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How “Loss of Consortium” Claims Work in Georgia Personal Injury Cases

By Hawkins Spizman |

When the plaintiff in a personal injury lawsuit is married, it is not uncommon for their spouse to join the case as a co-plaintiff seeking damages for “loss of consortium.” This is a type of non-economic damages recognized under Georgia law. Damages for loss of consortium are meant to compensate the spouse for the… Read More »

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Why Should You Never Directly Negotiate with an Insurance Company By Yourself?

By Hawkins Spizman |

“Why do I need a lawyer? The other driver’s insurance company will pay for my losses.” This is a common sentiment we hear from many people who have been injured in a car accident. There is an assumption that insurance will simply take care of any medical bills or other damages. So why go… Read More »

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Question

Can I Be Court Martialed for a DUI in Georgia?

By Hawkins Spizman |

A drunk driving arrest often has consequences that extend beyond any criminal charges. For example, if your boss learns of your arrest, you may be fired or face disciplinary action at work. And if your job happens to be an active duty member of the armed forces, you might even face a court martial…. Read More »

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Is It “Burglary” If You Take Something From an Abandoned House?

By Hawkins Spizman |

The terms burglary and theft are often used interchangeably even though, legally speaking, they refer to different criminal acts. Burglary means entering (or remaining within) a building with the intent to commit theft or another felony. The theft itself is a separate crime. So you can be charged with burglary if you are caught… Read More »

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Are There Limits on Compensation in Georgia Personal Injury Cases?

By Hawkins Spizman |

In personal injury lawsuits, the plaintiff’s goal is to obtain damages from the defendant. In this context, damages equal money. Since personal injury claims are civil in nature, the defendant will not go to jail or face any loss of their liberty. But the court can order a defendant to pay financial compensation to… Read More »

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How Long Do You Have to Serve a Car Accident Lawsuit in Georgia?

By Hawkins Spizman |

From the moment you are injured in a car accident, there is a proverbial clock ticking. This clock is Georgia’s two-year statute of limitations to file a personal injury lawsuit. Within this timeframe, you need to identify the defendant or defendants and serve them with your lawsuit. Failure to do so generally means a… Read More »

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WrongfulDeath

How Do You Value a Wrongful Death Claim in Georgia?

By Hawkins Spizman |

A wrongful death lawsuit allows the relatives of a deceased person to seek compensation from those persons or legal entities responsible for their loved one’s death. In this context, compensation is meant to cover the value of the life of the deceased. But what exactly does this mean? And how do you actually value… Read More »

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ShopliftingTheft

What Not to Do When Accused of Shoplifting in Georgia

By Hawkins Spizman |

Theft by shoplifting is a misdemeanor in Georgia when the property taken is worth $500 or less. Above that amount, shoplifting is automatically bumped up to a felony, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in state prison. And even the misdemeanor offense may carry some amount of jail time. So if you… Read More »

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CrimLaw11

What Is the Line Between an Accidental Shooting and Attempted Murder?

By Hawkins Spizman |

Under Georgia law, the crime of murder requires the state to prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the defendant acted “unlawfully and with malice aforethought, either express or implied” in causing the death of another person. This same standard applies to charges of attempted murder. That is, the prosecution must show the defendant acted… Read More »

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TrafficTicket

How Do Traffic Ticket “Points” Work in Georgia?

By Hawkins Spizman |

Anytime a driver is convicted of a traffic ticket offense in Georgia, a certain number of “points” can be added to their license. These points are essentially a penalty for the ticket (on top of any fine). If you obtain multiple tickets over time, these points can accumulate and eventually lead to additional sanctions…. Read More »

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