A Very Serious Boat Crash

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It’s not every day in an injury lawyer’s career that he is gifted with such a perfect, but gasp-inducing case. I’ve had a number of vessel crash cases in my office over the years, but they all paled in comparison to the case of “Alice and Mel Jones”. The names and identifiable specifics have been changed even though my clients have agreed to this article, but the incident and the injuries are all factual. The Joneses are early retirees in their 60s. Mel is now Read More +

Injury Cases and Bankruptcy

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Whenever I sign up a new injury client, I always inquire about the possibility of their filing bankruptcy in the near future. It is an important topic that needs to be explored since it can make the difference between securing a settlement for a client, and getting the client nothing. Since personal injury cases usually take months or sometimes years to resolve, an attorney doesn’t know the financial situation the client is in or will face in the near future and bringing it up early Read More +

Dram Shop Act: “Overservice” of Alcohol. The Legal Reality

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A number of years ago when I was in a larger law firm we tried a Dram Shop Act case in front of a jury. This is when someone is served alcohol to excess and then he or she gets on the road causing a collision, usually with horrific results. The theory is that if the drunk wasn’t overserved alcohol by the bar or restaurant this incident would not have happened. It is an attempt to sue both the driver and the establishment that served Read More +

The Inevitable January Rush for Estate Planning……

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As an attorney who practices in Estate Planning, I know from talking to other lawyers that we all experience a flood of calls in January from family, friends and clients to “get our Wills done”.  Typically I write more Wills in January, February and March than any other time of the year. Undoubtedly the calls are a part of everyone’s New Year’s Resolution – an effort to stop procrastinating after years of putting off planning for the inevitable.  It’s never too late to tackle your Read More +

Have My Pre-Existing Injuries Reduced the Value of My Recent Car Crash Injuries to Nothing?

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Most people reach a certain age and it’s unlikely that some part of their body hasn’t sustained some degree of prior trauma or degeneration. Remember that high school football injury to your knee 30 years ago? Yeah, it likely bothers you today – especially when the weather changes. In fact, lots of people have either degeneration to a joint, like a knee or shoulder, or an area of their spine without even knowing it. It may be “asymptomatic”, or without symptoms. It’s just as a Read More +

FAQ: I just won the Lottery! Wow! Should I Call Someone?

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Well, yes, you should call someone, but be very selective. Tell only those people you know and absolutely trust. Obviously, your spouse should be first on your list, but despite your obvious elation, keep your circle of confidants close.  I had one client who didn’t tell his adult children he won the lottery for weeks. Your next call should be to someone who can help you navigate the complexities of lottery collection and protection of your newly discovered wealth. Whether you won $300,000 or $30 Read More +