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What Can You Sue For In a Personal Injury Case in the State Of Georgia?

By Ingrid O. | March 30th, 2012

The law firm of Eric J. Hertz, P.C., represents persons who have suffered an injury or harm as a result of an accident. There are many events that occur which unfortunately, cannot be resolved between the parties and wind up having to be settled with filing a Georgia personal injury lawsuit. Personal injury law encompasses a wide range of accidents; however, some of the most common causes for litigation arise from catastrophes involving a motor vehicle accident, slip-and-fall incident, medical malpractice, wrongful death, and a defective product. If you or a family member endured a serious injury including, head, neck and back injuries; or worst death, you should consult with our attorney who specializes in this area of law.

It is difficult for laypersons to attempt to litigate these matters on their own. It is quite ordinary for an insurance company to intervene in the lawsuit on the behalf of their clients. In order to avoid going to court, insurance companies are known to offer an injured party a quick settlement. Sadly, many people do settle with insurance companies without ever seeking the advice from an attorney. Without knowing all of the available damages which the law entitles them to for their personal injuries, they settle their issues with an insurance company but later have regrets because their injuries are far worse than they have realized. Being hurt in an accident could have life-lasting consequences, such as a permanent disability. Yet, victims rely upon the advice of insurance adjusters who only work for the best interest of their company. Erik J. Hertz is an attorney who has years of practical experience and has a full understanding of the medical complications in an accident related lawsuit. The type and nature of medical injuries will have a critical impact upon the jury’s decision to award damages. Typically, most people file a lawsuit for medical costs, but there are various legal damages which may be available to a victim. The type and amount of damages will depend upon the kind of lawsuit you have filed.

What Damages Can I Sue for in a Georgia Personal Injury Lawsuit?
In Georgia, there is no one suit fits all for damages in a personal injury lawsuit. There are a variety of classifications for damages. For example, if your claim is based upon an intentional tort, such as an assault and battery claim, it could be possible for the jury to award you punitive damages, if you can demonstrate that the defendant acted with the intention or purpose to harm you. Also, if you are a spouse or parent of a person who was injured, you could be awarded for the loss of companionship or solace of your loved one. Nonetheless, if you hire our Georgia accident lawyer, he can advise you of the possible damages which you may be entitled to recover. General damages are classified as follows:

Compensatory Damages

These damages compensate the victim for the harm suffered. Usually, victims or their families could be monetarily compensated for unquantifiable damages such as pain and suffering. Others are damages that are based upon a victim’s economic or financial loss such as medical bills, lost and future wages, or medical expenses.

Punitive Damages
Punitive damages may be awarded in a lawsuit. However, these kinds of damages are at the jury’s discretion because they are not required to make one. If a jury awards punitive damages, it does so for the purpose of punishing the wrongdoer because of their wrongful conduct. Further, attempting to obtain punitive damages without the help from an attorney can be problematic. There must be careful jury instructions read to jurors on punitive damages. In the event the jury does award punitive damages, it is likely that there will be a following appellate review of their verdict.

The Law Firm of Erik J. Hertz, P.C.

Our attorneys understand that victims have many questions regarding whether or not they can be compensated for certain injuries, the type of damages or how much money they will receive in their case. The truth is that no attorney can promise or know with certainty the amount of compensation an injured party will obtain. These answers are left up to the fact finder, which usually is a jury. Therefore, if you or a family member has been injured, or someone you loved has been killed in an accident, contact our attorneys today at www.hertz-law.com for a confidential consultation.

 

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How Long Does It Take To Resolve A Personal Injury Claim?

By jose | March 28th, 2012

How Long Does It Take To Resolve A Personal Injury Claim?How long it takes to resolve a claim depends on several factors. There is a lot involved in personal injury claims. How were you injured? How badly were you hurt? The first question you can answer yourself. The second question is up to a doctor to determine.

First you must recover….

Once the claim has been settled, it is over forever. For that reason, a good personal injury attorney will wait until you have completely recovered or reached maximum medical improvement. All the facts are needed to get you a fair settlement amount. How has your injury impacted future earnings? How much work time did you lose recovering? Can there be future complications attributed to this injury? What medical expenses can you expect in the future? How drastically has your injury impacted your life, now and in the future? In order to seek compensation for these items and more, hard numbers are needed.

What is maximum medical improvement?

Maximum medical improvement, also known as medical end, is the point at which all possible treatment options for your injury have been exhausted. Simply put, at this point there is nothing more that can be done to assist with full recovery. There may never be a full recovery.

Your lawyer can then demand…

Your doctor should be able to provide you with a rough estimate of how long it will take you to reach maximum medical improvement. When you reach that point, your lawyer can explain to you in more detail what you are entitled to receive. At this point, all medical and other supporting documentation must be gathered together to support your claim. Your lawyer will send these documents to the insurance company as part of a demand. The demand will include how much compensation is being sought, as well as reasons why it should be approved. Your attorney may stipulate a requirement of 15 or 30 days for the insurance company to respond.

The insurance company responds…

The insurance company handling your claim knows what legal rights it has. There can be questions of liability. There can be issues of what the insurance covers. If there is a possible way for the insurance company to legally not pay you, it may attempt it. This is the point where your personal injury attorney becomes invaluable. The attorneys at Hertz Law have tremendous experience dealing with insurance companies.

Finally – the settlement.

How long does it take to resolve a personal injury claim? As long as it takes for you to exhaust all possible medical treatments related to your injury, plus the time it takes the lawyers and insurance company to negotiate the settlement. This negotiation can last a few days, a few weeks, or even years if several points are contested and require mediation. Each and every case is different. Call Hertz Law to discuss your case. You will receive free and honest feedback from a highly experienced legal professional.

Personal injury claims may seem to take forever to resolve, but in the hands of a skilled and competent attorney, such as one at Hertz Law, a fair settlement can be obtained relatively quickly.

 

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Georgia Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims

By chris | March 27th, 2012

aesthetic dentistry in ChicagoThe legal definition of “statute of limitations” is the period within which an individual or group must initiate legal action for an injury, if he or she does not wish to forfeit the right to legal action. This is an important deadline, as those failing to take action will often find that they have lost any future right to obtain compensation for their injuries. In general, the Georgia statute of limitations for personal injuries is two years from the point of the injury.

As a result, it is vital to obtain the services of an attorney as quickly as possible after the event leading to the claim, in order to leave as much time as possible for negotiation between the attorney and the other party. Waiting until the last minute can result in lost opportunities as the looming deadline forces both sides to move quickly, instead of being able to negotiate at a more studied pace.

Exceptions to the General Rules about the Statute of Limitations Period

There are exceptions to the normal two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. The first and most likely is when a personal injury claim is related to an individual who is a minor at the time. In this case, the statute of limitations does not start counting down until the individual is 18. Thus, should a child be injured at age 16, the two year statute of limitation period would not come into play until his or her 18th birthday. However, should the injury result in the child’s death, the statute of limitations period would commence from the date of his or her death, not the child’s 18th birthday.

Secondly, for some forms of personal injury, the statute of limitations starts upon the discovery of the personal injury. In many cases, such as an auto wreck, the cause of the injury is obvious. However, in other cases the individual may not immediately realize that he or she is the victim of negligence.

For example, the statute of limitations period for a medical malpractice personal injury claim resulting from foreign material being left in the body after a surgery, starts upon the discovery of the object, not when it was left in the body. In other cases, such as asbestos related illnesses, the statute of limitations also dates from when the diagnosis occurred. This is referred to in some cases, as the “date of discovery.”

The Statute of Limitations and Legal Representation

Due to the importance of the statute of limitations, it is vital that a qualified personal injury attorney be secured as soon as possible after the injury or discovery of the injury. Obtaining the needed information, negotiating with the other parties, and attempting to reach a settlement before filing a personal injury suit all take time, and starting late may encourage the other party to delay. By contacting the law offices of Eric J. Hertz, interested parties can find the legal assistance they need.

 

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Dog Bites Lawsuit Attorneys In Savannah Georgia

By chris | March 20th, 2012

dog bites lawsuit attorneys in savannah georgiaDog bites may be the subject of post office jokes, but in fact they are no laughing matter. Dog attacks and bites injure many people every year, in some cases resulting in serious injuries or even death. More importantly, victims of dog bites are entitled to receive compensation for their medical costs, as well as their pain and suffering. With nearly 5 million dog bite victims every year, the need for effective representation from experienced attorneys is apparent.

Dog Bites: Who is Liable?

It is the responsibility of the owner of the dog to ensure that his or her pet is confined in a secure enclosure and is kept under control when around other people. In many cases, negligent owners fail to keep their dogs properly confined. The fact that a dog is not in the yard, however, does not absolve an individual of the responsibility to maintain control over their pet.

The Importance of Securing Legal Representation

A dog bite can be a traumatic event, especially if serious injury results. However, it can be difficult for a layperson to effectively evaluate their claim, negotiate with the other party or their insurance company, or pursue further legal action. Note that it is important to secure the services of a lawyer as quickly as possible, as delaying may result in a more difficult case.

A qualified attorney can effectively evaluate the following aspects of the client’s specific dog bite case:

• Whether or not the owner of the dog was negligent in the measures he or she took to control or confine the pet.
• Had the dog attacked anyone else, demonstrating that it was a dangerous animal?
• The nature and cost of the client’s injuries, as well as what additional compensation the client may be owed from the owner of the animal.
• Whether or not any other parties, such as a landlord or other property owner, may share liability for the dog bite.

Negotiation, Litigation and Resolution

Many individuals fear that obtaining compensation for a dog bite requires a lawsuit, or that a lawyer is only important during a lawsuit. Nothing could be further from the truth. Many dog bite cases are quickly settled, without the need to go to court. In this case, your lawyer will be involved in negotiating with the dog owner’s insurance company, and otherwise obtaining the best compensation possible.

If an acceptable settlement cannot be reached and a lawsuit becomes necessary, your attorney will represent you while ensuring you are fully involved in the decision making process. In this case, the attorney will work to obtain the information needed for the court, interview witnesses and then continue to represent you directly to the judge and jury.

No matter the nature of a dog bite case, finding timely representation from a skilled attorney is vital. By contacting our law offices, a client can be assured of receiving individualized and highly skilled representation from attorneys who are experienced in this field.

 

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Macon, Ga Work Injury Compensation

By jose | March 13th, 2012

If you’ve been injured in a workplace accident in Macon, GA, it’s important to know that you have options. Far too many injured workers are Macon, Ga Work Injury Compensationunsure of where to turn after a workplace accident, and many don’t realize that they may be due compensation for their injuries. Some injured workers are even intimidated by their companies into signing away their rights to compensation, or they may be threatened with job loss if they pursue the compensation they deserve. Other injured workers may be unsure of what steps to take to seek compensation, and as a result, they simply give up before they even begin.

For these reasons, injured workers in the Macon, GA area should know that there are workplace injury lawyers available to assist them in seeking compensation. These legal professionals will have the experience, knowledge and resources to ensure that your voice doesn’t go unheard. A work injury lawyer in Macon, GA can meet with you to discuss the specifics of your case, and afterward, they can begin the process of getting you the compensation you deserve. The best part is, you won’t have to deal directly with an insurance company or its lawyers.

Another advantage of having a Macon, GA workplace injury lawyer on your side is that you won’t necessarily have to deal directly with the court system. Over the years, due to formalities and regulations, the legal system has become increasingly complex. Most people without a law school education don’t understand how to go about court proceedings, and many of those who try, end up failing. While you do have the right to represent yourself in court on virtually any matter, it’s best to have a legal professional on your side to assist you in winning your case. A Macon, GA occupational injury attorney will have the knowledge and experience to file the proper paperwork for your case, speak with the proper authorities and voice your concerns in court in the proper manner.

Additionally, a workplace injury lawyer in Macon, GA will also typically have an easier time investigating your case. For instance, if you have slipped and fallen at work due to your employer’s negligence, you may not be able to approach your employer and ask for a copy of the surveillance video of the incident; however, a workplace injury attorney will have a much easier time obtaining that evidence once your claim has been filed. Workplace injury attorneys also often have a considerable amount of investigative resources, such as private investigators, that everyday people don’t have. This means that these attorneys can often get to the truth of the matter, even if an employer or corporation tries to hide that truth.

If you’ve been injured in a workplace accident, or if you have a loved one who has been injured at work, please visit Hertz Law today for more information on seeking the compensation you deserve. There, you’ll find more resources regarding workplace injury compensation, as well as contact information for workplace injury lawyers who may be able to help you seek the compensation you deserve.

 

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Have How To Deal With A Workplace Injury In Roswell, Ga

By jose | March 8th, 2012

No matter what industry you work in Roswell, GA, there is always a risk of being injured on the job. From slips and falls to burns and bruises, there Have How To Deal With A Workplace Injury In Roswell, Gaare a variety of injuries that may occur in a workplace, and often, those who suffer from a workplace injury are left with questions. Who will pay my medical bills? Am I due for any compensation for my injuries? Who is responsible? Where do I turn?

If you’ve found yourself in this position in Roswell, the first thing you need to do is alert your employer. You may have a chain of command at your workplace, as well as specific guidelines for handling injuries. If so, you should follow your employer’s directions and make sure everything is documented. This documentation will prove that, in the event of an accident, you did what you were supposed to do as prescribed by your company. You will need to get a written accident report from your employer, as well written reports from any medical staff involved.

Unfortunately, some employers may try to get an injured party to sign paperwork which takes away specific rights. You should not sign any paperwork that you don’t understand, even if your employer threatens your job. If you are being asked to sign paperwork that you do not understand or you feel is incorrect, you need to then speak with a workplace accident attorney.

A workplace accident attorney will be able to review any documents that you are being asked to sign, to ensure that you are being treated fairly by your employer. In the event of negligence on the part of your employer, a workplace accident attorney can also represent your interests and seek just compensation for your injuries in court. While you can try to represent yourself in court, you may find the process difficult. Many people who try to represent themselves when seeking compensation for a workplace injury are unaware of how they should proceed, leading to little or no compensation being gained in the end.

Seeking the services of a workplace injury attorney is also a good idea if you have to deal with your employer’s insurance company. While most insurance companies do the right thing and pay for injuries suffered on the job, there are unscrupulous companies that may try to talk you out of seeking compensation. These companies typically employ a large number of intimidating lawyers, and this may cause some injured employees to back down from their claims. Having a Roswell, GA workplace injury lawyer on your side means that you won’t have to deal directly with any insurance company, or its lawyers.

If you or a loved one has been injured on the job and you feel as though you aren’t being treated fairly, it’s important that you understand your legal options. A workplace injury lawyer will be able to explain those options to you in a language you can understand, allowing you to take the first step in gaining the compensation you deserve. For more information on the services of a workplace injury attorney, please visit Hertz Law today.

 

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How To File A Workers’ Compensation Claim In Johns Creek, Ga

By chris | March 8th, 2012

how to file a workers compensation claim in johns creek, GAPrior to filing a workers’ compensation claim in Johns Creek, Ga, investigate your options before pressing ahead with the case. Once you submit your claim, the company sends your file to the insurance company that administers its workers’ compensation program.

Remember, insurance companies are “for-profit” entities. They make money by limiting the value of your claim. Often, workers’ compensation claims go to court. Approach your case from the possibility that it will end up in court.

Before you file a claim, take advantage of our free consultation offer, and give Attorney Eric J. Hertz, P.C. a call. He has the experience and expertise in workers’ compensation claims. He has a reputation in Johns Creek for delivering high-quality customer service to his clients.

Filing Your Workers’ Compensation Claim

Documentation: When possible, document the accident or injury. This can include photographs, witness statements, and other evidence to support your case.

Notification: Inform your supervisor or employer about the accident or injury. In Johns Creek, Georgia, the statutes of limitation allow you up to 30 days after the incident to report it to the employer.

If your supervisor happens to witness the accident, the law assumes the employer received legal notification.

If you inform the employer after 30 days, you must put it in writing. In addition, the law requires you to include a good explanation of why you could not meet the 30 day deadline.

Complete WC-14 Form: After you give your employer a notice, fill out the Notice of Claim form, which you can receive from the human resources department. Return the form to the HR department or as instructed by your employer. If you mail the claim form, send it by certified mail and obtain a return receipt. Include any documentation you gathered for your case.

Keep copies of the claim form and documentation for your records.

You must send the Notice of Claim to the Georgia Workers’ Compensation Board, by one of the following deadlines:

1. One year from the date the injury occurred.
2. One year from the date of the last approved medical treatment you received and paid for by your company or insurance company.
3. Two years from the workers’ compensation payment, you received a part of the benefits.

Follow Up: After you file your claim, expect to hear from the insurance company within two weeks. If the insurer does not call you by that time, give them a call. Depending on the nature of the claim, the insurer may require you to go to another physician for a second opinion or deny your claim.

Contact Eric J. Hertz, P.C. for Free Consultation

Some workers’ compensations cases are complicated and may involve negligence by a third party, such as a manufacturer or product distributor. Regardless of the type of workers’ compensation claim you file in Johns Creek, Ga, you take a risk of not getting the full benefits if you handle the case on your own.

Eric J. Hertz, P.C. workers’ compensation attorneys can manage all aspects of your case. We will clarify your rights and advise you on available options. Call today to start receiving the benefits you deserve.

 

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Wrongful Death Cases: Settlements

By chris | February 29th, 2012

wrongful deah cases settlementsGeorgia Wrongful Death Attorney

Our Georgia wrongful death attorney represents clients who have lost a loved one as a result of another’s negligence or misconduct. There are many circumstances in which a wrongful death can occur, but the most common incidents happen as a result of an automobile crash, drunk driving, unsafe prescriptions, medical malpractice or product liability. When someone you love is fatally injured, the law allows you to sue the person or entity responsible for causing the death of your family member. When they find that the alleged wrongdoer is responsible, you are entitled to collect monetary compensation for the damages you incurred. However, this is a very complicated process in which you will have to prove your legal claim. Sometimes, it will require the use of expert testimony to support your allegations against the tortfeasor, which is why it is important to hire an attorney who specializes in personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits.

What are Georgia Wrongful Death Statues?

At common law, once the victim died so did the right to sue the responsible party which caused the victim’s death. In other words, if your family was killed in an automobile accident in which the driver of the vehicle was drunk, you could not sue this individual court, however, the person would face criminal punishment. However, in 1846 this situation was resolved with the passage of the Fatal Accidents Act, most commonly known as Lord Campbell’s Act. Under this Act, surviving family members could sue the responsible party to recover damages. Borrowing from this English law, today, every state has some type of statutory wrongful death statue, including the state of Georgia.

Furthermore, Georgia law limits who may bring an action for a wrongful death lawsuit. For example, under O.C.G.A Section 51-4-2(a), a surviving spouse, or if there is no surviving spouse, a child or children may bring a wrongful death claim against the wrongdoer when his or her conduct caused the deceased spouse or parent to be killed during a homicide. Similarly, those with parental powers as defined in O.C.G.A. Section 19-7-1 are entitled to recovery for the homicide of a child. Since each case is different with unique issues involved, it is best to discuss your potential claim with a Georgia wrongful death lawyer to learn how the law applies to your circumstances.

What are the possible damages recoverable in a Wrongful death lawsuit?

Under O.C.G.A. Section 51-4-1, spouses and children are allowed to recover, “full value of the life of the decendant, as shown by the evidence” means the full value of the life of the decendant without deducting for any of the necessary or personal expenses of the decendant had he lived. The types of damages, however, will be determined by the fact finder, which is usually a jury and can include pecuniary, noneconomic and punitive damages. The most frequent types of damages awarded are lost wages or income the decendant would have earned if not killed, medical expenses, funeral expenses, and pain and suffering. Punitive damages are classified as those damages which the fact finder imposes upon the liable party due to their tortious behavior and to prevent him or her from committing future similar wrongful acts.

It is extremely important to consult with a Georgia wrongful death attorney immediately after the death of your loved one who was killed because of negligence. There is a Statue of Limitations deadline and if your case is not filed by the expiration of this time then you will lose your right to sue. Further, not all wrongful death lawsuits go to trial and the opposing party may offer a settlement. Whether or not it is in your best interest to enter into a settlement agreement will be discussed with your attorney. Although under many circumstances a settlement agreement will work best for all parties involved, our attorneys are skilled in negotiating offers which best suits the interest of our clients.

If you have recently lost a loved one and are considering filing a wrongful death suit, contact our office to speak with one of our Georgia wrongful death lawyers today, or visit us at our website today.

 

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Have You Been Injured In A Car Wreck Accident?

By chris | February 27th, 2012

have you been injured in a car wreck accident?In 2009, Georgia had 1284 traffic-related fatalities, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Over 51% of the fatalities occurred on rural roads. On a daily basis, people spend a significant part of their day on roadways commuting to and from work or school. However, most vehicle accidents occur close—and occur while taking kids to school or running errands.

These vehicle collisions range from slight property damage to serious injuries. Serious, incapacitating and permanent injuries can cause tremendous emotional and financial hardships to individuals and their family members. When a person loses a companion or treasured family member, the loss is even more devastating.

While no amount of money can compensate for injuries or death, you must take decisive action to protect your rights and financial interests.

The law firm of Eric J. Hertz, P.C., offers free case evaluations. We will discuss the circumstances surrounding your vehicle accident, including injuries sustained and the appropriate manner to proceed with your damage claim.

The Law Entitles You to Compensation

Georgia’s law provides an injured person the right to recover for his or her losses, from the party responsible for causing the vehicle accident. The injured party can receive lost wages, medical expenses, funeral and burial expenses and other financial losses.

Courts will also award the victim for pain and suffering caused by the injury and medical treatments. The spouse of the injured party can sue to recover for loss of companionship or the services of his or her spouse.

Beware of insurance companies that offer a quick settlement to avoid future medical expenses, loss wages and other costs. You deserve to receive full and fair financial reimbursement for your injuries or loss.

Chose an Experienced Georgia Car Accident Attorney

Our experienced and knowledgeable car accident attorneys will conduct an evaluation of the driver’s conduct and other evidence to determine fault for the car accident, which includes conducting interviews, reviewing medical records and scouring the Georgia traffic crash report and site of the accident.

In Georgia, drivers must carry a minimal amount of liability insurance coverage. However, the coverage may not cover the full extent of the damages to the injured party. Eric J. Hertz, P.C. understands that the responsible party may have coverage under the insurance policy of a car rental firm, employer, or family member.

Allow our attorneys to use their expertise to uncover unidentified persons, government agencies, or other entities, which may have liability for the automobile collision. For example, a roadway construction design or traffic light malfunction may have contributed to the accident.

Call for Free Evaluation

We will help you determine the appropriate value for your personal injury claim. The Law Office of Eric J. Hertz, P.C. has been representing clients in Atlanta, Johns Creek and other cities across Atlanta, recover compensation for motorcycle and automobile accidents. If we are not successful in collecting compensation for you, we do not charge you for the time spent on your case. Contact us today for a consultation.

 

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Industry Injury And Illness Data Columbus, Ga

By chris | February 24th, 2012

Eric Hertz wins Columbus, Georgia workplace injury cases.

If you are amongst the one-in-five workers in Columbus or anywhere else in Georgia who has missed work because of a serious job-related illness or accident, immediately call the law offices of Eric Hertz. Putting their skill, training, and experience to work on your case, Hertz and his team will fight for every penny of the benefits, compensation and damages you deserve. Award winner and record setter, Hertz, is the lawyer other lawyers call when they try the toughest personal injury cases.

In 2010, 82 Georgia workers lost their lives on the job; nearly 3500 others were seriously injured. As a percentage of the total Georgia workforce, the number of fatalities seems miniscule—0.0000275 per cent. In the real world, however, the numbers mean that 82 Georgia families have lost their primary breadwinners; as the accidents’ consequences ripple through extended families and communities. At least 2400 of your friends’ and neighbors’ lives are forever damaged, impoverished because Georgia employers failed to provide safe workplaces for their employees. Careful analysis of the cases reveals employers could have prevented every single one of those deaths. Conscience, common sense and the law demand employers should pay for their negligence.

Best, busiest workers most at risk.
The statistics reveal even more about employers’ disregard for their workers’ safety. 31 of the fatal accidents involved contact with dangerous machinery or falls; 18 of the fatal accidents happened as workers transported materials for their companies. Maybe not surprisingly, none of the casualties were women; instead, men at the peak of their careers paid the price for their employers’ negligence. More than two-thirds of the fatalities were men between 25 and 55, all of them with more than five years experience on their jobs, and almost all of them with children still living at home. In every case, improved safety equipment and more extensive training could have prevented or mitigated the damage from the accidents. Twelve of the men died from collision with flying or falling objects; proper protective equipment would have saved their lives. Fifteen of the men died in falls; safety restraints would have saved their lives. Six men died from exposure to hazardous wastes; with proper training and safety gear, all six would be alive and working today. In every case, therefore, families have more than just cause for wrongful death suits, and the law entitles them to collect not only compensatory damages to cover their medical and therapeutic expenses but also punitive damages to send a loud and clear message that the people of Columbus and all of Georgia will not tolerate major employers’ neglect of their workers’ well-being.

Beware your buddies.
Perhaps most alarming among the statistics: Investigators recorded twenty-two of the deaths as homicides, the result of violent assaults. Although the number spikes considerably higher than averages over the last ten years, it remains consistent with a frightening trend. Workplace violence steadily has increased every year for the last fifteen years, and reports of bullying, intimidation and harassment have increased substantially during that period. “If the machinery doesn’t kill you, the guy working next to you probably will,” a veteran OSHA inspector shares the gallows humor. Of course, employers are responsible for guaranteeing harassment- and discrimination-free workplaces; when they fail to honor their responsibilities, they should pay.

When trying personal injury cases, attorneys must combine medical knowledge with command of personal injury law, and they must use sophisticated courtroom tactics and techniques to persuade juries of the gross injustice negligent employers have wrought on their dedicated workers. Eric Hertz has proven his membership among Georgia’s elite personal injury lawyers. Hertz and his team have won more $57 million in damages for their clients, not a dollar of which really can compensate for bereaved families’ losses, but some of which may bring a measure of solace, and all of which can contribute to making workplaces safer for all Georgia wage-earners. When you file suit against your employer, you want Eric Hertz representing you. Contact the offices of Eric Hertz today!

 

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