James was born and raised in Fitzgerald, Georgia, and attended college at the University of Georgia where he obtained a degree in History. From Athens, he went to the Georgia State University College of Law in Atlanta and received his Juris Doctor in 2007.
James began working with the firm’s Atlanta office out of law school before eventually moving to Athens in 2010. After a brief stint in a solo practice, James rejoined the firm in 2012 and worked out of Athens until 2015 before having the opportunity to move to the Brunswick office, where he handles both workers’ compensation and automobile insurance litigation.
Experience
Insurance Coverage
James represents insurance companies in both first and third party suits and has experience in all aspects of insurance defense, from the filing of the case through representing the client in trial. Whether providing a coverage opinion or representation through the trial level, James is committed to providing quality representation to the client.
Workers' Compensation
The majority of James’ practice is devoted to defending employers and insurers at all stages of workers’ compensation litigation, from the trial and appellate level to the settlement and mediation level.
Presentations
•Best Practices in Workers’ Compensation
2023 GASPA Spring Conference; May 24, 2023
Publications
•Court of Appeals Finds Hospital Lien Still Enforceable Against Insurers After Policy Limits Settlement
HBS National Insurance Coverage Blog, December 16, 2020
•New OSHA Reporting Rule and Intoxication Defenses
Workplace Health Magazine, Fall 2016
•Horseplay or Not Horseplay: That is the Question
HBS Workers’ Compensation Blog, October 2015
•Medical Marijuana: What It May Mean To Georgia
Workers’ Compensation Law Section Newsletter, Summer 2015
•Medical Marijuana Questions and Preparation
Workplace Health Magazine, Spring 2015
•Spider Bite Myths
HBS Workers’ Compensation Blog, October 2014
•The Claimant had a Stroke While at Work and Has Suffered Ongoing Medical Problems. Is This a Compensable Injury?
HBS Workers’ Compensation Blog, October 2014
•Case Study: A Ten Year-Old Injury Rears Its Head (or Knee)
HBS Workers’ Compensation Blog, February 2014
•“Price is Right” Appearance Leads to Workers’ Compensation Fraud Conviction
HBS Workers’ Compensation Blog, June 2013
•Unscheduled Breaks and Deviations from the Scope of Employment
HBS Workers’ Compensation Blog, August 2012
•Social Networkers Have Nowhere to Hide
HBS Workers’ Compensation Blog, April 2012
In the Press
Court of Appeals Finds Hospital Lien Still Enforceable Against Insurers After Policy Limits Settlement
December 16, 2020
Written by: James G. Smith, Esq. The Georgia Court of Appeals recently issued a decision in the case of Tift Regional Medical Center Foundation, Inc. v. Geico General Insurance Company[1] which underscores the critical importance of being aware of and addressing perfected liens prior to entering into a settlement, particularly with a pro se Plaintiff.
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