Personal Injury

How Much to Expect from a Car Accident Settlement?

Oct 8, 2020 | By Alex | Read Time: 3 minutes

If you were in a car accident with injuries in Atlanta, then there may be a claim for injuries. The claim may be asserted against the driver that was at fault. A personal injury claim after a car accident may seek compensation for medical treatment, lost wages, and pain and suffering.  Without a full understanding of the facts and the injuries, it is not possible to determine how much to expect from a car accident settlement. Generally speaking, the more serious the injuries and the more straightforward the facts, the higher the case value.  However, it is important to note that not all car wrecks end in settlement. If there are disputed facts or damages, then the parties may not be able to agree to a settlement. A jury trial will result. The same types of compensation (injuries, missed time from work, and pain and suffering) may be asserted at trial. The jury will then determine the amount of compensation. An experienced attorney can help you understand the facts of your case and the likely value. The Atlanta  To learn more about the legal process or to explore what the value of your claim might be, talk to an Atlanta car accident lawyers from Weatherby Law Firm, P.C. We have extensive experience valuing car accident cases. We are committed to strength, integrity, and justice for all of our clients. How Much Is the Average Settlement for a Car Accident in Atlanta? Unfortunately, because every accident is unique and every victim faces their own set of challenges, it is impossible to determine the average Atlanta car accident settlement value. Beware of any website or Georgia car accident settlement calculator that claims to provide a dollar amount. Without having all the details relevant to your case, determining what you might be able to recover is impossible. Based on the the injuries and other details, the injured person may be entitled to recover compensation for some or all of the following: The facts of the accident (who was at fault, partially fault, any extreme circumstances), Medical treatment (hospital stays, surgery, medical tests, imaging etc.) Lost wages and benefits (missed time from work, work history, earnings),  Prior issues (any prior injuries to the same area and claim history, for example); and, Pain and suffering (the severity/permanence of the injuries and pain involved). The best way to determine the potential value of your claim is to consult with an Atlanta car accident attorney. It is generally best to consult an attorney at the earliest opportunity. This is because there may be evidence that you need to preserve to help your case. How Long Does an Insurance Company Have to Settle a Claim in Georgia? Generally speaking, an insurance company does not have a firm deadline to resolve a personal injury claim. There are certain circumstances in which the plaintiff can make a time-limited demand (such as 30 days) that requires an insurance company to respond within a certain time period. However, these types of demand require certain serious circumstances. To see if your case falls within this exception, contact an Atlanta car wreck attorney. The most important timeline to consider for Atlanta car accident claims is established by the Georgia statute of limitations. After a car accident or other personal injury, generally speaking, the injured person has two years from the date of their injury to file a civil lawsuit.   Some exceptions to this limitation may apply in your case. However, it is always best to take action as soon as possible after an injury accident. Talking to an experienced car accident lawyer is the best way to protect your legal rights. Your attorney can start building your case immediately. Contact an Atlanta Car Accident Attorney Today for Help After an accident, it can be difficult to determine your next steps. You likely have questions about your legal rights: How much is a lawsuit for pain and suffering? What do Atlanta car accident settlement amounts average? And others. Fortunately, you don’t have to navigate this situation alone. An attorney can answer your questions and provide the information you need. It’s important to consult an experienced Atlanta personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. Contact Weatherby Law Firm, P.C. to speak to an Atlanta car accident lawyer or to schedule your no-cost, no-obligation consultation. 

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Wrongful Death

Who Gets the Money in a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

Oct 2, 2020 | By Alex | Read Time: 4 minutes

The death of a loved one is painful under any circumstances. When a person dies due to the wrongful actions of someone else, then certain family members may have a wrongful death claim for the fatal accident. If the wrongful death lawsuit is successful, then the family members may receive compensation for the death of their loved one. In Georgia, the laws that govern wrongful death are highly complex and potentially difficult to understand. Specifically, it can be difficult to determine who can bring legal action and how wrongful death proceeds are distributed. The Atlanta wrongful death attorneys of Weatherby Law Firm, P.C. can answer your questions and provide the information you need to get started with the legal process. Who Can File a Wrongful Death Suit in Georgia? Georgia wrongful death statutes establish who has the right to bring legal action. The list of people who can file a lawsuit is short:  A surviving spouse has first priority; If there is no surviving spouse, the children can file; If there is no surviving spouse or children, the surviving parents can file; and,  If none of these persons are able to bring the suit, the personal representative of the victim’s estate may file a suit seeking compensation on behalf of the victim and the estate. However, should compensation be awarded, the funds are awarded to the victim’s next of kin. There are exceptions to the law that could apply to your case. The best way to determine whether you have a valid wrongful death claim is to consult an experienced attorney. Who Can You Sue for Wrongful Death in Atlanta, Georgia? According to Georgia law, a person may be liable (that means, be sued) for wrongful death if that person commits negligence, recklessness, or intentional conduct that causes the death . A list of examples of possible instances where wrongful death suits can be filed include but are not limited to: Motor vehicle accidents, Truck accidents; Injury due to a dangerous defective product, Injury due to negligence on private property,  Injury due to criminal assault, and Medical malpractice. In general, in Georgia, a suit must be filed within two years from the date of the person’s death in most cases. The law provides some exceptions that can extend or limit the time limitation. In some circumstances, the time limitation can be as short as a few months if, for example, there is a city government involved. In other instances, the time can be longer like when the injured person is a child. These are just examples. In order to know if a valid claim for wrongful death can still be asserted, you should talk with an Atlanta wrongful death attorney as quickly as possible. How Long Until a Case will Be Settled, a Check Received, and Who will Receive the Funds? The majority of cases settle. Although it isn’t possible to identify any average time to resolve a case, the truth is that wrongful death cases usually take time. If there is minimal insurance and clear liability, the case may be resolved in a matter of weeks. However, for a case with high insurance, disputed facts, or other complications, it often takes months or years to resolve the dispute. Once an experienced attorney has all of the facts of your case, they can give you an idea of how long it will likely take to resolve your case. As for how wrongful death settlement distribution is made, the answer is determined based on the heirs under the statute. For example, should a partner be left alive after a spouse’s wrongful death, the spouse is legally entitled to no less than a third of whatever is awarded to the victim’s family under Georgia law. If the deceased left children behind as well, then those children are also entitled to recover. It can get complicated. For example, if the victim left a spouse and no more than two children behind, the money is split evenly between all parties. However, if the deceased left three or more children behind, a special clause states that, as above, the spouse receives the third they are legally entitled to and then the remaining two thirds of the award is divided equally between all the children. Yet another aspect of the statute states that if one of the victim’s children died before them, the money would be split evenly between the child’s children (the victim’s grandchildren). For example, a victim leaves behind a spouse and one child. However, the victim’s other child passed before the victim, leaving behind one grandchild. The money would then be split evenly between the spouse, the surviving child, and the grandchild. Should there be multiple grandchildren left behind, the money that would have been awarded to the victim’s late child would be divided evenly among all those grandchildren. As you can see, the Georgia laws are convoluted and potentially difficult to interpret, especially with regard to how wrongful death proceeds are divided. Talk to a knowledgeable attorney to determine specifically how the laws apply to your case. Talk to an Atlanta Wrongful Death Attorney Today A wrongful death case required compassionate, strong advocates. The wrongful death lawyers of Weatherby Law Firm, P.C. have a long history of impressive case results that demonstrate our commitment to getting it done for folks in wrongful death cases. Call or contact us now to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation consultation and case review or to speak directly with one of our Georgia wrongful death attorneys.

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Personal Injury

Determining Fault After a Car Accident in Atlanta

Sep 30, 2020 | By Alex | Read Time: 2 minutes

The fundamental question before tackling any claim or lawsuit that arises out of an auto accident is the issue of who is at fault for the collision. In law, this is known as liability. This determines who should pay for accident damages, and how much they will be accountable for. As an at-fault insurance state, Georgia allows injured parties to seek compensation from the at-fault party and, if applicable, their insurance company. In addition, an injured person may have a claim against their own insurance company depending on the policy’s terms. So what are the best ways to determine fault and what evidence is needed? Police Reports and Evidence at the Scene After an accident, it is generally a good idea to call the police. When the cops arrive, they will often assess the situation. This includes an injury, major damage to the vehicles, and (usually) a determination of who is at fault. The officer may also issue a citation. The police report may or may not be admissible in evidence, depending on the facts and circumstances. Regardless, however, this accident report is important in gathering information for who is at fault. Even if the police are called, it is important for any person involved in an accident to gather as much information as they can. This means getting the contact information for drivers, passengers, and witnesses. Often, these folks may not stick around until the police are able to speak with them. Pictures are also a good idea. This includes taking pictures of the accident scene. Skid marks, location of the vehicles, and other information from the scene can be important in determining which driver is at fault. It is also a good idea to take pictures of the vehicles involved, and the damage incurred. If there are local businesses, they may have video. Some businesses will willingly provide that information. Others will not. A seasoned car accident attorney can help you. Dealing with the Insurance Company It is important to contact your insurance company as soon as you can after an accident. Most insurance policies require notice of a claim at the earliest reasonable opportunity. If you are the at-fault driver, the insurance company will want all the information related to the incident. If you are the injured person, then it is important to also contact the other driver’s insurance company to make sure they’re aware of the claim. When investigating a personal injury claim, an insurer may want to review the following: Police reports, Car repair bills,  Pay stubs establishing lost wages,  Medical bills, Medical records, Witness statements, and Photographs or video. A good car accident lawyer can help place this information in the most compelling case for the insurance company. If the case is not resolved pre-suit, then an injured party has the right to file a lawsuit against the other driver. This is why it is important for everyone in a car accident with injuries to make sure their insurance company is aware of the accident. Contact Weatherby Law Firm, P.C. Today! If you are involved in an auto accident with injuries, you need an experienced car accident attorney. The Atlanta firm of Weatherby Law Firm, P.C. represents clients in a variety of personal injury matters, including car wrecks. Contact our office via phone at (404-793-0026) or our online contact form.

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Insurance Bad Faith

Can I Sue an Atlanta Insurance Company for Denying a Claim?

Sep 29, 2020 | By Alex | Read Time: 2 minutes

We buy insurance to protect our homes, cars, and even our health, expecting coverage to be there to help recovery when something goes wrong. But if your insurance company wrongfully refuses to approve coverage, they may be violating Georgia law. As a result, the insured may be able to file a bad faith claim against the company for their losses, under certain circumstances. What Is Bad Faith in Insurance? All insurance contracts carry an inherent presumption that the company will uphold their policy obligations. This includes that the insurer must settle legitimate claims within the scope of the policy’s coverage. When the insurer fails to do so and that failure is unreasonable, this is known as acting in bad faith. There are two types of bad faith claims: First-party claims—when the insurance company refuses to pay or investigate a claim that the insured made for a loss, such as an auto insurance company refusing to address a claim made for vehicle damage in an accident; and Third-Party claims—when someone sues an insured, and the insurance company doesn’t adequately defend, indemnify, or settle the claim to protect their insured from a liability judgment. To avoid acting in bad faith, the insurance company should: Act reasonably Follow the policy’s terms And, if the policyholder is sued, make a good faith effort to settle the suit on their behalf, if reasonable under the circumstances. If the insurance company fails to do these things, they may be liable for bad faith damages. What Companies Deny Insurance Claims and Why? Insurance policies are long, complex, and boring. Because of this, most of us do not pay attention to the fine print until it’s time to make a claim. In the terms of the policy, there is a grant of coverage (e.g. We will pay any damages as a result of a car accident.). Then there are certain conditions, exclusions, and exceptions from coverage (e.g. We will not pay damages for an intentional act.) When a claim is filed, an insurance company reviews the facts and the policy to determine if there is coverage. While most insurance companies try to apply the policy terms as they’re written, sometimes, of course, insurance companies mistakenly deny claims that are within the coverage. If this happens, it can lead to bad faith claims. No insurance company is right 100% of the time. This would include, for example, Allstate, Unum, AIG, Conseco, State Farm, United Health, Torchmark, Farmers, WellPoint, and Liberty Mutual. Seek Legal Help In the event that an insurance company denies coverage, it is important to have an experienced insurance coverage lawyer review the facts and the policy. The insured may have additional rights that they will not otherwise know about. Likewise, an insurance company when facing a question on coverage, should generally seek the advice of an insurance coverage attorney to advise them. A mistaken denial of coverage can lead to a bad faith claim and serious financial gains for the insured and penalties for the insurer. Contact Weatherby Law Firm, P.C. Today! We have experience in insurance coverage, personal injury, wrongful death, catastrophic injury, truck accidents and more. We offer our clients dedicated legal representation. Contact our office via phone at 404-793-0026 or our online contact form.

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Personal Injury

What to Do After a Car Accident in Atlanta

Sep 29, 2020 | By Alex | Read Time: 3 minutes

If you are in a car crash on an Atlanta road or highway, you probably have a million thoughts racing through your head. Who will fix my car? What if I can’t work? Deciding who is at-fault for a collision usually determines whose insurance policy should cover the damage to vehicles as well as medical costs. This can be a confusing process, but knowing what to do in the immediate aftermath and seeking proper legal help can make a huge difference in your ability to recover full compensation for your injuries or protect your assets. Here is a short guide to determining fault after a car accident in Georgia and what to do after one occurs. Auto Insurance and Accident Claims Georgia is one of the states that does not use the no-fault approach to auto accident liability.  In a no-fault system, generally, each driver must first file a claim with their personal injury protection (PIP) policy for the full amount of damages. Then, the driver who is not at fault or is less at fault can sue the at-fault driver only for damages the policy doesn’t cover.  Georgia does not use this approach. Instead, in Georgia, a person injured in an accident may sue the at-fault driver for the full amount of damages, regardless of their insurance coverage. These damages can include medical bills, personal property damage, lost wages, pain and suffering, and others, depending on the circumstances. The key is proving that the other driver was negligent, you were damaged, and the negligence caused the damage. You generally can’t recover for pre-existing or unrelated issues. Georgia’s Negligence Approach: Comparative Fault Another issue that affects car accident liability is that Georgia follows the modified comparative fault rule for accident compensation. This rule prohibits a person found to be 50% or more at-fault in the collision from pursuing damages from the other driver. This means that establishing fault percentages after a collision can make all the difference. Even if the other driver was 50% at fault, if the injured party was 50% at fault, there is no recovery. Establishing Fault and Seeking Compensation Because of Georgia’s laws regarding damages and insurance liability, properly establishing fault is a key to an injured person receiving compensation. In many cases, proving fault can be challenging. There are multiple circumstances that can make what appears to be a straight forward rear-end car accident, for example, more challenging. This is why it is important to seek the help of an experienced personal injury attorney.  An attorney can help you gather the right evidence to prove the other party’s liability, including pictures, police reports, medical bills, and other important documentation. They can also represent your interests in settlement negotiations or litigation against the other party and their insurance company. Even if you believe liability is a slam dunk, an experienced car accident attorney can review the facts and provide expert analysis. If you’re the injured party, there may be a fact you missed. If you’re the at fault driver, there may be a defense you didn’t see. Contact Weatherby Law Firm, P.C. Today At Weatherby Law Firm, P.C., we proudly represent Georgians in a variety of personal injury matters, including wrongful death, catastrophic injury, truck accidents, class actions, and professional malpractice from our office in Atlanta. We specialize in catastrophic personal injury claims and offer high-quality legal representation backed by integrity, strength, and charm. We have extensive experience representing the seriously injured, as well as reputable businesses. This diverse experience gives you unique insight, experience, and credibility. We will make sure to put you in the best position possible under the circumstances. Contact our office via phone at (404-793-0026) or fill out our online form to schedule a free initial consultation.

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Truck Accident

Common Injuries from Truck Accidents in Atlanta

Sep 28, 2020 | By Alex | Read Time: 2 minutes

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), large commercial truck accidents increased by 50% in the past decade. Sadly, over 4,000 people die in collisions with semi-trucks per year, and the majority of those deaths are passengers in smaller vehicles. And since large trucks transport over 70% of products to American businesses, accidents that cause serious injury or fatality are going to continue happening. Here are some common truck accident injuries to look out for. Traumatic Brain Injuries The physics of a trucking accident means that any collision has the potential for serious or fatal injuries. Semi-trucks are a lot heavier than a passenger vehicle and, when something that size travels at high speeds, the potential for injury is higher. A Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) may occur after a truck accident. Some symptoms of a TBI may include:  Balance problems, Memory loss, Impaired/double vision, Trouble speaking/communicating, and Trouble sleeping.  It is important to have a reputable doctor check to make sure that an injured person does not have a TBI. Neck and Back Injuries A neck or back injury may also result from a tractor trailer accident. Some symptoms may be, stiff, sore, pain, weakness, or numbness. It is important to go to the doctor at the earliest opportunities if you experience any of these symptoms after a truck wreck. If a neck and back injury is related to muscle or tendons, it is often called a “soft tissue injury.” This means that the most common symptom is pain. Usually soft tissue injuries resolve after treatment, without issue. If the neck and back injury results in a broken bone, herniated disc, or some other objective injury, these injuries are generally more serious and may result in more extended care. Depending on the severity, a neck injury or back injury can affect a person for years, or life. Medical help is important to determining what type of injury has occurred. What If the Crash Aggravated an Older Injury? This is a complex legal question. Under Georgia law, a person may recover for exaggeration of a previously asymptomatic injury. This is called the “eggshell” rule. The idea is that, if a person has a condition that is weak but not problematic (like the shell of an egg), then that person can recover for injuries to their weakened condition in an accident. Likewise, if an injury is made worse from an accident, then the aggravation (but not the original issue) is recoverable. If the case involves pre-existing injuries, the services of a reputable doctor and turkc accident attorney are even more important. Truck Wreck? Contact Weatherby Law Firm, P.C. Today! We know truck accidents. We represent trucking companies and folks with real injuries from a truck wreck case. At Weatherby Law Firm, P.C., we proudly represent Georgians in a variety of legal matters including wrongful death suits, catastrophic injury claims, auto accident suits, and more. We specialize in catastrophic personal injury matters such as truck accident claims, and offer experienced and dedicated legal representation to our clients. Contact our office via phone at (404-793-0026) or our online contact form.

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All

The Difference Between Acquired and Traumatic Brain Injuries

Aug 21, 2020 | By Alex | Read Time: 3 minutes

Brain injuries are no laughing matter. The emotional toll that a traumatic brain injury can have on a family or individual is incalculable, while the physical and financial toll can be equally burdensome. The question of what is the difference between acquired and traumatic brain injury is a very common one, but the answer might surprise you. In fact, traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are actually a specific type of acquired brain injury.  The Brain Injury Association of America divides brain injuries between two overall categories: acquired and non-acquired. An acquired brain injury is one that occurs after someone is born, while a non-acquired brain injury is one that someone is born with or that occurs during birth. Typically, congenital factors or degenerative disease cause non-acquired brain injuries. On the other hand, a large number of different sources can cause acquired brain injuries. Traumatic vs Non-Traumatic Brain Injuries Generally, an acquired brain injury falls into one of two categories: traumatic or non-traumatic. The key difference between the two categories of acquired brain injuries is whether the cause is internal or external.  Non-Traumatic Brain Injuries Internal factors cause non-traumatic brain injuries. Typically, non-traumatic brain injury causes include: Strokes, Hemorrhages, Near-drowning experiences, Drug overdoses, Exposure to poisonous gas such as carbon monoxide, Seizures, and Electric shocks. Very often a non-traumatic or internal brain injury is the result of decreased or non-existent oxygen flow to the brain due to one of the noted causes. Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) On the other side of acquired brain injuries are traumatic brain injuries (TBI). External factors cause traumatic brain injuries. Federal law defines a TBI as “an acquired injury to the brain caused by an external physical force, resulting in total or partial functional disability or psychosocial impairment, or both.” Traumatic brain injuries, including concussions, can be caused in many different ways, including: Automobile accidents, Assaults, Sports injuries, Slipping and falling, Gunshots, Explosions, and Child abuse (shaken baby syndrome). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls are by far the leading cause of traumatic brain injury in America at (48%), followed by being struck by or against an object (17%). Both of these categories themselves can arise out of many different incidents that can occur in our normal day-to-day activities, such as: Being hit in the head by a ball in sports practice; Being struck by a vehicle while crossing the street; Slipping on ice on the sidewalk; Slipping on a wet floor at the supermarket; and Tripping over an obstruction at work. These are all events that can occur in our daily routines without doing anything out of the ordinary. These daily routines, however, can be permanently changed by a traumatic brain injury. Furthermore, the cost of these injuries is huge. Traumatic brain injuries cost Georgians an estimated $1.5 billion annually in lost wages lost and medical costs. Serious and Rare TBIs are some of the most serious injuries that patients, and lawyers, deal with. The vast majority of trauma does not result in a TBI. Because it is rare, it is important to contact someone with experience. Contact Our Team Today If you or a loved one has suffered any type of brain injury, the team at Weatherby Law Firm, P.C. is here to help. We understand how difficult it is to suffer a brain injury or to watch a family member suffer. We aim to ease that suffering with legal advocacy founded on principles of integrity, honor, and efficiency. Here at Weatherby Law Firm, P.C., we pride ourselves on caring for our clients as if they are part of our family. With our expertise, attention to detail, and compassionate approach, we can help you through this life-altering event. Contact us today.

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Choosing the Right Class Action Lawyer for Your Case in Atlanta

Aug 14, 2020 | By Alex | Read Time: 2 minutes

Class action lawsuits provide opportunities for harm suffered by multiple people to be corrected in a single lawsuit. These lawsuits may involve consumer fraud, defective products, or employment grievances. If you believe you have a valid class action lawsuit, contact the experienced team at Weatherby Law Firm to review your case. What Is a Class Action Lawsuit? A class action is a lawsuit consisting of one or more people representing the interests of a larger group sharing the same harm. This larger group is referred to as the “class.” Class action lawsuits promote resolution of legal issues where bringing individual cases is not economically possible. Class action lawsuits are designed to advance public policy goals by enabling individuals to receive a remedy for harm suffered at the hands of large companies.  Bringing a successful class action lawsuits requires the following: Commonality—the harm suffered is common to all members of the class;  Typicality— common set of facts is shared among the class; Adequacy—the class representative adequately represents the interests of the entire class; and Numerosity—The number of individuals affected is too numerous to bring individual lawsuits.  A class action must be the most efficient way to bring resolution to the harm. If a judge determines that the proposed class meets these requirements, the judge certifies the class and gives the lawsuit class action status. If a class fails certification, the class action lawsuit is dropped.  How To Hire the Right Attorney for Your Class Action Lawsuit  A class action requires a specific type of attorney with experience in class action lawsuits. If you believe you have grounds to bring a class action lawsuit, discuss the facts of the case with a qualified class action attorney. A class action attorney can analyze the pros and cons of your potential class action lawsuit and determine whether a viable case exists.  Experience Due to the complex nature of class action lawsuits, hire an attorney with extensive experience litigating class action lawsuits. Prioritizing litigation experience ensures the ability of your attorney to effectively represent the class and negotiate for positive results.  Results Obtained  Many class action lawsuits settle before trial. Upon settlement, a fund is established to distribute settlement proceeds to all members of the class. When deciding upon the right class action attorney, research whether the firm has obtained successful results in past class action lawsuits.   Client Focus  Ensure that your class action lawsuit receives the focused attention of your attorney. You don’t want to hire a firm unable to properly tend to your needs because the firm is overloaded with cases.  Contact Our Atlanta Class Action Lawyers Today  Do you believe you have grounds to bring a class action lawsuit? At Weatherby Law Firm, P.C., we make lives better for folks in the fields of catastrophic injury, truck accidents, class actions, and professional malpractice. We represent both injured folks and reputable businesses. Because of our experience, we know how to help you. We’d welcome the opportunity to speak with you today. Contact us now.

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Long-Term Effects of Severe Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

Aug 7, 2020 | By Alex | Read Time: 3 minutes

If you have been in an accident that results in a severe traumatic brain injury (TBI), you understand just how serious this injury is. Put lightly, the immediate effects of a severe TBI can be scary, painful, and emotionally distressing. The short-term effects are often visible and readily identifiable. However, the long-term effects of a severe TBI vary wildly, can be harder to identify, and may not appear linked to the injury at first. Therefore, it’s important that you know what to look out for in yourself or your family member in the future. Physical Effects The long-term physical effects of a severe TBI are often similar to the short-term effects. Blurred vision, headaches or migraines, and dizziness are not uncommon for people with severe TBI. In addition, people who have suffered a severe TBI may report a recurring feeling of tiredness. Others have had seizures. These physical effects, while painful, are easy to see compared to other long-term effects. Cognitive Effects Cognitive impairment can be a long-term effect of severe TBI. Short and long-term memory loss may occur. This can leave a person confused about who their friends and family are or even where they live. Some cannot read at the level they once were able to, and others maylose this ability entirely.  TBI may also affect problem-solving abilities. Some people may be unable to complete the everyday tasks that once were able to, leaving them unable to button their shirt or tie their shoes. The cognitive effects of a severe TBI can be profound in the long term and often permanently alter one’s life in a fundamental way. Social and Emotional Effects Severe TBI can also have long-term social and emotional effects. Mood swings are not uncommon in people who have suffered a severe TBI. Depending on other factors, it may affect a person’s ability to work. The strain of all of the physical and cognitive symptoms can profoundly impact an individual’s psyche. This can result in mental distress like depression and anxiety. Further, a severe TBI can disrupt or damage an individual’s relationships with folks, from their parents to close friends.  The long-term social and emotional costs of a severe TBI may be serious. You may not initially think of these effects as being linked to the TBI. Synergy of Effects The combination of all or some of these effects often has a way of synergizing and increasing the total impact of the TBI in the long term. For example, an injured person may be unable to work due to a loss of movement ability. The loss of their ability to work may then have the effect on their relationships and their mental health. Severe TBIs, though serious, are rare. Fortunately, severe traumatic brain injuries are rare. In the vast majority of accidents, even those involving head trauma, the body repairs itself remarkably well and long term effects will not result. Only a well qualified physician can advise you on the potential effects of the brain injury in your case. It is important to get a qualified doctor and attorney to review any case that has allegations of a TBI. Contact Our Georgia Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyers Today Contact our experienced team of brain injury lawyers at Weatherby Law Firm, P.C. today. Whether the accident with a TBI occurred one day or one year ago, our team can help. We appreciate the wide variety of effects that a severe TBI can have.At the foundation of our firm are principles of professionalism, compassion, detail, and integrity. We work to make your life better. Let us do that for you.

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Why Hire an Atlanta Car Accident Lawyer?

Aug 6, 2020 | By Alex | Read Time: 2 minutes

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, car accidents cost the American’s $836 billion in 2010. That includes $10.8 billion in Georgia alone— more than one thousand dollars for every Georgian. In just one year.  Because of this, generally speaking, you should hire a lawyer if you find yourself in one of the following situations. When You are Negotiating with an Insurance Company If you have to negotiate with a car insurance company, you generally need to hire a car accident lawyer. Even if the insurance company is your own, it can be important to hire a lawyer. This is because insurance contracts are complex. There are hoops you may need to jump through to properly file your claim. Additionally, if the insurance company begins bargaining with you, it is important to understand your rights. If you or a loved one is injured, then it is important to hire a reputable lawyer that can assist you in pursuing the claim. The lawyer will be able to gather the necessary information and speak the same language as the insurance adjuster. This can help resolve your case quickly and for a more reasonable sum. Likewise, if you are the at fault driver, hiring a lawyer is important to protect your assets. When You Are in a Car Accident Any folks involved in a car accident that results in injuries should consult with an attorney. Whether you are the at-fault driver or the other driver who is not at fault, a personal injury attorney can help evaluate the facts and circumstances of your case and protect you. If you are the injured person, an Atlanta car accident attorney can help you get reasonable compensation for your injuries and damages. If you are the at-fault driver, an Atlanta accident attorney can make sure you are well defended. A good car accident lawyer will evaluate the facts, including any available videos, witness statements, and the law. An attorney may also consult with with an expert, such as accident re-constructionist. After gathering all of the facts and circumstances, the attorney can advise you how best to proceed. When You Suffer Any Damage from a Car Accident The damages that arise from a car accident vary widely. The damages that may be recoverable after a car accident include:  Lost wages; Emergency room costs;  Medical costs;  Costs of psychiatric care;  Costs of lost wages;  Property damage costs; and  Pain and suffering. These costs add up quickly. An Atlanta car accident lawyer can help you record and calculate the total cost of a car accident. This is important to know, whether you are pursuing a claim or defending your assets. Contact Our Atlanta Car Accident Lawyers Today Have you or a loved one been involved in a car crash recently? If so, contact our team of Atlanta car accident lawyers at Weatherby Law Firm, P.C. today. Our team has years of expertise successfully advocating for people involved in car crashes. We represent the truly injured and honorable businesses. Our firm is founded on principles of integrity, honor, and efficiency. Here at Weatherby Law Firm, P.C., we pride ourselves on caring for our clients as if they are part of our family. In doing so, we bring attention to detail and a sense of urgency.

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