7 REASONS WHY YOU CAN CHANGE YOUR PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY

Having to deal with the aftermath of an accident–whether it’s on the road or at work–is no easy task. The same goes for recovery from a slip and fall or medical malpractice. During this difficult time, your attorney should be someone you can trust, someone you can turn to with questions or concerns. 

But sometimes, personal injury attorneys aren’t responsive–or responsible. At Castan & Lecca, we put our decades of experience and legal knowledge hand in hand with our customer service. Our clients are our top priority–your wellbeing matters above everything else. 

That’s why if you’re with another firm and you’re unsatisfied with your current attorney, you should know that you can switch attorneys so that you get your personal injury claim resolved. Let’s take a look at some reasons why you might want to change your legal representation. 

 

You need open communication.

Open communication during a personal injury case is crucial. The process can be complex–even stressful at times, so it’s important to have an open line with an experienced legal team. So when you have a question, you can be sure you’ll get an answer–promptly. 

When we take your case, we treat you as part of our family. If you have any questions or concerns, please be assured that we will respond. Our staff can be reached by email, phone, or text, and our answering service operates 24/7. If you wish to set up a meeting with your attorney at any time during your case, we will make it happen.

 

You need a legal team you can depend upon.

When you’re filing a personal injury claim or pursuing a lawsuit, you need a team that you can trust. There’s a lot of work involved in the process: research and discovery, compiling documents, meeting deadlines–the list goes on. So that’s why it’s important to have a team of professionals that are on your side. 

We continue to successfully grow our business because of the relationships that we build with our clients. When we take your case, we will fight for your rights to obtain the justice that you deserve. We understand that having a solid relationship with our clients and peers is the key to our success and yours. You can count on us to guide you every step of the way. 

 

You need a team with experience.

When the stakes are high–your physical health, your family’s emotional wellbeing, your livelihood–you can’t gamble on a law firm that might not know the ins and outs of personal injury law.

You need a team with experience–a group of legal professionals who’ve been there, time and again, fighting for their clients’ rights–for decades. But furthermore, you need lawyers who know how the insurance companies operate–and how to secure you the financial compensation you deserve. 

Castan & Lecca has been serving the Atlanta area for nearly thirty years. Our attorneys have decades of experience in their areas of practice. Furthermore, many of our attorneys have previously worked for the insurance companies, so they know their secrets and strategies. When we take on your case, you will have a team of professionals working on your side.

 

You need a dedicated team.

At Castan & Lecca, we do what we do because we’re dedicated. Every legal professional in our firm believes in the work they do–because it matters. Our team is knowledgeable, experienced, and reliable–and on top of that, we’re constantly building our skills so that we can deliver the best legal representation for our clients. 

Castan & Lecca is the experienced legal team committed to representing you in your case. You will always have access to one of our attorneys or paralegals to answer your questions. 

We also understand the importance of working together. Whether preparing for a trial or a settlement mediation, your dedicated attorney will roundtable your case with other members of the team to discuss different legal strategies so you get the best outcome. When you work with us, you don’t have just one attorney on your side, you have a team of attorneys and paralegals fighting for you.

No matter where you are, we’ll come to you. 

 

You need an attorney who speaks your language.

Too many times communication falls through because your previous attorney is unable to speak with you because they don’t know your language. They don’t get your story–they don’t get what your goals are. At Castan & Lecca, we know that telling your story is crucial.

Our team is comprised of multilingual professionals who are committed to communicating with you so that you feel heard–and at ease. The personal injury process is too complex and too lengthy to overlook details, so that’s why we have a team who speaks the following languages:

  • English 
  • Spanish
  • Portuguese
  • Vietnamese 
  • Bulgarian 

 

Our team reflects much of the Metro Atlanta community–and that’s why we’re committed to listening to you, to ensuring you feel heard, and helping you throughout this entire process. From start to finish, we’ll be there, ready to explain the details and answer all of your questions. 

 

You need a field veteran.

Sometimes, when you choose a personal injury attorney, their expertise can be vague or general. But at Castan & Lecca, you’ll get a large team of legal professionals whose fields span many areas of personal injury law. No matter the nature of your case, you can rest assured knowing you have someone who has a vast amount of experience in that particular field of law. Furthermore, our legal team knows how to deliver superior results for our clients so that they get the compensation they deserve. 

 

You need success.

When your wellbeing is on the line, you won’t settle for anything but success. At Castan & Lecca, we take pride in our successes, which means delivering the results our clients need so that they can recover and rebuild their lives.

We take pride in our victories. The combination of our experienced team alongside our dedication to our clients’ needs is a recipe for success. Our case wins help us grow: over 90% of our clients come to us from former client referrals.

So whether it’s a car accident, a slip and fall, medical malpractice, workers’ compensation or a truck accident, we’ve got the team ready to represent you.

At Castan & Lecca, we care about your wellbeing. We care about your recovery and ensuring that you can take care of your family again. When the stakes are high, you have the right to have the best legal representation for your case. 

If you’ve suffered an accident and need to know your options, reach out to us. We’re here to listen to your story.

4 Things Personal Injury Attorneys Can Do For You

If you sustain an injury from an accident, it’s a complicated and trying experience. You may experience severe pain from your injury, lost wages, damage to your vehicle, and mounting medical expenses. Overall, your life can be turned upside down by an accident. With all of the obstacles, you might be forced to seek compensation

 

You may also be dealing with this overwhelming experience for the very first time. It’s hard to know whom you can trust or who can assist you. It’s also important to remember that insurance companies do not have your best interest in mind. 

 

In fact, they purposely make it hard for many victims to receive full compensation for their injuries. Their teams of attorneys know loopholes and tricks in order to avoid paying settlements to accident victims. 

 

Therefore, you should be aware of what hiring a personal injury attorney can mean for your case. At Castan & Lecca, we provide a legal service for you that’s based on decades of field experience, accessibility, and trustworthiness. It’s the Castan & Lecca difference because when you choose us, you’re getting exceptional attorneys and superior results. 

Covering Different Types of Personal Injury Cases 

When you choose a personal injury attorney, it’s important to know if your case falls under personal injury law. Personal injury law is a part of the field of tort law. Tort Law falls within the civil law, not criminal. 

 

According to the Legal Information Institute at Cornell University, the definition of tort is either an act or a lack of action that results in a person’s injury or harm. The law then decides fault and determines if any damages, or compensation, the injured person will receive. 

 

There are many different types of personal injury cases in which injured people could be entitled to compensation. These cases can include:

 

  • car accidents

  • truck accidents 

  • slip and falls 

  • premises liability

  • product liability

 

In general, a person may have a personal injury case if they got injured due to someone else’s negligence. 

Car Accidents

Car accidents are one of the most common types of personal injury cases. During a car accident case, you might be dealing with treatment or recovery from your injuries. This could include a hospital stay, surgery or physical therapy for rehabilitation. 

 

It’s important to keep track of all medical documentation because every piece of evidence counts toward compensation. Furthermore, it’s paramount to your recovery that you have the funds needed to pay for your medical care. 

 

Probably most importantly, personal injury lawyers know how to navigate car accident claims and insurance companies. They have the experience needed to deal with difficult parties and secure the injury victim maximum compensation. 

Premises Liability 

Another common type of personal injury case is one that deals with premises liability. While it might sound like a complicated name, it has to do with injuries on public or private property. In these cases, the concept of negligence is explored. If a certain party is found to be negligent, they are then liable to pay damages to the injured party. 

 

Negligence is a lack of action on the part of someone, like a property owner or manager, who did not make sure their property was safe. As a result, someone on the property gets injured. 

 

In premises liability cases, plaintiffs must prove that their injury was caused by the property owner’s negligence. This means that the property owner even knew about the danger and failed to take the necessary steps to fix the problem. 

 

A personal injury attorney has the expertise and the experience to handle these types of cases.  They can get the injured party the compensation they need to get their life back. 

 

Personal Injury Attorneys Research & Gather Evidence

 

When dealing with a personal injury case, your life might be turned upside down. You might even require surgery and an extensive recovery period from your injuries. That being said, you should focus on your health. It would not be the time to learn about personal injury cases. 

 

But personal injury lawyers are seasoned professionals in their field. At Castan & Lecca, we have over 25 years of experience with personal injury law. This profession is who we are and what we do. While it may seem complicated and unknown to you, it’s what we know–and what we have known for years. 

 

Personal injury attorneys have the knowledge of both state and federal laws, how to document injuries and damage, how to demonstrate evidence, and how to get insurance companies to pay out maximum compensation. 

 

We leverage our network of professionals across different fields to ensure that we represent your case in the most comprehensive way possible. Furthermore, personal injury attorneys are skilled at negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf. 

 

We have the time to dedicate to your case and get to know the details. These details might make all the difference while you recover. When you work with a personal injury attorney, they will handle all communications with insurers, other parties (and their attorneys), hospitals, and car insurance companies. 

Securing Different Types of Compensation 

There are many different types of compensation an injured victim can receive in a personal injury case. According to HG.org, damages that injured victims can recover include:

 

  • medical bills 

  • pain and suffering 

  • loss of companionship

  • lost wages

  • loss of consortium

  • emotional distress

Pain and Suffering 

Pain and suffering is one common type of compensation that a victim could receive in a personal injury settlement. According to Legal Dictionary, pain and suffering is the physical distress that a victim suffers from an injury. This could include broken bones, aches, and pains resulting in permanent or temporary changes in activity. 

 

But furthermore, pain and suffering also includes emotional distress like embarrassment about scars, depression, or a possible shortened lifespan. 

Loss of Consortium 

Loss of Consortium damages are awarded when the plaintiff proves that the injury has resulted in an inability to engage in a typical marital relationship. According to HG.org, if the injured party can no longer enjoy the company or pleasure from their partner because of the injury, then they are entitled to receive damages of this type. 

 

If the victim or victim’s spouse has experienced a loss of care, then they might be entitled to these types of damages as well. This loss of care includes assisting the spouse perform tasks, child care, or house work. 

Providing Representation in Court

 

While many personal injury cases settle before ever getting to trial, some cases do go to court. This is where having a personal injury attorney by your side is crucial. If your case necessitates a personal injury lawsuit, then you should have the best representation possible. 

 

Personal Injury attorneys know how to navigate the legal system so that you can get the compensation you deserve. The system is familiar to them, and they know how to leverage the unique aspects of your case to maximize the results. 

 

Furthermore, they are knowledgeable when it comes to court procedures and customs because it is their area of expertise. They know how to make sure all regulations are followed. 

 

When going into a trial process for possibly the first time, you want a trusted guide by your side, assisting you through the entire process. 

Personal Injury Attorneys Get You Results 



Overall, personal injury attorneys can get you the superior results you deserve so that you can get your life back. Whether it’s dedicating time to research and evidence gathering for your case or helping you determine what type of compensation you’re entitled to, having a personal injury attorney by your side during this difficult process will give you peace of mind. 

 

At Castan & Lecca, we pride ourselves on our accessibility. We are available to clients through email, text, or phone, and we also have a 24/7 answering service. We also are proud to be trustworthy–our client relationships are strong and long-lasting. Finally, we also leverage our decades of experience to maximize your compensation. 

 

We provide free consultations for your personal injury case, so contact us today. Our team of exceptional attorneys is here to help you through this. 

Five Important Things To Know About Premises Liability

According to Georgia state law, an owner or an “occupier of land” could be liable if someone sustains an injury on their property. The owner/occupier may be liable because they had failed to exercise reasonable, or ordinary, care in keeping the property (premises) safe; they were negligent in ensuring the property’s safety. This concept is known as premises liability

 

In short, an owner or occupier has the responsibility to keep the space safe for any lawful visitor. An example of an owner would be a property owner, like a business owner or a homeowner. An example of an “occupier” in this case would be an apartment tenant.

 

What are the types of premises liability cases? By far, the most common reason for premises liability claims are slip and fall injuries. These instances occur when a property owner has failed to keep the premises safe from any dangerous conditions, so a visitor falls as a result. 

 

Negligence could mean a failure to clean up spills, especially when those in charge knew about the spill and did nothing to correct it. Conditions could also include unsafe stairways, uneven flooring, and unfilled holes. 

 

There are many factors to consider when dealing with a premises liability case. In this blog post, we will review five important things that you need to keep in mind if you should be involved with a case of this type. If you’ve been injured at a property due to the owner’s negligence, call us today for a free consultation. 

Visitor Status 

 In general, there are a few types of visitors associated with a possible premises liability case:

 

  • Invitee – a visitor on the premises legally, like a patron of a store

  • Licensee – a person on the premises that is neither a customer, servant nor trespasser

  • Trespasser – a visitor on the premises illegally 

  • Social guest – a person present on the premises for a social gathering or party

 

According to the premises liability law in the state of Georgia, the nature of the premises liability hinges on the status of the property visitor. The law states: “Where an owner or occupier of land, by express or implied invitation, induces or leads others to come upon his premises for any lawful purpose, he is liable in damages to such persons for injuries caused by his failure to exercise ordinary care in keeping the premises and approaches safe.” 

 

This idea of “being invited,” whether the invitation is passively implied or actively (expressly) given, determines the rest of the premises liability case. The visitor must have been “invited” onto the premises to obtain any damages as a result of any injury. 

 

This means that, in the state of Georgia, the visitor must be on the premises legally, thereby excluding any eligibility of any trespasser that may have entered the premises unlawfully. If it is unclear whether the visitor was an invitee or a trespasser, it is prudent to consult with an experienced premises liability attorney on the matter. 




Property Condition 

 

Generally speaking, the owner or occupier of the property has a reasonable responsibility to maintain the condition of the property and ensure its safety. That being said, in a premises liability case, the following factors would be taken into consideration:

 

  • The circumstances of the visitor’s visit

  • The manner in which the property is being used 

  • Whether the accident or injury was foreseeable

  • The level of effort the owner or occupier took to ensure the environment’s safety

The Matter of Fault

The condition and even location of the property is taken into account in the matter of premises liability fault. If the owner is aware of unsafe conditions on the premises, it is within reason that they should post warnings regarding the danger. This is especially true if the owner knows that trespassers may be likely to enter the property. 

 

However, in Georgia, if the property owner or occupier invites the invitees onto the property with express or implied invitation, then the owner or occupier is liable in the case of an invitee injury. In most cases, any visitor on a premises has a personal responsibility for their own safety. But sometimes accidents can be prevented if the owner is taking steps to ensure everyone’s wellbeing.

 

For personal injury cases, the state of Georgia is a modified comparative fault state. When the plaintiff bears partial fault for their own injury, their path toward getting full compensation may be limited. According to FindLaw, “an injured person’s legal damages will be reduced by a percentage that’s equivalent to his or her fault for the incident.” 

 

This does not mean that you should not seek compensation if you bear partial fault. If you have been injured due to a property owner’s negligence, even if you feel that you bear partial blame, you should contact an attorney who specializes in premises liability and personal injury. Call us at Castan & Lecca today for a free consultation. 

If a Child is Injured 

 

Sometimes, a minor may enter the premises unattended. This could include a child entering a store by themselves or even playing on a school playground on a weekend. The item that gets the child onto the property is known as an “attractive nuisance.” This could lure them onto the property, and they could sustain an injury in this case.

 

By law, attractive nuisances are items that are man-made. A few examples of attractive nuisances include pools, trampolines, fountains, machinery, treehouses, wells, tunnels, and dangerous animals. 

 

Therefore, property owners and occupiers should take reasonable steps to ensure that these attractive nuisances are kept secure.

 

The Attractive Nuisance Doctrine has three parts: 

  • Children cannot be expected to fully assess and understand risk

  • Property owners have a special responsibility to ensure that children remain safe

  • If this responsibility is not upheld, the property owner or occupier is liable

 

The owner or occupier must engage in reasonable warnings about the possible danger of injury in the area. In the case of uninvited children on the property, they are not treated as trespassers

Landlords and Premises Liability 

 

In circumstances where an occupier or employee maintains the premises, the role of the landlord, or lessor, must be taken into account. There are special rules and laws when dealing with the role of the lessor in premises liability cases. 

 

In general, the lessor is no longer held liable for any accidents or injuries on the property once they lease it to an occupier. The occupier, who is in direct control of the property’s condition, is therefore liable for visitor injury and responsible for upkeep of the property. 

 

There are exceptions in this regard. For instance, if a landlord leases apartments to different tenants, the condition of each apartment is the responsibility of each tenant. The landlord, however, must maintain common areas like hallways, stairwells or courtyards according to safety standards.

The Takeaway 

Accidents may happen on any number of properties. These properties include office buildings, retail stores, apartment buildings, houses–just to name a few. As a visitor, it’s always good to be aware of possible sources of injury to protect your own personal safety. However, in cases of unsafe conditions that an owner or occupier should be aware of, they are largely liable. 

 

Many people get injured on a property due to unsafe conditions that were a result of the owner’s negligence. If you have been injured, you may have a viable premises liability claim. 

 

If so, you should contact our team at Castan & Lecca. We are exceptional personal injury attorneys who are committed to securing compensation for you and delivering superior results for your case. Call us today for a free consultation. 

4 Common Types of Personal Injury Cases

It can be difficult to know how to categorize different types of legal cases, especially when there are so many different types of attorneys and legal practices. For instance, there are several different types of law, covering everything from entertainment, criminal, and civil cases, to immigration, family, and First Amendment issues. When you get injured, your case would most likely fall into the Personal Injury category. 


But following an accident, you might want to consider hiring an attorney that deals with Personal Injury law so that you have the best, most informed representation possible. Dealing with a Personal Injury case can be tough because you or a loved one may be struggling with a serious injury on top of dealing with employers and insurance companies. 


According to FindLaw, the Personal Injury realm deals with legal disputes when one party is injured as a result of an accident that occurred due to another party’s fault or negligence. 


When it comes to Personal Injury cases, the stakes are high because you and your family’s well-being is on the line. At Castan & Lecca, our team of experienced professionals is here to walk you through this time. 


Here are a few examples of cases that a Personal Injury lawyer might represent: 

Car Accidents 

According to Southern Methodist University, car accident claims are the most common Personal Injury case. Many times, injuries from car accidents can be at the very least life-changing or even devastating, leaving the victim unable to work, without a car, and overwhelmed by hospital bills. It is crucial that during this time the victim secures the representation of an experienced attorney who can guide them through this complicated process. 


According to Business Insider, the number one reason for car accidents in the United States is distracted driving. This can mean that the driver who causes the accident could be looking at their phone, eating food, or simply taking their eyes off the road. An accident can happen in just a short moment, and the effects can be serious. 

Premises Liability 

A case that deals in “Premises Liability” is one that focuses on the negligence of a property owner. This means that the premises, or property, is liable, or legally responsible, for the injury and should be subject to paying out damages to the victim. 


Premises Liability cases are one of the most common types of Personal Injury cases. Many times property owners fail to ensure that their property is safe and properly kept. This type of dangerous environment is where accidents can happen. 


According to Justia, some examples of premises liability instances include animal bites, negligent or inadequate security, inadequate maintenance, or slip and fall accidents. Many times in Premises Liability cases, the properties involved could include retail stores, restaurants, or other public places. 

Slip and Fall

A “Slip and Fall” case falls under the umbrella of Premises Liability and is a common type of Personal Injury case. It’s when a person trips or slips and falls on someone else’s property, resulting in an injury. In these scenarios, the responsible party is usually a property owner who has failed to ensure a safe environment for visitors or customers. 


Injuries that result from a slip and fall can be quite serious. There can be many instances that lead to a fall including, but not limited to, torn rugs, uneven floors, low lighting, or even something as simple as a spilled liquid on a floor. When suffering from an injury that occurred as a result of someone else’s negligence, you should always document the area and alert a manager to your injury.  

Workplace Accidents 


Workplace accidents happen when an employee is injured on the job. This could occur due to malfunctioning machinery, unsafe working conditions, or poor training. The top industries that have the highest rate of workplace injury are construction, maintenance, and energy. Nevertheless, the employer is usually considered responsible for these accidents and resultant injuries. 


In the vast majority of cases, the employee is entitled to workers compensation as a result of their injuries that prevent them from working as they once did. Workers compensation covers missed wages, hospital bills, and rehabilitation among other things. But workers compensation does not apply to pain and suffering. “Pain and suffering” is described by FindLaw as the physical and emotional distress a person feels following an injury.


To get compensation for the pain and suffering a victim experiences following a workplace injury, they must pursue a Personal Injury case with their employer and the insurance company. An experienced attorney is well-versed in the differences between what workers compensation covers and what is considered pain and suffering, so it’s best to seek legal help as soon as possible following an accident. 


Because pain and suffering is harder to prove due to its abstract nature, it might be more challenging to receive compensation. A seasoned legal team would have the knowledge and skills to know how to navigate this process. 


These aforementioned types of cases are four of the most common incidents that are represented by Personal Injury attorneys. No matter how careful a person can be, accidents can still happen. It is imperative that you are aware of your rights and what you are entitled to during this difficult time. You should also have an experienced team of legal professionals alongside you so that you don’t have to deal with this alone. 


If you or a loved one has been injured in one of the accidents we’ve listed here, or even if you have a question regarding the nature of your case, give us a call today: 770-800-7000. 

Castan y Lecca Group

HOW TO FILE A PERSONAL INJURY CLAIM

Castan y Lecca Group
There are many factors that can put your safety in danger in your everyday life. However, on many occasions, your wellbeing can be violated due to the negligence of a person or several people. So it’s crucial that you understand when you can file a lawsuit in these situations.  Personal injury claims in Georgia are subject to the laws and regulations that apply to these types of situations. This includes the type of liability you have at the time of the incident in question and also the percentage of liability that exists on the part of another person. For this reason, it is of vital importance that you know the legal context and the type of care you should take when filing a lawsuit.
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What is Included in Personal Injury Cases in Atlanta?

Castan y Lecca Group
If you have experienced an accident, injury, or lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, you have experienced a personal injury. These cases are complex and require the guidance of an expert personal injury attorney.  The first step in understanding personal injury is to define and categorize personal injury. As stated previously, personal injury is defined as any injury or death caused by a negligent party.
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Why do you need a personal injury expert attorney?

Accidents never warn. They are unpredictable and can occur to anyone, at any time of the day and at any job. Return to your life can take a long time depending on the severity of the injuries. Likewise, the accumulated stress from the number of medical bills and the lack of money from lost wages can kill your patience. Are you still wondering what you can do to recover yourself? Don’t worry, the Castan & Lecca Law Firm is here to help you. Our personal injury attorneys are with you to fight for your rights. We have negotiation experts with the ability to litigate personal injury accidents.
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Castan y Lecca cold weather injuries

Cold Weather Injuries

Castan y Lecca cold weather injuries
Today, we’re taking a look at cold-weather injuries and workers who are at risk from them. It might seem odd to talk about cold weather injuries at the beginning of spring. After all, when we think of occupations at risk for cold-weather injuries, we typically think of construction workers, emergency medical service providers, public safety officers, sanitation crews, and others who work outdoors. Interestingly, though, those aren’t the only workers exposed to cold weather injury risk.
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Are You at Risk for Wear and Tear Injuries?

Castan y Lecca
Did you know that the most common workplace injuries aren’t one-time incidents? When many people think of workplace injuries, they think of things like accidents that happen in a company vehicle, slip-and-fall types of injuries, or perhaps equipment-related accidents. While all those things are very real dangers, the most common workplace injuries are repetitive stress injuries (RSIs), commonly known as “wear and tear injuries.”
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Dustin Thompson

Attorney

Dustin Thompson was raised in rural Camilla, Georgia. Dustin graduated from Georgia Southern University majoring in political science and history. After graduation, Dustin obtained a law degree from Georgia State University College of Law in Atlanta. Before becoming a lawyer, Dustin worked a variety of jobs from a watermelon farm in Mitchell County to a policy think tank in Washington D.C. Dustin has practiced law almost exclusively in the workers’ compensation arena since 2014. For nearly a decade, he worked for a large defense firm in Georgia representing employers and insurers and gaining the invaluable experience and knowledge of how insurers defend claims. In 2023, Dustin joined the firm to use his expertise and litigation skills to help individuals who have been injured as a result of work accidents and third-party negligence.  Dustin has been repeatedly recognized by Best Lawyers: “Ones to Watch” in the practice of workers’ compensation. Outside of work, Dustin enjoys traveling, hunting, and attending sporting events. He and his family are active in Buckhead Church.

MICHAEL BOESCHEN

Attorney

Michael Boeschen (Mike) was born in Wichita, KS and raised in Chattanooga, TN. Mike graduated from The McCallie School and went on to study history, Spanish, and Latin American Studies at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX. After graduation, he went on to pursue a law degree from the University Of Georgia School Of Law. During law school, Mike participated in the Legal Aid Clinic, assisting in the defense of indigent criminal defendants. Mike has been licensed to practice law in Georgia since 2002 and his main practice area consists of representing injured workers as they navigate through the Georgia workers’ compensation system. Mike is also fluent in Spanish. In his spare time Mike enjoys following soccer, cooking, and spending time with his wife and two young daughters. Mike and his family are parishioners of the Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Sandy Springs, GA

CHRISTIAN PECONE

Attorney

ED DENKER

Attorney

Edward Denker was born in Philadelphia, PA but has made Georgia his home since 1999. He graduated from the Pennsylvania State University with a Bachelor’s degree in liberal arts. He then earned his Juris Doctorate from the University of Georgia. Edward spent his first years in practice representing clients in personal injury and wrongful death claims. He then spent more than a decade honing his litigation skills representing employers and insurers in workers’ compensation claims, where he gained immense experience and knowledge of how insurers defend those claims. In 2017, Edward returned to his passion of representing people who have been injured at work or through the negligence of others. When he isn’t working, Edward enjoys spending time with his wife and their two children. He is also an avid sports fan, and enjoys cooking and travel

ILIANA DOBREV

Attorney

Iliana Dobrev was born in Bulgaria. After high school, she immigrated to the United States to study law. She graduated magna cum laude from Georgia State University with a Bachelor’s in political science concentrating on pre-law and minoring in Spanish. In 2015, she graduated from Georgia State University College of Law. While in law school, Iliana completed a Graduate Research Assistantship in Labor and Employment Law and Employment Discrimination and two externships in Immigration Law. As an immigrant herself, Iliana is passionate about advocating for and defending immigrants. She is delighted to help families stay together and pursue the American dream. Iliana is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association and worked in both a fellowship and a firm specializing in immigration law. Iliana is fluent in Bulgarian and Spanish
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KEN THAXTON

Attorney

Ken Thaxton was born and raised in Roberta, GA. When Ken was a child, his father started a trucking business, which Ken ultimately spent over ten years working with through his late teens and twenties. Ken graduated from Houston County High School in Warner Robins, GA in 2001 with a 4.0 GPA. He then studied Business and Information Technology at Macon State College, ultimately graduating with a 4.0 GPA in 2004. After graduation, Ken continued to work with his father’s trucking company, and in late 2005, Ken and his father started an aircraft charter company, Southern Jet, Inc., under Part 135 of the Federal Aviation Regulations. Ken served as President of Southern Jet from 2006 until 2010, when he and his father sold the company. Ken is a Commercially Licensed Instrument, Multi-Engine Pilot. While serving as President of Southern Jet, Ken started Law School at the University of Georgia School of Law in 2009. Ken focused primarily on business and civil law, including Workers’ Compensation, while at UGA. He graduated Cum Laude and in the top 25% of his class from UGA Law in 2012. Ken is a licensed to practice law in the State of Georgia, and he is also a licensed neutral (mediator) in the State of Georgia. Ken represents small businesses in transactional matters and business conflicts, and he also represents injured workers and Plaintiffs injured in cases of negligence. During his spare time, Ken enjoys swimming, cycling, sporting clays, and fishing. He also does charity work with a national scholarship fund
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ALEXANDER LECCA

Attorney

Alexander Lecca (Alex) was born in Miami, Florida to immigrant parents from Cuba and Peru. Alex graduated from Coral Gables High School, where he was a recipient of the Elsa Glazer Award (given to students who graduate with a 3.5 GPA and above). He went on to study marketing at the University of Miami School of Business Administration. At the University of Miami he was also a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. After graduation, he went on to pursue a law degree from St. Thomas University School of Law. In law school, Alex received several book awards and graduated Cum Laude. During law school Alex clerked for the Honorable Beth Bloom, had an internship with the Miami-Dade County Public Defender’s office, and clerked for a prestigious litigation law firm. Alex is licensed to practice law in both Georgia and Florida and handles workers’ compensation and personal injury cases. He is also a registered mediator with the Georgia Office of Dispute Resolution. Alex is also fluent in Spanish. During his spare time, Alex enjoys outdoor activities with his wife and four children. He also helps coach his children’s baseball, football, basketball, and soccer teams. Alex and his family are parishioners of St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church

DANIEL CASTAN 

Attorney

Dan Castan is a senior partner at Castan and Lecca, PC in Buckhead and represents injured workers before the State Board of Workers’ Compensation and plaintiffs in State and Superior Courts of Georgia for injuries suffered in accidents. Dan litigated one of the seminal claims securing the rights of undocumented workers to receive Workers’ Compensation benefits in the state of Georgia when injured in the case of Wet Walls, Inc. vs. Ledesma. Dan has successfully fought and settled multi million dollar cases. He was born and raised in Newark, New Jersey to immigrant parents from Cuba. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Boston College and received his Juris Doctor from The Washington College of Law at The American University in Washington D.C.  Dan was admitted to the Georgia Bar in November, 1993.  He is an active member of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Georgia Trial Lawyers Association, Atlanta Bar Association and the Workers’ Compensation Section of the State Bar of Georgia. Dan is a founding member and Director of the Latino Victory Fund Georgia and serves on the Board of The Latin American Association. Dan has been dedicated to getting Latinos elected to local, state and Federal offices in Georgia. He has been a Big Brother through Big Brothers and Sisters of Metro Atlanta and a mentor through The Latin American Association’s mentor/mentee program. Dan is married with two children.