The Van Matre Law Firm The Van Matre Law Firm 2026-07-17T13:09:46Z https://www.jvm-law.com/feed/atom/ WordPress /wp-content/uploads/sites/1103021/2019/08/cropped-site-icon-1-32x32.jpg On Behalf of The Van Matre Law Firm <![CDATA[Spinal cord injuries can lead to millions in lifetime costs]]> https://www.jvm-law.com/?p=51059 2026-07-17T13:09:46Z 2026-07-17T13:09:46Z Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, a 50-year-old person who suffers high tetraplegia could be looking at lifetime costs greater than $2.5 million. If they are younger, such as 25 years old, those costs could be over $4.7 million.

Why is it so expensive?

The key is to take into account all of the potential damages related to one’s injury. This includes emergency treatment immediately after the injury occurs, time spent in the hospital and lost wages. On the medical side, a person may need to work with a physical therapist, undergo future surgeries, take medication, pay for in-home care or even make renovations to their home so that they can continue to live there comfortably after their injury. In terms of wages, a person could lose the ability to work in their chosen field entirely. They may have reduced earning potential or a reduced earning capacity, and they often deserve compensation for their lost future wages.

Seeking appropriate compensation

Because the total cost of a spinal cord injury can be so significant, it is absolutely critical that injury victims understand what legal options they have when holding the responsible party accountable for their harm. Seeking personalized legal guidance immediately is, therefore, generally very wise.]]> On Behalf of The Van Matre Law Firm <![CDATA[Proving that business negligence caused a slip-and-fall]]> https://www.jvm-law.com/?p=51056 2026-07-01T03:15:34Z 2026-07-01T03:15:34Z When is a business negligent? The legal standard for negligence relies on the judgment of reasonable adults. Plaintiffs seeking compensation in a personal injury lawsuit must show that other reasonable people would view the circumstances as unsafe. Negligence can involve either failing to do what is necessary for safety or engaging in conduct that is clearly unsafe. In a slip-and-fall accident, negligence often relates to ignored slipping or tripping hazards. If there is a spill that workers do not address, maintenance that goes unperformed or a lack of employees on hand to keep a facility safe, another reasonable person could potentially recognize the risk. Preserving evidence from the scene of the incident, reporting what happened to management and working with an attorney can all help people meet the legal requirements imposed when pursuing a negligence-based premises liability claim. For those with proof that business facilities were unsafe and caused unnecessary danger, it may be possible to hold a business accountable for lost wages and medical expenses generated by a slip-and-fall incident.]]> On Behalf of The Van Matre Law Firm <![CDATA[Can a nip from a little dog be serious?]]> https://www.jvm-law.com/?p=51049 2026-06-22T20:09:22Z 2026-06-22T20:09:22Z When people think about serious dog bite injuries, they typically picture attacks by pit bulls and Rottweilers – not Chihuahuas, Yorkies and other small breeds. A nip by a Pomeranian may seem more annoying than dangerous – but looks can be deceiving.  Before you shrug off a bite from a small dog and go for a bandage instead of heading to urgent care, you need to consider the following:

Small bites can cause serious infections

A dog's mouth contains bacteria that can be introduced into the body through even a small puncture wound. Infections can develop quickly, particularly if the wound is deep or if treatment is delayed. Complications from a dog bite may include:
  • Cellulitis
  • Tetanus
  • Nerve damage
  • Tissue damage
  • Scarring
While rabies is not much of a concern these days in the United States, Capnocytophaga is. That can lead to kidney failure, heart attacks and gangrene. Tetanus is another worry. Sepsis, which is a life-threatening immune system response to infection, can also occur after a bite. Ultimately, any dog bite that breaks the skin – no matter how small – requires emergency treatment. In particular, people with immunological disorders or those on steroids and immunosuppressants, the elderly and small children need to be seen by doctors right away. They all tend to be vulnerable to runaway infections.  A small dog really can cause big injuries. In addition to infection, there can be scarring, organ damage and severe emotional consequences for victims. If you’ve been bitten by a dog of any size, seeking experienced legal guidance protects your interests. ]]> On Behalf of The Van Matre Law Firm <![CDATA[4 things you should never post on social media after a Georgia car accident]]> https://www.jvm-law.com/?p=51046 2026-06-11T08:38:28Z 2026-06-11T08:37:50Z After a car accident in Georgia, what you post online can be just as damaging as what you say in court. Insurance companies routinely monitor social media to find content they can use to minimize your payout.

Details of the crash

Avoid discussing how the collision happened or who you believe was at fault. Even a seemingly harmless comment can be used to argue you were partially responsible. Statements made online carry the same weight as deposition testimony in many cases.

Updates on your injuries

Never post about your pain levels, medical treatment or recovery progress. A phrase like "feeling better today" gives adjusters a reason to argue your injuries are not serious. Many injuries, including soft tissue damage, worsen days after the initial impact, so early posts can misrepresent your true condition.

Photos of your daily activities

Visual posts are especially risky. Insurance investigators look for images that contradict your injury claims. Watch out for these common examples:
  • Vacation or outing photos: A picture at a restaurant or event can suggest you are not impaired.
  • Gym or fitness selfies: Any image of physical activity may be used to challenge your limitations.
  • Check-ins and location tags: GPS metadata in posts can place you somewhere that conflicts with your account.
A single photo taken on a good day can undermine months of legitimate medical documentation.

Your claim or settlement

Do not share details about your conversations with insurers, your legal strategy or any potential settlement amounts. Under Georgia's Civil Practice Act, O.C.G.A. § 9-11-26, the opposing side has broad rights to request information reasonably calculated to lead to admissible evidence. That scope can include your social media posts. Deleting posts after an accident also creates risk. Courts may treat removed content as spoliation of evidence, which can result in penalties against you.

Protect your claim before you post

Digital silence is one of the most effective ways to protect your case. An attorney can help you understand your options and guide you on what to avoid sharing while your claim is active. For guidance on your situation, you may speak with a personal injury attorney who handles Georgia car accident cases.]]> On Behalf of The Van Matre Law Firm <![CDATA[When vehicle issues cause a semi-truck crash]]> https://www.jvm-law.com/?p=51044 2026-06-02T12:47:02Z 2026-06-02T12:47:02Z Vehicle issues are a leading cause of crashes The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) assesses commercial crashes to understand the most common causes of these collisions. Decision-making errors, inadequate surveillance and non-performance caused by fatigue or medical emergencies are the most common causes of semi-truck collisions. However, the FMCSA also identifies vehicle issues as a top cause of commercial wrecks. Approximately one in 10 semi-truck crashes occur due to issues with the commercial truck. Those issues may relate to maintenance or defective components. Trucking companies, vehicle manufacturers and maintenance or service professionals could be liable for the crash in those cases. Other times, the vehicle issue that caused the crash involves problems with the load inside the trailer. Imbalanced and unsecured loads can lead to drivers losing control and devastating, preventable collisions. The party that loaded the trailer might be liable in that situation. Reviewing what caused a semi-truck collision with a skilled legal team is a key component of any successful post-crash compensation claim. The professional insight of a personal injury attorney can help the people affected by semi-truck collisions evaluate crash reports and identify liable parties, in addition to providing help with securing rightful compensation.]]> On Behalf of The Van Matre Law Firm <![CDATA[How fast should you get compensated after a car accident?]]> https://www.jvm-law.com/?p=51042 2026-05-20T16:12:13Z 2026-05-20T16:12:13Z After a car accident, many victims expect compensation to arrive quickly. However, the timeline for receiving payment can vary depending on the severity of the accident, the insurance investigation and whether liability is disputed. For car accident compensation to happen, insurance companies usually require prompt reporting. Delays in notifying insurers or gathering evidence can slow down the claims process significantly.

Why immediate reporting matters

One of the first steps after an accident is notifying both the police and the insurance company. Most insurance policies require prompt reporting, sometimes within only a few days. Quick reporting helps preserve evidence and allows insurers to begin their investigation while details are still fresh. Waiting too long may create complications or even risk the denial of certain benefits.

Factors that affect compensation timing

Simple claims involving clear fault and minor property damage may settle within weeks. More complicated cases involving serious injuries, medical treatment or disputed liability often take much longer. Insurance companies usually review medical records, repair estimates, witness statements and police reports before approving compensation. If injuries require ongoing treatment, settlement discussions may be delayed until the full extent of damages becomes clear.

The importance of documentation

Strong documentation can help speed up a claim. Accident victims should keep copies of medical bills, repair invoices, photographs and communication with insurance providers. Accurate records make it easier to prove losses and reduce disagreements during settlement negotiations.

Moving forward after an accident

Compensation after a car accident is rarely immediate, especially when injuries or liability disputes are involved. Acting quickly and staying organized can improve the chances of resolving the claim more efficiently. Understanding filing deadlines and insurance procedures is essential. Additionally, seeking reliable legal guidance may help accident victims protect their rights and avoid costly delays during the claims process.  ]]> On Behalf of The Van Matre Law Firm <![CDATA[Bar fights and escalation: When a fight becomes a felony]]> https://www.jvm-law.com/?p=51039 2026-05-06T18:54:47Z 2026-05-06T18:54:47Z It begins as a fun night out with friends, only to suddenly take a serious turn. It may have started as a heated argument or a shove at the bar, but it quickly escalated into a criminal charge with life-altering consequences. The line between a misdemeanor fight and a felony offense isn’t always obvious. Still, crossing that line can mean the difference between a minor charge and years in prison.

The consequences of a felony conviction

Physical altercations are typically charged as either simple assault or simple battery if the conduct only involved minor threats or physical contact, which are usually misdemeanors.  However, certain factors can turn the situation into aggravated assault or aggravated battery. Both of these are felonies. A bar fight could become a felony offense if any of the following elements are present:
  • Use of a weapon: It doesn’t necessarily need to be a gun or knife. Everyday items, such as bottles, glasses and bar stools, can be considered deadly weapons if they are used in a way that could seriously harm another.
  • Serious bodily injury: Someone sustains significant injuries, like broken bones, disfigurement or injuries requiring surgery.
  • Intent to cause serious harm: The accused wanted to hurt the other person severely. Repeated striking, targeting vulnerable areas or continuing the beating when the other person is already on the ground are examples of intent.
A conviction for aggravated assault carries steep penalties, including several years in prison, fines and a permanent criminal record. It can also affect employment opportunities, housing and the right to own firearms. If you’re facing charges after a bar fight, your next steps matter, so you may want to speak with a legal representative who can build a strong defense strategy to help protect your rights and your future.  ]]> On Behalf of The Van Matre Law Firm <![CDATA[The long-term effects of traumatic brain injuries]]> https://www.jvm-law.com/?p=51037 2026-04-20T15:59:56Z 2026-04-20T15:59:56Z Some car crash injuries aren’t always immediately visible. Instead, the devastating harm is occurring inside the brain, where symptoms may take days or even weeks to appear fully. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are one of the most serious outcomes of motor vehicle accidents. They often have long-term consequences that affect your health, your ability to work and your ability to maintain relationships.

Why TBIs are so common in car accidents

A TBI occurs when a sudden force disrupts normal brain function. TBIs can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage involving swelling, bleeding or permanent impairment. And, it’s important to note that even injuries labeled as “mild” can lead to lasting complications. Vehicle accidents are a leading cause of TBIs. High-speed collisions, rear-end crashes and accidents with tractor-trailers can all generate enough force to injure the brain, even if there is no direct blow to the head. Many times, due to adrenaline and shock masking the symptoms, victims don’t even realize they’ve suffered a brain injury, leading them to delay treatment until their condition worsens. A TBI can interfere with how you think, process information and remember things. Over time, victims may experience:
  • Memory loss
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Trouble with decision-making
  • Inability to stay organized
These problems can make it difficult to hold a job or handle everyday responsibilities. TBIs can also alter mood and personality. There may be changes in behavior, such as:
  • Depression or anxiety
  • Irritibility
  • Mood swings
  • Reduced impulse control
Such changes can significantly impact the victim’s quality of life and strain their relationships. Long after the accident, the physical symptoms persist. Living with chronic headaches, dizziness, sensitivity to light and sound and ongoing fatigue can be just as disabling as visible injuries.The effects of a TBI can last a lifetime; therefore, it’s essential to ensure your future needs are fully considered. Insurance companies may try to argue that the injury is minor or unrelated to the crash. The right legal team can gather the medical documentation and expert testimony that will help you seek the compensation that can protect your financial future.]]> On Behalf of The Van Matre Law Firm <![CDATA[Three important steps to take after a dog bite injury]]> https://www.jvm-law.com/?p=51031 2026-04-14T19:44:25Z 2026-04-14T19:44:25Z dog bite can turn an ordinary walk or visit with a friend into a medical crisis, financial burden and even a legal dispute. The hours after an attack shape both recovery and any future claim. Taking the right steps not only protects your health but also helps in the event you need to pursue legal action to hold the owner accountable for the cost of the injuries. The following will discuss three key steps to helping protect your rights and remedies when dealing with the aftermath of a dog attack.

Step #1: Get medical attention

Your health comes first. Seek medical care immediately. Dog bites carry a high risk of infection and even small punctures can drive bacteria deep into tissue. Prompt treatment also creates a contemporaneous medical record, a key legal document in any injury case. Tell the clinician how the bite happened, where it occurred, whether the dog was known and the animal’s vaccination status if known. Ask for clear discharge instructions. Follow-up care matters. Gaps in treatment often become a defense argument that the injury was minor or unrelated.

Step #2: Preserve evidence

Gather information so you have what you need in the event legal action is necessary. This can include:
  • Photographs of wounds at multiple stages, including bruising progression  
  • Photographs of the location, the dog, visible leash signs and open gates  
  • The dog owner’s name, address, phone number and the animal’s vaccination information  
  • Information about any witnesses, record names, contact details and short statements  
  • Keep torn clothing, bloodied items, receipts, medical bills and pharmacy costs  
  • File an animal control report and request the report number
After completing the checklist, store copies in a single folder. Keep originals intact. It is also wise to avoid social media posts as casual statements can be taken out of context.

Step #3: Consider legal action

Legal action becomes appropriate when the injury produces meaningful damages or disputed responsibility. Many jurisdictions impose strict liability for dog bites. Others apply negligence standards, leash law violations and prior bite knowledge. In Georgia, a victim can hold an owner responsible for the dog’s attack even if there are no prior bites on record.  A claim for a dog bite injury can address medical costs, lost income, scarring, disability, pain and psychological trauma. Factors that often justify seeking legal counsel can include:
  • Deep punctures, lacerations, infection, hospitalization or surgery  
  • Permanent scarring, nerve damage, loss of function or facial injuries  
  • Child victim injury, trauma symptoms and counseling needs  
  • Missed work, reduced earning capacity and high out-of-pocket costs  
  • Owner denial, missing insurance information and aggressive dog history
Those who are considering additional legal action can benefit from a direct discussion with a local attorney. Legal counsel can clarify deadlines, potential defendants and insurance coverage.]]> On Behalf of The Van Matre Law Firm <![CDATA[3 acts that are considered aggravated assault in Georgia]]> https://www.jvm-law.com/?p=51023 2026-04-01T20:26:02Z 2026-04-01T20:26:02Z 1. Firing a weapon from a vehicle Car chase scenes in movies are often thrilling. In reality, conflicts involving vehicles can endanger completely uninvolved people nearby. As such, anyone accused of firing a weapon from within a vehicle is likely to face an aggravated assault charge under current Georgia statutes.

2. Assaulting someone as part of a more serious crime

A violent physical altercation can be indicative of an intent to commit an even more serious crime. In cases where the state can reasonably assert that an assault occurred due to a desire to murder, rape or rob someone, prosecutors may be able to justify aggravated assault charges.

3. Using or possessing a deadly weapon

Any assault involving a firearm, even if there is no intent to discharge the weapon, could constitute aggravated assault. Any other type of potentially deadly weapon, ranging from certain household tools to kitchen knives, could also lead to an aggravated assault charge against the person alleged to be the instigator of the incident. Sometimes, typically law-abiding individuals become involved in a heated interaction that results in aggressive behavior. Those accused of aggravated assault can benefit from experienced legal guidance to explore defense strategies and develop the most effective one.]]>