Marietta Injury Lawyer Blog

Atlanta has seen a flood of wrongful death and catastrophic injuries caused by hit and run drivers this summer. Numerous metro area police departments are pursuing active hit and run investigations. This week DeKalb county caught the man believed to be responsible for the fatal hit and run collision on Flat Shoals road June 12, 2010. The man charged with vehicular homicide is a Cobb County school administrator and WSBTV has the full story.

According to police investigators, a Crime Stoppers tip led to the accused's arrest in this case. It is good to see the victim's family get justice thanks to programs like Crime Stoppers. The program works. If you have information about a hit and run incident or other crime you can call Crime Stoppers at (404) 577-TIPS, (404) 577-8477.

On June 21st, the Persons family was blessed with our third child, Oliver Samuel. Fatherhood has once again become a wonderful distraction. As you can tell, blogging has taken a back seat to rocking the baby and I haven't written an article in weeks. Now you know why. Here is a picture of baby Oliver, the newest love of my life.

Today the Cobb County Trial Lawyers Association named it's new slate of officers for 2010. The Persons Firm, LLC is pleased to announce our managing partner, Ben Persons, was named Secretary for 2010. Also elected into leadership positions were Randy Rogers (President) and Aaron Strimban (Treasurer).

"The Cobb County Trial Lawyers Association is made up of some of the most respected, accomplished, and skilled trial lawyers in the country. I am honored to be elected to a leadership position by such a distinguished membership. I look forward to serving as Secretary in 2010" stated Mr. Persons.

The Cobb County Trial Lawyers Association is a section of the Cobb County Bar Association and a local affiliate of the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association, and is dedicated to promoting civil justice and protecting the constitutional right to trial by jury.

With the Supreme Court of Georgia's recent monumental decision on medical malpractice damages caps, the tort reform debate is back in the news. As a Marietta Medical Malpractice Lawyer, when I saw that Joe Kirby (Editor of the Editorial Page of the Marietta Daily Journal) had written an article on medical malpractice damages caps, I was curious to see what his take on the issue would be. The MDJ's Editoral Page has a long standing reputation as a respected conservative voice for Metro Atlanta.

Mr. Kirby's article on med mal tort reform is a refreshing look at the issue without a political bias. If you are interested in learning more about the practical effect of tort reform I recommend you read this MDJ article.

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.

Continue reading "American Red Cross Does Amazing Work Right Here in Cobb County" »

It is an unfortunate fact that drunken drivers pose a significant risk to motorist traveling in and through Cobb County. The danger of becoming victim of DUI is even greater on week-end nights. According to WSBTV a suspected drunk driver crashed into a Cobb County Police Officer's cruiser at 11:30 Friday night. The officer was parked with his emergency lights on, helping with lane closures for road construction on Interstate 575 south at the Bells Ferry exit.

From review of the scene photographs this was clearly a tremendous and horrible impact. Both the officer and the suspected drunk driver were injured. The officer was transported to Kennestone Hospital with head injuries. My wife and Iare praying for a quick and full recovery for the injured officer and the other driver.

According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Marietta police prevented a potentially deadly situation when they apprehended Leonel Rodriguez driving the wrong way southbound on I-75. Early Saturday morning, September 27, Mr. Rodriguez was arrested for suspicion of DUI and numerous other offenses after driving his truck the wrong way on I-75 at speeds around 85 mph.

Marietta Police spokesman, Mark Bishop, had high praise for the officers that made the daring stop. "In this situation, our officers have the right to use deadly force," Bishop said. "Both took a great chance in this situation with their lives."

Continue reading "Marietta Wrong-Way Driver Arrested on Suspicion of DUI" »