Walter Gabriel
Business Lawyer
A champion in the courtroom, Walter’s litigation experience includes suits involving a vast array of personal injury cases and business litigation spanning across multiple states. He began his legal career practicing commercial litigation at Phelps Dunbar in New Orleans, Louisiana.
There, he helped litigate complex business disputes between major companies. As part of a team representing Lloyd’s of London, UPS, television news stations, government contractors, industry-leading companies in oil & gas and other business industries, as well as former mayoral candidates and professional athletes, he helped his clients obtain successful outcomes, including before the Louisiana Supreme Court.
Early in his legal career, Walter gained invaluable trial experience as an Assistant District Attorney in one of the nation’s toughest courtrooms. He argued multiple cases before jurors for successful verdicts in hotly contested trials.
Today, Walter uses these experiences to fight for his own clients. Walter takes on big insurance companies so that his clients and their families recover financially from their injuries. Walter also helps victims of medical malpractice, premise liability, wrongful death, and another catastrophic injury.
The Law Firm of Walter Gabriel is a personal injury law firm in Atlanta, Georgia and Alexandria, Louisiana that operates with the belief that all people deserve fair representation under the law. Walter Gabriel has spoken at church events and participated in “Know Your Rights” radio segments. Walter also uses his diverse perspective to provide legal analysis and commentary on Court TV.
Before graduating from Southern University Law Center, Walter served as the Managing Editor of the Southern University Law Review. The law review selected his authored work for publication. Walter earned a bachelor’s degree from Louisiana State University. While studying print journalism in college, his reporting earned him local, statewide, and national awards. He was the second African-American student in school history to be named Editor-in-Chief of the LSU Daily Reveille.
Ronnie Mabra
Business Lawyer
Ronnie Mabra, the visionary force behind Mabra Law, has secured millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for Georgia clients grappling with the aftermath of devastating car wrecks and other catastrophic accidents. Among his legal triumphs, Ronnie was co-counsel in obtaining a $675 million settlement for compensatory claims with the National Football League on behalf of players and the families of players who sustained cognitive injuries.
Ronnie earned his undergraduate degree from Georgia Institute of Technology. There, he was named to the All-ACC Academic Team, showcasing both his academic gifts and athletic talents on the football field. He earned his law degree from the University of Georgia School of Law.
In 2007, guided by his desire to help accident victims and their families secure fair and just compensation, he launched Mabra Law literally from his family’s kitchen table. As the firm has grown, so has the need for space. In 2021 the firm moved into its current award-winning, state-of-the-art headquarters in West Midtown’s historic Blandtown neighborhood. The firm serves all of Georgia, with offices also in Warner Robins (Middle Georgia) and Tifton (South Georgia).
Making good on by his lifelong mission to give back through service, Ronnie served two terms in the Georgia House of Representatives (2013-2017.) As a lawmaker, he used his voice and his votes for meaningful changes that improved Georgians’ access to justice. His victories under the Gold Dome included sponsorship of bills that added a much-needed South-Metro judge to Georgia’s judiciary as well as enhanced protections for accident victims (restricting the release of their private information).
A. Bryan Baer, Esq.
Business Lawyer
Attorney Bryan Baer has twenty (20) years of legal experience representing clients in serious and catastrophic personal injury and medical malpractice cases. He has been first chair in more than a dozen twelve-person jury trials on both the plaintiff and defense sides. Recognized as a leader in his legal community, he is frequently asked to speak at legal seminars on trial topics ranging from “Best Practices in Voire Dire” to “Maximizing Damages at Trial” as well as insurance issues such as “Navigating the Insurance Landscape” and “Injury Demands & Negotiations.”
“When I sit down with a client who has been injured or has lost a loved one through the recklessness or negligence of another, I can’t help but think of my wife, Holly, and our children Ellison and Brooks. So when I’m helping my clients cope with the aftermath of a tragedy, I take care of them the way I would want someone to take care of us if tragedy struck our family.” –Attorney Bryan Baer
Accolades & Achievements
- Chosen as one of Georgia’s Super Lawyers® for 2015-2024
- Member Million Dollar Advocates Forum® for having obtained a settlement/ judgment in excess of $1,000,000.00
- Rated 10.0 Superb on Avvo®
- Named a National Trial Lawyers: Top 100 Trial Lawyer in 2014-2024
- Selected as one of America’s Top 100 High Stakes Litigators 2017-2024
- Selected as 10 Best Attorneys in Client Satisfaction in Georgia published by the American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys for 2017-2019, 2023
- Selected as 10 Best Attorneys High Verdict and Settlement Winner in Georgia published by the American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys for 2018
- Distinguished Justice Advocates Lifetime Charter Member
- One of Georgia’s Super Lawyers® Rising Star℠ in 2010-2014
- Included in the list of National Trial Lawyers: Top 40 Under 40 in 2014
- Recognized as one of Georgia Trend’s Legal Elite in 2013 & 2017
David M. Van
Business Lawyer
Injury accidents can occur in the blink of an eye, but can negatively impact victims’ lives for months or even years. As a nationally recognized personal injury law firm serving Georgia residents since 2003, Van Sant Law understands the financial and emotional challenges victims face.
In fact, our lead attorney, David M. Van Sant, is listed among the Top 100 Trial Lawyers in Georgia and has been identified as a Georgia “Super Lawyer” since 2014. Each personal injury attorney on our team is committed to fighting tirelessly to provide the support our clients need, and to help them obtain full and fair compensation for their injuries.
Many personal injury lawsuits are brought under a theory of negligence. This means showing that the defendant owed you a duty of care, departed from the duty of care, and caused your damages. If you can establish liability, you may be able to recover compensatory damages. Georgia follows the rule of modified comparative fault. This means that your damages can be reduced by an amount equal to your degree of fault, if any. You cannot recover damages if you were 50 percent or more at fault. Our local personal injury lawyers can help Atlanta residents prevent defendants from improperly shifting blame to them.
Sasan Nematbakhsh Esq.
Business Lawyer
Attorney Sasan Nematbakhsh received his bachelors of Science in Biochemistry from Kennesaw State University and is a graduate of Georgia State University College of Law in 2016. He began his real estate career in 2012 in commercial real estate syndication and subsequently entered commercial real estate development business. He specializes in real estate acquisition, real estate development and finance, civil litigation and investment immigration.
Sasan is also a mediator, currently serving as the past Chair of the Dispute Resolution Section of State Bar of Georgia. In his free time, Sasan likes spending time with family, friends and his dog Tehran. Having visited 25 countries, he is an avid backpacker.
Serving across Atlanta, Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, Peachtree Corners, Duluth, Johns Creek, Kennesaw, Marietta, Griffin, Cartersville, Woodstock, Milton, Lawrenceville, Smyrna, Cumberland, Alpharetta, Acworth, Suwanee, Decatur, Buford, Sugar Hill, Cumming, Fayetteville, LaGrange, Newnan, Conyers, Loganville, Douglasville, Rockdale County, Jonesboro, Hapeville, and the surrounding areas.
Harry Brown Jr.
Business Lawyer
As the managing member of The Brown Firm, Harry prioritizes skill, compassion, and empathy in every case his law firm takes on.
Harry treated automobile accident victims for years as a chiropractor, gaining a unique perspective about what people want and need after a crash. This experience has provided him with firsthand knowledge in effective case evaluation and handling of personal injury claims.
“I’m one of the few attorneys in Georgia who is also a medical practitioner, so I know how to work with other attorneys, healthcare providers, and insurance companies to get the best possible outcome for my clients.”
Harry also understands the value of customer service. “Our clients have a choice. The Brown Firm shows its gratitude through compassion, personal attention, direct access to great attorneys, and an expert support team.”
Savannah is home to Harry and his family, and he cares deeply about the challenges of his fellow citizens injured in car accidents, by dog bites, or due to medical malpractice. He will be honored to serve as your personal injury attorney and seek fair compensation for you and your loved ones.
Amy Witherite
Business Lawyer
Raised and educated in Fort Worth, Texas, Attorney Amy Witherite became a notable scholarship athlete for a top 10 women’s swimming program early in her college career. She went on to receive her law degree from Texas Tech School of Law and subsequently began working for one of the oldest and largest law firms in the state of Texas in 1993. Two years later, Amy relocated her practice to an insurance defense law firm, acquiring knowledge of the strategies and procedures used in defense of insurance companies, which she later began to utilize to defend her injured Texas clients.
Amy Witherite is a seasoned personal injury lawyer who co-founded the law firm of Eberstein Witherite, 2001. After almost two decades helping victims injured by car and truck wrecks, she brought her expertise to Georgia and founded the Witherite Law Group. In 2020, she rebranded the firm in Texas as Witherite Law Group.
Certified in personal injury trial law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, she has been named by Texas Super Lawyer, a Thompson Reuters Service, as one of the 50 Best Women Lawyers in Texas. Since inception of the annual Texas Super Lawyer, as published in Thompson Reuters, award by Texas Monthly Magazine in 2003, Amy has been repeatedly selected by her peers.
Marc Pilgrim
Business Lawyer
Marc Pilgrim is a proud graduate of the University of Georgia School of Law and has been practicing law for over twenty-six years. His primary practice area is residential real estate closings. He also has extensive background in both criminal law and personal injury.
During his extensive legal career, he has fought for the rights of his clients in front of Judges throughout the state, including the Supreme Court of Georgia. His diverse legal background allows him to identify defenses and legal strategies which gives his clients the edge during trials and in negotiations with prosecutors.
As a trial attorney, Marc used his teaching gifts for making complex legal concepts easy to understand for his clients and for the courts. As a professor, Marc taught civil procedure, property law, business law and paralegal studies in the traditional setting at Morris Brown College. In addition, he taught an accelerated paralegal studies program at the University of Georgia’s Gwinnett Campus, training the next generation of paralegals with practical and textbook knowledge of the legal profession.
Marc’s ability to simplify concepts is of great benefit to his real estate practice where new buyers often have questions about the process and the documents they are signing. His sincere desire to help them understand creates a stress-free and efficient closing experience for buyers, sellers and agents. Marc believes in providing the most convenient closing experience for all parties and doesn’t mind taking the closing experience outside of his office, providing mobile closing services for clients on both ends of the transaction throughout the metro area.
What are the potential complications of a TBI?
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a significant public health concern, affecting millions of individuals worldwide. TBIs can result from various incidents, including falls, vehicle accidents, and sports injuries. The complications arising from TBIs can be profound and multifaceted, impacting physical, cognitive, emotional, and behavioral aspects of a person’s life. Understanding these complications is essential for patients, families, and healthcare providers to facilitate appropriate management and rehabilitation.
Physical Complications
1. Immediate Physical EffectsImmediately following a TBI, patients may experience a range of physical complications. Common issues include:
- Headaches: Frequent tension or migraine-like headaches are prevalent after a TBI and can persist for weeks or months.
- Seizures: Post-traumatic seizures can occur shortly after the injury or develop later. The risk of seizures increases with the severity of the injury.
- Nerve Damage: TBIs can lead to damage in cranial nerves, resulting in sensory deficits such as loss of smell or vision problems.
- Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Leaks: Skull fractures may tear the meninges, leading to leaks that increase the risk of infection.
2. Long-Term Physical IssuesLong-term complications may include:
- Hydrocephalus: This condition involves the accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain, leading to increased intracranial pressure and potential cognitive decline.
- Motor Function Impairments: Survivors may experience weakness, spasticity, or coordination issues due to damage to specific brain areas responsible for movement.
- Fatigue: Many individuals report chronic fatigue as their brains expend energy on healing, leaving less for daily tasks.
Cognitive Complications
1. Short-Term Cognitive ImpairmentsFollowing a TBI, cognitive functions may be immediately affected. Common short-term issues include:
- Memory Problems: Difficulty recalling events before or after the injury is common.
- Attention Deficits: Patients often struggle with focusing on tasks or maintaining attention for extended periods.
2. Long-Term Cognitive ChallengesCognitive impairments can persist long after the initial injury:
- Executive Functioning Issues: Individuals may face challenges with planning, decision-making, and problem-solving.
- Language Difficulties: Communication problems can arise, including difficulties in speaking clearly or understanding language.
Emotional and Behavioral Complications
1. Emotional InstabilityEmotional changes are prevalent following a TBI:
- Depression and Anxiety: Studies indicate that up to 49% of individuals with moderate to severe TBI experience major depression within a year post-injury. Anxiety disorders are also common.
- Mood Swings: Patients may exhibit rapid changes in mood or emotional responses that are disproportionate to the situation.
2. Behavioral ChangesBehavioral complications can significantly affect relationships and quality of life:
- Impulsivity and Aggression: Some individuals may become more impulsive or exhibit aggressive behavior post-injury.
- Social Withdrawal: Changes in personality can lead to isolation as individuals struggle to engage socially.
Neuropsychiatric Complications
The neuropsychiatric consequences of TBI can be severe and long-lasting:
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Many survivors experience PTSD due to the traumatic nature of their injuries.
- Substance Abuse Disorders: There is an increased risk of developing substance abuse issues following a TBI, often as a coping mechanism for emotional distress.
Degenerative Diseases
Research suggests that individuals who have sustained one or more TBIs may be at an increased risk for developing neurodegenerative diseases later in life:
- Alzheimer’s Disease: Studies indicate a potential link between TBIs and an increased likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s disease due to brain cell damage.
- Parkinson’s Disease: Damage to specific brain regions can lead to motor control issues characteristic of Parkinson’s disease years after the initial injury.
- Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE): Repeated TBIs are associated with CTE, characterized by memory loss, confusion, aggression, and progressive dementia.
Complications Related to Coma and Unconsciousness
In cases of severe TBI where patients enter states such as coma or persistent vegetative state:
- Pressure Sores: Prolonged immobility increases the risk of pressure ulcers.
- Infections: Comatose patients are at higher risk for pneumonia and other infections due to compromised immune responses.
- Neurostorming: This phenomenon involves dysregulation of autonomic functions leading to severe symptoms such as increased heart rate, blood pressure fluctuations, and seizures.
Conclusion
The complications associated with traumatic brain injury are diverse and can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life. Physical impairments such as headaches and motor dysfunctions coexist with cognitive challenges like memory loss and executive dysfunction. Emotional instability and behavioral changes further complicate recovery efforts.Given the complexity of TBI-related complications, it is crucial for survivors to receive comprehensive medical care that addresses not only immediate physical needs but also long-term cognitive rehabilitation and mental health support. Early intervention and tailored rehabilitation programs can help mitigate some complications, improving outcomes for those affected by this serious condition. Understanding these potential complications is vital for caregivers and healthcare professionals working with TBI survivors as they navigate their recovery journey.