The increasing number of aged people in America has resulted in a nursing home inhabitants that was growing. Because of this, many families are now faced with the choice to transfer an elderly relative into a nursing home. Nevertheless, it is necessary that the patient’s family and friends understand what the signs of nursing home negligence may be to be able to safeguard their loved ones in the hands of their caregivers from neglect.

Bedsores
One of the very common forms of negligence is leaving a bedridden patient in the exact same position for a very long time. This can result in the creation of bedsores as a result of unrelieved pressure on the patient’s body. Because of this, move or nursing homes have to regularly turn those patients who cannot move on their own. Failing to control patient bedsores will not just lead to avoidable distress, but can easily lead to the creation of life threatening medical conditions. Because of this, unexplained bedsores are a common sign of nursing home neglect.

Poor Patient Hygiene
Failure to do so can result in the development of skin, fingernail and genital diseases. As with bedsores, this kind of neglect can result in serious discomfort, injury and death that is avoidable. During a visit, the family should carefully observe the cleanliness of their room and the individual.

Weight Loss
Many nursing home patients endure avoidable weight loss because of the failure of the nursing home to make sure they receive an adequate and balanced diet. Improper diet can make the patient vulnerable to disease and can result in an avoidable death. Poor nutrition is particularly common among patients with cognitive disorders who are not easy to feed. When seeing a patient, the family should know about any sudden and sustained weight reduction. This really is especially significant when the individual is unable to effectively communicate together with the family. Such weight loss is frequently caused by negligent staff practices.

Mental and Emotional Neglect
Among the psychological and more challenging to not discover physical negligence can get a major effect on the patient’s complete health. Neglecting to maintain an active and mentally engaging surroundings can add to the patient’s avoidable departure and can result in a number of mental illnesses. Families ought to be on the lookout for an unwillingness or listlessness to speak when they visit their family member. Oftentimes, this is often an indicator of psychological or mental neglect. Also, the family should make certain that the nursing home provides community actions and effective amusement for its patients. However, if a family believes that their loved one is the victim of nursing home practices that are negligent, it is crucial to immediately seek competent legal help.

The law offices of Haug Law Group, can provide a legal consultation for those people who consider that they or a loved one have suffered from nursing home neglect, and have specialized in the area of neglect and nursing home abuse.
Contact us today with our on-line form

Sadly, they’re subsequently subjected to the risk of an accident in the hands of a negligent driver, which can result in damage to their care, harm or death. Nevertheless, in order to effectively protect themselves, it is important that passengers and drivers likewise know about the data on where most automobile accidents take place.

Where do Most Car Accidents Occur?
Generally speaking, although an auto accident can occur at any given moment and place, statistics on where most automobile accidents take place show that the three most common areas where a car crash will probably happen are the immediate neighborhood, parking lots, as well as the driver’s daily commute to and from work. Are these the areas where most motorists spend most of their time, but they are also the areas which are likely to see meetings with negligent or preoccupied drivers.

Driving Near Home
According to some insurance surveys, at least 52 percent of all accidents occur within five miles of the motorist’s dwelling. Additionally, residential areas might not have streetlights or traffic control signs, especially in old neighborhoods. Finally, drivers are most commonly in these neighborhoods at the beginning or ending of the workday, when their attention is likely to be distracted by other issues.

Parking Lots and Accidents
An extensive range of injuries happen in the parking lots in America. Low speed crashes are typical in these areas because many drivers are distracted. Furthermore, the presence of a significant number of pedestrians, a lot of whom aren’t paying attention to their surroundings, raises the possibility of an injury. While many injuries in a parking lot are not major, the potential for injury or death at the hands of a negligent motorist is a serious danger for pedestrians and vehicle occupants alike.

The Daily Commute
Most morning and evening commuters face busy roads and defeated or tired drivers. Due to this, auto accidents can be very common, especially during periods of inclement weather.
Data on where most car accidents take place reveal that a motorist should be mindful at all times when behind the wheel. However, should a negligent motorist cause an injury, then the victim should promptly get legal aid that is proficient. This is particularly significant for instances where an accident has resulted in severe harm or death. Due to this, it’s imperative that people who’ve been engaged in an accident immediately contact the law offices of Haug Law Group as a way to determine what their legal alternatives are.

If you or a loved one are injured in an accident, many types of compensation may be available regardless of whether the injury is caused by a car wreck, premises liability incident (such as a “slip and fall”), or medical malpractice. This article will generally discuss a few of the major types of compensation that an accident victim may legally recover.

Obviously, because an injured person will need medical care, medical expenses are the most commonly-claimed form of compensation. A claimant may recover the costs of treatment from a hospital, doctor, ambulance, chiropractor, physical therapist, pharmacy or other similar medical provider. These costs are usually relatively simple to determine because the patient will receive a bill.

There are two important things to remember about compensation for medical costs. First, a claimant may recover not just the cost of medical care already received, but also the cost of future medical care, as long as the claimant can prove it is more likely than not that they will receive that treatment in the future.  For example, if a doctor agrees that a claimant will probably need a future surgery for accident-related injuries, the claimant has a good argument that the cost of the surgery should be recovered now.  Second, a claimant may recover the amount of his or her medical bills even if they were paid by health insurance or some other source.  This rule is based on the idea that a defendant who injures someone else should not be allowed to “take credit” for payments made by someone else.

Lost wages are also recoverable.  If an accident has left someone unable to work, he or she can seek compensation for the income they lost as a result.  Another type of compensation similar to this is that for “loss of future earnings“ or “diminished earning capacity.”  This refers to situations where a claimant’s injuries will prevent him or her from returning to work at their full pre-accident capacity.

Most people have heard of compensation for “pain and suffering.”  Unlike medical bills or lost wages, there is no set formula to determine the dollar amount of a person’s pain and suffering, so a jury must determine the amount.   This is why this type of compensation is often referred to as “non-economic damages.”  Insurance companies often fight hard on this issue.  An experienced personal injury attorney knows how best to convince an insurance company that a jury is likely to award a large amount for pain and suffering.

While the types of accident compensation discussed here are the most common, there are other types a claimant may recover.  This is why it is in an injured person’s best interest to hire an experienced car accident attorney.  If you or a loved one have been injured in an accident, do not try to go it alone.  Consult an attorney in your area to ensure that you have the best chance of recovering all the compensation to which you are entitled.

Dogs truly are man’s best friend. Dogs show unconditional love for their owners and have even saved human lives in emergency situations. Unfortunately, some dog owners abuse or mistreat their dogs, fail to give them the appropriate training and make them unreasonably dangerous. All too often these “dangerous dogs” go on to attack another person or animal. Dog bites are some of the most common injuries in the United States today, and statistics show that children are most at risk.

To recover under Georgia law for a dog bite, the dog owner must have some prior knowledge of the dog’s dangerous behavior before the bite. Evidence of the dog’s “dangerous propensity” includes prior bites, jumping or lunging at people, mistreatment by the owner or some other evidence that gives the owner notice that the dog is dangerous. Georgia law also allows a dog bite victim to recover when a local ordinance requires that all dogs be kept on a leash when off their owner’s property and the attack occurs off the owner’s property when the dog is allowed to roam free.

Dog bites can lead to significant medical expense for the victim. Georgia law provides an avenue for the victim to recover the cost of these expenses from the dog owner or the owner’s homeowner’s insurance policy. A dog bite injury can require wound treatment, stitches, antibiotic medication and in serious circumstances, even plastic surgery. More and more frequently, children dog bite victims also need psychological therapy to help them cope with the profound fear of dogs that comes following a traumatic dog bite. A dog bite settlement or verdict can include payment for all these necessary services.

Georgia dog bite law also allows recovery for a person’s pain and suffering after a dog bite. This generally includes compensation for any permanent scarring left on the skin from the bite. The jury will make a determination as to the appropriate amount of pain and suffering compensation based on the specific facts of the case.

Dog bites are an unfortunately common injury that can have serious, long-term effects. Georgia law allows victims to recover compensation for the cost of their medical bills and their pain and suffering. An attorney with experience handing dog bite cases can further answer any questions a victim or his or her family may have about bringing a valid lawsuit.

Statute of Limitations

Every personal injury lawsuit must be brought within a limited amount of time of an injury under the Georgia Statute of Limitations.  The Statute of Limitations limits the amount of time that a plaintiff may bring a lawsuit.  If the plaintiff fails to bring his or her lawsuit within the time allowed by the Statute of Limitations, then the lawsuit is forever barred and the plaintiff may never recover.

The Georgia General Assembly enacted the Statute of Limitations to prevent the unfairness that would occur if defendants were forced to defend lawsuits years after the injury occurred.  Over time, documents are lost and memories fade, meaning that the jury has a more difficult time discovering the actual truth.  The law favors stability.  By requiring that all lawsuits be brought within a certain amount of time, the law ensures that the best quality evidence and testimony is available to discover the truth.

There are certain instances when the court will “toll” or extend the amount of time to bring a lawsuit under the Statute of Limitations.  The purpose of this is to protect those who either do not have the mental capability to bring a lawsuit or do not have access to the courts.  This means that in certain limited situations, the Statute of Limitations period can be extended for minors for example.  If the plaintiff does not qualify under one of these extremely limited circumstances, then a failure to bring suit in the Limitations period will lead to a forever loss of any right to recover.

The time to file a lawsuit under the statute of limitations may also be extended by the amount of time it takes the plaintiff to discover the injury.  This is most common in medical malpractice cases where the plaintiff does not realize that some procedure caused an injury until the symptoms of that injury begin to develop.  To prevent doctors from having to defend lawsuits in the future, the legislature has adopted a statute of repose – meaning the lawsuit will still be barred even if the injury is not discovered well into the future.

Finally, if the plaintiff’s potential lawsuit is against a government entity (whether local, state or federal), the plaintiff is required to give ante litem notice soon after the injury.  Ante litem notice is an official notice to the government that a lawsuit is coming.  Failure to send the ante litem notice to the correct government entity containing the appropriate language soon after the injury will forever bar the plaintiff’s right of recovery against the government.  A plaintiff with a potential case against any government entity needs to speak with a plaintiff’s lawyer immediately.

Ultimately, the Statute of Limitations serves to prevent defendants from fearing a lawsuit after a period of time in the future.  The Statute of Limitations, however, can forever take away a plaintiff’s right to sue if he or she does not act quickly.  Call a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer immediately to make sure your rights are protected from the Statute of Limitations deadline.

When I was kid, I had my first experience with the American Tort System.  I was in a car accident. I knew at that moment that I wanted to dedicate my life to the pursuit of civil justice for those wronged by the actions of another as a civil tort lawyer.

The word tort comes from the French word for “injury” or “wrong.”  For centuries, civilizations have struggled to create the best system for civil justice.  In ancient times, civil law required “an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.”  In other words, if your actions caused another person to lose their leg, then the authorities would cut off your leg too.  Luckily, the courts no longer apply this concept.  Today, justice in the American Tort System is given in the form of money damages.

No system is perfect.  Nothing will bring back the lost family member, restore the paraplegic’s ability to walk after a bad car accident, or take away a parent’s emotional pain of seeing their child suffer, but in the United States, the civil justice system aims to provide justice and compensation for individuals in their time of greatest need by awarding money damages.

Damages come in two distinctly different types.  First, damages can be used to compensate a person for their loss – these are called compensatory damages. Second, damages can also be used to punish and deter those individuals who have a complete disregard for the consequences of their actions.  These damages are called punitive damages.  Although rare, a court can award punitive damages when the responsible party’s actions are intentional or wantonness.

Given the nature of the America Tort System, the insurance system naturally developed in response.  Insurance allows individuals and companies to minimize their risk by pooling themselves with others.  Understand that when settling a case for their insured, the insurance company may not have the injured party’s best interests at heart.  Instead, the insurance company could be looking to pay the least amount possible.  Generally, a person only receives all the compensation he or she deserves through an effective attorney who knows the value of the case and the appropriate strategies for negotiation with the insurance company.

In our firm, we have dedicated our practice to helping those individuals get the compensation they deserve from the American Tort System.  Juries have given our clients record verdicts of both compensatory and punitive damages.  Since the day I was in my accident, nothing has given me greater personal satisfaction than getting a client a great settlement or jury verdict.  I know that I am making that client’s life a little better by helping them cope during the most difficult time of their life.

DISCLAIMER:  The above article is provided for information purposes only and is not intended to be, nor should it be considered, legal advice.  Legal advice can only be given by a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction following an individualized consultation.  If you are seeking legal advice, please contact an attorney in your area.

Disastrous medical malpractice can result in long-term impairment or even death for its victims. Because of this, people who have suffered expected medical malpractice can get damages for their injuries. By procuring an experienced Atlanta, GA lawyer for his or her family and devastating medical malpractice cases the victim will probably manage to start the process of recovering from their injuries.

What exactly is Catastrophic Medical Malpractice?
Medical malpractice occurs when the patient suffers death or harm as a result of neglect of his or her healthcare providers.
— Failing to quickly treat the patient’s health state, resulting in avoidable health issues.
— Failing to correctly diagnose the patient’s health dilemmas.
— Prescribing or administering incorrect medication to the individual.
— Failing to properly supervise nurses and other health care providers during the patient’s recovery.
— Perpetrating egregious mistakes during a surgical procedure.
In all these cases, the patient will most likely endure long-term unwanted side effects from her or his maltreatment. These effects may include the need to tolerate other medical procedures as a way to rectify the mistakes in treatment, long term disability, and sometimes, death. Oftentimes, the worst symptoms might not show until sometime after the treatment, making it crucial the victim consult with an attorney skilled in developing a convincing malpractice case.

Kinds of Compensation
When an individual suffers from devastating medical malpractice, she or he is able to get compensation from the court. In general, malpractice compensation is divided into actual damages and punitive damages.
Actual Damages
This group includes a wide range of components, as well as the casualty may receive reimbursement for the following types of damage:
— The prices of any present or future clinical treatment the victim must receive, including long-term rehabilitation or care.
— Compensation for lost wages and work opportunities.
— In Case the victim is crippled or killed, his or her family can receive damages for any lost companionship and support from their loved one.

Because estimating the correct amount of real damages to maintain might be a very complex issue, it’s important to really have a lawyer present who can effectively present the court with the victim’s case.

Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are inflicted in cases of egregious negligence or actual malice. These damages can be visited on more than one individual or group. As an example, a hospital that failed to remove an alcoholic employee would be responsible for punitive damages as a result of its failure. Most of the time, the defendant present wills convince to settle out of court, getting rid of the need for a long and stressful trial.

Obtain Punitive Damages in Court: Guidance from a Georgia Lawyer

There are all types of injuries that could happen and, consequently, there are several various levels of compensation which can be sought after suffering from someone else’s actions. Typically, injured people will need to seek damages for medical bills related to an injury, reimbursement for lost wages from work and compensation for suffering and pain. What many wounded victims do not realize is that they may additionally be capable to include punitive damages in a personal injury suit.

What Are Punitive Damages?
Punitive damages are intended to serve as a deterrent and a punishment. Punitive damages are frequently sought in lawsuits that involve harms caused by businesses or large organizations as a way to send the message that standards or the practices that resulted in the injuries involved are not adequate and should be changed. A business that does not supply regular safety inspections of its own facilities could be involved by an example of a scenario in which punitive damages might be sought. If an employee or visitor of such facilities is injured due to a collapsed roof, the injured person may contain punitive damages in his or her suit. This really is achieved to punish the firm for its neglect and to send a message to the business and its particular business that neglecting to provide regular, appropriate security inspections WOn’t be tolerated. The hope then is that standards will probably be raised across the board as a way to prevent potential injuries to others later on.

Should You Seek Punitive Damages?
If you and your attorney deem them necessary, punitive damages should be sought. Also, punitive damages should not be taken lightly and not punitive damages given will be seen by all cases. There are various reasons such damages wouldn’t be awarded, including claims that are frivolous, and seeking punitive damages may end up damaging your case and your credibility if they’re unwarranted. It is of crucial significance to talk to a personal injury attorney before seeking such damages to be able to maximize your potential for success and settlement.

Receive Answers from an Expert
In the Atlanta area and beyond, people turn to James R. Haug, of the Haug Law Group, for seasoned guidance when seeking punitive damages after an injury.

The increasingly ubiquitous nature of cell phones, particularly cell phones with advanced capabilities for example other applications that are diverting or video chat, has had a dangerous effect of America’s roads. Data on growth of injury fatalities due to mobile phone use in previous years show that the misuse of cell phones by passengers and motorists has resulted in a growing amount of preoccupied driver caused injuries, a lot of which have resulted in one or more fatalities.

The Causes of Cell Phone Related Accidents

In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) has determined that conversations with passengers in the automobile are actually less risky than speaking or operating a mobile phone. Many cell phone based mishaps occur for these reasons:

— Texting while driving has been shown to be extremely dangerous.

— Many phones allow the use of amusement or social based apps, which can certainly divert the driver.

In many cases, a motorist might be participated in more than one high-risk action in precisely the same time, such as talking on a cellphone reading or while also sending a text message. This is particularly common among younger drivers, who are already at a greater danger of being involved in a severe traffic accident.

The Increasing Number of Phone Connected Fatality Accidents

Now, the amount of fatalities due to cell phone abuse remains cloudy as not all bureaus report whether or not driver cell phone use proved to be a contributing factor to the accident. However, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) noted that in 2004 there were 4,978 fatalities that could be ascribed to preoccupied drivers. By 2008, this amount had increased to about 5,870 16 percent of all vehicular fatalities for that year.

The Legal Relevance of Identifying Distracted Drivers

A motorist is responsible for the safe operation of their vehicle. The statistics on increase of accident fatalities due to cell phone use in past years are so responsible, and demonstrates that lots of drivers are failing to participate in safe driving practices for virtually any injury that results from their activities. By identifying a driver who caused an accident due to her or his irresponsible mobile phone use, the legal help they need to obtain powerful damages for their loss can be secured by the sufferer’s family. When representing the casualties, a lawyer will perform the following actions:

— Obtain any texting or phone records to demonstrate that the cell phone was being operated by the driver at the time of the accident.

— Show the dangers of distracted.

— Use the very fact that the motorist was at fault to efficiently negotiate with the driver’s insurance companies or legal representation.

Ultimately, statistics on increase of injury fatalities due to cell phone use in past years help it become clear the sufferers of these irresponsible motorists must ensure effective legal help. By contacting the law offices of Haug Law Group, people who have endured the loss of a loved one can have the compensation they deserve.

Average Settlement For Medical Malpractice Lawsuit in Georgia