HAVE AN AIR BAG IN YOUR CAR? (AHEM, YOU DO) READ NOW!!

Does your car have an airbag?  Stupid question, huh?  Well, if you answered affirmatively (ahem, most of you should have), yesterday can only be deemed astonishing.  The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (“NHTSA”) released a consumer advisory requesting that the public take ‘URGENT ACTION.”  It released an airbag recall list that covers millions of vehicles on the road today.

Takata Corporation has made its living allegedly keeping people safe in their cars.  However, now it has been discovered that air bags manufactured by Takata are defective and could contain SHRAPNEL when deploying!!!  The capitalized word in the prior sentence is usually heard after “bomb blasts” and/or “war injuries.”  Yet, auto manufacturers in the US and abroad have continued to use the Takata products in vehicles that you and your loved ones may travel in on a regular basis.

The airbag recall list is found below.  If you or a loved one have been injured as a result of an automobile or truck accident, the personal injury lawyers at The Parian Law Firm, LLC may be able to help.  Through strategic partnerships forged with the top trial lawyers in the nation, The Parian Law Firm, LLC has represented injured persons throughout the United States.  Contact us today for a no obligation consultation.

Proven. Personal. Parian.

R. Cade Parian

Toyota: 778,177 total number of potentially affected vehicles
2002 – 2004 Lexus SC
2003 – 2004 Toyota Corolla
2003 – 2004 Toyota Corolla Matrix
2002 – 2004 Toyota Sequoia
2003 – 2004 Toyota Tundra
2003 – 2004 Pontiac Vibe

Honda: 2,803,214 total number of potentially affected vehicles
2001 – 2007 Honda Accord (4 cyl)
2001 – 2002 Honda Accord (6 cyl)
2001 – 2005 Honda Civic
2002 – 2006 Honda CR-V
2003 – 2011 Honda Element
2002 – 2004 Honda Odyssey
2003 – 2007 Honda Pilot
2006 – Honda Ridgeline
2003 – 2006 Acura MDX
2002 – 2003 Acura TL/CL

Nissan: 437,712 total number of potentially affected vehicles
2001 – 2003 Nissan Maxima
2001 – 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
2002 – 2003 Nissan Sentra
2001 – 2003 Infiniti I30/I35
2002 – 2003 Infiniti QX4
2003 – Infiniti FX

Mazda: 18,050 total number of potentially affected vehicles
2003 – 2004 Mazda6
2004 – Mazda RX-8

BMW: 573,935 total number of potentially affected vehicles
2000 – 2005 3 Series Sedan
2000 – 2006 3 Series Coupe
2000 – 2005 3 Series Sports Wagon
2000 – 2006 3 Series Convertible
2001 – 2006 M3 Coupe
2001 – 2006 M3 Convertible

General Motors: 133,221 total number potentially affected vehicles
2002 – 2003 Buick LeSabre
2002 – 2003 Buick Rendezvous
2002 – 2003 Cadillac DeVille
2002 – 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer
2002 – 2003 Chevrolet Impala
2002 – 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
2002 – 2003 Chevrolet Venture
2002 – 2003 GMC Envoy
2002 – 2003 GMC Envoy XL
2002 – 2003 Oldsmobile Aurora
2002 – 2003 Oldsmobile Bravada
2002 – 2003 Oldsmobile Silhouette
2002 – 2003 Pontiac Bonneville
2002 – 2003 Pontiac Montana

Here’s to You, Donald Trump!!! – by Personal Injury Lawyer Cade Parian

I was surfing the Twitter-sphere a couple of days ago when I came across a quote fromAmazon.com founder Jeff Bezos.  It simply said, “If you never want to be criticized, for goodness’ sake don’t do anything new.”  Inspirational?  Maybe.  Poetic?  Not a bit.  Knock you out of your chair blunt?  ABSOLUTELY.  The quote from Mr. Bezos was posted on Twitter by none other than Donald Trump.  (Yes, I follow Mr. Trump on Twitter & have read every book he has written).

In many professions — the legal profession included — maintaining the status quo is recommended.  In my opinion, part of the reason for such is a lot of law firms and other businesses operate almost like fraternities and sororities in college.  There is the “earn your keep/pay your dues” mentality that almost entirely chokes the thoughts of many in the organization.  Why choke such voices?  I have learned more from non-high school graduates than I have from some of the most academically-acclaimed people in America.  (KEY POINT = LISTEN!!)

About eight months ago, I did something new.  I started a solo personal injury law firm (“small business” for short).  There was criticism.  “Where will you get your clients?  From hanging out in the emergency room?”  “Have you even looked at how bad the economy is?”  “I hope you know how to starve.”  Now, I am not on the same level with Bezos or Trump, but they both heard the same kinds of criticism.  On Bezos, “Wait, you are going to start a book store that you cannot visit?”  For Trump, “You are going to turn that old ugly brick building into an even more ugly building made out of glass?”

The rest is history for Bezos and Trump.  My goal is to encourage anyone reading this to go ahead and take that leap into something new.  I can tell you……..yes, it is scary!!  Yes, there will be critics.  However, in the end, you will be thankful and excited that you made the move.

The Parian Law Firm, LLC is a law firm specializing in personal injury and criminal defense litigation.  Our personal injury and criminal defense attorneys are licensed in Georgia and Alabama, but take cases all over the United States.  Please contact us at (770) 727-5550 or fill out a contact form at www.westgalawyer.com for a no-obligation assessment of your case.

Proven. Personal. Parian.

www.westgalawyer.com

personal injury lawyer carrollton ga

Parian Law Firm, LLC Awarded AVVO Client’s Choice Award

Online legal forum Avvo.com awarded Carrollton, GA based personal injury lawyer Cade Parian of The Parian Law Firm, LLC with its 2014 “Clients’ Choice Award” for his quality and excellence in personal injury accident cases.  Avvo.com presents this honor to attorneys throughout the U.S. based on client reviews. Avvo.com is the leading online legal forum.  Its focus is connecting potential clients with well-respected attorneys across the country. It was founded in 2007 in Seattle and contains listings and ratings for more than 90 percent of all licensed attorneys in several practice areas across the country.  Avvo.com focuses on giving clients the tools needed to handle their legal matters, including free legal advice, a free lawyer directory, and the opportunity to quickly receive answers to legal questions. Each year, Avvo.com analyzes clients’ reviews for their current or past attorneys and awards the highest-ranking lawyers with the “Clients’ Choice Award.”  The award serves to show each attorney the appreciation of their clients while giving credibility to attorneys to help them to attract new clients. Cade Parian’s Avvo profile features a five-star, 10.0 “Superb” rating. Cade Parian began his career defending insurance companies and other large corporations.  In March 2014, Parian founded The Parian Law Firm, LLC with offices in Atlanta, Georgia, Birmingham, Alabama, & his hometown of Carrollton, Georgia.  His sole focus is representing individuals in personal injury lawsuits and criminal defense.   Parian is praised by colleagues, clients, and community members for his dedication and hard work both in his practice and within the community.

Do You Need a Personal Injury Attorney in Georgia or Alabama?

Serious injury or disruption in life is not pleasant when caused bathe negligence, irresponsibility, or carelessness of others.  If you or a loved one has suffered such, call The Parian Law Firm, LLC today at (770) 727-5550.  Cade Parian has sued some of the largest corporations in America.  The strategic alliances that he has developed with some of the most powerful litigation attorneys throughout America enables him to represent individuals throughout America.  Contact us today and “Call Cade. Get Paid!” Proven. Personal. Parian.

Medical Billing Models & Law Firm Billing Models

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/09/21/us/drive-by-doctoring-surprise-medical-bills.html?_r=0

Elisabeth Rosenthal, a physician who writes for the New York Times, wrote a lengthy article on Sunday about ways that hospitals and physician practices are increasing their revenues.  The examples she points out in her article are absolutely amazing.  Well-known physicians and hospitals calling in extra bodies, without consent from the patient, offer their services — unbeknown to the patient that is sedated — during surgical procedures.  While doctors will no doubt go on the defensive saying that there are times when an additional hand is needed in the operating room to adequately care for a patient, there are certainly other times where that extra hand is brought in to increase the hospital’s and/or physician’s bottom line.  It is a despicable but true practice that is no doubt becoming more prevalent in the tighter healthcare economic climate.

Unfortunately, the same can be said for many law firms.  Have you ever looked at a bill from your lawyer?  Take a look next time you receive a bill from a lawyer that you are paying on an hourly basis.  If you are “lucky” enough to hire one of the big firms, you will no doubt see billable entries by a senior partner, junior partner, associate, paralegal, secretary, and sometimes the college kid that is a runner!  Some mid-sized and small firms charge for every sheet of paper your case uses or each and every $0.48 stamp that is used to send correspondence in your case.

Some large corporations and others have caught on to the billing practices of law firms.  Some law firms have adapted by developing alternative billing models.  Others have abandoned the billable hour and now charge on a task-based model.  Sadly, the vast majority of law firms out there still thrive on sending the detailed bill.

Pay attention to your medical and legal bills.  Challenge the hospitals, physicians, and lawyers to tell you why they charge the way they charge.  As evidenced by Dr. Rosenthal’s article, it is time for both the medical and legal profession to take pause and adjust to the economy like so many others have done.

The Parian Law Firm, LLC gets no money unless and until we win your case.  The personal injury attorneys at The Parian Law Firm, LLC are experienced and can help you or someone you know who has been injured in an accident.  The Parian Law Firm, LLC – and the law firms throughout the country that The Parian Law Firm, LLC has strategic partnerships with – have a track record of recovering millions of dollars in cases involving others’ negligence.  Our personal injury attorneys are licensed in Georgia and Alabama, but take cases all over the United States.  Please contact us at (770) 727-5550 or fill out a contact form at www.westgalawyer.com for a no-obligation assessment of your potential personal injury claim.

Proven. Personal. Parian.

What to Do When in a Car Wreck – Part 3 of 3

Well, here is the grand finale in our three part series about the second most common question asked of many lawyers.  What are you supposed to do when you’ve been involved in a motor vehicle accident?  We have been through the moments immediately after a wreck in Part 1 to documentation and not admitting fault in Part 2.  Now, we move on to things to consider away from the scene of the car accident.

(7)  GO TO THE DOCTOR. – Your adrenaline is flowing.  Just like a race car driver after wrecking, you may be able to move or in some cases run from the car.  However, never underestimate a car or truck accident.  No matter how slight the impact, you or others in the car may have suffered an injury.  Therefore, it is recommended that you see a doctor soon after a car accident.  It is always better to be safe than sorry!

(8) NOTIFY YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY – By now, you know where your car insurance card is hopefully.  Go ahead and make the phone call to them letting them know about the accident.  Keep in mind that the person on the other end of the line works for an insurance company.  While they do (most times) have your best interests in mind, that person on the other end of the line is also trying to improve the large corporate behemoth’s bottom line.

(9) FOLLOW THRU WITH YOUR DOCTOR’S ORDERS – You would not believe the calls that come in from people that have been injured in an accident and simply QUIT going to the doctor.  More times than not, they simply had no health insurance or other funds to pay the medical providers.  Regardless of such, you need to continue medical care if you have been injured.  Get in touch with a personal injury lawyer.  He or she can help you get the care you need.

While not all inclusive of every accident, this 3 part series gives you a place to start when you have an accident.   The personal injury attorneys at The Parian Law Firm, LLC are experienced with car wreck and truck accident claims and can help you or someone you know who has been injured in such an accident.  The Parian Law Firm, LLC – and the law firms throughout the country that The Parian Law Firm, LLC has strategic partnerships with – have a track record of recovering millions of dollars in car wreck and truck accident cases.  Our personal injury attorneys are licensed in Georgia and Alabama, but take cases all over the United States.  Please contact us at (770) 727-5550 or fill out a contact form at www.westgalawyer.com for a no-obligation assessment of your potential car wreck or truck accident claim.

Proven. Personal. Parian.

What to Do When In a Car Wreck – Part 2 of 3

This is the second installment of a three part series addressing the second most common question asked lawyers by friends, family, and acquaintances.  What are you supposed to do when you’ve been involved in a motor vehicle accident?  In the first installment (Part 1), we discussed the initial moments following the accident and how you must (1) contact the police, if able; (2) don’t move your car until the police tell you to move your car; and (3) start writing down names of witnesses.  So what comes next?

(4)  INSURANCE, INSURANCE, INSURANCE!! – 9.5 times out of 10, car wrecks and truck accidents involve more than one vehicle.  Therefore, the next step following the accident is to get the names of all of the other drivers involved.  Ask to see their insurance card.  Don’t be alarmed if the insurance card is in someone else’s name.  If your cell phone is not shattered, take a picture of the front side and back side of the insurance card.  If your cell phone is nowhere to be seen, find pen/pencil/stick and a paper-like material.  Write down the insurance company’s name, policy holder’s name, and policy number.  Should the other driver tell you they do not have car insurance, kick them in the shin.  You have my permission.

(5)  PICTURES, PICTURES, PICTURES!! – As you can tell from yesterday’s post, I hope you can find your cell phone!!  However, if you cannot, ask to borrow a witness’s cell phone and start snapping photos of the accident scene.  Should the wreck leave you in a position where you are unable to take pictures, ask one of the witnesses helping you to take pictures.  Pictures are very important when dealing with an insurance company.  Adjusters almost always have amnesia about the facts of an accident until they are shown a picture.  These pictures do not have to Olan Mills quality.  They just need to paint a picture of the accident scene.

(6)  NEVER ADMIT FAULT!! – So, okay, you were all caught up in singing the latest Nickelback song.  Yeah, you hit the car in front of you.  However, something just doesn’t seem right to you.  The person in the other car gets out of his car, walks two steps, falls to the ground and starts screaming that you hit him.  Whatever your inner “angel” tells you, DO NOT ADMIT IT WAS YOUR FAULT!  Take a deep breath.  Police officers will be there soon enough.  They are trained in investigating wrecks of all kinds.  Let them do the investigating.  You just be truthful when asked questions.

The final piece of this puzzle on “what to do when I have been involved in a motor vehicle accident?” comes tomorrow.  The personal injury attorneys at The Parian Law Firm, LLC are experienced with car wreck and truck accident claims and can help you or someone you know who has been injured in such an accident.  The Parian Law Firm, LLC – and the law firms throughout the country that The Parian Law Firm, LLC has strategic partnerships with – have a track record of recovering millions of dollars in car wreck and truck accident cases.  Our personal injury attorneys are licensed in Georgia and Alabama, but take cases all over the United States.  Please contact us at (770) 727-5550 or fill out a contact form atwww.westgalawyer.com for a no-obligation assessment of your potential car wreck or truck accident claim.

Proven. Personal. Parian.

What to Do When In a Car Wreck? – Part 1 of 3

There are some common questions that lawyers hear from friends, family, and acquaintances.  First by a long shot is “what do I do if I get pulled over and I’ve been drinking?”  Easy — Obey the officer and pass the tests!!  The second most common question is “what do I do when I have been involved in a motor vehicle accident?”

Recognizing that all wrecks are different, it is difficult to say what is to be done.  However, I wanted to give some basic ideas about what to do in the event you find yourself in one of these unfortunate situations.  As stated before, there are many ways to deal with a car wreck.  I am just giving you what I recommend to people when they ask the second most common question to lawyers.

(1)  CONTACT THE POLICE, IF ABLE – More times than not, car wrecks occur in areas of population.  Therefore, it is assumed that someone else has called 911 to report the wreck.  DON’T ASSUME!  If you are not too injured to contact 911 — and if you can find your cell phone — please do so.  Official records such as accident reports are crucial in dealings with insurance companies.  You want the local emergency authorities to prepare such.

(2)  DON’T MOVE YOUR CAR UNTIL THE POLICE TELL YOU TO MOVE YOUR CAR – If your car is operable, it is often human instinct to get out of the way of others.  Moving your vehicle could result in an inaccurate official report.  It is best to leave the vehicles where they lie.  So what if you are blocking a two-lane road and your car can be moved?  Take out your cell phone and take pictures of the vehicles; say thank you to those sitting there waiting on you to take those pictures; and move your car.

(3)  START WRITING DOWN NAMES OF WITNESSES – Virtually every wreck has them just like every tornado has that one guy that hears the “freight train” coming and gets on the local news to tell all about it.  No matter how minor the car wreck, write down the name, address, and cell phone number of every single witness of the wreck.  You never know when that minor fender-bender could turn into something much more pressing.

Tomorrow comes Part 2 of this discussion into “what do I do when I have been involved in a motor vehicle accident?”   The personal injury attorneys at The Parian Law Firm, LLC are experienced with car wreck and truck accident claims and can help you or someone you know who has been injured in such an accident.  The Parian Law Firm, LLC — and the law firms throughout the country that The Parian Law Firm, LLC has strategic partnerships with — have a track record of recovering millions of dollars in car wreck and truck accident cases.  Our personal injury attorneys are licensed in Georgia and Alabama, but take cases all over the United States.  Please contact us at (770) 727-5550 or fill out a contact form at www.westgalawyer.com for a no-obligation assessment of your potential car wreck or truck accident claim.

Proven. Personal. Parian.

Alarming Medical Malpractice News

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/despite-multiple-malpractice-payouts-doctors-often-keep-practicing/

CBS News recently wrote an article pointing out the rather lax policing of doctors.  There are situations all across America where physicians are still practicing medicine despite having been part of multiple medical malpractice claims.  This is a scary realization that has been exposed.

This piece illuminates the importance about seeking the best possible medical care.  There are lots of resources that you can use on the internet to determine whether your healthcare provider has been subject to any potential malpractice claims.  In Georgia, look to the Georgia Composite Medical Board website at medicalboard.georgia.gov and in Alabama look to the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners & Medical Licensure Commission website at www.albme.org.  Last but not least, use your favorite search engine (i.e. Google,Yahoo, Bing) and simply put your doctor’s name in the search box.  These steps should give you some assurance that your doctor is one of the best around.

The personal injury attorneys at The Parian Law Firm, LLC are experienced with medical malpractice claims and can help you or someone you know who has been injured by the negligence of a healthcare provider.  The Parian Law Firm, LLC and the law firms throughout the country that The Parian Law Firm, LLC has strategic partnerships with have a track record of recovering millions of dollars due to medical malpractice claims.  Our personal injury attorneys are licensed in Georgia and Alabama, but take cases all over the United States.  Please contact us at (770) 727-5550 or fill out a contact form at www.westgalawyer.com for a no-obligation assessment of your potential medical malpractice claim.

Proven.  Personal.  Parian.

New Cancer Risks Associated with Baby Powder

I spent this past week in Chicago, Illinois meeting with and learning from some of the best personal injury litigators in America.  Many friendships were made, and multiple strategic alliances were formed with other lawyers all over America.  I am happy to report that The Parian Law Firm, LLC (www.westgalawyer.com) is committed to ensuring that its clients have the best attorney team possible to get the results they deserve.

While surfing the internet during my downtime in Chicago, I read an article that I believe hammers home why you, the individual, deserves justice. About 2 years ago, Johnson & Johnson announced that it was removing some allegedly toxic ingredients from its baby and infant products.  It even went so far as to put a positive advertising spin on the removal of those ingredients by stating that the ingredients were removed for their “customers’ peace of mind.”  Who are those ads targeting?  Yep.  The mothers of those children using Johnson & Johnson baby and infant products.

However, what Johnson & Johnson is not telling you is how they are not looking out for the welfare of the mothers of those children.  The National Cancer Institute (www.cancer.org) announced that there is evidence that exposure of the female genitalia to talcum powder increases a female’s risk of developing ovarian cancer.  Yet, Johnson & Johnson continues to produce baby powder products and other shower products routinely used by women containing talcum powder.  You will find NO WARNING LABEL WHATSOEVER on the product about the risks.

There are several lawsuits pending on behalf of women who used Johnson & Johnson baby powder products.  Hopefully, these lawsuits will get the attention of the corporate behemoth to remove the cancer-causing ingredient, or at a minimum, place a simple warning on the product.  We, at The Parian Law Firm, LLC, stand ready to fight for the justice you deserve if you believe that talcum powder is a potential cause of your or loved one’s ovarian cancer.  Call us today at (770) 727-5550 or visit our website atwww.westgalawyer.com/contact-us/ to fill out a contact sheet.

Proven.  Personal.  Parian.

Thanks for Representing Me, But........Ya Fired

Ever hear anyone say this about their attorney?  “I can’t get the guy/girl to call me back!”  “The only person that I am able to talk to is the paralegal!”  “My attorney is pressuring me into settling my claim.”  “My attorney’s associate always says he has to ask my attorney!” 

I admit to hearing the above complaints.  I can even say that I was directly involved in causing such an answer!  However, you should never feel you are not your attorneys’ top priority.  After all, you hired your attorney to speak on and represent your interests.  In the personal injury context, trust should be the top priority.  After all, you want your attorney to FIGHT for every penny you are rightfully entitled to.

So what do you do when you lose faith in your present counsel?  Luckily, you are not stuck.  Take a look at the contract you executed with the attorney.  It probably lays out the procedure for ending the relationship.  You will most likely be “on the hook” to compensate the attorney for the fair and reasonable value of the time he or she spent on the case.  Such cost must be evaluated prior to ending the relationship.  Depending on the amount of such, it may cause issues with retaining another attorney. 

If you do decide to terminate your lawyer, do so in writing.  The letter should set forth and document any conduct or reasons supporting your decision.  It should also give instruction as to where he or she needs to send your file.

Bear in mind that if you do fire your attorney, you MUST be extremely picky with which firm you retain next.  You want to hire the attorney with the highest level of competence dealing with the issues involved in your case.  Keep in mind that some states do not require the attorney to turn over his "work product" or mental impressions or theories of the case. Do not threaten your lawyer with legal action or a reporting to the bar association. This will only strengthen his resolve to intervene into your case and recover the entirety of his fee.

Treat the unpleasant task for firing your lawyer professionally.  Hopefully, the lawyer will respond likewise.  After all, good lawyers value their reputations.  The best lawyers want only what is in their client’s best interests.  If their client hiring another lawyer better serves that client, then such lawyer should be happy to relinquish the case for the good of the client.

Proven. Personal. Parian.

$3.35 Million Verdict in State Court of Fulton County

The Parian Law Firm, LLC would like to extend congratulations to attorney Joel Williams of Joel Williams Law, LLC and his clients on a $3.35 million dollar jury verdict returned in the State Court of Fulton County.  Joel is one Cade Parian’s law school classmates and a fellow Georgia trial lawyer that The Parian Law Firm, LLC works with on a regular basis.

The basis for the case was a car wreck that occurred in February, 2011, when the Defendant driver crossed the center line and ran the Plaintiff off the road causing him to lose control of his vehicle.  The Plaintiff suffered severe shoulder injuries and a mild herniation in his lumbar spine.  He also incurred almost $420K in medical expenses.  The Defendant (and his insurance company) denied liability and damages.

Following a 3 day jury trial, the jury returned a verdict in favor of the Plaintiff for $3.35 million, plus $75K to the Plaintiff’s wife for loss of companionship.  This is a wonderful result for a wonderful client and all-around good lawyer.  Justice was done today my friends.

Proven. Personal. Parian.

www.westgalawyer.com

Here's to Mrs. Hay! The Testimony of a B Student.

I am going off the legal radar with this post.  I think many legal blogs focus on talking about successes of the law firm and educating potential clients about possible legal solutions.  As I said when I began this blog, this blog will not ONLY be about the legal side of things.  With the start of school, I think that most students are less than happy.  However, I hope you share this post with a student that you care about.  Hopefully, it will teach them to look for the small things.

The Fall of 1994.  The first day of school for Carrollton High School.  I was dressed in my newest Abercrombie & Fitch duds.  Notably, I was rocking a braided leather belt that was a prerequisite to coolness during those times.  I just left first period U.S. History and was on my way to American Literature. 

The teacher was Mrs. Hay.  She was a “veteran” having taught both of my parents in high school.  I sat down in my usual classroom location, which was all the way in the back left corner.  Halfway through that first day of American Literature it was apparent that Mrs. Hay and I would not have a rosy relationship.  For the entire first semester of that year, I spent many second periods out in the hallway doing my work or in the assistant principal’s office explaining the craziness-level of that woman.  Of course, I always ended up on the right side of things due to my superior B.S. skills.

A model student…..I was not.  However, looking back on teachers such as Mrs. Hay, I cannot help but be appreciative to them.  You see, Mrs. Hay hated to be questioned.  Naturally, every time she did something that I thought was ineffective, I would question why in the world we had to perform such a task.  I wanted a reason.  She did not want to give such a reason.  Rather, she would just explode and send me out of the classroom.

I had other teachers during high school that had a profound effect on my life.  To Coach Chad Lyons, I still want to trip you in the hallway if I ever see you again, but thank you for teaching me that I did not always have the right answer.  To Coach Bill Garrett, thanks for letting me teach you Algebra II.  To Mrs. Faye Williams, thank you for requiring me to get a parental signature on every sheet of paper that was graded.  This taught me to take responsibility for my own actions.  To Mrs. Jackie Gingrich, thank you for proving to me that trading geometry exams with a fellow classmate (ahem, who is also now an attorney) does not always mean a better grade.  Lastly, thank you to Mrs. Frances Norton for lighting a fire under my butt in 12^th grade.  I still recall you telling me how much potential that I had. 

These are all true stories.  If proof is required, that assistant principal that I spoke of in the third paragraph…….he is my step-father.  He will be more than happy to substantiate these stories and MANY more throughout my esteemed tenure.  Keep your heads high students.  It is a great adventure for which you will not see the benefits for many years to come.

PS To those teachers that I did not mention……I probably couldn’t tell the story PG rated (ahem Senor Burson).

Safety Isn't ONLY for Dummies.......It's For Us

I grew up the oldest of three boys.  That generally meant that I was the one that inflicted pain upon my younger siblings.  Of course, the older they got, they discovered ways to inflict pain on their older brother.  It usually involved kicking where the sun doesn’t shine or asking the same question over and over.  All of us with younger siblings thought at one time or another that little people were put on this Earth to do one thing………..DRIVE US COMPLETELY MAD!

Fast forward many years.  My brothers and I have now started having children of our own.  My first-born, Beckham, is now an 8 year old mirror image of me (God Bless Him).  His uncles and I do what comes naturally with little boys.  We pick on him incessantly.  He is just now discovering escape tactics, many of which were taught by his YouTube obsession with WWE videos.

However, almost 3 years ago to this date, something profoundly bizarre happened in the Parian family.  A little girl was born.  GASP!!  A little over a year after my daughter, Quinn, was born another female Parian graced up with her presence via my little brother and his wife.  We call that little girl creature, Hollis.  All of a sudden estrogen and heartfelt feelings are rampant in our house.

I sat there watching all of these kids last night at our annual “Back to School Dinner.”  You heard over and over, “Quinn, don’t do that.  Hollis get out of there.  Beckham, I am going to slap a knot on your head if…..”  It occurred to me that a parent’s greatest goal for their children is to keep them safe from harm.  Unfortunately, I have seen and been involved in traumas throughout my life where a child’s safety was impeded upon.  Some of those times the child was okay while other times the consequences were tragic. 

As a personal injury lawyer, my main goal is to keep people safe.  While it is usually too late by the time a client calls, I view my role as that of an enabler letting the whole world know that what occurred was wrong and we will hopefully prevent it from happening again.  The massive GM recall you hear about?  Yep, that was started by one family’s goal to keep people safe from the dangers that took their daughter’s life.  Contact The Parian Law Firm, LLC should you suffer injury as a result of someone else’s lack of safety.  I promise to get the word out, and do everything in my power to prevent it from happening again.  

The Best..........On Your Own Terms

“Hey Dad, do you know where we are going?” says my 8 year old know-it-all son.  “Of course, Beckham.  I looked it up on Google Maps, and I have it burnt into my memory,” I reply.  I look to my co-pilot in the seat beside me (ahem, my wife) who is rolling her eyes.  I murmur to her…….”I have absolutely no clue where in the h*** we are.”  The tenor of that trip changed at that moment.  A car load of wife and pissed-off kids is nowhere for a man to be.

I was actually proud of myself that day.  I admitted I was lost.  There is no doubt that I need a lot of babysitters in my life.  A LOT OF PEOPLE WILL AGREE WITH THE PRIOR SENTENCE.  My secretary directs me where to go, when to be there, how to dress, and when I get out of hand.  My wife tells me when my fly is open, when I left my socks in the wrong spot, and when I am doing anything wrong.  Then there are the people that help me keep my busy life balanced.  I have more than 5 people all over the United States that make sure my law firm ship is sailing where it should.  I could not serve my clients without all of the people in this paragraph.

I turn down potential clients and cases every day.  Need a complex will drafted?  I am not your guy.  Interested in offering a stock sale to the public?  I am definitely not your guy.  I talk.  That is what I do.  My practice is based around litigation and practicing the art of trial advocacy.  I welcome any battle especially those against insurance companies and large corporate interests!!!!  I also welcome criminal defendants and small business owners that need a voice in the legal system. 

So where is the life lesson?  I have learned that being good at one thing and focusing on being the best at that one thing is the key to sustainability in life.  In legal practice, I want to be great at trial advocacy.  At home, I want to be a great father and husband.  On the golf course, I want to be Tiger Woods.  In life, I want to do the best that I can do at all things.  Who judges such?  Not the people around you.  It is you that is the sole judge of whether you are doing the best.  Listen to those babysitters in your life, but execute the plan on your own terms.

Proven.  Personal.  Parian.

www.westgalawyer.com

The Importance of Mentoring

Little League Coaching - It is not about the wins/losses. It is about spending an hour or two each day with those young men and women and being a positive influence in their lives. Some of those kids are fortunate enough to come from good homes, while others are simply fending for themselves. All we as coaches can do is love them as if they are our own. Yesterday, I lost one of my players in the plane crash in Carrollton, Georgia. A tough-nosed kid with a big heart and one of the biggest joys to coach. Keep that chinstrap tight and that tinted visor clean, Jeffrey. Get some sacks up in heaven.

The Winning Goal!!!

There has been an electric atmosphere surrounding USA soccer (or as I like to say for fun “Futbol de Estados Unidos).  For the first time in my life, I actually looked forward to watching a soccer match.  It was special to watch eleven men fight and claw for one thing…….victory for their nation. 

Parallels can be drawn in many life situations.  Whether one has been accused of a crime, injured at work, or seriously neglected in a medical care facility, the human response is to right that wrong.  Clients have told me how they deal with these situations, and it is clear that everyone handles them differently.  I had one client tell me he handles these situations with a baseball bat (not recommended).  I had another client recently tell me that if he has to endure legal action, he will just end his life because his being is not worth the fight.  However, there is someone that stands on ready to fight for victory over your situation.

The Parian Law Firm, LLC specializes in taking care of individuals.  Upon making the initial phone call, you understand what it means to “Call Cade.  Get Paid.”  We are not a traditional law firm and I am not a traditional lawyer.  I am a friend and trusted confidant that will gladly incur the glancing blows, fake injuries, and bad refereeing to get to the prize………meaning THE WINNING GOAL.

Honk The Horn, Dangit!!! Oh……He is Asleep

Long before in-car DVD players, I-Pod’s, I-Pad’s, and PSP’s, there were tractor-trailer trucks.  Children of all ages passed time on long road trips by making a fist and pulling it down above their heads.  The Goal?  Get that tractor-trailer truck driver to blast his horn as a salute to your request.  

Let’s face it, tractor-trailer trucks are fascinating machines of commerce.  Much the same as huge cargo ships in the Port of Savannah and the miles-long Norfolk Southern trains, tractor-trailer trucks move American commerce from Point A to Point B.  The men and women that operate them are hard-working people that want to do the best job possible for their companies. 

However, of late, accidents involving these machines have been highly-publicized.  As one entertainment columnist wrote, “who knew a truck crash would instantly put Tracy Morgan into the entertainment spotlight.”  Tractor-trailer operators are sometimes put to unattainable task by those for whom they are pulling loads.  The pressure is simple………in most instances, the operator doesn’t get paid unless he or she delivers.

Hence, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration lays out rules and regulations whose purpose is to protect all persons on the road, including the truck drivers.  The rules pertaining to how long a truck driver can be on the road are being talked about a lot on the news channels; therefore, I thought it would be of interest to outline those rules for the general public.  (Hey, you never know when this will be a Jeopardy or Trivial Pursuit question!!!)

The federal government mandates pertaining to hours of operation for product-carrying truckers (i.e. not those carrying passengers commercially) are as follows:

-               -----  A trucker may drive 11 consecutive hours (only after 10 hours off duty);

-               -----  A trucker may not drive past the 14^th hour being on-duty (only after 10 hours off duty);

-               -----  A trucker may drive only if 8 hours or less have passed since end of driver’s last off-duty or sleeper               berth period of at least 30 minutes;

-               -----  60/70-Hour Limit – A trucker may not drive after 60/70 hours on duty in 7/8 consecutive days. A                driver may restart a 7/8 consecutive day period after taking 34 or more consecutive hours off duty.                Must include two periods from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. home terminal time, and may only be used once per              week, or 168 hours, measured from the beginning of the previous restart;

-              -----  Sleeper Berth Provision - Drivers using the sleeper berth provision must take at least 8 consecutive                 hours in the sleeper berth, plus a separate 2 consecutive hours either in the sleeper berth, off duty, or             any combination of the two.

As you can see, the government puts restrictions on how many hours a trucker can operate.  Nevertheless, these regulations are not followed by a small few in the industry.  Those decisions usually end with tragic consequences.  If you or a loved one is injured by a commercial vehicle, contact The Parian Law Firm, LLC to investigate the accident and get the recovery you deserve.

“Mom, Why is Dad Break Dancing?”

Yesterday, social media was chockfull of tributes to fathers, grandfathers, step-fathers, maybe-fathers, and fathers-to-be.  Durex, the British manufacturer of “prophylactic sheaths,” had a commercial out yesterday that said “To all of you out there that used our competitors’ products…Happy Father’s Day.”  Let’s face it, Father’s Day is less intense than Mother’s Day.  There are no FTD commercials, because most dads aren’t into receiving roses (at least I hope not).  Children and spouses express their love through meats on a stick, golf clubs, corn hole matches, and trips to the local waterpark.  As a display of affection and appreciation to me, my wife (ahem, and kids) bought me some Smores-flavored cotton candy………

Yesterday marked my eighth Father’s Day as a father.  I spent much of the day piloting a GMC Yukon full of people from Charlotte, NC.   The night before we attended the wedding of a lifelong friend; therefore, my brain synapses were only intermittently connecting throughout the ride.  However, I did have some time to reflect on being a father and what exactly it means.   

Fathers are protectors of the household.  Now, I’ll admit when I hear a knock in the night, I ask my wife to go check it out, but the overarching presumption is that big-bad-Dad will be the one scaring the robber off in his whitey-tighties.  When something goes wrong with a child, fathers desperately want the child to say, “I’m going to tell my dad.”  We want to protect the child AND ourselves.  A hurt and whiny child is much easier to deal with when he or she is not coupled with an angry mom/wife!!   

You hear people say all of the time that so and so was a father figure in my life.  You may hear them called a nurturer.  What I say is that a father and/or father-figure is an enabler.  Outside of jumping out of an airplane, being a snake-charmer, or rock climbing anything over five-feet tall, I will try anything that my children have an interest in doing.  (Yes, I know people….I left out the running a marathon part).  I want to enable them to be curious about all things.  Payback may come in about 14 years when my daughter shows an interest in French fashion or something.

Lastly, despite all of our faults and foibles, we are simply entertaining and frustrating figures.  You do not have to dig deep into most fathers to discover they are still that same 12 year old kid.  Guys remark all the time that we can go ten years without seeing one another and still catch back up like we are sitting on the fraternity house front porch.  Just before my first child was born, I struggled with the whole growing up thing.  Then, I came to the conclusion that I will likely never grow up.  Now I have an eight-year-old son that is completely normal (I think).  When he goes to the convenience store to pick up some Nerds candy, I ask that he pick me up some of the same.  My wife, and most mothers out there will admit, that fathers are just as frustrating as the kids they produce!!  Keep it up, men!!

All of us have or had a father or father-figure in our life.  Be thankful for the time you got to spend with that hero.  Give your mother the recognition that she deserves, but don’t forget that dear old dad is only slightly more mature than you.  I am surrounded by friends that are great fathers.  We will never win the James Dobson award for parenting, but we try our hardest to be the protector, the enabler, and the entertaining and frustrating men that we are.  Happy Father’s Day to you all, and especially to my dad, Randall………The Godfather of Leisure.    

Trial Lawyer?.........Isn’t That What Matlock Did For a Living?

Prospective clients have many questions for me when we first meet.  One of the more common questions I get asked is why I call myself a trial lawyer.  Many people think “Don’t all lawyers go to trial?” or “Doesn't trial lawyer really mean ambulance chaser?”  My favorite statement came from a college fraternity brother (after a couple of drinks) who proclaimed he could be a trial lawyer, because he watches a lot of Judge Judy and has all twelve seasons of The People’s Court on Blu-Ray.  I don’t doubt that many people would perform excellent in trial with proper training, but I want to share a little about why I call myself a trial lawyer.

For most of my career, I represented corporate interests.  I was involved in some high-profile lawsuits between competing companies.  In those cases, I fought to right a wrong that was committed by the other corporation.  That made me feel as if I had contributed to the greater good.  However, during that same time, I represented corporations against individuals that were injured or terminated at the hands of the corporate machine.  Fighting against the common person on behalf of big business left me with a less than settled feeling.  Put plainly, I felt like just another cog in the corporate wheel.

A mentor of mine, Bob Meadows from Opelika, Alabama, told me early on in my career to love the people that I represent, because you are hired to speak for them in a legal system for which they have no voice.  That thought confused me for many years, because, frankly, I am a hard guy to get to shut up.  However, one day while driving to Atlanta, it dawned on me what meaning I placed on lawyer Meadows’ statement. 

I decided at that moment that I would dedicate my practice to representing people that need help in righting a wrong they have suffered.  I would dedicate my practice to being the conduit that tells the legal system and anyone else that wants to listen a story that needs to be told.  Instead of being just another big firm lawyer, I would practice law and provide my voice in a way that makes a difference in a person’s life.  As one of the old warhorse lawyers Jake Moore of Columbia, South Carolina told me over a beer one evening at Turner Field, people come to trial lawyers because they have the privilege and power to sue others and take them to trial before a court of law to right a wrong.

The Parian Law Firm, LLC is dedicated to representing those that have suffered injuries through no fault of their own.  Those injuries could be related to an auto accident, medical malpractice, nursing home abuse, or a slip and fall.  Also, injuries are caused by being accused of a crime you did not commit or being asked to pay for a debt that you do not owe.  These are only some of the areas where I represent people that need help in righting a wrong.  At a recent social gathering, the CEO of a publicly-traded company came up to me and told me that he applauds me and my firm for the work we are doing, because as he put it, “what you do is good and makes a difference in people’s lives.”  I can think of no better definition of why I call myself a trial lawyer.

Liability Insurance, Uninsured Motorist Insurance, Underinsured Motorist Insurance……..Wait, What?

R. Cade Parian

THE PARIAN LAW FIRM, LLC

1606 Maple Street

Carrollton, Georgia 30117

(770) 727-5550 – telephone

callcade@westgalawyer.com

www.westgalawyer.com

We’ve all heard and seen the slogans, jingles, and mascots.  Like a good neighbor….  You’re in good hands with….  A particular company is always on your side (with Dale Earnhardt, Jr.).  And let’s not forget the duck, the gecko, the cavemen, and the ultra-annoying Flo.

By now, you’ve all guessed where I’m going with the subject of this article.  Insurance companies are as common a part of our society as fast-food chains, pharmacies, and, you guessed it, lawyers.  In Georgia alone, there are hundreds if not thousands of companies ready to assist you with your insurance needs.  However, many people purchase insurance like they purchase a cheeseburger, i.e. without much thought.  It usually happens as follows:  (1) They contact an insurance agent; (2) The insurance agent provides them a quote along with a direct debit authorization; and (3) the insurance policy is issued.  However, you should think long and hard about what type of insurance coverage you need to protect your family.  Let’s run through what insurance you may need if you are involved in a car accident.

1.       The Accident & The Injuries

It is a beautiful spring day.  Your car windows are open and you are jamming out to your favorite 1980’s rock-n-roll ballad.  Steve Perry, former lead singer of Journey, hits the epic high note in the song “Don’t Stop Believing,” which you attempt to match note-for-note, key-for-key while driving.  In that moment of glory, while envisioning a sold-out Georgia Dome witnessing your moment, you don’t notice the vehicle running the stop sign in front of you.  BAMM!!!  SCREECH!!!  HISS!!!  You hit the other car smack dab in the middle of the driver’s side door.

Once the cobwebs are out of your brain, you notice the other driver climbing out of the window of his car.  You try to do the same, but your left shoulder is not cooperating, in fact it is screaming at you in pain.  The police arrive and it is determined that the accident was the other driver's fault.  Meanwhile, you are transported to the hospital where you are told that you will be receiving months of treatment that includes shoulder reconstructive surgery.  The cost of your medical treatment is $125,000.00.

2.       Liability Insurance

Most people are very familiar with the term “liability.” This is the insurance that covers you if, well, SOMETHING IS YOUR FAULT.  You are required by Georgia state law to have a minimum of $25,000.00 per person/$50,000.00 per accident in liability coverage on your vehicle in order to operate it on public streets. 

Let’s say the at-fault driver above you purchased a minimum coverage liability insurance policy in the amount of $25,000.00.  You only have covered twenty percent of your medical costs.  What are you to do about the other $100,000.00 in medical costs incurred?  That is not a situation that you want to be presented with.  

3.       Uninsured Motorist Insurance

Many people think this only applies in situations where an at-fault motorist is uninsured.  However, in many instances, this insurance should be termed underinsured coverage.  In the accident above, you still potentially owe $100,000.00 to medical facilities for care of the injuries you sustained in the crash.  Staying with the above hypothetical, say that your insurance agent (being a good one), sold you on obtaining uninsured motorist insurance coverage in the amount of $100,000.00.  All it cost you was around $140 per year.  Now, is the time to do a dance, high-five your insurance agent, or run naked down the street (not recommended).  You have enough insurance coverage to cover your medical care costs.  The at-fault driver's liability insurance coverage amount of $25,000.00 with your $100,000.00 uninsured motorist policy, when stacked (there will be another article on “stacking” and “non-stacking”), give you $125,000.00 in insurance coverage.

4.       Final Thoughts

You are lucky in the above hypothetical was lucky that his agent pushed him on uninsured motorist insurance.  If you had simply requested “the cheapest minimal insurance,” you would have likely been left with mounds of medical costs debt.  Be honest with your insurance agent, and tell him or her that you want to purchase the most insurance coverage that your budget will allow.  Accidents are just that!  Accidents.  You don’t plan for them, but in the event one happens, you can plan to be covered financially.    

If you or a loved one are involved in a car accident, contact the attorneys at The Parian Law Firm, LLC today.  You deserve to receive the maximum amount possible.  "Call Cade.  Get Paid."