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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 lives, consider contacting a wrongful death lawyer for advice and counsel regarding your specific situation.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. Furthermore, 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.
A dedicated, ethical advocate who spent years defending major corporations in serious injury and wrongful death cases before switching sides to fight for families who have lost someone. Known for high-profile wrongful death trials featured on Courtroom View Network, he is also a sought-after legal educator, teaching at seminars for top bar associations. Trusted by clients and media alike, he works tirelessly to pursue accountability and deliver results for families facing catastrophic loss.
Member of the Atlanta Bar Association, the Georgia Bar Association, and the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association
Licensed in Georgia since: 2008
Education: University of Georgia School of Law
Personal injury compensation enables an injured individual to regain the same quality of life they had before the incident. This may entail funds for modifying a home for wheelchair accessibility or offering vocational training for those unable to return to their previous job. It is crucial for compensation to cover lost earnings and cover both past and anticipated medical costs.
We conduct interviews with colleagues, consult with attending healthcare professionals, and engage specialists to ensure we secure comprehensive compensation that aids our clients in re-establishing their life trajectories.
When deciding to hire an Atlanta personal injury lawyer, you need to consider:
1. Who’s at Fault
If you’re in an accident and it’s unclear who’s responsible, seeking advice from an attorney is wise. Insurance companies may attempt to attribute damages to you in such scenarios. An attorney can shield you from counterclaims and cross-claims, safeguarding your rights.
2. The Severity of Injuries Sustained
When facing a lifetime of pain, suffering, and mounting bills, taking chances is not an option. A personal injury attorney is entrusted with averting lifelong financial strain.
3. If You’re Facing Insurance Company Denial or Delay
The intricate laws and procedures surrounding personal injury claims are areas where insurance companies capitalize on individuals’ lack of expertise. A lawyer can provide invaluable assistance in this regard.
It’s possible but not necessarily probable and will likely depend on whether you want your case to go to trial. The majority of cases end in a settlement. Going to trial typically occurs when there are intricate, contentious matters regarding the accident’s cause or the severity of your injuries. Occasionally, defendants may simply be unyielding and unwilling to settle or you may just want more than the insurer believes is reasonable.
It shouldn’t be a shock if your attorney diligently pursues a settlement while also readying your witnesses for trial. A proficient lawyer must be equipped for any scenario. Demonstrating to the opposing party that we’re gearing up for a trial indicates that we’re resolute and not inclined to back down.
Determining all potential parties who could be held liable for a personal injury involves a thorough investigation of various factors. If someone else neglected to exercise reasonable care, they can be held accountable for the resulting injuries, as outlined in Title 51 of Georgia Code of Laws or as outlined in Georgia’s common law.
The individual directly involved in the accident may not be the sole party at fault. For instance, in the case of a drunk driving accident, while the driver may bear responsibility, the person who knowingly provided additional alcohol to an obviously intoxicated individual could also be deemed liable. In other circumstances, an at fault party’s employer is responsible for its employees actions.
Following a personal injury accident, there are critical steps you should take. First and foremost, seek prompt medical attention. Visit the emergency room or call for an ambulance at the accident site. Any delay in receiving medical care could impact your health and the outcome of your personal injury case.
Refrain from discussing your case with the insurance company representing the at-fault party. They may deny your settlement or offer a significantly lower amount than you deserve.
Additionally, it’s crucial for both you and your personal injury attorney to gather as much evidence and documentation as possible. This is vital in establishing that your injuries resulted from someone else’s negligence. Make an effort to collect records and documents related to your case, including medical records, police reports, photographs, witness contact information, and similar items. Once you’ve received medical attention, contact The Stoddard Firm.
Do not say anything! If an insurance company contacts you, refrain from providing any information until you have consulted with your attorney. Insurance companies typically contact accident victims in an attempt to elicit a statement about the incident, which they may use to devalue the settlement.
While you may eventually need to converse with them, seeking guidance from a seasoned legal team is crucial. They will provide clear instructions on what you should and should not disclose to protect the value of your case.
If you or a loved one has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, we’re here to help. Fill out the form below, and one of our experienced Atlanta personal injury attorneys will contact you shortly to discuss your case. Call us 678-RESULTS.
Your information will remain confidential and used solely to contact you about your case.
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Matthew Stoddard and his staff are wonderful people. This law firm is a no complication type of place. They always answer the phone without the hassle of going through 30 different people and always return emails just as quick as they are received. Thank you gentlemen for everything y’all do.
I went through one of the worst times of my life. When I decided to reach out to Matt it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. He really is a genuine guy who cares about his clients. He worked hard for me and my family for 2 years until we were awarded a settlement we felt deserving! I could not recommend a better guy for your legal services!
Attorney Matthew Stoddard and his staff are awesome professionals. I contacted them with a problem, in my opinion he went above and beyond to assist me. He showed understanding and care and exceeded my expectations.
The Stoddard Firm did an excellent job in representing me in my case ! They went far and beyond to help me, even driving 4 hours to meet me multiple times as a client!!! I honestly felt like I was a member of their legal team and would recommend them to anyone in need of a great lawyer!!!
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was revised and approved by Attorney Matthew B. Stoddard, who has more than 16 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney.
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If you or a loved one has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, we’re here to help. Fill out the form below, and one of our experienced Atlanta personal injury attorneys will contact you shortly to discuss your case. Call us 678-RESULTS.
Your information will remain confidential and used solely to contact you about your case.
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