Georgia Personal Injury Blog

WCIV News has reported that a truck driver, who was scheduled to be in court on a reckless homicide charge as the result of a fatal crash in January, was again arrested recently for a DUI in Georgia. Officials say the 35-year-old driver, Arnold Williams, was stopped on Interstate 20 after several people called the Newton County Sheriff’s Office complaining about a tractor-trailer swerving in and out of lanes. Police found that the driver was disoriented at the time.

Williams registered a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.22 percent on the Breathalyzer, which is close to three times the legal limit. He also failed field sobriety tests as he stumbled and swayed when standing on one foot. He was arrested on suspicion of DUI. Williams was facing homicide charges in connection with an incident where the truck he was driving hit a car on the I-526, killing a 27-year-old student at the Medical University of South Carolina.

The question in this case is why Williams was still allowed to operate a truck when he was already facing reckless homicide charges. Did he have a commercial driver’s license at the time he was pulled over the second time for the DUI? Why did his employer still allow him to operate the big rig? Alcohol and driving don’t mix. This is particularly true when it comes to large trucks such as tractor-trailers.

If a reckless driver has harmed you or a loved one, is important that you contact an experienced Atlanta truck accident attorney. Financial compensation may be available for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any other losses that you may have suffered as the result of the crash. A skilled accident lawyer at The Law Offices of Wayne Grant, PC will be able to hold the at-fault party accountable and ensure that you are justly compensated for your significant losses. We can be contacted at (404) 995-3955.

All injectable sterile products with the Balanced Solutions Compounding Pharmacy name have been recalled. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has announced that Balanced Solutions Compounding Pharmacy LLC has voluntarily recalled its sterile products because of concerns that they might be contaminated. Individuals can visit the company’s official website to view the complete list of the 53 recalled products.

While inspecting the Balanced Solutions facilities, FDA inspectors say they found “poor practices and conditions,” which may have resulted in microbial contamination. According to a news report in Medscape, there was a lack of sterility assurance, which was confirmed through further analysis. Inspectors were particularly concerned with a chromium chloride injection that contained gram-negative bacteria. That form of bacteria can cause disease and infection, but there have not been any reports of injury or illness associated with the recalled products to date.

This particular issue is very similar to other recent recalls involving compounding pharmacies. On April 15, ApothéCure Inc and NuVision Pharmacy issued recalls of sterile products because of conditions that created a high potential for contamination. Shortly before that recall, Green Valley Drugs voluntarily recalled all lots of sterile products compounded, repackaged, and distributed by their pharmacy as well.

If you have been given any of these potentially contaminated products recently, it is important that you speak with your doctor. If you are experiencing unexpected side effects because of a recent medical treatment, it may be in your best interest to discuss your legal rights with a skilled product liability attorney. The manufacturers of defective and dangerous medications can be held accountable for their negligence.

The experienced personal injury attorneys at The Law Offices of Wayne Grant, P.C. have a long and proven track record of holding negligent drug manufacturers accountable for the damages their products cause. We offer no cost consultations at (404) 995-3955 to anyone who has suffered an injury or illness because of a defective drug.

Three pedestrians were struck by a car outside an Atlanta nightclub involving a driver who may have been under the influence. CBS Atlanta reports that the driving under the influence (DUI) accident occurred outside the Asylum nightclub on Flat Shoals Avenue in Atlanta. Officials say the car left the roadway and crashed into the nightclub. One of the pedestrians was pinned against the building and two of the three victims were hospitalized after the crash. The driver fled the scene of the accident on foot and was arrested about a block away. He faces DUI and hit-and-run charges.

Drugs and alcohol can impair your motor functions and delay your reaction time. Motorists who are impaired are much more likely to leave the roadway, drift from their lane of traffic, or make a reckless decision. Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs is also illegal.

Under Georgia Statute 40-6-391: “A person shall not drive or be in actual physical control of any moving vehicle while … under the influence of drugs or alcohol to the extent that it is less safe for the person to drive … or with an alcohol concentration of .08 grams or more at any time within three hours after such driving.”

In addition to facing criminal charges, drunk drivers can also be held civilly liable for the injuries and damages they cause. Injured victims can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, lost wages, cost of hospitalization, physical therapy, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. Victims of DUI drivers would be well advised to contact an experienced Atlanta personal injury lawyer at The Law Offices of Wayne Grant, P.C. at (404) 995-3955 who will fight for their rights and ensure that they receive just compensation for their losses.

Honda has issued an auto recall for over 200,000 recent models with automatic transmission issues. The New York Times reports that the defective Hondas have automatic transmissions that can be shifted out of “park” if the brake pedal is not pressed down. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that the affected vehicles include 17,500 Acura RDX models from 2013, 128,000 CR-Vs from 2012-13, and 59,000 Honda Odyssey minivans from 2012-13. No injuries have been reported in connection with these vehicle defects.

Honda has had brake-shift interlock issues in the past, as well. In 2010, Honda recalled about 384,000 2003-04 models because the key could be removed when the vehicle was not in “park.” There were two other recalls because of this same issue in 2003 and 2005. Those three recalls affected 1.4 million vehicles.

Honda is not the only company issuing a recall this week. Nissan has brake issues that have resulted in the recall of about 14,000 Pathfinders and 5,000 Infiniti JX vehicles from the 2013 model year. Nissan reports that the front brake caliper assembly was not cast properly. This manufacturing error makes it prone to prematurely fail and crack. The defective brake caliper can move and contact the inside of the wheel resulting in reduced braking. It is not clear if this brake defect has resulted in any injuries.

If you have been injured while driving in Georgia as the result of a defective auto, the experienced personal injury attorneys at the Law Offices of Wayne Grant, P.C. know how to hold negligent automakers liable. Please contact us at (404) 995-3955 for a no-cost consultation.

A number of large automakers worldwide have recalled many of their vehicles because of defective airbags, which can potentially cause serious injuries when they deploy. According to a news report in USA Today, over 1.3 million vehicles have been recalled just in the United States for faulty propellant canisters that can cause the airbags to deploy too aggressively. Officials warn that the airbags can tear, causing them to be less effective during an accident. It is also possible for the canisters to propel shrapnel inside the vehicle, which could seriously injure or even kill occupants.

Most of the vehicles involved in the recall are from model years 2001 to 2003. The vehicles in question include unspecified BMW models, a number of Toyota vehicles including the Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Sequoia and Tundra. Other vehicles that have the defective airbags include Honda Civics, CR-Vs and Odysseys, Nissan Maxima, Pathfinder and Sentra, Mazda6 and RX-8, the Pontiac Vibe, Lexus SC 430 and Infiniti I35 and QX4.

Takata, the company responsible for manufacturing the defective airbags, had to issue another airbag recall in December of 2011 for driver’s side airbags that could deploy so powerfully that they shot out shrapnel. That defect led to two fatalities and 19 injuries. The largest Takata recall to date involved a 1995 auto recall that involved eight million vehicles with defective seatbelt buckles.

If you are involved in an injury accident involving a vehicle defect or mechanical malfunction, there are a number of steps you should take to protect your rights. First, it is important to report the accident to police and to seek out medical attention. You may be tempted to have your vehicle repaired quickly so that you can continue driving, but it is important to keep the vehicle in its damaged state so it can be carefully examined by an expert for possible defects and malfunctions.

The Georgia personal injury attorneys at The Law Offices of Wayne Grant, P.C. have a long history of holding negligent product manufacturers accountable. If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective auto, please contact us (404) 995-3955 for a no-cost consultation.

Filthy conditions at the New England Compounding Center (NECC) led to a fungal meningitis outbreak that resulted in 53 fatalities and 680 illnesses. This outbreak spurred inspections at specialized pharmacies nationwide by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officials. According to a news report in The Washington Post, federal inspectors discovered dozens of safety issues at 30 specialized pharmacies.

At a Florida company, for example, inspectors discovered unknown black particles in seven vials of an injectable medicine. During other facility visits, they found mold and rust in rooms that are supposed to be clean. They also found tears in gloves worn by technicians. The FDA has stated that while many of these facilities have adequate standards and oversight, other specialized drug manufacturers have been able to slip through the cracks. The FDA is now asking Congress for more authority over compounders of high-risk sterile products to ensure that patients are not put in harm’s way.

If you are experiencing unexpected side effects after receiving a medical treatment or after taking a new medication, it is important to contact your doctor right away. Contaminated drugs can result in serious illnesses or even death. The recent multi-state fungal meningitis outbreak, for example, resulted from contaminated steroid injections. There were 733 reported cases from the one outbreak. Of those infected, 235 victims suffered from meningitis only; 145 cases involved meningitis and a spinal infection; 311 victims suffered only from a spinal infection; and seven victims suffered a stroke.

It is possible with the help of a knowledgeable Georgia personal injury attorney to hold negligent drug manufacturers accountable for the injuries and damages they cause. Victims, or their families, may pursue financial support for medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages and other related damages. To learn more, contact The Law Offices of Wayne Grant, P.C. at (404) 995-3955.

If you own a Kia or Hyundai, your vehicle may have a defective brake light switch that could increase your chances of being in an accident. According to a news report in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Kia Motors and Hyundai have recalled 1.9 million cars and SUVs for defective auto parts. A majority of the recalled vehicles have a defective brake light switch that on occasion prevents the brake lights from turning on when the pedal is depressed. The defective part can also affect the cruise control system and the Electronic Stability Control light.

The 623,000 Kia vehicles involved in the recall include the following models: Sorrento 2007 to 2011, Rondo and Sportage 2007-2010, Sedona 2007, Soul 2010-2011, and the Optima 2011. The 1.06 million Hyundai models recalled include: Accent and Tucson 2007-2009, Elantra 2007-2010, Santa Fe 2007-2011, Veracruz 2008-2009, Genesis Coupe 2010-2011, and the Sonatas 2011. The auto manufacturers have stated that the defective switches have not been linked to any accidents. Owners can receive a free replacement switch in the coming months.

Hyundai is also issuing a recall for issues regarding their airbags. About 194,000 Elantra compacts from model years 2011 to 2013 have a support bracket that can come loose when the side air bags are inflated. In one reported incident, the loose bracket cut a driver’s ear. This defect resulted from mistakes made during the installation of auto-dimming, rear-view mirrors.

If you or a loved one has suffered an injury because of a vehicle mechanical malfunction or defective auto part, there are a number of steps that you would be well advised to take.

• Preserve the damaged vehicle for a thorough inspection.
• Seek medical attention and document your injuries.
• Keep track of the treatment you have received, including all receipts and invoices.
• Call an experienced auto defect attorney.

The Georgia auto product liability attorneys at The Law Offices of Wayne Grant, P.C. know how to hold negligent auto manufacturers accountable. If your accident was caused by a defective auto or vehicle part, please contact us at (404) 995-3955 for a free, comprehensive consultation.

A 12-year-old boy was killed in an Atlanta car accident, which officials say involved an alleged drunk driver. According to an Associated Press news report, the fatal DUI crash occurred in southwest Atlanta. Officials say the boy was crossing the street when the car struck him. The 43-year-old driver has been accused of striking the boy and fleeing the scene of the crash. The driver has been arrested and charged with vehicular homicide, DUI, leaving the scene of an accident, failure to yield, failure to maintain lane, driving on a suspended license, and reckless driving.

According to the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, there were 1,493 fatalities suffered in Georgia car accidents in the year 2008 and 416 of those fatalities were alcohol-related. Of the 1,021 drivers killed in Georgia car accidents during that same year, 331 had a recorded blood alcohol content (BAC) level of 0.00, 31 had a BAC less than .08, and 207 had a BAC greater than .08. These numbers may not reflect the total number of fatally injured drunk drivers because 43 percent of all drivers killed were not tested for alcohol consumption.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that 16 percent of traffic fatalities with victims who are aged 14 and younger involved impaired drivers. If you have lost a loved one in a fatal DUI crash, it is important that you speak with an experienced Atlanta wrongful death car accident attorney immediately.

At The Law Offices of Wayne Grant, P.C., our experienced car accident attorneys provide free consultations to anyone who has suffered a loss in a Georgia car accident. Families of deceased victims can file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation for damages including medical and funeral costs and lost future income. Please contact us at (404) 995-3955 to find out how we can help you and your family.

The former director of public safety for Social Circle has filed a claim because he believes he was wrongfully fired after reporting violations to city officials. According to a news report on Firehouse.com, the Georgia man reported that local firefighters falsified training records and submitted fraudulent time records. He believes that his contract was not renewed because he reported these concerns. The city has fired back by saying that the former director did not engage in activity that is protected under the Whistleblower Act. It now must be determined if the former director faced wrongful reprisal for reporting his concerns about the alleged violations.

The Georgia Whistleblower Act (O.C.G.A. 45-1-4) was enacted in 1993 to eliminate fraud, abuse, and waste in state programs, and to protect the individuals who report these violations. Under the law, any public employee who acts as a “whistleblower” by reporting a potential violation shall be free from reprisal or discipline from his employer.

It is important to understand what type of employee this law covers and what type of conduct is protected. Under Georgia law, a public employee is anyone who is employed by the “executive, judicial, or legislative branch of the state or by any other department, board, bureau, commission, authority, or other agency of the State Personnel Administration and any local or regional governmental entity that receives any funds from the State of Georgia or any state agency.” Employees included in this description may disclose any potential violation or non-compliance with the law without fear of retaliation.

Any public employee who acts as a whistleblower cannot face retaliation for his or her action. This means that his or her employer cannot fire, suspend, or demote them based solely on their efforts to report wrongdoing.

If you suspect that individuals are violating federal, state, or local law, you can file a confidential complaint with the State Inspector General. If you are let go because you filed a complaint, the Law Offices of Wayne Grant, P.C. can help you fight back. It may be possible to pursue financial compensation for your wrongful termination. Please contact us at (404) 995-3955 to obtain more information about pursuing your legal rights.

The driver of a minivan was killed in a Georgia car accident after colliding with a dump truck. The Fort Stewart Patch reports that the fatal truck accident occurred on Highway 196 in Fleming. Officials say the minivan was headed west when it collided with the dump truck, but details regarding how the crash occurred have not been released. The driver was killed and the young daughter of the victim was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment with unknown injuries.

According to the Georgia Department of Transportation, six million people were involved in motor vehicle crashes between the years 2000 and 2006. After that seven-year period, 2,394 people were involved in an accident every day and more than 2,500 injuries were reported every week. In the year 2006, 270 people were killed in Georgia car accidents. One out of six of those fatalities involved a large truck.

If you are one of the many Georgia residents who has lost a loved one in a fatal accident, there are a number of steps that you can take to protect your best interests. It is important that you gather every piece of evidence and information you possibly can. Write down the details of the crash, collect the contact and insurance information of everyone involved, get a copy of the police report, and preserve the damaged vehicle. Also, it is crucial to contact an experienced attorney.

The skilled large truck accident attorneys at the Law Offices of Wayne Grant, P.C. know and understand the challenges accident victims and their families face. Our law team will help you pursue financial compensation for your significant losses. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, please contact us at (404) 995-3955 to obtain more information regarding your legal rights and options.