Personal Injury & Wrongful Death

Consumers May Be Without Remedies Against Auto Manufacturers

The Atlanta consumer and product liability lawyers of Finch McCranie LLP have successfully litigated cases against auto manufacturers for serious injury and death caused by defects in their products. Now, as a result of the bankruptcy of GM and Chrysler, many deserving victims of these defective products may be left without recourse.
The bankruptcy proceedings currently underway will leave consumers currently bringing personal-injury and product-liability lawsuits against Chrysler LLC and General Motors unable to continue their actions and receive compensation for their injuries. In
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Georgia Wrongful Death Actions:Who Has The Right To Sue? (Part II)

In Part I of this series, we set forth the provisions of Georgia law for wrongful death actions where surviving spouses were involved. In this article, we shall address actions by surviving children under Georgia’s wrongful death statute where a spouse does not survive to bring such a case.
If a parent is killed due to the negligence of a third party and is not survived by a spouse but is survived by children, the cause of action for the wrongful death vests with
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Georgia Health Insurer Accused Of Unfair Practices

A lawsuit has been filed by Georgia surgery centers against Blue Cross Blue Shield Healthcare Plan of Georgia Inc. and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia, seeking class action. The lawsuit, like many others around the country attacks the insurer’s practice of discouraging visits to out-of-network providers by reimbursing procedures at a tiny fraction of “usual and customary” charges.
The suit is similar to one filed earlier this year by a dialysis provider against Blue Cross. That suit was dismissed. The new suit alleges
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Georgia Wrongful Death Actions:Who Has The Right To Sue? (Part I)

One of area of confusion to the public is determining who has the right to bring a wrongful death action in Georgia. Because our firm handles many such cases in Atlanta and throughout the State, we have decided to blog on this area of the law so that the public will better understand the provisions of Georgia law which control wrongful death actions.
In this article we shall focus on the rights of a spouse who is married to an individual killed by the
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FDA To Reconsider BPA Decision

We receive many inquiries from Atlanta consumers regarding the safety of products apporved by the federal regulatory agencies. During the Bush administration many consumers here in Georgia and elsewhere have expressed concern and bewilderment that certain drugs and products banned in other countries were “approved” by federal agencies for distribution in the United States.
Now, the Food and Drug Administration, FDA, has announced it is reviewing a controversial decision it made last year — the conclusion that BPA, a chemical used in baby bottles
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Forklift Accidents: Usually Serious And Oftentimes Deadly

When I was in high school, I was hired as a forklift driver at a textile plant. I was given no training whatsoever, had never operated a forklift and within hours was lifting huge pallets of heavy materials high into the air for placement on warehouse shelving. Fortunately, I did not injury anyone or kill myself, but I easily could have. Indeed, that same summer a high school friend of mine lost his life when he accidently drove a forklift backwards off of a loading
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Bus Accident Recommendations By NTSB

Bus accidents have been a problem in Atlanta and Georgia for many years. Recently, the lawyers of Finch McCranie LLP were able to secure a very favorable settlement for the most seriously injured survivor in the Bluffton Bus crash which occurred here some years ago.
Now, in an encouraging move, the National Transportation Safety Board is recommending charter bus companies come up with better plans to deal with crashes in remote areas. Last Friday, the NTSB sent recommendations to the American Bus Association and
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Trampolines Recalled

Potentially dangerous trampolines which have been sold in the Georgia and Atlanta areas are the subject of a recall. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in cooperaation with Skywalker Holdings announced a voluntary recall of about 60,000 trampolines manufactured in China and distributed by Skywalker Holdings LLC, of Brigham City, Utah.
The recall applies to the Skywalker Holdings 13-foot Square Trampoline and Enclosure Combo. The units have blue spring pads, a black net enclosure, and a jumping mat. “Skywalker Holdings” is printed on a label located under the jumping mat and on the enclosure net.
The straps supporting the top of the trampoline’s enclosure to the poles can fail. The enclosure could drop if these straps break, posing a risk that a user could fall from the trampoline.
To date Skywalker Holdings reports it has received at least 250 reports of straps breaking. No injuries have been reported.
The trampolines were sold at specialty stores and major retailers nationwide and online from January 2007 through February 2009 for between $400 and $600.
The CPSC advises that consumers should immediately stop using the trampolines and contact Skywalker Holdings to obtain a free repair kit. The contact information provided is as follows:
Consumer Contact: Contact Skywalker Holdings toll-free at (866) 603-5867 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. MT Monday through Friday, or visit the company’s Web site at www.skywalkertrampolines.com.

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Georgia ATV Safety Tips

As a Georgia injury lawyer, I read almost everyday about a death or serious personal injuries sustained as a result of an All Terrain Vehicle ATV accident. With the increasing popularity of ATVs it is inevitable that there will be more accidents and injuries; however, most are preventable. Without exception, most ATV accidents can be traced back to a rider who broke at least one of the ATV Safety Institute’s Golden Rules. Whether you’re riding in a public park or on private land, keep these

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Treadmill Accidents Can Cause Serious Injury or Death

The Atlanta lawyers of Finch McCranie LLP often see cases in which children are injured on exercise equipment such as treadmills and weight machines. The tragic death of boxer Mike Tyson’s 4-year-old daughter may seem like a freak occurrence, but the Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that treadmills injure more children than any other type of exercise equipment.
According to CPSC figures, almost 5,500 children under age 5 were treated in emergency rooms in 2006 and 2007 for treadmill-related injuries.
While most had cuts, bruises
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How to Document Injuries After a Truck Accident for Maximum Compensation

Truck accidents often lead to catastrophic injuries, leaving victims in physical, emotional, and financial turmoil.

As seasoned trucking accident attorneys, we understand that the strength of your personal injury claim is only as strong as the documentation that supports it.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a trucking accident, knowing how to thoroughly document your injuries can make a critical difference in the compensation you receive.

This article walks you through
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Wrongful Death Settlements vs. Trials: Which Is Better for Families?

Losing a loved one is devastating. When that death stems from another’s negligence or misconduct, families face not only grief—but also pressing legal decisions.

As wrongful death lawyers, our duty goes beyond legal advocacy; we guide families through recovery, accountability, and closure.

A central choice often emerges: should you pursue a settlement or proceed to trial?This is a detailed examination from the viewpoint of a wrongful-death lawyer.

Understanding Settlements and Trials

Settlements, are agreements
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How to Navigate Wrongful Death Claims When Multiple Parties Are Involved

Losing a loved one is always traumatic, but when multiple parties share responsibility, the legal path becomes exponentially more complex.

As wrongful death attorneys based in Atlanta with decades of experience, we’ve guided families through these multifaceted cases—ensuring that all negligent parties are held fully accountable for their actions.

What Exactly Is a Multi‑Party Wrongful Death Claim?

When someone passes away as a result of the careless, reckless, or deliberate actions of another party—even when multiple parties may
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What to Do Immediately After a Trucking Accident: Steps to Protect Yourself

A trucking accident is a terrifying experience. A commercial truck’s vast size and weight have the ability to cause fatalities, severe injuries, and catastrophic damage.

If you or a loved one is involved in such a crash, your first thoughts are likely to be about survival and safety.

But once the dust settles, your actions in the minutes, hours, and days following the accident can significantly impact your health, your rights, and your ability to recover compensation.
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Why So Many in Atlanta Trust Finch McCranie LLP After a Truck Accident

Introduction

Truck accidents are among the most devastating events that can occur on Georgia highways. 

From life-threatening injuries to long-term disabilities, these collisions often change lives in an instant. 

In such difficult times, finding a reliable and experienced legal advocate becomes not just important—but essential.

That’s where Finch McCranie LLP comes in.

For decades, Finch McCranie LLP has represented individuals and families affected by catastrophic truck accidents.

Their extensive background in trucking law,
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Common Injuries in Trucking Accidents and How to Get Compensation

When a car collides with an 18-wheeler or commercial truck, the results can be catastrophic.

As truck accident attorneys, we’ve seen how quickly life can change for victims and their families.

What seems like a routine day on the road can turn into a nightmare in a split second.

Truck crashes are not like typical car accidents. The size, weight, and speed of these massive vehicles make them uniquely dangerous.

And unfortunately,
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How Long Do You Have to File a Truck Accident Claim?

If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident in Springfield, Atlanta, one of the most urgent questions you need answered is: How long do I have to file a claim? Time is a critical factor in truck accident cases, not only for legal reasons, but also to ensure that vital evidence is preserved and your rights are protected.

 At Finch McCranie LLP, we’ve spent decades helping victims and families navigate these
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Common Mistakes That Hurt Your Medical Malpractice Case

When you or a loved one suffers harm due to a healthcare provider’s negligence, you have the right to pursue a medical malpractice claim.

However, the road to justice isn’t straightforward.

Even with valid claims, too many victims make avoidable mistakes that can severely damage or even destroy their chances of receiving compensation.

At Finch McCranie LLP, we’ve seen firsthand how missteps can derail cases that otherwise had strong legal merit.

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Facing Wrongful Death Insurance Denial? Here’s What You Need to Do

The emotional toll is enormous when a loved one’s life is lost due to the negligence of another.

Families may encounter unforeseen financial and legal challenges on top of their grief.

One of the most painful situations is when the insurance company rejects the wrongful death claim.

Our experienced wrongful death lawyers at Finch McCranie LLP are aware of how cruel and painful these rejections can be, particularly when the evidence appears to
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Hidden Policy Clauses That May Void Your Wrongful Death Claim

Losing a loved one unexpectedly is heartbreaking.

Families often file wrongful death claims to obtain justice and financial security when the loss was caused by the negligence of another person.

However, many families happen to discover that an insurance policy they thought would cover them has hidden provisions that might cancel or significantly restrict their claim.

At Finch McCranie LLP, our wrongful death attorneys routinely help clients navigate these complicated policy
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