Personal Injury Law Firm, Jonesboro & Clayton County GA
We believe in happy clients. That means winning settlements and jury trials. It also means communication—and that means answering our clients’ questions, and updating our clients even when they haven’t asked yet. We have had many happy clients in Clayton County and Jonesboro. Our lawyers are available for meetings and consultations in our office at 21 Lee Street, Jonesboro GA 30236.
Personal Injury Lawyer in Clayton County
We handle lawsuits arising from car accidents, truck accidents, shootings, and rape or sexual assault in the Clayton County and Jonesboro area. But you won’t see us on billboards or television commercials. That’s not who we are—instead of having thousands and thousands of cases with hundreds of cases per lawyer, we take only a few cases so that we can give our full attention to the clients we represent. That means that we can actually talk with our clients and make sure we’re meeting their needs. It also means better results—i.e., bigger settlements and verdicts—on the cases handled by our firm.
Some lawyers are all bark and no bite. Not us. We are perfectly willing to file lawsuits, litigate the cases, and go to trial with our clients—and the insurance companies know that, which is a good thing for our clients. We have tried many cases to verdict in the Clayton County courthouse in Jonesboro.
We could tell you more about ourselves—and if you keep scrolling down, we will. But first, our clients say it best.
Car Accident Lawyer in Clayton County
When another driver crashes into you, things change in a flash. You may experience pain in your neck and back, and may find that pain radiates from your spine to other parts of your body. In serious collisions, permanent disability can occur or someone can be killed. You may miss work. Family members who depended on you for financial or emotional support may not know where to turn.
We know car accident cases. Butler Law Firm has filed, settled, and tried many car accident cases, and we know the tricks that the insurance companies play. We have seen insurance companies try to take recorded statements from victims, hoping to find something to use against that person later. We have seen insurance companies pretend to be friendly to the person who was hurt—even claiming that the insurance company wants to pay the claim—when what the insurance company really wants is to close the file and pay less than they should.
We fight for our clients. Many law firms that advertise on billboards talk big, but they don’t back it up. Most of those billboard advertisers won’t return their clients’ phone calls, and have paralegals who handle hundreds of cases at a time. They settle cheap, then move on to the next case.
At Butler Law, that’s not how we operate. Our Jonesboro personal injury lawyers handle approximately 15 cases per lawyer, so we can give each client the personalized attention he or she deserves. When we say we fight for our clients, we mean it.
Truck Accident Lawyer in Clayton County and Jonesboro
When big trucks share the road with small cars, bad things can happen—because when an 80,000 pound truck collides with a 5,000 pound car, the car is a bad place to be.
Truck accident cases call for truck accident lawyers. Truck accident cases are different than car accident cases for a few reasons. For one, the trucking company usually blames its own driver, but claims that the company is not responsible. But the truck company is responsible, and at Butler Law, we win that argument almost every time. We have written multiple briefs on the subject, and cross-examined truck company owners and their ‘safety directors’ about it. The truth is that the truck company is almost always responsible for two reasons:
- The truck company is liable for its driver’s misconduct under the legal rules of “respondeat superior” and “vicarious liability,” and also under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.
- The truck company often hired a driver who should not have been allowed behind the wheel of a tractor-trailer, or the trucking company failed to train that driver to operate a commercial truck safely.
Truck accident cases are also different than car accident cases because of the insurance involved. In many car accident cases, we have to look hard to find all the available insurance, such as liability insurance, underinsured motorist insurance, and resident relative insurance. But in a truck accident case, the trucking company is required by law to have a larger insurance policy. Most trucks who operate in multiple states must have at least $750,000 in liability insurance. With so much money at state, trucking companies and their insurers hire smart defense lawyers and fight hard. It often takes an experienced truck accident lawyer to win.
Wrongful Death Cases in Clayton County and Jonesboro
No case is more serious than a wrongful death case. But they do arise, in Clayton County and Jonesboro like anywhere else. If you or your family is dealing with a wrongful death case, we would like to first offer our sympathy and condolences.
If you or your family is dealing with a wrongful death, you probably came to this website for legal information. The law in this area varies significantly from state to state. Below are a few bullet points about Georgia wrongful death law.
- > If someone is killed through the wrongful or negligent act of another person or a company, the family of the deceased person usually brings two types of claims: a wrongful death claim, and an estate claim.
- > In the wrongful death claim, the family can recover for the “full value of the life” of the person who died, measured from the point of view of the deceased.
- > Under Georgia law, the “full value of the life” has an intangible part (like the value of time spent with family and friends) and a tangible part (like the money the deceased would have earned).
- > In the estate claim, the family can recover for certain other types of damages, such as the pain and suffering that the deceased experienced.
- > Although the time limit can be longer or shorter in special situations, in general, a Georgia wrongful death lawsuit should be brought within two years of the date of death.
- > A person does not have to be the administrator of the deceased’s estate to bring a wrongful death lawsuit in Georgia.
Wrongful death cases arise most commonly from car accidents, motorcycle accidents, truck accidents, or shootings. For more detailed information about wrongful death cases in Georgia, see our Wrongful Death FAQ page.
Sexual Assault Lawyer in Clayton County
When an attacker sexually assaults a victim, the attacker takes something that can never be returned. But that doesn’t mean the victim can’t fight back. At Butler Law, we empower victims to take control and go after their attackers.
Our firm has handled sexual assault and rape cases against attackers and the organizations that allowed the attacker to do what he did. We have handled cases in which minors were sexually abused at school, in which pastors sexually abused fifteen-year-olds, and in which companies that were supposed to provide therapy sexually exploited the very people they were supposed to care for. These are hard cases.
We know it is not easy for victims to come forward, so we are here to help when they do. Many times, sexual assault cases settle before they have to be filed with the court. Often our clients want the case handled quietly and privately, and if that is what our clients want, that’s what we’ll do. However, when and if our clients want to do it, Butler Law files sexual assault cases and takes the fight to the attacker in court.
Clayton County and Jonesboro Attorneys in Action
It never hurts to see your lawyer in action. Below are a few video clips showing our Jonesboro personal injury attorneys taking depositions or trying cases to juries.
In this case, which we filed in the State Court of Clayton County, a commercial vehicle company hired a bad driver, did not train him, and then put him behind the wheel of a commercial truck. In this video clip, we took the deposition of the company’s vice president—and look what he admitted at the end! This trucking case settled against the company on the first day of trial for $460,000.
When terrorists overseas attacked a crowd of people using a commercial truck, news reporters came to Butler Law Firm for expert analysis of the commercial vehicle.
Clayton County and Jonesboro
The city of Jonesboro was the setting for Tara, the main setting for Margaret Mitchell’s famous novel. It was also the city where many scenes from the 1977 film Smokey and the Bandit were filmed. Originally called “Leakesville” in 1823, the city later changed its name to “Jonesborough.” The spelling was later changed to Jonesboro.
As the county seat, Jonesboro is also home to the historic Clayton County Courthouse which was built in 1898. However, both the State Court and the Superior Court of the Clayton County Judicial Circuit are held at the Harold R. Banke Justice Center which was opened on November 6, 2000 and is located at 9151 Tara Boulevard, Jonesboro, GA 30236. It has 18 courtrooms, and is also home to the Clayton County Sheriff’s Department. (The Probate Court remains at the original courthouse located at 121 South McDonough Street, Jonesboro, GA 30236.)
In this car accident trial in Atlanta GA, our client was struck in the rear by a drunk driver—while her two-year-old daughter was in the back seat. In opening statement, we described the wreck to the jury using the present tense.
If We Don’t Take Your Case, We’ll Help You Find a Lawyer Who Can
Because our firm devotes time and attention to each case we take, we only handle a select number of cases. If we can’t handle your case, we’ll help you find someone who can. We know other good lawyers who handle Clayton County cases, and can send you to the right place.
Jonesboro Office
21 Lee Street
Suite 250
Jonesboro, Georgia 30236
T:770-629-8366
jeb@butlerfirm.com
Clayton County News Updates
On Wednesday, September 16th, Christopher Abram stole a police car and led Clayton County Police officers on a high-speed chase. The chase led to Carnes Road and Noah’s Ark Road, where Abram lost control of the police car. Abrams was charged with fleeing from police, driving on a suspended license, an open container violation, and theft by taking. He is currently in the Clayton County jail.
On Wednesday, September 9, two people were taken to the hospital after a two-car, head-on collision on Evans Drive off of Highway 42 in Clayton County. The Clayton County Police Department reported that both drivers were taken to the hospital with serious injuries. Police are still investigating the cause of the crash.
On Thursday, September 3rd, the Clayton County Department of Health announced that it will offer a free drive-thru event for HIV testing. The event is scheduled to take place on September 26th from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at 1117 Battlecreek Road in Jonesboro. The testing is free, and all tested participates will receive a $15 gift card. An inclement weather day for the event has been scheduled for October 3rd.
On Thursday, August 27th, a Clayton County man, Lorenzo Roberts, was arrested and charged with murder. The arrest stems from a 2018 armed robbery that resulted in the death of 55-year-old Bernadino Martin, Jr. Roberts was arrested without incident, however it was later discovered that he was carrying a stolen gun and ammunition at the time of his arrest.
On Tuesday, August 18th, Clayton County mandated the public use of face masks. Although masks are now mandatory in public and government buildings, people are not required to wear masks while visiting private businesses. This decision leaves businesses the freedom to design their own safety protocols. In addition, masks will not be required in parks or trails if visitors maintain a six-foot distance from one another.
The Clayton County Police Department is searching for Brandon Mehrjooya, a missing 19-year-old with Asperger’s Syndrome and Bipolar Disorder. Mehrjooya was last seen at an apartment complex on Saturday, August 8th. He is described as having brown hair and brown eyes. He is around 5-feet-9-inches tall and weighs approximately 157 pounds.
The Clayton County Police Department is reaching out to the public for information regarding a fatal road rage killing that took place on July 30th. The shooting took place on the 6000 block of Old Dixie Road at approximately 4 P.M. Police are trying to locate the occupants of the black Dodge Journey SUV that are responsible for the shooting death of 35-year-old Mary Lorraine Riden. The occupants are believed to be three women.
The Clayton County Board of Commission has denied Rockland LLC’s request to expand a Riverdale Rock Quarry. All commissioners unanimously voted to deny Rockland LLC a conditional use permit. The requested permit intended to extend the quarry an additional 61.62 acres. The rock quarry is located off of Georgia Highway 85 in Hambick’s District.
On July 21st, Georgia State Patrol officers arrested a fugitive after a police chase in Clayton County. The fugitive fled down Tara Boulevard after being pulled over for a tag violation. The fleeing driver had several warrants, including active warrants in Georgia, New York, and California.
Shortly before midnight on Monday, July 13th, a pedestrian was struck and killed by a vehicle while attempting to cross Tara Boulevard near Valley Hill Road. The vehicle then fled the scene before police officers arrived. The Clayton County Police Department is currently investigating the deadly hit and run.
On Wednesday, July 9th, a Jonesboro mother was arrested and charged with the murder of her seventeen-year-old daughter. Previous reports of her daughter’s neglect and prior untreated illnesses led to her death being ruled as a homicide.
On Tuesday, June 30th, Clayton County residents will have an opportunity to engage with county offices and representatives in a virtual town hall meeting. The event, “Engage Clayton Virtual Town Hall Meeting,” will happen next Tuesday at 6 p.m. Among the scheduled topics of discussion are police reform and community engagement.
On Wednesday, June 10th, an FBI Public Affairs official confirmed the bureau is “conducting court-authorized law enforcement activity” at the Clayton County Sheriff’s Office in Jonesboro. The Clayton County Sheriff’s Office is lead by Sheriff Victor Hill, who has yet to comment on the FBI activity.
One Thursday, June 4th, Clayton Senior Services announced receiving $110,714 in funding from the Atlanta Regional Commission (“ACR”) to provide home-delivered meals for those most vulnerable to COVID0-19. To dated, the ARC has allocated a total of $1.9 million to several counties in the metro area from the Families First Coronavirus Response Act.
On Monday, May 18th, a Clayton County child was killed in an accidental shooting. The child was shot in the afternoon at a home located on Ashworth Drive near Jonesboro. According to Clayton County officials, another child was also involved but details are not being released at this time to the public.
Clayton County police are investigating a car versus pedestrian accident that occurred during late evening on Wednesday, May 13th. According to a Clayton County police official, officers responded to a car that hit a pedestrian on Highway 85, near Atlanta South Parkway. Police did not disclose if the driver remained at the scene or the condition of the injured pedestrian.
As of Wednesday, May 14th, the city of Lawrenceville continued to “light it blue” in honor of National Police Week. The city’s Renasant Bank began selling blue bulbs to local businesses and residents last month to highlight the efforts of first responders and healthcare workers in the fight against the coronavirus. The blue light bulbs can be seen lit up all over town at night.
As of Thursday, March 19th, Clayton County Public Schools have added 11 Grab-n-GO meal service locations, bringing the total to 21 sites serving breakfast and lunch to students during the COVID-19 closure. Children, who must be present to receive the food, now can pick up both breakfast and lunch at the same time between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m.
On Wednesday, March 11th, Jonesboro officials announced that the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade will be cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic. Jonesboro City Manager, Ricky Clark, said that the city made the decision to cancel the parade out of an abundance of caution.
On February 25th, Clayton County Public Schools announced its plans to “strengthen athletic practices and protocols.” These changes come following the death of a 16-year-old Elite Scholars Academy student in August 2019. The student died from “hyperthermia and rhabdomyolysis during physical exertion with high ambient temperature” while taking part in an outdoor basketball practice. The temperature was approximately 99 degrees outside.
Congratulations to Clayton County Public Schools! This week, Georgia Department of Education announced that eight Clayton County high schools were named in one or more Advanced Placement Honors categories.
On February 14th, Clayton County residents can celebrate Valentine’s Day with a hike to the top of Panola Mountain, a granite monadnock similar to Stone Mountain. Panola Mountain is located in Stockbridge, about 15 miles south of Jonesboro. Tickets cost $30 per couple plus $5 parking. For reservations, call 770-389-7801.
This week, Clayton County Fire and Emergency Services announced it will hold CPR classes for the community on a monthly basis. Students will learn how to provide CPR to adults and how to use an automated external defibrillator. The classes will be lecture-based with hands-on skills practice and will last approximately four hours. Residents may register for classes by calling CCFES at 770-473-7833.
Millions of Americans are gearing up for Super Bowl Sunday by ordering the football food of their choice from their favorite restaurants. Many national-chain restaurants in Jonesboro are now offering, or planning to offer, limited-time deals for the Super Bowl. Make sure to be on the lookout for deals!
This week, the Clayton County Police Department announced that it has partnered with the video doorbell company Ring to implement what it calls a “non-traditional” version of a Neighborhood Watch. According to the announcement, Clayton County residents can download Ring’s “Neighbors” app free of charge to upload videos and join the conversation about local safety. Clayton County residents do not need to own a Ring doorbell to use the Neighbors app.
On January 15th, Jonesboro High School celebrated the opening of a new gym that’s been highly anticipated. The opening of gym brings basketball back to the school after a hiatus, and the new gym is wider with more space to accommodate spectators.
On January 7th, the Clayton County Board of Commissioners considered a 45-day moratorium on “small box discount stores.” The proposed moratorium would last until February 21, 2020 and will affect stores selling goods at lower prices than traditional retail stores.
Today, January 2nd, the Clayton County Police Department and the American Red Cross hosted a blood drive. According to the American Red Cross, someone needs blood every 2 or 3 seconds and each of us will likely need blood at least once in our lives.
A Jonesboro mother and father face difficult circumstances this holiday season. In what is being described as a Christmas miracle, the Jonesboro mother gave birth to her baby boy extremely prematurely. The newborn is being cared for at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Emory Decatur Hospital.
The Clayton County Board of Commissioners is seeking input from its citizens through an online survey. It is a part of the county’s rebranding project to increase it’s communications and image. The goal is ensuring the county’s new brand reflects the county’s positive and progressive attributes, growth, and potential for residents, businesses and visitors. You can find the survey online at ClaytonCountySurvey.com.
On Tuesday, November 19th, Sheriff Victor Hill says he will fire two deputies and has busted a lieutenant down to deputy for what he called “malfeasance of duties” in the fatal Oasis Event Center shooting. Hill also said he plans to forward the investigation to the District Attorney’s Office for possible prosecution. Hill said the sergeant and captain had been working the event off-duty “without agency approval.
In a 7-1 vote on November 5th, the Clayton County Board of Education approved a bid from MEJA Construction during Monday night’s regular business meeting. MEJA was the lowest bidder. Construction will begin on the new South Elementary School and bus facility at the start of the new year.
Clayton County officials announced October 30th, they are preparing to construct another new school and bus facility in the district. The school, named South Elementary, will be located on Panhandle Road in Lovejoy, near Lovejoy Middle School and Eddie White Middle Academy. The 169,523-square-foot building will serve 1,200 students. The new site will include parking and outdoor facilities such as a play field and playgrounds.
Two people were arrested October 24th following a police chase that blocked the eastbound lanes of I-285 in Clayton County for more than hour. Athorities said Wednesday the chase began when a driver went through a road check, refused to stop and nearly hit several officers. The pursuit ended near Jonesboro Road.
Family Dollar robbery suspect was busted on October 17 by nearby deputy on Tara Boulevard. According to the Clayton County Sheriff’s Department, Sgt. Guthrie of the COBRA squad was on patrol on Tara Boulevard near Johnson Road when “he noticed a black male running southbound with a mask on his face and a cash register in his hand,” who then “ran to the next shopping plaza over and got into a SUV.”
On October 7th, Clayton County SWAT Team and the U.S. Marshals Service takes gunman into custody after a standoff. Luckily, no one was seriously injured in the standoff, but residents of a nearby Jonesboro neighborhood said they have never seen police activity anything like it in the area before.
On September 28th, a California man was busted with 220 pounds of pot worth over $500K in a traffic stop near Forest Parkway and I-285 in Jonesboro. According to the Clayton County Sheriff’s Office, Pereira Escobedo was driving a rented white 2019 Dodge Ram truck when COBRA Unit deputies pulled him over Friday for allegedly driving while distracted and making an improper lane change. If convicted under Georgia state law, Pereira Escobedo could get at least five years in prison plus a $100,000 fine.
Client Review
“Butler Law Firm did an exceptional job in working with the medical providers and insurance companies in negotiating reduced settlement amounts from the medical vendors and maximum payouts from the insurance companies. Nine months later my case is in the final stages of settlement and the results are better than originally projected. I would highly recommend Butler Law Firm to anyone that needed accident litigation….”Stuart Clive
