Georgia Trial Lawyers Association Selects Chase Elleby for 2020-2021 LEAD Program

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Georgia Trial Lawyers Association Selects Chase Elleby for 2020-2021 LEAD Program

ATLANTA – The Georgia Trial Lawyers Association recently announced the selections for the 2020-2021 Leadership Education and Advanced Direction Program, or LEAD Program. This widely acclaimed and exclusive program trains and equips GTLA members who are considered potential leaders in the association with the tools and knowledge to advance in their legal careers and outside of the courtroom.

Through an intense application review and selection process, 18 attorneys were chosen to participate in this program, including Chase Elleby, one of the partners of our firm.

“It’s an honor to be selected to this year’s LEAD class with GTLA,” says Elleby. “I am looking forward to growing my knowledge and network to better serve our clients and community.”

 

The GTLA LEAD Program includes qualified applicants with less than 10 years of experience working in a legal practice, or those who are 35 years old or younger. The 2020-2021 LEAD Program begins this month with a kickoff event, followed by six sessions and a graduation at the GTLA Annual Convention & President’s Gala in the spring of 2021.

“I am very proud of Chase,” says Joel Williams, Partner and founder of Williams Elleby Howard & Easter. “He is a warrior and I am glad to see that his hard work and dedication to our profession is being recognized by the leading trial lawyer group in the State of Georgia, GTLA.”

“The GTLA LEAD program is one of the single-best sources for identifying and honing the talent in our association” remarked Lyle Warshauer, President of the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association. “These 18 attorneys were chosen from one of the most competitive selection processes in the program’s history, and I know that they will uphold the successful legacy of the LEAD program as they work toward becoming the future leaders of our association.”

Joel Williams and Chase Elleby – 2020 Super Lawyers Rising Stars

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Joel Williams and Chase Elleby, partners of Williams Elleby Howard & Easter, were recently selected to the Georgia Super Lawyers Rising Stars list for 2020. This honor is only received by 2.5% of attorneys in the state of Georgia through a rigorous selection process and recognizes the Georgia attorneys that go above and beyond for their clients.

To become a Super Lawyer Rising Star, lawyers are nominated by their peers or identified by the Super Lawyers research department. A research staff led by attorneys then searches for accredited lawyers who have been awarded certain honors, taking into consideration the list of nominees. Candidates for Rising Stars are evaluated based on their experience, awards, verdicts and other outstanding achievements.

Williams and Elleby have a proven record of obtaining justice for personal injury victims throughout Georgia. This has earned Williams the title of Rising Star lawyer since 2013, and Elleby a Rising Star lawyer for both 2019 and 2020.

Attorneys Joel Williams and Chase Elleby are based in Kennesaw, but they litigate catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases throughout the State of Georgia. You can learn more about the firm by visiting https://gatrialattorney.com/. If you prefer a more personal touch, reach out to Joel and Chase by phone at (404) 389-1035 or by email at joel@gatrialattorney.com and chase@gatrialattorney.com. 

Best Attorney of 2020 Awarded to Williams Elleby Howard & Easter

A badge showing the Aroundabout Acworth Readers' Choice Award Winner for 2020.

Williams Elleby Howard & Easter has been named Best Attorney of 2020 by Around Acworth magazine. For the third year in a row, the personal injury firm has received a Readers’ Choice Award for Best Attorney.

“We’re both humbled and proud to receive an Around Acworth 2020 Readers’ Choice Award,” said Joel Williams, founder and partner at Williams Elleby Howard & Easter. “This award marks three consecutive years of recognition for our commitment to serving clients in Acworth. We extend a heartfelt ‘thank you’ to our clients for trusting us to handle their legal cases.”

The winners of the Around Acworth Readers’ Choice Awards are nominated in their respective categories and voted on by the community. This award celebrates entrepreneurial spirit and keeps readers’ focus on supporting local businesses.

“It is an honor to fight for justice for our clients, especially during their times of hardship and grief,” said Chase Elleby, partner at Williams Elleby Howard & Easter. “I’m proud of the work our team does to help our fellow Georgians.”

Attorneys Joel Williams and Chase Elleby are based in Kennesaw but they litigate catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases throughout the State of Georgia. For more information about the firm, visit www.gatrialattorney.com or follow the firm on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Car Accident in Georgia?

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After a car accident in Georgia, adults have 2 years to file a lawsuit for physical injuries. O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33. A lawsuit for property damage must be filed within 4 years of the date of the accident. O.C.G.A. § 9-3-32. These time limitations are called the statute of limitations. If a lawsuit is filed after these deadlines, it will be dismissed by the trial court.

There are some exceptions to these deadlines such situations where the injured person is a minor. The time limit for personal injuries to minors is extended until two years after the minor becomes an adult. O.C.G.A. 9-3-90(b). However, the child’s parent(s) must bring a claim for medical expenses within 2 years. Mujkic v. Lam, 342 Ga. App. 693, 695 (2017).

Do Not Wait Until the Statute of Limitations Is Close

Two and four years may feel like a long time but don’t be lulled into waiting to decide whether to file suit. The statute of limitations is the absolute last day on which a lawsuit can be filed, but a lot of work must be done before the lawsuit is filed.  You should seriously consider hiring a well-respected car crash attorney as soon as possible after any car crash.

Your attorney needs to understand and investigate the facts of your case then prepare the lawsuit for filing. If you hire an attorney shortly after a car crash, he or she may even have enough time to get your case settled without filing a lawsuit. Additionally, if you are not represented by an experienced legal team who can guide and advise you, you could inadvertently harm your chances in a future lawsuit.

For example, saying the wrong thing to an insurance adjuster may devalue your claim. Also, evidence must be collected before it is destroyed. Markings on the roadway may need to be documented before they disappear. Property damage needs to be photographed and measured before vehicles are repaired or salvaged. Medical records and bills must be gathered and lost wages need to be properly documented. In some instances, evasive defendants must be located so they can be served with the lawsuit and summons.

For these reasons, you should be vigilant and consult with an attorney that can guide you through the claims process as soon as you are physically able. A consultation does not commit you to filing a lawsuit; rather, it will provide you with more information so you can make an informed decision on how you would like to proceed. Even if you are currently unable to leave your home due to injuries, a personal injury law firm that cares about its clients will have other options available such as phone calls or in home visits.

Experienced Georgia Law Firm for Serious Injuries

If you have been in a car accident and want to learn about whether you have a legal claim, the automobile accident attorneys at Williams Elleby Howard & Easter are here to help. Simply call 833-LEGALGA (833-534-2542) to schedule a free consultation with one of our Georgia trial attorneys.

Williams Elleby Howard & Easter Personal Injury Law Firm Expands with Second Office Location

Business logo for Williams Elleby a personal injury and wrongul death law firm.

Cobb County, GA –- Kennesaw-based personal injury law firm Williams Elleby Howard & Easter has opened its second office location in Cobb County. The firm plans to celebrate a grand opening later this year. The decision to expand was made with client needs in mind.

“We are excited to offer a second location to better connect with our clients throughout Cobb County,” said Joel Williams, partner. “Clients come to us in some of the toughest moments of their lives. We want to do everything in our power to make the process of navigating a personal injury as easy as possible. We hope having a second office makes it that much easier for clients to find and meet with our team.”

The new office is located at 3450 Acworth Due West Road, Building 600, Ste. 610 in Kennesaw. The original office, located at 3900 Frey Road, Ste. 100 in Kennesaw, will remain the firm’s satellite office.

Joel Williams and Chase Elleby are partners at Williams Elleby Howard & Easter and together, they litigate serious injury and wrongful death cases throughout the state of Georgia. They represent clients who have sustained injuries from situations including moving vehicle accidents, medical malpractice, daycare and elder care injuries.

Both Williams and Elleby were selected Super Lawyers Rising Stars in the state of Georgia for their work advocating for their clients. The selection to the 2020 list marks Williams’s eighth consecutive year and Elleby’s second year.

For more information about the firm, visit www.gatrialattorney.com or follow the firm on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.

PTSD: What to Look For After a Georgia Car Accident

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Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, is a mental health disorder that is triggered by a dangerous or shocking event, including Georgia car accidents.  PTSD is commonly associated with military veterans returning from war, but military members are not the only ones who can suffer from PTSD. Anyone can experience PTSD after a traumatic event.

About 8% of Americans suffer from PTSD at least once during their lives. Motor vehicle accidents are the most common cause of PTSD in the general population but any traumatic accident can cause PTSD. Those directly involved in the accident and those who witnessed the accident can develop PTSD.

If you or a loved one has experienced or witnessed an accident, you should be aware of the signs of PTSD and know what to do if they develop.

Signs of Post-Accident PTSD

It could be days, weeks, or even months after an accident before symptoms of PTSD become apparent. The following are some of the common signs and symptoms of PTSD following an accident:

  • Unexpected or recurring flashbacks of the accident.
  • No memory of certain parts of the accident.
  • Nightmares or other sleeping difficulties.
  • Difficulty concentrating.
  • Avoidance of reminders of the event, for example, avoiding driving after a car accident.
  • Avoidance of feelings related to the accident.
  • Negative mood changes such as decreased interest in hobbies and leisure activities, as well as overly negative thoughts about self and others.
  • Persistent feeling of being on edge.
  • Emotional outbursts.
  • Being easily startled, e.g., jumping when a loud noise is heard.
  • Physical manifestations of stress such as hair loss, fragile nails, headaches, weight loss, and neck and should aches.
  • Panic attacks.
  • Physical of arousal such as higher heart rate, sweating, and shortness of breath when at rest.
  • Substance abuse.

PTSD does not require all of these signs and symptoms to be present and can manifest in other ways as well. PTSD shows up differently in different people.

What to Do for Post-Accident PTSD

If you or a loved one are experiencing any signs of PTSD, you should seek medical treatment immediately. Contact a mental health professional directly or make an appointment with your primary care physician who can refer you to the appropriate mental health care professional. If immediate help is needed, call the 24/7 Georgia Crisis Hotline at (800) 715-4225. Whomever you reach out to, do it as soon as possible. PTSD is a very treatable disorder but can have devastating consequences if left untreated.

You should also tell your Georgia accident attorney if your PTSD symptoms are present or if there has been a PTSD diagnosis. The cost of PTSD care and treatment may be recoverable as part of damages in your personal injury case, but your attorney has to know about it to help you receive the compensation you are entitled too.

At Williams Elleby Howard & Easter, we understand that the mental suffering caused by traumatic accidents can continue long after the accident itself is over.  Georgia law allows PTSD victims to recover for their pain and suffering and Williams Elleby Howard & Easter works hart to ensure that those impacted by accidents are fully compensated. If you or a loved one has been in an accident in Georgia, call (833) LEGALGA to schedule a free consultation with our team.

Joel Williams Law, LLC Announces Name Change, New Partner

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Attorney Chase Elleby Joins Attorney Joel Williams as Named Partner

KENNESAW, Ga (Oct. 1, 2019) – Joel Williams Law, LLC is pleased to announce the ascension of Chase Elleby as a name partner of the firm, which has changed its name to Williams Elleby Howard & Easter. The name change is effective October 1, 2019.

“Changing the name of our firm recognizes Chase’s significant contributions and the outstanding results he has achieved on our clients’ behalf,” said Joel Williams, founding partner. “Chase is a very talented attorney who works tirelessly to get justice for personal injury victims throughout the state of Georgia.”

Elleby handles a variety of personal injury cases for the firm including auto and truck collisions, school bus accidents, medical malpractice, negligent security, wrongful death and day care injuries, recovering millions of dollars on behalf of his clients. He joined the firm in 2017 and helped the firm recover nearly 10 million in damages for clients during that time frame.

Prior to representing the injured and their families, Elleby represented corporations and insurance companies, giving him unique insight into how insurance companies work. He has extensive knowledge of automobile insurance law and medical billing and medical insurance coverage which is put to work on his clients’ behalf to maximize their recovery.

“It is an honor to fight for justice for our clients,” Elleby said. “I’m proud of the work Joel and I do to help our fellow Georgians.”

Attorneys Joel Williams and Chase Elleby are based in Kennesaw but they litigate catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases throughout the State of Georgia. You can learn more about the firm by visiting https://gatrialattorney.com/. If you prefer a more personal touch, reach out to Joel and Chase by phone at (404) 389-1035 or by email at joel@gatrialattorney.com and chase@gatrialattorney.com.

Get to Know Chase Elleby – Partner

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Personal injury attorney Chase Elleby has recently become a named partner at Williams|Elleby. Together with Joel Williams, they litigate serious cases involving car accidents, tractor-trailer wrecks and premises liability injuries throughout the state of Georgia. Chase shared his thoughts on practicing law, his relationships with his clients and where he sees his career taking him in the future.

What is your favorite thing about being a lawyer?

Not to sound too cliché but my favorite thing about being a lawyer is being able to help people in a time of need. A personal injury claim and lawsuit is extremely overwhelming. Being able to help people navigate the claims process and fight on their behalf to make sure they receive fair compensation is very rewarding. 

What excites you about being able to practice law in your hometown of Kennesaw?

Everything! Growing up in Kennesaw and being able to work and raise my kids here is great. The community gave me so much growing up (including my wife, who also grew up in Kennesaw), and I hope to give back as much as I can.

What are some of the biggest challenges your personal injury clients face after an injury?

The biggest challenge facing our personal injury clients is getting better. Any injury, including minor and severe ones, can be scary because you never know if your body will recover or if you will be living with the injury for the rest of your life. Injuries not only take a toll physically, but they are also mentally and financially debilitating. Making sure you are protected, and that your attorney is going to fight to help you in a time of need, is very important.

How has your experience as a defense lawyer helped your personal injury clients?

My prior experience has given me perspective. Understanding what most insurance companies and defense attorneys are trying to accomplish with each case helps me explain to my clients what they are up against and what to expect. It also helps me to identify weaknesses in my cases so I am better prepared to fight for my clients.

Looking back on your legal career, what is the one thing you are most proud of?

Becoming a partner with Joel. He’s a fantastic lawyer and mentor and an even better person. I’m grateful to be a part of this firm.

You recently became a named partner at Williams|Elleby. What are your goals as a partner and where do you see the firm 10 years from now?

My goals will be the same – to keep doing my best and working hard every day for all of my clients to help them through one of the most difficult moments in their lives. I see the firm continuing to grow in the years to come and making a positive impact in our community.

If you would like more information about the attorneys at Williams|Elleby or would like to discuss your situation, get in touch for a free consultation – 833-LEGALGA.

Chase Elleby Named Firm Partner

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Williams Elleby Howard & Easter is happy to announce the naming of Chase Elleby as an official partner of the firm, which has changed its name to Williams Elleby Howard & Easter. This name change is effective October 1, 2019 and represents the important contributions that Elleby has made through his work.

Elleby joined the firm in 2017, handling a variety of personal injury cases including auto and truck collisions, school bus accidents, medical malpractice, negligent security, wrongful death and day care injuries. During this time, he helped recover millions of dollars on behalf of the firm’s clients, exemplifying the hard work and dedication that is valued at the firm.

“Changing the name of our firm recognizes Chase’s significant contributions and the outstanding results he has achieved on our clients’ behalf,” said Joel Williams, founding partner. “Chase is a very talented attorney who works tirelessly to get justice for personal injury victims throughout the State of Georgia.”

Elleby also offers a unique perspective to the firm. Prior to representing the injured and their families, he represented corporations and insurance companies. This provided him with valuable insight into how insurance companies work and he has implemented this into his current practice. He also has extensive knowledge of automobile insurance law, medical billing, and medical insurance coverage which helps him maximize the recovery for our clients.

Williams and Elleby look forward to the opportunity to work together as partners as they continue serving their clients. “It is an honor to fight for justice for our clients,” Elleby said, “I am proud of the work Joel and I do to help our fellow Georgians.”

If you would like to learn more about the firm, reach out to Joel and Chase by phone at 833-LEGALGA or by email at joel@gatrialattorney.com and chase@gatrialattorney.com.

Can a Car Accident Cause Scoliosis?

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The Mayo Clinic defines Scoliosis as the curvature of the spinal column and it can be exacerbated by a car accident. While the spinal cord is typically straight, a bent or curved spine can lead to issues like back pain. If a negligent driver causes or exacerbates your scoliosis, you may be entitled to recover damages.

Although some studies suggest that scoliosis can be caused by trauma, the majority of scoliosis cases have no known cause. The important thing to remember after a car accident in Georgia is that a pre-existing diagnosis of scoliosis will not bar a personal injury claim after a car accident. This is because Georgia law allows a person to recover when a pre-existing condition is made worse or aggravated by trauma.

The Effect of Scoliosis

Scoliosis can lead to debilitating back pain. But unlike some injuries, you can’t count on scoliosis to heal naturally on its own. Without proper treatment for scoliosis, it is possible that your pain will be so severe you could be unable to work, drive, or care for yourself.

The methods for treating scoliosis can vary. In some cases, regular visits to your chiropractor can successfully straighten your spine and relieve your pain. In other cases, you may need to wear a back brace for extended periods in order for your scoliosis to resolve. In the most severe cases, you may require surgery to relieve the pain.

The Causes of Scoliosis

There are a variety of causes of scoliosis. Many people are born with scoliosis or deal with the condition from a young age. In some cases, it is so minor that it does not affect your quality of life. But some studies suggest that scoliosis can be caused by physical trauma like a car accident. There is little doubt that physical trauma can make the pain caused by scoliosis worse. This can be a trying experience for anyone injured in a wreck who has not previously experienced back pain.

Filing an Injury Claim for Scoliosis

When it comes to an injury claim related to scoliosis, the help of an experienced Georgia injury attorney can be invaluable. The responsible party, their attorney, and the insurance company will normally deny your claim and argue that your car wreck did not cause the scoliosis. 

If you are suffering from the effects of scoliosis due to the negligence of another driver, you may have a case for damages. And if your pain is so severe that you are unable to work, those damages can add up fast. You could face the financial burden of medical bills and lost wages in addition to your pain and suffering. It is important to keep a log of any pain you are experiencing, as well as a record of medical bills. This will ensure that you are prepared should you decide to try to collect compensation. 

In many cases, a car accident attorney in Georgia may be able to negotiate a favorable settlement without ever filing a lawsuit. However, if the responsible party refuses to pay, an attorney can file suit and pursue your damages through the court system.

If you are dealing with the effects of scoliosis brought on by a vehicle accident in Georgia, attorney Joel Williams and his staff are ready to help. Joel is an experienced Georgia personal injury attorney with an extensive track record of obtaining favorable results for his clients. To learn more, contact Williams Elleby Howard & Easter today at 833-LEGALGA for a free consultation.