Personal Injury

Handling a personal Injury on Spring Break

Between March 14 and April 28 this year, the TSA expects to screen around 107 million passengers. This is a three percent increase over 2018. While some of those travelers are business commuters and vacationing families, a large number are college students heading out on Spring Break. Whether staying inside the U.S. or traveling out of the country for this week-long holiday, the pace at which most people celebrate Spring Break can lead to reckless behavior that results in personal injury. As a result, it’s important to know what to do, when you’re on the go, if you find yourself injured and in need of legal counsel.

Where are spring breakers heading?

Certain cities within the U.S. and a few outside the country have earned reputations for being ideal Spring Break destinations. Typically, it’s because of their warm weather and variety of places to drink and socialize. Popular Spring Break destinations in the U.S. include:

Key West, Florida: The southernmost point in the U.S. provides an endless string of bars. Police also take a more relaxed approach to open container laws.
Panama City, Florida: The “unofficial spring break capital of the world.” This destination is affordable for college students with plenty of beach parties and nightclubs.
Fort Myers Beach, Florida: Hosting a 24-hour party at one of the most wild resorts along with games and contests along the beach make this Spring Break destination all about fun.
South Padre Island, Texas: Drinking on the beach here is legal, which attracts quite a crowd. The annual Ultimate Music Experience, a three-day music festival with some of the greatest DJs performing also attracts a crowd.
Las Vegas, Nevada: You might not need Spring Break as an excuse to come here and spend some time at a hotel pool party, but during the spring, everything is amped up.
Lake Havasu City, Arizona: Each Spring Break this area is practically taken over by college students. It's popular to rent house boats and spend the week on the lake.

For those students able to leave the country for their Spring Break, a few international destinations have also earned reputations that make them a popular stop this time of year, including:

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Cancun, Mexico
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Negril, Jamaica
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Nassau, Bahamas

Common types of injuries on Spring Break

With so many party-filled locations to spend Spring Break, the likelihood of a few, specific types of injuries becomes common. It’s possible to sustain an injury from the very start, while driving, flying, riding the bus, or cruising to your ultimate Spring Break spot. You might not be able to prevent injuries on a plane, bus, or cruise ship, but you can take the proper precautions if driving to decrease your chance of an accident. Make sure there’s no drinking and driving. Keep distractions in the car to a minimum. As a passenger, offer to do the texting or calling for the driver if the need arises.

Once you arrive, be wary of your surroundings. Avoid any dangerous areas in your hotel and at the bars and clubs you visit. Stick to marked paths and well-lit stairwells as best as you can. It’s also important to avoid getting into any physical altercations with another spring breaker. If someone approaches you in an aggressive way don’t fight back. Try to find a bouncer, bar manager, hotel security personnel, or contact the proper authorities.

Filing a personal injury claim away from home

Paddleboard Surfing - Injuries out of the Country — Injuries on the Water

What to do if find yourself suffering from an injury while on Spring Break as a results of negligence? Firstly, contact an experienced, personal injury attorney for help. It's okay to contact someone from home initially, especially if you're out of the country. They’ll be able to review your case and give you practical and functional advice to navigate the claims process with a local lawyer. Even if they’re unable to practice law in the state or country your claim is in, they can help you get started. Remember to take pictures of everything related to the injury — from where it took place to what the injury looks like. Keep records and documentation from doctors and police officers, and don’t move forward with any legal decisions until you consult a lawyer.

For more information on how to handle a personal injury case in Georgia, contact the knowledgeable legal team at The Patterson Cozzo Law Firm. Your consultation is free.P

Catastrophic Injuries and the Law

Catastrophic injuries can occur in a variety of situations and damage just about anywhere on the body. Most people think about car accidents as the primary location for an injury of this magnitude.

However, they occur at places of high risk such as a construction zone, as a result of a defective consumer product, or even as the result of a pharmacy error or malfunctioning medical device.

Defined as an injury that permanently prevents someone from performing gainful work because of the severity and long-term effects which occur, catastrophic injuries can create a lifelong disability for an individual. As a result, medical costs and lost wages could negatively impact the life of the person injured along with their family.

If you’ve experienced a catastrophic injury as a result of someone else’s negligence, seeking out legal support from an experienced personal injury attorney can be your best course of action.

Common causes and types of catastrophic injuries

Most catastrophic injuries occur as a result of an accident. In the case of motor vehicle accidents, severe injuries can happen in situations involving cars, trucks, pedestrians, bicyclists, or motorcyclists. Additionally, an injury of this magnitude can take place as a result of:

Water vehicle accidents
Sport accidents
Falling from a great height
Experiencing a violent crime
Enduring a fire or explosion
Using a defective product

Injuries range from serious head trauma, to amputation, or multiple bone fractures. Damage can be done to the eye, shoulder, foot, back, neck, or brain. Severe burns, organ damage, spinal cord injuries and neurological disorders are also a possibility, along with injury resulting from exposure to hazardous chemicals and substances.

Each potential injury can lead to a lifetime of struggle that’s costly and stressful, which is why pursuing appropriate compensation with the help of a personal injury attorney is so essential.

Effects and the recovery process

A man with an injured and bandaged arm gives a thumbs up.

The effects of these types of injuries vary, but most lead to long-term issues from paralysis to pain to mental health issues. Recovery is also lengthy and may require both physical and mental support to adjust to the changes a catastrophic injury may create.

Between the effects of the injury and the process of recovery, healing can require care over months, years, or even indefinitely. This can lead to loss of income from no longer being able to work. You may also experience a delay in returning as you learn how to function in the new physical state you may find yourself if your injury leads to paraplegia or quadriplegia.

What to expect when pursuing legal action

Enduring a catastrophic injury is challenging and stressful enough for the individual suffering as well as close family members. Adding in the confusion often felt by going through the legal process of pursuing a personal injury claim can feel daunting.

The legal process begins with establishing whether or not the catastrophic injury was caused by the negligent or intentional act of another or a dangerous or defective product. Settlements seek to compensate for the lifelong challenges that may result from the injury and are often much higher than with other personal injuries due to the severity.

Once your personal injury attorney establishes negligence, they then begin to work on establishing the the true impact of the injury. It most likely won’t be totally apparent by the time the claim goes to court.

An experienced attorney such as the ones at The Patterson Cozzo Law Firm can review all the details of your injury to build a case that includes adequate compensation for the extent of your recovery.

Providing the personal attention you need in a situation like this, they’ll work to get you the best possible outcome for your case. The initial consultation is free, so set up your first appointment today.

Premises Liability and Keeping Your Property Safe

A man stands on the front steps of a building in disrepair which suggests a potential premises liability. — A man stands on the front steps of a building in disrepair.

Any personal injury which occurs because of unsafe or defective conditions on someone’s property falls under premises law. Most people think of these injuries happening at a business, but a person’s home falls under this category as well. If you experience an injury in someone’s home because they fail to address obvious issues, you may have a case against them.

Georgia Law

An old, abandoned factory building with broken windows.

In order to bring a premises liability case against an individual or business you must be able to demonstrate negligence. This means the owner has not used reasonable care to maintain the property.

Unsafe conditions don’t automatically lead to a successful lawsuit. The owner must be fully aware there was an unsafe condition and ignore it. Establishing negligence can be tricky in some cases. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you review the situation and evaluate whether or not there’s a viable case.

In Georgia, the ability to file a personal injury lawsuit of this kind typically only extends to people deemed invitees. These are individuals lawfully allowed to come into the business or be on the property.

Examples are students on the campus of the university they’re attending, tenants within the apartment building where they’re leasing, patrons out shopping in a store or eating at a restaurant. If an injury occurs while you’re illegally on a property, you cannot typically recover for your injuries.

Common types of injuries

According to the National Safety Council, falls are the top nonfatal injury in the U.S. They make up 31% of the total nonfatal injuries. Falls are also the third most common injury type that leads to death. Unsafe conditions in the home or a business can often cause trips, slips, or falls. This is why it’s essential to address potentially dangerous conditions as soon as you’re aware of them. Other examples of situations that can lead to personal injury where you may have a case include:

Defective conditions
Improper or insufficient equipment maintenance
Faulty or poorly maintained wiring
Poor safety precautions when working with toxic fumes or chemicals
Plumbing malfunctions

You may even have a case should a personal injury occur as a result of inadequate building security. This can lead to someone accessing the premises and harming you.

Keep your home safe

An old, teal wooden double door and gray concrete wall suggests an abandoned building with a potential premises liability inside. — This old double door suggests an abandoned building with a potential premises liability inside.

In addition to watching out for possible dangers when you're out, it’s important you keep your home safe for others. Maintain the interior of your home, but also make sure all outside stairs, ramps, and even the driveway are properly maintained. These areas are common spots for falls to occur. Your lawn and any undeveloped land on your property should also be kept safe. Other tips for decreasing the risk injury at home include:

Utilizing proper security devices such as exterior cameras or an alarm system
Addressing issues within the home related to plumbing and wiring
Installing safety devices throughout the home such as fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, or CO2 detectors
Securing all wall hangings and items on shelves
Making sure sidewalks and stairs are in good repair and free of debris
Ensuring children are always adequately supervised
Gating dangerous areas on your property such as swimming pools

Know when to contact an attorney

While you may be attentive in keeping your home safe, others might not be as careful. Should you experience an injury while on someone else’s property, it’s important to reach out to an experienced lawyer to evaluate the situation effectively.

The knowledgeable legal team at The Patterson Cozzo Law Firm can help carefully review your case and provide options for you to achieve the best outcome possible. The initial consultation is free, so schedule an appointment today.

Stay Safe at the Gym for the New Year

A man tries to stay safe at a gym by doing pull ups with proper form. — You can help yourself stay safe at the gym by doing pull ups with proper form.

Out of the top 10 most common New Year’s resolutions, exercising more and losing weight are often right at the top. Hitting the gym can satisfy both of these, and it’s not uncommon for gyms to fill up come January. Staying fit is a great resolution to have as long as you’re working out safely. Keeping yourself protected from muscle injuries and using equipment cautiously are two important pieces to starting your exercise routine in the new year.

To prevent muscle strain, make sure to warm up, cool down, drink lots of water, and wear the right shoes and clothing. If you’re new to the gym, consider a few sessions with a personal trainer. Learn how to properly exercise and stretch, along with what an appropriate number of reps or weights to use as you exercise.

Additionally, there’s tons of equipment in today’s gyms, and getting injured while operating any of it can be serious. It also might not be the result of user error. If you find yourself sustaining a personal injury while on gym equipment, it’s important to document the particulars of your situation. This helps establish if the cause is more than user error or a simple accident.

How to keep yourself safe on gym equipment

Falling off heavy equipment can lead to a head injury, broken bones, or even a contact burn on your arm or leg. Minimize the chance of these injuries, through taking the proper precautions when using gym equipment, such as:

Use safety clips with all free weights to ensure the weights don’t slide off the bar.
Give yourself plenty of room when working out so you don’t bump into someone else or accidentally hit someone with a piece of equipment.
Check equipment before you use it to make sure everything is properly locked into place. For treadmills and similar machines, make sure the safety release is properly installed.
Inspect equipment for any frayed or damaged cables or pulleys before use.
Never workout completely alone. Working out with a partner or ensuring a staff member is close by adds another set of eyes on any potentially dangerous situation.

For treadmills and other similar equipment, a few extra precautions can help avoid injury, including:

Looking forward to minimize risk of falling or losing footing.
Avoiding the use of handrails for your entire workout. They can actually throw you off balance.
Wearing the right shoes; no bare feet.
Waiting for equipment to stop being in motion before stepping off.

Before trying a new piece of equipment, make sure you really know how to use it. Even if the instructions seem straightforward, don’t hesitate to ask a staff member for a demo.

Instances where a gym might be at fault for your injury

A woman stays safe jumping rope at a gym.

Taking all the precautions above can help protect you from certain personal injuries at the gym. However, you may find yourself hurt as a result of improper management of the gym itself. It’s important to distinguish between the two if you sustain an injury while working out. Some scenarios where the gym might be at fault include:

Improper spacing between equipment. If machines are set up too close together you could experience an increased risk of bumping into a machine while it’s in use. This can lead to a variety of injuries for you and possibly the person on the machine.
Hard to read instructions. Failure of your gym to provide useful and legible instructions for how to use equipment can lead to improper operation and subsequent injury. In your home gym, instructions that are hard to interpret can even lead to incorrect installation of equipment.

Get the legal help you need if hurt at the gym

We hope that you’re able to stick with your New Year’s resolution to improve your health this year, but should an exercise-related injury occur, contacting an accomplished personal injury attorney can help you accurately assess fault. Once that’s done, they can assist you in determining the next course of action.

At The Patterson Cozzo Law Firm, our attorneys have managed an extensive array of personal injury lawsuits with the goal of getting clients the best outcome possible. It all starts with a free consultation. Contact us today to get the support and advice you need.

4 Reasons Why You Need a Lawyer Now

A lawyer in a blue suit stands in front of a staircase. — A good lawyer can help you avoid a bad lawsuit.

It’s not always obvious when a situation calls for the expertise of a lawyer. You could find yourself involved in something that seems so straightforward that it doesn’t occur you to enlist outside help. However, when it comes to things like your physical well-being and personal property, it’s often best to err on the side of caution and consult with an attorney.

Lawyers can help in ways you might not have considered

Most people think of a lawyer, standing in a courtroom, arguing a case, and while that happens, there’s a lot an experienced attorney can do for you outside of the courthouse. The knowledge they have that directly relates to your specific situation can be invaluable in establishing the validity of your case, the compensation you deserve, and the strategy to reach the best possible outcome. They can also:

Help you collect evidence to make your case
Coach you through a conversation with an insurance company to protect your best interests
Conduct an independent evaluation of your case to help establish fault
Guide you through the legal process to ensure you take all the proper steps for proceedings
Serve as your advocate

Having a dedicated attorney on your side when facing situations like personal injury, car accidents, DUI offenses, and even traffic tickets can positively impact the outcome of your case and help you reach the best outcome possible.

Personal Injury

Suffering a personal injury can result in physical, emotional, or mental issues that can lead to costly medical expenses. Some injuries can take a prolonged amount of time to heal, causing you to lose income from missing work in addition to paying extra bills. If your personal injury was caused by the negligence of another, you’re entitled to receive compensation. Some examples of personal injury cases include injuries sustained in a car or motorcycle accident, dog bites, medical malpractice, slips or falls, product liability, and wrongful death.

There are three main requirements to establish a personal injury case.

Did you suffer more than just property damage in the situation?
Was the injury caused because of the negligence of another person or entity?
Are there recoverable damages?

In some situations, negligence can be difficult to establish, but a personal injury attorney can help you navigate the process of compiling your case.

Car Accident

Whenever a car accident involves physical injury, fatality, or significant property damage, a lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve to cover your losses. The key is to contact an attorney early so they can help you through the process from the start. When insurance companies are asking you to provide a statement and medical costs and car repairs begin taking place is an important time to have the knowledge of an experienced attorney behind you, protecting your interests and helping you assess the full damage of the accident so you can be properly compensated.

DUI Defense

After you’ve been charged with a DUI, it’s imperative you engage a lawyer who can act quickly on your behalf. This can help save your license, if it’s at risk of suspension, as well as jumpstart the process of collecting evidence to use in your defense. Even if you’ve been charged, there’s no guarantee you’ll be convicted as guilty, so there’s still time to fight with the help of a DUI defense lawyer.

Georgia DUI laws are intricate, with established parameters for fines, license revocation, jail time, fees, and probation costs. With a clear understanding of all these details, a DUI lawyer knows when to challenge the validity of a DUI charge, working toward the ultimate goal of ensuring your rights are protected and the best possible outcome is obtained.

Traffic Tickets

Getting a ticket for speeding or something non-accident related doesn’t mean you simply have to pay. Working with an attorney in situations like these can provide you with a better understanding of the possible solutions to your case and the best course of action to take. You don’t have to navigate the system alone, lose when a violation could result in more than just a fine.

The added protection of an attorney can help prevent you from dealing with increased insurance rates, jail time, or a license suspension. Even if you feel as if the ticket is very cut-and-dry, lean on the expertise of an attorney to ensure you’re handling things in a way to reach the best conclusion for you.

Partner with the right law firm to get results

Scrabble tiles in a line spelling "laywer." — It's easier to win if you line things up in your favor.

Whichever situation you find yourself involved in, the first thing to do is not panic. The second thing? Contact a lawyer specializing in cases like yours.

At The Patterson Cozzo Law Firm, each of these practice areas is addressed by an accomplished attorney who will treat your case with care and respect. Through personal attention and a wealth of knowledge, our law team works to get you the best results possible for your case.