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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Is Medical Malpractice a Criminal Act? What Atlanta Patients Should Know About Hospital Error Cases

Is medical malpractice a criminal act is a common question for Atlanta patients and families after a serious hospital error, surgical mistake, medication error, delayed diagnosis, or preventable injury. 

In most cases, medical malpractice is handled as a civil claim, not a criminal case. 

A civil medical malpractice claim focuses on whether a healthcare provider failed to meet the accepted standard of care and caused harm to the patient.

Some extreme cases may involve criminal investigation, but that is not the usual path for most medical malpractice lawsuit cases. 

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Delayed Cancer Diagnosis in Georgia: When Late Detection May Require a Medical Malpractice Lawyer in Duluth

A medical malpractice lawyer in Duluth can help patients determine whether a delayed cancer diagnosis may involve medical negligence.

When cancer is not diagnosed as early as it reasonably should have been, the delay may affect treatment options, prognosis, medical expenses, quality of life, and long-term outcomes.

For some patients, delayed detection may lead to more aggressive treatment. For others, it may result in a worsened condition or a fatal outcome.

However, not every delayed cancer diagnosis is medical malpractice. Cancer can be difficult to diagnose, symptoms can resemble less serious conditions, and medical providers are not automatically liable because a disease was found late. 

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How Legal Support From a Wrongful Death Attorney Near Me in Duluth Helps Families After a Loss

A wrongful death attorney near me can give Duluth families local legal guidance after a preventable fatal loss.

When a loved one dies because of medical malpractice, a truck accident, unsafe property, a car crash, or another negligent act, families may be left dealing with grief, expenses, insurance calls, legal questions, and uncertainty about what comes next.

Legal support cannot remove the pain of the loss. However, it can give families direction when important decisions must be made.

A wrongful death lawyer near me in Duluth can explain who may have the right to bring a claim, what early steps may matter, how insurance companies may respond, and what information should be reviewed before any settlement decision is made.

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When Is Misdiagnosis Considered Medical Malpractice in Duluth, GA? What Patients Must Prove to Win a Claim

Patients can contact a misdiagnosis lawyer in Duluth to determine whether a wrong diagnosis, delayed diagnosis, or failure to diagnose may qualify as medical malpractice. 

Not every diagnostic mistake is legally actionable, and not every poor medical outcome means a doctor or hospital was negligent. 

However, when a provider fails to follow accepted medical standards and that failure causes serious harm, the patient may have grounds for a medical malpractice claim in Georgia law.

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Common Mistakes That Hurt Injury Claims

After an accident, many injured people focus on medical treatment, missed work, and repairing their lives.

During this stressful time, it is easy to make mistakes that may hurt a personal injury claim.

Insurance companies often look for ways to reduce compensation or deny claims.

Certain actions, delays, or statements may make it harder to prove what happened or show the full extent of the injuries.

Understanding common mistakes can help injured people protect their rights and avoid unnecessary problems.

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Personal Injury Settlement Process Explained

A personal injury claim may arise when someone is injured because of another person’s negligence.

These cases can involve car accidents, truck accidents, slip and fall incidents, defective products, workplace injuries, dog bites, or other situations where someone fails to act safely.

After an injury, victims often face medical expenses, lost wages, pain, stress, and uncertainty about what happens next.

Understanding how the settlement process works can help injured people make informed decisions.

People
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What to Do After a Truck Accident in Atlanta

A truck accident in Atlanta can result in severe injuries, significant property damage, and long-term financial strain. Due to the size and weight of commercial trucks, these accidents are often more dangerous than regular car accidents. After such an event, it’s essential to understand the immediate steps to take in order to protect your health, preserve evidence, and support any future personal injury claim.

If you’ve been involved in a truck accident, taking the right steps
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What Damages Can Be Recovered in a Georgia Personal Injury Case?

After a serious accident, most people think first about medical bills. 

While medical expenses are often a major part of a claim, they are only one piece of the compensation that may be available in a Georgia personal injury case.

An injury can affect nearly every area of your life. You may miss work, struggle with ongoing pain, lose the ability to enjoy your normal activities, or face permanent physical limitations. 

In wrongful
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How Much Is a Personal Injury Case Worth in Georgia?

If you are wondering how much a personal injury case is worth in Georgia, the answer depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, the cost of your medical treatment, the impact on your ability to work, and whether the other party was clearly at fault. 

No two cases are exactly alike, which means the value of a claim can vary significantly from one situation to another.

A minor injury claim involving a short recovery
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What to Expect from an 18-Wheeler Crash Lawyer in Habersham County

If you have taken part in an 18-wheeler accident in Habersham County, hiring Finch McCranie LLP ensures you have the best legal team fighting for your rights. 

With extensive experience handling 18-wheeler accidents, Finch McCranie LLP is committed to securing the compensation you deserve and navigating the complexities of your case.

How Finch McCranie LLP Handles 18-Wheeler Accident Cases in Habersham County

Finch McCranie LLP understands the devastating impact of 18-wheeler accidents. 

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