Car Accidents in Parking Lots

May 16th, 2012

Parking lots are a breeding ground for car accidents. Most people are more concerned with finding a parking spot than observing the right of way. In many cases, the rules of traffic are ignored in parking lots as drivers go the wrong way down a lane or cut off another vehicle in an attempt to get the inside track on a parking spot in a crowded lot. Additionally, drivers pulling out of parking spots are often more focused on adjusting the radio, punching coordinates into their GPS system, lighting a cigarette, or talking on their cell phone than looking for other vehicles or pedestrians moving towards them. The end result is often an avoidable car accident.

The following tips can help you reduce your likelihood of a car accident in a parking lot:

• Avoid using your cell phone in a parking lot
• Set up navigation devices before starting to drive
• Be on the lookout for pedestrians walking behind your vehicle or other cars moving towards you as you pull out from a spot
• Park away from store entrances to reduce the level of traffic congestion near your vehicle
• Obey all rules of traffic such as one way signs and yielding the right of way when appropriate

While car accidents in parking lots generally occur at low speeds, it is still possible to suffer an injury. This is particularly true if the car accident involves a pedestrian. If you have been injured in a car accident in a parking lot, seek medical attention immediately and consult and experienced car accident lawyer who can make sure your rights are protected.

Atlanta car accident lawyer Laurie Robbins has been fighting for the rights of injured victims for more than 30 years. She has the experience necessary to help you receive the compensation you deserve after being injured in a parking lot car accident.

Please contact Robbins & Associates today to schedule your free car accident consultation. Laurie Robbins serves clients in Atlanta, Georgia.

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Can I File Workers’ Compensation if I Get in a Car Accident while on the Job?

April 19th, 2012

If you are injured in a car accident while on the job, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. It is important to work with an attorney who is experienced in both areas of law to ensure your rights are fully protected.

In order to file for workers’ compensation after being injured in a car accident, you must meet one of the following criteria:

• You were driving an employer-provided vehicle on company business
• You were running errands directly related to your job responsibilities
• You were on a business trip
• You were driving your own vehicle while carrying out company business

Depending on the specifics surrounding your car accident, you may be able to receive compensation through a car accident claim as well. If the car accident was caused by the negligence of another driver, it may be possible to file both a workers’ compensation claim and lawsuit seeking damages directly from the other driver. The third party lawsuit can help you address expenses not covered under workers’ compensation.

At Robbins & Associates, we have been handling cases involving car accidents on the job for more than 30 years. We understand the complex laws governing these claims, and we can make sure you receive compensation from all appropriate parties.

Please contact Robbins & Associates today to schedule your free initial consultation. We serve clients in Atlanta, Georgia.

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What to Do when Fired after a Workplace Injury

April 5th, 2012

Workplace injuries can often result in serious consequences. If your injury leaves you with a permanent or temporary disability, it may be difficult to perform your job responsibilities. It is important to understand that you have rights following a workplace injury. If you believe you have been unfairly fired after being injured at work, you should consult an experienced employment law attorney at once.

In the state of Georgia, it is illegal to fire an employee simply because a workers’ compensation claim is filed after a workplace injury. However, it may be possible to lose your job if your injury prevents you from performing your job duties. Atlanta workers’ compensation lawyer Laurie Robbins has more than 30 years of experience handling these complex cases, and she understands the laws which govern them. If you have been wrongfully terminated after a workplace injury, Ms. Robbins will fight aggressively to ensure your rights are protected.

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), employers must make reasonable accommodations for an employee’s disability before firing them. These accommodations may include:

• A modified work schedule
• Modified work equipment
• Restructuring the job to accommodate issues caused by the workplace injury

If your employer fired you without reasonably attempting to make these and other accommodations after your injury, you may be entitled to receive compensation for any damages you suffered as a result of your employer’s actions. This may include:

• Lost income
• Lost future earning capacity if you cannot find a comparable job
• All costs associated with your workplace injury

The first step you should take if you are fired after your workplace injury is to call Ms. Robbins. She will make sure your best interests are protected throughout this difficult time.

Please contact Robbins & Associates today to schedule your free initial consultation. We serve clients in Atlanta, Georgia.

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Damages in a Car Accident Claim

March 22nd, 2012

When you have been injured in a car accident caused by the negligence of another driver, you may be entitled to receive compensation for your damages. Generally, damages will only be awarded for actual losses you have suffered. This may include both economic and non-economic damages.

Economic damages may include:

• Medical expenses
• Property damage
• Lost wages

Medical expenses may include all costs associated with treating your car accident injuries such as doctor’s visits, hospital expenses, emergency room costs, and rehabilitation costs. If you suffered a serious injury that will require ongoing medical treatments, you may be entitled to receive compensation for future medical expenses as well.

You may also be entitled to receive compensation for any property damaged during the car accident. If your vehicle requires repairs, the negligent driver will be held responsible.

If your car accident injuries cause you to miss time from work, you can also receive compensation for your lost wages. If you can demonstrate that your injuries have impacted your ability to earn a living in the future as well, you may be able to receive compensation for lost future earning capacity.

Non-economic damages in a car accident claim consist of things for which you cannot place a monetary value on. These may include:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress

The negligent driver’s insurance company will work hard to limit the amount of money they must pay as part of your settlement. In order to ensure that you maximize the value of your claim, you will need to work with an experienced car accident lawyer.

With more than 30 years of experience fighting for the rights of Atlanta car accident victims, Laurie Robbins can help ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. She will fight aggressively every step of the way to make sure the insurance company cannot take advantage of you in your time of need.

Please contact Robbins & Associates today to schedule your free initial consultation. We serve clients in the Atlanta, Georgia area.

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Why Choose Robbins & Associates for my Medical Malpractice Case

March 8th, 2012

If you have been the victim of medical malpractice, you will need an experienced lawyer to make sure your rights are protected. Negligent doctors and their insurance companies will have high powered legal teams working for them to try and minimize the amount of money they must pay out on your case. In order to maximize the compensation to which you are owed, you will need to level the playing field with a high powered Atlanta medical malpractice lawyer of your own.

At Robbins & Associates, we have more than 30 years of experience handling these complex claims. Our Atlanta medical malpractice lawyer understands the sophisticated medical issues involved in these cases, and she knows the state laws which govern them. Ms. Robbins works closely with a team of medical experts in a variety of specializations who will analyze your case and provide testimony to help conclusively prove fault in your medical malpractice claim.

Right now, you and your family most likely have a lot of unanswered questions regarding what went wrong with your procedure. Ms. Robbins is committed to standing by your side every step of the way so that you can get the answers you need. She will fight aggressively to make sure all negligent parties are held accountable and you receive the compensation you deserve.

Please contact Robbins & Associates today to schedule your free initial consultation. We serve clients in Atlanta, Georgia.

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Medical Malpractice Damage Award Cap Laws in Georgia

February 22nd, 2012

In recent years, many states across the country have implemented tort reform initiatives which cap the noneconomic damages recoverable in medical malpractice cases. The theory behind these measures is that by capping noneconomic damages such as pain and suffering, it will reduce the malpractice insurance premiums paid by doctors and as a result, lower healthcare costs.

In 2005, Georgia passed a tort reform law capping noneconomic damages in medical malpractice cases at $350,000. However, the Georgia Supreme Court chose to overturn this statute in 2010, declaring that it was unconstitutional.

The ruling by the state Supreme Court came in an appeal of the verdict awarded to Betty Nestlehutt, a 75-year-old medical malpractice victim. A botched facelift left Ms. Nestlehutt permanently disfigured. Her case went to trial, and the jury awarded her $1.265 million. Of this, $115,000 was awarded for economic damages such as past and future medical expenses, and the remaining $1.15 million was awarded to cover noneconomic damages such as pain and suffering.

The doctors found guilty of medical malpractice in this case appealed the damage award to the state Supreme Court, claiming it violated the 2005 tort reform laws capping noneconomic damages at $350,000. However, the Georgia Supreme Court found that this medical malpractice damage cap was unconstitutional, violating the victim’s right to having a jury of her peers determine the appropriate value of compensation.

This is a very important ruling that impacts all Georgia medical malpractice victims moving forward. It is a significant victory in plaintiff’s rights and as a result, there are no longer any caps on the amount of damages you can receive in a medical malpractice case.

With more than 30 years of experience handling these complex cases, Atlanta medical malpractice attorney Laurie Robbins has the skills necessary to help you maximize your compensation. She will fight aggressively to make sure your damage award reflects the true value of your claim.

Please contact us today to schedule your free initial consultation. Robbins & Associates serves clients in Atlanta, Georgia.

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Types of Medical Malpractice Cases

February 16th, 2012

Medical malpractice occurs when a medical professional delivers negligent care that results in an injury to the patient. There are many different types of medical malpractice cases which can be filed against doctors, nurses, hospitals, and other medical professionals. Some of the most common include:

• Anesthesia errors – Anesthesia is an important part of many medical procedures, but when administered improperly, the results can be catastrophic. Anesthesiologists must monitor you throughout the procedure to make sure you do not experience any adverse reactions to the anesthesia. Failure to do so can result in medical malpractice.
• Birth injuries – Sadly, medical errors during delivery result in birth injuries more often than we would like to think. Common birth injuries caused by medical malpractice include cerebral palsy and Erb’s palsy.
• Failure to diagnose cancer – Early diagnosis of cancer is critical to your chances of a successful recovery. When a doctor fails to diagnose your cancer accurately or in a timely manner, you may be entitled to receive compensation for any additional damages suffered as a result of this delayed diagnosis.
• Medication errors – Common examples of medication errors include the wrong medication being prescribed, the wrong dosage being prescribed, failure to foresee potential complications, and illegible prescriptions.
• Emergency room errors – Emergency rooms are fast paced environments that often deal with life-or-death situations. When emergency room errors occur, the results can be catastrophic for the victim.
• Surgical errors – All surgical procedures are associated with certain risks. However, when a surgical error during any phase of the procedure results in an injury, you may be entitled to receive compensation for your damages. Examples include operating on the wrong site, leaving a surgical instrument inside the patient, or operating on the wrong patient.

If you have suffered an injury caused by medical malpractice, you may be entitled to receive compensation for your damages. With more than 30 years of experience handling these complex cases, Atlanta medical malpractice lawyer Laurie Robbins has the skills to make sure your rights are protected and the negligent medical professional is held accountable for your injuries.

Please contact Robbins & Associates today to schedule your free initial consultation. We serve clients in Atlanta, Georgia.

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Was my Car Accident Caused by a Defective Vehicle or Part?

January 30th, 2012

Sometimes the circumstances surrounding a car accident are clear. Maybe you were struck by a texting teenager, involved in a collision with a drunk driver or suffered harm on an unmarked dangerous road.

But in some cases, your vehicle itself may be the cause of an accident. Manufacturing defects or faulty parts in your vehicle can contribute to accidents and personal injury.

If you’ve been injured in a car accident that you believe was caused by a faulty vehicle or defective part, the Atlanta product liability attorney at Robbins & Associates may be able to help you purse the financial compensation you need to recover.

Some common car defects that contribute to injury include:

Defective seats

• Defective seatbelts
• Defective tires
• Faulty airbags
• Faulty brakes
• Inadequate crashworthiness/poor structural integrity
• Lack of stability

A consultation with a qualified product liability lawyer can help determine if the faulty vehicle or part contributed to your accident or injury and recommend the best course of action. If it can be proven that the vehicle was being operated as intended and the vehicle or part defect led to the accident or injury, you may have grounds for a lawsuit.

If you live in the Atlanta, Georgia, area and suffered an injury that you believe was due to a defective car or vehicle part, please contact the product liability attorney at Robbins & Associates, P.C., for your free case evaluation.

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What are the Symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injury?

December 28th, 2011

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an umbrella term that covers multiple symptoms pertaining to varying specific injuries.

Symptoms of a TBI may not always be instantly apparent. If you or a loved one is involved in an accident that results in an impact to the head, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately.

TBIs can often be diagnosed before the symptoms themselves become evident. Symptoms of a traumatic brain injury include, but are not limited to:

• Abnormal behavior/personality changes
• Blurry vision/double vision
• Cognitive difficulties
• Dizziness
• Fluid/blood seeping from the ears or nose
• Loss of motor function control
• Memory loss
• Nausea/vomiting
• Respiratory problems
• Ringing in the ears
• Seizures
• Speech problems
• Numbness/tingling in the extremities
• Pupils that differ in size or don’t respond to light

TBI victims may require extensive medical care, including life-long therapy. Recovery from a TBI, sadly, is not always possible.

If you or a loved one suffered a TBI as a result of the negligence of another, you may be able to pursue financial compensation including money for medical expenses, lost wages, disability, and pain and suffering.

The Atlanta, Georgia, TBI attorney at Robbins & Associates, P.C., have decades of experience helping TBI victims and their families recover the money they need to move forward. Please contact us for your free case evaluation.

Posted in Brain Injury, Personal Injury | No Comments »

How to Apply for Social Security Disability Insurance in Georgia

November 17th, 2011

In the state of Georgia, you can apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) online or in person at one of the state’s Social Security Administration (SSA) offices.

When preparing your SSDI application, keep in mind that the denial rate of initial SSDI claims is approximately 75 percent in Georgia—about 10 percent higher than the national average. Claims may be denied for a number of reasons including incomplete application paperwork or insufficient medical evidence to support your claim.

If your initial claim is denied, you have the option of filing an appeal with the SSA within 60 days; if you fail to file an appeal in this timeframe, you will have to reapply for SSDI.

Even if you don’t work with an experienced Social Security attorney on your initial application, it’s advisable to contact an SSDI lawyer in the event that your claim is denied. The Atlanta Social Security attorney at Robbins & Associates has a thorough understanding of the SSDI application and appeals process, and our team has decades of experience helping Georgia residents file successful claims and appeals.

Due to the volume of applications and the high percentage of denials on first-time applications, the SSA suggests working with a knowledgeable social security disability insurance lawyer on SSDI applications and appeals.

If you live in the Atlanta, Georgia, area and would like more information on the SSDI process, please contact the Social Security attorney at Robbins & Associates, P.C., for a free case evaluation.

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