Valdosta Georgia Personal Injury Blog

Decoding important information about spinal cord injuries

On behalf of Jody D. Peterman, LLC on Tuesday, September 3, 2019.

Spinal cord injuries after car wrecks and similar accidents can lead to devastating life impacts. When a person is diagnosed with one, they are given specific information. This includes what type of injury they have and where it is located. While these points might not mean much to a person then, it will become important as they go through the healing and recovery period.

Patients who were recently diagnosed might have some questions about what it all means. Finding out as much as you can about your specific case is beneficial because it helps you to know what is possible and what you are able to do and strive for in recovery.

Defending yourself from marijuana possession charges in Georgia

On behalf of Jody D. Peterman, LLC on Thursday, August 1, 2019.

In some states, the possession of marijuana is permissible for medical purposes. However, the law in Georgia is relatively restrictive. Haleigh's Hope Act allows cannabis oil with a small amount of THC for eligible individuals, but currently, no other form of marijuana is legal.

If you or a loved one has recently been accused of marijuana possession, sale or trafficking, it is important that you do not underestimate how serious the consequences could be. Being found with marijuana could lead to heavy fines, a criminal record and time in jail. Action must be taken to build a compelling defense.

Maximizing chances of success in a premises liability case

On behalf of Jody D. Peterman, LLC on Wednesday, July 3, 2019.

If you have been injured while on a premises, you should be aware of the premises owner's duty to ensure that you are kept reasonably safe. If you suffered damages as a result of the injury, the premises owner will be liable for those damages if you can prove that they were negligent.

One of the most difficult aspects of most premises liability cases is proving that the premises in question are responsible for the damages. This is because there are several elements that need to be proven in order for a premises liability claim to be successful. By understanding these elements and planning your case accordingly, you will have the best chance of success.

Will insurance offer you enough after a car crash?

On behalf of Jody D. Peterman, LLC on Monday, June 3, 2019.

Money is often the farthest thing from your mind in the moments after a car crash. You're probably taking stock of your injuries and trying to determine how much time it will take to resolve all the issues at the scene of the crash. Even if you know your car is wrecked, you may not feel worried about your financial situation, instead assuming that things will work out just fine.

After all, you have a solid insurance policy. What you may not understand is that your Georgia insurance policy actually protects you from claims by other people. In other words, that policy won't offer you any personal financial protection in the event of a crash unless you have special riders in your policy. You will be dependent on the policy provided by the other driver.

Proving liability after a child's escalator fall

On behalf of Jody D. Peterman, LLC on Thursday, May 2, 2019.

Many people in the United States use escalators on a daily basis. They are often the primary use of transport between floors in shopping malls, movie theaters and airports. They are generally safe for people of all abilities to use. However, sometimes problems with the functioning of escalators can pose problems for escalator users.

If your child has been injured when using an escalator in Valdosta, it may be possible to claim damages. This compensation will help to cover medical bills and other expenses that resulted from the incident. Additionally, you may be able to gain compensation for the pain and suffering caused. However, you must be able to prove that the premises owner or management in question was negligent, and that this negligence led to the accident.

Drug charges can end a young adult’s education and career

On behalf of Jody D. Peterman, LLC on Thursday, April 4, 2019.

There is no time in a person's life when it is good to face drug charges. Drug crimes carry strong sentencing in many cases, often more than any other non-violent crime. However, for young adults, a drug conviction can change the trajectory of their life forever. If your child or another young adult you love faces drug charges while in school or while they are finding their way in the beginning stages of adulthood, a conviction can create a mess they may never successfully clean up.

It is always important to build a strong defense to drug charges, even if the evidence against the alleged offender seems strong. The potential costs of serving jail time and a drug conviction on their record may follow them for the rest of their life, or at least long enough that they feel the effects for the rest of their life. With a strong legal defense, a young adult may avoid unreasonably harsh punishment and still learn a valuable lesson that helps them mature.

My child was injured at a friend's swimming pool

On behalf of Jody D. Peterman, LLC on Wednesday, March 6, 2019.

As the months get warmer in Georgia, it is likely that your children will get invited to pool parties at the houses of friends. Spending time by the pool can be a great way for children to socialize as well as to get exercise. When you send your child to their friends' homes, you trust that their parents will be responsible, making sure that all children in their care are safe.

Swimming pools can present multiple dangers for adults and children alike. For younger children who are not confident swimmers, there can be a significant risk of drowning, and they should be monitored.

Hotel injuries can be the responsibility of the premises owner

On behalf of Jody D. Peterman, LLC on Monday, February 4, 2019.

When you stay in a Georgia hotel for vacation or business, you have the expectation that your visit will be enjoyable and safe. You will automatically assume that the room you are staying in, as well as the public areas of the hotel, will be free from hazards that present the risk of illness or injury.

Unfortunately, many people suffer injuries that occur when they stay at a hotel or holiday home. These injuries can be far-reaching in terms of the costs they incur. The injured person may have to pay expensive medical bills when they are getting treated, and they may lose wages as a result of needing to take time off work. If you have been injured in a Georgia hotel room or vacation property, you should investigate your options regarding claiming damages.

Understanding diversion programs for first-time offenders

On behalf of Jody D. Peterman, LLC on Friday, January 4, 2019.

Being accused of a criminal offense for the first time can be a terrifying feeling. It is likely that you are worried about getting a criminal record and having your future prospects severely limited. Unfortunately, these concerns are not unrealistic, and it is possible to face serious consequences as a result of a first-time drug offense.

However, there are opportunities in Georgia for first-time offenders to avoid prosecution. This opportunity comes in the form of a Diversion Program. A Diversion Program presents an alternative to prosecution, with the intention of preventing first-time offenders from re-offending in the future. These programs have certain eligibility requirements, so it is important that you understand exactly how they work and whether you might qualify for the program.

How cocaine affects teenage brains

On behalf of Jody D. Peterman, LLC on Tuesday, December 4, 2018.

Unfortunately, young people continue to experiment with a wide variety of illegal drugs in the state of Georgia. Over the last 20 years, the number of young people using cocaine has been declining at a steady rate. However, there are still a significant number who choose to use the drug, and they can suffer from addiction as well as legal consequences.

If you have a child who is using cocaine in the state of Georgia, it is important that you educate yourself on the state-specific laws that are held in relation to the drug. You should additionally not underestimate the effect that cocaine use can have on your child's brain.