What advice do you have for people injured by a dangerous or defective product?

Atlanta, GA personal injury attorney Michael Warshauer shares his advice for people injured by a dangerous or defective product. He advises that when someone is injured by a dangerous or defective product, the first step is adopting the mindset that the injury was not their fault. Products should be designed to account for human error, providing safeguards that protect individuals from the consequences of mistakes. Features such as seat belts and airbags exist for this reason. He encourages evaluating the product by asking whether, if it had been properly designed with safety in mind, the injury to oneself or loved ones could have been avoided.

The second critical step is to ensure the product remains available, as retaining it is often essential to proving it caused the injury. He also cautions against relying solely on workers’ compensation if the injury occurred at work. If a third-party manufacturer produced equipment lacking adequate safety features, resulting in injury, the situation may constitute a product liability case, which merits thorough exploration.

Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer: How should one go about hiring a personal injury lawyer?

What damages may be awarded in a wrongful death case in Georgia?

Atlanta, GA personal injury attorney Natalie Woodward talks about the damages that may be awarded in a wrongful death case. She explains that in a wrongful death case, damages are determined based on the unique perspective of the deceased regarding the value of their own life. Georgia is notable for considering wrongful death damages in this distinct manner. Damages typically include two components: the estate claim, which covers funeral expenses and estate liabilities, and the wrongful death claim, which reflects the deceased’s self-assessed value of their life.

Georgia applies the standard of the “enlightened conscience of the jury” to establish an appropriate amount for wrongful death damages. In practice, this means that the jury determines what they believe fairly represents how the individual valued their own life, resulting in verdicts that can vary widely depending on the jury’s interpretation.

She notes that different cases—such as the wrongful death of elderly individuals deprived of their final years or young mothers lost in childbirth—require distinct evaluations of the person’s life value. Drawing on her experience handling cases ranging from the death of children to individuals in their 90s, she emphasizes the importance of presenting a holistic view of the deceased. By helping the jury understand the full scope of the individual’s life, her goal is to convey who they were and what was lost when their life was tragically cut short.

What advice do you have for someone injured due to medical negligence?

Atlanta, GA personal injury attorney Bill Atkins shares his advice for someone injured due to medical negligence. He notes that, unfortunately, most individuals who approach his firm with medical malpractice concerns are family members who have lost a loved one. Roughly 70% of the medical malpractice cases he handles involve wrongful death. Whether addressing wrongful death or cases where a patient is left severely injured due to medical negligence, clients are primarily seeking answers. The legal system can make obtaining those answers difficult, which is a key reason people turn to experienced attorneys.

In medical malpractice matters, his primary goal is to help clients understand what occurred and provide the clarity they seek. However, he acknowledges that not every case constitutes malpractice. Many cases are declined due to the medical complexities involved and the challenges in establishing a breach of the standard of care. To assess cases effectively, his firm benefits from having Dr. Jen Motley on staff, who assists in reviewing medical files. Additionally, the firm covers the cost of consulting an independent medical expert to evaluate the case and provide an opinion on whether the care provided fell below accepted medical standards—at no cost to the client.

He emphasizes that selecting a medical malpractice lawyer is a critical decision. Specialization is essential given the complexity, expense, and challenges inherent in these cases. Experience is particularly important, as insurance adjusters and opposing counsel are more likely to undervalue a case if the lawyer appears inexperienced or unprepared for trial. For clients seeking answers and considering legal action, retaining an experienced medical malpractice attorney is vital to achieving a fair and informed outcome.

Are truck accident cases different from other motor vehicle accident cases in Georgia?

Atlanta, GA personal injury attorney Trent Shuping talks about how truck accident cases are different from other motor vehicle accident cases. He observes that trucking accidents can differ significantly from typical automobile accidents, with the specifics of each case shaping the approach. In less complex situations with lower damages, truck accidents may resemble standard car accidents. However, the substantial weight and size of commercial trucks often result in more severe collisions and higher damages.

The involvement of professional truck drivers operating complex machinery adds an additional layer of complexity. Unlike ordinary drivers, truck operators are subject to distinct regulations, and understanding the nuances of their conduct and equipment handling is critical.

He notes that trucking cases are further distinguished by unique insurance policies and coverage limits. Attorneys must often examine multiple facets of a case, particularly when severe injuries are involved. Investigating a truck driver’s compliance with safety regulations is essential, as these rules are designed to prevent accidents. While many drivers operate responsibly, some companies may employ individuals unfit for the road, whether due to undisclosed medical conditions, violations of hours-of-service rules, or pressure to drive while fatigued.

He emphasizes that handling these cases requires careful consideration of whether pursuing underlying issues is justified. Not every situation warrants the allocation of extensive resources for investigation. Experienced attorneys can identify early indicators by evaluating the accident scene, reviewing evidence, and analyzing the responses of trucking defendants to determine if further inquiry is necessary.