Personal Injury & Wrongful Death

Suing Government Employees Personally

Typically government employees are entitled to qualified immunity for acts committed within their official job functions. Such official job functions are called usually discretionary functions and for any such discretionary acts, they are usually afforded complete immunity. The only way around this immunity from suit is to prove that the government actor acted with actual malice or intended to cause harm and/or were acting outside the scope of their authority. As is true of any other claim involving either sovereign immunity or official immunity/qualified immunity
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Fractured Femurs May Be Linked To Long Term Use Of Fosamax

The Georgia injury lawyers at Finch McCranie, LLP have represented individuals in many different types of product liability cases. One type of case we are investigating involves individuals who have suffered bone problems as a side effect of Fosamax (Alendronate Sodium). Studies have shown that the popular osteoporosis drug could increase the risk of the painful and potentially disfiguring jaw injury, known as osteonecrosis of the jaw. Other studies have indicated that the medication could also lead to necrosis of the hip,
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Pre-Suit Notices for Claims Against Counties in Georgia

We have blogged before about pre-suit notification requirements against counties. Simply stated, such a notification must be provided within twelve (12) months of the date of the occurrence or event claimed to have caused personal injury to the claimant. Fortunately, there is a body of law that states that filing a lawsuit within one (1) year of the event will serve to provide Notice to the county. This body of law, however, is entirely different from claims involving State government and also is entirely different
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Pre-Suit Notice Requirements for Claims Against State and Local Government

Under Georgia law, a person injured by the act or omission of a state, local or county government agency must file a written pre-suit notification of intent to file a claim before a lawsuit can subsequently be filed. These are known as “Ante-Litem” provisions. Under the State Tort Claims Act, for example, an Ante-Litem Notice must be filed within twelve (12) months from the date the loss was discovered or should have been discovered. Any person with a claim against the county must present that
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Damage Caps and Medical Malpractice

Our Atlanta medical malpractice lawyers have written in the past about the unfairness of damage caps in medical malpractice cases and how they penalize the most severly injured innocent victims of medical malpractice.
Currently before the Georgia Supreme Court is the issue of the constitutionality of the $350,000.00 cap on non-economic damages enacted by the legislature in 2005. A decision is expected any day.
The attorneys who prosecuted that case have prepared a video which explains and details the terrible injuries suffered by their client.
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Defeating Defenses of Sovereign Immunity

Oftentimes we are asked by clients who have claims against government entities and/or employees to represent their interests in personal injury cases. Regrettably, due to the antiquated and harsh doctrine of sovereign immunity (for legal claims), this many times proves to be a difficult undertaking. Simply stated, sovereign immunity protects many government agencies and employees from lawsuits involving personal injuries. Thankfully, there are some exceptions to the rule, most notably when there is another statute that waives the immunity from suit.
With respect to county
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General Motors Recalls 1.3 Million Vehicles Over Steering Motor Problem

General Motors Co. Is recalling 1.3 million Chevrolet and Pontiac compacts cars to repair or replace steering motors which can fail causing the vehicle to be difficult to steer at lower speeds. While this may not be an insurmountable problem for some drivers, the Georgia injury lawyers recognize that it may be a serious problem for older or elderly drivers who may surprised by the loss of the power steering and be physically unable to steer the vehicle. Under those circumstances a power steering
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Bus Companies Owe Passengers Duty To Use Extraordinary Care In Georgia

Bus accidents on Georgia roads and highways many times result in serious injury and sometimes death for passengers. Many people do not realize that under Georgia law, common carriers such as bus companies and airlines owe their passengers the duty to exercise extraordinary care in the operation of the bus or airplane which is a higher legal duty than is normally owed. Specifically, the Official Code of Georgia Annotated §46-9-1 provides as follows:
“Carriers as such are bound to exercise ordinary diligence. Common

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Georgia Deck Collapse Cases Usually Result From Negligent Construction and Inspection

As a Georgia injury lawyer, I am always amazed at the number of deck collapse cases I read and hear about. Many of these decks are built high off the ground and do not meet any acceptable or recognized building code. Unfortunately the deficiencies of the construction do not become apparent until the decks are loaded up with people and the deck pulls away from the house and falls. In recent years there have been a number of death cases related to deck
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$9.45 Million Awarded in Prempro Dangerous Drug Case

Georgia injury lawyers are well aware that just because a prescription drug is an FDA approved drug is , does not mean that it is safe. There was a time when the American public believed that to be the case but we have come to the realization that money talks. Yes, “it is always all about the money” when it comes to business relationships and the drug business is BIG business. It is common knowledge that many former FDA employees end up being hired

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How Weather Conditions Influence Truck Accident Liability: What Victims Should Know

Weather is a major factor in road safety, especially for large commercial trucks.

Even mild rain, fog, snow, or wind can turn routine driving into a serious hazard—and complicate questions of legal responsibility.

Truck drivers must be trained to adapt to these conditions, yet many accidents happen because of poor decisions or company negligence.

Proving liability in weather-related crashes is challenging, but with fast action and deep legal knowledge, it’s possible to hold the right
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What Truck Accident Victims Should Know About Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Data

One of the most devastating events on our roadways is a truck accident.

These collisions frequently cause serious injuries or fatalities because of the size and weight of commercial vehicles.

In the aftermath, victims and their families are left not only coping with trauma and medical bills but also searching for answers: What caused the accident? Could it have been prevented? Who is liable?

More precise and fact-based solutions to these problems are now feasible
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Is There a Cap on Wrongful Death Compensation? What Families Should Know About Limits

One of the most terrible things a family can go through is losing a loved one because of the carelessness of another person.

Knowing your legal rights and alternatives becomes crucial during this extremely taxing period, particularly with regard to wrongful death compensation.

Is there a cap on wrongful death damages? This is a question that many families have.

The answer isn’t simple and varies widely depending on where you live and the specifics of your
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Legal Rights of Parents in Unborn Child Wrongful Death Cases

It is an unfathomable sadness to lose an unborn child as a result of someone else’s carelessness.

In Georgia, parents have legal avenues to seek justice and compensation through wrongful death claims.

However, these cases are fraught with complexities, and understanding the legal framework is crucial.

Understanding Wrongful Death in the Context of Unborn Children

Georgia law allows parents to pursue wrongful death claims for the loss of an unborn child, provided certain conditions are met.

Usually at 24 weeks of gestation, the fetus
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Medical Malpractice Settlements vs. Jury Trials: Which Is Right for You?

When a medical procedure goes wrong, the consequences can be devastating—emotionally, physically, and financially.

Victims and families often face a whirlwind of pain, confusion, and legal questions.

One of the most important decisions you’ll face in a medical malpractice case is whether to accept a settlement or pursue a jury trial.

Each path comes with its own risks and rewards, and making the right choice could shape the outcome of your entire case.

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Who Can File a Medical Malpractice Claim? Understanding Your Rights

You may be able to file a medical malpractice claim when you or a loved one experienced harm as a result of a medical professional’s carelessness.

Many people aren’t sure whether they have the right to file or if their situation qualifies as malpractice.

As seasoned medical malpractice attorneys at Finch McCranie LLP, we believe understanding your legal rights is the first step in holding healthcare providers accountable and seeking the justice you deserve.
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How Settlements Work in Medical Malpractice Cases

Without competent legal assistance, allegations of medical negligence can be difficult to handle due to their complexity, emotional content, and difficulty.

It’s essential to understand how settlements in medical malpractice cases work if you or a loved one experienced harm as a consequence of a healthcare provider’s negligence.

Many parties prefer to settle their cases out of court, but it’s crucial to understand what that process involves, what to anticipate, and how an experienced medical malpractice
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What Evidence Is Critical in Truck Accident Injury Lawsuits?

Truck accidents frequently result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities, making it one of the most damaging categories of personal injury incidents.

A accident between a commercial truck and a smaller vehicle can have serious financial, psychological, and physical repercussions.

In the aftermath, pursuing legal action may be the only way for victims to secure the compensation they deserve.

But not every claim is successful. The quality and extent of the evidence acquired nearly totally determines
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The Role of Expert Witnesses in Medical Malpractice Lawsuits

In medical malpractice trials, expert witnesses are essential because they help the court make sense of complicated medical data.

With a background in healthcare, they analyze medical records to identify whether the standard of care was breached and explain how such breaches caused harm.

Their evidence enables the holding of negligent medical professionals accountable by translating medical jargon into English that juries and judges can easily understand.

Having worked both as a nurse and now
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How a Surgical Negligence Lawyer Can Help If You Suspect Malpractice

Surgical procedures, regardless of complexity, require absolute precision, coordination, and adherence to medical protocols Patients entrust surgical specialists with their trust and even their lives.

But what happens when that trust is broken? When a routine or high-risk surgery results in unexpected harm, and the cause seems to stem from something more than chance?

If you suspect that your injuries, complications, or unexpected outcome after surgery are due to negligence, it’s essential to take proactive steps.

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