Atlanta, Georgia Personal Injury Lawyer
Atlanta personal injury lawyer blog
Friday, March 12, 2010
Ten-Year-Old Boy Struck by Car Still in Critical Condition
Monday, January 25, 2010
Actor Gary Coleman Settles Personal Injury Lawsuit
Saturday, January 23, 2010
How Did a Child Fall Down a MARTA Elevator Shaft in Atlanta?
Friday, January 22, 2010
Lysol Steam Mop Recalled over Burn Hazard
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Atlanta Area Police Officer Charged with DUI
Monday, June 15, 2009
Auto Accidents on I-285 Kill Three in Atlanta
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Inadequate Security in Atlanta
Monday, May 4, 2009
Atlanta Workers Compensation Law
A week after being struck by a car while crossing I-85 near Church Street Elementary School, ten year old Artavius Hall was still in critical condition at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston.
The accident occurred when Hall attempted to cross the busy stretch of highway without the protection of a crosswalk and was struck by a driver. Hall was wearing dark clothes at the time, and in the early morning without the benefit of street lights, poor visibility may have contributed to the accident. Police say that while the accident took place about a mile away from a Riverdale elementary school, it is not entirely clear if the boy was walking there or not.
Hall was near a bus stop when he was hit, and Willie Heath Jr, the driver of the Chrysler sedan which struck Hall, claims to have pleaded with people waiting at the bus stop to help him perform CPR on the boy. Most of them got on the next bus, however.
"We're in a mean world," Heath said of the incident.
"I was begging for help," he said. "They got on their bus and left." Drivers passing by were equally callous, honking their horns and rushing by. Heath admits that he was afraid of being hit himself. While most of the people at the bus stop left the scene, two bystanders did help Heath and Hall in the end - one of them running to the nearby fire station to bring aid.
Heath, a religious man and himself the father of five, was both deeply sorry and upset by the incident when he spoke with the Atlanta Journal Constitution.
"I don't know if the parents are mad at me," he said. "I want to pray with them."
He also cites the lack of lights and sidewalks as contributing to the accident. While he said that he did not blame the government for not providing them, the conditions made it difficult for him to see Hall, and contributed to the accident.
As always, it is sad to hear about a child who is injured, and especially so critically. While I do not place blame on Hall, it is not always easy for drivers to see pedestrians, and he put himself in a more dangerous situation when he crossed without protection, and in clothing which made him difficult to see in the early morning light. According to reports, Hall was crossing the street with his brother at the time, who was luckily not hurt.
This is a reminder, without a doubt, of the importance of instilling good pedestrian etiquette in our children, so that situations like this are less likely. At the same time, it is a reminder of how easily a person can be critically injured by a car, and the importance of being alert for people walking in or along the roadways who might not be readily visible.
If you have been injured in a car accident in Atlanta, it is important to contact an experienced Atlanta car accident attorney immediately. You may be entitled to compensation. Call MLN Law at 404-531-9700 to schedule your free consultation.
The accident occurred when Hall attempted to cross the busy stretch of highway without the protection of a crosswalk and was struck by a driver. Hall was wearing dark clothes at the time, and in the early morning without the benefit of street lights, poor visibility may have contributed to the accident. Police say that while the accident took place about a mile away from a Riverdale elementary school, it is not entirely clear if the boy was walking there or not.
Hall was near a bus stop when he was hit, and Willie Heath Jr, the driver of the Chrysler sedan which struck Hall, claims to have pleaded with people waiting at the bus stop to help him perform CPR on the boy. Most of them got on the next bus, however."We're in a mean world," Heath said of the incident.
"I was begging for help," he said. "They got on their bus and left." Drivers passing by were equally callous, honking their horns and rushing by. Heath admits that he was afraid of being hit himself. While most of the people at the bus stop left the scene, two bystanders did help Heath and Hall in the end - one of them running to the nearby fire station to bring aid.
Heath, a religious man and himself the father of five, was both deeply sorry and upset by the incident when he spoke with the Atlanta Journal Constitution.
"I don't know if the parents are mad at me," he said. "I want to pray with them."
He also cites the lack of lights and sidewalks as contributing to the accident. While he said that he did not blame the government for not providing them, the conditions made it difficult for him to see Hall, and contributed to the accident.
As always, it is sad to hear about a child who is injured, and especially so critically. While I do not place blame on Hall, it is not always easy for drivers to see pedestrians, and he put himself in a more dangerous situation when he crossed without protection, and in clothing which made him difficult to see in the early morning light. According to reports, Hall was crossing the street with his brother at the time, who was luckily not hurt.
This is a reminder, without a doubt, of the importance of instilling good pedestrian etiquette in our children, so that situations like this are less likely. At the same time, it is a reminder of how easily a person can be critically injured by a car, and the importance of being alert for people walking in or along the roadways who might not be readily visible.
If you have been injured in a car accident in Atlanta, it is important to contact an experienced Atlanta car accident attorney immediately. You may be entitled to compensation. Call MLN Law at 404-531-9700 to schedule your free consultation.
Labels: Atlanta accident lawyer, atlanta car accident attorney, Atlanta injury lawyer, avoiding car accidents, driver safety, pedestrian
Actor Gary Coleman, best known for his role as Arnold Jackson on the sitcom "Diff'rent Strokes," has reportedly settled a personal injury lawsuit that was filed against him by a disgruntled fan.
Colt Rushton filed the injury lawsuit against the actor after a September 2008 incident at a bowling alley in Utah. The lawsuit claims that Coleman was bowling with his wife and his bodyguard when Rushton photographed Coleman using a cell phone camera. Rushton took a few more photos in the parking lot before Coleman's wife Shannon Price grabbed the cell phone. Court documents allege that while Rushton and Price argued, Coleman hit Rushton with his truck as he was backing up.
Rushton's attorney Dustin Lance said that his client sustained knee injuries that required treatment by an orthopedic surgeon, but he did not say if Rushton underwent surgery.
In 2008, Lance told the Associated Press, "He's not on crutches, but there is quite a bit of pain."
Lance said that the personal injury case was settled within the past month. He did not reveal the terms of the settlement.
Coleman pleaded not guilty to charges of disorderly conduct and reckless driving in October 2008. A month later Coleman entered a plea of no contest.
"It was kind of a compromise," said Coleman's attorney Randy Kester. "It's the kind of case we could have probably taken to a jury trial, but it would've taken two days and wasted a lot of state resources and a lot of our resources. We constructed it ourselves and just tried to come up with a way to resolve the city's concerns and at the same time protect Mr. Coleman."
Coleman was also cited for disorderly conduct in Utah in 2008 after an argument with his wife.
Most recently, Coleman was arrested and booked for failing to appear in court. Coleman, now 41, was booked into a Utah County Jail yesterday. Details of the warrant have not been released, but according to the Salt Lake Tribune, jail records show that Coleman was arrested after police responded to reports of a domestic disturbance at his home.
According to police, they found that no crime had been committed, but they picked up Coleman because of a warrant stemming from a previous incident. One jailer told TMC that Coleman had been arrested for a domestic violence incident in 2009 but never showed up for court. As of this morning, Coleman was still in custody. Hopefully Coleman will learn that not even celebrities can break the law or injure others and get away with it.
Atlanta happens to be a hot spot for celebrities. Unfortunately, celebrities are not always nice, and sometimes they can injure others, especially when they feel that they are above the law. If you have been seriously injured by the negligent actions of an Atlanta celebrity or non-celebrity, contact an experienced Atlanta personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. Call MLN Law at 404-531-9700 to schedule a free consultation.
Colt Rushton filed the injury lawsuit against the actor after a September 2008 incident at a bowling alley in Utah. The lawsuit claims that Coleman was bowling with his wife and his bodyguard when Rushton photographed Coleman using a cell phone camera. Rushton took a few more photos in the parking lot before Coleman's wife Shannon Price grabbed the cell phone. Court documents allege that while Rushton and Price argued, Coleman hit Rushton with his truck as he was backing up.
Rushton's attorney Dustin Lance said that his client sustained knee injuries that required treatment by an orthopedic surgeon, but he did not say if Rushton underwent surgery.
In 2008, Lance told the Associated Press, "He's not on crutches, but there is quite a bit of pain."
Lance said that the personal injury case was settled within the past month. He did not reveal the terms of the settlement.
Coleman pleaded not guilty to charges of disorderly conduct and reckless driving in October 2008. A month later Coleman entered a plea of no contest.
"It was kind of a compromise," said Coleman's attorney Randy Kester. "It's the kind of case we could have probably taken to a jury trial, but it would've taken two days and wasted a lot of state resources and a lot of our resources. We constructed it ourselves and just tried to come up with a way to resolve the city's concerns and at the same time protect Mr. Coleman."
Coleman was also cited for disorderly conduct in Utah in 2008 after an argument with his wife.
Most recently, Coleman was arrested and booked for failing to appear in court. Coleman, now 41, was booked into a Utah County Jail yesterday. Details of the warrant have not been released, but according to the Salt Lake Tribune, jail records show that Coleman was arrested after police responded to reports of a domestic disturbance at his home.
According to police, they found that no crime had been committed, but they picked up Coleman because of a warrant stemming from a previous incident. One jailer told TMC that Coleman had been arrested for a domestic violence incident in 2009 but never showed up for court. As of this morning, Coleman was still in custody. Hopefully Coleman will learn that not even celebrities can break the law or injure others and get away with it.
Atlanta happens to be a hot spot for celebrities. Unfortunately, celebrities are not always nice, and sometimes they can injure others, especially when they feel that they are above the law. If you have been seriously injured by the negligent actions of an Atlanta celebrity or non-celebrity, contact an experienced Atlanta personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. Call MLN Law at 404-531-9700 to schedule a free consultation.
Labels: Atlanta injury lawyer
On Monday a 5-year-old boy fell 15 feet down an elevator shaft at the Kensington Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) station in Atlanta. The boy escaped serious injury. He was conscious and alert when firefighters rescued him using a wire basket.
DeKalb County Fire Captain Eric Jackson said, "Remarkably, consider the fall and what could have happened, the child was not hurt seriously."
The young boy was taken to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and released after evaluation. However, his parents took him back to the hospital on the same day after he told them he was having headaches. He was released again later in the evening.
According to Jackson, the child was on the second floor of the MARTA station and leaning again the elevator door "when the door somehow became disengaged or opened, and that's when the child fell.”
“He fell onto the top of the elevator car," reported Jackson
Jackson said that the rescue operation was challenging: "but we were basically able to use some ladders to get the firefighters down there, get the child secured, and bring him back up on a Stokes basket."
A Stokes basket is a metal wire basket used for rescue missions in confined spaces.
The incident happened around 9:00 a.m. on Monday morning. MARTA spokeswoman Cara Hodgson said that MARTA officials are investigating the accident.
CBS Atlanta News questioned MARTA officials about the accident. Tim Eason, the escalator and elevator manager at MARTA, said, "We know doors did swing in but at this point we don't know why.”
"When doors typically function, they slide from left to right. How would they push in?" asked a reporter?
"They slide side to side," said Eason, "and normally they shouldn't go in or out. It's a very unusual situation."
According to Eason, the elevator in question had been recently inspected by a maintenance contractor on January 4 and by a MARTA inspector on January 11. He said that other MARTA elevators and escalators have been checked and are safe.
However, the question still remains: What kind of malfunction occurred that allowed the weight of a five-year-old boy to cause an elevator door to swing in? If it turns out that the boy sustained injuries during the fall – for instance, if the headaches were a sign of a traumatic brain injury – then the boy’s family would likely have a good case against MARTA. Like all property owners, MARTA officials have the responsibility of making sure that the property is properly maintained and safe for visitors. Property owners have a legal obligation to alert visitors about known safety hazards.
Have you been injured at a place of business due to a safety hazard? If so, contact an experienced Atlanta premises liability attorney as soon as possible. Call MLN Law at 404-531-9700 to schedule your free consultation.
DeKalb County Fire Captain Eric Jackson said, "Remarkably, consider the fall and what could have happened, the child was not hurt seriously."
The young boy was taken to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and released after evaluation. However, his parents took him back to the hospital on the same day after he told them he was having headaches. He was released again later in the evening.
According to Jackson, the child was on the second floor of the MARTA station and leaning again the elevator door "when the door somehow became disengaged or opened, and that's when the child fell.”
“He fell onto the top of the elevator car," reported Jackson
Jackson said that the rescue operation was challenging: "but we were basically able to use some ladders to get the firefighters down there, get the child secured, and bring him back up on a Stokes basket."
A Stokes basket is a metal wire basket used for rescue missions in confined spaces.
The incident happened around 9:00 a.m. on Monday morning. MARTA spokeswoman Cara Hodgson said that MARTA officials are investigating the accident.
CBS Atlanta News questioned MARTA officials about the accident. Tim Eason, the escalator and elevator manager at MARTA, said, "We know doors did swing in but at this point we don't know why.”
"When doors typically function, they slide from left to right. How would they push in?" asked a reporter?
"They slide side to side," said Eason, "and normally they shouldn't go in or out. It's a very unusual situation."
According to Eason, the elevator in question had been recently inspected by a maintenance contractor on January 4 and by a MARTA inspector on January 11. He said that other MARTA elevators and escalators have been checked and are safe.
However, the question still remains: What kind of malfunction occurred that allowed the weight of a five-year-old boy to cause an elevator door to swing in? If it turns out that the boy sustained injuries during the fall – for instance, if the headaches were a sign of a traumatic brain injury – then the boy’s family would likely have a good case against MARTA. Like all property owners, MARTA officials have the responsibility of making sure that the property is properly maintained and safe for visitors. Property owners have a legal obligation to alert visitors about known safety hazards.
Have you been injured at a place of business due to a safety hazard? If so, contact an experienced Atlanta premises liability attorney as soon as possible. Call MLN Law at 404-531-9700 to schedule your free consultation.
Labels: atlanta, Atlanta injury lawyer, child safety, fall, MARTA, premises liability
Lysol Steam Mop Recall
This week the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced a voluntary recall of approximately 162,000 Lysol Steam Cleaning Mops made by the Conair Corporation of Stamford, Connecticut. The recall was issued after it was realized that hot water can rupture the housing of the steam mop and pose a burn hazard as it shoots out. Additionally, the ruptured housing unit may pose a laceration hazard.
Conair has received at least 14 reports of hot water forcefully shooting out of the water reservoir of the Lysol steam mop. These reports included two minor burn injuries which required the consumers to seek medical attention.
The recall applies to the Lysol Steam Cleaning Mop by Conair, model numbers SM10L and SM10LR. The model number appears on the bottom of the mop beneath the microfiber cloth. The recalled steam mops were sold at many different department stores, drug stores, hardware stores, home improvement stores, Internet stores, and mass merchandisers across the country between September 2006 and September 2009. The steam mops sold for approximately $40. They were made in China.
If you have a Conair Lysol Steam Mop with model number SM10L or SM10LR, stop using the mop immediately to avoid possible burn injury. Contact Conair at 1-800-687-6916 during normal business hours or visit www.conair.com/recallmop to receive your free replacement steam cleaning mop.
If you ever need to report a dangerous product or product-related injury, you can call the CPSC Hotline at 1-800-638-2772.
Thermador Oven Recall
In related product recall news, BSH Home Appliance Corporation has expanded its recall on Thermador built-in ovens. The ovens may overheat in self-cleaning mode and cause fires. There have been reports of fires that have damaged surrounding cabinets. Approximately 37,000 Thermador ovens have been recalled. No injuries have been reported so far, but if you have a Thermador built-in oven with one of the following model numbers, please stop using it immediately: C272B, C302B, SEC272, SEC302, SECD272 and SECD302. The retail prices of these ovens ranged from $3,000 to $4,400. For additional information, contact Thermador at 1-800-701-5230 or visit www.thermador.com.
Horizon Fitness Elliptical Trainer Recall - LIVESTRONG Fitness Elliptical Trainer Recall
Horizon Fitness and LIVESTRONG Fitness Elliptical Trainers distributed by Johnson Health Tech North American have also been recalled. The foot pedal on these elliptical trainers can disengage and pose a fall hazard. No injuries have been reported so far, but 58 foot pedal problems have been reported. Approximately 18,000 elliptical trainers were recalled. For more information, contact Johnson Health Tech North America at 1-800-962-3596, or visit www.horizonfitness.com or www.livestrongfitness.com.
Defective Product Injury in Atlanta, GA
Have you been seriously injured by a defective, unsafe product? If so, contact an experienced Atlanta, Georgia personal injury attorney immediately. You may be entitled to compensation. Call MLN Law at 404-531-9700 to schedule a free consultation to discuss your legal rights.
This week the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced a voluntary recall of approximately 162,000 Lysol Steam Cleaning Mops made by the Conair Corporation of Stamford, Connecticut. The recall was issued after it was realized that hot water can rupture the housing of the steam mop and pose a burn hazard as it shoots out. Additionally, the ruptured housing unit may pose a laceration hazard.
Conair has received at least 14 reports of hot water forcefully shooting out of the water reservoir of the Lysol steam mop. These reports included two minor burn injuries which required the consumers to seek medical attention.
The recall applies to the Lysol Steam Cleaning Mop by Conair, model numbers SM10L and SM10LR. The model number appears on the bottom of the mop beneath the microfiber cloth. The recalled steam mops were sold at many different department stores, drug stores, hardware stores, home improvement stores, Internet stores, and mass merchandisers across the country between September 2006 and September 2009. The steam mops sold for approximately $40. They were made in China.
If you have a Conair Lysol Steam Mop with model number SM10L or SM10LR, stop using the mop immediately to avoid possible burn injury. Contact Conair at 1-800-687-6916 during normal business hours or visit www.conair.com/recallmop to receive your free replacement steam cleaning mop.
If you ever need to report a dangerous product or product-related injury, you can call the CPSC Hotline at 1-800-638-2772.
Thermador Oven Recall
In related product recall news, BSH Home Appliance Corporation has expanded its recall on Thermador built-in ovens. The ovens may overheat in self-cleaning mode and cause fires. There have been reports of fires that have damaged surrounding cabinets. Approximately 37,000 Thermador ovens have been recalled. No injuries have been reported so far, but if you have a Thermador built-in oven with one of the following model numbers, please stop using it immediately: C272B, C302B, SEC272, SEC302, SECD272 and SECD302. The retail prices of these ovens ranged from $3,000 to $4,400. For additional information, contact Thermador at 1-800-701-5230 or visit www.thermador.com.
Horizon Fitness Elliptical Trainer Recall - LIVESTRONG Fitness Elliptical Trainer Recall
Horizon Fitness and LIVESTRONG Fitness Elliptical Trainers distributed by Johnson Health Tech North American have also been recalled. The foot pedal on these elliptical trainers can disengage and pose a fall hazard. No injuries have been reported so far, but 58 foot pedal problems have been reported. Approximately 18,000 elliptical trainers were recalled. For more information, contact Johnson Health Tech North America at 1-800-962-3596, or visit www.horizonfitness.com or www.livestrongfitness.com.
Defective Product Injury in Atlanta, GA
Have you been seriously injured by a defective, unsafe product? If so, contact an experienced Atlanta, Georgia personal injury attorney immediately. You may be entitled to compensation. Call MLN Law at 404-531-9700 to schedule a free consultation to discuss your legal rights.
Labels: Atlanta injury lawyer, product liability, product recall
Of all people, law enforcement officers should know about the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol. They see DUI injuries first-hand. Yet I still periodically see stories about police officers involved in DUI wrecks. On Sunday morning, Union City Police Officer Patrick Reed was arrested for DUI after his vehicle crossed the center line and crashed into another vehicle.
Officer Reed was driving southbound on Old National Highway early Sunday morning when his Chevrolet Avalanche crossed the center line and hit a Pontiac Grand Prix head-on. The police report stated that Reed had bloodshot eyes, was unsteady on his feet, and had an odor of alcohol.
The driver of the Grand Prix was also charged with DUI. Reed was charged in Fulton County with DUI and failure to maintain lane. Both drivers were injured in the wreck and taken to Grady Hospital. A passenger in the Grand Prix was also injured in the DUI accident and is reportedly still in the hospital in critical condition.
"Right now [Reed] is on administrative leave with pay, pending an internal investigation and also the investigation from the Fulton County Police Department," Detective Jacqueline Lewis of the Union City Police Department told WSB-TV. "He has an excellent record. No disciplinary actions taken against him. This was a total shock."
Reed was off-duty and in his personal vehicle at the time of the accident. Neither Reed nor the other driver were taken into custody after the accident since they were admitted to the hospital with injuries. Both drivers were ticketed and will appear in court to face charges of DUI.
"The officer in question did come to the police station this morning and did turn in his badge and his duty belt," said Detective Lewis.
Officer Reed consented to a blood alcohol content (BAC) test at Grady Hospital, and Fulton County police are awaiting the results of that that.
Most police officers set a fine example for citizens. However, officers like Mr. Reed set a poor example for our children and all citizens. Our laws should be respected by all citizens, including those in uniform. If law enforcement officials do not respect the law, then how can they expect others to do so?
Driving under the influence of alcohol is a serious public health problem here in Atlanta, in the rest of Georgia, and in the nation as a whole. Drunk driving rates have been slowly decreasing in recent years, thanks in part to tougher DUI laws supported by groups such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).
In Georgia, the victim of a drunk driver accident may not only sue the drunk driver but may also sue the individual and/or establishment that knowingly served alcohol to an intoxicated person who would be driving.
If you've been injured by a drunk driver in Georgia, contact an experienced Georgia auto accident injury lawyer as soon as possible. Call MLN Law at 404-531-9700 to schedule a free consultation and review your legal rights.
Officer Reed was driving southbound on Old National Highway early Sunday morning when his Chevrolet Avalanche crossed the center line and hit a Pontiac Grand Prix head-on. The police report stated that Reed had bloodshot eyes, was unsteady on his feet, and had an odor of alcohol.
The driver of the Grand Prix was also charged with DUI. Reed was charged in Fulton County with DUI and failure to maintain lane. Both drivers were injured in the wreck and taken to Grady Hospital. A passenger in the Grand Prix was also injured in the DUI accident and is reportedly still in the hospital in critical condition.
"Right now [Reed] is on administrative leave with pay, pending an internal investigation and also the investigation from the Fulton County Police Department," Detective Jacqueline Lewis of the Union City Police Department told WSB-TV. "He has an excellent record. No disciplinary actions taken against him. This was a total shock."
Reed was off-duty and in his personal vehicle at the time of the accident. Neither Reed nor the other driver were taken into custody after the accident since they were admitted to the hospital with injuries. Both drivers were ticketed and will appear in court to face charges of DUI.
"The officer in question did come to the police station this morning and did turn in his badge and his duty belt," said Detective Lewis.
Officer Reed consented to a blood alcohol content (BAC) test at Grady Hospital, and Fulton County police are awaiting the results of that that.
Most police officers set a fine example for citizens. However, officers like Mr. Reed set a poor example for our children and all citizens. Our laws should be respected by all citizens, including those in uniform. If law enforcement officials do not respect the law, then how can they expect others to do so?
Driving under the influence of alcohol is a serious public health problem here in Atlanta, in the rest of Georgia, and in the nation as a whole. Drunk driving rates have been slowly decreasing in recent years, thanks in part to tougher DUI laws supported by groups such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).
In Georgia, the victim of a drunk driver accident may not only sue the drunk driver but may also sue the individual and/or establishment that knowingly served alcohol to an intoxicated person who would be driving.
If you've been injured by a drunk driver in Georgia, contact an experienced Georgia auto accident injury lawyer as soon as possible. Call MLN Law at 404-531-9700 to schedule a free consultation and review your legal rights.
Labels: Atlanta injury lawyer, drunk driver, drunk driving, DUI, Fulton County, Grady Hospital
Over the weekend, three people died in alcohol-related auto accidents on Interstate 285 in Atlanta.
On Saturday night at 11:50 pm, a white SUV on I-285 Northbound at I-20 lost control, rear-ended another car, slid down an embankment, and came to a stop lodged between two trees. Captain Eric Jackson of the DeKalb Country Fire Department reported that the driver of the SUV, 30-year-old Nathaniel Jones, died at the scene.
The driver of the other vehicle, whose name was not released, went to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
About four hours later, two more people died in another wreck on I-285 Southbound at the ramp to I-20 East, reported DeKalb County Police spokesperson Mekka Parish. Police believe that the driver of a gold Acura was speeding when he lost control of the vehicle while trying to exit. The car crashed into a concrete barrier before sliding down the embankment.
Thanomsy Champasouk, 33, and Somkhith Chanthakhinh, 30, died at the scene. The two passengers in the back seat, whose names and conditions were not released, were taken to a local hospital with injuries.
Parish said that alcohol and excessive speed were factors in both accidents.
Innocent victims are killed and injured in alcohol-related accidents every day. If you’ve been injured, or if you’ve suffered the loss of a loved one by a drunk driver, you deserve just compensation.
Drunk drivers, however, don’t always have insurance to cover your medical expenses, pain, suffering, loss of income, and other damages. At MLN Law, we provide caring, aggressive representation to victims of drunk driver accidents. We will hold the guilty party accountable and make sure that you get the compensation you deserve.
Bar owners and liquor stores may also be held accountable for your injuries. Georgia’s Dram Shop Act makes clear that a bar, tavern, restaurant, or other business may be held responsible for injuries caused by a drunk driver if they “knowingly sell, furnish or serve alcoholic beverages to a person who is in a noticeable state of intoxication, knowing that such person will soon be driving a motor vehicle.”
The business or person who served alcohol to the drunk driver may be at fault, and you may be entitled to recover damages from them. It depends on the specific facts in your case.
Drunk commercial vehicle drivers have a different standard. In Georgia, it’s illegal to drive a commercial vehicle with a blood alcohol content over 0.04 (compared to non-commercial drivers at 0.08). In commercial cases, the driver and the trucking company may be held accountable. In fact, in commercial truck accident lawsuits, several companies may be held accountable, as one company may own the tractor, another company may own the trailer, and yet another company may employ the truck driver.
At MLN Law, we will investigate all possible sources of compensation for injuries caused by alcohol-related auto accidents.
If you were injured by a drunk driver, or if you lost a loved one, call MLN Law at (404) 531-9700 to schedule your free consultation. We must act promptly to collect evidence and investigate the accident. Call (404) 531-9700 now.
On Saturday night at 11:50 pm, a white SUV on I-285 Northbound at I-20 lost control, rear-ended another car, slid down an embankment, and came to a stop lodged between two trees. Captain Eric Jackson of the DeKalb Country Fire Department reported that the driver of the SUV, 30-year-old Nathaniel Jones, died at the scene.
The driver of the other vehicle, whose name was not released, went to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
About four hours later, two more people died in another wreck on I-285 Southbound at the ramp to I-20 East, reported DeKalb County Police spokesperson Mekka Parish. Police believe that the driver of a gold Acura was speeding when he lost control of the vehicle while trying to exit. The car crashed into a concrete barrier before sliding down the embankment.
Thanomsy Champasouk, 33, and Somkhith Chanthakhinh, 30, died at the scene. The two passengers in the back seat, whose names and conditions were not released, were taken to a local hospital with injuries.
Parish said that alcohol and excessive speed were factors in both accidents.
Innocent victims are killed and injured in alcohol-related accidents every day. If you’ve been injured, or if you’ve suffered the loss of a loved one by a drunk driver, you deserve just compensation.
Drunk drivers, however, don’t always have insurance to cover your medical expenses, pain, suffering, loss of income, and other damages. At MLN Law, we provide caring, aggressive representation to victims of drunk driver accidents. We will hold the guilty party accountable and make sure that you get the compensation you deserve.
Bar owners and liquor stores may also be held accountable for your injuries. Georgia’s Dram Shop Act makes clear that a bar, tavern, restaurant, or other business may be held responsible for injuries caused by a drunk driver if they “knowingly sell, furnish or serve alcoholic beverages to a person who is in a noticeable state of intoxication, knowing that such person will soon be driving a motor vehicle.”
The business or person who served alcohol to the drunk driver may be at fault, and you may be entitled to recover damages from them. It depends on the specific facts in your case.
Drunk commercial vehicle drivers have a different standard. In Georgia, it’s illegal to drive a commercial vehicle with a blood alcohol content over 0.04 (compared to non-commercial drivers at 0.08). In commercial cases, the driver and the trucking company may be held accountable. In fact, in commercial truck accident lawsuits, several companies may be held accountable, as one company may own the tractor, another company may own the trailer, and yet another company may employ the truck driver.
At MLN Law, we will investigate all possible sources of compensation for injuries caused by alcohol-related auto accidents.
If you were injured by a drunk driver, or if you lost a loved one, call MLN Law at (404) 531-9700 to schedule your free consultation. We must act promptly to collect evidence and investigate the accident. Call (404) 531-9700 now.
Labels: alcohol, Atlanta injury lawyer, auto accident, drunk driver, drunk driving, DUI
As the Atlanta police department prepares to lose more officers while a new wave a violent crime washes over the city, inadequate security in Atlanta has become an issue that cannot be ignored.
Have you been injured or attacked on someone else's property due to inadequate security? If so, contact Atlanta personal injury attorney Michael Lawson Neff at 404-531-9700 or email him at mneff@mlnlaw.com to schedule your free consultation.
On March 8, 2009, The Sunday Paper reported that Atlanta has only 1,615 police officers – and the majority of officers are required to take 16 hours off each month because of mandatory furloughs.
That's not to say that the city government isn't working hard to protect Atlanta's citizens. A 2009 report from the Atlanta Police Foundation states, "In 2003, the City of Atlanta, the Atlanta Police Department, and the Atlanta Police Foundation committed to a force of 2,000 police officers by 2010. Since that time, force strength increased significantly, adding 351 officers to the ranks of APD. During that same time period, the violent crime rate decreased 39 percent… and Atlanta dropped from the third most violent city in America to sixteenth. The results speak for themselves."
However, the report ominously adds, "As of January 1, 2009… it is anticipated the department could lose approximately 15 to 20 officers per month to attrition and retirement. If this sustained loss occurs, APD could be operating at 2002 levels, when we were ranked the third most violent city in America, by July of this year."
In another bad sign, on March 10, 2009, Newsmax.com reported that Atlanta is now the East Coast's principal distribution hub for Mexican drug cartels. In 2008, federal agents seized more drug-related cash in Atlanta than in any other region. It's only a matter of time before the violence we're seeing in Mexico's drug wars spills over into the streets of Atlanta.
Adequate security has never been more important in Atlanta.
Businesses like hotels, shopping centers, apartment complexes, and parking lots have an obligation to provide adequate security for both tenants and guests. Owners know their property better than you do; therefore, they have a duty to protect you from hazards. This goes beyond putting down "Caution: Wet Floor" signs.
For example:
· A property manager is obligated to inform tenants of known ongoing criminal activity.
· Walkways and parking lots must be sufficiently lit at night.
· Other examples of inadequate security may include a lack of a perimeter fence around the property, an absence of security cameras, or negligent security guards.
· In general, a property owner must provide sufficient security for tenants and visitors.
If a business knows or should know that there is significant crime on its property or in the neighborhood, it must act reasonably to provide adequate security. And in some cases, a history of crime is not necessary for the victim to be rewarded compensation for damages. For example, in the case of Brookview Holdings, LLC v. Suarez, 285 Ga. App. 90, 645 S.E.2d 559 (2007), someone was murdered in a trailer park where there was a lack of prior criminal activity. However, the plaintiff (a tenant of the trailer park and relative of the deceased) won the case because the plaintiff was actually paying a security fee per the lease contract.
If you or someone you care about has been a victim of crime due to inadequate security in Atlanta or elsewhere, contact Atlanta personal injury attorney Michael Lawson Neff at 404-531-9700 or email him at mneff@mlnlaw.com to schedule your free consultation. If you don't act quickly, valuable evidence may be destroyed, and you may lose your ability to recover for your personal injuries.
Have you been injured or attacked on someone else's property due to inadequate security? If so, contact Atlanta personal injury attorney Michael Lawson Neff at 404-531-9700 or email him at mneff@mlnlaw.com to schedule your free consultation.
On March 8, 2009, The Sunday Paper reported that Atlanta has only 1,615 police officers – and the majority of officers are required to take 16 hours off each month because of mandatory furloughs.
That's not to say that the city government isn't working hard to protect Atlanta's citizens. A 2009 report from the Atlanta Police Foundation states, "In 2003, the City of Atlanta, the Atlanta Police Department, and the Atlanta Police Foundation committed to a force of 2,000 police officers by 2010. Since that time, force strength increased significantly, adding 351 officers to the ranks of APD. During that same time period, the violent crime rate decreased 39 percent… and Atlanta dropped from the third most violent city in America to sixteenth. The results speak for themselves."
However, the report ominously adds, "As of January 1, 2009… it is anticipated the department could lose approximately 15 to 20 officers per month to attrition and retirement. If this sustained loss occurs, APD could be operating at 2002 levels, when we were ranked the third most violent city in America, by July of this year."
In another bad sign, on March 10, 2009, Newsmax.com reported that Atlanta is now the East Coast's principal distribution hub for Mexican drug cartels. In 2008, federal agents seized more drug-related cash in Atlanta than in any other region. It's only a matter of time before the violence we're seeing in Mexico's drug wars spills over into the streets of Atlanta.
Adequate security has never been more important in Atlanta.
Businesses like hotels, shopping centers, apartment complexes, and parking lots have an obligation to provide adequate security for both tenants and guests. Owners know their property better than you do; therefore, they have a duty to protect you from hazards. This goes beyond putting down "Caution: Wet Floor" signs.
For example:
· A property manager is obligated to inform tenants of known ongoing criminal activity.
· Walkways and parking lots must be sufficiently lit at night.
· Other examples of inadequate security may include a lack of a perimeter fence around the property, an absence of security cameras, or negligent security guards.
· In general, a property owner must provide sufficient security for tenants and visitors.
If a business knows or should know that there is significant crime on its property or in the neighborhood, it must act reasonably to provide adequate security. And in some cases, a history of crime is not necessary for the victim to be rewarded compensation for damages. For example, in the case of Brookview Holdings, LLC v. Suarez, 285 Ga. App. 90, 645 S.E.2d 559 (2007), someone was murdered in a trailer park where there was a lack of prior criminal activity. However, the plaintiff (a tenant of the trailer park and relative of the deceased) won the case because the plaintiff was actually paying a security fee per the lease contract.
If you or someone you care about has been a victim of crime due to inadequate security in Atlanta or elsewhere, contact Atlanta personal injury attorney Michael Lawson Neff at 404-531-9700 or email him at mneff@mlnlaw.com to schedule your free consultation. If you don't act quickly, valuable evidence may be destroyed, and you may lose your ability to recover for your personal injuries.
Labels: Atlanta injury lawyer, atlanta personal injury, violent crime victim
Have you been injured on the job? If so, contact The Law Offices of Michael Lawson Neff, today.
Michael Neff is an experienced Atlanta lawyer who understands the challenges that people face after being injured. Frequently after an on the job injury, you will help to obtain the medical benefits and income benefits you need.
Common workers' compensation injuries include:
· Back injuries
· Loss of limbs
· Traumatic brain injuries
· Spinal cord injuries
· Neck injuries
· Carpal tunnel syndrome
· Repetitive stress injuries
· Burns
· Wrist injuries
· Foot and ankle injuries
· Knee and leg injuries
· Shoulder injuries
· Hip injuries
· Heart attack and strokes
· Hearing loss
· Vision loss
· Workplace fatalities
· Occupational diseases
What Are Occupational Diseases?
An occupational disease is a chronic ailment that results from work activity. Some well-known occupational diseases include:
· Asbestosis for miners and those who work with asbestos insulation
· Black lung for coal miners
· Carpal tunnel syndrome for data entry workers
· Lead poisoning
· Radiation sickness for those in the nuclear industry
When it comes to on-the-job injuries, as long as you follow the proper steps, the law will see to it that you get medical treatment and some protection for lost wages.
If you are injured on the job, follow these steps to make sure that you'll be able to get workers' compensation benefits:
1) Report the incident to your supervisor immediately.
2) Make sure that a written report is made – even if you have to write it up yourself and hand it to your supervisor. Keep a copy of the report for yourself.
3) Find your employer's list of doctors that you're allowed to see if hurt on the job.
4) Let the insurance company know that you have a claim.
5) Be aware that you have only 1 year to file a claim.
In some cases, a person can file a personal injury claim in addition to workers' compensation. For example, if you're involved in an auto accident while on the job, you may be able to get workers' compensation benefits and sue the driver at fault for personal injury compensation.
Workers' Compensation and Insurance Companies
Many insurance companies will go to great lengths to avoid paying income benefits, even if a doctor has told you to take time off after an injury on the job.
When there's a dispute between an injured worker and an insurance company or employer, Georgia's State Board of Workers' Compensation rules on the case.
In many cases, you'll have to appear before an administrative law judge to force the insurance company to pay your benefits. The insurance company will hire an attorney who will try to deny you benefits. That's why it's important to hire an attorney well-versed in workers' compensation law.
Workers' Compensation Benefits
According to the Workers' Compensation Act, employees who are totally disabled by a work injury are entitled to the lesser of 2/3 of their average weekly wage or $500 a week. If you've been temporarily disabled due to an injury on the job, you can receive up to $334 a week. Workers who become permanently and partially disabled may also be entitled to benefits.
Get the Workers' Compensation Benefits You Deserve
If you've been injured on the job, contact Michael Neff today to make sure you get the benefits you deserve. As an experienced Atlanta workers compensation lawyer, Michael Neff is well-versed in State Board rules, statutes, and precedents. Contact Michael Neff at (404) 531-9700 or mneff@mlnlaw.com. For more information, see Workers' Compensation – Atlanta Personal Injury Lawyer.
Michael Neff is an experienced Atlanta lawyer who understands the challenges that people face after being injured. Frequently after an on the job injury, you will help to obtain the medical benefits and income benefits you need.
Common workers' compensation injuries include:
· Back injuries
· Loss of limbs
· Traumatic brain injuries
· Spinal cord injuries
· Neck injuries
· Carpal tunnel syndrome
· Repetitive stress injuries
· Burns
· Wrist injuries
· Foot and ankle injuries
· Knee and leg injuries
· Shoulder injuries
· Hip injuries
· Heart attack and strokes
· Hearing loss
· Vision loss
· Workplace fatalities
· Occupational diseases
What Are Occupational Diseases?
An occupational disease is a chronic ailment that results from work activity. Some well-known occupational diseases include:
· Asbestosis for miners and those who work with asbestos insulation
· Black lung for coal miners
· Carpal tunnel syndrome for data entry workers
· Lead poisoning
· Radiation sickness for those in the nuclear industry
When it comes to on-the-job injuries, as long as you follow the proper steps, the law will see to it that you get medical treatment and some protection for lost wages.
If you are injured on the job, follow these steps to make sure that you'll be able to get workers' compensation benefits:
1) Report the incident to your supervisor immediately.
2) Make sure that a written report is made – even if you have to write it up yourself and hand it to your supervisor. Keep a copy of the report for yourself.
3) Find your employer's list of doctors that you're allowed to see if hurt on the job.
4) Let the insurance company know that you have a claim.
5) Be aware that you have only 1 year to file a claim.
In some cases, a person can file a personal injury claim in addition to workers' compensation. For example, if you're involved in an auto accident while on the job, you may be able to get workers' compensation benefits and sue the driver at fault for personal injury compensation.
Workers' Compensation and Insurance Companies
Many insurance companies will go to great lengths to avoid paying income benefits, even if a doctor has told you to take time off after an injury on the job.
When there's a dispute between an injured worker and an insurance company or employer, Georgia's State Board of Workers' Compensation rules on the case.
In many cases, you'll have to appear before an administrative law judge to force the insurance company to pay your benefits. The insurance company will hire an attorney who will try to deny you benefits. That's why it's important to hire an attorney well-versed in workers' compensation law.
Workers' Compensation Benefits
According to the Workers' Compensation Act, employees who are totally disabled by a work injury are entitled to the lesser of 2/3 of their average weekly wage or $500 a week. If you've been temporarily disabled due to an injury on the job, you can receive up to $334 a week. Workers who become permanently and partially disabled may also be entitled to benefits.
Get the Workers' Compensation Benefits You Deserve
If you've been injured on the job, contact Michael Neff today to make sure you get the benefits you deserve. As an experienced Atlanta workers compensation lawyer, Michael Neff is well-versed in State Board rules, statutes, and precedents. Contact Michael Neff at (404) 531-9700 or mneff@mlnlaw.com. For more information, see Workers' Compensation – Atlanta Personal Injury Lawyer.
Labels: asbestosis, Atlanta injury lawyer, Georgia personal injury law, neck injury, spine injury, traumatic brain injury
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