Lawyers.com Blog

Federal and Postal Disability Retirement under FERS & CSRS: The Template Approach

nospam@example.com (Robert R. McGill) — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 17:55:18 -0400

The Office of Personnel Management essentially renders both approvals and denials of a Federal Disability Retirement application with a "template" approach. This is not surprising, but it is little noticed, and this is why: For disabled Federal and Postal workers who file for Federal Disability Retirements benefits under FERS or CSRS, and who are not represented by a federal disability attorney, it is their "one-and-only" exposure to the Office of Personnel Management. Thus, if an approval is received, that approval is the first and only time of having any correspondence from the Office of Personnel Management. Similarly, if a denial is received, then that is the first exposure and contact from the Office of Personnel Management. There would be no way of knowing whether or not the approval letter, or the denial letter, was or was not a "standard template". Certainly, in a denial letter from the Office of Personnel Management, there are references to submitted medical documents, or supervisor's statement, or some other document which was part of the Federal Disability Retirement application; but the remainder of the denial letter is in "template form". However, when an attorney represents a Federal or Postal worker and receives an initial denial letter, or a denial at the Reconsideration Stage, it is an obvious issue, because any attorney who specializes in Federal Disability Retirement law has viewed hundreds, if not thousands, of such letters. Why is it important to recognize that the format is in "template" form? For many reasons. The type of template; from whom the template is received; the extent of the template; the issues presented in the format; these are all helpful for any experienced Federal Attorney who specializes in Federal Disability Retirement law, to successfully answer such formatted denials.

Sincerely, Robert R. McGill, Esquire

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Soldiers Suffer Brain Injuries in Larger Numbers

nospam@example.com (Clifford A. Blackman) — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 23:29:54 -0400

There are 1.4 million traumatic brain injuries in the U.S.
annually according to the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention

The number of diagnosed traumatic brain injuries
has been rising, with 10,963 cases in 2000 and 27,507 in 2008, according to
Defense Department reports. The U.S. military reported 20,199 diagnosed traumatic brain
injuries in the first 9 months of 2009.
Of those, 15,828 were diagnosed as mild. The military wants to be able to test soldiers as soon as
possible, even in the field, as traumatic brain injuries that go undetected or
treated can lead to serious consequences, such as dementia, depression and
other problems. Repeated concussions can have very serious consequences, so the
early detection of concussions can prevent further damage from being done.

An American company is working on developing a unit that the
military could use in the field to test for mild head injuries. They are
developing a mobile unit that makes it possible to take an electroencephalogram
reading in the field, using a hand held device connected to a disposable headset
placed on the forehead. The
reading would complement the usual tests for cognitive function that are done.
BrainScope of Bethesda, Maryland, is testing its technology at nine U.S.
medical centers. Data from these
studies will help it improve its algorithms and develop better ones for use in
its product. The company is
talking with U.S. Regulators about the requirements for market clearance.

Brain injury attorneys who represent people across the country who suffered traumatic brain injuries can be reached at 1-888-395-3551.

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Preventing Domestic Violence in NJ - Part I

nospam@example.com (Jonathan Koles) — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 18:22:58 -0400

Preventing Domestic Violence in New Jersey - Personal Injury, Criminal and Accident Lawyers in NJ

Domestic violence is a serious crime against society that impacts victims from all social and economic backgrounds. The most vulnerable members of society, including pregnant women, the elderly and the disabled, are frequently victims of domestic violence. There is a correlation between spousal abuse and child abuse, and many children, even those who are not direct victims of the abuse, suffer lasting emotional effects from witnessing domestic abuse.

Prevention of Domestic Violence Act of 1991

The New Jersey Legislature recognized that crimes occurring in a domestic violence context should receive different treatment from law enforcement and the judiciary than similar crimes not arising from a domestic relationship. In response, the Legislature passed the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act of 1991 (the "Act"), which offers both civil and criminal relief to victims of domestic violence.

The Act is considered to be one of the most protective and proactive actions enacted by any state. To view the Act in its entirety, visit the New Jersey Legislature Web site at www.njleg.state.nj.us/, then click on "Statutes" under the "Laws and Constitution" heading. The statutes pertaining to the Act may also be accessed from the WomensLaw.org Web site at www.womenslaw.org/NJ/NJ_statutes.htm.

The Act offers civil relief in the form of a restraining order, and criminal relief in the form of a criminal complaint filed by the victim against the batterer. For information on how to obtain a restraining order, visit www.njcbw.org/legalro.htm.

The Act also outlines training for law enforcement and the judiciary in the enforcement of the Act. All law enforcement officers, judges and judge's personnel are required to receive domestic violence training. The Family Practice Division of the Administrative Office of the Courts, along with the Division of Criminal Justice and the New Jersey Coalition for Battered Women, has produced domestic violence training video tapes which comply with the Act.

Family, Domestic Violence, Criminal and Accident Attorneys in NJ help spread awareness of domestic crime and laws in NJ.

Federal and Postal Disability Retirement under FERS & CSRS: Responding to the Template Approach

nospam@example.com (Robert R. McGill) — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 18:21:28 -0400

While the Office of Personnel Management issues template approvals and denials, what must the individual applicant who receives such a template denial, do? Obviously, it cannot be a "template" response, because any response by an individual applicant is going to be an individualized response. Often, however, OPM's response takes a shot-gun approach in denying a Federal Disability Retirement application -- it uses every device in its template, touching upon every issue and sub-issue, without any apparent (or obvious) rhyme or reason. Whether purposeful or not, the extent and quantity of reasons for denial become almost insurmountable, and unable to "sort out". One thing that a Federal Disability Retirement applicant should not do, is to take the denial letter to his or her doctor to respond to. It will only confuse the doctor. Instead, the denial letter must be reduced to a comprehensible set of criteria which can be answered. Sub-sets of issues need to be identified and consolidated; the minor (but often irritating) references to peripheral issues, often touched upon but of no real consequence, must be ignored; and the focus must be placed upon the central 2 or 3 issues which seem to be the overriding concerns in the denial letter. In other words, the denial letter must be deciphered and extracted to be "made sense of". Only then can OPM's template denial letter be answered -- with reason, aggressive attack, and a rational grounding in the law. In other words, irrationality must be met with clarity of mind.

Sincerely, Robert R. McGill, Esquire

Divorce and the Child with Special Needs

nospam@example.com (Bob Kalish) — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 16:53:22 -0400

When the parents of a child with special needs are divorcing, or are considering divorce, it is important to accurately access the emotional and financial requirements that will need to be met for the good of the child.

In deciding temporary custody, visitation, child support and medical support, the parents and the attorneys reprsenting them will have to be particularly mindful to minimize disruption. Scheduling visitation may present a challenge when it involves children who are particularly sensitive to change in routine. "Standard visitation" may not be the best choice, and attorneys, mediators and judges will appreciate being provided with the specific information necessary to properly access the best course of action.

Standard visitation provisions are based on the written law in the family statutes of the state where the family is residing and divorcing (this article is based on Texas law). These standard provisions have been tested and proven to work quite well in most situations. However, they are not mandatory. It is possible to write a decree with different provisions, depending on the situation and what the child needs.

Additional practical considerations may be financial as well as emotional. When one parent has had primary responsibility for attending school meetings, medical and psychological appointments or specialized training sessions, it can be difficult to reorganize the situation in such a way that both parents take responsibility. This reorganization may be a requirement when a parent who formerly stayed at home or worked part time now has to take on additional responsibilities outside the home.

The medical, emotional and occupational needs of the child will be important in deciding the final allocation of the marital resources and debts. Depending on how much care and supervision the child needs, it may also determine the need for spousal support or payment for in-home help or care.

It is important to be sure that the attorneys in the case have an understanding of the child’s condition from the outset, so that legal fees can be spent in meaningful negotiations or trial preparation. Sharing of this specialized information between the two parties and their attorneys will prevent spending legal fees unneccessarily to discover the same information.

In some cases, child support may be ordered to be paid beyond the usual time (in Texas child support most often terminates when a child is over 18 and out of secondary school). When a child is very young, it may be difficult to determine what the future holds. Therefore, it may be necessary to return to court at a later date in order to seek support beyond the customary term of payment. This may be emotionally difficult for a parent to do, especially if s/he wants independence from the ex-spouse. But it may be absolutely necessary to insure that the needs of the child will be met by both parents.

Just as in any divorce case, the court will step in to make the decisions if the parents cannot agree. "The best interest of the child” is the primary concern.

Final divorce orders may include provisions for specialized medical care, psychological care, or training. At the time of the final divorce, every effort should be made to draft a final decree that is “long-lasting”, in order to prevent the trauma and expense of returning to court in the early post-divorce years.

The imput of doctors, psychologists and school counselors can be invaluable, especially if these professionals have good communication with both parents and a long-term history with the child.

It is vitally important that all professionals who are working with the family, including attorneys and mediators, have an understanding of the situation so that they can properly advise the family.

Bob Kalish is the founding partner of Kalish Law Office, and has been representing family law clients since 1984. Prior to becoming a Texas licensed attorney, he was a psychologist who worked with disabled children and adults. He can be reached by email at bob@kalishlawtexas.com. The firm’s website it www.kalishlawtexas.com and the telephone number is 281-363-3700. The Kalish Law Office is located in The Woodlands, Texas, north of Houston.

The above article pertains to Texas law only and is intended for informational purposes. It should not be used as a substitute for legal advice.

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Illinois DUI

nospam@example.com (Steven W. Perbix) — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 17:10:23 -0400

You can be arrested for an Illinois DUI if your blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or higher. However, if you are driving with a BAC between 0.05 and 0.08, you may still be cited for a DUI in Illinois if your behavior suggests you are impaired. This is at the discretion of the officer citing you.

Unlike being cited for driving with a BAC of 0.08 or above, BACs between 0.05 and 0.08 do not trigger the Statutory Summary Suspension; the penalties are instead entirely based on the outcome of the court case.

The State of Illinois imposes substantial financial and other penalties on drivers who are convicted of driving drunk. Because the outcomes are so severe, many people accused of drunk driving consult with and hire an Illinois DUI attorney.

Illinois estimates that the minimum cost of a first DUI conviction is over $14,000. The money goes to bail, bond, attorney fees, fines, court-ordered assessments, remedial education or treatment programs, and insurance premiums sometimes up to triple what they were before.

Many of Steve Perbix’s clients have had their DUI and Drunk Driving cases dismissed without fines or counseling. Contact our DUI attorney in Illinois to help you determine your possible outcome.

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Five Actions That Can Jeopardize Your Personal Injury Case

nospam@example.com (Perry A. Craft) — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 16:29:37 -0400

People who are hurt in automobile accidents in Murfreesboro must be sure not to make choices which could jeopardize a personal injury claim. Here are five mistakes that you should avoid making after a Murfreesboro car crash:

Do not admit or imply fault.

Remarks you make at the scene can be used against you later as admission of fault. Do not tell the other driver, "It was my fault." Do not tell a witness, "I feel badly about what happened." Do not tell an EMT, "I feel guilty." Simply tell the responding police officer what happened, calmly and factually.

Do not leave the accident scene.

Leaving the scene of an accident is a criminal offense. Do not leave unless a police officer tells you that you are free to go, or you are removed in an ambulance. If you are able to move about and speak, use your time at the accident scene to make notes about the accident and get contact information from witnesses and the other driver. If you have a phone, use it to take photos of the accident, especially the positions of the vehicles.

Do accept medical attention.

Even if you think that you are completely uninjured, allow the responding EMT to examine you. Answer questions about how you are feeling. If you refuse treatment, your injury claim can be jeopardized later. Your medical records relating to the accident must begin with your initial examination at the scene.

Do notify your insurance company of the accident.

You should notify your insurance company right away that you have been involved in an auto accident. You may believe that you were not at fault, and that you will be seeking to collect damages from the other driver's insurance company. However, you are required to report an accident to your insurance company. Failing to do so could make it very difficult to have your claim paid by either insurer.

Do not sign any agreement without consulting a lawyer.

The other driver may suggest that you work it out together and ask you to sign an agreement. Do not sign it. An insurance adjuster may contact you and offer a quick settlement. Do not take it. If you accept any offer without the advice of an auto accident lawyer, you are probably signing away your rights.

For legal advice about auto accidents in Murfreesboro or anywhere in the Nashville area, contact the experienced and reliable law firm of Craft & Sheppard, PLC.

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Evaluating a Nursing Home

nospam@example.com (Robert J. Shanahan) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 11:42:16 -0400

The task of finding a nursing home for a loved one can be overwhelming. NJ elder law firms provide information and factors to consider when compiling a list of potential nursing homes:

Is the facility conveniently located to family and friends?
Is the facility approved to accept Medicaid and Medicare?
Is the facility equipped and staffed to meet the medical, nursing, and personal needs of your loved one?
Is the facility open to new residents in a time frame that is acceptable to you?

Plan to visit the potential nursing homes. If possible, visit the facility more than once at different times of day and on different days of the week.

A visit to a potential nursing home requires the use of all senses. Keep track of what you see, hear, and smell. The most obvious is your sense of sight. Here are some things to look for when you are on your tour:

Are the residents clean, well groomed, and appropriately dressed?
Is the facility clean and well kept?
Do the residents have personal belongings in their rooms?
Are the residents in the activities areas, dining room, and outdoor area?
Are the residents being changed, dressed, or taken to the bathroom in the plain sight or is their right to privacy being respected?

Your sense of hearing will come in handy as well. Listen to how the residents and staff interact with each other. Do the staff members call the residents by name? Also, are the noise levels in the common areas and dining room comfortable?

Use your sense of smell to detect the pervasive smell of urine and other body odors. Also, be aware of heavy doses of air fresheners or other chemical cover-ups, which may be a substitute for conscientious care and maintenance.

Your sense of touch can be used to determine if the facility is being kept at the appropriate temperature for the residents. Your sense of taste can be used to sample the food from the facility’s dining room.

In addition to the tour, review the inspection reports from the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services. Each nursing home is evaluated under the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Five Star Rating system. You can check if the facility complies with elder law in NJ. Medicare also compiles the following information for each nursing home:

The number of beds and how many are occupied
The number of staff members working at the facility
Information about the residents
Facility inspection summary results

Contact an elder law attorney in NJ for help selecting a nursing home for your loved one at 1322 Route 31 North, Annandale, New Jersey 08801; Toll Free: 866-339-1325.

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Estate and Inheritance Taxes in NJ

nospam@example.com (Robert J. Shanahan) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 09:56:53 -0500

In New Jersey, two state taxes are imposed when someone dies and property is inherited: the transfer inheritance tax and the estate tax, according to the State of New Jewsey Department of the Treasury, Division of Taxation.

Transfer inheritance tax

This tax applies to the transfer of real property and tangible personal property located in New Jersey and intangible personal property wherever situated in estates of decedents who live in New Jersey. In the case of a non-resident decedent, the tax applies only to real property and tangible personal property in New Jersey.

The rate for the transfer inheritance tax depends on the amount received and the relationship between the decedent and the beneficiary:

Class A beneficiaries (father, mother, grandparents, descendants, spouses, civil union partners, or domestic partners) pay no transfer inheritance tax.
Class C beneficiaries (brother or sister of decedent; husband, wife, widow, or widower of a child of the decedent; and civil union partner or surviving civil union partner of a child of the decedent) pay 11 to 16 percent, with the first $25,000 exempt.
Class D beneficiaries (anyone else not otherwise classified) pay 15 to 16 percent with no tax on transfers that have an aggregate value of less than $500.
Charitable institutions are exempt from tax.

These assets are exempt from transfer inheritance tax:

All transfers that have an aggregate value under $500
Life insurance proceeds that are paid to a named beneficiary
Charitable transfers
Transfers for public purposes to New Jersey or any political subdivision of the state
Federal civil service retirement benefits payable to a beneficiary other than the estate, executor, or administrator
Annuities payable to survivors of military retirees
Qualified employment annuities paid to a surviving spouse, civil union partner, or domestic partner

Inheritance tax returns must be filed and the tax must be paid within eight months after the decedent’s death to avoid interest. Even if an extension to file is granted, the tax still must be paid initially. Any unpaid inheritance taxes are a lien on real and personal property.

Estate tax

This tax is imposed on the estates of resident decedents. The estate tax is payable if the inheritance tax paid to New Jersey is less than the portion of the federal credit for state death taxes that is attributable to New Jersey property.

In New Jersey, the estate tax exclusion was frozen at the 2001 level for decedents who died in 2002 and thereafter. The estate tax is equal to the federal credit for inheritance, estate, succession, and legacy taxes permitted under the Internal Revenue Code in effect on December 31, 2001.

A reduction is allowed for that part of the credit that is attributable to property located outside New Jersey plus any inheritance tax paid to New Jersey.

If you have questions about New Jersey inheritance, estate taxes or elder care law in NJ, contact the elder care attorneys in NJ at Kilcommons Shanahan. Their NJ elder law firms are located at 1322 Route 31 North, Annandale, New Jersey 08801; Toll Free: 866-339-1325

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Rights of Nursing Home Residents in NJ

nospam@example.com (Robert J. Shanahan) — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 10:42:17 -0500

Nursing home residents do not lose their rights merely because their place of residence has changed. New Jersey law sets forth a list of rights for nursing home residents. The nursing home administrator must provide residents written notice of those rights upon admission and must post them in the facility.

N.J.S.A. 30:13-5 states that all nursing home residents have these rights:

To manage their own financial affairs unless the nursing home administrator is authorized to do so
To wear their own clothing
To keep and use their personal property in their immediate living quarters, unless it is unsafe or impractical to do so
To receive and send unopened correspondence and to get assistance reading and writing that correspondence
To unaccompanied access to a telephone at a reasonable hour, including the right to a private phone at their expense
To privacy
To retain the services of their own personal doctor at their own expense or under a healthcare plan
To obtain complete and current information about their medical diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis in terms they can reasonably be expected to understand
To unrestricted communication, including personal visitation with any individuals of their choice, at a reasonable hour
To present grievances without the threat of discharge or reprisal
Legal representation by a elder care attorney in NJ.
To a safe and decent living environment and considerate and respectful care that recognizes their dignity and individuality
To refuse to perform services for the nursing home that are not included for therapeutic purposes in their plan of care
To have a reasonable opportunity for interaction with members of the opposite sex
Not to be deprived of any constitutional, civil, or legal right solely by reason of admission to a nursing home
To receive food that meets their religious dietary requirements

This article was provided by the elder care lawyer in NJ of the NJ elder law firm of Kilcommon & Shanahan, Attorneys at Law. contact them at 1322 Route 31 North, Annandale, New Jersey 08801. Toll Free: 866-339-1325.

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Indianapolis Personal Injuries from Motorcycle Accidents

nospam@example.com (Robert D. King) — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 15:37:30 -0400

The number of motorcycle accidents continues to rise every year. More than 80 percent of all motorcycle accidents cause death or injury. Motorcycle accidents mostly occur because drivers of passenger vehicles fail to recognize or see a motorcycle in time to avoid the collision. Sometimes drivers do not even see the motorcycle until the collision has already taken place.

This type of accident often results in serious personal injuries in Indianapolis and is usually complex, involving many factors in order to establish liability. Effective representation requires Indianapolis personal injury lawyers that are experienced in motorcycle accidents and knowledgeable about motorcycle traffic laws. We also know how to deal with insurance adjusters, when to settle and when to take your case to court.

Because there is minimal protection when riding a motorcycle, motorcycle accidents are often violent and tend to result in serious injuries. Consequently, the period for recovery and rehabilitation is frequently longer than with other accidents. Obtaining the maximum settlement possible helps cover medical expenses, lost wages and other burdens resulting from the accident. We work hard on your case and strive to provide you with the best representation possible in order to achieve a favorable outcome.

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Smart Phones Contribute to Driving Distractions

nospam@example.com (Roger D. "Skip" Slates) — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 15:31:29 -0400

Forget cell phones and text messaging devices. With new smart phones coming with hundreds of applications that allow workers to multitask consistently, the kind of distractions these devices offer is getting out of control.

A new survey by CareerBuilder shows exactly how distracting these are. CareerBuilder surveyed workers about their smartphone use habits. The results are disconcerting not just to those who want to expand cell phone laws, but also to California and Nevada personal injury lawyers.

The results showed that :

50% of workers who own a smart phone check it while driving to work.
The highest amount of smart phone use while driving occurred, not surprisingly, in sales professionals, with more than 60% admitting to using smart phones while driving.
Employees in the professional and business services sectors were next on the list, with 59% of workers in these fields admitting to smart phone use while driving.
50% of employees in the healthcare sector admit to using these phones to check on messages.

The survey exposes some interesting new facts on how a tough economy may be contributing to more distracted driving. Many of the employees surveyed said that they felt constant pressure to be in touch with their offices even during out-of-office hours, because of the volatile employment situation. Clearly, employees are feeling the need to go above and beyond the call of duty to hold on to their jobs, and that is showing up as distracted driving. Approximately 14% of the employees who were surveyed said that they felt this constant pressure to stay in touch with the office. 18% of employees said that their employers required them to stay in touch with the office even during out-of-office workers.

When it comes to using phones at the wheel, just about everybody is unanimous. Don’t use smart phone applications while you're driving. It's simply not worth it, no matter how bad the economy is, to put your life and the lives of others in danger. If however, your office requires you to be available 24/7, make sure that you pull over, before you use your smart phone applications.

Personal Injuries Resulting from Car Accidents in Indianapolis

nospam@example.com (Robert D. King) — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:32:47 -0400

Car accidents occur when people least expect them and adversely impact the lives of millions of people every year. There are more personal injury claims filed for car accidents than any other type of personal injury. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, someone is killed in a car accident every ten seconds.

Negligence is a key factor in proving liability for a car accident resulting in a personal injury in Indianapolis. By negligence, we are referring to a lack of reasonable care. A person who negligently operates a car or other vehicle may be required to pay any damages caused by their own negligence, whether damages of injuring someone or for damaged property.

A number of factors considered to be negligent and resulting in an Indianapolis personal injury may include, but are not limited to the following:

Driving too fast or too slow
Driving while intoxicated
Failing to signal while turning
Disregarding weather or traffic conditions
Disobeying traffic signals
Failing to drive on the right side of the road

A driver may also be liable for damages caused by his or her intentional or reckless actions. A reckless driver is one who drives unsafely with willful disregard for the likelihood that he or she may cause an accident.

In some cases, accidents are caused through no fault of any particular driver. For example, an automobile manufacturer or supplier may be responsible for injuries caused by a defect in the automobile, or a component of the automobile. A product liability suit is a lawsuit brought against the manufacturer of a product for selling a defective product that caused injury to a consumer or user. The manufacturer is liable for any injuries caused, regardless of whether or not the manufacturer was negligent.

Also worth noting, if a mechanic fails to properly repair a vehicle, and the failure causes an accident, the person who improperly repaired the automobile, and his repair shop, may be liable for injuries.

If an accident is caused by a drunken driver, a bar or social host may be liable for damages sustained if they served an obviously intoxicated guest, who then drives and causes an accident.

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Finding the Right Disability Attorney

nospam@example.com (Matthew T. Berry) — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:06:01 -0400

Know Who’s Representing You:

Believe it or not, you don’t have to be a lawyer to represent people in disability cases. Even stranger, some national groups that advertise heavily on TV and the internet as law firms will send paralegals or other non-attorneys to the hearing. And they charge the client exactly the same as if it was a lawyer! Ask yourself this…”If you’re paying a lawyer fee, shouldn’t your representative actually be one? And in what may be the biggest legal claim of your life, don’t you want an experienced lawyer?” Berry & Associates will never send a non-attorney to any disability hearing. Ever. The stakes are just too high.

Disability experience: An experienced Social Security disability lawyer understands both the process for filing an initial claim and the appeals process. Skilled Social Security disability lawyers know the claim details that the SSA seeks to prove eligibility for a claim.
Hearing Experience: Even our most junior attorneys have all tried over 300 cases. Our practice is nationwide. It is hard for a local attorney who dabbles in Social Security Disablity cases to match our trial experience.
Ability to present all possible options: Not all disability lawyers are familiar with other routes clients can take to successfully resolve their situations. Whether you need to consider alternative approaches to handling your initial claim or appeals, or if you need to consider seeking compensation from other programs, such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability benefits, the attorney you select should be well-rounded in all alternatives based on your specific situation.
Affordability: If you are seeking disability benefits, the chances are that you are concerned about your ability to afford an attorney. Make sure your attorney offers a free initial consultation to discuss your claim. Then, during that consultation, ask about the fee structure. We handle disability cases on a contingency fee basis. This means we do not collect a fee until you have won your case and we receive a portion of the back-benefits. Not your future checks.

Berry & Associates provides skilled support throughout the application and appeals process for either SSD or SSI. We offer a wide range of services to keep you informed and help you make sound decisions along the way.

Social Security Disability Attorneys
Berry & Associates
2751 Buford Hwy
Atlanta, GA 30324

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Using CRE Auctions & Online Due Diligence Tools

nospam@example.com (Keith H. Mullen) — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:35:45 -0400

My current blog posting at toughtimesforlenders.com is the following -

Information & Tips On Selling Commercial REO Using CRE Auctions & Online Due Diligence Tools (a series) - http://tiny.cc/AuctionTools

ATTORNEY MARK SCHERZER WILL BE INTERVIEWED ON WBAI's HEALTH ACTION TODAY at 1:30PM.

nospam@example.com (Mark P. Scherzer) — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 11:47:20 -0400

Mark Scherzer will be interviewed on WBAI’s Health Action at 1:30PM today, March 15, regarding proposals to impose stricture regulation of insurance company rate increases. To listen to the interview visit http://stream.wbai.org

For further information on attorney Mark Scherzer and his practice please visit http://www.markscherzer.com/

Covenants Not to Compete

nospam@example.com (Russell Stanaland) — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:05:09 -0400

When a business is sold, it is common practice for the buyer to require that the seller refrain from competing in the same field. This requires a non competition clause in the contract for sale. These covenants are enforceable if they are reasonable. Courts are hesitant to take away a person’s ability to make a living. For example, in California a covenant not to compete must have reasonable time and geographic restrictions. You cannot enforce an agreement that prohibits the seller from ever engaging in the same business anywhere. The exact limits on completion depend on the type of business.

Federal tax law requires that a portion of the purchase price be allocated to a covenant not to compete. This brings up potential traps for the unwary. Generally when a business is sold most of the gain for the seller is long-term capital gain taxed at favorable rates. However, any amount allocated to the covenant not to compete is ordinary income, taxed at the highest individual tax rate applicable to the seller. For this reason most sellers want to allocate a small amount to this item. The buyer is indifferent for tax purposes because the cost is amortized the same as the cost of goodwill. However, there is a non-tax reason for the buyer to want a large amount allocated to the covenant.

If the seller does breach the covenant and start a new business in the same field, the buyer can bring a lawsuit. If the buyer is successful and the seller is found to be in breach the buyer then has to prove damages. The seller’s lawyer is going to tell the court that the buyer and seller have already determined the amount of damages and included it in the original contract. The lawyer will then show the court the amount that both parties agreed to allocate to the covenant and ask the court to award damages in this amount.

In my own practice as a CPA and a tax and business law attorney in San Francisco I have seen service businesses that sold for several million dollars with an amount allocated to the covenant not to compete of only ten thousand dollars. If the seller decided to go back into business and solicit his old customers in direct violation of the covenant, this would possibly be his only cost.

Buyers and sellers have competing goals in the area of covenants not to compete. Anyone buying or selling a business should obtain a competent advisor who is knowledgeable in this area before signing a contract.

Lerner Veit & Stanaland
180 Montgomery Street
Suite 1850, San Francisco, CA 94104
1-877-532-1899

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Important info when filing a claim in California

nospam@example.com (Mike Bomberger) — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 12:46:30 -0400

Establishing what parties were at fault for an accident is an important first step in
obtaining compensation. This starts, but does not necessarily end, with the
California Highway Patrol report. If you are involved in a highway accident in
California and suffered any kind of injury, do not leave the scene of the crash
until the California Highway Patrol (CHP) has responded to the scene and taken
a report. You should also collect the contact information of drivers and
passengers involved in the accident and the contact information of any
witnesses that stopped at the scene. Finally, once you have addressed your
immediate medical needs, you should contact a California personal injury
lawyer. If your accident involved a serious injury, an attorney will likely
hire an independent investigator to determine the cause of the accident and
what parties were at fault. For this reason, it is advisable to contact an
attorney soon after the accident.

Brought to you by the car accident lawyers at Estey & Bomberger.
Continue reading "Important info when filing a claim in California"

Constitutional Protections Do Not Mean "Use It or Lose It"

nospam@example.com (Andrew Agatston) — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 12:25:24 -0400

We in metro Atlanta have been reading about a particularly despicable attempt by someone whose name I chose to ignore who wants to obtain grisly crime scene photographs of a woman who was brutally murdered while exercising on a popular walking trail.

The usual group of experts First Amendment lawyers have weighed into the controversy, including those who work for local media organizations. They have raised all of the usual First Amendment arguments in favor of public disclosure of information, even if it crosses the line into re victimizing the memory of a murder victim and thoroughly trampling on the privacy of her loved ones who will live with the memory of her murder for the rest of their lives.

One of the thoughts I had about this was related to my recent blog post about the senior citizen in Virginia who took advantage of his 2nd Amendment rights to carry his gun openly into the local Starbucks. Legally, he has every right.

But does he really think that the 2nd Amendment will fade away if he doesn't show some common sense and leave his gun at home so he doesn't scare the crud out of some child in the coffee shop? Can we show some restraint, can we pick and choose our battles?

In the First Amendment battle that will almost certainly escalate now that a court has denied this person's demand for the crime scene photographs, I'm looking for a reviewing court with backbone to formulate a legally and constitutionally sound opinion that simply sets forth that in extreme cases, an individual's constitutional right to privacy trumps a person's grandstanding request for information that callously disregards the terrifying last moments of a murder victim.

Seems reasonable enough. Do you think that such a decision would undercut our First Amendment rights? We'll see what those who believe the photos should be released say.

Best regards.

Important Advice that can Impact the Outcome of your Accident Lawsuit

nospam@example.com (Jeffrey S. Friedman) — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 11:29:44 -0400

The Importance of Taking Notes Following an Auto Accident

Taking notes is an effective tool for recalling important facts or details at a later date. It’s dangerous to rely on your memory, no matter how good it is, to recall details or aspects that could impact the outcome of your lawsuit. Although tangible evidence, such as a wrecked car or broken arm, has staying power, some pertinent components surrounding an accident and/or injury don’t.

What You Should Write Down

You can write down anything you like related to your accident and subsequent injuries; however, be certain to include the following:

What you remember from right before and immediately after the accident. Include where you were going, who was accompanying you, sounds you heard, sensations you felt and comments you heard anyone make regarding the accident.
Notes of your injuries and use accurate adjectives to describe any pain or discomfort. Include how these injuries have negatively impacted your life, such as sleep problems.
Notations of any conversations you have had with anyone about your accident and/or injury. Include dates, times, names, phone numbers and a summary of the content of the conversation.
Document additional suffering or losses you have endured as a result of the accident and your injuries such as time from work or missed vacations.

It may seem like an extra burden to write down the details of your accident, injuries or losses but when the time comes to put together the settlement, your attorney will have lots of good information to make a solid case on your behalf. Keep a small notebook and pen on your nightstand, in your purse, or your car. You never know when a good detail will pop into your head.

This article has been provided by the Delaware auto accident lawyers of Silverman McDonald & Friedman Attorneys at Law, 302-888-2900, www.smflegal.com.

Continue reading "Important Advice that can Impact the Outcome of your Accident Lawsuit"

Why Should We Be Concerned About CA High-End Housing Market?

nospam@example.com (Doron F. Eghbali) — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 09:36:50 -0400

There is a real concern about California's high-end housing market. In fact, even the most affluent have not been immune to the travails of the "Great Recession". The borrowers of such homes-like other borrowers-have witnessed the value of the properties plummet while their mortgages either rise or keep steady. This has resulted in owning homes worth less than the mortgage and incomes not able to support this financially destructive imbalance.

FOR THE 33rd CONSECUTIVE MONTH DELINQUENCIES ON JUMBO MORTGAGES IN CA ROSE

In fact, for the 33rd consecutive month, in February, delinquencies on jumbo mortgages-mortgages from $417,000 to $729,250 and TOO large for government support-rose, according to Fitch Ratings. In addition, Fitch Ratings reports 11.6% of prime jumbo mortgages in CA ARE 60 days delinquent or more.

REAL REASONS FOR CONCERN

Borrowers Owing More than $729,250 on Their Mortgages Cannot Refinance: The government two years ago increased the limit on jumbo loans from $417,000 to $729,250. This meant the government would guaranty a portion of such loans so that lenders felt more secure of any potential default in their lending to such borrowers. However, many people have mortgages higher than the new limitation and CANNOT refinance.
Banks Require At Least 20% Down Payment On Jumbo Loans: The reality is while banks have relatively significantly tightened their lending spigots-that is they require at least 20% down for jumbo loan loans-many borrowers either do not have enough equity to cover refinancing or are extremely wary of putting more cash into a plummeting asset.
Any Fallout Will Be More Tangibly Felt in CA Than Other States: In fact, California has the highest concentration of prime jumbo loans with 44%, the state with the highest jumbo share-after CA- is New York with 7%, according to Fitch Ratings. This reality makes this looming fallout a very costly one.

___________________________

DORON EGHBALI is a Partner at the Beverly Hills Offices of Law Advocate Group, LLP. He Primarily Practices Business, Real Estate and Entertainment. He Can Be Reached at: 310-651-3065. For More Information, Please, Visit: HERE.

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Section 111 of the MMSEA & Medicare Liens: A Harbinger of Settlement Delays?

nospam@example.com (Ryan J. Weiner) — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 09:00:33 -0400

Part 1 of 2

Last week, my colleague, Marcy Spitz, wrote about the Medicare-imposed delay in insurance reporting for personal injury cases. We know that the Responsible Reporting Entities (“RREs”) are off the hook for any case settled prior to October 1, 2010, but, they still may report if they so desire.

More important, Section 111 of the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Extension Act (“MMSEA”) of 2007 (codified as 42 U.S.C. §1395y(b)(8)) has, among other things, created a strict penalty for RREs and their related insurance companies. The first is the $1,000 per day per case penalty for noncompliance with the reporting rules. But the one that effects settlement? That’s the double damages plus interest for nonpayment the Medicare lien on a plaintiff-beneficiary’s case.

Why does this effect settlement? If you’re a personal injury attorney, you probably have already experienced it – now and for the first time since the Medicare Secondary Payer Act (“MSPA”) was passed in 1980, both the plaintiff and defense are on the hook for the lien. As a result, many defendant-insurers are requiring three-party checks that include Medicare, the plaintiff, and the plaintiff’s attorney as payees. The Medicare Secondary Payer Recovery Contractor (“MSPRC”) then takes six to ten weeks to process these checks and “reimburse” the plaintiff. It is clear that some of the smaller PI attorneys cannot continue their practice without quicker receipt of these funds.

42 C.F.R. §411.24(h) specifically names the beneficiary (the plaintiff) as the party responsible to reimburse Medicare. But 42 C.F.R. §411.24(i) creates the fear – and the problem for defendant-insurers. It states in part, “If Medicare is not reimbursed as required by paragraph (h) of this section, the primary payer must reimburse Medicare even though it has already reimbursed the beneficiary or other party.” In personal injury cases, the primary payer is the defendant-insurer.

42 C.F.R. §411.24 has not changed. It has been a regulation for years. However, Section 111 of the MMSEA has changed. Beginning with cases settled after October 1, 2010, both plaintiff and defendant will be required to report liability cases to Medicare’s contractors. In the past, Medicare may never have known that a settlement occurred, so the penalties against primary payers (the defendant-insurers) 42 C.F.R. §411.24 have been overlooked. But don’t forget RREs may still report cases settled before October 1, 2010.

Now you have plaintiff’s attorneys worried about 11.25% interest if a lien is not paid in 60 days, and, defense attorneys worrying about double damages plus that interest if the lien is not paid. In practice, the plaintiff is the first party to be punished in the event of nonpayment. But defendants, their attorneys, and the RREs are afraid of the “what if” situation. What if the plaintiff never pays? The defense is going to owe a potentially large sum of money.

These penalties are causing a settlement nightmare for many PI attorneys. Some defendants are requiring a MSPRC “Final Lien Demand” before they will release settlement funds. Others want the Final Lien Demand and will only issue three-party checks (including the plaintiff, the plaintiff’s attorney, and Medicare). Some defendants are taking a sort of middle ground where they will issue two checks, one to Medicare for the final lien amount, and the other to the plaintiff and plaintiff’s attorney.

Are the good old days of one check direct to the plaintiff’s attorney gone?

That depends on your settlement agreement. I’ll post examples and analysis of these settlement and payment issues next week in Part 2 of this series.

Ryan J. Weiner
Co-Founder Lien Resolution Services
www.lienresolutionusa.com
http://lienblog.wordpress.com
rweiner@lienresolutionusa.com

“This Blog post is made available by the publisher for educational purposes only as well as to give you general information and a general understanding of the law, not to provide specific legal advice. By using this Blog post you understand that there is no attorney client relationship between you and the Blog post publisher. The Blog post should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state.”

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Football Star Dies After Battle With Asbestos-Related Mesothelioma

nospam@example.com (Thomas J. Lamb) — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 08:32:36 -0400

(Posted by Tom Lamb at www.AsbestosHUB.com on March 12, 2010; see http://bit.ly/czwKxR)

Merlin Olsen, age 69, passed away this week after a long battle with the deadly asbestos-related disease, mesothelioma. Olsen was a Hall of Fame player for the Rams in the mid-1960’s. He was renowned as a defensive lineman and was a member of the famed “Fearsome Foursome”.

The New York Times did a thorough article on Olsen’s life and death, Merlin Olsen, Football Star, Commentator and Actor, Dies at 69. However, one aspect was strikingly absent. There was no focus whatsoever on the cause of his cancer: asbestos.

Mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos. This fiber is known to be dangerous, yet not many people realize that it is still very prevalent in our day to day lives. Asbestos remains in our public schools, museums, and many government buildings.

Olsen’s death comes only a few weeks prior to the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization’s (ADAO) 6^th Annual Asbestos Awareness Conference which is to be held in Chicago, IL. The goals of the ADAO are as follows:

Serve as the united voice for all asbestos victims
Unite asbestos victims educate the public and medical community about asbestos related diseases
Support research that leads to early detection, prevention and a cure
Ensure equitable compensation for victims and their families
Ban the use of asbestos

There are very few resources for those affected by mesothelioma, and a very small community of support. Bringing attention to the fact that this terminal cancer can affect many types of people – football players, rock stars, journalists, doctors, wives, and daughters – serves to increase public awareness and, thus, increase the resources and aid available to victims of mesothelioma.

It is a shame that this prominent publication failed to call attention to the fact that asbestos exposure led to Olsen’s untimely death, especially as asbestos-related illnesses are among our nation’s top work-related killers.

For more information on ADAO and the 6^th Annual Asbestos Awareness Conference, please visit the ADAO website, Voice of the Victims.

Attorney Tom Lamb represents people in personal injury and wrongful death cases involving mesothelioma or other asbestos cancers. The above article was posted originally on his blog, Asbestos HUB – with active links and readers’ comments. http://AsbestosHUB.com

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Construction Worker Suffers Head Injury In Fall at YMCA

nospam@example.com (Clifford A. Blackman) — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 08:06:10 -0400

A constuction worker suffered a very serious head injury when he fell 15 feet at the construction site at White Bear Lake YMCA in Minnesota.

While the initial investigation found that there were no safety violations and they called it “an unfortunate accident”, construction site accident attorney Clifford Blackman of Blackman Legal Group, criticizes the brush off given to this serious brain injury due to a fall.

Fall protection gear, which tethers the worker to the structure he is working on while he is at elevated heights, as in this case, prevent catastrophic injuries when a construction worker falls, catching the person before the fall all the way to the ground. Workers that work at heights regularly, as in the rigging industry for arena and theatrical events, routinely wear fall protection gear to prevent this exact type of accident.

Brian injury lawyers at Blackman Legal Group handle serious head injury cases across the country, recovering substantial settlements in serious cases. Traumatic brain injury remains a very serious threat to workers in many fields, especially in the construction business.

If someone you care about suffers a head injury in an accident you can talk to the experienced brain injury attorneys at Blackman Legal Group by calling 1-888-395-3551.

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Federal and Postal Disability Retirement: The Client's Interests

nospam@example.com (Robert R. McGill) — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 23:38:35 -0500

The Client's interests is obviously what is always paramount for an attorney representing an individual in any given case, in any arena of law. In Federal Disability Retirement law under FERS & CSRS, there is the added urgency in addition to the client -- that of the continuing medical disability. For every attorney, there are always competing interests for the limited time of any attorney -- taken up by consultation, proper and careful preparation of the Federal Disability Retirement application itself; preparation for a Merit Systems Protection Board Hearing; and many other issues. Time is the valuable commodity, and the attorney representing a Federal or Postal worker must take care to focus upon the essential aspects of what will ultimately result in the victory for the client: an approval of a Federal Disability Retirement claim from the Office of Personnel Management. Sometime, read Anton Chekhov's short story, Grief. It is about a man whose son has just died. As with any person with a tale to tell, it must be told. So it is with any Federal or Postal employee who suffers from a medical condition which impacts one's ability to perform the essential elements of one's job. There is a story to tell. At the same time, however, the Attorney who represents a person to obtain disability retirement must focus the story itself; to do otherwise ends up failing to serve the client's best interest -- the focus upon what will end in ultimate victory: an approval from the Office of Personnel Management granting the Client his or her Federal Disability Retirement benefits under FERS or CSRS.

Sincerely, Robert R. McGill, Esquire

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After Causing Auto Accident at Race - Carl Edwards Get Slap on The Wrist

nospam@example.com (Scott Delius) — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 20:04:27 -0400

Brought to by the Atlanta auto accident lawyer Scott Delius

NASCAR gave Carl Edwards nothing more than a slap on the wrist as punishment for intentionally wrecking Brad Keselowski in last weekend's Sprint Cup race at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
During a Tuesday afternoon conference call, NASCAR president Mike Helton said the sanctioning body has placed Edwards on probation for upcoming races at Bristol, Martinsville and Phoenix, but the driver was not fined, suspended or docked points. Helton explained NASCAR's thinking in the matter.
"We've talked with [Keselowski's team owner] Roger Penske and [Edward's boss] Jack Roush, and we'll meet with the drivers to clean the slate before they race again. Instead of a minor single-car spin, though, the contact turned Keselowski's car around. Keselowski was dazed but uninjured.
Afterward, to the media on hand and later on his Web site, Edwards accepted responsibility for the wreck. He spoke of several other on-track incidents with Keselowski in the Cup and Nationwide Series, including one early in the Atlanta race. B-Confront him after the race? On Sunday, after the race, Keselowski put NASCAR squarely on the spot.
It's not cool [for Edwards] to come back [into the race after being so many laps behind] and intentionally wreck someone at 195 mph. Keselowski defended his actions in the first incident at Atlanta, which sent Edwards into the garage for extensive right-front repairs.

Continue reading "After Causing Auto Accident at Race - Carl Edwards Get Slap on The Wrist"

Seat Belts Still Not Enforced in Colorado

nospam@example.com (William Muhr) — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 19:51:23 -0400

From Denver car accident attorneys at the William Muhr Law Firm.

Despite the recent passage of anti-texting laws, the Colorado legislature is not looking to become overly protective of drivers. Case in point, even though wearing a seatbelt in the car is a law, the State has yet to pass legislation that would allow officers to pull a driver over for not wearing their seatbelt. Cops are only allowed to issue citations when a driver is pulled over for another violation. Police say it’s not their job to protect people from themselves, but rather to ensure the safety of the roads from dangerous drivers.

According to the NTSB, "states that have enacted primary seat belt enforcement have about a 10-15 percent higher use rate" than those states that don’t. Other studies point to the idea that safety belt use has increased because of growing public awareness to the dangerous of not wearing a seatbelt.

A safety belt law has been hard to convince. Many lawmakers feel it is not their place to protect drivers from their own dumb decisions. They would rather concentrate on enacting laws that prevent dangerous driving practices. With the seemingly failure of the anti texting law, it may be sometime before lawmakers attempt to enact another such law.

For now, Colorado does not seem to suffer from an increased rate of auto accidents from a lack of seat belt use. In 2009, the mortality rate for auto accidents decreased below 500, which is the lowest in almost 30 years, despite the boom in Colorado’s population.

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The Effects of a Dog Bite Are Often Catastrophic and Life Altering

nospam@example.com (Michael P. Ehline) — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 19:05:40 -0400

Dog bite attacks occur every day. And in some cases dog bites can be avoided. But there will always be the situation that you just can't prevent. You could be walking down the street and be faced with a dangerous dog with no visible protection close by. In cases such as this the best course of action is to put your hands at your side, avoid looking the animal in the eyes and slowly back away until you reach a safe distance or the dog turns away. Most dogs bite when they feel that their territory has been invaded and when you leave what they see as their territory they will back off. However there are cases when even that doesn't work. In that event you are most likely going to be faced with some sort of injury inflicted by a dog bite. The effects of a dog bite are often catastrophic and life altering.

There are many serious injuries that can occur from dog bites such as lacerations, severed limbs, disfigurement, infections, facial trauma and in extreme cases even death. This is because when a dog attacks it most often does not let go easily.

In any case the medical bills that can result from injuries such as these will add up quickly. If the attack is severe enough you may even have to encounter numerous surgeries to repair the damage inflicted by this animal. Some such surgeries could include repairing things like nerve damage, severed limbs and facial disfigurement. Any of these surgeries are costly not to mention the time that it takes to recover from them.

If you live in or around the San Francisco, Orange County or Los Angeles area you should seek medical attention immediately following an attack by a dog as well as reporting the incident to the local police and animal control agencies.

You should also contact a qualified dog bite attorney Los Angeles. This type of lawyer will be able to advise you of your rights in words that you will understand as well as help you in getting compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, loss of wages and emotional distress. They will also be able to refer you to the proper place for any counseling or other services that may be needed. Personal injury lawyers have the expertise and knowledge to get the maximum compensation entitled to you and will fight to ensure that your rights are protected. The effects of a dog bite are often catastrophic and life altering but there are people to turn to for help.

You should also contact a qualified dog bite attorney. This type of lawyer will be able to advise you of your rights in words that you will understand as well as help you in getting compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, loss of wages and emotional distress. They will also be able to refer you to the proper place for any counseling or other services that may be needed. Personal injury lawyers have the expertise and knowledge to get the maximum compensation entitled to you and will fight to ensure that your rights are protected. The effects of a dog bite are often catastrophic and life altering but there are people to turn to for help. If you were injured by a dog, contact Ehline Law, Los Angeles Personal Injury Lawyer PC: 633 West Fifth Street, 28th Floor, Los Angeles, CA, 90071; 6700 East Pacific Coast Highway, Suite 275, Long Beach, CA 90803; Marina del Rey, CA, 90292; 201 Wilshire Blvd, Second Floor, Santa Monica, CA, 90401; 620 Newport Center Drive, Suite 1100 Newport Beach, CA, 92660; 50 Francisco Street, Suite 460 San Francisco, CA 94133; 213.596.9642.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Ehline
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What Filing Status Might Lower Our Taxes the Most?

nospam@example.com (Doron F. Eghbali) — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 11:59:21 -0400

Which filing status we choose could have rather significant implications on the taxes we pay. The US system - unlike its counterparts in other parts of the world - has put into place five separate filing statuses.

Filing status is important in claiming certain deductions and credits.

CAVEATS

1. Some people may qualify for various filing statuses. Selecting the most effective and less tax costly status often boils down to running the numbers for each status. However, there are some guidelines that might be of assistance in selecting the less tax costly filing status.

2. The tax system is full of intricacies and minutiae. As such, you are highly advised to seek competent legal counsel.

SEPARATE FILING STATUSES

There are five SEPARATE tax filing statuses. Each filing status has its own effective rates.

Single
Married Filing Jointly
Married Filing Separately
Qualifying Widow(er)
Head of Household

1. SINGLES

Generally, single filers can take effective advantage of the the relative benefits of our tax systems in rate schedules and deductions. For instance:

In income brackets above 25% and generally Alternative Minimum Tax, the allowed income for singles is usually MORE than HALF what marred couples filing jointly receive.
Single filers like couples filing jointly can take advantage of $3,000 tax deduction on capital losses from their ordinary income.
Charitable deductions also, generally, favor single filers.
If in 2009, two single filers each earned $180,000 and decided to file jointly for 2009, they might have to incur at least $7,000 in added tax.

2. MARRIED COUPLES FILING JOINTLY

Definition of Married

Married applies only to the LEGAL union between a man and a woman. However, in CA, SOME domestic partners are also allowed to file a joint STATE return.

If you and your spouse are married for THE WHOLE YEAR, you and your spouse could file joint return or separate return.
Generally, you are legally married if you live separately but not LEGALLY SEPARATED under a divorce decree or separate maintenance decree.

Time of Marital Status

Marital status is determined as of December 31. As such, engaged couples might want to run the numbers before setting a wedding date.

Definition of Unmarried

You are unmarried for the whole year, if:

On the last year of the year, you are LEGALLY unmarried or LEGALLY separated under a divorce or separate maintenance decree.

3. MARRIED COUPLES FILING SEPARATELY

Married couples filing separately, counter-intuitively, are not considered single filers.
Filing separately, generally, splits the value of joint tax benefits down the middle.
Generally, filing separately causes a net loss compared to filing jointly. The reason is filing separately prevents taxpayers from claiming lots of deductions or credits available to married couples filing jointly.
If one spouse filing separately itemizes, the other spouse MUST itemize as well.

Why Filing Separately Might Make Sense, Sometimes?

If one spouse who has lots of medical expenses, or a casualty loss on a property that is not jointly owned, filing separately maybe more beneficial.
If one spouse believes the other spouse is not forthcoming with the IRS, filing separately makes sense.

4. HEAD OF HOUSEHOLD

To be considered head of household, taxpayer MUST:

Be single.
Provide HALF of someone else's support (Dependent). And,
The Dependent MUST live with the taxpayer at least OVER half the year, unless the Dependent is your parent.

Who is Dependent?

Your Child.
Your Parents. Or,
Somebody else.

Benefit of Filing As Head of Household

The allowed income per bracket for those filing as head of household is HIGHER than those filing single or jointly.

5. QUALIFYING WIDOW(ER)

To be considered a qualifying widow(er), ALL of the following requirements MUST be met:

Those who do not remarry after their spouse passed away in one of the two tax years, before the current tax year. AND,
Taxpayer MUST SUPPORT a child, stepchild or an adopted child for the WHOLE YEAR.

A qualifying widow(er) receives the most generous income tax bracket of all.

__________________

DORON EGHBALI is a Partner at the Beverly Hills Offices of Law Advocate Group, LLP. He Primarily Practices Business, Real Estate and Entertainment Law. He Can Be Reached at: 310-651-3065. For More Information, Please, Visit: HERE.

Jail for First Time Offenders?

nospam@example.com (Matthew J. Ruff) — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 11:47:00 -0400

In a world that has become increasingly less tolerant of crime and those accused of it, we see the lawmakers react in kind by enacting legislation that stretches out mandatory jail time for first offenses. Seemingly victimless crimes such as DUI has bore the brunt of this knee jerk reaction to public sentiment. In many states the law now requires actual jail time for first offense DUI convictions. California has followed suit by requiring jail on first time drunk driving convictions, however many Defense Attorneys have found ways around these laws. Always consult a lawyer for any criminal offense you face, as legal professionals they can find the exceptions and legal loopholes to get you the best disposition. In the justice system a lawyer can be your only friend and advocate.
Continue reading "Jail for First Time Offenders?"

Why Instant Tax Refunds Are Not A Wise Choice

nospam@example.com (Doron F. Eghbali) — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 09:18:19 -0500

With Tax season in full swing and high unemployment rate, some people need instant cash, so what they would do is they borrow against their tax refunds. However, the hefty costs associated with this unwise practice would be unconscionable and literally immoral and arguably illegal.

REFUND ANTICIPATION LOANS (RALs)

Refund anticipation loans are loans to borrowers secured by their tax refunds with:

Short Duration, usually two weeks or so, until the lender is repaid by borrower's tax refund.
Automatic repayment of loans to lender by the IRS tax refund.
High costs to borrower anywhere from $34 for a $300 loan to $130 for a $9,999 loan.

SERIOUS COSTS TO BORROWERS

Borrowers Would Incur Very High Costs:The $34 cost would amount to 500% Annual Percentage Rate (APR). The $130 cost for $9,999 would be equivalent to 50% APR.
Other Charges Would Hike the APR Even Further: Yet, these calculations DO NOT INCLUDE other costs charged by tax preparers or banks. For instance, an added $40 cost could hike the effective APR to 1300%.
Costs Would Be Especially Hard on Low-Income Families:These costs are especially unconscionable for low0income families who are the recipients of Earned Income Tax Credit, the nation's largest anti-impoverished program.

EASY MONEY FOR LENDERS

Lenders Would Receive Relatively Fast and Low-Risk Income: Since the duration of such loans would not usually last longer than two weeks and IRS usually pays the refunds, the lenders get paid. Even if the lenders do not get paid, they can still go after the borrower and charge the borrower interest on outstanding balances.

THE IRS MIGHT SHUT DOWN RAL OPERATIONS

The IRS announced in January that it would create a task force to examine the sale of financial products by tax preparers. The task force could shut down RAL operations as they charge such hefty and unreasonable fees.

However, the IRS so far does not have the authority to crack down on such practices.

USE E-FILE AND RECEIVE DIRECT PAYMENTS

One of the best options to avoid paying such hefty fees would be to file online and get a direct deposit into your bank account in as few as 10 business days or so.

___________________

DORON EGHBALI is a Partner at the Beverly Hills offices of Law Advocate Group, LLP. He Primarily Practices Business, Real Estate and Entertainment Law. He Can Be Reached at: 310-651-3065. For More Information, Please, Visit: HERE.

Technology in Police Cars Increases Risk of Accidents

nospam@example.com (Roger D. "Skip" Slates) — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 14:42:47 -0500

A New York Times report is drawing attention to the increasing numbers of technological devices that have infiltrated police cruisers and ambulances.

As we have become more attuned to having technology at our fingertips, so too have our law enforcement and emergency officers become used to performing their duties with the use of gadgets that enhance efficiency, and save time. According to the NYT, approximately 75% of all police cruisers now come with standard gadgets that include a dashboard computer, sophisticated navigation systems, cell phones and radios.

Proponents of all this technology say that these gadgets help police officers respond to an emergency quicker. Officers can also use the technology to access a motorist’s license records, track a suspect, and receive assignments instantly from dispatchers. The use of this technology has had its benefits - response times, on an average, have dropped by between 20 and 30 seconds. The average ambulance also comes with equal amounts of technology, allowing paramedics to respond to an emergency scene faster.

What really concerns Nevada accident lawyers and proponents of stricter distracted driving laws is that paramedics and police officers often receive very little training about using these gadgets safely. Sure, police departments have laws requiring that officers only use their computers during park mode. However, those laws are disobeyed because officers find that they need to access information even while they're driving.

Ironically enough, experts are developing more technology to deal with all this excessive technology. At the University of New Hampshire, researchers are developing hands free technology for police cars. The system will allow police officers to simply speak out the name of a driver, and have the computer scan records, and a speaker announce the license number and other data. Other technologies can scan the license plates of the vehicle in front, and then look into records to find owner information and license data. All this technology is still quite new, and refining these would help minimize these distractions.

One thing is certain. Technological distractions are now part of our lives, and we will need to incorporate these into our lifestyles as safely as possible, even when it means developing more technologies to do so.

What Is Probate? What is the Definition of Probate (Define Probate)?

nospam@example.com (Patrick Z. Riley) — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 14:49:22 -0500

Probate
is a specific court process by which the estate of the deceased is
inventoried and distributed according to the state laws and according to the decedent's will. Probate provides a solid legal framework and a step-by-step process to ensure control of
creditor claims and equitable distribution to the rightful heirs. Although an attorney is not required for Probate, the process can be complicated and it is generally recommended that you hire a probate attorney, who is a certified specialist in probate law, to represent you as the executor, as the administrator or as the personal representative of the estate of the decedent.

If you need an Oakland probate attorney or a San Francisco East Bay Area probate attorney please contact probate law certified specialist Patrick Z. Riley at 510-482-7800.

Do You Need a Lawyer That Specializes in Probate Law?

nospam@example.com (Patrick Z. Riley) — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 17:21:51 -0500

The
probate attorney you select to assist you with your probate should not be
someone who only occasionally handles probate cases. With such an
attorney you suffer the risk of longer time delays for completion of
the probate as well as receiving improper or incomplete advice
resulting in potential problems with heirs and/or taxing authorities.

If you need an Oakland probate attorney contact Patrick Z. Riley at 510-482-7800.

Keeping the Client Informed!

nospam@example.com (Philip W. Boyko) — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 10:24:19 -0500

I often have a difficult time coming up with a topic for my blogs. You would think that after practicing for more than 30 years, that would never be a problem. Trust me, it does occur. As I tried to deal with that "block" this week, I began reading a recent issue of the "Texas Bar Journal" magazine. There is a section of that magazine entitled "Disciplinary Actions" that details recent transgressions by my fellow lawyers with the Texas Rules of Disciplinary Procedure. I read that section every month, not because of any morbid curiosity that I will see a name that I recognize, but because I truly believe that it is my monthly wake-up call to never let my guard down on what my clients deserveafter I have been retained. I am continually amazed by one violation that is repeated ad nauseum. It reads something like this: The evidentiary panel of the Grievance Committee found that (insert attorney's name) failed to keep the client reasonably informed about the status of the legal matter and failed to promptly comply with reasonable requests for information from the client. How can that be, I think to myself. The client is going to pay me money to do some work but I won't let him know what is going on with that matter? The client is going to request something but I won't provide it? In case some young attorney stumbles across this post, let me throw out this writer's tips on how to avoid those trangressions.

Keeping the client informed. I like to think this easy, but it apparently is not done by some attorneys. If I am working on a project, every time I prepare a document, a copy of that document is going to end up in the hands of my client. I don't work secretly behind a curtain like the Wizard of Oz. If I prepare a draft of a document, then my client will receive it with a letter asking for his input. If I prepare a letter to another party, my client is going to be copied with that letter. I simply ask myself these questions after I prepare anything in writing on behalf of my client: (i) Has my client seen it? (ii) If not, how is my client going to see it? On those projects that simply call for me to monitor something for my client, i.e., I am not preparing a written document, a letter, etc., I will send periodic reports (usually monthly) by email or letter advising the client of the status - even if nothing is going on I will notify the client in writing that "nothing is going on." I have found that clients who receive copies, status reports, letters, and emails are appreciative of the fact that their attorney seeks to keep them informed. But wait, there are more benefits. These clients are less likely to place calls to your office to find out what is going on with their matter because they already know. When they do call, it is to discuss something that actually requires your attention. Also, by "papering" the client, when your client receives your monthly invoice and it indicates your preparation of a document, the client will have already seen that document. The client feels like he's in the loop (and more likely to pay the invoice without question). Not enough? How about this? By sending clients copies of everything you are letting the client know the amount of work that is being done on his file. If the client believes that you are "overworking" the file, he is more likely to call you and ask you to take your foot off the accelerator a little. It's better to get that call early, rather than late in the representation.

Requests for information. If you've done everything in the previous paragraph of this blog, then you won't have to field this request. End of story! Nevertheless, whenever a client asks you for information, supply it! Why wouldn't you? A well-informed client is usually a happy client. Let's face it, your client came to you because he is upset about someone else's actions. He doesn't deserve to have you added to the group of people he is upset with.

These rules have served me well in my practice. As always, they won't result in a happy client all the time. Some clients will never be satisfied and those clients are to be avoided, no matter how dire your need for new business. But that's a topic for another day.

Owners Claim That Toyota's Fix is a Bust

nospam@example.com (Scott Delius) — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 01:15:30 -0500

Brought to you by Atlanta auto accident attorney Scott Delius.

According to reports filed with federal safety regulators, even after recall work, new complaints allege sudden acceleration and other problems.
At least seven complaints, filed in the last two weeks with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, allege that after the recall service to modify pedals and replace floor mats the cars still surged out of control.
Although the allegations are unverified, it is a bad sign that the nearly 10 million recall notices issued by Toyota may not fixthe problem of unintended acceleration. There is some speculation that the acceleration is caused by problems in the electronic throttle system, rather than mechanical issues involving pedals.
NHTSA stated it is going to review Toyota electronics to see whether they are the problem, while Toyota has also commissioned a private study of its throttle system.
The NHTSA said that it had begun to investigate the new reports of recurring sudden acceleration on Tuesday. David Strickland, the safety organizations administrator stated; "NHTSA has already started contacting consumers about these complaints to get to the bottom of the problem and to make sure Toyota is doing everything possible to make its vehicles safe,"
The owner of a 2010 Camry that was repaired in Michigan this past February said the car accelerated up a snow bank five days later. The car had received special brake override software as part of the recall, but it seems that it may have been an insufficient solution.
The owner stated; "Had the incident happened one minute earlier, I would have been in a high car/pedestrian area and would not have been able to avoid an accident. The fix done by Toyota is not the fix for the acceleration problem."
The reports were first noted by a vehicle safety consulting firm in Rehoboth, Mass.; Safety Research & Strategies.

Continue reading "Owners Claim That Toyota's Fix is a Bust"

Texting Laws Are Resulting in Few Citations In Denver

nospam@example.com (William Muhr) — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 00:51:54 -0500

From the Denver Car Accident Lawyers at the William Muhr Law Firm

Are drivers putting down the phone while they’re driving or are they getting better at hiding it? A recent report highlighted that a study of texting laws in several states showed that the laws have been overall ineffective in decreasing the number of auto accidents. So what is the case in Denver?

Since the no texting law was passed in December, there have only been 6 citations issued to drivers. Before the law was passed, law enforcement claimed that the texting law would be difficult to enforce. However, law enforcement claims it does not link difficulty of enforcement to the low number of citations. Additionally, many officers have been reserved to only issuing citations that they feel they would be able to prove in court. Local law enforcement has stated that they just think people are paying more attention.

Rep. Claire Levy D-Boulder, who pushed for the law says that she is not basing the success of her law on the number of citations. She says the amount of public awareness of the dangers of distracted driving from cell phone use is worthwhile. Levy initially pushed for an over-all ban on the use of cell phones while driving, but compromised on the new law that would ban texting while driving and any cell phone use for drivers under the age of 18. Levy contends that not enough data has been gathered to determine whether or not cell phone bans and anti-texting laws are beneficial. Opposition supporter of cell phone bans, Rep. Frank McNulty, R-Highlands Ranch, says he doesn’t think the law is a bad idea. He acknowledges that the low number of citations means that people are probably listening and have put down the phone while driving.

It seems, although the new law hasn’t resulted in increased citations, that it has brought about public awareness to the dangers of distracted driving.

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Lives Can Be Saved By Motorcycle Helmet Laws In A Motorcycle Crash

nospam@example.com (Michael P. Ehline) — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 23:50:42 -0500

One of the 20 states that still require motorcycle helmets to be worn in California when
operating or riding a motorcycle, and these laws were put into action
because helmets
can save lives.

Any experienced Los
Angeles motorcycle attorney knows that the leading injuries that
occur in motorcycle accidents are head injuries, which also
include traumatic brain injuries. The motorcyclist has little protection, unlike a
vehicle there is no steel enclosure protecting them. This means that the
only thing protecting the rider from the road is the helmet during a
motorcycle accident.

California Motorcycle Helmet Laws

The California Motorcycle laws mandate:

Anyone operating or passenger on a motorcycle must wear a safety
helmet meeting the requirements pursuant to California Vehicle Code,
Division 12, Chapter 5, Article 7 Section 27802.

This includes passengers in side cars

The operator of a motorcycle will not permit a passenger to ride the
motorcycle without protective headgear.

The Benefits of the California Helmet law

Federal government statistics showed in 2006 there were 35 times more
deaths on motorcycles than cars per mile traveled. According to the National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration there were more motorcycle
deaths in 2007 than any other year recorded.
California enforces
motorcycle helmet laws for a number of reasons and why riders are
vulnerable to accidents and injury:

Motorcycles have no enclosure like vehicles for protection

Motorcycles are not as visible as other vehicles on the road

Motorcycles are not stable when applying the brakes in high-speed
situations

Motorcycles can accelerate to high speeds quickly

Studies have shown that helmets reduce motorcycle fatalities by 37 percent and are
proven effective in preventing head and brain injuries. Studies have
also shown when motorcycle helmet laws are in effect riders wear helmets
almost 100 percent of the time. Data from the NHTSA shows that where
there are no helmet laws helmet use drops to approximately 50 percent.

California Motorcycle Accident Lawsuits

When involved in a California motorcycle accident without a helmet
does not mean it was not the other vehicle at fault. This means the
motorcycle accident victim can still be entitled to financial
compensation for their injuries.

Retrieved from "http://www.articlesbase.com/motorcycles-articles/lives-can-be-saved-by-motorcycle-helmet-laws-in-a-motorcycle-crash-1980696.html"

(ArticlesBase SC #1980696)

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FERS & CSRS Disability Retirement: Agencies

nospam@example.com (Robert R. McGill) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:46:39 -0500

Agencies often engage in acts which clearly impede a Federal Disability Retirement. Think about it. If a Human Resources Department is set up to provide services for the assistance and processing of people who are requesting a service or benefit which is offered and is a part of being a Federal or Postal employee, one would think that such a department would do everything inside (and even outside) of the purview of the mandate of such a creation, in order to further the needs of the Federal or Postal employee. That is why the Federal sector is often criticized. In the private sector, such departments are funded to make sure that the mission is fully accomplished. Yet, too often, when a Federal Disability Retirement application is submitted to the Agency Human Resources Department, that department will take its time; will "inform" the applicant that the packet is "incomplete", and let the packet sit in a pile of other Federal Disability Retirement packets. Now, in all fairness, this is not always the case. But what is always interesting, is that when an Agency's H.R. Department goes out of its way to be helpful, it is an event to be celebrated. In fact, it should be the other way around; helpful H.R. offices should be the norm; when an H.R. Department is unhelpful, it should be of great surprise to all. Be that we lived in such a universe. No wonder people spend hours on computer games of virtual reality.

Sincerely, Robert R. McGill, Esquire

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Los Angeles Boat Accidents

nospam@example.com (Michael P. Ehline) — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 18:35:17 -0500

When people go boating in Southern California, it is a time to relax, have fun fishing with friends and spend time with family enjoying the day. There is no traffic, no work and the stress melts away, but that can change when someone else on the lake or coastal waterways is negligent. Due to negligence you and your family could be seriously injured or sustain fatal injuries. The Los Angeles boat accident attorneys take these kind of LA boat accidents seriously and can assist you with the injuries you sustained in a recreational boating accident.

There are minor boating accidents that involve two boats running into each other that result in property damage to both It's almost the busy time of the year when everyone will be out and about and in full swing, enjoying time with family and friends, going on vacations, or entertaining that special someone in your life. With many people enjoying so many fun and exciting things available to do these days, you can be sure that all recreational activities will be at an all time high and so will recreational injuries such as those suffered from boat accidents. With the summer months just around the bend, there will most naturally be an increase in various types of water sports and boating accidents, and especially in the areas of Huntington Harbor, Marina del Rey, and Malibu. If you or your family or friends are out having a wonderful and fun fulfilled family reunion or enjoying a gathering or get together and you find that you have become a victim to a water sports or boating accident, you will want to be sure and retain the areas leading boating accident attorneys.

Boating accidents don't just occur on cruise liners. There are a countless number of many types of personal injuries that can be a result of water sports or boating accidents from ski boats and powerboats. Some injuries that can be associated with boating accidents or water sports include: broken or fractured bones, head trauma, spinal cord injuries, coma, orthopedic injuries, traumatic brain injury, loss of a limb such as an amputation, could be loss of use of a limb like quadriplegia or paraplegia, both forms of paralysis. These accidents can lead to wrongful death and/or comatose. It is definitely a tragedy when anyone is faced with any injuries of this nature, but when you are, you will want personal injury attorneys that have the most experience and knowledge in dealing with water sports and boating accident claims, as well as being familiar with all of the local waterway laws.

Water sports and boating accidents don't always occur on just the larger ships or large boats, man times they are just as likely to happen on the smaller boats as well as jet skis, and they can also happen for numerous reasons, one of which being negligence. Boating claims are often for rape of a drunken passenger are well. However, no matter what the reason ends up being, it will certainly be to your advantage to be sure and hire only the very best injury attorneys that can be had in Huntington Harbour, Marina del Rey, Malibu and the surrounding areas. You will want to make sure that the personal injury attorneys that you end up hiring are there for you and your family. Let them take the worry off of your hands and aggressively go after the negligent party for you.

We are boat accident attorneys in Los Angeles who write educational articles for California consumers about all types of injuries resulting from waterway accidents and are recognized as California Los Angeles personal injury lawyers who are aggressive and committed to serving victims of torts in the great Golden State of California, CA. Go to our educational site and read how to speak directly to injury lawyers in Los Angeles and Orange County about your damages claims. Contact a California boat accident lawyer now at 888-400-9721.

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What is TPS?

nospam@example.com (Michael B. Berger) — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 18:15:08 -0500

Temporary Protected Status, known as TPS, allows people from certain designated countries that have experienced natural or other disasters to remain in the U.S. until conditions at home allow for a safe return. Each year the Attorney General designates which countries are eligible for TPS. Currently, those countries are Burundi, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Somalia, and Sudan. TPS is usually designated for between 12 months and 18 months from the date of its enactment and then is reviewed to determine whether it is safe for persons to return home or whether the designation should be renewed for another year. Persons with TPS are eligible to work and remain lawfully in the U.S. until the designated period ends. Immigration law firms of Berger & Berger have been assisting their clients for more than 35 years, to get temporary and permanent legal status in United States.

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Small Aircraft Accidents - More Common Than You Think

nospam@example.com (Emery B. Ledger) — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 17:24:07 -0500

For those of us that fly often, we assume that we will make it safely
to our destination. We’ve all heard the odds right? On a single
flight on a commercial airliner, if we fly on one the top 25 safest
commercial airlines then our odds are about 1 in 10,000,000 of being
involved in an accident. Flying with one of the airlines with the worst
safety records still puts you at about 1 in 700,000. Experts tell us
that our lifetime odds of dying in a place crash are about 1 in 66,000
making it far more likely that we will die by drowning, hurricane or
even suicide. These statistics are comforting to say the least, but are
they deceiving? Notice that these statistics address the risk of being
involved in an accident in a commercial airplane. Your chances are not
nearly as good of avoiding an accident in a commuter or general
aviation airplane.

According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), figures
for the year 2008 are an example of the vast difference in statistics
for commercial versus on-demand or general aviation flights. During the
year 2008, there were a total of 28 accidents with two of those
producing fatalities. There were three fatalities as a result of those
two accidents. During the same time period, there were a total of 63
commuter and on-demand accidents. Of those, 19 produced fatalities for a
total of 66 fatalities. Add to those numbers a shocking 1,559 general
aviation accidents of which 275 produced fatalities for a total of 495
fatalities. Without a doubt, these statistics tell us that airplane
accidents in non-commercial aircraft are more frequent than in
commercial aircraft.

Airplane accidents happen for a number of reasons. The most common
causes are: pilot error; air traffic control error; faulty equipment or
design defect; lack of proper maintenance; and natural causes (ie: bird
strikes or lighting strikes). As you can see, most of these causes
involve human error. While airplanes do crash as a result of
unavoidable causes, the harsh reality is that most airplane accidents
could have been avoided.

If you have been involved in an airplane accident, you may be
entitled to compensation for any injuries that you suffered as a result
of the accident. Likewise, if you have lost a loved one in an airplane
crash, then as a surviving family member, you may be entitled to file a
claim in a wrongful death lawsuit, according to airplane accident
attorney Emery Ledger of Ledger & Associates in California.
Airplane accident cases are governed by the laws of negligence. If the
crash was caused in whole or in part by someone else’s negligence, then
you may be entitled to compensation for any damages you have suffered.
Sometimes, more than one person’s negligence caused the accident. For
instance, if both the pilot and the air traffic controller were
negligent, then under California law, they would both share
responsibility for compensating you for your injuries. Only an
experienced California airplane accident attorney can evaluate the
specific circumstances of your case and advise you how best to proceed.

If you have been injured in an airplane accident, or have lost a
loved one in an airplane accident, contact airplane accident attorney
Emery Ledger of Ledger & Associates at 1-800-300-0001 or visit him
on his website at LedgerLaw.com

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Types of Bankruptcy in Atlanta

nospam@example.com (Michael R. Rethinger) — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:42:42 -0500

The U.S. Bankruptcy Code provides for many different types of bankruptcy. An experienced bankruptcy lawyer in Atlanta knows how to help you decide not only whether or not to file bankruptcy, but also what type of bankruptcy is best for your particular situation.

At the Law Offices of Michael R. Rethinger, LLC, we have years of experience and proven results in Atlanta bankruptcy cases. Whether you need advice on Atlanta personal bankruptcy, Atlanta B2B bankruptcy, Atlanta business bankruptcy, or an Atlanta business workout, our attorneys can assist you.

The most common types of bankruptcy

The types of bankruptcy commonly filed in Atlanta include the following:

Chapter 7: This is straight or liquidation bankruptcy and is generally for people with few assets who lack the ability to repay debt. It is the most common, quickest, and simplest form of bankruptcy. Chapter 7 comes the closest to giving you a fresh start, although it does not cover all your debts. Some debts still must be paid. But with Chapter 7, an appointed trustee takes your nonexempt assets and liquidates or sells them to pay your creditors. While your slate may be cleaner, this does not mean you walk away scot-free.
Chapter 13: This form of bankruptcy is geared to debtors who have more assets and who have the means to follow a repayment plan. It is called reorganization bankruptcy, or wage earner bankruptcy, and uses the income of a debtor over time to pay what is owed creditors. Chapter 13 in Atlanta allows consumers to restructure their debt payments and keep assets. While it is sometimes referred to as a wage-earner plan, Chapter 13 bankruptcy in Atlanta is available to persons on welfare or with other kinds of regular income.
Chapter 11: This form of bankruptcy applies to businesses and allows them to restructure debt payments and keep assets. Companies usually choose to file Chapter 11, because they expect their long-term revenues to be higher than the liquidation value of their assets. Creditors can get more money back if they allow the debtor business to reorganize and adopt a business work out payment plan

Our bankruptcy lawyers in Atlanta have the experience you need

At the Law Offices of Michael R. Rethinger, LLC, we have the kind of experience and proven results in Atlanta bankruptcy cases that you need. We pledge to give your bankruptcy matter the personal attention it deserves. Contact us for a free consultation.

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Understanding Your Right to Counsel

nospam@example.com (Michael Jay Green) — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:15:59 -0500

In the United States you have a constitutional right to be represented by a Hawaii criminal defense attorney at trial. Additionally, if you cannot afford a lawyer, one will be appointed to you at no cost. Understanding your fundamental right to counsel is the first step in moving forward with your case.

A criminal attorney in Hawaii can you assist you with your case in the following ways:

Inform you of your rights and explain to you the legal process
Protect your constitutional rights and ensure that they are not violated by law enforcement or during court procedures
Negotiate a plea bargain with the government
Hire investigators to gather additional facts and evidence for your case
Your Hawaii criminal law attorney can also cross examine witnesses, present a strong legal defense, and object to wrongful questioning

Choosing the right counsel

While numerous law firms and lawyers would gladly represent you, it is essential to choose someone who is accomplished and qualified.

You should select a Hawaii criminal defense law firm with the following characteristics:

Experience: An experienced law firm is critical to your case. They have dealt with cases similar to yours and have a deep understanding of the laws in Hawaii
Respectful towards clients: You should choose counsel that treats you with the respect you deserve
Preparation: A skilled Hawaii criminal attorney is well prepared and ready to take action. Your attorney should act quickly to prepare a strategy for your case.

Remember, regardless of the charges brought against you, you have the right to competent counsel. If you are arrested, you should immediately invoke this right.

This article is provided by:

Law Office of Michael Jay Green
http://www.michaeljaygreen.com/
345 Queen St, Second Floor
Honolulu HI 96813

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Finding the Right Birth Injury Lawyer

nospam@example.com (Gregory Lawing Jones) — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 15:45:43 -0500

Experienced birth injury lawyers can help

If your infant has suffered a birth injury due to the negligence or malpractice of a health professional, you need the help of a skilled attorney with proven results in birth injury cases to protect the rights of your child and your family. The birth injury law firm of Greg Jones & Associates knows how to secure compensation to care for and to treat your baby for the expensive life care your child will require.

The smartest thing you can do if you suspect your child was injured due to the mistake of a treating doctor or hospital is to contact an experienced law firm to evaluate your potential claim. With an experienced birth injury law firm representing you, you have a significantly greater chance of receiving justice and fair compensation. Studies have shown that parties who have legal representation in birth injury litigation recover more than those who go it alone.

A skilled birth injury law firm works hard while you focus on helping your child get proper treatment. Your birth injury lawyer knows how to analyze your case and which experts to hire to present the best case possible for you. You only have a limited period of time to present your birth injury claim, and your lawyer ensures that all deadlines are met.

Your law firm should be experienced in birth injury litigation

The birth injury lawyer you choose should have the support staff, know-how, and determination to represent your birth injury lawsuit in court. You should be assured that your attorney is personally involved every step of the way. A birth injury law firm should have proven results in birth injury litigation to best present your case to a jury.

In addition, your lawyer needs to have a broad network of medical and life-planning experts available for consultation to determine the cause, extent, and prognosis of a birth injury, and to estimate the cost of future care for your child.

The birth injury attorneys of Greg Jones & Associates have years of proven results in birth injury litigation. We pride ourselves on getting to know your child and your family so that we can understand your situation and present a compelling case to a jury. We are relentless in fighting for a fair settlement, and if necessary we are ready to take your case to trial.

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Your Rights When Arrested

nospam@example.com (Miguel J. Cervantes) — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:07:14 -0500

Suggestions from an El Paso Criminal Attorney

Do not talk to the police.

You cannot talk your way out of being arrested; however, you can annoy an officer into being particularly brutal with you or dig an even deeper hole for him to fill with more charges by telling him things you do not have to tell him. Stay quiet and cooperative and, if you do choose to speak, be exceptionally polite.

Do not believe everything the police say to you.

The police lie. They are allowed by law to lie to you to get you to confess to a crime or to get information from you that they think will help them incriminate you. Remember, too, that the police cannot reduce or dismiss charges against you, because you told them something. Only the prosecutor can reduce or dismiss charges.

Make mental notes of everything.

It may be helpful for us to have information about the scene and the events leading up to the arrest. Think like a journalist or a detective—you never know what could be an important later or how pieces of information you can tell our office may influence your case for the better.

Call an attorney ASAP.

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Stevens Johnson Syndrome Treatment

nospam@example.com (Gregory Lawing Jones) — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 15:30:55 -0500

Treatment Options

If you develop Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS), treatment may require hospitalization, usually in an ICU or burn unit. The most critical step in Stevens Johnson Syndrome treatment is to stop any medications that are linked with causing SJS. This may entail stopping all of your medications initially as your doctor will have difficulty in determining exactly which drug or drugs are causing the syndrome. Because there is no standard procedure for the treatment of SJS, you are likely to receive a combination of treatment options. These options may include any of the following:

Skin grafting
Though rarely used, if a large portion of your skin is affected, the removal of skin from one area and placing it onto another will be utilized in your treatment within the hospital. Though skin grafting is rarely used, it is an effective method of dealing with SJS.

Medications
Because there is no standard procedure or practice in the treatment of SJS, there are a variety of medications that are commonly used for Stevens Johnson Syndrome treatment. Some of those medications include the following:

Topical steroids
Pain medication
Antibiotics
Antihistamines

Some of the newest treatment options include the following:

The administration of intravenous corticosteroids
The administration of corticosteroids through an IV can reduce recovery time and alleviate some or all symptoms provided this treatment is started within two days of when symptoms emerge.

Immunoglobulin intravenous (IGIV)
Recent clinical research has shown the antibodies in this medication assist the immune system in stopping the progression of Stevens Johnson syndrome.

Fluid replacement
Because of the nature of Stevens Johnson Syndrome, skin loss results in the loss of fluid from your body, and a replacement of fluids is an integral portion of treatment.

Skin nursing
Placing cold, wet compresses on the affected areas of you skin will help soothe painful blisters while they heal. Any dead skin will be removed gently by your hospital care providers and if needed a dressing and topical anesthetic will be applied over the affected areas.

Contact us for help

If a Stevens Johnson Syndrome diagnosis is made by your doctor, in many cases the syndrome can be eradicated. If properly treated, new, healthy skin may grow within a few days. In difficult cases, a full recovery may take many months. Contact the Stevens Johnson Syndrome Lawyers of Greg Jones & Associates if you have questions about Stevens Johnson Syndrome.

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Opt-Out of a Class Action

nospam@example.com (Robert R. Ronne) — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 15:17:36 -0500

Opt-Out of a Class Action - Los Angeles Class Action Lawyer

Under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 23 and California Rule of Court 3.766, members of most class action lawsuits must be given the opportunity to exclude themselves, or opt out, of the lawsuit if they would rather obtain their own legal counsel and seek their own remedies. However, studies show that class members opt out in less than 1% of all class actions. This suggests that many class members are unaware of their legal rights and may unintentionally be agreeing to accept an amount much lower than what they deserve without having their voices heard.

What Does it Mean to "Opt-Out" of a Wage and Hour Class Action in Los Angeles?

You can individually choose your own attorney, pursue your own remedy, protect all of your legal rights, and seek to recover an amount that is closer to what you deserve.

Common Causes of Personal Injury in San Diego

nospam@example.com (Don D. Hiney) — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 14:49:06 -0500

Legal definitions

In San Diego, personal injury is defined by California law as the physical harm done to a person as a result of negligent, accidental, or unsafe conditions caused by another person, company, or other organization. Personal injuries caused by the outlined conditions are a severe injustice incurred by the victim, and the law provides remedy to compensate that wrongdoing.

There are several common causes of personal injury in San Diego:

    Car accidents
    Truck accidents
    Motorcycle accidents
    Construction accidents
    Head and spinal injuries
    Wrongful death

Anyone, at any time, can become the victim of a serious personal injury. Accidents caused by someone else’s carelessness are unfortunate, everyday occurrences. If you are the victim of such an accident, you do not have to accept the financial burden of your injuries all alone. Contact our personal injury attorneys in San Diego to get legal help when you need it most.

Donald D. Hiney, A.P.C.

San Diego Personal Injury Lawyers

Donhineylaw.com

Did you suffer an injury in San Diego? Call 1-866-942-7350 for personal injuries in San Diego.

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Taxpayer Calls Roni Deutch For Help

nospam@example.com (Roni L. Deutch) — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 14:44:54 -0500

Posted 3/1/2010 5:40:26 PM

Margie
of Kissimmee, FL hired our law firm to negotiate placement on the IRS’s
Currently Not Collectible (CNC) status. At the time Margie called our
law firm, she was on an Installment Agreement with the IRS, but she
really could not afford to be paying the IRS anything at all. After
Margie completed her initial packet, it was apparent that she would
qualify for a better IRS resolution than the one she currently had.

“The biggest difficulty in this case was getting together the proof
documents that would be needed before starting negotiations with the
IRS,” explains tax attorney John Wentenkamp. “Margie had been working
as a self-employed individual when she hired us and she was having some
difficulty getting together a profit/loss statement that would
substantiate her income. There were other proof documents as well that
she was having difficulty gathering, such as bank statements and
non-liable income statements. And some of the details of her financial
profile changed during our representation. However, once we had all the
proof we requested, it was relatively easy to prove to the IRS that she
could not afford to pay back what she owed. The IRS agreed to put her
account into Currently Not Collectible status.”

“One additional wrinkle in this case,” continued Wentenkamp, “was
that when Margie hired us she only owed for tax year 2007. But in the
beginning of 2009, it became apparent to her that she was going to owe
for 2008 as well. She would have no way of paying this off and she
requested that we include it in her resolution. Fortunately, Margie did
everything necessary so that our law firm could grant her request. She
informed us of this additional debt as soon as she knew about it, and
she got her tax return filed immediately. We cannot always grant a
request such as this, but Margie was a conscientious client who
appeared to be very determined to get her tax troubles behind her.”

“I must say my experience with Roni Deutch and her team of lawyers
was amazing,” notes Margie. “I felt so helpless, and I thought that I
might even face jail time for my unpaid taxes. I have never been in
this position in my life before, and always paid my taxes on time. Roni
and her team were a blessing and gave me the hope I needed. I want to
thank you for all your help and understanding.”

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