Personal Injury & Wrongful Death

In An Accident While Traveling Out Of Town: What Law Controls?

We are often called by clients who have traveled through the Atlanta area only to be the unfortunate victim of a third party’s negligence. Calls usually come from those in car accidents or tractor-trailer collisions. Sometimes a slip and fall is involved or a defective product. These innocent persons sometimes are hospitalized following the incident in Georgia and then sent back to their home states for follow up treatment. When they reach out to an attorney the usually are being overwhelmed with medical
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Wrongful Death Cases: Who Has The Claim?

It is not unusual for our firm to be contacted by family members who are bereaved over the death of a close family relative. Oftentimes the individual is killed through the negligence of a third party and the family member simply wants to understand the law that pertains to the claim. Sometimes, however, family members can get in an argument among themselves as to who has the right to pursue the claim for the wrongful death. While Georgia, like many states, has a statutory scheme
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Structured Settlements In Serious Injury Cases

In any serious injury case involving permanent or lifetime injuries, careful consideration should be given to whether a structured settlement should be part of any settlement of such a case. A structured settlement agreement is a device whereby if the overall lump sum amount can be agreed upon, a certain percentage of it can be set aside and invested in an annuity that will pay benefits over the victim’s lifetime, usually on a monthly basis. Such benefits are extremely important for people who are disabled because it provides them a safety net and allows them to pay rent and other necessary living expenses as they grow older. Particularly in those cases where a victim is incapacitated and unable to work, a structured settlement agreement can provide a lifetime of revenue for necessary living expenses.
One of the main advantages of a structured settlement agreement is that the benefits are not taxable. As an example, if someone were to settle a personal injury case for $500,000.00 and allocate $200,000.00 for a structured settlement annuity, any benefits generated from the structured settlement annuity would be non-taxable. However, if the settling individual were to receive the entire amount in cash and then invested a portion of the money and made the same monthly interest, taxes would have to be paid on the interest earned, assuming that there was enough income otherwise generated to be subject to taxation.

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Hospital And Medical Liens: What Should A Victim Do?

In a serious injury case the victim is usually overwhelmed with medical expenses, lost wages, terrible pain and suffering, and a total disruption in their personal, family and home life. If they are fortunate enough to have good counsel and they are fortunate enough to get a good settlement from the third party responsible for inflicting the injuries upon them, it will not be uncommon for such a victim to have to deal with a host of medical lien issues. The most common medical liens
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Implantable Defibrillators Frequently Used In Inappropriate Cases

More than 20% of patients who received an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator — a high-tech device that produces electrical impulses to regulate heartbeats and prevent life-threatening arrhythmias — in recent years were not good candidates to receive the device, a new study suggests.
Researchers at Duke University looked at more than 111,000 patients who received ICD implants between 2006 and 2009. More than 25,000 of those patients did not meet evidence-based criteria for receiving the device, according to the study.
The risk of dying in the hospital
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Inhalers Recalled Due To Mislabeling

The Food and Drug Administration is also concerned that hospital, med-center and emergency patients may be given the higher dose, as correctly labeled outer packaging is generally discarded.
Health care providers seeing only the mislabeled bottle would be very likely to give the wrong dose, especially since the two solution strengths are distilled in equal sized bottles. The .05 mg/3 ml bottles look just like the 2.5 mg./ 3 ml bottles. Only the strength differs.
Albuterol Sulfate Inhalation is sold in single use dosage bottles,
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Subrogation Claims In Personal Injury Cases

In car accidents, tractor-trailer accidents, medical malpractice or other serious injury cases, in the event a settlement is reached, there is always the possibility of a subrogation claim being asserted by a third party against the settlement proceeds. Subrogation claims are usually claims held by insurance carriers that have paid medical benefits. The victim who was injured by the negligent truck driver, for example, may have incurred hundreds of thousands in medical bills for expensive surgery. If a third party health insurance carrier pays these
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Food-Borne Safety Bill Signed But in Trouble

Each year, according to the most recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates, 48 million people, that is one in six Americans, are sickened by food-borne illnesses. Of those, 180,000 are hospitalized and 3,000 die.
The first major overhaul of the nation’s food-safety infrastructure since 1938 was signed into law yesterday by President Obama.
The Food Safety Modernization Act moves the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) away from its early-20th-century role of responding to adulterated food to a more modern one of requiring companies
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Electric Adjustable Beds Singled Out For Dangers

Electric adjustable beds have been singled out for causing serious injuries and death. Yesterday, the Food and Drug Administration issued a warning to Invacare Corp. for failing to report and address malfunctions with its electric beds, including electronics that allegedly caught on fire causing injury and death.
The FDA posted a warning letter to the Ohio-based company Tuesday morning. Invacare makes a variety of medical equipment, including wheelchairs, oxygen tanks and electric beds.
In its Dec. 15 warning letter, the FDA said the company
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Settlement Releases In Personal Injury Cases

Anytime a serious injury case is settled for a particular amount of money, the insurance company for the at fault third party involved will insist on a Release of all claims, not only against their insured responsible for the damages but also for the insurance company issuing the check on their behalf. This is standard as part of any serious injury or personal injury case whereby monies are paid as consideration for a settlement. In all such cases, counsel should be conferred with because the
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Medical Malpractice Legal Tips for Patients Over 65

As we age, our relationship with the healthcare system often becomes more complex—and more frequent. 

Whether it’s managing chronic conditions, undergoing surgeries, or simply attending more regular checkups, seniors are in closer contact with doctors, hospitals, and healthcare providers than most other age groups. 

While this level of care is necessary, it also increases the risk of something going wrong.

If you’re over 65 and concerned about medical errors, misdiagnosis, or poor care,
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Best Medical Malpractice Lawyers in Atlanta: 2025 Guide

Medical care is a fundamental part of our lives, and when it goes wrong, the consequences can be devastating. Whether it’s a misdiagnosis, surgical error, medication mistake, or delayed treatment, medical negligence can cause serious harm or even death. If you or a loved one has suffered due to medical malpractice, it’s crucial to understand your rights and know where to turn for trusted legal help.

This 2025 guide aims to provide valuable information on what medical malpractice is, why hiring
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Affordable Wrongful Death Lawyers: Do They Exist?

 When the unthinkable happens—losing a loved one due to someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing—families are left devastated, emotionally and often financially.

Amid the grief and confusion, many survivors wonder whether pursuing legal action is even possible, especially if they are concerned about legal costs.

The truth is, affordable wrongful death lawyers do exist, and knowing where to look—and what to look for—can make all the difference.

At Finch McCranie LLP,
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5 Signs You Need a Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer

Accidents involving semi-trucks are often devastating. Because of the sheer size and weight of these commercial vehicles, the damage they cause—both physically and emotionally—can be life-altering.

While some minor vehicle accidents can be resolved without legal help, semi-truck accidents are different.

They often involve serious injuries, complex investigations, and multiple parties.

In such situations, knowing when to call a semi-truck accident lawyer can make all the difference.

Here are
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How to Get a Free Consultation with a Truck Accident Lawyer in Atlanta

Getting into a truck accident in Atlanta can turn your life upside down. One moment everything is normal, and the next, you’re dealing with pain, stress, bills, and calls from insurance companies.

It’s a lot to handle all at once. That’s why it helps to have a trusted truck accident lawyer by your side—someone who understands the law and can guide you through what to do next.

But for many, the first concern is cost.
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How Long Does a Wrongful Death Lawsuit Take in Georgia?

Losing a loved one due to someone else’s negligence is devastating. Beyond the emotional pain, families often face complex legal questions, including how long a wrongful death lawsuit might take in Georgia.

Understanding the typical timeline for wrongful death claims and what factors influence it can help ease some of the uncertainty during this difficult time.

At Finch McCranie LLP, we’ve guided many families through wrongful death lawsuits, providing compassionate support and experienced
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What to Expect During a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit in Atlanta

When a medical professional makes a serious mistake that results in injury, illness, or even death, patients and families are left with pain, confusion, and questions.

One of the most important questions is: What comes next?

Pursuing a medical malpractice lawsuit is a way to seek accountability and compensation—but understanding the legal process is key to making informed decisions.

At Finch McCranie LLP, we’ve helped countless individuals in Atlanta navigate
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Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer in Atlanta: How They Handle Complex Cases

When a semi-truck accident turns your life upside down, you need more than just a lawyer — you need someone who understands how to navigate the legal chaos and protect your future.

The complexities of a truck accident case are unlike any other kind of personal injury claim. 

It’s not just you against the driver. 

You’re up against powerful trucking companies, insurance giants, and aggressive legal teams. 

That’s where
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Surgical Error or Negligence? Get Help from a Georgia Malpractice Lawyer

When you place your health and well-being in the hands of a surgeon, you expect professional care, precision, and safety.

Unfortunately, surgical errors and negligence still occur far too frequently — often leading to devastating consequences for patients and their families.

In Georgia, victims of surgical malpractice have legal rights, and working with an experienced medical malpractice lawyer can make all the difference.

At Finch McCranie LLP, we understand how
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Semi-Truck Accident Lawsuit Lawyer in Atlanta: How to File a Claim

Accidents involving semi-trucks are often severe and life-altering. Given their size and weight, these commercial vehicles can cause catastrophic injuries and significant property damage.

For victims in Atlanta facing medical bills, lost income, and emotional distress after a semi-truck accident, understanding the legal process for filing a claim is critical.

While our work focuses on improving outdoor safety through professional lighting solutions, we also recognize how important it is for community members to have access to trusted legal
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