Safety Tips

Underage Drinking and My Teen, Now What?

teen drinking large bottle of wine — Bad Decisions Result in Legal Consequences

Drinking before reaching the legal age of 21 creates a temptation most teens experience at least once. By the time they're high school seniors, two-thirds of teens try alcohol according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In fact, people between the ages of 12-20 drink about one-tenth of all alcohol consumed in the U.S. Giving in to this temptation means an increased risk of legal consequences for your teenager, including, getting arrested and charged with underage drinking.

Breaking the law in this way can have a significant impact on a young person’s life. Facing a charge of underage drinking can go on a teen’s permanent record and follow them into adulthood. It can impact college and career choices as well. Should you find yourself in this situation, it’s important to engage a knowledgeable attorney. They will work toward preventing any permanent impact on your child’s future, and help protect their rights.

Obtaining legal advice from the start can significantly impact your case, leading to the best possible outcome. Working with an attorney who has handled cases involving underage drinking helps ensure both you and your teen are prepared. It's important to know what rights and options you have as you move through your case, as well as what state-mandated consequences are in place.

The charge for underage drinking

Georgia has a zero tolerance policy for underage drinking. If your teen drinks underage and gets caught, the charge is Minor in Possession of Alcohol. For purposes of the underage drinking laws in Georgia, anyone under 21 is considered a minor, and consuming any amount of alcohol breaks the law. You do not have to have a blood alcohol level above the legal limit, as you would if you were 21 or over. Any alcohol in a teen’s system is illegal.

An officer can use any legally obtained evidence to prove you consumed alcohol. Smelling it on your breath gets you charged even if there’s not an actual bottle in sight. This type of charge can remain on an individual’s record indefinitely. It may resurface to impact future employment opportunities as well as scholarship potential when applying to college.

Potential penalties for my teen

Even with a first-time offense, penalties can include both a fine and jail time. Fines can reach up to $300 for the first charge, with repeat offenders having to pay up to $1,000. As for jail time, you may serve six months for your first offense and up to one year with a second conviction. A judge may also decide to suspend your teen’s license even with a first offense.

Should your teen find themselves in legal trouble as a result of underage drinking, the capable team at The Patterson Cozzo Law Firm can help.

Through careful evaluation of the case, they will offer advice on how to achieve the best possible outcome for you and your family. The initial consultation is free, so call today to schedule an appointment.

Handling a personal Injury on Spring Break

Crowded Beaches and Water - Personal Injury Potential — Crowded Beaches and Water – Personal Injury Potential

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

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

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

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.

Avoiding Injuries in Snow and Ice

A snowflake closeup amidst snow and ice — A snowflake amidst snow and ice.

Winter weather brings on unpredictable conditions, especially here in Georgia where black ice and dangerous conditions can linger long after the storm has passed. Walking and driving in snow and ice can be especially dangerous here in Atlanta where winter weather is an infrequent visitor. People are often unprepared to handle these conditions or are unsure how to react when forced to get around in these conditions.

Using some basic knowledge when navigating through wintery weather like taking extra care when walking or driving in snow or ice can help prevent injuries that result from car accidents or slips and falls.

If you’re walking

Snow and ice in Chinatown, New York during Christmas.

Slipping and falling on ice can be scary. You usually go down so fast you don’t have time to protect yourself from injury. Even if you manage to catch yourself from falling, a slip can lead to muscle strain or other personal injury.

Ice is a tricky thing too since it can appear overnight and then take a while to melt. It’s something to always be on the lookout for in wet, freezing conditions since it can be hard to see both during the day and at night. What you think is a pool of water could actually be a solid sheet of ice, so it’s always a good idea to step carefully.

To avoid slipping on ice:

Wear footwear designed for icy or snowy conditions.
Take shorter steps.
Walk slowly.
Exhibit extra care when getting out of a vehicle.
Don’t carry stuff. Your arms can help stabilize you if you start to slip.

You should also keep your home safe in wintry conditions to ensure others don’t slip and fall. Make sure to sand or apply de-icer to any slick areas like your driveway or front porch. Take extra care in clearing walkways for the safety of yourself and others. Place a towel or doormat down inside your front door so that puddles don’t collect from the ice and snow melting off shoes.

If you’re driving

An overhead view of a winding road in the middle of snow and ice — A winding road in Mount Saint Helens in the middle of snow and ice

According to the Federal Highway Administration, over a 10 year period, snow and sleet on the roads, across the country, injured almost 55,000 people and resulted in almost 220,000 car crashes. Driving in wintery weather is dangerous and should be avoided when possible. Conditions you may face driving in winter include roads that are wet, icy, or even coated in snow and ice. Sleet and slush also settle on roads, making driving conditions challenging. This pileup of precipitation can make it difficult to see what you’re really driving on. A sheet of ice could hide under newly-fallen snow, making it easier to lose control of your car and cause an accident if you’re not careful.

While you can’t prevent all slips and slides while driving in snowy or icy conditions, there are steps you can take to decrease the risk of a collision:
Keep a snow brush in your car to clear it of snow and ice.
Drive slower so you’re able to fully stop on slicker roads.
Don’t tailgate. Keep a safe distance between you and the car in front of you.
If you skid, remove your foot from the gas, don’t break, and run the wheel in the direction you want to go until your tires regain traction.

While you might not need to use these strategies too often in Atlanta, the inexperience of local drivers in winter weather means you should take all precautions to decrease your risk of an accident or injury.

What to do if you're injured this winter

Should you sustain an injury or end up in a car accident related to winter weather, you don’t have to deal with the aftermath alone. Working with the experienced team at The Patterson Cozzo Law Firm means an attorney, well-versed in personal injury law, will guide you through getting the compensation you deserve.

Whether negligence at a place of business led to your injury or wintery weather led to a collision with another car, we will thoroughly evaluate your case before recommending the proper course of action to ensure your needs are covered. There’s no cost for an initial consultation, so give us a call today.