Q: The AJC reported that Jamie Lynn Sparkman claimed her husband Christopher, the victim of the FedEx shooting, was twice denied government disability. Has disability been given to him?
—Brent C. Forkner, Cartersville
A: The Sparkmans successfully appealed after the second denial, Cory Barnwell, an associate with the family's attorney, Levenson and Associates, told Q&A on the News.
Christopher Sparkman, who was critically injured while working as a security guard at a FedEx facility in Cobb County on April 29, 2014, twice was denied government disability benefits, his wife, Jamie Lynn, said.
The Sparkmans filed suit against FedEx in early May, claiming the company failed to intervene to prevent Geddy Kramer from shooting Sparkman, a U.S. Army veteran working for Allied Barton, a security company, and five others before committing suicide.
The lawsuit was filed in Cobb County Superior Court, but moved to federal court at FedEx’s request, Barnwell said.
Barnwell credited U.S. Rep. Barry Loudermilk, whose 11th District includes Cartersville, Marietta and Woodstock, in helping with the appeal.
Q: I understand the Slowpoke Law, but does it also apply to semis and other large trucks? They remain in the far left lanes, regardless of the traffic behind them.
—Pat Mell, Norcross
A: It's unlawful for trucks — vehicles with more than six wheels that are not buses or motorcoaches – to "operate in any lanes other than the two most right-hand lanes" on roads or highways with three or more lanes, Georgia code 40-6-52 states.
Trucks also must stay in the right lane on roads or highways with two lanes except when “overtaking and passing another vehicle (or) preparing for a left turn.”
Andy Johnston wrote this column; Allison Floyd contributed. Do you have a question about the news? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or email q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).
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