Marietta Injury Lawyer Blog

Interesting Lawyer Ads; This One is a Rap Video

2010-03-08T18:33:37Z

I have never advertised my legal services on television, so I admittedly have no idea what is considered effective TV advertising. However, I do know what I find to be the most entertaining...and a Rap Video Lawyer Ad certainly fits that description.

This Ad is certainly a lot more fun than most of what I see on TV. Although not rapping himself, the guy wearing sunglasses in the sport coat appears to be the actual Georgia lawyer the ad wants you to call to "get that settlement check." I was a little disappointed there wasn't a line about getting the client diminished value for the shinny Hummer in the background, that would really have put it over the top. As silly as this ad seems, I would not be surprised if it is effective in attracting new clients. If TV advertising didn't work, I probably would not be inundated by lawyer ads whenever I have the misfortune of watching daytime television.

Powerful Video; True Story of a Georgia Medical Malpractice Victim (The Nestlehutt Case)

2010-03-08T14:41:55Z

WE THE PEOPLE from Georgia Justice on Vimeo.

The above video illustrates why we need government watchdogs, consumer advocates and Georgia trial lawyers fighting for the constitutional right to a jury trial. If you watch the video you will understand why the American System of Civil Justice should be protected from the insurance companies. We continue to pray for a favorable ruling from the Georgia Supreme Court to return Georgia to a place where judges and juries decide what is appropriate compensation for medical malpractice victims.

American Red Cross Does Amazing Work Right Here in Cobb County

2010-03-08T02:52:04Z

Most of us are familiar with the heroic efforts of the American Red Cross in responding to catastrophic disasters across the world. When earthquakes hit, we know the Red Cross will be there shortly to protect life and alleviate human suffering. However, the Red Cross doesn't get nearly enough publicity for their amazing humanitarian efforts in our community.

In September of last year, the Atlanta metro area experienced the worst flood in over 100 years. More than 60 roads were washed out and even major interstates were shut down. Families in 23 counties were displaced by the rising waters. Many died, thousands were in need. The Atlanta chapter of the ARC was on the ground helping displaced families, with food, water, clothing, and shelter, before the Governor had even declared a state of emergency. Cobb County was one of the hardest hit and the American Red Cross transformed the Cobb Civic Center into refuge of hope for hundreds of flood victims. The Red Cross literally saved the day right here in our community.

If you would like to donate to American Red Cross Disaster Relief, please click on the American Red Cross banner on the bottom right hand side of the page.

]]> Highlights of Red Cross Flood Relief in Georgia

Safe Refuge for the Displaced
* 9 shelters in 6 counties
* Cots, blankets, emergency clothing, hygiene items, health aid, emotional support and resources for 417 people
* 3,366 overnight stays

Food Service and Delivery
* 2 kitchens, 5 fixed feeding sites and 16 mobile feeding units
* 44,440 nourishing meals served
* 58, 664 snacks served

Individual Assistance and Casework
* 38 mobile outreach teams (caseworkers, nurses and mental health professionals)
* 3,435 contacts made in hard-hit communities
* Counseling for 3,954 people
* Nursing services for 2076 people
* One-on-one casework for 501 families (1,724 people) including financial assistance, referrals and other resources based on need

Bulk Supplies
* 1 supply warehouse
* 10 sites for the distribution of 142, 091 recovery items
* 4,404 clean-up kits
* 3,190 personal hygiene kits

Community Support
* Fielded 6,415 calls for help and support
* Partnered with dozens of government and community organizations
* 1,036 Red Cross workers from 37 states, most volunteers

Please consider donating to the American Red Cross. Even small donations add up to make a big difference.

Recent Recalls: Acura, Chrysler, Dodge, Honda, Saab, and Toyota

2010-03-01T15:51:24Z

When it comes to vehicles, there are some dangerous and defective products on the market right now. A good source of vehicle safety and recall information is the Consumer Reports car blog. Today Consumer Reports posted an informative piece on the latest recalls concerning the following vehicle: Acura, Chrysler, Dodge, Honda, Saab, and Toyota. If have one of these vehicles, or are considering buying a new or used car, it is worth a read.

Sen. Durbin Succinctly Explains Why Caps On Medical Malpractice Damages Are Not The Answer

2010-02-26T23:38:37Z

Toyota Video Guide; How to Stop a Runaway Vehicle.

2010-02-22T21:51:02Z

Toyota Crash in South Georgia Kills 5, Including 3 Children

2010-02-22T20:39:08Z

Last week tragedy struck south Georgia when five people were killed and one person seriously injured when a 2002 Toyota collided head-on with a van near Rochelle, Georgia. The Georgia State Patrol is still investigating what caused this crash that took the life of a mother and her three children, ages, 4, 7, and 9, as well as the life of the 68-year-old passenger of the van. The Red Cross is notifying the childrens' father currently serving overseas with the U.S. Navy. The driver of the van was seriously injured and taken to Macon hospital.

There have been no reports as to the cause of the collision at this time. However, Georgia product liability lawyers and other consumer advocates will be watching closely to see if the investigation reveals whether there were any defects with the Toyota that caused this tragic collision. At least 34 deaths have been linked to Toyota unintended acceleration problems. With more information becoming available about Toyota defects every day, more law enforcement and family investigations are looking to the vehicles for answers in these unusual tragic collisions.

Paralyzed DUI Victim Awarded $18.5 Million Verdict

2010-02-18T20:36:46Z

Yesterday, a Clear Creek District Court awarded an $18.5 million dollar verdict to an Idaho Springs man for the catastrophic personal injuries he suffered in a automobile collision with a drunken driver. On the date of the accident, Paul Savage was at his home in his driveway changing the oil in his car when he was crushed by a jeep owned by Justin Guy and driven by Kevin Ruszkowski. Mr. Ruszkowski and Mr. Guy had been driving on mountain roads after a day of drinking and smoking marijuana. Mr. Savage is confined to a wheelchair due to his paralysis and incurred $4.3 million dollars in medical bills and is expected to have another $4.9 million dollars in future medical bills.

Included in the verdict was an assessment for punitive damages against Ruszkowski, which were assessed for "driving the Jeep while drinking and smoking marijuana and for fleeing the scene of a collision amid the screams of his victims." As is common in cases like this, Mr. Ruszkowski escaped with very little criminal punishment. After pleading guilty he was sentenced to 4 years of probation following completion of boot camp.

As a DUI Victims lawyer, I was pleased to see the victim obtain such positive civil justice. Hopefully, this verdict will help mend the physical, emotional, and financial harms Mr. Savage and his family have suffered and will likely continue to suffer into the future.

Toyota Unintended Acceleration Incidents Linked to Electronic Throttle Control Systems

2010-02-06T21:18:22Z

Product Liability Lawyers, research groups, and the federal government have been closely following consumer complaints, injuries, and deaths resulting from Toyota unintended acceleration problems. Toyota claims the multiple recalls for floor mats and gas pedals will fix the problem. However, there is compelling data linking these acceleration incidents to the electronic throttle control systems. I anticipate there are more Toyota vehicle recalls in our future.

Illinois Supreme Court Holds Medical Malpractice Caps Unconsitutional

2010-02-05T14:58:09Z

Proponents of civil justice are celebrating and insurance companies are fuming in the wake of yesterday's decision by the Illinois Supreme Court. Illinois' highest court ruled capping damages for victims of medical malpractice violated the State Constitution's separation of powers clause by imposing decisions reserved for judges and juries. That is a huge win for the citizens of Illinois.

I've defended a huge number of doctors and hospitals in medical malpractice lawsuits, I have doctors in my family, and I have a really high opinion of the medical profession. As a Georgia medical malpractice lawyer, I recognize healthcare is a problem in our country. However, caps on medical malpractice damages are not the answer. Unless the question is how do we further victimize those that have been catastrophically injured by medical negligence.

For those that don't know, medical malpractice caps mean this: No matter what a doctor or hospital does to you. No matter how egregious the malpractice. No matter if the consequence is death, dismemberment, or disfigurement. You CANNOT recover what the judge and jury think your case is worth if it exceeds the arbitrary cap. In Georgia the cap is $350,000. If you are a housewife, retired, or unemployed and killed by a doctor's negligence the judge and jury cannot decide what your life is worth, $350,000 is the max. If a checked-out doctor cuts a baby's penis off during circumcision, refuses to acknowledge her mistake, and the baby is forced to live a life disfigured, the jury's verdict will be reduced to the arbitrary cap. Caps on damages were created by insurance companies to erode the civil justice system of trial by jury. For all its flaws, the American system of justice is still the best system in the world.

Thankfully, Illinois was protected from these caps by the State's Constitution and their high court's willingness to enforce it. The Supreme Court of Georgia is expected to rule soon on our medical malpractice caps. I, like many others, hope and pray Georgia will soon also be free from the injustice of caps.

Fatal Houston Car Crash Leads to Lawsuit Against Toyota

2010-02-02T19:48:07Z

The family of a 34 year old, Trina Renee Harris, filed a wrongful death suit against Toyota this week. Mrs. Harris died when her Toyota sped through a stop sign and crashed into a cement wall. The Harris case is believed to be the third acceleration related wrongful death lawsuit filed against Toyota. Toyota is also being sued for unexpected acceleration related deaths in California and Michigan. Toyota has refused to comment on the pending litigation. However, Toyota recently announced a fix to the defective gas pedal problem.

Toyota Has Announced Fix For Defective Gas Pedals

2010-02-02T16:26:58Z

Of interest to Georgia Product Liability Lawyers, this week Toyota announced it has created a fix for defective gas pedals in millions of recalled vehicles. The replacement parts are being shipped and dealers will be extending hours to accommodate all the expected repairs.

Georgia Product Liability Update; Honda Recalls 646,000 Fit Models Due to Fire Hazard

2010-02-01T17:46:08Z

Georgia Product Liability Update; Honda recently recalled 646,000 2008 and 2009 Fit Models (also known as City and Jazz internationally) due to a fire hazard in the window switch. The Honda recall affects 114,000 vehicles in the United States.

Chrysler Recalls Vehicles Due to Possible Brake Failure

2010-02-01T17:33:49Z

As part of our continued Georgia dangerous and defective products update, Chrysler Group has announced it is recalling thousands of Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep vehicles to fix a defective part linked to sudden brake failure.

Personal Injury Attorneys, The Persons Firm, LLC, Now On Twitter And Facebook

2010-01-31T20:27:50Z

Atlanta and Marietta, Georgia Personal Injury Attorneys, The Persons Firm, LLC, can now be found on Twitter and Facebook.