Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring a Compensation Lawyer

Jesse Landeros/ March 26, 2021/ Compensation Lawyer

While working at your workplace, you are exposed to so many hazards. Unfortunately, you could sustain injuries due to slipping and falling, machine problems, and others. Dealing with such work-related injuries can be so challenging. When you include the ensuing pursuit for your rightful compensation, it can get more complicated. Luckily, you can hire the best compensation lawyer to help you with your case as you recover and try to get back on your feet.

However, as you look for a compensation lawyer, you could make some mistakes that may ruin your chances of getting fair compensation. Below are some of the mistakes to avoid:

Failure to Ask Relevant Questions

not asking the relevant questionsBefore hiring a lawyer, you will meet several of them. During the initial meetings, you need to ask the attorney all the crucial questions to gauge their expertise, experience, and suitability for your case.

Unfortunately, you could fail to ask those questions, perhaps, due to fear or just not knowing what to ask. That way, you may end up hiring a lawyer you will not feel free to work with or who does not have all the qualities and experience you would wish the attorney handling your case to have.

Not Getting Referrals

You should not make the grievous mistake of not asking your friends, colleagues, relatives, and other people who may help, for recommendations for the best compensation lawyer. The chances are that someone you know has ever hired a compensation lawyer, and they can recommend them to you. As much as you can use the Yellow Pages and online resources like websites and social media to get a lawyer, getting referrals is better.

The people recommend to you the compensation attorney they have worked with and offered them top-notch service, so you are sure you get the best professionals. Besides, it narrows down your choices and enables you to do thorough research about the few you have on your list from the referrals.

Not Hiring a Specialist in Compensation

It would be best to ensure you hire a lawyer who has specialized in workers’ compensation. Such lawyers have a good record of success in the lawsuits they have handled. The best thing about hiring an attorney specialized in compensation is that they have a good grasp of the related laws and are up to date with any developments in such an area of law. Besides, they understand the local medical practices well and will help you get the best medical care. Additionally, they stand better chances of getting you the compensation you deserve.…

Reasons to Hire a Lawyer for Your TPD Claim

Jesse Landeros/ February 23, 2020/ Disability

There are many misconceptions as far as hiring a lawyer is concerned. The main one is that hiring a lawyer is both unnecessary and expensive. That is the case if you want to make a total permanent disability claim for serious illness or injury. The following are some of the reasons you should hire a lawyer for your TPD claim.

Get Legal Advice

The truth is that it is quite difficult to make this claim without proper legal representation or advice. You should note that different insurance companies and super funds providers have varying definitions of TPD. That also means there are other requirements. You may be required to prove that you cannot make a successful claim, and in another, you may find it difficult to prove your case.

Collecting and Submitting Evidence

There are other things involved in your TPD claim process. For instance, there is a need to look at how your employment is classified. Ideally, the way you are employed or the number of hours you work each week can affect your case. Considering your situation, you will have to prove that your injury or illness makes you incapable of performing different tasks in your daily life. For instance, you may be required to provide evidence that shows you can no longer bathe yourself, feed, do household chores, and use the toilet without assistance.

Determine Your Chance of Success

An experienced lawyer can easily and quickly assess your situation to determine whether you have a viable claim. If that is the case, the lawyer can help you identify the evidence required to support the case. Moreover, the lawyer will have the skills and experience required to carry out all the paperwork associated with making a TPD claim. This is quite critical because of the complexity and length of the TPD claim form.

Filling TPD Application Forms

It does not matter whether you are capable of filling the TPD application forms; there is a need to consult experienced lawyers first. That is because some insurance companies use the ability of the applicant to do as evidence that you do not have TPD.

Legal Representation

Your insurance company can reject your TPD claim because of pre-existing illnesses and non-disclosure of medical conditions. If an insurance company denies your claim because of existing injury or illnesses, a TPD lawyer can help you.…

How to Hire the Best Drug Crime Defense Team in Oklahoma

Jesse Landeros/ December 6, 2018/ Law

Just like in any other state around the world, the streets of Oklahoma are well-known for the tough laws imposed on drug crimes. Possession, usage or involvement in any drug business can hurt your reputation and freedom. We have witnessed many people rot behind bars because of drug-related charges. If you find yourself in such a situation, you should hire an experienced drug crimes lawyer in Oklahoma to represent you before the judges. An experienced drug crimes attorney can play a huge role in protecting your rights, getting a fair judgment or getting released based on your defense. In this guide, we will show you how best you can choose a drug crimes lawyer in Oklahoma according to https://www.oklahoma-criminal-defense.com/drug-crimes.

priceConsultation and Services Fee

The firsts thing to do when you are charged with drug crime is to look for a good attorney who is affordable. Most experienced drug crime attorneys do not charge consultation fees. However, some still charge based on how you agree with them. You may become reluctant to spending money on a dug crime since you think you will still be locked behind bars. It is important to spend money on hiring an experienced legal advocate because they can help you win the case or get a fair verdict based on the quality of your defense team.

Experience

As aforementioned, drug laws in the state of Oklahoma are very strict. If you do not hire an experienced drug crime lawyer, you may be fined and sentenced for quite a long period. To avoid being locked for all those years, you need to seek representation from an experienced attorney in Oklahoma. The constitution outlines that drugs are affecting the morals of society and when you are caught whether guilty or not you will suffer badly. To avoid being taken advantage of by the court, choose an experienced lawyer who knows how to handle such cases.

Professionalism

When looking for a drug crime lawyer, ensure that you choose the best based on their level of professionalism. You expect to hire a drug crime defense lawyer, who will argue on your case and negotiate with your prosecutor in a professional and civilized way. Their professionalism will surely play a huge role in twisting the outcome of the case on your favor. The charges can be dismissed even when there seems like there is no way to free from the charges.

Reputation

Choose a reputed attorney who will represent you against the prosecutors and win the case because they are very influential. They should have a couple of solid victories on the previous drug cases that they have handled in the past. Therefore, when choosing a drug crime lawyer in Oklahoma to ensure that they possess a good reputation.

on the phone Communication

A good criminal defense lawyer should be articulate when airing his or her view and arguments. A good drug case defense lawyer should be great in communication. Proper communication skills can surely add an advantage to your side. A good communicator will have the skills to make the prosecutor dismiss the case or give you a fair sentence.…

Dangers of Drinking and Driving

Jesse Landeros/ June 18, 2018/ Law

Driving when you are drunk is highly discouraged because it has a negative impact on the driving ability of the driver. The effects of driving while you are drunk vary greatly depending on the amount of alcohol that has been consumed. In the case you are in trouble as a result of driving while you are drunk, DUI & DWI FAQ will come in handy.

One of the prerequisites when driving is alertness and right concentration. A good driver is that one who is always ready to react to situations and make sound judgments. One of the queries raised by the alcoholics is the dangers of drinking while driving. This article talks about some of the dangers of drinking and driving.

Slow Reaction Time

man drinking while drivingOne of the requirements of all the drivers is to have a fast reaction time. When driving on the road, you might come across an object which might require your quick response to prevent an accident. When you are drunk, the alcohol in your bloodstream will affect how you will react to the various situations that you will come across.

This means that when you are driving, you are more likely to cause an accident than a person who is driving when he is sober. If you are driving and the car in front of you suddenly brakes you may not be in a position to immediately apply the brakes if you are drunk.

Lack of Coordination

Driving requires excellent coordination of different parts of our bodies. When you are driving, your eyes, hands, and feet should have good coordination.

People who do not have great coordination skills have a hard time driving on the roads. Alcohol affects the coordination of the different parts of our bodies. People who are drunk usually have blurred vision and difficulty in walking. Such a person can easily cause accidents on the road.

Reduces Concentration

Driving on the road requires great concentration since there are other road users. Regardless of the amount of alcohol that you take, it will affect your focus.

To stay in your proper lane and to make the required turn, you will need to have the required concentration. Taking alcohol will reduce your attention and therefore, increase the chance of causing an accident.

Decreases Vision

man driving with a friend When you are driving, you will need to see where you are going. Taking alcohol will blur your vision and therefore, enhance your chances of causing an accident.

Impaired vision is dangerous as you may underestimate the distance between you and the other vehicles and thus lead to crashes. Also, when you are drunk, few objects will be visible within your peripheral. This means that you will easily cause road accidents.…

ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF MEDICAL MALPRACTICE

Jesse Landeros/ May 6, 2018/ Uncategorized

Medical malpractice is a tort of negligence that seeks to award compensation to victims of professional negligence. This type of law was developed on the premise of English common law. Courts have overtime developed legislation that is intended to guard and protect the interests of litigants. Professionals are trusted to discharge their functions diligently and skillfully. Therefore, when a practitioner breaches the trust that is bestowed upon them, then it is incumbent upon the court to punish them and award damages to the claimant. Without such law, it is feasible that the society would be in absolute chaos and disharmony.

Medical malpractice can take several forms, including the prescription of wrong medication,balance administering incorrect medication, wrongful amputation, misdiagnosis, paralysis and surgical errors. A person aggrieved by such professional negligence can adequately recover compensation through litigation. In such a case, the claimant is mandated to present evidence to substantiate his claim and lay liability on the respondent. Adequate compensation describes successful litigation by the claimant so you need a medical malpractice attorney who is skillful enough to obtain a good settlement based on the circumstances of your case.

However, evidence is not enough. There are elements of negligence that ought to be fulfilled in a successful claim. These elements are listed as follows:

Duty to the patient

Primarily, there should be a doctor-patient relationship in order for a claim of medical malpractice to succeed. Once this relationship is established, then automatically the doctor will be said to owe the patient a duty of care. This duty requires the doctor to exercise his skills professionally and reasonably for the benefit of his patient.

Breach of duty

Having established the existence of a duty of care, it is sequential that the claimant proves that the respondent breached the duty. It should be shown that the doctor failed to exercise reasonable care and that such negligence resulted in harm to the patient.

Injury

statueThe negligent actions of the doctor must have caused actual harm to the patient. Harm can be physical or emotional. It should be proven that the injury was as a result of the actions of the doctor. The injury must be new and directly connected to the act of negligence.

Damages

Emotional and economic damages are requirements that will substantiate a valid claim.Examples of such damages are loss of income, medical bills, and discontinuance of employment. Similarly, pain and suffering is a form of emotional damage from which you can seek compensation from the court.…

Duties of a criminal defense attorney

Jesse Landeros/ December 30, 2017/ Law

Lawyers play a fundamental role in the society that cannot be overstated. Human rights are primary to every individual in any jurisdiction, and therefore it is vital to have advocates in handy to assist in their enforcement and protection. The legal profession is very dynamic because it directly affects the lives of the people on a daily basis. Criminal law is premised on the presumption of innocence until proven guilty and in this regard, it is important to procure the services of an attorney that will ensure that your rights are protected throughout the litigation process.

Defense attorneys in Springfield, MO play different roles in the litigation of a criminal case. Such attorneys representlaw the accused persons in crimes that are considered to be against a state and not a particular individual. Felonies, robbery with violence and narcotic offenses are example of crimes that are prosecuted by the state against the accused person. Therefore, you need a good criminal defense attorney who will ensure that justice is not miscarried at the end of litigation.

An attorney has duties to the court, the client and the profession and these functions are elucidated as follows;

Duty to the legal profession

An advocate is considered to be a minister of justice, and this is the most important duty of a lawyer. The advocate in meant to ensure that at the end of the proceedings justice is upheld and the rights of his client are protected. Justice is supposed to be dispensed on the basis of substantive issues and not procedural technicalities. Therefore, a defense attorney must strive to illuminate the substantive merits of a case in advancing his arguments in court. The emphasis of procedural technicalities might result in the miscarriage of justice and a failure of an advocate in discharging his duties.

Duty to the court

gavel on deskIn principal, a criminal defense attorney is an officer of the court and therefore he is bound by the rules of procedure that are inherent in litigation. An advocate is required to make decisions that are aimed at truth-seeking and establishment of justice.

Further, a lawyer as an officer of the court is required to abide by the confidentiality rules in the litigation of his client’s rights. Also, the advocate is required to refrain from actions that would result in dishonesty, misrepresentation, and fraud.

Duty to client

A defense attorney is required to represent his client zealously and judiciously in pursuit of justice. His actions are supposed to be meticulous and within the bounds of the law.…

Tips For Choosing A Good Bankruptcy Lawyer

Jesse Landeros/ September 23, 2017/ Law

Bankruptcy is a court process whereby the judge determines whether or not to discharge an individual of their debts. If overpowered by heavy debts, it is advisable to seek help from a bankruptcy lawyer. Bankruptcy law is complex, and a simple error could lead to loss of a lot of property. A bankruptcy lawyer is an attorney that has specialized in dealing with bankruptcy cases. One needs to hire a bankruptcy lawyer, for instance, Bolinske Law’s bankruptcy lawyers to help them navigate the bankruptcy process.

Choosing A Good Bankruptcy Lawyer

Roles of a bankruptcy lawyer

• The attorney explains bankruptcy to you, the risks involved and what type of bankruptcy to file fordebt depending on whatever state you are from.

• They take you through the process and prepare the petition documents which are very lengthy. After the petition, the creditors are banned temporarily from contacting you.

• The attorney also offers advice to you after the case on how to manage funds well and avoid getting heavy debts again.

How to choose a good bankruptcy lawyer

1. When looking for an attorney, it is best to consult friend, relatives or workmates that have dealt with bankruptcy before. If you have little funds, it is best to contact nonprofit organizations for help in getting a lawyer. You could also consider searching on the internet for a bankruptcy firm, however, be careful not to get scammed.

2. Select an attorney who you are comfortable with. By the time you are filing for bankruptcy, you are usually very stressed, and it is hard to think straight. Therefore, choose a lawyer who is friendly, trustworthy, understanding, supportive and qualified. This way, you will feel comfortable during the whole process because you trust your attorney.

3. It is important to look for a good law firm. Look at the reputation of the company you plan to hire. Big firms may charge expensively while small firms are maybe less pricey and keener with cases. However, avoid bankruptcy companies that have low charges and luring advertisements. Before planning to hire them ensure you do your research well.

4. One can also go to their local court and inquire for a practicing bankruptcy attorney. Depending on how complicated your case is, you could get a less experienced lawyer with less pay and if your case is difficult, go to an experienced lawyer.

5. Make man smiling an appointment with the lawyer for a consultation. This way you will determine if the lawyer is qualified by asking a few questions, for instance, the number of cases they have handled per year, how long they have been practicing law. You could also interview some attorneys over the phone. During the first meeting, you will establish how available the lawyer is, their personality and whether their recommendations are good.

In conclusion, it is important to look for a qualified lawyer to make the price worthwhile. Depending on how complicated the case it is advisable to seek consultation first on how best to resolve the debts issue.…

Qualifications Of A Personal Injury Lawyer

Jesse Landeros/ February 1, 2017/ Law

Undergraduate

Most law schools require students to have earned an undergraduate. An undergraduate in the following disciplines is an advantage to being admitted to law school, social science, English, political science, and history. However, some law schools are flexible in admission and can pick a student from whichever discipline. Some law schools have a pre-law examination after attending classes of course.

General information

LSAT test

balanceLaw schools require their prospective candidates to attain the LSAT examination. This examination is usually a multiple-choice kind of examination. It examines the learner on task management, logic, critical reading, and research. To be admitted into the law school is very competitive and usually depends on the mean average of the learner.

The score attained in the LSAT examination is also considered. Learners are encouraged to take the mock examinations that are usually administered by the office of the lawyers or the law schools themselves. The mock tests prepare the students and give them a platform to work with the certified professional.

Undergraduate in law

A law degree requires the student to study three years after the previous undergraduate degree.
Year one: The courses of study in tear one entail general legal topic. Some of these topics include torts, property, contracts, criminal law, legal writing, and constitutional law.

Year two and three

Year two and three involve elective courses, i.e., civil litigation, medical malpractice and advanced tort law and courses related to personal injury. Notably, you have to obtain the first degree from a recognized institution. The institution must also have been accredited by ABA which is the professional body that admits lawyers upon graduation. It is desirable to get an internship in a law firm that has the personal injury as one of their departments.

Take a bar exam

You need to get a license to practice in this profession. The licensing is famously referred to as bar admission. The lawyers need to pass the bar examination before they are admitted to the bar. The bar exams are not specified to personal injury but are uniform for all pursuing law. The exams should be taken in the region your intent to practice law.

MPRE examination

The MPRE is a multi-choice question that measures the understanding of the professional conduct of a lawyer. MPRE a requirement of the America Bar Association (ABA). It is not to evaluate an individual’s ethics but to see their understanding of professional conduct and how there are applicable in the scenarios such as criminal wrongdoings , contempt, , and censure in due course of the job.

Continue education

justiceA personal injury lawyer ought to further his education to maintain his bar status. The studies can be carried out at the Centre of Professional Studies as made available by ABA. The continual study by the lawyer keeps him/her abreast with the continual current changes and advance in the profession of personal injury.…

Top Five Questions About Overtime

Jesse Landeros/ March 22, 2016/ Employment Law

Overtime, straight time and another compensation for entering trainee programs is often an area of litigation. Training is often an area of litigation where overtime claims are filed to demand not only payment for overtime but for a straight time when wages are not paid because the rules are often misinterpreted. There are several questions that arise when it comes to overtime.

Lets have a look at the top five questions about overtime

What is overtime?

sad womanOvertime is the time you work over and above your contracted hours. For example, if you are contracted to work 8 am to 4 pm Monday to Friday (45 hours), and you stay late to cover for someone who hasn’t arrived for their shift or to get a project finished, this extra time working is classed as overtime.

Some may wonder overtime legal?

Oh! Yes, overtime is legal, and a lot of us do it. However, there are rules regarding how much overtime you can do. Legally, you should not work more than a certain number of hours in a week. If your overtime means you are working more than these hours a week, then it could be illegal. There is a way around this, a written agreement signed by both the employer and employee; if you and your employer sign a contract saying you are happy to work with a certain number of hours a week, then this is legal.

Does overtime always have to be paid?

Each employer has their policy regarding pay for overtime; you should check your contract or your employer’s terms of business to find out yours.

What is unpaid overtime?

Unpaid overtime is the overtime that you work but do not get paid for. You are effectively working for free when you do unpaid overtime. Unpaid overtime is perfectly legal as long as your average pay for the total hours you work does not fall below the national minimum wage. If you end up doing so many hours that your average wage drops below minimum wage, then the amount of overtime you are doing becomes illegal.

Is it possible to be made to do overtime?

man on laptopYou can be asked to do overtime, paid or unpaid. You should refer to your contract if you are unsure what your employer can or cannot ‘make’ you do. Each employer has different policies, and you may have already agreed, by signing the contract, to do overtime if asked. In that situation, refusing to do so could be seen as a breach of contract or misconduct. However, if your contract is silent on overtime and you are asked to do some and refuse, you should not be sacked, especially if what is being asked is unreasonable.…

Steps To Making Secure Estate Plans 

Jesse Landeros/ February 12, 2016/ Will

For those with significant assets, planning for what will happen to your estate and family after you’re gone is imperative to avoid heavy taxes and to protect future generations. But even those with a more modest net worth have substantial reason to make sure their estate plans are solid and strong. Legally binding estate plans allow you to determine exactly how your property should be distributed, reduce the odds of family discord, ensure that your minor children are cared for, and avoid unnecessary and lengthy court proceedings. A solid plan is simply the map you leave behind for your family to go on without you.

Here are Steps to making secure estate plans

Create a valid will

signing a paperIt’s a harsh reality, but most of us know that having a will is necessary. You need the will to make sure that the heirs you’ve chosen will receive the assets you specifically want to leave them. If you don’t create a valid will before you die, your property distributed according to state laws of intestacy. In the majority of states, that means your children and spouse will split all of your assets and your legacy if you wanted a friend to receive them instead.

Set up a living trust

Another way to establish secure estate plans is to set up a living trust. If your property held in a living trust, your heirs will be able to skip the expensive and time-consuming process in probate court.

Establish health care instructions

It’s also imperative to consider your personal health care wishes. Having instructions set up for your care is important if you’re incapacitated and unable to make your medical decisions. Establishing a medical directive such as a living will and medical power of attorney gives the authority to make decisions on your behalf

Designate financial power of attorney

For your finances, consider designating a durable power of attorney which will give someone you trust the authority to take control of your property and finances if you are unable. This person will handle all of your finances and is typically called an attorney-in-fact or an agent.

Name a personal guardian for minors

You should also name a trusted adult to manage any property or money that any of your minor children receive from you. This same person is typically also the personal guardian you designate for your kids in your will.

Settle funeral expenses

funeralLastly, you can save your loved ones additional stress if you make your wishes official as far as whether you prefer cremation or burial. You can also set up a funeral prepayment plan or account at your bank that will cover any funeral expense…