2018 February | Car Accident Lawyers

How to Get a Free Consultation with a Car Accident Lawyer

December 12, 2018 8:18 pm | By Winifred Grant

When you’re injured in a car accident, you don’t want to wait around and hope the insurance company does the right thing. You want to know that you’re getting the right coverage you need for your claim. There’s just one problem.

You don’t have a lawyer on your side.

In that case, you’ll need to reach out to an attorney, but you’re not sure where to even begin. Besides, who wants to pick a lawyer without meeting them first? Fortunately, that’s what free consultations are for. You’ll just need to get started with a little chat. So, how do you do that, then?

Don’t Hesitate

First, don’t wait long before you call them. You’ll want to get in as soon as possible, and your first choice might not be so helpful. You want someone on your side who knows what they’re talking about, so you don’t want to wait and get stuck with the wrong attorney.

Instead, act soon. You’ll only have two years to file anyway, and that’s not as much time as it sounds like. Make a list of attorneys to contact, and you can get started right away.

Give Them a Call

When you’re getting ready to talk to an Indianapolis car accident lawyer, give them a call. Sometimes, it helps to hear a friendly voice on the other line, especially after someone hit your car. Your injuries are serious, and a call can boost your spirits.

It also gives you a chance to talk with them before you schedule an appointment. You’ll need to talk with them more before you get started on your claim, but if they can’t take your claim now, you’ll know before you head to the office. You’ll want to make the process as easy on you as possible, so reach out before you head in.

Check out the Website

Of course, not all of us are so comfortable on the phone. Whether you have troubles speaking because of your injuries, or because you’re simply shy, most law firms have an online form for you. That way, you don’t have to worry about giving them a call.

Instead, you’ll just fill out your information there. You’ll typically give them your contact information, so they can schedule your appointment. You’ll also include a short section about the details of your accident—what happened, how it happened, and your questions about your claim.

Once they have that, they’ll contact you about your free consultation as soon as possible. That way, you can get started on your case soon.

… Read more →

Does Florida Allow Wrongful Death Claims for Intentional Acts?

November 12, 2018 10:16 pm | By Winifred Grant

When a loved one passes away, it can be difficult to adjust and accept the situation. Worse, your loved one may have been killed by someone else’s actions. They meant to hurt someone dear to you, and now you and your family are suffering for it.

Before you file a claim, however, you’ll need to know what damages and what kind of claim you’re dealing with. Because wrongful death claims can be a little more complex, reach out to a Lakeland wrongful death attorney before you file a claim. With the right help on your side, you and your family can get the compensation you need to move on from your suffering.

Wrongful Death vs. Criminal Cases

When someone intentionally kills someone, you might be dealing with more than a lawsuit. Instead, you and your family might be involved in the aftermath of a crime, which makes your lawsuit more complicated.

Criminal cases are brought forward by the government, and these cases will take priority. If your loved one is killed by another person, you’ll need to postpone filing your claim until the case is closed. However, just because the person is found guilty doesn’t mean that you’ll get the compensation you deserve.

Instead, you’ll also need to file your own claim after the criminal case is settled. These are two different systems, and your claim is only meant to compensate you. In a criminal case, the only focus is on deciding the punishment for the wrongdoer.

Seeking Damages for Intentional Acts

Once you’re ready for your lawsuit, you’ll file it much like any other case, if you’re the personal representative of the estate. If you’re not, however, you might still receive compensation for your suffering.

For example, you might be financially affected by this loss. You’ve lost a source of income, you might be paying for property damage, and you might be left to deal with their final medical expenses. All these costs wouldn’t be on your plate if the other person hadn’t fatally harmed your loved one.

Your “noneconomic damages” are just as important. You’re also suffering from the loss of someone important in your life, and that can impact your emotional health. For example, their love and support won’t be available to you. When you’ve lost a parent, you may have also lost the affection and guidance they provided. While these damages might be more difficult to calculate, they’re still important.

Full Compensation for Your Wrongful Death Claim

When you lose a loved one to any accident, it can be a devastating blow to you and your family members. You’re missing the affection and love they provided, and you’re dealing with the aftermath of their death financially, too. When another personal intentionally caused their death, it’s tough to recover. So, what can you do?

Fortunately, Florida does allow families to seek compensation when their loved one passes away from an intentional act. While it can be difficult, especially since you’ll need to wait to file, you will …

Nursing Homes are a Hotbed of Abuse

October 30, 2018 10:21 pm | By Winifred Grant

Most people who put their family member in a nursing home believe these places to be safe and supportive environments, but could they be wrong? Nursing homes can be a fine place for an elderly individual to live and enjoy the remaining years of their life with the caregiving assistance they need.

That being said, nursing homes and other caregiving facilities are locations where abuse often takes place. The elderly adults that live in these facilities are targets of abuse because of their inability to fight back, or in some case, to speak about their abuse. Their diminished physical and mental capabilities make them vulnerable to abuse and neglect.

What Types of Abuses are Common in Nursing Homes?

There are many ways that your loved one can be hurt while under others’ care, and it can be difficult to spot the signs of abuse if you don’t know what to look for. If you want to protect your loved one you should watch for signs of abuse, and take action when you think that something isn’t right.

The following are the most common forms of nursing home abuse.

Physical abuse
Neglect and malnourishment
Sexual abuse
Emotional abuse
Financial exploitation

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Abuse in Nursing Homes in Chicago?

You should watch for signs of physical abuse, such as bruises, scrapes, cuts, broken bones, and torn clothing.
Signs of neglect or malnourishment are: unwashed appearance, poor hygiene, extreme or sudden weight loss, and dirty or torn clothing.
Emotional signs of abuse: withdrawal, depression, anxiety, fearful behavior, and self-soothing behavior, such as rocking back and forth.
Signs of financial exploitation: sudden and unexplained changes in the financial accounts or documents of the elderly adult.

Who Could be Responsible for This Kind of Abuse?

Those who are most often responsible (and liable) for abuse are: caregivers and staff members; the nursing home facility itself can be held responsible; visitors; other residents at the facility.

What Can You Do to Combat This Issue?

You can file a nursing home abuse claim against those responsible. Filing a claim can mean justice and compensation for you and your elderly loved one. You can be compensated for the pain and suffering your family member endured, and all the financial losses this abuse has caused you and your family.

Filing and winning a claim can be difficult, though, so it’s usually best to get a lawyer to help with your case. The abuse will have to be investigated and your case will need to be proven. Make sure that abuse doesn’t go unpunished. Fight against elder abuse.

Do You Need Some Help from a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer?

Secure legal help with your case so that you can help in the fight against elder abuse. Winning your claim means protecting other vulnerable adults from being injured and abused. Work with a Chicago nursing home abuse attorney, and shut down nursing homes that don’t protect those in their care.

… Read more →

Traveling to Sacramento? Here’s How to Stay Safe

October 17, 2018 2:21 pm | By Winifred Grant

The city of Sacramento is a great destination for anyone who is visiting California. In particular, the historic part of the city has many attractions that will intrigue visitors. However, some tourists and newcomers to the city are concerned about how to stay safe in this city.

In general, the areas frequented by tourists are usually safe, especially during daylight hours. However, it is wise to exercise caution when venturing outside of the main tourist areas, especially after dark. Once the office workers leave downtown Sacramento after their shift is over, much of the downtown area becomes a ghost town. Because the streets are largely deserted, it can be dangerous to walk around after dark, particularly if you are alone.

There are areas of Sacramento that have a high crime rate, often due to drug addiction in the local population. Do not travel alone to neighborhoods that are known to have a high crime rate, especially after dark. In particular, it is a good idea to avoid South Sacramento and the area around Oak Park. There are other scattered pockets of the city that should be avoided after sundown. When booking a hotel in Sacramento, it is a good idea to check the safety of the neighborhood.

Tourists visiting Sacramento will generally be safe if they stay in the best known tourism districts. However, it is a good idea to exercise caution even in the more popular districts. This includes such practices as locking all valuables in the trunk, and not leaving anything of value in plain sight in the car.

Sacramento has benefited from the construction of Interstate 5, which carries a tremendous amount of vehicular traffic. Because of the crowded highways, it is wise to avoid speeding as high speeds will increase the risk of serious accidents. In Sacramento county, the speed limit is set at a maximum of 55 miles per hour, although in residential areas it will usually be lower, at 25 miles per hour.

Visitors to Sacramento in the summer may find themselves at risk due to unexpected heat waves that can last for several days. Anyone who is likely to suffer from heat stroke must take extra precautions such as staying hydrated with plenty of fluids. They should also seek out an air-conditioned environment whenever possible.

Driving in winter in the Sacramento area includes a special risk since the air can be very foggy at times, and the reduced visibility can result in more accidental collisions on the roads. Sacramento is working hard to find safer ways for bicyclists to ride the roads but there are still places in the city where cyclists face dangers when they encounter cars and trucks in heavy traffic.

Unfortunately, no matter how careful you are, accidents always remain a distinct possibility. If you are involved in an accident that results in injury, you will need to call a Sacramento injury lawyer. A good injury lawyer will see to it that all the relevant facts of the case …

How to Prove That an Illness is Work-Related

October 2, 2018 8:53 pm | By Winifred Grant

It isn’t always easy proving that an illness is work-related, even if you know for sure that it is. Some of the most common workplace injuries are slip and fall accidents, respiratory issues, and repetitive motion injuries or conditions. Not surprisingly, many employers are reluctant to admit fault, in an effort to avoid any financial obligation.

First, you should always notify your employer if you are injured or sick because of something in your workplace. However, keep in mind that you may have a limited number of days to report an accident or illness to your employer, and the laws can vary by state. In Iowa, for example you have 90 days to report the incident. Reporting it sooner rather than later also means the incident is fresh in your mind, and you are more likely to have an accurate recollection of events, any witnesses and anything else relevant.

Obtaining expert medical testimony is one of the best things you can do to increase your chances of winning your case. Testimony from a medical professional is much more convincing and carries more weight; the testimony can also address the extent of your injury or illness and its long term effects. And if you require therapy, counseling or other long term treatment as a result of your injury, it’s important to keep all the relevant paperwork, receipts and anything else that can later help to substantiate your case.

It’s also important to get the testimony of other witnesses wherever possible, and to document the cause of your illness as thoroughly as possible. For example, if recurring knee problems were caused by tripping on an uneven surface, you should take photos of the environment, and talk to other employees who may have experienced the same issue. In a large workplace, the chances are high that someone else is suffering from the same illness or condition as you, and with the same cause. A well known example is mesothelioma; it’s common for many employees in the same workplace to have this condition because of prolonged asbestos exposure.

An Iowa workers comp attorney can help you to prove your case of an illness caused by work, and hiring an attorney with relevant experience may be your next step if you aren’t getting anywhere by yourself. Make sure you work with someone with workers’ comp experience in your state. An attorney can help you to gather the evidence that you need and can present your case in a more convincing way, by collecting medical evidence, records of previous accidents or illness, and talking to reliable witnesses. There may also be security footage at your workplace of the incident, or similar incidents that can help your case.

https://www.safeopedia.com/definition/1237/work-related-injury

… Read more →

Just Starting Out As A Lawyer? Seven Tips from the Experts

Posted OnFebruary 20, 2018 Winifred Grant 0

It’s not easy to study law and when you graduate and become a lawyer it’s overwhelming at the best of times. Lawyers are in great demand today and there are always someone looking for help too.…

Month: February 2018

Just Starting Out As A Lawyer? Seven Tips from the Experts