Atlanta Injury Lawyers Blog

The Murray Law Firm was pleased to learn that the Atlanta Medical Center has been designated as a Level I trauma center by the State of Georgia. Many of our most severely injured Clients have received life-saving services at the hospital, and we believe that the Level I designation was well warranted. We congratulate the administrators, physicians, and staff of the hospital on the recognition.

As a personal injury law firm that regularly represents Clients who have been injured, or who have lost a loved one, at the fault of an intoxicated driver, we are excited by early reports detailing the development of the Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety (DADSS). The following is an article on the technology that was recently posted on the website of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:

Waltham, Mass. -- U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and National Highway Traffic Safety Administrator David Strickland today took a first look at new Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety (DADSS) technology being developed to prevent alcohol-impaired drivers from operating their vehicles while under the influence.

In 2009, 10,839 people died nationwide in crashes involving a drunk driver. These deaths make up 32 percent of all fatal crashes.

With the recent string of alcohol-related motor vehicle accidents occurring on Georgia's highways, our firm would like to remind anyone who has suffered a loss as a consequence of such an accident that there are valuable resources available to assist them. Perhaps the organization most well-suited to offer assistance is Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).
MADD is an invaluable resource for families who have lost a loved one as a consequence of a drunk driver, and we always urge our Clients who suffered such a loss to contact the organization for assistance. The contact information for the Georgia chapter of MADD is as follows:

MADD
1000 CIRCLE 75 PKWY SE #45
ATLANTA, GA 30339
Phone: 7706153737
Fax: 7706153738
Email: ga.state@madd.org

For additional information on resocurces available to assist families coping with the loss of a loved one, please feel free to contact our firm at any time.

Our personal injury law firm wishes to recognize the efforts of the Georgia Department of Public Safety's TACT Program. Among other aims, the program is designed to identify and isolate hazardous tractor trailers and their drivers upon Georgia's roadways. As a car and truck accident law firm that sees all too many of the accidents caused by these tractor trailers, this program is one that is highly needed. The following post was published recently on the Department's website:

January 24-28, 2011 marked the latest enforcement wave of the Georgia TACT program was conducted last week on I-75 in Catoosa and Whitfield counties. TACT, or Targeting Aggressive Cars and Trucks, combines enforcement and education to increase driver awareness of the dangers associated with risky driving behaviors around commercial motor vehicles. During the five-day effort, troopers and MCCD officers made 296 contacts that included 123 commercial vehicle inspections, 101 citations, and 72 warnings. Included in the activity were 11 citations and 22 warnings to drivers of commercial vehicles for following too closely. Of the 123 inspections, six vehicles and six drivers were placed out of service with inspections revealing 84 equipment violations and 105 driver violations.

Congratulations to the TACT program, and keep up the good work!

As an Atlanta, Georgia based car accident and workers compensation law firm , we receive hundreds upon hundreds of telephone calls per year from potential Clients who simply ask "how much is my motor vehicle injury or work injury case worth?" In order to better assist our callers, we have created a Free 60 Second Case Evaluation. The process is simple: fill out our quick fill form (click this link) which takes less that 60 seconds to complete, and we'll get back to you within 10 minutes with a preliminary value for your case.

Although we have only recently started offering our Free 60 Second Personal Injury and Workers Compensation Case Evaluations, it has quickly become so popular and useful to potential Clients that we are now on call 24 hours per day. A Georgia personal injury, wrongful death, or workers compensation lawyer will respond quickly with a tentative case value and answer any all questions without cost. For those who wish to speak with our Georgia personal injury and workers compensation law firm immediately, please call 888.842.1616.

Although our firm is based in Atlanta, we have recovered millions of dollars for our Clients throughout Georgia. We handle cases from Dalton to Savannah and Augusta to Columbus. For those potential Clients outside of Georgia, we also offer nationwide attorney referrals for personal injury and workers compensation cases.

We continue to read through new data released by the U.S. Department of Labor relating to work related deaths in Georgia. As an Atlanta work injury attorney, this information is of critical importance to us as it indicates in which industries our Clients are most at risk. The figures also reveal other statistical information, such as the average age of workers in occupational accidents, which assist Georgia injury attorneys in determining which Clients are more susceptible to work accidents.

Georgia workers compensation attorneys may be interested to learn that, of the 171 workers compensation deaths in Georgia in 2008, almost one-third (52) involved workers between the ages of 45-54. This statistical group was followed by 35 fatalities involving Georgia workers ages 35-44, and 30 deaths involving workers ages 25-34. Interestingly, older workers were just as susceptible to work related deaths in Georgia in 2008, as there were 35 deaths involving workers age 55 and older.

Another interesting data set released by the Department of Labor shows that of the 171 work deaths in Atlanta and throughout Georgia in 2008, 78 occurred in goods producing industries such as mining, construction, and manufacturing. Another 78 deaths occurred in service providing industries such as banking, leisure and hospitality, and the transportation. The remaining fatalities, 15, were related to government work activity, with 5 occurring at the federal level, and 10 at the local level.

Our law firm was recently hired by a man seeking an Atlanta accident attorney to assist him with his personal injury case. The man was involved in a motor vehicle accident while driving his company's truck. The motor vehicle accident was not his fault, and the man suffered a spine injury as a result of the collision. He contacted us to assist him in his workers compensation claim against his employer. When we informed him that Georgia law allowed his attorney to also pursue a personal injury claim against the at fault driver, he was surprised. Apparently, his employer had told him that Georgia workers compensation law only allowed him to pursue a workers' comp claim.

This story inspired me to offer two lessons to our blog readers. The first lesson is, if you are ever involved in a work accident, be immediately skeptical of whatever advice your employer offers you. Too many times as a Georgia attorney have I seen my workers' compensation Clients misled by an employer whose primary concern is the impact that the work injury will have on its insurance premium. As we have posted in prior blogs entries, the victim of a work accident in Georgia in entitled to a number of benefits ranging from medical care to weekly indemnity checks. The workers compensation system in Georgia is very intricate, and an injured worker should seek the assistance of a qualified Georgia attorney before taking any advice from an employer.

The second lesson is that the workers compensation system is not always the only avenue of redress for an individual hurt in a work accident. It is true that Georgia law includes a statute that is commonly referred to as the 'exclusive remedy doctrine' which prohibits an injured worker from bringing a personal injury action against its employer. This statute does not, however, apply where a third party unrelated to the employer is at fault in causing the work accident. Under such circumstances, the injured worker may also have a personal injury case in addition to the workers compensation claim. Examples of this would be where a company driver is hurt in a car accident caused by another driver (car accident personal injury case), where a worker is hurt by a faulty machine (products liability claim), or where an injured worker slips and falls or is the victim of a violent crime while on a property not owned or leased by the employer (premises liability case).

In order for a victim of a work injury to properly assess any and all claims that are available under Georgia law, it would be advisable for the injured worker to seek guidance from a Georgia attorney. The Murray Law Firm has recovered millions of dollars for our workers compensation clients, and we would be pleased to answer any questions from potential Clients free of charge. The Murray Law Firm is based in Atlanta, and represents Clients throughout Georgia including Savannah, Augusta, Columbus, Macon, Dalton, Rome, and Athens.

As an Atlanta car accident law firm, we were saddened to learn of last week's single-car motor vehicle accident involving 5 Reinhardt University students. According to news reports, on Sunday, December 5, 2010, at approximately 12:44 a.m., the students were traveling in a 2007 GMC Sierra that left the roadway and before striking an embankment in north Cherokee County. One of the students, Mr. Steven Gregory Excell, unfortunately, perished as a consequence of the injuries he sustained. Reports indicate that the four other students were transported to Atlanta Medical Center where, all but one, were treated for their injuries and released. According to statements from the Georgia State Patrol, cras investigators believe that the driver of the vehicle lost control of the automobile before it left the roadway. The investigation remains open, however, and any charges against the driver remain pending.

If the driver of the GMC Sierra is found to have been at fault in causing this accident, Mr. Excell's family may elect to pursue a civil action for the wrongful death of their family member. His family could potentially recover a substantial sum for the loss of their family member, though, the ultimate recovery is dependent upon the insurance coverage held by the driver of the vehicle. In addition to the claim held by Mr. Excell's family, the other passengers of the vehicle may elect to bring independent personal injury actions. Because the insurance coverage may be limited, however, it is critical that the family of Mr. Excell, as well as the other victims, act quickly to ensure that insurance coverage is not exhausted.

It has been a difficult year across college campuses, as car accidents involving students have occurred at an alarming rate. Our firm, in fact, recently successfully represented the family of a Kennesaw State student whose life was lost in a similar incident. We, thus, understand the pain and anguish that Mr. Excell's family and friends are presently experiencing. We extend our condolences his loved ones, and we wish a speedy recovery to the other injured students.

The victim of an Atlanta car crash was recently awarded $2,000,000.00 for a spine injury sustained in a horrific motor vehicle accident involving two tractor trailer trucks. A DeKalb County jury issued the verdict after a lengthy trial in which the accident victim testified as to how a lumbar herniated disc injury suffered in the car accident has significantly impacted his life. The victim incurred medical expenses totaling $155,000.00, and the jury awarded an additional $1,845,000.00 for pain and suffering.

Many of our Clients ask about the differences between a car accident and a truck accident in Georgia. While there are distinct differences, the most important difference to an injured plaintiff is the insurance coverage available for injuries sustained in a trucking accident. While car accidents typically involve private individuals who may have insurance coverage as low as $25,000.00, truck accidents involve commercial vehicles that are insured by polices of insurance that are usually a minimum of $1,000,000.00. This means that a person injured in an accident caused by a negligent truck driver will usually have the potential for a greater financial recovery.

In addition to the higher level of insurance coverage available in tractor trailer accidents, there are also legal differences between motor vehicle accidents and truck accidents. Truck drivers may be held to higher standards of care depending on the load that is being hauled, and there are limitations on the time that a driver of a tractor trailer may operate the vehicle each day. There are also limitations as to the roadways that a truck may drive on.

Continue reading "Atlanta Car Accident Victim Awarded $2 Million for Spine Injury" »

The Georgia Department of Public Safety is reporting that over the Memorial Day Weekend, four people were killed in car accidents and more than 600 others were injured. While there were a total of 2,547 crashes with 637 injuries, the four fatalities is a record low. In 2009, over 1,000 injuries were reported over Memorial Day weekend, and 16 fatalities occurred. While one lost life is too many, our law firm is glad that the roadways proved to be safer this holiday weekend.

Atlanta car accident attorney, Mark Murray, has recovered millions upon millions of dollars in compensation for Clients in Atlanta and throughout Georgia who have suffered a personal injury or who's loved one has been the victim of a wrongful death. The Murray Law firm handles a wide variety cases, and our experienced legal team is devoted to providing our clients with the finest legal services available. Whether you have suffered an injury in a car accident or a truck accident, in a work accident and need to file a Georgia workers' compensation claim or to fight for your rights of compensation, our lawyers are here help you navigate the legal process and recover for your injuries. We have helped clients that were injured through the negligent security of an apartment complex, in a slip and fall accident, or through the medical malpractice of a physician or other medical professional. The Murray Law Firm offers first-rate representation through all phases of the legal process. Regardless of the nature or size of the case, The Murray Law Firm is the choice for those seeking a seeking a top dollar recovery for their personal injuries in Atlanta and throughout the state of Georgia.

A recent study by GMAC Insurance confirms what our personal injury law firm has long known...Georgia's roadways are among the most unsafe in the nation. The following article was posted Atlanta Journal Constitution, detailing the results of the GMAC study:

Peach State motorists ranked 32nd in the sixth annual GMAC Insurance survey with a 76.7 score (out of 100) -- below the national average but a significant improvement from a year ago, when Georgia drivers ranked 47th out of the 50 states. Overall the study showed that nearly one in five licensed motorists - roughly 38 million Americans - would fail a written driver's test if taken today.

The survey polled 5,202 licensed Americans from 50 states and the District of Columbia. They were administered 20 questions from state Department of Motor Vehicles exams, with additional questions exploring distracting habits, such as texting behind the wheel.

Atlanta auto accident attorneys obtained a $20 million dollar verdict for the estate of a 62-year-old man who died when his automobile was hit by a tractor-trailer truck. The verdict was obtained in Clayton County, Georgia, and jurors delivered the verdict after only 3.5 hours of deliberation. This is another big jury award for personal injury lawyers, and the verdict shows that Georgia juries are willing to properly compensate plaintiffs and punish defendants when the circumstances are appropriate.

In the negligence case, the estate's auto accident attorneys informed the jury that the decedent had been stopped at a red light when his vehicle was crushed by a truck driven by the Defendant. The lawyers argued that the Defendant was negligent in not keeping a proper lookout, in neglecting to keep his vehicle under control, and in travelling too fast for roadway conditions. The jury accepted these arguments and found that the Defendant acted reckless and with a complete disregard for the safety of others on the roadway.

Prior to presenting the case to the jury, the Defendant's insurance company was only willing to offer $1.5 million dollars to settle the case. The estate's lawyers rejected this offer, and instead trusted that the jury would dleiver a verdict that was just and fair.

An Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia jury awarded $54 million for the wrongful death of a 50 year old woman killed when she was rear ended at full speed by a commercial truck. The woman was stopped in traffic on a highway due to an unrelated car accident. The truck driver failed to recognize that traffic had come to a stop, and collided into and came to a rest on top of the victim's vehicle. It was later revealed that the truck driver who caused the motor vehicle accident had been previously issued numerous traffic citations and had been in violation of drive time regulations.

After hearing testimony as to the truck driver's poor driving record, the Atlanta jury decided that $44 million of the verdict would be assigned as punitive damages to punish the truck driver for his conduct in causing the accident. Unfortunately, however, Georgia law caps the assessment of punitive damages at $250,000.00 in most circumstances. As a consequence, the jury award for the wrongful death of the Atlanta car accident victim was automatically reduced to a little over $10 million.

While punitive damages are primarily recognized as a form of punishment for the at fault party's egregious conduct, punitive damages serve another, and perhaps more important, purpose. Specifically, much as the death penalty is designed to deter the most offensive of criminal acts, punitive damages are designed to deter the most egregious of civil acts. For example, punitive damages serve to better ensure that physicians do not recklessly deter from medical standards of practice. Without the fear of an assessment of punitive damages for medical malpractice in Georgia, it is arguable that some physicians may be more inclined to walk the line between proper and improper conduct.

Continue reading "Atlanta Wrongful Death Truck Accident Case Nets $54 Million Jury Verdict" »

A posting on our Atlanta Injury Lawyer blog last week discussed a recent statistical report published in the Atlanta Business Chronicle indicating that the number of Georgia workers compensation deaths declined in 2008. As an Atlanta workers compensation attorney, I had speculated that this drop was likely due to the U.S. economical climate which has led to a slowdown in the construction industry. Much to my surprise, however, further research has revealed that most workers compensation fatalities in Georgia are not related to work site accidents.

In 2008, of the 171 work deaths reported to the State Board of Workers Compensation, more than one-third were caused by car and truck accidents occurring in Atlanta and throughout Georgia. Specifically, 62 work accident fatalities were caused by car and truck accidents. As both an Atlanta car accident attorney and an Atlanta workers compensation attorney, this figure was unexpected.

Following car and truck accidents, the most common cause of work related deaths in Georgia was "contact with objects and equipment" and "falls," which each accounted for 28 work fatalities. "Assaults and violent acts" resulted in 26 occupational deaths in Georgia, with "fires or explosions" (16) and "exposure to harmful substances" (11) accounting for the remainder fatalities.