical malpractice lawyers in
(more…)

What Can a Local Wrongful Death Lawyer Do Right Now for My Family?

Losing a loved one is one of the most devastating experiences a family can endure.

When that loss occurs due to someone else’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional actions, the grief is often compounded by feelings of anger, confusion, and financial stress.

During such a time, knowing where to turn for help can make a critical difference.

A local wrongful death lawyer can provide immediate, practical support, helping families navigate
(more…)

Can a Lawyer Still Help if the Medical Mistake Happened a Year Ago?

Medical malpractice is a serious issue that affects thousands of patients every year.

Unfortunately, medical errors can have lasting consequences, both physically and financially.

Many victims wonder if they can still take legal action when the mistake happened months—or even years—ago.

The short answer is yes, but there are important factors to consider.

Understanding how medical malpractice claims work, the role of an attorney, and the
(more…)

Why Do Lawyers Get Better Compensation Results Than Handling It Alone?

When someone suffers harm because of a doctor’s mistake, a hospital oversight, or a preventable medical error, the aftermath can feel overwhelming.

Medical malpractice cases are known for being complex, evidence-heavy, and aggressively defended by insurance companies.

Many victims wonder whether they should hire an attorney or try handling the case themselves to save money or speed up the process.

But the truth is clear: lawyers consistently secure better compensation outcomes
(more…)

How Can an Attorney Guide Me Through the First 48 Hours?

When a medical procedure goes wrong or a healthcare provider fails to deliver the standard of care you deserved, the first 48 hours after the event are some of the most overwhelming moments a person can experience.

You may be in pain, confused about what happened, and unsure how to protect your rights.

This is where the calm, strategic guidance of an experienced medical malpractice attorney becomes essential.

Their
(more…)

What Does a Lawyer Do to Preserve Evidence Right After an Accident or Death?

When a truck accident occurs, the aftermath can feel chaotic, overwhelming, and confusing—especially when injuries or a tragic loss of life are involved.

The actions taken in the first hours and days after the crash can shape the entire legal outcome.

This is why preserving evidence becomes the top priority.

Victims and families often have immediate concerns such as medical care, funeral costs, lost income, or even applying for financial support like a Truck
(more…)