McLaughlin, R. Craig

After graduating from the University of North Carolina School of Law in 1992, I first worked as an associate for a multi-state personal injury firm, Henson Law Firm, which exclusively handled automobile collisions, workers compensation and social security disability. In 1994, I was assigned the task of opening the Henson Law Firm Atlanta branch office. Sometime during 1996, I established my own personal injury practice so that I could gain extensive jury trial experience while fighting for one client at a time, Today, I am proud to say today that most of my clients find me through direct referrals.

Particular Areas of Practice

Fighting for Those Harmed Due to Negligence

I am passionate about handling virtually any case where the carelessness of another has caused you or your family to undergo pain & suffering or loss of life.

Personal Injury

• Dangerous Property
• Wrongful Death
• Personal Injury - Defense
• Personal Injury Mediation/Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
• Motorcycle Accidents
• Truck Accidents

Accidents & Personal Injury

• Construction Site Injuries
• Jones Act
• Slip & Fall
• Petrochemical Accidents

Car/Auto Accidents

• Whiplash
• Felony Auto Accident

Dangerous Products/Product Liability

• Design Defects
• Manufacturing Defects

Intentional Injuries

• Assault & Battery
• Dog Bites & Animal Attacks
• Sexual Assault

Mass Accidents

• Airplanes
• Buildings
• Mass Transit - Bus, Train, Subway
• Ships & Boats

Toxic Torts & Class Actions

• Asbestos Mesothelioma

Serious/Catastrophic Injuries

• Amputation
• Birth Injury
• Burn Injury
• Head/Brain Injury
• Paralysis

Sampling of Personal Injury Cases

• While I have handled numerous cases involving automobile and/or tractor trailer collisions, here is a sampling of some of the unique types of cases that I have handled over the last fifteen years:
• Negligent security claim for damages resulting from a serious arm injury sustained to a male plaintiff from the explosion that occurred during the 1996 Summer Olympics; case was resolved under confidential settlement agreement;
• Negligence claim of a daughter for the wrongful death of her mother who perished several weeks after she fell when a rusted railing collapsed at an apartment complex; case settled for confidential amount;
• Negligence claim of two teenage boys for the wrongful death of their father who died in a fire that started in an apartment he had just rented but which did not have a working smoke detector; case settled for confidential amount;
• Product liability claim of a Georgia Rock & Roll Hall of Frame musician who sustained an serious injury to his left elbow after having been struck by a retractable tape crowd control device while at the airport. Musician was no longer able to play his the drums; case settled for a confidential amount;
• Negligence claims against Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) and its agents for misdiagnoses resulting in adult female becoming comatose for several weeks; case settled for confidential amount;
• Premise liability claim of a elderly woman who severely fractured her ankle (5 pins inserted) when she fell at a restaurant due to hazardous conditions; case tried to verdict in 2007 for $250,000.00.

Firm Focus and History

McGahren, Gaskill & York, LLC is the result of a merger of two existing law firms. McGahren, Gaskill & York, LLC is dedicated to professionalism and high ethical standards to create a relationship of confidence and trust while preserving the integrity of the law. My primary individual focus since I began practicing has been to pursue justice for those who have been seriously injured or who have lost a loved one due to the negligence of another. Potential clients should be aware that I have also pursued matters involving claims for unfair business practices, fraud, breach of contract, sexual harassment, discrimination as well as various other claims in order to achieve fairness for my clients. In addition, client should be aware that McGahren, Gaskill & York, LLC strives to bring together attorneys who are able to provide a variety of legal needs. Please review our website for a comprehensive list of our areas of practice. We are hopeful to build long term relationships with our clients so that we can provide them access to competent advice on most any legal issue.

PERSONAL PHILOSOPHY
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?

Clients should always educate themselves as much as possible.

Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?

I am absolutely willing to review documents prepared by clients that need guidance.

Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?

While I don't recommend that clients represent themselves unless they truly have the necessary ability and knowledge, I have on numerous occasions advised pro se clients as to how to prosecute certain civil actions (particularly small claims actions).

Why did you decide to be a lawyer?

I became a lawyer become of my strong belief that the world needs to strive for fairness and justice. During high school I helped uncover misconduct involving a cover-up created by several teachers (involving drug use) and was ultimately told by the principal that I should be a lawyer.

What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?

My father was an civil engineer who represented himself pro se because he was never able to find competent representation. Through my college years and law school, I watched my pro se father fight vigorously and defeat attorneys on numerous occasions. In essence, I was exposed to the law for nearly 7 years before becoming an attorney.

Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?

It gives me a chance to help others and let my competitive edge abound.

What do you like best about your career?

I always wanted to be a superhero growing up and when I learned that most trial attorneys fight for justice I found my calling.

Tell us about your law firm:

Our attorneys and staff care about our clients and about creating best results possible. Everyone understands that quality is what counts and not quantity.

What are your strengths and style?

Competitive, compassionate, and conscientious. I believe in doing my best.

Personal Interests:

Dedicated Husband and Father to Two Wonderful Boys; Competitive Tennis; Creative Writing; and Filmmaking.