As we look back on 2024, Beasley Allen Law Firm’s Atlanta Office stands out with an impressive record of achievements in personal injury and products cases, including a rollover settlement that is believed to be the largest in Georgia history for a single automobile accident.

The Atlanta team achieved over $219 million in verdicts and settlements. This impressive sum includes a 9-figure settlement and multiple 8-figure settlements in trucking, product liability, and premises liability cases. Additionally, the team secured numerous 7-figure settlements in medical malpractice, commercial vehicle, and premises liability cases.

 

Record Product Liability Result – $162 Million

Our firm saw no shortage of clients who were injured or killed due to defective products in 2024. We handled cases ranging from defective seatbelts to pressure cookers. A majority of these cases included auto product claims.

In 2021, a tragic incident took place involving a van carrying 16 women who were close to graduating from a sober living facility. The van, a model known for its challenges, flipped on the interstate, leading to a fire. The vehicle was equipped with the wrong load range tires, adding to its problems. This accident resulted in seven deaths and nine serious injuries. Beasley Allen represented five wrongful death cases and four injury cases. Alan Hamilton, instrumental to the case results, represented another two wrongful death victims and four injury cases.

The team carefully chose the order and timing of settlements to strategically apply pressure on various defendants and prevent them from apportioning blame onto each other. Navigating the various diverse legal issues between the defendants, some novel, required a great deal of planning and skill.

The success of this case hinged on the exceptional dedication and skill of our legal team, led by Chris Glover. Chris credits Alyssa Baskam’s tenacity in depositions and brilliance in legal briefings, as well as Stephen Mulherin’s veteran-like performance and strategic contributions.

We’ve successfully handled hundreds of auto product liability cases. By combining our resources and knowledge, we ensure the best outcomes possible for our clients. We are thankful for our relationships with other lawyers who continue to trust us to team up and help their clients.

 

Trucking Cases

Beasley Allen stands 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.

In 2024, our Atlanta Office settled several commercial vehicle cases.  One case involved a stranded motorist on the roadway.  The tractor-trailer approached the motorist at dusk but made no effort to stop crashing through the stranded motorist. The case resolved for the policy limits of $6 million when it was determined that the truck driver could have avoided the stranded motorist with proper attention to the driving task. A young woman needlessly lost her life because the driver was sleepy. Driver fatigue is often the cause of tractor-trailer crashes, and this case is an example of why it is critical big truck drivers always drive rested.  In another settlement, Parker Miller and Key Lamberth obtained a policy limits $6 million settlement in a trucking death case with multiple other defendants still remaining in the case.

Going into 2025, as they have been for decades at the firm, trucking cases will remain a priority for the Atlanta Office. Currently, we have numerous major trucking cases either in suit or investigation. One of those cases involves a young child who lost his entire family to a truck wreck, while another involves the tragic death of a community leader who was killed when a logging truck’s logs struck an overpass.

 

Premises Liability

In the past two years, Beasley Allen Atlanta’s premises liability team, led by Parker Miller, has achieved over $200 million in verdicts and settlements, and in 2023 alone, the firm obtained over $40 million in premises liability settlements. That tradition continued into 2024, as our Atlanta office saw multiple seven-figure settlements and an eight-figure settlement related to premises liability and negligent security/sexual assault. Included in those results was a $6 million policy limits settlement for the tragic death of our client in an Atlanta apartment fire, while another multi-million-dollar settlement involved the death of our client’s mother from carbon monoxide poisoning.

Looking to 2025, the firm is litigating numerous major premises liability cases, including a horrific sexual assault case against a local Atlanta church and summer camp for a young girl, an apartment fire case resulting in the death and severe injury of our clients, an apartment carbon monoxide poisoning case, and multiple shooting cases involving poorly managed properties – including the Elleven45 mass shooting case and multiple child shooting death cases at apartment complexes.

Our Atlanta office continues to investigate serious premises liability cases across Georgia and the Southeast that involve criminal and sexual violence, fires, explosions, electrocutions, drownings, and carbon monoxide poisoning.

 

Strategy & Success

What sets Beasley Allen apart? We proudly represent our clients and ensure that corporations and other entities are held accountable for their actions.  Whether it’s trucking, defective auto products, premises liability, or medical malpractice cases, we have the experience to win. Our attorneys have a proven track record of success and are dedicated to providing our clients with the best legal representation.

We recognize that each case is unique, and we collaborate closely with our clients and co-counsel to craft personalized legal strategies that align with their specific needs and objectives.

Reflecting on 2024, Chris Glover says, “We are thankful for each opportunity to team up with local lawyers to pursue our clients’ cases.  We work hard to have various lawyers throughout our firm who have vast experience in a wide range of matters. This year was an exceptional year.  I couldn’t be prouder of this team.”

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We are happy to share that a group of appellate judges in California has rejected an appeal from social media companies trying to avoid trials over youth social media addiction claims. On December 6, the Second Appellate District reviewed the briefs from both sides and denied the petition from Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and YouTube.

Algorithms Designed To Hook Young Users

In October 2023, a trial court in Los Angeles ruled that the plaintiffs’ claims of negligence and fraud against these social media companies could move forward. Judge Carolyn Kuhl stated that the plaintiffs argued the companies’ algorithms and features were designed to increase the frequency and intensity of social media use, which was both foreseeable and intended. The plaintiffs also claimed that the companies knew from their own research and medical studies that this intense use could harm young users’ health.

Appeal & Arguments

The social media companies wanted the appellate court to review Judge Kuhl’s decision, arguing that the claims were blocked by Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act or the First Amendment. They emphasized the high stakes and significant legal issues involved, urging the court to step in before the case went to trial.

Court Decision

However, the appellate court denied their petition, bringing the plaintiffs closer to trials where they aim to hold the tech giants responsible for the mental and physical harm caused by social media addiction. The plaintiffs are seeking compensation for various health issues, including addiction, depression, anxiety, insomnia, eating disorders, self-harm, and suicide. The first trials are expected to start in late 2025.

The Social Media Judicial Council Coordinated Proceedings (JCCP) in Los Angeles is the largest personal injury litigation against tech giants in the country, with over 1,900 cases from 44 states. The plaintiffs are represented by a team of lawyers from Beasley Allen, Morgan & Morgan, Kiesel Law, Lanier Law Firm, and Panish Shea Ravipudi.

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On the evening of February 2, 2024, Lem Johnny Johnson IV, a 20-year-old, was tragically shot at the Family Dollar on Riverdale Road. Johnson was dropped off at the store by his mother, Sheila Brooks. Moments after entering, gunfire erupted, and Johnson was found on the store’s floor with multiple gunshot wounds.

 

The Filing

Beasley Allen’s Ben Keen has filed a wrongful death lawsuit in Clayton County on behalf of Sheila Brooks. The lawsuit claims that Family Dollar was aware of the risk of criminal acts on their premises but failed to take necessary precautions. It alleges that the store had substantial notice of the foreseeable risk of third-party criminal acts but did not take reasonable steps to guard against such dangers. As a result, Johnson suffered catastrophic injuries and an untimely death.

 

Foreseeability & Negligence

Premises liability holds property owners responsible for ensuring their premises are safe for visitors. The owner can be held liable if someone gets injured because the property wasn’t maintained properly. This responsibility includes preventing foreseeable dangers, such as criminal acts.

The lawsuit emphasizes that despite the foreseeability of the incident and prior awareness of violent criminal activity at the premises, Family Dollar did not take reasonable measures to protect their customers’ health, safety, and welfare.

 

Legal and Moral Obligations

We are committed to seeking justice for Johnson’s family and all those who have fallen victim to premises liability and negligent security. So many tragic incidents could be prevented with proper security measures.

At Beasley Allen, we work hard to ensure that those responsible for wrongdoings are held accountable and to prevent similar tragedies from happening again. We are committed to seeking justice and believe it’s important to create safer environments for everyone. By tackling these problems directly, we hope to provide help and closure to the victims and their families while also pushing for changes that improve safety and prevent future harm.

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Product Liability Settlement

$1 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. 

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Chad Cook has been honored with the prestigious 2024 Chad Stewart Award, named in memory of Beasley Allen lawyer Chad Stewart, who tragically passed away in 2014 at the age of 41. This award celebrates Chad Stewart’s dedication to God, his family, and the legal profession. Each year, Beasley Allen bestows this award upon a lawyer within the firm who best embodies the values and spirit that Chad Stewart exemplified.

Chad has been a dedicated member of Beasley Allen Law Firm for over two decades. In addition to his legal work, Chad coordinates the firm’s pro bono efforts, demonstrating his commitment to community service. He believes that pro bono work is a vital way for the legal profession to give back to society. In his role, Chad ensures that both lawyers and staff are aware of available pro bono opportunities and encourages their participation. He also collaborates with clients to identify pro bono cases that the firm can undertake, matching these cases with lawyers who have the appropriate expertise.

Chad has also served as the president of the Montgomery County Association for Justice (MCAJ). During his tenure, he presented Judge Charles Price with a commemorative plaque upon his retirement in 2015 and announced the establishment of the Judge Charles Price Leadership Award. This award is given annually to individuals who demonstrate qualities reflecting Judge Price’s dedication and courage in upholding justice.

In addition to his professional achievements, Chad has contributed to legal education as an instructor in Civil Procedure and Evidence at Faulkner University and as a member of the Legal Studies Advisory Committee. He also mentors law students through the Thomas Goode Jones Professional Development Program, helping them connect with practicing attorneys and promoting professionalism in the legal field.

Chad’s excellence has also been recognized by his selection to the National Trial Lawyers Association (NTLA) Top 100 Trial Lawyers list.

Congratulations, Chad!

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Commercial Vehicle Settlement

$2 Million Commercial Vehicle 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 For A Commercial Vehicle Case appeared first on Beasley Allen.

Super Lawyers has recognized 29 attorneys from the Beasley Allen Law Firm for their outstanding achievements and peer recognition for the 2024 Midsouth Region.

This includes our founder, Jere L. Beasley, along with 13 other attorneys who have been named to the 2024 Super Lawyers list.

Beasley Allen’s 2024 Mid-South Super Lawyers also include:

• Greg Allen
• Ben Baker
• Andy Birchfield
• LaBarron Boone
• Mike Crow
• Kendall Dunson
• Lance Gould 
• Rhon Jones
• Dee Miles
• Leigh O’Dell
• Cole Portis
• Gibson Vance
• Frank Woodson

**New to the list

In addition, 15 attorneys were included on the Super Lawyers “Rising Stars” list, which recognizes the top up-and-coming attorneys 40 years old or younger who have been practicing for 10 years or less. 

Beasley Allen’s 2024 Mid-South Super Lawyers Rising Stars are:

• Evan Allen 
• Ryan Beattie
• Tiffany Birley
• David Diab**
• Ryan Duplechin**
• Paul Evans
• Ali Hawthorne
• Tyner Helms
• Warner Hornsby
• Gavin King
• Aigner Kolom
• Ryan Kral
• Stephanie Monplaisir 
• Clinton Richardson
• William Sutton

**New to the list

The Super Lawyers lists are published in Super Lawyers Magazines, a Thomson Reuters business, and leading city and regional magazines across the country. The Super Lawyers Magazines also feature editorial profiles of attorneys who embody excellence in the practice of law. For more information, go to superlawyers.com.

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Lawyers from Beasley Allen and Blood Hurst & O’Reardon have filed a class action lawsuit against Toyota Motor North America, Inc. and Toyota Motor Sales, Inc. in the Federal District Court for the Central District of California.

 

The Defect

The lawsuit alleges that 2024 and newer Toyota Tacoma trucks have a defect in their transmission. These trucks are equipped with an Aisin-Toyota 8-speed automatic transmission. This defect can cause the trucks to engage harshly or fail to shift into gear, limit their power by entering “Limp Mode,” and cause internal component damage and complete transmission failure.

Transmissions are crucial because they transfer power from the engine to the wheels. In vehicles that produce a lot of power, the transmission and other parts must handle high stress and heat without breaking.

Toyota claims their transmissions were designed to improve fuel efficiency and provide smooth acceleration. However, the lawsuit argues that these transmissions are made with poor materials, leading to early wear and sudden failure without warning.

 

Risk & Response

This defect poses a serious safety risk to drivers and others on the road. The lawsuit also claims that Toyota knew about the issue as early as 2016 but has not issued a recall or offered an extended warranty. Instead, Toyota released a limited Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) for certain 2024 Tacoma trucks, which the lawsuit argues is insufficient.

Plaintiffs allege that Toyota’s TSB is deficient because it requires owners of the Class Vehicles to present specific diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) in order to receive a free replacement for the transmission and torque converter.

Some consumers have reported experiencing the same transmission issues even after repairs. The legal team continues to investigate additional incidents.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to navigate these cases and fight to hold these car manufacturers responsible.

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Beasley Allen has been at the forefront of the Camp Lejeune Litigation. We have filed thousands of Administrative Claims for those who developed cancer or other health conditions after living, working, or visiting Camp Lejeune.

Our firm is actively working on bellwether cases, collaborating with experts, and preparing individual cases with the evidence required to establish administrative claims and/or succeed in court.

 

Camp Lejeune Justice Act

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act (CLJA) of 2022 established clear criteria for individuals to pursue claims related to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. To be eligible, claimants must:

• Been exposed to the water for 30 days or more between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987.
• Suffered harm or illness because of that exposure.

The CLJA also outlines a relatively straightforward burden of proof for claimants: they must show that the relationship between their exposure at Camp Lejeune and the harm they suffered is “sufficient to conclude that a causal relationship is at least as likely as not.”

 

Battle Over Causation Continues

Even though the rules are clear, there’s still a legal fight about proving that the water at Camp Lejeune caused illnesses. The court says that to win, you need to show two things: general causation and specific causation. General causation means establishing that a particular illness can be caused by exposure to particular toxins. Specific causation means proving that your exposure to these toxins likely caused your illness.

In the general causation phase, plaintiffs (the people suing) argue that they can prove general causation using different types of scientific evidence. The Department of Justice (DOJ) wants detailed monthly data on the chemicals in the water from 1953 to 1987. They believe the court should decide the minimum levels of these chemicals that could cause diseases.

If the court agrees that there is causal relationship between certain chemicals in the water and the certain health conditions at issue, plaintiffs must then prove they were exposed to those chemicals and that this exposure is “at least as likely as not” the cause of their health condition, considering other risk factors they might have. This is a lower burden of proof than in traditional civil cases.

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