The panel of physicians can be a pivotal aspect to any workers’ compensation claim. With a proper panel, the employer can limit which physicians an injured employee can designate as their Authorized Treating Physician. While this may seem insignificant, whether the panel is valid can greatly affect the potential exposure in a claim. If there is no panel posted on the date of injury, or if the panel posted is invalid for any reason, the injured employee can control the medical care throughout the life of the claim. This means that the injured employee can pursue care from a provider who might be known to assign prolonged work restrictions or prescribe extensive but ultimately ... Continue Reading
Three New Attorneys Join Drew Eckl & Farnham
ATLANTA, GA – Drew Eckl & Farnham is proud to announce the addition of three new attorneys—Grace Chung, Marion Martin, and Joe Spivey. These experienced attorneys bring valuable expertise and proven litigation skills to strengthen the firm's ability to deliver comprehensive legal services across Georgia and the Southeast. "We're excited to welcome Grace Chung, Marion Martin, and Joe Spivey to Drew Eckl & Farnham," said Joe Chancey, Managing Partner of Drew Eckl & Farnham. "Each of these attorneys brings a unique combination of experience, dedication, and client focus that aligns perfectly with our firm's values. We're confident they'll make immediate contributions to our ... Continue Reading
Congratulations to Our New Partners for 2026
ATLANTA, GA – Drew Eckl & Farnham is pleased to announce the promotion of Megan Mathews Noble and Honey Shaw to Partner, effective January 1, 2026. These promotions recognize their exceptional client service, legal expertise, and dedication to the firm's continued success. "We are thrilled to promote Megan and Honey to Partner," said Joe Chancey, Managing Partner of Drew Eckl & Farnham. "Their election recognizes their dedication, hard work, and commitment to the values that define our firm. We thank these attorneys for being important parts of our success." These promotions reflect Drew Eckl & Farnham's commitment to recognizing and rewarding excellence, and its ... Continue Reading
Join Partner Brian Johnson for a Retail & Hospitality Webinar Hosted by The Harmonie Group
Partner Brian Johnson will host the upcoming Harmonie Group Retail & Hospitality Webinar, titled “From Claims to the Courtroom: Defense Strategies for Emerging Risks in Retail & Hospitality Litigation” on December 3, 2025 at 1:00 PM ET (12:00 PM CT). Brian Johnson will serve as a co-host and guide attendees through an afternoon of valuable insights and interactive discussion, featuring three comprehensive presentations followed by a live roundtable session where participants can submit questions and engage directly with industry experts. This webinar features three comprehensive topic presentations, followed by a live roundtable discussion where you’ll have the opportunity to ... Continue Reading
Is Negligence Per Se Alone Evidence of Bad Faith?
In the context of O.C.G.A. § 13-6-11, “bad faith” refers to the conduct of the defendant out of which the cause of action arose. Brown v. Baker, 197 Ga. App. 466, 467 (1990). Georgia’s appellate courts explain that bad faith: [C]annot be prompted by an honest mistake as to one's rights or duties but must result from some interested or sinister motive. Bad faith is not simply bad judgment or negligence, but it imports a dishonest purpose or some moral obliquity, and implies conscious doing of wrong, and means breach of known duty through some motive of interest or ill will. Rapid Grp., Inc. v. Yellow Cab of Columbus, Inc., 253 Ga. App. 43, 49 (2001); see also Metro. Atlanta Rapid ... Continue Reading
Five New Attorneys Join Drew Eckl & Farnham
ATLANTA, GA – Drew Eckl & Farnham is proud to announce the addition of five new attorneys—Donald Wagner, Cali Campbell, Thomas Brooks Whilden, Megan McGoldrick, and Jacob Williams. These experienced attorneys bring valuable expertise and proven litigation skills to strengthen the firm’s ability to deliver comprehensive legal services across Georgia and the Southeast. "We're thrilled to welcome Donald Wagner, Cali Campbell, Thomas Brooks Whilden, Megan McGoldrick, and Jacob Williams to the firm," said Joe Chancey, Managing Partner of Drew Eckl & Farnham. "We're honored that they've chosen us as the best place to advance their careers, and we look forward to their contributions ... Continue Reading
Please Join Us for a Celebration of Life in Honor of Wray and Mary Lynn Eckl
We invite you to join us in honoring the memory of Wray and Mary Lynn Eckl, sharing stories, and reflecting on the impact they had on our lives. This gathering will be a time of remembrance, connection, and celebration of a life well lived. Whether you knew the Eckls as colleagues, friends, or family, your presence will help create a meaningful tribute to two people who meant so much to so many. Sunday, November 9th, 2025 1:30 PM - 3:30 PMWoodruff Arts Center1280 Peachtree St NEAtlanta, GA 30309 ... Continue Reading
Christy Walsh Takes the Stage at 24th Annual Law Firm COO & CFO Forum
We're excited to share that our Chief Operating Officer, Christy Walsh, will be speaking at the Thomson Reuters 24th Annual Law Firm COO & CFO Forum in Washington, DC. The event runs October 22-23, 2025, and Christy will take the stage on October 23 at 1:00 PM. Christy will join fellow industry leaders to discuss practical strategies for balancing leadership effectiveness with employee wellness, building strong firm cultures, and retaining top talent across generations. The panel will tackle how relationship-building and wellness practices can strengthen teams and improve collaborative efficiency—ultimately leading to better client engagement and sustained success. For more ... Continue Reading
DEF Sponsors 2025 CHOA Pickleball Benefit
Drew Eckl & Farnham is proud to be a Full Court Sponsor of the second annual REMAX Center Pickleball Tournament benefiting Children's Healthcare of Atlanta! This year's tournament will take place on Tuesday, October 21st, 2025, at the Pickle and Social in Buford, GA. For more information and to register, please visit CHOA's website. By registering for the tournament, you will also have an opportunity to ask friends and family for support in your efforts for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. ... Continue Reading
Drew Eckl & Farnham Secures Defense Verdict in Mattress Product Liability Case
Photo (left to right) Barbara A. Marschalk, Lisa Richardson Atlanta, GA – September 15, 2025 – After a weeklong trial and just one hour of deliberation, a jury in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia returned a complete defense verdict in favor of Hickory Springs Manufacturing Co. which supplied the innerspring component in a mattress manufactured by Southerland Inc., in a product liability case involving allegations of a defective mattress. Drew Eckl & Farnham LLP attorneys Barbara A. Marschalk and Lisa Richardson represented Hickory Springs. The plaintiffs, John and Veronica Whitehead, alleged that a strain-aging defect in a mattress innerspring caused ... Continue Reading