Currently, health insurance companies provide countless pages of “fine print” information on what’s covered under your plan.  Comprehending that information takes time and a certain level of understanding that not many people possess.  The Obama administration is addressing this by requiring new, easy to understand, summaries of coverage.  Officials are calling these summaries a “nutrition label for health care,” naming it after information panels found on packaged foods in supermarkets.

What Is A “Nutrition Label For Healthcare”?

Earlier this month, after attempting to determine the requirements for new health care labels for over a year, the White House finalized a key provision of the health reform law: standardized labels for health insurance plans. Starting on September 23, 2012, all employers and health insurance companies that offer individual or group plans will be required to comply with the new nutrition labels. Like the nutrition labels that they are named for, these summaries will provide easy-to-understand facts for health insurance plans. Health plan labels will include six pages for consumers to review, including price estimates for health care services, maximum out-of-pocket costs and a glossary. Although the labels won’t include monthly premium amounts, consumers will know what the baseline of the premium is before evaluating the plan details.

These “nutrition labels for healthcare” will provide an easier method to determine what health plan to select. Because the summaries will all use one standard format, it will allow for side-by-side comparisons of health care plans. By revealing select information in a standard location on these labels, families attempting to select between multiple employer plans and those purchasing coverage directly from insurance companies will be able to compare in a less stressful and more understanding manner. Although consumer representatives, insurers and employer groups were concerned with the fine print involved at first, they are more comfortable with them after thoroughly investigating the details. Eventually all private and employer health plans will be required to provide “nutrition labels for healthcare” so American consumers will get a chance to decide for themselves what they think is the best health insurance plan is for them.

Marietta Personal Injury Attorneys Understand Medical Coverage Plans

With over 40 years of combined experience representing injured victims throughout the state of Georgia, the top injury attorneys at Andrew W. Jones, P.C. have a vast knowledge of health insurance companies and coverage plans. The Woodstock personal injury lawyers at the Law Offices of Andrew W. Jones have developed an extensive directory of medical contacts, so understand what to look for in health insurance plans. Below are some tips on how to compare plans, which will be much easier to do with the implementation of the new “nutrition labels for healthcare”:

• Determine a monthly amount that you can afford to spend on the monthly premium.
• Research deductibles and select one that you would be comfortable paying.
• If in-network and out-of-network visits are important to you and your family, determine whether the plans you’re reviewing cover those.
• If you have a primary care physician, ensure that they’re covered with the plan.
• Determine any out-of-pocket costs that you may be liable for and ensure that you can afford them.
• When the labels are introduced, read them entirely so that you have a thorough understanding of what you’re purchasing.

Determining the correct health care plan for you and your family is a big step and research is important.

Kennesaw Personal Injury Lawyers Have Your Best Interests at Heart

Being injured in an accident can be frightening and disorienting.  If you have been injured in an accident of any kind, you should seek medical attention immediately. Your health should be the foremost concern. Whether victims experience severe injuries and pain immediately after a car accident or an onset of pain and other symptoms later on, seeing a doctor right away is the only way to ensure your safety. Many accident victims attempt to endure the pain to avoid medical bills and fees, but seeking the appropriate care is extremely important.  Only a qualified physician will be able to provide you with an appropriate evaluation and treatment protocol.  Having appropriate health-care coverage makes any situation easier on those involved.

Whether your personal injury occurred in Acworth, Smyrna, Roswell, Woodstock, Decatur, Macon or anywhere throughout Georgia, do not hesitate to contact the Marietta personal injury attorneys at the Law Offices of Andrew W. Jones. The affordable accident injury lawyers at our firm not only have experience representing every type of personal injury victim, but can also assist you in determining your health care insurance coverage. Please contact the Kennesaw auto accident lawyers at Andrew W. Jones, P.C. today for a free consultation and affordable representation. We are eager to discuss the ways in which our firm may be able to help you through a difficult time.

A premises liability claim involves injuries to a person while on someone else’s property. These types of injuries can result from slip and falls, trip and falls, dangerous natural conditions, man-made hazards, criminal attacks, false arrest or imprisonment, drowning, or a variety of other unsafe conditions. If you have been injured from negligence while on someone else’s property, you may have a premises liability case. Georgia law requires property owners to keep their grounds approachable and safe.  If they fail to do so, the property owners are responsible for injuries or deaths caused by these unsafe conditions.

Georgia Premises Liability Can Be Difficult to Prove

As in most Georgia personal injury cases, premises liability cases are restricted based on the type of property and person that is involved. A Marietta premises liability case can be based upon injuries that occurred in any residential or commercial buildings, including supermarkets, retail stores, malls, airports, hotels, restaurants, parking facilities, amusement parks, universities and private schools, or homes.

Georgia premises liability claims require negligence to be proven, which is not always simple. It often requires an experienced premises liability lawyer proving that the property owner knew or should have known about the hazardous condition that led to an injury and did nothing to prevent it. Kennesaw property liability attorneys must also prove that injured parties had no way of noticing the condition that led to the accident.

The responsibility of property owners also varies according to the type of person that has been injured. Determining whether the injured party was a social guest, customer, or trespasser on the property is important in determining negligence. Owners of supermarkets, airports, malls, hotels, restaurants and other public locations are all required to provide the highest care possible for their customers. Private property owners have a lesser obligation to guests and virtually no duty to trespassers. Determining this information is important in establishing evidence and is a key aspect of a premises liability attorney’s investigation and understanding of the scenario.

Fully researching the scene and witnesses involved, obtaining documents and sworn statements, and working with established experts to prove proper standards are all specialties of the Marietta premises liability attorneys at the Law Offices of Andrew W. Jones.

Local Marietta Premises Liability Case Results

With over 40 years of combined experience, the attorneys at Andrew W. Jones, P.C. understand what it takes to gain the appropriate compensation for Marietta negligent security victims and their families. Andrew W. Jones and M. Chase Swanson have represented clients in a variety of premises liability cases. Some successful Atlanta premises liability cases include:

• $4,200,000 verdict against Wal-Mart after failing to increase security in their parking lot after an increased number of crimes.
• Multiple confidential settlement against Hilton Hotels as a result of inadequate security and a slip and fall.
• $400,000 against the Fulton County Zoo due to uneven pavement that zoo employees were aware of.
• $1,800,000 against Smith Ironworks, Inc. after allowing exposed power cables in an office building, which resulted in an innocent man’s death.

Time Is of the Essence for Cobb County Premises Liability Claims.

Whether you are injured as a result of an animal bite, slip and fall, trip and fall, or criminal attack, Georgia law holds property owners responsible when someone is injured on their property due to hazardous, dangerous or unsafe conditions. Contacting an experienced Marietta premises liability attorney is detrimental to the success of your Georgia injury claim. Areas of compensation as a result of a premises liability injury include medical expenses, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, physical and mental pain and suffering, and physical impairment. Our trusted Acworth slip and fall attorneys can also assist the families of catastrophically injured victims in recovering for the wrongful death of their loved ones.

Whether you are located in Marietta, Acworth, Smyrna, Roswell, Woodstock, Decatur, Macon, Kennesaw, Canton, Sandy Springs, Dallas, or any other Georgia city, you deserve to have the best premises liability representation. At Andrew W. Jones, P.C., that’s exactly what you’ll get. The affordable Marietta premises liability attorneys at the Law Offices of Andrew W. Jones take pride in representing each and every client in a personalized and dedicated manner. We understand your need for affordable representation, so we represent premises liability victims on a contingency fee basis. This means that unless a settlement or verdict is obtained for our clients, no fees will be charged. Our top premises liability lawyers are ready to assist you through this complex area of law. If you have been injured as a result of a dangerous, unsafe or hazardous condition, call the experienced Marietta trip and fall lawyers today at (770) 427-5498 for a free consultation.

Just last month on Tuesday, January 24, a drunk driver made a mistake that ended in tragedy for local Atlanta Police Officer Gail Thomas.  The drunk driving accident occurred on the ramp from I-75 southbound at I-85 northbound when Officer Thomas was exiting her car to help another officer.  Stone Mountain resident Chasity Jones struck the officer with her vehicle and is being charged with first-degree homicide by vehicle, driving under the influence and reckless driving.  Jones is being held without bond and is scheduled to have her next hearing on February 9.  Thomas had been with the Atlanta Police Department for 20 years and left behind a 22-year-old daughter.  In memory of Officer Gail Thomas, hundreds of police officers paid tribute in a motorcade from Turner Field to Elizabeth Baptist Church where her funeral was held on January 30.

2009: 10,839 Killed In Alcohol-Related Auto Accidents

Thousands of people are injured each year in auto accidents resulting from the negligence of a driver impaired by drugs or alcohol.  Not only could you injure or kill someone else, but you could hurt yourself as well.  Not only that, but driving under the influence could cost you financially as well.  Even if you think you’re sober enough to drive, think about others on the road and choose one of these safer alternatives:

• Assign a designated driver at the beginning of the night.
• Call a cab or taxi.
• Use public transportation.
• Walk.
• Call someone that you know will be sober (possibly a family member).  They may be upset to get a call that late at night, but they’ll be much happier picking you up than if you were to drive under the influence.
• Local ride options – Many local communities have safe ride programs in place that offer sober rides home for free.

Local Marietta Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers

When people make the decision to drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they not only risk hurting themselves and others, but could take the lives of innocent bystanders.  The affordable Kennesaw accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Andrew W. Jones offer aid to victims of Georgia drunk driving crimes across the state, including metro Atlanta areas such as Kennesaw, Acworth, Marietta, Canton, Sandy Springs, Woodstock, and Smyrna.  Our Acworth drunk driving accident attorneys understand the complexities of alcohol-related motor vehicle accidents and have the best experience to maximize the value of your claim.  If you have been injured in a Cobb County car accident by a drunk or otherwise impaired driver, Andrew W. Jones and M. Chase Swanson can help you recover damages for your medical expenses, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, physical and mental pain and suffering, and physical impairment.  Our top personal injury firm can also assist the families of catastrophically injured victims seek to recover for the wrongful death of their loved ones.  You deserve to be represented by local Marietta personal injury attorneys with the experience to prosecute your claim appropriately.

Affordable Marietta Personal Injury Attorneys

It is imperative that a trial attorney with experience handling alcohol-related injury claims begin investigating your accident as soon as possible. Oftentimes, the preservation of certain evidence can be key in making a claim for personal injury or wrongful death. Unlike other attorneys, the affordable drunk driving accident attorneys at Andrew W. Jones, P.C. work on a contingency fee basis.  This means that we represent our clients without any upfront costs as our fee is simply a percentage of the amount recovered for you.  In other words, if we do not recover financial compensation for you, you do not owe any legal fees or costs.

If you or someone you know has been injured or killed by a drunk driver in Georgia, contact Marietta drunk driving accident lawyers Andrew W. Jones and M. Chase Swanson immediately for a free consultation and to discuss the ways in which our firm may be able to help you through a difficult time.

Catastrophic injuries or fatalities are often the result of Atlanta pedestrian accidents. There are over 110,000 preventable pedestrian accidents each year in the United States alone. Most of those pedestrians are seriously injured or killed as a result.  In 2010, the National Center of Statistics and Analysis reported 168 Georgia pedestrian fatalities. These losses account for 11% of motor vehicle fatalities. Since last year, the number of pedestrian fatalities increased by almost 4 percent in the U.S.

Usually, pedestrian deaths are higher in urban areas because of pedestrian activity and traffic volumes being greater than in rural areas. Surprisingly, the majority of these accidents do not occur at intersections. Areas with higher speed limits are more dangerous for pedestrians because drivers are less likely to be expecting the need to stop or slow down.

What’s Causing Atlanta Pedestrian Accidents?

There are numerous causes for Georgia pedestrian accidents. At the top of that list is negligence and distracted driving.  Usually, it’s the driver of the motor vehicle that is at fault, but the pedestrians that are harmed sometimes cause accidents themselves.

Occasionally Atlanta pedestrian accidents are almost impossible to prevent, including situations such as:

• The pedestrian and vehicle operator simply not seeing each other in time to prevent the accident.  This could occur in driveways, parking lots, or on highways.
• The pedestrian falling into the road, leaving the driver with inadequate time to stop the vehicle.
• “Freak Accidents”, including pedestrians being chased by dogs or colliding with a bicyclist.

However, Marietta pedestrian accidents are oftentimes preventable. Situations where negligence of the vehicle operator or pedestrian leads to injury can include:

• Pedestrians jaywalking
• Drivers speeding
• Pedestrians running in the street
• Pedestrians crossing on a red light
• Vehicles running red lights
• Vehicles failing to stop at a stop sign
• Drivers not yielding to pedestrians in crosswalks
• Drivers or pedestrians using cell phones
• Drunk driving by the driver
• Any form of inattentiveness by either party

These are just a few common causes of Marietta pedestrian injuries. If you or someone that you know has been injured in a similar pedestrian accident, the affordable Atlanta accident attorneys at Andrew W. Jones, P.C. can help. Our pedestrian automobile accident lawyers have experience in personal injury accidents and want to help recover compensation for your injuries. We strive to be the best personal injury attorneys in Georgia.

Preventing Pedestrian Accidents in Marietta and Cobb County

Many preventable pedestrian deaths occur right here in Cobb County, so measures should be taken to ensure better safety for everyone on our roads. Possible ideas that could positively affect the number of pedestrian accidents and deaths include improving the design and materials of roadways to include more space between pedestrians and vehicles, reducing speed limits, and implementing new educational programs in communities to further detail the problems associated with Atlanta pedestrian injuries and deaths. By simply taking these steps, obeying drinking and driving and speed limit laws, and acknowledging the list of preventable situations above, Marietta roads can become safer for pedestrians. These small factors could save Cobb County lives if taken into consideration by motor vehicle drivers.

Atlanta Personal Injury Attorney

Being involved in an Acworth pedestrian injury accident can be terrifying and disorienting. The affordable attorneys at Andrew W. Jones, P.C. understand your need for clarification and take pride in the excellent representation of every client.   The experienced Georgia pedestrian auto accident attorneys represent clients throughout metro Atlanta, including Kennesaw, Acworth, Marietta, Canton, Roswell, Woodstock, Decatur, Macon, Sandy Springs, Smyrna, and the entire state of Georgia.  Regardless of where you are located, our top-notch pedestrian injury attorneys understand the unique issues involved in auto accident claims.

With over 40 years of combined personal injury experience, the pedestrian injury lawyers at the Law Offices of Andrew W. Jones know what it takes to win compensation for your injuries. If the result of a pedestrian accident is catastrophic, we can help gain closure for the victim’s family with a wrongful death claim. If you or someone that you know has been injured in a pedestrian automobile accident, contact our Marietta law office today to learn more about how our crosswalk injury attorneys can help. To speak with a Kennesaw pedestrian injury attorney at our firm about an accident of any kind, contact the experienced Atlanta personal injury attorneys at the Law Offices of Andrew W. Jones at (770) 427-5498. We offer free consultations and charge no fees unless compensation is recovered for you.

Intimidating Truck Accident Statistics

In 2006, one out of every six fatalities in Georgia occurred in a crash involving a large truck.  There are over 5,400 truck accidents in Georgia each year.  Over 200 of those involve truck accident fatalities.  These accidents occur throughout the state, in both rural and urban areas.  The United States Department of Transportation is constantly attempting to further develop trucking regulations for these commercial drivers with a goal of protecting not only those drivers, but pedestrians on highways as well.

Hours-of-Service (HOS) Final Rule

The United States Department of Transportation published a new rule for commercial trucking companies in the Federal Register on December 27, 2011 that will become effective on February 27, 2012.  According to Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, this new Hours of Service of Drivers Final Rule will be implemented to “prevent fatigue-related truck crashes and save lives.”

The current HOS rule does not specify a minimum rest break amount and allows a lenient 82 available work hours for truck operators each week.  The new “Final Rule” reduces the maximum number of weekly hours a truck driver can work by 12 hours.  Also, drivers cannot operate vehicles after working eight hours without first taking at least a 30 minute break.  These half-hour breaks may be taken any time that they need them during their 8 hour window.  The current 11 hours daily driving limit will be retained, but the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration will continue to research and further examine the risks associated with this lengthy driving time.  Drivers and carriers will have to comply with all provisions of the “Final Rule” by no later than July 1, 2013.  Any drivers or companies that do not comply with the HOS final rule by this date will be fined for each offense.

Who Will Be Affected By This New Rule?

The new regulations will affect drivers that currently work more than 70 hours a week.  Their carriers will be affected as well.  Most importantly, other drivers on highways with commercial trucking vehicles will be affected with the increased safety of the road.  Trucking drivers will have the opportunity to become more rested and better able to drive without breaking any Rules of the Road, so everyone will be safer while driving.

Marietta Trucking Accident Attorneys

Trucking accidents occur throughout the metro Atlanta area.  The experienced Atlanta trucking accident lawyers at Andrew W. Jones, P.C. have experience representing clients of trucking accidents throughout the area, including Marietta, Smyrna, Roswell, Woodstock, Decatur, Macon, Kennesaw, Acworth, Canton, Sandy Springs, and Dallas.  We not only represent urban Atlanta trucking accident victims, but those that occur throughout the state of Georgia.  These Kennesaw trucking accident attorneys take pride in not only winning cases for those that are harmed due to another’s negligence, but building lasting relationships with you in the process.

The staff at the Law Offices of Andrew W. Jones holds first-rate academic credentials, extensive courtroom experience, strong community ties, and a deep commitment to successful outcomes.  If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a Georgia trucking wreck, the best way to protect yourself is to consult with an experienced Marietta trucking accident attorney.  Contact us today at (770) 427-5498 for a free consultation.  Our Kennesaw trucking accident attorneys understand your needs and will be with you every step of the way.

Holiday Accidents Have Decreased Since 2010

According to the Georgia Department of Public Safety, the number of crashes, injuries, and deaths reported by the Georgia State Patrol throughout the official “Christmas Holiday Period” has decreased since last year. From 6 P.M. on Friday, December 23 until midnight on Monday, December 26, there were 71 less crashes than 2010, 111 less injuries, and 2 fewer deaths than last year. This decrease in accidents, injuries, and deaths could be credited to the increase of law enforcement agencies throughout the state combing roadways for intoxicated drivers throughout the holiday season. The increased presence of law enforcement officers monitoring highways keeps many civilians from being injured during the Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s holidays.

Although the number of Georgia automobile accidents has decreased in the 2011 holiday season, not all can be avoided. Car accidents are often the result of a failure to obey the Rules of the Road as set out in the Georgia Code and include running red lights, following too closely, failure to yield while turning left, speeding, texting while driving, and drunk driving. Instead of dampening your holiday spirit, take extra precautions for the safety of yourself and your passengers, and drive carefully in the upcoming weeks.

5 Holiday Traveling Tips

Below are a few Holiday Driving Tips to consider before traveling:

• Drive the designated speed limit – there’s no need for the lengthy delay that a speeding ticket will cause.  Slowing down will also increase your fuel economy, which is always a plus in today’s economy!
• Get your vehicle inspected – many dealerships offer free inspections on vehicles.  Take advantage of them!  You have nothing to lose.  If there are problems identified, have them taken care of before traveling.
• Change the oil and tires – get these things taken care of early, as nothing will cause more problems during your holiday season than an unnecessary car accident.
• Plan your route in advance – this ensures that you are prepared and not distracted by your GPS or telephone by searching for directions while driving.
• Don’t text and drive – the road requires your complete and undivided attention at all times, especially during the holiday season.  Perhaps your driving does not suffer when you are on your phone, but you never know what other drivers are doing and you can’t afford to be distracted this holiday season.

Georgia Sober Ride

In addition to the increased presence of law enforcement officers monitoring the highways this holiday season, the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety in Georgia is partnering with a variety of taxi companies and designated driver services throughout the state to keep the roads safe. On New Year’s Eve and Super Bowl Sunday, these companies and services will be providing free rides home for those in need of sober drivers. These partnerships have been implemented to ensure that your holiday season is not dampened by the dangers of drunk drivers. For a list of available services, visit Drive Sober, Georgia Free Ride Home Providers. You can also download the Android and Apple iPhone apps that allow for mobile access to these services.

Not All Accidents Can Be Prevented – Get A Marietta Car Accident Attorney

If you’ve been injured in a Georgia auto accident, it is important to speak with an experienced Marietta attorney as soon as possible. Andrew W. Jones, P.C. represents injured parties in Cobb County accidents including car accidents, tractor trailer accidents, motorcycle accidents, drunk driving accidents, bicycle accidents, accidents involving pedestrians, and uninsured motorist accidents. The firm serves clients in metro Atlanta and throughout Georgia including Kennesaw, Acworth, Marietta, Canton, Sandy Springs, and Smyrna.

You deserve to be represented by the experienced, local Marietta automobile accident attorneys at the Law Offices of Andrew W. Jones. Contact us today at (770) 427-5498 for a free consultation with an attorney that ensures no fees unless you receive compensation for your injuries.

Many Georgians entrust the care of their loved ones to nursing home facilities, expecting them to be well cared for.  Unfortunately, this is not always the case.

Nursing Home Neglect Victims

Each year, thousands of elderly patients are abused, neglected, or mistreated in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and rehabilitation centers.  These residents are usually sick or otherwise unable to care for themselves and must rely completely on the staff at these facilities to assist them in daily activities as well as to provide appropriate healthcare.  Often, nursing home residents require almost round-the-clock attention.  Because of this dependency, they are more susceptible to abuse, neglect, and malpractice.

According to a 90-day study performed by the CDC, 8% of United States nursing home residents visited a hospital emergency department in 2004.  Of those residents, 40% had a potentially preventable visit.  Falls were the most common cause of these injuries.  This is a problem for not only the country, but for the state of Georgia and the metro Atlanta area.

What Causes Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect?

When a loved one suffers injuries while residing in a nursing home, it is most often because the facility is understaffed and overburdened with other patients.  Some of the staff members may not be sufficiently trained and may lack the experience necessary to provide the appropriate care to your loved ones.  There is no excuse for the neglect of elderly patients, and the Marietta nursing home negligence lawyers at Andrew W. Jones, P.C. are here to help.

Nursing home neglect can include:

• Bedsores or pressure sores
• Undiagnosed or untreated infections
• Falls because of improper monitoring
• Broken and fractured bones
• Malnutrition or starvation
• Dehydration
• Physical Abuse
• Unexplained Death

Abuse is Not Always Obvious & is Not Always Physical

Emotional, psychological, and financial abuse can also occur.

Below are some warning signs of emotional and physical abuse to be aware of:

• Caregiver refusing to allow family and friends to visit the resident alone
• Resident becoming withdrawn from family and friends
• Unusual behavior, including rocking or biting
• Dementia or sudden confusion
• Depression or low self-esteem
• Resident becoming more anxious or agitated without explanation
• Newly developed mood swings
• Frozen joins
• Unexplained injuries or bruises
• Rapid, unexplained weight loss
• Resident becoming more fearful
• Unwarranted use of physical restraint

If you have witnessed or suspect nursing home abuse in the metro Atlanta area, you should seek immediate medical help for the individual.  Residents of Marietta, Kennesaw, and Acworth could all be affected by this neglect.

The Best Metro Atlanta Attorneys Can Help You

If your loved one was seriously injured or died at a nursing home, remember that it is not your fault.  The Marietta nursing home neglect attorneys at the Law Offices of Andrew W. Jones want to help you get through this difficult process.  By reviewing medical records and consulting with qualified medical experts, the experienced nursing home abuse attorneys at Andrew W. Jones, P.C. will help you to determine whether moving forward with a claim is appropriate.

The Acworth nursing home abuse attorneys at the Law Offices of Andrew W. Jones have experience in representing family members whose loved ones have been injured due to Cobb County nursing home abuse or neglect.  Kennesaw, Marietta, and Acworth victims and their families may be compensated for hospital bills and medical expenses, physical pain and suffering, burial expenses, mental suffering and physical impairment.  Although our office is located in Cobb County, our attorneys have experience representing negligence victims throughout the metro Atlanta area and across the state of Georgia, including Marietta, Smyrna, Roswell, Woodstock, Decatur, Macon, Kennesaw, Acworth, Canton, Sandy Springs, and Dallas.

If you or someone you know has a loved one you believe may have been the victim of nursing home negligence or abuse, please contact our office as soon as possible.

What is Medical Malpractice?

Most doctors, nurses, and other medical practitioners provide excellent, quality care to their patients.  Unfortunately, these providers are susceptible to negligence just like everyone else.  According to the Institute of Medicine, as many as 98,000 Americans die each year as a result of preventable medical errors.  About 1,000,000 are estimated to be injured as a result of these errors.  Medical malpractice occurs where a healthcare provider fails to meet the standard of care required under specific medical situations.

Medical malpractice may include:

• delays or failures in diagnosing a disease or infection
• physicians’ failure to gather informed consent of patient
• misuse of prescription drugs
• misuse of medical device or implant
• surgical or anesthesia related mishap during an operation
• failure to properly treat disease or infection
• foreign objects left inside patients during surgery
• inadequate nursing care causing bed sores
• nursing home abuse
• birth trauma causing brain injury or death

A study performed by the Harvard Medical Practice reported that 45.8% of 1,047 patients that were admitted to two intensive care units at a large hospital were identified as being the victim of an inappropriate decision when a more suitable alternative could have been chosen.  Also, out of 182 deaths caused by heart attack, pneumonia, and stroke in 12 hospitals, at least 14% could have been prevented.  Not all states require that serious errors be reported, so it is almost impossible to get these numbers exactly right.  At Andrew W. Jones, P.C., we feel that even a single death or injury that could have been prevented with better healthcare is one too many.

Medical Malpractice Cases Are Not Simple

Georgia medical malpractice law has been developed to hold healthcare providers accountable for their actions and to ensure that the integrity of our healthcare system is maintained.  Many hospitals and medical procedures have been made safer because of the hard work of Georgia attorneys medical malpractice attorneys like the Kennesaw medical malpractice attorneys at the Law Offices of Andrew W. Jones.

Although the law allows injured patients to make claims against the at-fault providers, there are also significant hurdles that must be overcome by the claimant in order to be successful.  First and foremost, in filing a Georgia medical malpractice claim the plaintiff is required to also submit an affidavit from a qualified provider stating the standard of care under the circumstances and that the provider failed to meet that standard.  Furthermore, a detailed medical history of the victim, names of all physicians and hospitals that treated them, dates, symptoms, and treatments must all be obtained.  Due to the complexity and rigorous nature of medical malpractice, it is imperative that an experienced and professional Acworth medical malpractice lawyer assist you.

Our Marietta Medical Malpractice Lawyers Can Help

The Marietta malpractice attorneys at Andrew W. Jones, P.C. have that experience and have successfully helped many victims of medical malpractice.  Marietta, Kennesaw, and Acworth medical malpractice victims and their families may be compensated for hospital bills and medical expenses, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, wrongful death, physical pain and suffering, mental suffering, loss of benefits, physical impairment, and other damages.  Our attorneys will be happy to discuss a potential medical malpractice claim at no cost.  If you, a family member, or a friend thinks they may be a victim or medical malpractice, please contact the Law Offices of Andrew W. Jones today at (770) 427-5498.

We all know what this means: shopping.

Black Friday 2011 Has Passed But No Doubt With A Premises Liability Suit

Consumers hit the stores for Black Friday deals early this year, many right after Thanksgiving dinner!  Some of the best deals of the year occur the day after Thanksgiving, but there have been many misfortunes in years past bringing premises liability lawsuits to many stores.  This year, many retailers decided to open stores and begin Black Friday sales as early as 10 PM on Thanksgiving Day to avoid these dangers.

Unfortunately Black Friday deals can cause more than just savings.  Many wrongful deaths, slip and fall, and trip and fall injuries across the country have been associated with the “holiday”.  In 2008, a Wal-Mart employee was trampled to death by shoppers when sales began.  The company paid nearly $2 million in a premises liability settlement with injuried parties that year.  Each year on Black Friday, store policies become more strict and organized to ensure the safety of workers and shoppers alike.  This year, not even opening a day early kept all shoppers safe.  One Wal-Mart shopper used pepper spray on those around her to get a bargain.

The signs, sounds, smells and deals surrounding this “holiday” all add to the desperation in many consumers.

The Chaos Isn’t Over Yet – Be Safe When Holiday Shopping

Black Friday is not the only day that shoppers have an air of anxiety about themselves.  The remainder of the year is sure to provide more stories of horror in shopping malls and retail stores.  In order to maintain your safety this holiday season, take the following precautions when you are shopping:

• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Listen for warning signs.  Often crowds become active when just a few loud individuals voice their opinions.  Steer clear of beligerent behavior.
• Trust your gut.  If you have a feeling that something is out of place, separate yourself from the crowd.
• Leave your purse at home.  Keep cash, credit cards, and identification in separate pockets close to your body.  If a purse must be carried, make sure to use a small one with a strong strap.
• There’s safety in numbers.  Shop with a friend or group of friends.
• Tell someone where you’ll be throughout the trip.
• Carry your cell phone at all times.
• Aviod ATMs.  Get cash in advance.  If you must use an ATM, find one in a well-lit area inside a store.
• Park in well-lit areas and lock your doors.
• Don’t fight.  No bargain or deal is worth getting hurt over.  Emotions are running high, so ensure that you keep yours in check.

It’s Your Right to be Safe While Shopping

Even if you take the necessary precautions as a shopper, there are chances that others will not.  If you are injured in a shopping accident, seek medical care immediately.  Store owners may seem sympathetic and offer to pay for your medical care, but make sure to contact the experienced Marietta premises liability attorneys at the Law Offices of Andrew W. Jones before accepting any compensation.

The actual costs associated with an injury can be hard to determine, as there are many factors that should be taken into account.  Georgia victims of injuries while shopping may be compensated for medical expenses, loss of wages, loss of earning capacity, physical pain and suffering, mental suffering and physical impairment.  The Marietta lawyers at Andrew W. Jones, P.C. will fight for the compensation that you deserve.

What Do These Georgia Court Changes Mean?

Under the law, jurors are supposed to determine the damages suffered by the plaintiff then assign a percentage of fault for those damages to the party and/or any non-parties. For example, a jury may find the plaintiff’s damages to be $50,000 and assign 80% of fault to the defendant, 10% to a John Doe driver who cut off the defendant, and 10% to the plaintiff. In accordance with Georgia law, the judge in this example would then be required to reduce the damages owed to the plaintiff from the defendant.Rather than being liable for the entire $50,000 award, the named defendant will only be required to pay the plaintiff 80% of the verdict, or $40,000.

Nearly ubiquitously, Georgia’s pattern jury instructions are implemented by judges to instruct the jury on the law and its duties in determining how to apply the law to the facts of the case before it. However, under the current pattern jury charges, the jury is instructed that if it finds the plaintiff, or a non-party, was negligent, the jury is to reduce the amount of damages otherwise awarded to the plaintiff in proportion to the negligence of the plaintiff compared with that of the defendant. Clearly, under O.C.G.A. §52-23-33(a), this reduction is to be done by the judge and not the jury.

Georgia Court of Appeals News

Recently, the Georgia Court of Appeals found the pattern jury charge invalid. In doing so, the Court agreed with a defendant who appealed the issue after suffering a $20,000 verdict for the plaintiff. The case is Clark v. Rush, No. A11A1418.

The Marietta personal injury attorneys at Andrew W. Jones, P.C. have dealt with this issue in a variety of cases and have the experience to maximize the value of your claim. If you or someone you know has been injured, please contact our office as soon as possible at (770) 427-5498 or through our website.