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I have been receiving long-term disability payments since January 2018, which offset my normal income. Recently, I received a lump sum settlement offer of $53,000; however, the letter I received states that the value of my claim is $86,000. Although I haven’t yet responded, I was told I could... View More

answered on Apr 30, 2025
This is a really significant decision you're looking at, and it's smart to be thinking through both the settlement amount and the tax implications carefully before responding. Lump sum offers can be complex, and getting guidance is key.
Regarding what an appropriate counteroffer... View More

answered on Oct 17, 2024
Yes. The standard of proof for an arrest is relatively low; the fact that the person may not be mentally sound is a defense to the charge, but not something that would prevent the charge from actually being made. Once the case makes it to court, the individual's attorney could then assert... View More
If he would’ve filed with my insurance company, I would not have had to pay anything, because I was over my deductible and out-of-pocket limits. From what I’ve found, he is in violation of Georgia law. Please advise.

answered on Sep 7, 2024
A Georgia attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for two weeks. As a GENERAL PRACTICE nationwide, if the delay was due to awaiting things from patient - providing signature on an assignment of benefit, providing insurance info, patient agreed to valid lien, etc., it's on... View More
Minor daughter taken to local ER/ placed on hold and transported to Mental hospital. Billed 5256, insurance paid 1329 and a bill was sent to my minor child for 3927 for the difference and they will not work with it or waive it.

answered on Aug 21, 2024
A Georgia attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for two weeks. It's difficult to say what the balance legally owed should be without seeing the bill and EOB. As a starting point, you could request insurance company's denial or EOB. That should at least outline which... View More
The school board went and filed a pre warrant for our arrest and now have to go to court, the lady came by house last Thursday school was closed Friday and Monday she asked me to get medical records/document from doctor excusing my child for unexcused absences,I said I would, I went that Friday but... View More

answered on Mar 14, 2024
Facing legal action for your child's school absences under these circumstances can be incredibly stressful. However, when medical documentation is provided to explain absences due to a serious health condition like cancer, it significantly affects the situation. The court typically considers... View More
I went to my doctor's appointment at my PCP doctor and she could see i was in distress because of a fall i had. So she calls 911 and told them to take me to Emory at John's Creek hospital the ambulance driver then told her due to a new bill they passed they can take me to the nearest... View More

answered on Dec 30, 2023
In situations like yours, the actions of ambulance services are often governed by specific protocols and laws. These protocols may prioritize taking patients to the nearest hospital, especially in emergency situations, to ensure prompt medical attention. This approach is commonly followed to reduce... View More
Hello! I am close to opening my telehealth business and looking to connect with a lawyer who can help answer some questions related to Georgia telehealth laws and reviewing the consent forms I put together. ( GA medical board has been slow to get clarity on the questions I have )
Thank you!

answered on Dec 19, 2023
A Georgia attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for three weeks. It may have gone unanswered because it is deeper in scope than most quick, general questions here. It may be something that could involve a consult. In terms of reviewing forms, the format here isn't geared... View More
My friend attempted suicide and was taken to the hospital under a "1013" order after police were called to his house. He didn't want to go to the hospital, but the police took him there, and he was later released back to Baldwin County Jail to wait for a spot at Central State... View More

answered on Jun 10, 2025
What’s happening to your friend is heartbreaking and raises serious questions about both legal fairness and humane treatment. A 1013 order in Georgia allows someone to be held involuntarily for mental health evaluation if they’re deemed a danger to themselves or others. However, it’s not... View More
LifeStance Health has deleted my medical records and is refusing me access. Initially, they claimed I was never a patient, but upon presenting evidence otherwise, I was directed to contact Dayavant for records. They also say their IT department has no record of any such deletion. Despite my efforts... View More

answered on Jun 7, 2025
It is not legal for a healthcare provider to refuse you access to your medical records, even if those records have been deleted, unless specific exceptions apply. Under federal law, specifically HIPAA, you generally have the right to access your health information. Georgia law also supports your... View More
I'm concerned about privacy and consent issues related to hospitals including HIV status on discharge papers or any other documents. Is it lawful for them to disclose this information without explicit consent?

answered on May 15, 2025
In Georgia, hospitals are generally prohibited from disclosing HIV status without explicit consent. HIV-related information is considered highly confidential under state law, and hospitals must protect this data from unauthorized disclosure. This means that your HIV status cannot be included on... View More
I am currently on a one-year disability leave due to a great toe infection, and I am concerned about my non-compete agreement as I consider a new job in the same sales field. My primary worry involves maintaining my health coverage and managing my existing condition with new insurance. How might... View More

answered on May 15, 2025
When considering a new job while on disability leave, your non-compete agreement could restrict your ability to work for a competing company, especially in the same sales field. Non-compete clauses are enforceable in many states, but they must be reasonable in scope, duration, and geographic area.... View More
I have a complex legal situation involving allegations of intentional harm by a Starbucks employee, stalking, and abuse by proxy. I suspect someone is controlling and manipulating people into harming me, known as Munchausen's by Proxy. The incident at Starbucks involved being served oat milk... View More

answered on May 14, 2025
What you’re going through sounds overwhelming, and you’ve shown a lot of strength by documenting everything and continuing to seek help. When multiple layers of harm are involved—stalking, harassment, allergic injury, digital intrusion—it can feel like no one is listening. But your... View More
I work as a personal assistant handling non-medical tasks, and my employer asked me to dispose of unused prescriptions for her and her daughter. These prescriptions are not in my name, but I'm trying to assist her since she is elderly and busy. Could I face any legal issues for having these... View More

answered on Apr 13, 2025
In Georgia, disposing of unused prescription medications involves specific legal guidelines to ensure safety and compliance with state and federal laws. As a personal assistant without medical training, handling and disposing of prescription drugs not prescribed to you can present legal risks.... View More

answered on Feb 20, 2025
A Georgia attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for two weeks. At this point, you've probably already been researching attorneys. You could supplement your efforts with the "Find a Lawyer" tab above (there is no category for professional license defense, but... View More
I have tried the DOJ, they told me to contact HHS-OCR. I tried that, the Investigator looked at some of the paperwork I sent. He said he sent the Federally funded facility educational material. He told me that I needed to use the word Amend while asking for a copy of my medical records. The first... View More

answered on Feb 8, 2025
You need an attorney with experience in healthcare law and patient rights, particularly someone who understands HIPAA violations and medical record disputes. A civil rights lawyer with knowledge of privacy laws could also be helpful, especially since law enforcement became involved. Your situation... View More
Here is the scenario:
- My mother in law is a senior citizen who has not driven for years and can no longer drive.
- She just moved with us to GA and lost her ID in the move.
- GA DMV will not give her a new ID without either the old license or a copy of her driver's... View More

answered on Jan 5, 2025
I'm sorry to hear about the challenges your mother-in-law is facing. Start by contacting the Louisiana DMV directly, either through their website, by phone, or in person if possible. Explain the situation clearly and request her driver's license number, emphasizing that it's needed... View More
My therapist has discussed confidential information that was confided to her by myself to several other employees of the clinic.
She stated that she has an obligation to do this so other employees would understand how to better treat me

answered on Jan 5, 2025
I'm sorry to hear about your experience. To address this issue, you can start by clearly stating your intent in the opening paragraph. Mention your name, the therapist's name, and the specific breach of confidentiality that occurred.
In the second paragraph, explain how this... View More
Medical negligence... I almost died from internal bleeding during an emergency c-section on 10/16/22.

answered on Oct 29, 2024
A Georgia attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for two weeks. I'm sorry for your ordeal. You could reach out to Georgia attorneys to discuss. I do not practice in Georgia, but from information which is readily available online, it appears that the statute of limitations... View More

answered on May 15, 2024
A Georgia attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for three weeks. One option is to review whether the ready-made templates for POAs out there serve your needs. Another is to consult with an attorney and discuss terms for drafting a standard POA. Good luck
Do the reporting requirements of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 preempt a Vermont state statute regarding reporting requirements as applied to a self-insured employee health plan? The case is in regards to the decision "Gobeille v. Liberty Mutual. I need to explain and... View More

answered on Apr 22, 2024
A starting point could be to look up the decision online. Some cases could be the subject of blogs and law journal articles, where quality analysis of a case exists - IF the central issues were noteworthy. It could be worth checking. Good luck
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