New standards set for attorney discipline

For the first time in nearly three decades, the State Bar Board of Trustees last month approved the revision of standards for attorney discipline... read more

Filing a Dog Bite Claim

Regardless of the breed of dog or its propensity to bite, the owner is responsible if the pet attacks someone. Sometimes he or she refuses to take responsibility, and you may need to file a legal claim in order to be compensated for medical expenses and other losses. In order to file a successful complaint, there are a few steps you should take.

1. Seek Medical Attention

If a dog bite breaks the skin, immediately seek medical help. If you will need to file a claim, this will give you documentation regarding the seriousness of the injury.

2. Notify Animal Control

Animal Control officers will verify whether the dog is properly licensed and vaccinated. The officer will likely visit you to confirm the wound, and then see the dog owner about the incident.

3. Talk With the Owner

Before seeking legal action, you may want to ask the pet owner to cover your medical costs. Oftentimes, his or her homeowner’s insurance policy will cover expenses. If the person refuses, you may want to seek legal action.

4. Contact a Lawyer

If you feel it is warranted, contact a lawyer to discuss your possible case. The chances of winning your claim may depend on whether the dog has bitten other people in the past and on whether you provoked the animal.

If you have suffered a serious injury from an unprovoked attack, you may have cause for a dog bite claim. Please visit this site to learn more about your rights or to speak with a dog bite attorney in Jacksonville.

Mental health courts — When research challenges policy and practice

Defendants participating in mental health courts have lower rates of recidivism and spend fewer days incarcerated than similar people whose cases are handled by traditional courts… read more

Ouch Plates

Ouch! The license plate says it all. This shows that having a large car doesn't always save you from damage in a collision. Luckily the front has taken the brunt of the damage, resulting in a crushed bumper and left headlight.

What You Need to Know About Boat Collisions

Of the top five reasons for boating accidents, each was the result of driver error: inattention, improper lookout, inexperience, excessive speed and alcohol. The U.S. Coast Guard reports that 40 deaths and 652 injuries occurred in 2014 from over 900 watercraft incidents. If you are involved in an accident, you can protect yourself should you need medical care.

1. Take Notes

Just as you would in a car accident, write down the names and insurance information with the other boat involved. Also if there are any eyewitnesses, collect their information as well, as they may be able to testify for you case.

2. Take Pictures

If you brought your smartphone along, take pictures of damage done to both watercrafts. If you don’t have a camera, you can sketch the scene. It’s a good idea to take photos of any injuries as well.

3. Take Notes

Memories fade quickly, so immediately write down what you recall about the accident. What were you doing at the time? What did you observe from the other boaters involved?

4. File a Boating Accident Report

If your watercraft received more than $2,000 worth of damages, you may be required to file a report with the local law enforcement agency, usually within 10 days of the incident. Check with your state for specific rules.

If you are in an accident and don’t receive adequate compensation from the insurance company, you can file a civil suit. For more information about protecting yourself following a boating collision or to find a boat accident attorney in Wilmington, please visit this website.

How much do you know about Client Trust Accounting? Take a survey

When it comes to handling client funds, how can you be sure you know all the ins and outs of the ethical rules… read more

Exploring the Benefits of Working with a Reliable Lawyer

There are many reasons why people enlist the help of legal professionals. For some, the involvement in an accident that wasn’t their fault means needing outside help to mediate and acquire compensation. For others, the comforting feeling of working with a professional to get through red tape and effectively build a case is worth it. Yet there are those that simply need help representing their situation, whatever it may be, in a way that is beneficial to their side.

Fortunately, a lawyer can help with any one of these objectives. If you are trying to decide whether or not it is worth your time and money to partner with a legal professional, here are some compelling benefits of choosing to do so.

First, a lawyer takes over all of the detailed paperwork, phone calls, and mundane research to get to the facts. For situations in which a person has been injured, this benefit is exceptional as it provides them with an opportunity to focus on a full recovery and healing. A reliable lawyer will take whatever time is needed to complete a thorough analysis and get to the bottom of things to build an effective case. This means you are saving an incredible amount of time by not having to do this yourself.

Second, legal professionals understand what it means to communicate effectively. Communication is crucial when working through legal procedures and dealing with more than one party. In many car accidents, insurance companies, employers, medical facilities and others will be involved in the details of your case. Relying on someone who understands interpersonal communication, how to effectively negotiate, and takes timely transferal of information seriously, is certainly something you can benefit from.

Third, lawyers maintain a position of objectivity throughout the process of building and representing cases. Their opinions and paradigms of certain situations may provide you with insight and understanding of the events surrounding your circumstances. Details, facts, and stories that may have been missed in arguments of conflicting parties may be recognized by an objective third party.

Fourth, when dealing with unfortunate circumstances like car accidents, it can be difficult to acquire the compensation you deserve on your own. Often insurance companies aren’t willing to budge on their offerings. If the accident you were in wasn’t your fault, sometimes the other party is unable or unwilling to provide compensation. In these scenarios, having a lawyer on your side means the best shot at gaining the compensation that is rightfully yours.

For more information about the benefits of hiring a lawyer to represent your case, please visit this website of a car accident attorney in Wilmington.