A portion of the profits will be going to a great cause, which is an even better reason to get out there and listen to some music! Music education programs in Georgia mix music and learning in a fun and innovative way to inspire students and the public to recognize the value of self-expression, creativity and teamwork.

If you are interested in volunteering, it’s a fun way to be involved while getting to see the shows for free. One of our office staff volunteered at eight shows last year and thoroughly enjoyed herself. Not only did she get to see back stage performances, but was able to meet numerous members of the bands. Contact the festival staff for more information on volunteering for next year! The SMF wraps up on April 7th so make sure go see some music before then. See www.savannahmusicfestival.org for schedules and ticketing information.

The Georgia law changed in January of 2009, allowing for Stackable Uninsured/Underinsured Coverage. This coverage protection is usually worth the small extra cost. If you choose this option, you can “stack” or add your coverage on top of the coverage of the “at fault” uninsured driver. For example, if you suffer $90,000 of injuries and damages, and the “at fault” driver’s policy only covers $25,000, the minimum required, you can stack your uninsured coverage to increase your recovery.

Non-stacking Uninsured/Underinsured coverage disallows stacking onto the “at fault” underinsured driver’s coverage. Your policy minus the “at fault” driver’s policy determines the maximum recovery available. If you choose to waive uninsured or underinsured coverage, you may save money now, but you and your family members will not be fully protected from injury by an uninsured or underinsured driver. Remember that “full coverage” policies do not usually include uninsured motorist coverage, so be sure to ask your insurance provider about this coverage.

Silent Auction

Live Acoustic Indie Folk Music by Asheville NC’s Now You See Them

Craft beer by Moon River Brewery

Low Country Cuisine Buffet

The Ogeechee River is a 294 mile long river that runs throughout the state. The river’s history runs deep with Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto crossing it during his explorations of the south in 1541.

Check out the Rivers Rock! website for more information on this great event!

Brooks Law has joined with Savannah Morning News by providing funds for daily newspapers for students at St. Andrews School for the next year. Located on Wilmington Island, St. Andrew’s is known for challenging and nurturing young people in Pre K 3 through Grade 12 and has been designated an International Baccalaureate World School offering the Diploma Program. This distinction and the variety of offerings for students truly set St. Andrew’s apart from other independent schools in the region.

“Every child should always have the opportunity to read their local newspaper and we’re happy to assist with this project,” said Gene Brooks.

We are proud to join this outstanding organization and hope through our association, we will grow our reputation through good works in the community and making client care our top priority.

Methadone is often prescribed for pain control. One problem with methadone is that it has a narrow therapeutic window. If a patient is given too much, particularly during the first week, the methadone can cause fatal respiratory depression. Patients who have been overdosed on methadone typically die in their sleep. An autopsy with toxicology report is usually necessary to prove cause of death. Since everyone metabolizes methadone differently, it is best to start at low dose until the patient’s body becomes used to the medication.

For more information, please visit this page.

Derivatives of opium, these powerful painkilling medications can lead to addiction caused by permanent changes in the brain. The drugs have also caused respiratory depression which can cause death and permanent changes in the brain when they are improperly prescribed.

Contact our office if you believe you may have a personal injury claim regarding:

• Oxycontin
• Methadone
• Fentanyl
• Oxycontin
• Hydrocodone
• Morphine
• Percocet
• Lortab

Selective Serotonin-Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI) and Birth Defects

SSRIs are a class of drugs including Celexa, Effexor, Lexapro, Luvox, Paxil, Prozac and Zoloft. These drugs have been associated with birth defects when taken by pregnant women during the first and third trimesters. During the first trimester, the heart is developing. The SSRIs cross the placental barrier and have been associated with increased heart defects. The heart defects most commonly seen are atrial and ventricular septal defects [ASD/VSD]. Other defects associated with SSRI during the first trimester are Gastroschisis (intestines protruding outside of the umbilical cord), disfigured skull, and club feet.

The primary birth defect associated with SSRI use during the third trimester of pregnancy, when the lungs are developing, is Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn [PPHN]. Typically, a child born with PPHN will appear to have cyanosis (lack of oxygen) and will be admitted to the Newborn Intensive Care Unit [NICU]. The affected child will appear to recover and developmental problems will not arise until the child is between the ages of 2 and 5. Development delays may worsen with age.

In December 2006, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists [ACOG] recommended that SSRI’s be avoided in pregnant women if possible. The warnings on the SSRIs have been inadequate until recently to warn mothers or doctors of the birth defects associated with SSRIs during pregnancy. Legal actions are presently being filed against the drug manufacturers for failure to warn of the potential for birth defects.