Business and property owners have a responsibility to ensure the safety of everyone on their premises, especially minors. Unfortunately, when owners fail to provide a secure environment, it can lead to serious incidents, including injuries, attacks, and even sexual assaults. In Georgia, negligent security laws allow victims to hold property owners accountable for not providing adequate security, particularly in cases involving the sexual assault of a minor.

Common Factors Contributing to Negligent Security

Sexual assaults of minors can occur in various settings, such as schools, daycares, and recreational facilities. Several factors often contribute to these tragic incidents:

• Inadequate Supervision: When there is not enough supervision, it can give predators the chance to target and isolate young people.
• Poor Security Measures: Things like bad lighting, no surveillance cameras, and open access points can make places unsafe.
• Failure to Conduct Background Checks: Not checking the backgrounds of employees or volunteers can allow people with past sexual offenses to get close to minors.

Preventative Measures for Business and Property Owners

To prevent the sexual assault of minors, business and property owners should implement security measures, including:

• Enhanced Security Measures: Improve lighting, install surveillance cameras, and secure entrances and exits.
• Thorough Background Checks: Make sure to check the backgrounds of all employees and volunteers.
• Staff Training: Train staff to recognize and respond to signs of abuse and suspicious behavior.
• Policies and Procedures: Create clear policies for supervising and ensuring the safety of minors.

Regular security checks are really important to find and fix any possible risks quickly. Property owners should also follow federal and state rules, which include:

• Keeping safe adult-to-child ratios
• Doing background checks on staff
• Performing regular safety assessments
• Providing health and safety training for all employees
• Recognizing and reporting child abuse

The Importance of Accountability

In Georgia, property owners have a duty to protect the safety of children on their premises. Failure to implement adequate security measures can result in them being held accountable for any harm that occurs. Experienced negligent security lawyers, such as Parker Miller and Key Lamberth at Beasley Allen, are dedicated to handling these types of cases and ensuring justice for victims.

By taking proactive steps to enhance security and supervision, property owners can create safer environments for minors and prevent tragic incidents from occurring.

The post Negligent Security & Precautions to Prevent Sexual Assaults appeared first on Beasley Allen.

Championing Your Right to a Safe Environment! Clean water is essential for our health, but unfortunately, pollution remains a significant issue in the U.S. Harmful substances like PFAS can contaminate our water supply from various sources, posing serious health risks.

What are PFAS? 

PFAS are a family of human-made chemicals with strong water- and oil-repellant properties. They have been widely used in non-stick, stain-resistant, and water-repellant coatings on fabric, upholstery, carpeting, non-stick cookware, firefighting foam, and many other products. Experts call them “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down in the environment and accumulate in the human body over time, potentially leading to various health problems.

Latest On The List

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has added nine new PFAS chemicals to its Toxics Release Inventory (TRI). This requires companies producing these chemicals in large quantities to report their annual environmental releases. These additions, mandated by the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act, aim to provide communities with essential information about local chemical releases.

The newly added PFAS include ammonium perfluorodecanoate, sodium perfluorodecanoate, perfluoro-3-methoxypropanoic acid, and several 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate compounds. With these additions, there are now 205 PFAS listed in the TRI.

PFAS In The News

Mohawk Industries Inc., along with Mohawk Carpet LLC and Aladdin Manufacturing Corp., filed a lawsuit against PFAS manufacturers 3M Co., E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Co., The Chemours Co., and Daikin America Inc. after facing many problems due to PFAS contamination from products like Stainmaster and Scotchgard in Dalton, Georgia. Water utilities in Alabama are also dealing with high costs to remove PFAS from their water. Mohawk claims that these manufacturers did not properly warn about the dangers of PFAS and how to handle wastewater safely. They are asking for compensation to cover past and future costs related to the PFAS contamination.

Combatting the Chemicals

At Beasley Allen, we’re here to help. We’re part of a larger effort to hold PFAS manufacturers accountable for contaminating drinking water and affecting the health of nearly everyone on Earth.

Our mission is to protect individuals, communities, and local governments from the dangers of toxic chemicals and environmental pollution. We work tirelessly, conducting thorough investigations and collaborating with experts to build strong cases. With our extensive experience, we’ve secured significant settlements and verdicts for our clients. Contact us today for a free case evaluation and let us help you fight for a safer environment.

The post The Problem With PFAS: Contamination and Updates appeared first on Beasley Allen.

Sexual harassment in the workplace is a serious issue that employment law addresses to ensure a safe and respectful environment for all employees. These laws are designed to protect job applicants and employees from unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature.

At Beasley Allen, our attorneys are dedicated to securing justice for our clients. Our Employment Litigation team has achieved million-dollar verdicts and settlements, and our nationally acclaimed attorneys bring skill, compassion, and determination to litigate sexual harassment claims successfully.

What is Sexual Harassment?

Sexual harassment of job applicants and employees in the workplace is illegal. It involves any unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. Here are some examples:

• Unwanted physical contact
• Sexual comments or jokes
• Demands or expectations of sexual favors
• Creating a hostile work environment
• Sending sexually suggestive emails, texts, or messages
• Sharing inappropriate images or videos online through work platforms or personal accounts directed at a colleague
• Making unwanted advances or comments through online communication platforms used for work purposes

When is Conduct Considered Unlawful?

Conduct or behavior is considered unlawful when it leads to:

• No Adverse Tangible Employment Action: This occurs when the harassment is severe or widespread enough to change the terms and conditions of employment, even if no direct action like firing or demotion is taken.
• Tangible Employment Action: This includes actions like being fired, demoted, or reassigned to an undesirable position.

What to Do If You Are Being Harassed

If you are experiencing sexual harassment in the workplace, it’s important to take steps to protect yourself. Here are some actions you can take:

1. Document the Harassment – Keep a detailed record of the incidents, including dates, times, locations, and descriptions of what happened.
2. Report the Harassment- Follow your company’s procedures for reporting harassment. This may involve speaking to your supervisor, HR department, or a designated harassment officer.
3. Know Your Rights – Familiarize yourself with your company’s anti-harassment policies and your rights under employment law.
4. Consult an Attorney- Consider consulting with an employment attorney who specializes in sexual harassment cases. They can provide legal advice and help you understand your options.

Taking action can help stop the harassment and create a safer work environment for yourself and others. Creating a safe and respectful workplace is everyone’s responsibility.

Beasley Allen’s employment team is actively monitoring and investigating claims related to sexual harassment in the workplace. Our team is here to help.

The post Navigating Sexual Harassment Cases in the Workplace appeared first on Beasley Allen.

Sexual harassment in the workplace is a serious issue that employment law addresses to ensure a safe and respectful environment for all employees. These laws are designed to protect job applicants and employees from unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature.

At Beasley Allen, our attorneys are dedicated to securing justice for our clients. Our Employment Litigation team has achieved million-dollar verdicts and settlements, and our nationally acclaimed attorneys bring skill, compassion, and determination to litigate sexual harassment claims successfully.

What is Sexual Harassment?

Sexual harassment of job applicants and employees in the workplace is illegal. It involves any unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. Here are some examples:

• Unwanted physical contact
• Sexual comments or jokes
• Demands or expectations of sexual favors
• Creating a hostile work environment
• Sending sexually suggestive emails, texts, or messages
• Sharing inappropriate images or videos online through work platforms or personal accounts directed at a colleague
• Making unwanted advances or comments through online communication platforms used for work purposes

When is Conduct Considered Unlawful?

Conduct or behavior is considered unlawful when it leads to:

• No Adverse Tangible Employment Action: This occurs when the harassment is severe or widespread enough to change the terms and conditions of employment, even if no direct action like firing or demotion is taken.
• Tangible Employment Action: This includes actions like being fired, demoted, or reassigned to an undesirable position.

What to Do If You Are Being Harassed

If you are experiencing sexual harassment in the workplace, it’s important to take steps to protect yourself. Here are some actions you can take:

1. Document the Harassment – Keep a detailed record of the incidents, including dates, times, locations, and descriptions of what happened.
2. Report the Harassment- Follow your company’s procedures for reporting harassment. This may involve speaking to your supervisor, HR department, or a designated harassment officer.
3. Know Your Rights – Familiarize yourself with your company’s anti-harassment policies and your rights under employment law.
4. Consult an Attorney- Consider consulting with an employment attorney who specializes in sexual harassment cases. They can provide legal advice and help you understand your options.

Taking action can help stop the harassment and create a safer work environment for yourself and others. Creating a safe and respectful workplace is everyone’s responsibility.

Beasley Allen’s employment team is actively monitoring and investigating claims related to sexual harassment in the workplace. Our team is here to help.

The post Sexual Harassment in the Workplace: Your Rights & Actions appeared first on Beasley Allen.

Product Liability Settlement

$2 Million Product Liability Settlement

For more than 45 years, the Beasley Allen Law Firm has been committed to “helping those who need it most.”  

Our attorneys are highly experienced in handling complex cases in courtrooms throughout the United States. In some situations, specific details are too intimate to disclose. 

We never stop working to bring our clients the justice they rightfully deserve. We can work for you too. Contact us for a free case evaluation. You pay us nothing if we do not win for you. 

The post $2 Million Settlement In Product Liability Case appeared first on Beasley Allen.

In the last few years, more and more children have been playing video games, which has led to worries about how it might affect their thinking and overall development.

Beasley Allen lawyers are investigating cases where minors have developed video game addictions. These cases often involve significant consequences, such as the need for outpatient or inpatient counseling, educational setbacks, and neurological impacts.

Key Findings from the Study

A 2020 study published in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health looked at over 500 kids aged 9 to 13 and found some concerning links between heavy video game use and various problems with thinking and brain function. Here are some important takeaways from the research:

• Memory Issues: Kids who played a lot of video games had trouble remembering things.
• Attention Deficits: There was a connection between playing more video games and having problems focusing.
• Neurological Processing Issues: Some children had difficulty understanding or processing information.
• Visual Problems: Spending a long time in front of screens caused some kids to have vision problems.
• Decreased Writing Skills: Children who played video games frequently showed a decline in their writing skills.

Growing Concerns and Official Recognition

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) has recently recognized video game addiction as a mental health disorder. This decision highlights the increasing worries among parents, teachers, and healthcare professionals about how addictive video games can be and their possible negative effects on children’s growth and development. It shows that more research is needed to understand this issue better.

The Role of Game Design

Many video games are made with features and challenges that keep players engaged for long periods, which can sometimes lead to addiction. Sadly, these games usually don’t give enough warnings about how addictive they can be, which leaves both parents and kids unaware of the potential risks.

The post Video Games’ Impact On Children’s Learning: What Parents Need to Know appeared first on Beasley Allen.

In the last few years, more and more children have been playing video games, which has led to worries about how it might affect their thinking and overall development.

Beasley Allen lawyers are investigating cases where minors have developed video game addictions. These cases often involve significant consequences, such as the need for outpatient or inpatient counseling, educational setbacks, and neurological impacts.

Key Findings from the Study

A 2020 study published in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health looked at over 500 kids aged 9 to 13 and found some concerning links between heavy video game use and various problems with thinking and brain function. Here are some important takeaways from the research:

• Memory Issues: Kids who played a lot of video games had trouble remembering things.
• Attention Deficits: There was a connection between playing more video games and having problems focusing.
• Neurological Processing Issues: Some children had difficulty understanding or processing information.
• Visual Problems: Spending a long time in front of screens caused some kids to have vision problems.
• Decreased Writing Skills: Children who played video games frequently showed a decline in their writing skills.

Growing Concerns and Official Recognition

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) has recently recognized video game addiction as a mental health disorder. This decision highlights the increasing worries among parents, teachers, and healthcare professionals about how addictive video games can be and their possible negative effects on children’s growth and development. It shows that more research is needed to understand this issue better.

The Role of Game Design

Many video games are made with features and challenges that keep players engaged for long periods, which can sometimes lead to addiction. Sadly, these games usually don’t give enough warnings about how addictive they can be, which leaves both parents and kids unaware of the potential risks.

The post Diving into Developmental Defects Linked to Video Game Addiction appeared first on Beasley Allen.

Tanysia Janae Middlebrooks, a vibrant 19-year-old from Thomaston, Georgia, was eagerly anticipating the birth of her baby boy, Aanai Kaier, as she drove along US Highway 431 in Calhoun County, Alabama. She was visiting an Alabama school with the father of her unborn child, filled with dreams and hopes for their future.

As Tanysia approached the intersection of US Highway 431 and West Lenlock Lane, her car was involved in a minor accident. Concerned about the damage, she stepped out of her vehicle to assess the situation. Tragically, a commercial motor vehicle driven by David James Zackery, an employee of Waste Recycling, Inc., struck Tanysia, leading to her untimely death and the loss of her unborn child.

 

Legal Proceedings and Settlement

Chris Glover, Managing Attorney of our Atlanta Office, filed the case on behalf of her parents and the administrators of her estate, Sherrika L. Allen and Tavares K. Middlebrooks. Damages were sought under the Alabama Wrongful Death Act, citing the negligent and wrongful conduct of the defendants, Waste Recycling, Inc., and David James Zackery.

After thorough legal proceedings, we reached a settlement agreement of $2.9 million. The family of Tanysia Janae Middlebrooks hopes that this settlement will bring some closure and help prevent similar tragedies in the future.

 

Accountability and Experience

This case highlights the importance of road safety and the devastating consequences of negligence. While no amount of money can replace the loss of a loved one, the settlement serves as a reminder of the need for accountability and the value of life.

At Beasley Allen, our thorough investigation of truck accidents forms the backbone of your claim. We stand up to big trucking firms and their insurance companies in and out of the courtroom. Our thorough investigations ensure we find the details needed to win your case and maximize your recovery.

The post The Cost of Negligence: $2.9 Million Settlement in Tragic Trucking Case appeared first on Beasley Allen.

Beasley Allen is proud to announce the promotion of six of its attorneys to principal.

Tyner Helms

Tyner joined Beasley Allen Law Firm in October 2017. He works in the firm’s Fraud Section, primarily handling whistleblower lawsuits, class action lawsuits, and business litigation.

Tyner was named by The National Trial Lawyers to the Alabama Top 40 Under 40 Civil Plaintiff Trial Lawyers List, an honor given to only a select group of lawyers for their superior skills and qualifications in the field. He was also selected to the Mid-South Super Lawyers “Rising Stars” list in 2022 and 2023.

Sydney Everett

Sydney works in Beasley Allen’s Mass Torts Section, where she previously worked as a law clerk. She focuses on litigation involving JUUL and social media.  

Sydney serves on the executive committee of the Young Lawyers Section of the Birmingham Bar Association and the Future Leaders Forum and is a member of the Alabama Association of Justice. 

Before joining Beasley Allen, Sydney worked throughout law school for a Vestavia Hills, Alabama law firm, practicing primarily corporate law and estate planning.

Benjamin Keen

Ben works in Beasley Allen’s Personal Injury Section. Based in the firm’s Atlanta office, he handles catastrophic injury cases, including tractor-trailer accidents. 

Ben says he approaches cases analytically to ensure not only effective representation but also impactful results. He has recovered millions for his clients and prides himself on developing and understanding a clients’ needs. 

Notable case results include $1,150,000 in an action against a rideshare entity in which liability for a wreck was disputed, $700,000 in a trucking settlement involving a plaintiff with $24,000 in medical bills, and numerous six-figure and policy limit results.

Jessica Haynes

Jessica “Jessi” Haynes joined Beasley Allen’s Consumer Fraud Section in 2021. She is part of our team that handles qui tam litigation cases under the False Claims Act and employment law cases. Jessi also plays a vital role in the Blue Cross Blue Shield multidistrict litigation. 

Her expertise lies in conducting case investigations from individuals and other attorneys. Through her investigations, Jessi has gained valuable insights into the many aspects of business and employment practices in Alabama and throughout the United States. She has had the privilege of researching intricate pieces of law, which have helped her become proficient in her field. 

Jessi was part of the trial team that secured a $4.6 million damage award under the False Claims Act against the Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority. The court found that BJCTA made false claims to federal transportation officials.

Clinton Richardson

Clinton joined Beasley Allen in 2021. He works in the firm’s Mass Torts Section, handling cases involving the social media and the JUUL litigations, as well as assisting with investigating the viability of other prospective actions.

Before joining Beasley Allen, Clinton worked for other law firms, litigating matters in the areas of employment discrimination, federal criminal defense, and 42 USC § 1983 litigation. 

Clinton received the Alabama State Bar’s President’s Award in June 2022 for his work on “Implicit Bias and its Impact on the American Criminal Justice System.” He was a finalist for the 2014 Montgomery Volunteer Lawyers Program Lawyer of the Year Award and was named to the Mid-South Super Lawyers Rising Stars list in 2017, 2018 and 2023.

Leslie LaMacchia

Leslie works in Beasley Allen’s Toxic Torts Section. She handles Camp Lejeune-related claims and paraquat cases. Leslie is on the Plaintiff’s Executive Committee in the Paraquat Multi-District Litigation (MDL) and has gained valuable experience while working on bellwether cases for trial in both the MDL and Judicial Council Coordinated Proceedings (JCCP) for In Re: Paraquat Litigation. 

Leslie joined our firm in 2022 after spending 17 years working for other top plaintiff mass tort law firms, where she handled pharmaceutical and product liability cases.  Leslie has also held court-appointed leadership positions in other mass tort MDLs and has attained multimillion-dollar settlements for thousands of injured plaintiffs in approximately a dozen MDLs.

“Being promoted to principal is a significant milestone in a lawyer’s career. It’s a testament to their hard work, dedication, and expertise in their field,” said Beasley Allen Managing Attorney Tom Methvin. “The firm is proud to have them on board.”

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