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September 2026
Every Fall Leads Me Back to the University of Georgia
For me, football season doesn’t really start until we’re back in Athens.
Every September, we pack up the girls and head to the University of Georgia for a football game. We usually pick one of the noon games because they’re easier to get in and out of with kids, but that’s not really why we go. We go because it’s become one of our favorite family traditions. It’s a chance to be back on campus, soak in the atmosphere, and share a place that means so much to me with my family. Growing up in Georgia, we were always UGA fans. My dad was a huge Georgia football fan, so Saturdays were spent sitting down together and watching the Bulldogs play. Some of my favorite childhood memories are tied to those afternoons. We would cheer on the team, hoping this would be the game where everything came together. During the ‘90s, though, being a Georgia fan wasn’t always easy. The Bulldogs were a good team, but it felt like we’d always get close and then give it up right at the very end. It became something every fan in the state understood. We’d all think, “Oh man, we got close again, but OUR CLIENTS SAY IT BEST “I have known Alex Weatherby for over 12 years. He is the consummate professional and has a meticulous legal mind. I have consulted with him on a range of issues, and each time, he is absolutely spot on! He responds quickly and helps resolve matters in the same manner. Now that he is located in downtown Decatur, getting to his office will be even more convenient, and I can always use the MARTA if needed. There are not enough good things to say. I recommend him with no reservations.” –Laurie H.
we didn’t quite get over the finish line.” Even in those frustrating seasons, I never stopped loving Georgia football.
When it came time to choose a law school, I looked at several different options, but I already knew one thing for sure: I wanted to practice law in Georgia, so I wanted to go to law school at UGA. It was also one of the best law schools in the country. It’s a tremendous public institution that has produced many talented lawyers who serve communities across Georgia. I started law school there in 2007, and it was a fun time to be on campus. Matthew Stafford was the quarterback, long before he went on to have the NFL career everybody knows today. Mark Richt was the head coach, and there was just an excitement around the football program that made Saturdays special. Law school is demanding. There’s no getting around that. You spend hours studying, reading cases, and preparing for class. Football weekends became the perfect reprieve from all of that. Going out with friends, tailgating before the game, and then walking into Sanford Stadium was something I always looked forward to. Once you stepped inside and felt the energy of the crowd, you could forget about exams and assignments for a few hours. It was a chance to recharge before getting back to work.
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Major Georgia Supreme Court Ruling Protects Jury Awards in Medical Malpractice Lawsuits
When a medical malpractice case ends in tragedy, no dollar amount can truly measure the loss. That’s why the question of who gets to decide the value of a person’s pain and suffering has always been so important. Is it a jury that hears all the evidence, or is it a law that automatically limits compensation regardless of the circumstances? The Supreme Court of Georgia recently answered that question, reaffirming that the state’s constitutional right to a jury trial protects a jury’s ability to determine noneconomic damages in medical malpractice cases. The decision is a major win for injured patients and their families while reshaping the legal landscape for health care providers and insurers. A Case That Could Have Changed Georgia Law The case stemmed from the death of Holly Baumstark, who died from complications following a C-section in 2019 in an Atlanta area hospital. Her family filed a medical malpractice lawsuit against several providers involved in her care. Before
trial, six defendants settled, leaving only Dr. Luis Cayamcela and Hospitalist Services of Georgia. A jury awarded Baumstark’s family $42 million, including damages for wrongful death and her pre-death pain and suffering. The remaining defendants argued that Georgia’s former cap on noneconomic damages should apply and asked the Supreme Court to revisit its earlier decision striking down those limits. Why the Supreme Court Said No The Georgia Supreme Court upheld the full jury verdict, reaffirming that the state’s constitutional right to a jury trial includes the jury’s authority to determine noneconomic damages, including pain and suffering. The Court also ruled that lawmakers can’t impose a blanket damages cap when any portion of the award is constitutionally protected. What This Means Going Forward This decision keeps Georgia among the states without an effective cap on noneconomic damages in medical malpractice cases.
Large jury verdicts will likely remain possible, particularly in catastrophic injury and wrongful death claims. The ruling could also increase settlement pressure. Without a statutory limit that would reduce potential exposure, insurers and defendants may be more willing to resolve high-value cases before trial. One question still remains unanswered. The Court did not decide whether a cap could apply in a pure wrongful death claim that doesn’t include damages for the deceased person’s pre-death pain and suffering. That issue may be addressed in a future case. For now, though, the message from Georgia’s highest court is clear. Juries, not statutory caps, have the constitutional authority to determine the value of pain and suffering in medical malpractice cases.
RUNNING ON EMPTY? Try These Energy Boosts Without the Crash
Feeling drained has become way too common. Busy schedules, poor sleep, and nonstop screen time can leave you running on empty before the day even ends. Energy drinks and extra coffee might offer a quick fix, but not for long. Real, lasting energy starts with simple daily habits that support your body naturally. Prioritize quality sleep. Steady energy revolves around sleep. Getting enough rest helps your body recover, balance hormones, and recharge your brain. Most
adults need 7–9 hours each night, but quality matters, too. A consistent bedtime, a cool bedroom, and less screen time before bed can make a monumental difference. Incorporate more movement in the day. Likely the last thing you want to do when you’re tired is to hop on a treadmill or pick up the weights, but regular movement actually boosts energy over time. Physical activity improves circulation and helps oxygen move through the body more efficiently. You don’t need intense workouts to feel the benefits either. A brisk walk, stretching session, or short bike ride can lift your mood and wake up your mind. Consume foods that fuel your body. What you eat directly affects how you feel. Sugary snacks and processed foods may give you a temporary boost, but they often lead to sluggishness later. Balanced meals with protein, healthy fats, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains provide more stable energy
throughout the day. But don’t forget your water! Mild dehydration can leave you feeling tired without you even realizing it. Manage those stress levels. For many of us, stress is our middle name. However, chronic stress can drain your energy. Mental exhaustion often manifests physically, leaving you feeling worn out even after resting. Taking short breaks during the day, practicing deep breathing, or spending time outdoors can help reduce stress and improve focus. Finding small ways to slow down can restore more energy than constantly pushing through fatigue. Stay connected. Social interaction also plays a role in energy and overall well-being. Spending time with supportive friends or family can improve mood and reduce feelings of burnout. Positive connections help people feel more motivated, engaged, and emotionally refreshed.
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Stress has a way of taking over when life throws something unexpected your way. Racing thoughts, sleepless nights, and constant worry can make even everyday tasks feel exhausting. During difficult moments, it’s easy to get caught up in everything that could go wrong instead of focusing on what you can control. That’s why mindfulness has become such a valuable tool for managing stress. It has nothing to do with pretending everything is perfect or forcing yourself to be happy, and everything to do with staying present, calming your mind, and giving yourself space to respond thoughtfully rather than react out of fear. That message is especially meaningful as Positive Thinking Day is observed every year on Sept. 13. Why Mindfulness Matters During Stressful Situations Research shows that stressful experiences can take a mental and physical toll. People dealing with personal challenges, including legal matters after an injury, often face added anxiety because their experiences may be questioned or scrutinized. Those feelings are normal, but they don’t have to control every moment of the day. Mindfulness offers practical ways to lower stress by bringing your attention back to the present. Even a few moments of focused breathing can interrupt anxious thoughts and help your body relax. Techniques You Can Use Anywhere One effective exercise is to focus on your breathing. Take a slow breath in, allowing your belly to rise, then exhale slowly. Repeating this for a minute or two can help settle your nervous system. Another grounding technique is to notice the physical sensations around you. Feel your feet resting on the floor or the weight of your body against the chair. Shifting your attention to these simple sensations reminds you that you’re safe in the present moment, even if your mind is racing. Perspective can also be powerful. When facing intimidating people or stressful conversations, it can help to remember that everyone is human. Every person has fears, loved ones, and struggles of their own. Looking at others through that lens can make overwhelming situations feel less threatening and easier to navigate. Mindfulness Makes a Difference FROM RACING THOUGHTS TO INNER CALM
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Those three years of law school at UGA made me an even bigger Georgia Bulldogs fan than I already was. The university, in a sense, became my second home. It became a place filled with friendships, memories, and traditions that have stayed with me long after graduation. When I had children, football Saturdays naturally became part of our family, too. We have pictures of our girls wearing Georgia Bulldog outfits before they even knew what football was. As they got older, I wanted them to experience what game day in Athens feels like for themselves. Now we usually take them to one game every year. It honestly doesn’t matter what the scoreboard says. We just enjoy walking around campus, hearing the crowd, cheering together, and letting them experience the traditions that meant so much to me growing up and during law school. If you ask my girls what they look forward to most, they’ll probably tell you it’s getting Dippin’ Dots at the stadium!
This fall, we’ll do it all again. We’ll pick a game, head back to Athens as a family, cheer on the Bulldogs, and celebrate the
return of football together. Every trip reminds me of where I came from, the memories I shared with my dad, the friendships I built in law school, and now the chance to pass those same traditions on to my own children!
- Alex Weatherby
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1. Football Season Starts With a Trip Back to Athens 2. A Landmark Georgia Supreme Court Decision Strengthens Patients’ Right to a Jury Trial More Sleep Isn’t the Only Answer to Low Energy 3. When Stress Takes Over, Mindfulness Can Help You Regain Control Tell Us How We Did 4. What Happened When a Dog Took Matters Into His Own Paws Forget Fetch
Eeyore the Dog Retrieved a Sheriff’s Deputy
Injuries and medical emergencies rarely come with a warning. One moment, everything feels normal, and the next, something can happen while you’re just grabbing the mail, getting out of the shower, or walking through your home. Many people’s saving grace is that someone was within earshot or in sight when the incident happened, available to render aid and get medical attention on the scene. But what happens when you’re out on your own without anyone you know? You can only hope you have a guardian angel like Eeyore looking over your shoulder. Law enforcement in Okaloosa County, Florida, responded to a call from a man who had grown worried about his wife. She was an older woman who had taken their 100-pound granddog, Eeyore, for a walk as the sun set. The husband stated that she normally only takes 10–15 minutes but hadn’t returned for over an hour. He was panicking. As the sheriff’s deputy drove around the neighborhood, she spotted Eeyore, who quickly approached the vehicle. The deputy didn’t hesitate; she quickly acknowledged it was the dog and asked, “Where’s your momma?” Like a scene from a movie, the dog leaped into action, guiding the deputy straight to the woman on the ground. Thankfully, the woman was alert and conscious, but they were concerned she had suffered an injury. However, she wasn’t worried
about herself in the moment. She was trying to figure out how the deputy found her. She sounded completely flabbergasted when the deputy told her the dog was responsible for her rescue. “The dog brought you over? He wouldn’t leave. He kept coming back to me,” she stated to the deputy. As they waited for emergency services to arrive and provide aid, the two women made sure to give Eeyore plenty of love and appreciation. There’s no telling how long the woman would have been outside, or whether she would have remained safe had Eeyore not remained persistent in seeking help. The sheriff’s department was quick to credit Eeyore’s “love and instincts” for the rescue!
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