Valdosta Georgia Personal Injury Blog

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.

Financial damages can occur when children suffer injuries

On behalf of Jody D. Peterman, LLC on Tuesday, November 6, 2018.

When your child visits any property or premises that they have a right to visit, the property owner has a responsibility to provide a safe environment, regardless of their age. If your child became injured on a premises in the state of Georgia, you may be wondering whether you can take legal action. You may want to do this to draw attention to the issue and to prevent the incident from being repeated.

Certain financial damages can occur after a child is injured on a property, and these should be taken into account when making a legal claim. Many parents do not realize the amount of money they have spent as a result of a child's injury. In addition, it often does not immediately occur to them that they will likely be able to recoup these financial damages.

How can I gain compensation after a truck accident?

On behalf of Jody D. Peterman, LLC on Friday, October 5, 2018.

If you were driving in a passenger vehicle and you were involved in a collision with a truck in the state of Georgia, it is likely that your vehicle sustained significant damage. In addition, you and the passengers in your car will have likely suffered from physical injuries as well as emotional trauma.

The reason why insurance is taken out on motor vehicles is precisely to help people recover financially after they have been involved in an accident. However, many people choose to settle with less compensation than they truly deserve because they don't understand their rights.

Could a car accident be my fault even if I had the right of way?

On behalf of Jody D. Peterman, LLC on Thursday, September 6, 2018.

When a collision occurs between two or more vehicles, it is possible that many factors contributed to the accident. But when injuries occurred and damage was done to the vehicles, the person who was responsible for the accident will need to be established. This must be done so that an insurance claim can be made and so that all damages can be settled.

If you believe that you have right of way when a collision at an intersection occurred, it is important that you understand how the rules of right of way work. In addition, it is a good idea to read more about how fault is established in any car accident.

When is a premises to blame for your sports injury

On behalf of Jody D. Peterman, LLC on Wednesday, August 8, 2018.

In the summer months, it's a lot of fun to get out and be active. Whether it's enjoying time out on the lake, or hiking in the beautiful nature in Georgia, there are many activities such as kayaking, sailing and climbing to take advantage of. Unfortunately however, there are always risks when it comes to adventure sports, and a number of people do get injured while partaking in such activities in the state of Georgia each year.

If you have been injured while undertaking adventure sports in Georgia, it is likely that you will have suffered considerably, and you may have to pay medical bills as a result. If it can be proven that the premises you were on was responsible for your accident, then you may be entitled to compensation when you take action.