Tennessee Injury Law Center

October 26, 2015

Avoidable Liabilities: A Rant

I just read an article that suggested tech companies like Google and Apple should rethink entering the automotive market because it is a “different animal” due to the cost associated with building auto plants, building sales and service networks and the “daunting liabilities involved when human lives are at stake.” Retired Vice Chairman of General Motors actually sneers at the notion that “Silicon Valley techies” could do it smarter or better. While admittedly, I do not have much information or expertise on the cost of plants or the network issues, let me rant for a moment, if you will, on the liabilities issue. Continue reading

October 22, 2015

How To Tell If A Doctor’s Mistake is Malpractice

by The Law Offices of John Day, P.C.

Because the practice of medicine is complex, there is not an easy answer to this question. But, here are some things to consider when trying to decide if you have been the victim of malpractice.

First, a mistake has to be made. In legal terms, we call this falling below the standard of care. Did the doctor act or fail to act as a reasonable physician would in the same or similar circumstances?

Second, did the mistake cause any harm? This factor is called causation and is usually the trickiest part of medical malpractice cases. Why? Because under most circumstances, when a patient sees a doctor, there is a reason: they are already sick. So lawyers and the law must sort out whether the patient got worse because of the already existing disease process or the doctor’s mistake. Of course, there are some cases in which it is very easy to conclude the doctor’s mistake caused the harm. For example, if a sponge is left in a patient during surgery necessitating a second operation, then of course the doctor’s mistake caused harm. Or, if the doctor performed the wrong operation or performed it on the wrong body part, then causation is not going to be an issue. Continue reading

October 6, 2015

Feel Free To Complain

by The Law Offices of John Day, P.C.

Some people are natural born complainers. Like this one from Middle Class Problems on Twitter: “A pecan from my maple and pecan slice has tragically fallen into my fresh coffee. Worst day ever.” (If you have never checked out Middle Class Problems, you should.) But some of us are loathe to complain. We do not want to be perceived as demanding, obnoxious, whiny, needy, etc. Or, we don’t complain because we think it will not do any good. But from my perspective as a personal injury lawyer, there are times when it is critical to complain. Below are 5 times you should complain freely and without hesitation. Continue reading

September 28, 2015

So More People Are Dying in Tractor-Trailer Accidents. What’s the Big Deal?

by The Law Offices of John Day, P.C.

This seems to be Congress’ position on the issue. Because in the past year, they have decided to weaken a number of important safety measures despite the fact that the death toll in truck-involved crashes has risen 17 percent from 2009 to 2013 (which is the most current data) and despite the estimated cost of tractor-trailer and bus accidents is roughly $99 billion dollars a year. Yes, that is billion with a B. And, that is just economic cost. It does not reflect the emotional suffering the victims and their families suffer as a result of these accidents. So, let’s take a look at just a few steps that Congress has taken in favor of the trucking industry and against the rest of the motoring public. Continue reading

September 23, 2015

I Signed A Sports/Liability Waiver for My Kid. Is It Valid?

by The Law Offices of John Day, P.C.

Whether your kid is involved in softball, baseball, basketball, gymnastics, soccer, football, cheerleading or other type of sport, the registration process almost certainly included a sports or liability waiver. Typically, the parent or guardian is asked to release the organization, coaches, etc. from any claims arising from their child’s participation. And, because the waivers are presented as a take-it or leave-it, negotiation is not an option. So, you sign it. And then, the worst happens: your child gets injured. What do you do next? Continue reading

September 22, 2015

Jail Time for Executive A Good Start

by The Law Offices of John Day, P.C.

Yesterday, Stewart Parnell was sentenced to 28 years in prison for conspiracy, fraud and other federal charges that related to knowingly shipping out salmonella-tainted peanut butter that sickened and killed people. And all I can say is: it is about time. It is about time that corporate executives who make reckless or knowing decisions that ultimately kill people receive jail time.

“Just ship it.” That was Mr. Parnell’s response when notified of the problem by a plant manager. To be clear, this was not a case in which a company was unaware of a problem with their product. To the contrary, Parnell and Peanut Corp. of America knew the peanut butter was contaminated with salmonella. In fact, they covered up positive lab tests and shipped it out anyway. The result: 9 people were killed and 714 were sickened. Perhaps, Parnell’s sentence will send a message to corporate executives across the country that public safety comes before profits. Continue reading

September 9, 2015

Players’ Attack on Referee Offers Lesson on Civil Claim for Assault and Battery in Tennessee

by The Law Offices of John Day, P.C.

You have probably seen it: the video of the two defensive backs targeting and intentionally hitting a referee. While an investigation is underway and criminal charges may be brought, let’s look at the incident from a tort perspective under Tennessee law. A tort is a legal claim for personal injury or wrongful death in which money damages are sought.

While many news outlets are indicating the local District Attorney is considering assault charges, the referee probably does NOT have a civil claim for assault, but he clearly does have a claim for battery. Let me explain why I say that. Under Tennessee law, a battery is an intentional act that causes an unpermitted, harmful or offensive bodily contact. In the video, the referee has his back to the two players and immediately after the play starts the players attack him. The hits are clearly a battery upon the referee. On the other hand, an assault is better explained as the threat and apprehension of a battery. In other words, a person is not guilty of assault unless the victim has a reasonable fear of imminent physical harm. Continue reading

September 2, 2015

DayCare Fails and 5 Tips to Avoid Them

by The Law Offices of John Day, P.C.

This morning, I saw two troubling articles about daycare incidences. The first was a toddler who was covered in broken-skin wounds from being scratched multiple times and bitten 10 times in a single day. It is tough to look at the pictures. Look, I understand: kids bite. And if your kid attends daycare, do not be surprised if at some point they are either the biter or the bitten. But the pictures of this child go way beyond the norm and clearly indicate a lack of supervision by the staff.

The second story that riled me up this morning was about two daycare workers who instigated fights between children and then filmed it calling it a “fight club” like the popular movie. They even shared the videos on Snapchat. I would like to send those two daycare workers to a fight club with Ronda Rousey. But, I digress.

Since these two stories were about daycare fails and because September is baby safety month, here are 5 things you can do to help keep your child safe while at daycare. Continue reading

August 27, 2015

Five Things You Can Do To Improve Your Credibility in Litigation and in Life

by The Law Offices of John Day, P.C.

I have been following the prep school rape trial involving Owen Labrie. Mr. Labrie stands accused of raping a 15 year-old girl as part of a ritual known as Senior Salute at St Paul’s School. Mr. Labrie claims he had consensual sexual contact with the accuser but denies having sexual intercourse. The accuser claims she twice told Mr. Labrie “no” but he persisted and ultimately raped her.

Throughout the trial, and especially in closing arguments, the credibility of the accused and accuser were front and center. While there was some other evidence including texts, Facebook messages, lists of girls Mr. Labrie was pursuing, etc., the reality is, like so many cases, this trial is largely a “he said” v. “she said”. In litigation, as in life, there are some key things you can do to maintain your credibility. So here are 5 crediblity boosters for life and litgation. Continue reading

August 25, 2015

Pina Coladas and Ashley Madison

by The Law Offices of John Day, P.C.

Remember the old song? Escape by Rupert Holmes. The guy is lounging in bed with his significant other and reading the personal columns. He notices one that catches his eye and, because he is in a rut in his relationship, he responds. A meeting is set up, and when he shows up at the appointed time, it turns out that it was his girlfriend who he intended to cheat on had actually placed the ad. She appears at the rendezvous not knowing it was her lover who had responded and is equally, but happily, surprised: “they laugh for a moment and I said I never knew that you like Pina coladas and getting caught in the rain . . .” A happy ending; all is well.

Today, most folks looking to cheat in their relationship apparently don’t use the personal columns but instead 32 million of them turned to Ashley Madison. And after the hack of the company’s website, spouses around the globe are checking to see if their spouse was a user of the site. Doubtful there will be any happy endings. In fact, divorce lawyers are seeing an uptick in business. Continue reading