Valdosta Georgia Personal Injury Blog

Avoid common mistakes when making a personal injury claim

On behalf of Jody D. Peterman, LLC on Wednesday, October 30, 2019.

Being involved in a car accident can affect a person's life profoundly. Due to the negligent or reckless actions of another driver, victims may suffer life-altering injuries, huge medical bills and emotional trauma. No one should have to deal with this unjust experience, but unfortunately for many, this continues to be a reality.

If you have recently been involved in an accident that led to substantial damages, you may want to consider making a personal injury claim. When successful, plaintiffs can gain back damages for financial losses, as well as for the pain and suffering caused. Before making a personal injury claim, make sure that you avoid some of the most common mistakes.

Protecting your child from cocaine charges in Georgia

On behalf of Jody D. Peterman, LLC on Thursday, October 3, 2019.

When your children are very young, it's possible to have control over their behavior and put rules and limitations in place. As they grow older, they will become more independent and autonomous regarding their decisions. By the time they go to college, your children will likely be in complete control over the decisions that they make, and they will also face the consequences of the behavior they engage in.

If you are worried that your child has become involved with drugs such as cocaine while at college in Georgia, it is understandable that, as a parent, you will be concerned about this. Not only can drugs be dangerous and addictive, but they can also lead to serious legal consequences that could negatively affect their future.

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.