Free Books

Serious Car Accident on I-75 | Douglas County Accident Lawyer

Date: August 22, 2010
Location: Interstate 75 in Bartow County, Georgia
Event: Pedestrian & Motor Vehicle Accident | Douglasville Car Accident Attorney

According to the Georgia State Patrol, three people were involved in an auto accident on I-75 in Bartow County. A vehicle traveling northbound hit a pedestrian who was located in the right lane. The driver of the vehicle stopped to check on the pedestrian and a tractor trailer truck attempted to avoid the vehicle and pedestrian but ended up hitting the vehicle, the driver and the pedestrian.

The pedestrian passed away from the injuries sustained in the accident. The driver of the vehicle, was transported to the hospital for a leg injury. The tractor trailer truck driver, was uninjured.

The Georgia State Patrol is still investigating this car accident.

Our law firm handles serious accidents such as this. If you have been seriously injured in a car accident that was not your fault, call us at 770-577-3020 for a free consultation.

James Murphy Coauthors a New Best-selling Book "Power Principles for Success" Available on Amazon.com

I have coauthored a new book "Power Principles for Success." It is a best-seller now available on Amazon.com for $19.99. It’s a great book but don’t order it yet, in a few weeks I’m going to make it available to my Facebook friends for free.

2011 State Bar President

Date: July 14, 2010
Location: State of Georgia
Title: 2011 State Bar President

On June 19, 2010 State Bar of Georgia installed Kenneth L. Shigley, formerly of Douglasville as president elect. Shigley, formerly an assistant D.A with Paulding County and a graduate of Emory Law School now practices at Chambers, Aholt & Rickard in Atlanta. His main practice area is catastrophic injury case and wrongful death claims. Shigley will be sworn in as president in June 2011.

Murphy & Associates congratulates Mr. Shigley on his latest accomplishment and wishes him well!

Fourth of July Parade | Personal Injury Lawyer | Workers’ Compensation Attorney

Due to the Fourth of July falling on a Sunday this year, the City of Carrollton plans on a big bang the day before. The Carrollton Evening Sertoma Club will host the 33rd annual People’s Parade. The  parade will start on Highway 27 at the Dairy Queen and will move up Maple Street and through Adamson Square. The parade route will end in the K-Mart parking lot.

The Carroll County and Central High School bands will march and perform as participants along with several other individuals, churches, civic groups and businesses. All participants have been encourage to compete for the Community Spirit cup.

Following the festivities on Saturday the Carroll Symphony Orchestra is scheduled to perform on Sunday, July 4, 2010 with a fireworks show following. This event will begin at 8:15 pm at Carrollton Elementary School.

Murphy and Associates handles personal injury claims and workers' compensation claims. For a free consultation phone (770) 577-3020.

Insurance Pays on Client’s Stolen Vehicle | Douglasville Attorney

Recently we had a client whose car was stolen while it was being worked on at a local auto repair facility in Douglasville. After the police investigated the incident and were not able to follow up on any leads as to who could have stolen the vehicle the officer informed our client that the auto repair facility was not responsible for his loss. Unless he had some type of insurance coverage that protected him in the event his car was stolen, he was just going to be out of luck. This did not sound quite right to us so we wrote to the automobile repair facility where our client’s vehicle was stolen. We were pleased to find out that the business had something called “Garage Keeper’s Comprehensive Coverage”. This insurance was additional insurance that the owner of the repair shop had purchased in the event of vehicles being stolen or damaged while on his premises. Our client is now in the process of recovering a claim against the repair shop’s insurance company and it appears he will be compensated for his stolen vehicle.

If you have suffered a financial loss or have been injured through no fault of your own, it always pays to consult with a attorney to discuss the possible legal ramifications of ways you can be compensated. Our office offers free phone consultations to discuss your legal situation. Please do not hesitate to call us at (770) 577-3020.

Nationwide: Douglas County Ranks 55th and Paulding County Ranks 8th

Date: May 11, 2010
Location: Douglas County | Douglasville, Georgia
Title: Nationwide: Douglas County Ranks 55th and Paulding County Ranks 8th

Douglas County and Paulding County have been ranked as fast-growing counties nationwide. In a resent release by the Governor’s Office Douglas County ranks at 55th and Paulding County ranks at 8th as fastest-growing. Douglas County’s population has increased by an estimated 40.6 percent within the last year and Paulding County has increased by 67.4 percent.

Douglas County’s Commission Chariman, Tom Worthan questions some of the figures but notes more will be known once the 2010 Census reports are made available. He futher noted that there are provisions in place now to help eliminate population from reaching the expected 250,000 within the next 20 years. Migration from other parts of the country are said to be the reason behind the southeastern states massive population expansion.

Thursday May 6, 2010: 59th Annual National Day of Prayer

Date: May 6, 2010
Location: Douglasville, Georgia
Title: Thursday May 6, 2010: 59th Annual National Day of Prayer

Douglas County Courthouse will participate today in the 59th Annual National Day of Prayer. According to Ned Fowler, event coordinator, Superior Court Judge Beau McClain will lead prayers at noon at the courthouse. The noon event at the courthouse will take place at the flag pole while the evening activities will be hosted at O’Neal Plaza in downtown Douglasville beginning at 7:30 pm. There will also be a praise band leading the music from The Church at Mirror Lake along with the choir from New Bethel Baptist Church during the evening event.

Fowler notes how fortunate Douglas Countians are to have officials who support this event and who encourage the entire community to become actively involved. For further information you may contact Mr. Ned Fowler by phoning 404-245-9170.

Snow Fall Likely to Affect Driving Conditions

Late this morning, the National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning for the Metro Atlanta area. Many flights were cancelled coming in and out of Atlanta as the winter storm moved into the state from the west. The weather forecasters predicted one to three inches of snow and it would continue to fall throughout the afternoon into the evening hours.

Many school systems are shut down for the day and the school officials in Cobb, Cherokee, Douglas, Bartow, Forsyth and Paulding counties and the city of Marietta sent students home early.

In Cobb County, the school officials sent the students home two hours early. In Cherokee County, the elementary schools were sending students home at 10:30 a.m. and the middle and highschool students were sent home at 11:30 a.m. In the city of Marietta, the middle and highschool students were sent home between one and two o’clock.

The Weather Service reported heavy snow of about an inch in west Paulding County just after 9:00 a.m.. Schools in Paulding County were closed early, including the elementary school students who were released at 10:30 a.m. The snowfall accumulations reported by the Weather Service, included 3 inches in Cedartown, 3 inches in Toccoa, 2 inches in Helen and Blairsville and 1.7 inches in Ringgold.

According to the spokesman for the Department of Transportation, there has been no ice reported on the state routes or interstates early this morning. 

Twelve Million Dollar Verdict in Salmonella Outbreak

Recently, a salmonella outbreak was traced back to a peanut-based company in Lynchburg, Virginia. There were nearly 120 victims of salmonella from peanuts. A 12 million verdict was reached for the salmonella outbreak and the victims will split the settlement amount. According to the Atlanta Journal Constitution, the legal counsel representing the victims said they could start seeing settlement portions over the next several months.

As recently as one year ago, The Peanut Corporation of America filed for bankruptcy protection, in the event of the salmonella outbreak. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration traced the salmonella outbreak to one of its facilities in Blakey, Georgia. The Centers for Disease Control determined about 714 people became ill sick in 46 states and Canada as a result of the outbreak. The salmonella outbreak may have been the cause of 9 fatalities.

The settlement amount comes from an insurance policy the Peanut Corporation of American had with The Hartford and to be eligible for the settlement, the victims and survivors of the outbreak had to file a claim by October 31, 2009, as part of the company’s bankruptcy proceedings. Additionally, $750,000 from the settlement will be used to pay administrative costs and attorneys’ fees. 

Flood of 2009

In mid September of 2009, history was made in Douglas County and surrounding areas. More than twenty-one inches of rain poured down in Douglas County, making many residents and businesses susceptible to the flood damage. Flood damage estimates could total up to five million dollars, according to the Douglas County Water and Sewer Authority.

Most of the damage that occurred because of the flood waters may be covered under Douglas County Water and Sewer Authority’s insurance and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The two major wastewater treatment plants were not damaged; however, the pumping stations serving the plants were flooded. The Douglas County Water and Sewer Authority’s insurance will cover up to ten million dollars with a five thousand dollar deductible for buildings outside the 100-year flood plain. Structures built in the flood plain have a five hundred thousand dollars deductible. The flood also damaged the Douglas County Water and Sewer Authority’s storm water system.

A number of Douglas County residents lost their lives as a result of the flood, and many landmark bridges were washed away. Douglas County’s damage may have been worse if the Dog River Reservoir bridge had collapsed during the flooding. Dog River Reservoir is designed to handle only thirty billion gallons of water daily and, at the time of the flood, more than forty billion gallons of water were flowing down Dog River.

Murphy and Associates express our deepest condolences to all those effected by the flood of 2009.

Relevant Link:

September 2009 Flood Resources

Cable Barriers Vs. Metal and Concrete Barriers On Georgia Highways | Georgia Accident Attorney

Rollover Accidents More Likely in Trucks, SUV's and Minivans

Although there is no definitive way to prevent a rollover in an accident there are some vehicles that are more likely than others to rollover. The high center of gravity, narrow tracks, and stabilization difficulties are greater in trucks, SUV’s and minivans than any other vehicles. SUV manufacturers have addressed this issue and acknowledge that rollovers are a great concern and have worked toward installing a more stable system in the event of a rollover. Rollovers often result in fatalities especially if the passenger is not wearing a seatbelt and is ejected from the vehicle. There are few things you may want to be aware of before purchasing a vehicle with a high rollover probability. First, choose a vehicle with a more narrow track and do not overload the vehicle. Weight plays a vital part in a rollover. Secondly, you may also want to research the make and model and find out which type of vehicle has the least probability of rollover. Finally, other things to consider to avoid rollover and injuries in a rollover are to always wear your seatbelt, avoid making sudden over corrections and make sure all safety features are engaged at all times.

Murphy and Associates handles auto accidents which often times involve rollover injuries and even fatalities. If you or a loved one has been involved in an auto accident please contact us for a free consultation by calling (770) 577-3020.

Highway 92 Road Project

Highway 92 Project, Douglasville, Georgia

On Saturday August 1, 2009 many citizens of Douglas County Georgia met with Representative David Scott to discuss the plans for relocating Highway 92. Federal regulations require several studies to be performed including not only the effects on the animals and wild life in the area but the overall impact on the community and people living in that specific location.

Many citizens voiced their concerns at the meeting. Their topics included relocating the families living in the homes that will be affected, emergency vehicles and access to the firestation. Representative Scott assured those in attendance that all issues were warranted and valid and are being thoroughly thought through and investigated. Scott also assured those who’s homes may be affected that compensation for their moves was in order as well. Georgia Department of Transportation project engineer, Neal O’Brien anticipates that the right-of-way acquisitions to be completed by June 2011.

Summer Newsletter is Here!

Vacation and Your Car

Summer is quickly approaching and several people will be taking vacations and traveling a significant distance from home. General car maintenance is essential for your vehicles maximum performance. We have listed as few useful tips as suggested by AAA South to assure your vehicle is travel ready!

Your air-filter should be checked each time you have your oil changed and replaced if you can not see a bright light such as the sun through the filter at all points. Oxygen is a necessity for proper fuel combustion and efficient engine performance. This will also increase your miles per gallon you receive and decrease the money spent out of pocket at the pump. Battery inspection and maintenance is vital to your vehicles operation. The battery supplies all the power to the electrical components and more importantly it supplies the electrical current to the starter motor to start the engine. You must keep the battery case clean, check the electrolyte levels and remove any corrosion that may have formed around the connections. All these maintenance tips should be done routinely to maximize your vehicle’s performance. Lastly, properly rotate your tires and inspect the wear on them regularly. It is suggested by AAA to have your alignment checked every 12,000 miles and your tires rotated every 6,000 miles. Regularly rotating and aligning your vehicles tires will ensure you receive the maximum lifetime usage of your tires. Improper inflation, too much or too little air in your tires will effect the tire wear and can lead to blowout or a flat tire.

Remember, by spending the money on routine maintenance now may very well prevent a much larger repair bill in the future. This will also ensure you will receive the maximum miles per gallon for your vehicle. Always consult your owner’s manual for proper maintenance guidelines and service suggestions.

Murphy Appointed to Serve on Board of Directors at St. Rose Academy In Douglasville

A Piece of History in Villa Rica, Georgia

Clayton County Plans to Develop Area Around Airport

Clayton County has announced plans for creating an "airport city" out of Jonesboro, Georgia, according to Gary Franklin of the 11 Alive website.  The proposal includes plans for restaurants, hotels, condos, shops, recreational amenities, and office space around the existing airport, which would make jobs, meeting space, and entertainment accessible without requiring vehicular traffic, says Clayton County Commission Chairman Eldrin Bell.  According to Franklin, $8 million has been requested in federal money for the project, and County Commissioner Wole Ralph says the airport development area is essential in order to remove the burden from taxpayers.   

February 2009 Newsletter

Seat Belt Maker Comes to West Georgia, Plans for Plant in West Point

A seat belt maker plant is coming to west Georgia, creating new job opportunities for local residents or anyone interested, according to the 11 Alive website.  The Kia Motors assembly plant in West Point, which is around the Georgia-Alabama line, will be supplied seat belt harnessess and other components from Lear Kyungshin.  Officials from industrial recruiter Valley Partnership predict that the new Kia Motors seat belt maker will result in the building of the west Georgia plant and create up to 50 new jobs.  According to the site, $3.5 million will be spent to buy and convert a former West Point Technology Park warehouse facility into the necessary seat belt plant.

Our law firm encourages following all traffic laws for safety on the roads, and we hope that the new seat belt plant will remind drivers and passengers to buckle up as soon as they step into their vehicles.  If you have any questions about vehicle and road safety and how it relates to legal matters, please feel free to call us at 770-833-1288, and we will answer your questions for free.

Prescription Discounts Offerred to Douglas County Residents Without Rx Insurance

Dunwoody Becomes Newest City in Georgia

An area of metro Atlanta has recently been named Georgia’s newest city, according to the 11 Alive website. The Dunwoody area of DeKalb County became an official Georgia city at midnight Monday, December 1, with its first city council meeting occurring shortly after the midnight ribbon cutting ceremony. According to the site, the opening of city hall was scheduled for 8:00 a.m. today. Although Dunwoody will continue using DeKalb County’s fire, 911, and water and sewer services, the new city hopes to form its own police department. Residents of the area voted for the change just four months ago.

We represent clients from the Dunwoody area who have been injured or lost loved ones in car accidents or work-related accidents. If you live in the city of Dunwoody or nearby and have questions for an experienced personal injury attorney, please feel free to call us at 770-577-3020. We will consult with you for free about your potential injury case.

Douglasville has explosive growth.

September 20, 2007 - Douglasville is known in the West Georgia area as a city that has experienced quite a growth spurt since 2000.  In America’s fastest-growing suburbs, Douglasville is ranked 64th on the list, fourth overall in Georgia.  Douglasville officials believe that quality housing is a benefit for the city’s newest residents and growth is a positive thing as long as the city is prepared.  Other counties in Georgia that are ranked on America’s fastest-growing suburbs are Woodstock and Newnan.  Woodstock is ranked 10th overall  and Newnan is 2nd overall in Georgia. The construction of new homes and neighborhoods will continue to grow for the Douglas County area.

New 2008 county budget.

December 19, 2007 - The Douglas County Board of Commissioners approved a 2008 county budget of $99.6 million. Douglas County’s proposed 2008 budget total is $99,618,521, and a 2.8 percent increase over last year’s budget.  Employees will receive a 2 percent cost-of-living increase and a 2.5 percent merit increase of $1,311.650.  Other allocations include $1,500,000 for park expansion, $1,750,000 for road improvements and safety projects and $885,493 for jail annex debt service. Jennifer Hallman, county finance director said the county is budgeting $400,000 for new sheriffs’ office vehicles, $95,000 for technology replacements and $379,500 for software and data center replacements.
Twenty-eight new county positions are expected to be created during the increase in county budget:  traffic operations, Superior Court clerk, solicitor, district attorney, State Court, public defender, State Court public defender, sheriff’s detention, fire/EMS, Boundary Waters Park, skateboard park and library.  Douglas County’s first attempt for the budget was $102 million, but there was a $3.6 million surplus with interest, governmental grants and revenue transfers.