Georgia Personal Injury Blog
Is My Car Accident Settlement Taxable?
After you receive a car accident settlement, you might think the hard part is over. You fought for compensation for your damages and won. The at-fault party’s car insurance company has awarded you a settlement to pay for your losses. Come tax time, however, you may face a new ordeal – dealing with how the tax law applies to your settlement. Find out if settlements are taxable in the U.S, and how to navigate your responsibilities to the Internal Revenue Services (IRS). Settlement Taxability According to the IRS The IRS states that, for the most part, settlements are not taxable.…
Is Fault Automatic in a Rear-End Car Accident Case?
A rear-end car accident in Atlanta could cause significant personal injuries, including whiplash and back injuries. Although most people assume the rear driver is responsible for causing a rear-end collision, fault is not automatic in these cases. Investigators will respond to the scene, gather facts about the collision, and deduce the at-fault party based on the surrounding circumstances. It is possible for the first driver or a third party to be at fault for a rear-end collision. What Is Negligence? Fault for an Atlanta rear-end collision will ultimately fall on the person or party that was negligent. Negligence refers to…
When Is It Time to Replace Your Child’s Car Seat?
A car seat is a critical piece of equipment for protecting your child during an accident. Car accidents are a leading cause of death for children and infants. Car seats can reduce the risk of injury and death by up to 70%, when used correctly. Unfortunately, not all parents understand the safest times to replace their car seats. Old, outdated, used, defective, or inappropriate car seats for the age of the child can put a child at risk in a car accident. Learn when to replace your child’s car seat for optimal injury protection. The Appropriate Seat for Your Growing…
What Is Georgia’s Recreational Property Act?
Georgia has an act in place that protects many owners of recreational properties from liability for accidents. The Recreational Property Act, § 51-3-20 of the Georgia Code, limits landowners’ liability for injuries when visitors enter the property for recreational reasons. This statute includes playground and park facilities accessible to the general public in the state. Unfortunately, this rule can bar many victims from having claims against the landowner – even if the owner was negligent. Specifics of the Recreational Property Act According to the Recreational Property Act, the owner of land used for recreational purposes owes no duty of care…
School Zone Safety Driving Tips
Passing through Atlanta’s school zones comes with certain rules and regulations drivers must obey – or else risk the lives of parents, children, and other pedestrians. In 2015, teens accounted for almost 50% of pedestrian fatalities. School zones are critical areas that demand special attention from drivers. They are areas with high volumes of children walking around and crossing the streets. Failing to pay attention in a school zone could lead to traffic citations and fines…or worse, a serious pedestrian accident. Always Obey the Speed Limit Posted speed limits in school zones should not exceed 20 miles per hour. Some…
How Do Airbag Injuries Happen?
Airbag malfunctions can turn what should have been a minor accident into a collision with serious consequences for vehicle occupants. When an airbag does not perform as the manufacturer intended, it could fail to prevent occupant injuries. In some cases, a defective airbag could cause injuries the passenger otherwise would not have suffered. Victims of these accidents can potentially recover damages from the manufacturer or another party. Excessive Force Upon Deployment Even if an airbag deploys as the manufacturer intended, the general force of the airbag can cause injuries. Although the airbag might have prevented more serious occupant injuries that…
How Do I Know If I Have a Concussion?
Concussions are the most common type of brain injuries. A concussion is a traumatic brain injury that can arise due to external trauma to the skull. Any bump or blow to the head in an auto accident, slip and fall, sports impact, or other situation could cause a concussion. The symptoms and prognosis for recovery after suffering a concussion will depend on the severity of the injury; however, most victims with concussions fully recover over time. See a doctor about a potential concussion the day you start noticing symptoms. The Uniqueness of Each Brain Injury Finding out whether you have…
Lawsuit Filed on Behalf of Injured Army Soldier
Butler Prather LLP has filed a lawsuit on behalf of Army Specialist Winston Hencely of Effingham County, Georgia. Spc. Hencely was grievously injured when he stopped a suicide bomber at Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan on November 12, 2016. The bomber killed six and injured seventeen, including Spc. Hencely. The lawsuit was filed against the bomber’s employer, Fluor Corporation, and three subsidiary corporations in the United States District Court in Greenville, South Carolina. https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-army/2019/02/26/he-confronted-a-suicide-bomber-just-before-an-attack-now-hes-suing-the-insurgents-boss/ https://www.ajc.com/news/crime–law/disabled-georgia-soldier-sues-defense-contractor-over-suicide-bombing/EVSAMLtqEBvSaK2vCwx0II/
James E. Butler Gift Guarantees Aid for Veterans at UGA Law
By Katheryn Tucker | February 04, 2019 With a gift form a well-known graduate, the University of Georgia law school has announced it will guarantee financial aid to veterans. “Thanks to the generous support to date, the School of Law has reached the point where every veteran currently enrolled in the entering class will receive financial aid,” UGA Law Dean Peter “Bo” Rutledge said in a statement to be released Tuesday. “What better way to honor military women and men for their service than to provide them monetary support for their education.” Rutledge added, “I am grateful to renowned trial attorney…
Butler Prather LLP Partners Selected to 2019 Georgia Super Lawyers
Butler Prather LLP is pleased to announce that all of the firm’s partners were again selected as 2019 Georgia Super Lawyers — Jim Butler, Joel Wooten, Brandon Peak, Tedra Cannella and Rob Snyder. Butler was also named to the Georgia Top 100 List. Super Lawyers recognizes attorneys who have distinguished themselves in their legal practice. This honor is reserved for less than 5% of attorneys practicing in Georgia. Congratulations are also in order for associates David Rohwedder and Ramsey Prather, who were selected as 2019 Georgia Super Lawyers Rising Stars. This is a distinguished honor given to only 2.5% of…