Posts by Charles M. Merkel, Jr.
Misdiagnosis vs. Missed Diagnosis
When you visit a doctor or other medical professional, it’s normal to assume that they know what they’re doing and will make you better, not worse. Unfortunately, mistakes happen, and this isn’t always the case. In these situations, you could have a legal claim for compensation. Two common types of malpractice are misdiagnosis vs. missed…
Read MoreCan an Uninsured Driver Hit by an Insured Driver File A Claim?
It’s a situation that many don’t expect to face. You’re driving without insurance – which can sometimes be deliberate or accidental – and another driver with insurance hits your car. When you realize you don’t have insurance coverage, you’ll probably start to wonder what your rights are and if you can still file an insurance…
Read MoreHow No-Win, No-Fee Works for Mississippi Injury Victims
You’re injured. Medical bills are mounting, and missing work means lost income. And you need a lawyer, but think you can’t afford one. Here’s what you need to know: most personal injury lawyers’ fee arrangements mean you pay nothing unless your case succeeds. At Merkel & Cocke, P.A., we’ve worked this way for over 40…
Read MoreCongratulations to Four Merkel & Cocke Attorneys on Their 2026 Best Lawyers in America® Honors!
We’re proud to announce that four Merkel & Cocke, P.A. attorneys earned a spot in the 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®! This distinguished recognition reflects the depth of experience, trial skill, and client-focused advocacy that define our firm. Please join us in congratulating: John Hartwell Cocke Charles M. Merkel, Jr. Edward P.…
Read MoreParaquat & Parkinson’s Disease Lawsuits
Research has indicated that paraquat exposure is linked to a higher risk of Parkinson’s disease. Farmers, applicators, and Mississippi Delta residents may face a higher risk of health complications following years of exposure to the pesticide at area farms. Those injured by paraquat have been filing lawsuits against manufacturers since at least 2017, and that…
Read MoreBack Pain and Injury after a Car Accident in Mississippi
Back injuries are one of the most common types of injuries that car accident victims suffer. Victims include drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and bicycle riders. All types of Mississippi car accidents, such as rear-end accidents, head-on crashes, and T-bone accidents, can cause back injuries. Even low-speed accidents harm a victim’s back. There’s generally no simple cure.…
Read MoreWhat’s the Difference Between a Concussion and a Traumatic Brain Injury?
Maybe you fell off a ladder at work. Maybe you got rear-ended on a back road outside Tupelo. Or maybe your child took a hard hit on the football field. However it happened, you’re now hearing two terms from doctors that seem to overlap: concussion and traumatic brain injury. Are they the same thing? Should…
Read MoreCan You Legally Lane Split in Mississippi?
You’ve probably seen it before. You’re stuck in traffic and suddenly a motorcycle zips between the lanes. You wonder: Can they do that? And maybe, if you ride yourself, you’ve wondered if you can. This maneuver is called lane splitting, and it’s one of the most hotly debated topics in motorcycle safety and law. Depending…
Read MoreIs a Motorcycle Helmet Still Safe to Use After an Accident?
Riding a motorcycle comes with risks. We all know helmets are your first line of defense in an accident. But what happens if you’ve been in one? Is your helmet still good? Can it keep you safe after an impact? As motorcycle accident lawyers, we get asked this all the time. And the short answer?…
Read MoreWhat Can I Get Paid for a Car Accident That Was Not My Fault?
Car accidents happen when we least expect them. Even worse, they can happen when you’re doing everything right. What if you were minding your own business, following traffic laws, and suddenly in a wreck caused by someone else’s negligence? It’s frustrating, stressful and often leaves you wondering: What now? How can you get compensated for…
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