Bizarre Accidental Deaths

• December 22, 2021
• Attorney Matt Stoddard
• Catastrophic Injury

Common or Uncommon: Freak Accidental Deaths?

Strangely enough, bizarre accidental deaths happen quite frequently, and the victims’ families are often entitled to significant settlements with the help of a wrongful death lawyer. We all know that death is an unavoidable reality. And while some people are fortunate and live long, healthy, and fulfilling lives, others are struck by illness or fall victim to common yet unfortunate accidents. Still others still experience the weirdest accidental deaths, many caused by the negligent actions or behaviors of others.

If your loved one was a victim of a bizarre accident and lost their life, consider contacting a wrongful death lawyer for advice and counsel regarding your specific situation.

Unusual Accidental Deaths and Injuries in Georgia

Lake Lanier Has a Disturbing History

Lake Lanier, located in the foothills of Georgia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, is one of the state’s most beautiful and popular vacation spots. Annually, almost 12 million people visit the lake which is home to 10 marinas and 76 recreational areas. Photographs of the lake are magnificent; it’s no surprise so many elect to spend their free time there.

Unfortunately, these idyllic photos don’t tell the whole story, and appearances can be deceiving. While the lake is, in fact, picturesque, and many enjoy their visits, this spot is home to an unusually large number of deaths and injuries, many due to drownings and boat accidents. While water-related incidents are commonplace, for some reason Lake Lanier has more than its fair share. The issues have become so numerous that some even believe the area is haunted.

This manmade lake’s original purpose was flood control and water supply – not entertainment and recreation. Its structure is not designed for safety; in fact, the water is dark and murky, and the lake bottom is filled with debris that can endanger both swimmers and boaters. The unusual number of accidents, injuries and deaths sparked the concern of local law enforcement. In recent years they have reached out to share safety tips for visitors. But accidents still occur at rates far beyond normal.

The injury lawyers at The Stoddard Firm are aware of the lake’s safety issues as well as the laws in Georgia. They can review your situation and determine if you may have a case. Contact them at 470-467-2200 to schedule a consultation.

Understanding Your Legal Recourse

Strange Accidental Deaths Happen All the Time

Have you ever read a headline in a newspaper or heard a story from a friend about a bizarre accidental death or injury? You may believe that incidents like this rarely happen, and as for standalone events you may be correct. However, weird accidents that result in death are more common than you may imagine.

While all accidents are unfortunate, there are times when certain accidents are caused by the negligence of another individual or organization. When this is the case, and the facts can be proven, victims and their families may be eligible for compensation, for personal injury or wrongful death.

Bizarre Accidental Death and Injury Examples

Publicity, in the form of print, online and television news is not uncommon when strange events occur and people get hurt or die. The oddities certainly attract attention and reports, as do resulting lawsuits.

Below are some examples of strange accidents that occurred as the result of negligence.

Shopping Cart Lawsuit: In 2016 an elderly woman in Tennessee suffered a significant injury when a wheel fell off of her shopping cart in the grocery store. She was eventually awarded $2.7 million dollars as the store was found guilty of not keeping their premises safe. Carts need to be inspected.

Open Air Bus Accident: A teenage boy attending a friend’s Sweet 16 party on an open-air bus hit his head on a pedestrian bridge while standing as the bus was moving. He later died from his injuries. The bus company, the birthday girl’s family and the boy himself were held jointly liable for the accident. Percentage of fault was assigned. The bus company was determined to be 70% liable, the birthday girl’s family 25% liable and the boy himself was 5% responsible. His family was ultimately awarded $26 million dollars.

Phone Booth Injuries: In 1972 in Los Angeles, California, Charles Bigbee was using a pay phone in a high traffic area. While in the phone booth, the door latch stuck just as a car sped into the structure. Because he was unable to escape, he sustained severe life-changing injuries. After he realized his insurance would not cover his total medical and care costs, his attorney filed suit against the phone booth company. After doing a bit of research, he learned that a similar accident had occurred several years prior, yet the company simply replaced the booth even though they knew the location was dangerous. He settled for an undisclosed amount of money.

These are only a few of the bizarre accidents in which someone was injured or killed, an individual or organization was found to be negligent, and a settlement was reached or judgment determined.

How Do You Know if You Have a Case?

We all know that accidents happen. That said, quite often the possibility exists that the accident victim or his or her family could be entitled to a settlement for damages. The deciding factor is whether the accident was caused by the negligence of an individual or organization.

Far too often, both victims and their families simply focus on moving on, believing that their accidents were unavoidable.

This was true in all of the stories shared above. When this is the case, the victims could be entitled to compensation for their losses.

If you (or a loved one) have been injured in a freak accident or your family member has tragically lost his or her life, it is wise to contact a personal injury and wrongful death attorney in the state in which the accident occurred. This professional can review the situation, help determine whether you have a case and advise you on how to move forward.

Proving Your Case

A reputable and experienced attorney understands the laws governing wrongful death and personal injury, including the statute of limitations for filing cases and the legal requirements that must be met in order to prove negligence.

Wrongful death cases in Georgia are governed by state law, which specifically identifies those individuals who can file a wrongful death lawsuit. These family members include the surviving spouse, children of the deceased, parents of the deceased and siblings of the deceased. Compensation to which they may be entitled includes lost earnings, loss of companionship, pain and suffering and loss of care in the home. Other costs that will be considered include medical and funeral bills.

If you or your loved one was injured in a bizarre accident, contact a personal injury attorney quickly. In most cases, the statute of limitations in Georgia provides a specific time frame during which you can file a case (2 years from the date of the injury). You don’t want to waste valuable time. Your Atlanta motorcycle accident lawyer attorney can help determine if it is possible to prove negligence.

Legal Counsel for Bizarre Accidents in Georgia

Contact The Stoddard Firm Today

Weird, freak accidents happen everywhere — around the world, across the country and right here in Georgia (as seen at Lake Lanier). If you or a family member suffered an injury or lost their life during a strange accident, don’t make the mistake of believing there is nothing you can do. There may very well be legal recourse, and you may be entitled to compensation for your losses.

The personal injury and wrongful death attorneys at The Stoddard Firm are ready to work with you. They appreciate that you have been through a traumatic event and are well-known for their empathetic and personal approach when working with clients. They believe that those who behave irresponsibly and are negligent should be held responsible. They will aggressively fight for your rights and pursue justice on your behalf.

Contact The Stoddard Firm today at 470-467-2200 to share your experience and learn how they can best serve you.