400 legal How to build your case after an accident

There are many ways for people to resolve their differences without resorting to violence.

As we are a personal injury practice, we operate under the rules in helping clients obtain compensation when they are injured by the negligence of others.

Often times we obtain compensation through the legal system by bringing lawsuits in the various courts.

However, before getting to that step, we must build a case by first assessing the facts of and gathering all the information that is necessary for the prosecution of the claim.

We first start by meeting with the potential client to interview and gather all the facts to determine fault and review injuries caused by the accident. Next, we find out all insurance policies that apply.

Health Insurance, Medpay, Medicare, Medicaid can all come into play. We then request our clients’ medical records and bills. We have to review them along with medical records from before the accident.

In building a case we must find out what the accident caused. We also assess the financial condition of our injured client and how an accident stopped or reduced their ability to work. We also can get that information from tax returns and employer records.

An important review of how an accident affected a spousal relationship is also important. When a person who is married suffers physical and mental damages their spouse suffers along with them, and they are entitled to damages under a claim called loss of consortium.

Depending upon the complexity of the medical condition this information is often difficult to get quickly and may take many months for requests to be filled.

Finally, after gathering all of the information, we are in a position to draft a demand package. The law allows insurers time to respond and ask questions of the lawyers.

After their review, insurance adjusters begin the negotiations. We then have to weigh their offers with the amounts our client will receive.

We have to check on various claims made against the proceeds of the settlement like eligible health care liens, hospital liens, etc. Finally, if we can’t resolve the case we file suit.

In our next article I will discuss how the legal process works after a lawsuit is filed.

Building a case for our clients is something we take seriously. We hope by building a solid case we can settle it without having to file suit. Depending on the insurer that sometimes just doesn’t happen.

Steven Leibel is a well-respected personal injury lawyer in Cumming and Dahlonega. He has consistently been recognized as a GA SuperLawyer in Personal Injury; rated 10 by AVVO, and he is considered “preeminent by his peers, as an Martindale AV rated attorney.”

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Poisonous plants to avoid around the house

Homeowners must consider various factors when choosing plants to display in and around their homes. That’s because, despite their beauty, various plants are toxic to humans and animals. Avoiding potentially poisonous plants can prevent injuries and even deaths. Here’s a list of some plants homeowners may want to avoid.

t RHODODENDRON t LILY-OF-THE-VALLEY t DUMB CANE t ENGLISH IVY t BITTERSWEET NIGHTSHADE t FOXGLOVE

Rhododendrons produce flower clusters that bloom in the spring. They also produce thick, glossy leaves that thrive in the fall and winter in many areas. If any part of the plant is swallowed it can cause vomiting and potentially slow the pulse.

This popular plant grows close to the ground, blooming bell-shaped, sweetsmelling flowers. If large doses of the toxin in this plant are ingested, it can gradually slow the heart down and potentially prove fatal.

The houseplant dieffenbachia, commonly known as Dumb cane, adds tropical appeal indoors. The sap of the plant causes the tongue to burn and swell, enough to block off air to the throat. It can be fatal if ingested by both pets and humans.

This go-to draping vine looks lovely cascading down from planters or shelving. While its toxins need to be ingested in large amounts to cause problems, English ivy can cause skin irritation, rash and fever, particularly after eating the berries.

Bittersweet nightshade grows as a weed on some properties. It’s particularly problematic for those who have pets or young kids because of the brightly colored berries it produces. The highest level of toxicity comes from these berries.

According to The Spruce: Decor, foxgloves are among the most toxic specimens commonly grown on landscapes. They are widely coveted for their pink, purple and white bell-shaped flowers that grow in tall spires. They’re also deer- and rabbit-resistant, making them especially popular. However, foxgloves contain potent cardiac glycosides that can be lethal in high doses.

t PHILODENDRON

Philodendron are easy to care for and hearty. While not fatal, a bite of philodendron can irritate the skin and cause nausea and swelling of the mouth, throat and tongue. Similar effects occur with Pothos, anorther common and hearty houseplant.

t YEW SHRUBS

The needlelike leaves of this shrub are toxic to humans and animals, as are the fleshy, bright red berries that grow toxic seeds. Kids may be tempted to pick and consume these bright berries. t

Palms

Several different palm trees are poisonous to people and pets. Palms are an overlooked source of poisoning tragedies in warmer climates. Formosa palm, Sago palm, Queen Sago, and Cardboard palm are some of the varieties that can cause issues if ingested or allergic skin reactions if touched.

When planning a landscape, work with a skilled garden expert to choose plants that will not be hazardous to family and pets.