Bloodworth, Crowley & Leverett

Why early settlement offers in personal injury cases fall short

2026-07-22T17:48:10Z

Insurance adjusters often contact injured people within days of a severe accident to offer a cash settlement. While a fast check seems tempting as medical bills pile up, these early offers rarely cover the full scope of damages. Accepting a quick payout may leave injured people without the funds necessary for a long-term recovery.

The true cost of a severe accident

Severe injuries from car crashes or premises liability claims create financial burdens that last for years. A quick settlement might cover the emergency room visit and a few weeks of lost wages, but it does not pay for the ongoing care required for major trauma. Victims often face months of physical therapy, future surgeries or permanent changes to their earning power. Because insurance adjusters factor these timelines into their reviews, an injured person who closes a claim too early must pay these future costs out of pocket.

Methods used to limit financial payouts

Insurance carriers operate as businesses that manage their financial risks by closing claims before the full extent of injuries is known. Adjusters may rely on the following methods to reach early agreements:

Encouraging fast decisions: Adjusters may state the offer will expire or that a long dispute will leave the victim with nothing.
Requesting recorded statements: Representatives may ask questions to find errors and reduce the value of the claim.
Disputing future medical needs: Carriers may argue that future treatments are not needed or unrelated to the first event.

These methods aim to secure a signed release of liability before the victim reaches maximum medical improvement.

Calculating long-term financial impact

Determining a proper claim value generally involves waiting until a doctor assesses how an injury will affect the victim's future. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that non-fatal crash injuries cost Americans tens of billions of dollars each year in medical care and lost work. A full calculation must include past medical bills, planned future treatments, lost income and the loss of future earning power. Settling before these numbers are clear creates a major financial risk for the family.

The finality of signing a release form

Once an injured person signs a settlement agreement and accepts a check, the agreement generally prevents them from seeking additional compensation. If a doctor later recommends an unexpected surgery, the insurance company holds no legal duty to provide more funds. This same finality applies if a victim cannot return to their past line of work. Securing a fair recovery involves patience and understanding the full value of the damages before accepting an offer.

5 signs it may be time to update your will

2026-06-22T14:52:36Z

Creating a will can bring peace of mind because it allows you to put important decisions in writing. Over time, however, the document you signed may no longer reflect the people or priorities that matter most to you. If you already have a will, knowing when to review it can help you avoid unintended consequences. Certain life events often signal that your estate plan deserves a closer look.

Life changes that often signal the need for a review

A will can become outdated gradually, even when no major event occurs. For that reason, most people review the document every three to five years. However, several developments may warrant a review before that time. Some of these circumstances include:

There are changes in your family structure: Marriage, divorce or the birth or adoption of a child can alter who you want to inherit your property or serve in important roles.
You experienced a major change in your finances: Purchasing real estate, selling valuable property or receiving a substantial inheritance may change the makeup of your estate.
A person named in your document is no longer available: An executor, guardian or beneficiary could pass away or become unable to serve. Replacing that individual can help prevent uncertainty when the document is eventually used.
You moved to a different state: A relocation often creates a reason to confirm that your will works as intended under the laws of your new state.
Your current instructions no longer match your wishes: If your preferences have shifted since you signed the document, your estate plan should generally reflect those changes.

Not every review leads to a completely new will. In some situations, a few revisions may be enough to reflect developments in your life. For limited updates, Georgia law recognizes the use of a codicil. It is a formal amendment that can update specific parts of an existing will while leaving the remainder in place.

Keeping your estate plan aligned with your goals

An outdated estate plan may create uncertainty for your loved ones. Reviewing your documents periodically can help ensure that the directions they rely on remain up to date. When changes are needed, it is important to make them properly so the document continues to function as intended. Obtaining legal guidance can be helpful when evaluating potential revisions. A careful review can identify outdated provisions and help ensure your wishes remain accurately documented.

When a prior owner shows up during a title search

2026-06-23T00:32:29Z

Title records validate who is the owner of real property. They allow mortgage companies and banks to use real property as the collateral for a mortgage. Lenders can record liens, as can creditors who secure judgments from the courts. Those liens and ownership records turn up during title searches. Title searches are an important component of any real estate transaction. They verify that the seller has the legal right to list the property and ensure that the buyer can assume legal and physical possession of the property at issue. In some cases, those preparing for a real estate transaction discover that a former owner still shows up on local title records as a current owner. What happens in that situation?

Title corrections must occur promptly

Mortgage lenders generally require that buyers purchase title insurance. A lender's policy protects the mortgage company or bank if an outside party brings a successful claim against the property in the future. If a prior owner still shows up on title records, the current owner may need to locate the other party to execute a deed that they can record to remove that person from title records. They can also initiate quiet title proceedings. If the other party is difficult to locate, deceased or otherwise unable to sign a deed, a judge can update title records to remove them. Until those corrections take place, the buyer likely cannot acquire a title insurance policy, and the closing cannot occur. Taking immediate steps to address inaccurate title records can protect people who are at risk of delayed or canceled transactions. Title records that are not accurate can cause headaches, and people trying to address title blemishes often need legal assistance, and that’s okay.

Will a traumatic brain injury impact my future at my job?

2026-06-19T18:49:53Z

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) affect people differently, but there are patterns that frequently cause issues within the workplace. Examples include:

Headaches, dizziness, light sensitivity and fatigue that reduce stamina and reliability
Memory lapses, slowed processing and difficulty concentrating that affect accuracy and deadlines
Irritability, anxiety, depression and mood swings that strain teamwork and customer interactions
Sleep disruption that worsens focus, reaction time and emotional regulation

These symptoms can be intermittent, which makes them harder to explain and document. Many people look “fine” while struggling with invisible limitations, leading to unfair assumptions about effort or attitude.

Long lasting complications that can affect your career path

Beyond day-to-day symptoms, some TBIs lead to complications that reshape long-term work capacity. Post-concussion syndrome with persistent cognitive and physical symptoms can last for months or longer and vestibular or vision problems can make screen time, driving or busy environments difficult. Speech and language challenges can also pose problems as they can affect presentations, meetings and written communication. Additional hurdles can include reduced executive function, including planning, multitasking and decision-making under pressure as well as increased risk of secondary problems like chronic pain. These complications can influence job selection, advancement and earning potential. They may also require accommodations, modified duties or a gradual return-to-work plan.

What this can mean for your employment and your legal options

From a practical standpoint, TBIs can impact performance reviews, attendance records and promotion opportunities. From a legal standpoint, documentation matters. Medical evaluations, symptom journals and workplace communications can help clarify what changed, when it changed and how it affects essential job functions. If your injury resulted from someone else’s negligence, a claim may also account for future lost earning capacity, reduced competitiveness in the labor market and the cost of ongoing treatment. A traumatic brain injury can impact your future at work, sometimes in subtle ways that build over time. After an accident, seek medical care and consider speaking with an attorney with experience in these types of cases to understand the full financial impact of the injury including how it may affect your career and what compensation may be available.

Do you need more than a will?

2026-06-15T17:29:50Z

If you are thinking about estate planning, a will can be a great place to start. You have to determine how you want your assets to be passed on to the next generation, including both financial assets and tangible assets. Your will gives you a chance to make these decisions, choose specific beneficiaries and make your wishes known to your family members. However, to make a comprehensive estate plan, it may be wise to look into more documents than just a basic will. Below are two examples.

Making medical decisions

To start with, your estate plan can be used to make medical decisions, especially if you are worried about becoming incapacitated in the future. There are two general ways to do this. The first is by using an advance directive. This allows you to list medical instructions and make decisions in advance. The second option is to use a medical power of attorney. This gives you the chance to choose an agent who will have the legal power to make decisions for you, if necessary.

Setting up a trust

Additionally, you can use the estate plan to create a trust. This can sometimes give you more control over how assets are passed on. For instance, if someone has special needs, leaving them an inheritance may disqualify them from government benefits. But putting the assets into a special needs trust can ensure that they still qualify for and receive the benefits they need. The money in the trust can then be used to help them with things that are not covered by those benefits.

Creating an estate plan

These are just two options of many that you may want to consider when making an estate plan. Take the time to look into all of your legal options carefully.

What happens to debt during estate administration?

2026-05-29T08:50:53Z

During estate administration, any outstanding debt should be addressed by the estate executor or estate administrator. Often, creditors can make a claim against an estate because they are still owed the money that is due. Debts are not simply erased because a person passed away. Much of estate administration is about inventorying assets and distributing them in accordance with the estate plan. This is the primary role that the estate executor plays. But it is often true that outstanding debts need to be paid first, and the remaining assets can then be distributed to the beneficiaries.

Debt is not inherited

The good news for the beneficiaries is that this means the debt is not going to be inherited. Just because a parent still owes property taxes or credit card bills when they pass away does not mean that their adult children have to take on that debt themselves. Unless they cosigned on a loan and accepted the potential debt in advance, they are not liable for someone else’s financial decisions. They still may receive less of an inheritance than they anticipated. If someone passes away with a significant amount of debt that needs to be paid first, and it is not accounted for in their estate plan, assets that were intended for beneficiaries may need to be spent down to pay back creditors. The beneficiaries then receive less than they would have if those debts had been addressed in advance. Navigating estate administration can be a complex process, which is why it is so important for estate executors and others to know what legal steps to take.

Can you change a real estate zone by applying for a variance?

2026-05-20T18:40:33Z

Real estate is generally divided into zones, including commercial, residential and industrial zones. Zoning determines the types of uses that are permitted in a given area. Anyone who owns property needs to understand the applicable zoning regulations and how to stay in compliance with the rules. There are situations, however, in which a landowner may want to use property differently than zoning may allow. In some situations, certainly not all, the solution may be to apply for a variance.

Understanding what a variance can and cannot do

In Georgia, a variance does not change the zoning classification or permit different uses of property. A variance only provides relief from specific dimensional or physical requirements, such as setbacks, lot coverage or building height restrictions. For example, say you own a residential lot and want to build a garage, but your property is an unusual shape. The zoning code requires all structures to be at least 10 feet from the property line, but due to your lot's configuration, you can only place the garage 7 feet from the line. You could apply for a variance to reduce that setback requirement from 10 feet to 7 feet. If you want to use property for a purpose not allowed under current zoning, a variance is not the appropriate remedy. Instead, you would need to pursue a rezoning or apply for a special use permit or conditional use permit.

Variances are property-specific

When a variance is granted, it applies only to the specific property for which it was requested. Adjacent property owners cannot assume they can use their properties in the same way. Similarly, variances typically run with the land, meaning they stay with the property when it's sold. If you're purchasing property with an existing variance, verify exactly what relief was granted and confirm it covers your intended use.

Navigating a complex process

Variances are not automatically granted. You must prove that three conditions exist:

Extraordinary and exceptional conditions are involved
Applying zoning regulations strictly would create unnecessary hardship
Granting relief would not cause substantial detriment to the public good or impair the purpose of zoning regulations.

Land use and zoning issues can significantly impact property owners and put a business at risk if the proper legal steps are not followed. Understanding the differences between variances and other tools is essential for navigating Georgia's real estate regulations successfully.

Lack of estate planning increases the odds of disputes

2026-05-19T16:29:25Z

If you do not have an estate plan, your family does not have any guidance when you pass away. They do not know what you wanted to happen to your assets or how you wanted them to be distributed. If you need end-of-life care, they do not know who you want to authorize certain medical decisions or what choices you would have made. In all of these areas, the lack of planning can increase the odds of disputes between family members. Beneficiaries may get into conflicts over who should receive certain assets or how your property should be split up. There may also be conflicts about who should make your medical decisions or what would really be in your best interests. One of the easiest ways to avoid these disputes and give your family clarity is to make a plan in advance.

Most Americans do not have an estate plan

Unfortunately, the reality is that roughly two-thirds of Americans have not made an estate plan yet. When polled, most Americans do say that estate planning is important and necessary, but they still do not have a plan. One of the top reasons why this happens is that people procrastinate and say they’ll make an estate plan “in the future.” But that is always a risk. If you pass away unexpectedly, you may not have gotten around to making your estate plan, and you could put your family in a position where conflicts and disputes are likely. As such, it is important to carefully consider all of your estate planning options well in advance. It can be helpful to work with an experienced attorney while getting your plan in place.

When can people file premises liability lawsuits?

2026-05-07T00:22:43Z

People can get hurt while grocery shopping or visiting a friend at their new apartment. In some cases, those hurt on private property, at an apartment building or in a store can show that the property owner or business tenant exposed them to unnecessary risk by allowing hazards to develop and failing to provide a warning about unsafe conditions. Accidents can happen anywhere, but unsafe property conditions significantly increase the likelihood of an individual getting hurt and facing both medical expenses and lost income. Both individual property owners and businesses generally carry premises liability insurance coverage. It is often part of a general business insurance policy or the policy protecting a homeowner or renter. A failure to keep a property reasonably safe can expose owners and businesses to financial liability and responsibility for the injuries of visitors. When do those hurt at a business or private property potentially have the right to file a premises liability claim seeking compensation?

When the property is unsafe

Negligence is often the basis for a premises liability lawsuit or insurance claim. A person hurt at a business or an apartment building must show that the business organization, landlord or property owner failed to do what was reasonably necessary for safety. Ignoring burned-out lights in stairways, letting flooring become damaged or understaffing a business so that workers cannot clean spills as they develop are all examples of potential negligence. People can also file premises liability lawsuits after an animal attack. Catastrophic property failures, such as ceiling or balcony collapses, can also provide the grounds necessary for a premises liability claim.

When visitors sustain economic losses

Typically, injured parties must have verifiable economic damages in addition to proof that negligence contributed to their injuries. Medical bills and lost wages are among the most common economic damages included in premises liability claims. Reviewing a slip-and-fall or dog bite incident with a legal professional can help those injured due to unsafe property conditions understand their options. If delayed maintenance, poor staffing practices or refusal to manage an animal's behavior has caused injuries, those hurt may have grounds to seek compensation for property damage expenses, medical bills, lost wages and other costs generated by the incident at issue. Consulting with a personal injury attorney can help those hoping to pursue premises liability claims understand their options.

What should I include in a will?

2026-05-04T11:47:36Z

Thinking about a will can feel uncomfortable, but it is one of the clearest ways to protect your wishes and reduce confusion for the people you leave behind. A will does not need to cover every part of your life, but it should give clear directions about your property, your chosen decision-makers and the people you want to protect.

For many families, the hardest probate problems start with vague instructions, outdated documents or no will at all. A carefully prepared will can make those issues easier to manage.

Who should receive your property?

Your will should identify who receives your assets after your death. These people or organizations are usually called beneficiaries.

You may want to leave property to:

A spouse
Children or grandchildren
Other relatives
Friends
Charities
Religious organizations

You can also decide whether each person receives a specific item, a dollar amount, a percentage of your estate or whatever remains after other gifts are made.

This part matters because unclear language can create conflict. For example, saying that “the children” should receive certain property may sound simple, but it can raise questions if you have stepchildren, adopted children, estranged children or children from a prior relationship.

Who should handle your estate?

A will should name the person who will handle your estate after your death. This person is often called an executor or personal representative, depending on the situation.

This role can involve collecting assets, paying debts, communicating with beneficiaries, filing paperwork with the probate court and distributing property. Because the job can take time and attention to detail, you should choose someone responsible, organized and trustworthy.

It can also help to name a backup person. If your first choice cannot serve, your family will have another option already listed.

Who should care for minor children?

If you have minor children, your will can name the person you want to serve as their guardian if both parents are unable to care for them.

This may be one of the most important decisions in your estate plan. You may want to think about the person’s values, location, parenting style, financial stability and relationship with your children.

A will can also help explain how you want money or property managed for your children. Without clear instructions, families may disagree about what you would have wanted.

What specific items need special attention?

Some property carries more emotional value than financial value. Family jewelry, heirlooms, photographs, collections, furniture or sentimental items can create disputes if your will does not address them clearly.

You may want to list specific items and who should receive them. This can help avoid arguments among family members who may attach different meanings to the same belongings.

Business interests, real estate and valuable personal property may need more detailed planning. An estate planning attorney can help make sure those assets fit properly into the overall estate plan.

What debts, taxes or expenses should be considered?

A will can also help address how final expenses, debts or taxes should be paid. This does not erase valid debts, but it can provide direction about how the estate should handle them. For example, you may want certain expenses paid before gifts are distributed. You may also need to consider whether selling property could become necessary to cover estate costs. These details can matter when an estate includes real estate, business assets or family property that several people expect to inherit.

When should you update your will?

A will should change as your life changes. You may need to review it after major events such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, the death of a beneficiary, a move to another state or a major change in assets.

An estate planning lawyer can also help review an older will for language that no longer fits your current wishes or family situation.

A clear will can prevent bigger problems later

A will should do more than name who gets what. It should give your family clear guidance during a difficult time. The more specific and thoughtful the document is, the easier it may be for loved ones to follow your wishes and avoid unnecessary disputes.

If you are unsure what your will should include, speaking with an experienced estate planning professional can help you make decisions that fit your family, property and long-term goals.