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by The Stoddard Firm - September 10th, 2019
Over the course of each year, more than 7.5 million people turn out to swim, boat, picnic, and otherwise enjoy Georgia’s beautiful Lake Lanier.
Unfortunately, not all of them will make it home alive.
Stories of drownings, other accidents, and mysterious disappearances on and around the lake have become so commonplace that many now believe it to be haunted or cursed. Of course, tellers of ghost stories tend not to be the most reliable historians or devotees of the scientific method. In fact, one of the most popular origin stories for this supposed haunting is some kind of unspecified large-scale accident on the lake in 1903, even though this man-made lake didn’t even exist before 1950.
In reality, when people disappear on a lake, the explanation is usually as simple as the fact that it can be very difficult to recover a body from deep water. And when a disproportionate number of people suffer serious accidents in one place, it’s usually because that place is unsafe in perfectly mundane, explainable ways.
As of July 15th, still early in the summer, there had been nine recorded deaths on Lake Lanier in 2019 — seven drownings and two boating accidents. Even then, the lake was already in the process of claiming its next two victims, a father and son who’d been pulled out of the water alive by a lifeguard on July 11th. The son died in the hospital on July 18th, and was followed by his father the next day.
The day after that, on July 20th, a woman riding a water scooter crashed into one of Lake Lanier’s docks and died from her injuries, bringing this year’s death count up to 12, officially surpassing 2018.
In 2017, a representative of Georgia’s Department of Natural Resources attributed Lake Lanier’s high mortality rate to its sheer volume of visitors, but statistics gathered by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution don’t support that conclusion. At the time, Lake Lanier was only 7% more popular than Georgia’s second most popular lake, but twice as deadly.
A Division Chief with the Forsyth County Fire Department offered another explanation in a recent interview: that Lake Lanier, in spite of its beauty, was designed with flood control and water supply needs in mind, not safe recreation. The water is murky, the lake floor drops precipitously, and the bottom is covered with tree trunks, old structures, and other assorted debris that can ensnare swimmers and knock boats off course.
Just before Fourth of July weekend this year, 15 separate law enforcement and public safety organizations came together at Lake Lanier to raise awareness of safety best practices. Though their efforts have thus far been unable to make up for the lake’s unsafe conditions, their advice, along with the advice of several experts compiled by the Gainesville Times, is sound:
Free safety courses are also available on site.
If you’ve lost someone to Lake Lanier, call The Stoddard Firm right away to learn about your legal options. You can learn more about wrongful death lawsuits or premises liability cases from our team. If you think you may have a legal claim, find out what steps you should take first.
A dedicated, ethical advocate who takes on major corporations and global insurers with virtually unlimited resources. Known for high-profile cases featured on Courtroom Viewing Network, this attorney is also a sought-after legal educator, teaching at seminars for top bar associations. Trusted by clients and media alike, they work tirelessly to secure justice and deliver results.
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.
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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