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…)

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
(more…)

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
(more…)

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
(more…)

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
(more…)

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.

(more…)

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.
(more…)

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
(more…)

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
(more…)

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
(more…)

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.

(more…)