It's hard to believe, but SettlementBoard.com has been online for almost two years! In that time, we've grown as an online resource where lawyers and their potential clients can learn about lawsuit settlements both past and present. Our posts now include law firm profiles developed around topics of divorce, personal injury, workers compensation and other hot topics.
What's next for legal news on big settlements? You tell us! Submit your lawsuit settlement articles for consideration. Toward that end, let's get to the news! This month's batch of bloggers have selected the following high-dollar cases to highlight:
March 12th, 2010 — Workers Compensation Settlements
Workers compensation claims are generally perceived to be simple do-it-yourself projects. You notify your employer of an injury, your employer notifies its insurance company, and your expenses are paid. While this is, in fact, the basic claims process, it does not always fairly compensate injured parties for their expenses. For that reason it is in your best interest to seek out the guidance of experienced Tampa workers compensation attorneys
Tampa workers compensation lawsuit
Obviously, if you are certain that your injuries are minor, you can file for workers compensation settlement in Tampa to seek compensation for any medical attention you received and move on. But, filing a standard workmans compensation claim can carry serious risks that include the following:
- You may not realize the full extent of your injuries when you file your workmans compensation claim. Once you accept a lump sum workmans compensation payment, you cannot re-file for additional payment.
- The goal of a workers compensation insurance company is to save money, so the Tampa workers compensation settlement it offers may not fairly compensate you for all expenses related to your injury.
- A typical Tampa workmans compensation settlement is unlikely to fairly compensate you for expenses beyond medical treatment and rehabilitation. In fact, you have a right to compensation for such expenses as psychological treatment, lost time from work, and even lifetime expenses, such as home care needed for permanent disability resulting from workmans compensation injuries.
- You may experience undue delays in receiving payment for your worker compensation settlement in Tampa, resulting in the need to lay out large sums of money before reimbursement.
An experienced Tampa workers compensation lawyer follows the often complex process surrounding workmans comp settlements to help ensure you get the fair treatment you deserve. And, if the process does not fully compensate you for your expenses, your attorney can seek compensation from a compensation lawsuit.
The Law Office of Richard W. Driscoll, P.A. works on a contingency fee basis and only collects when you win your case. If you think you have a workers compensation case, please call 813-217-5704 today or contact us online for a free initial consultation.
March 12th, 2010 — Insurance Law Settlements
Insurance Bad Faith Attorneys in Oklahoma, Stauffer & Nathan represents some of the world’s best insurance companies. Therefore, our lawyers know how good insurance companies operate. We know how to get your claim paid when bad insurance companies take your hard earned money and deny your claim. These bad insurance companies hurt the reputations of the good insurance companies. Because we have represented insurance companies for over 100 years, we recognize when a bad insurance company wrongfully denies your claim. Our Tulsa bad faith insurance lawyers work hard to get your money for you. Our lawyers do not let the bad insurance companies take advantage of you.
In 2007, Stauffer & Nathan reached the largest pretrial bad faith claim settlement in Oklahoma history. Oklahoma insurance attorneys at Stauffer & Nathan represented Melton Truck Lines against their primary insurance carrier (Gulf) and was able to obtain $10 million in excess judgment payments and an additional $8.5 million paid directly to Melton. During discovery, Stauffer & Nathan produced more than 30,000 pages of documents and took more than 50 depositions throughout the United States.
Oklahoma Bad Faith Litigation Attorneys, Stauffer & Nathan – Published Cases
* Hales v. A.G. Ins. Co, 2006 OK CIV APP 8, 138 P.3d 567
* ANB Bankcorp, Inc. v. Equitable Life Assurance, 86 F.Supp.2d 1113 (ND Okl. 2000)
* Lawrence v. State Farm Fire & Cas., 166 F.3d 1221, 1999 WL 26880, (10th Cir. 1999)
* State Farm Fire & Cas. v. Van Horn, 139 F.3d 912, 1998 WL 58187 (10th Cir. 1998)
* Travel Stop v. Alliance Gen. Ins, 950 P.2d 834 (Okl. 1997)
* Truesdell v. State Farm Fire & Cas., 960 F.Supp. 1511 (ND Okl. 1997)
* Wagnon v. State Farm Fire & Cas., 146 F.3d 764 (10th Cir. 1998)
* Wagnon v. State Farm Fire & Cas., 951 P.2d 641 (Okl. 1997)
* Weldon v. Dunn, 962 P.2d 1273 (Okl. 1998)
March 11th, 2010 — Settlements
Unique California Employment Laws
If you are living or working in California, your rights and responsibilities as an employee and employer are protected and enforced under some state-specific laws and guidelines.
“At Will” Employment
Employees in California are considered to be employed “at will.” This means that the employer is entitled to terminate an employee at anytime for reasons such as unsatisfactory performance, gross misconduct, failure to perform a job, or failure adhere to contractual agreements.
Employers may not fire an employee based on factors such as gender, pregnancy, race, national origin or ethnic background, age, disability, or religious affiliation. Firing an employee for any of these reasons is considered discrimination and wrongful termination and can result in a lawsuit.
Employment Discrimination and Sexual Harassment
The California Department of Social Services’ Civil Rights Bureau protects the civil rights of employees in the state regarding discrimination and harassment. All employees in the state are protected from sexual abuse and harassment at their places of work. Civil Code Section 51.9 specifies what parties can be involved in sexual harassment case in the state, and the code includes those who share a business or service relationship.
It is illegal in California for an employer to promote, hire, terminate, or determine pay based upon the race, sex, religion, or disability status of a current or potential employee.
California Employment Law for Employers
It is important as an employer to ensure that you adhere to California’s labor and employment laws, which are in place to protect you and your employees. It is essential to seek the advice of a legal professional with matters concerning employment contracts, hiring and termination of employees, benefits and benefit continuation laws, wage and hour regulations, and more. California has an extensive catalog of labor and employment laws that an experienced professional can assist you with complying to. San Francisco employment lawyers of Brownstein Thomas, LLP offer legal help to their existing and potential clients.
We will either make a way or find one
March 11th, 2010 — Settlements
Toxic Tort Lawyers in Birmingham, Alabama , Hill Turner, Discuss the Occupational Tax Lawsuit/Settlement in Alabama
One aspect of the Occupational Tax lawsuit that has not drawn much attention involves an Order entered by the Alabama Supreme Court last summer. On June 4, 2009, the County filed an application with the Alabama Supreme Court for an emergency stay of the Circuit Court’s Order requiring them to escrow the proceeds of the occupational tax. The County invoked Act 1953-438, an old local act that exempted Jefferson County from having to post a supersedeas bond when filing an appeal. Counsel for the taxpayer class objected, stating the County should have to play by the same rules as every other litigant – the Alabama Rules of Civil Procedure.
The Alabama Supreme Court agreed, and on June 23, 2009 entered an Order that stated:
Act 1953-438, exempting the County from posting a supersedeas bond, is procedural and is displaced by Rule 62, Ala. R. Civ. P. See Ex parte Forbus, 510 So. 2d 242, 244 (Ala. 1987). The omission of an obscure local act from Appendix II, Statutes and Rules Superseded, is not persuasive. … THEREFORE, IT IS ORDERED that the motion to stay is denied without prejudice to the County’s right to apply for a stay in the trial court pursuant to Rule 62(c) upon posting a supersedeas bond satisfactory to the trial court and, upon inability to post a satisfactory supersedeas bond, without prejudice to the County to renew its motion to stay before this Court, accompanied by a record supportive of its inability to do so.
Thus, Jefferson County now had to play by the same rules as every other litigant. They had to comply with the Rules of Civil Procedure and could no longer take a free shot at an appeal under the arcane local act it had so long relied upon. The County did not post a bond; nor did it seek any further stay with either the trial court or the Alabama Supreme Court. The County instead opted to comply with the directives of Judge Rains and escrowed the funds it collected under the now defunct occupational tax. This was a major victory for not only the taxpayer class in this case, but as a model of equal justice for all citizens in Alabama – the Alabama Supreme Court made it clear that local governments will be held to the rule of law.
Unfortunately, Jefferson County doesn’t like to play by the rules the rest of us have to play by. On February 4, 2010, House Bill 503 was introduced in the Alabama Legislature. This bill was proffered:
To authorize Jefferson County, Alabama, to take an appeal from and supersede any judgment, decree, writ or order, in any case in which it is a party, without the necessity of executing an appeal bond, supersedeas bond, dissolution bond, or other bond.
Clearly, the County does not like the Alabama Supreme Court telling it that it must abide by the rules that govern the rest of us. The County wants its special treatment back. It is our hope that the Alabama Legislature will take heed of the ruling of the Alabama Supreme Court and will take a stand for the rule of law. HB 503 should fail. Jefferson County must not be allowed to play by its own rules any longer.
March 11th, 2010 — Workers Compensation Settlements
Generally, an employee is entitled to workers’ compensation for an injury or illness that occurs at the workplace and during the course of employment. Exceptions are:
- If the employee was intoxicated at the time of the injury;
- If the employee injured himself on purpose or while trying to injure someone else;
- If the employee is injured by another person for personal reasons;
- If the employee is injured by an act of God;
- If the employee’s injury occurred during horseplay; or
- If the employee’s injury occurred while voluntarily participating in an off-duty recreational, social, or athletic activity.
Greensboro workers comp lawyers of Ward Black Law can assist their existing and potential clients to legally receive the pay for a claim of injury or illness he or she deserves.
Obtain the Workers' Comp Settlement You Deserve...
March 11th, 2010 — Workers Compensation Settlements
First Steps When Injured on the Job
If you work in the Raleigh, North Carolina, area, and suffer injuries in an accident or mishap directly related to the execution of your job, you may be eligible to receive workers compensation benefits.
Protecting your rights
While workers compensation claim in Raleigh are relatively simple legal proceedings, you should always retain a qualified Raleigh workers compensation lawyer, and take certain steps to protect your legal rights.
- Retain a lawyer. Your chances of receiving the maximum legal settlement allowed by law are greatly increased by hiring a Raleigh workers compensation attorney. Such an attorney can guide you through the process of filing a claim, while making sure you do not make any key mistakes.
- Get medical attention. Your health should be your primary concern following an accident at work. Seek the attention of a doctor immediately, and be sure to get a full medical report. Make certain this report indicates that your injury is a direct result of your work, and that the doctor includes a full description of the injury. Also ask the doctor to suggest a course of treatment, including any necessary medical devices or physical therapies.
- Officially notify your employer that you suffered an injury on the job. This notification should indicate that any time lost from work is a direct result of this injury.
- Contact the appropriate company or union representatives responsible for filing a claim. This person can get you the required paperwork and instructions to proceed with your claim.
- Get as much info as you can from witnesses. To support your Raleigh workers compensation claim, gather as much information and evidence as you possible can. Be sure to record the names and contact information of any witnesses, and record any details they provide.
Contact a Raleigh workers compensation law attorney
If you require legal help regarding Raleigh workers compensation laws, contact Levy Law Offices today.
Levy Law Offices
140-B Wind Chime Court
Raleigh, NC 27615
March 11th, 2010 — Divorce Settlements
If you plan to file divorce in Salem, Keizer or the Willamette Valley, an experienced Salem divorce law firm can help you address legal questions and possible disputes that could arise between you and your spouse:
- Property division: if an agreement cannot be reached between spouses, then the court will divide the property equitably and without regard to fault.
- Spousal support: if spouses are unable to reach an agreement, a court may specify the terms of spousal support (alimony) based on factors such as the length of the marriage and the financial needs of each spouse. Fault for divorce is not a factor.
- Child custody and visitation: the court bases its custody decision on the best interests of the child and involves considerations such as emotional ties of child and parent and whether any spousal abuse has occurred. Gender is not considered a factor by the court.
- Child support: both parents are expected to contribute child support in proportion to their relative incomes
The State of Oregon favors marital settlement agreements. And for couples attempting to reach agreements outside of court, an experienced Salem divorce attorney should be able to represent one of the parties in crafting just such a Salem settlement agreement.
March 10th, 2010 — Settlements
Philadelphia Debt Collection Lawyer Reaches Mortgage Settlement 
Philadelphia has filed lawsuits to modify dozens of predatory home mortgages into which innocent homeowners were duped by felon Calvin Harris and his home improvement fraud scheme which operated under the name of “Philadelphia Home Improvement Outreach Program”. See related link at Ch. 6 Actions News referencing debt collection attorney in Philadelphia’s office.
The Parson family mentioned in that segment was later represented by our office with the result that their loan was reduced to a small percentage of the original amount and repairs were arranged by my office by a local Philadelphia charter trade school for the Parson family and other victims.
March 10th, 2010 — Criminal Law, DUI/DWI, Settlements
Stricter sentencing guidelines are introduced to decrease the amount of crimes committed. It is important to have the help of seasoned criminal attorney when facing criminal charges. Sentences in Vermont are imposed according to the severity and type of crime. There are two classifications for crimes in Vermont – misdemeanors and felonies.
Misdemeanors and Felonies
Misdemeanors are lesser crimes with jail time of no more than one year. A fine can accompany the jail time.
Felonies in Vermont are more serious crimes with imprisonment of two years or more. Fines may also accompany imprisonment depending on the type of felony.
In both misdemeanors and felonies in Vermont, sentencing is done according to the offense committed.
DWI Sentences in Vermont
Drunk driving or driving while intoxicated (DWI) is a serious offense in Vermont that requires the legal guidance of experienced
Burlington DWI attorneys. The magnitude of damage a drunk driver can cause is enormous. DWI sentences in Vermont were developed according to the number of DWI offenses the individual has committed. In addition to a fine, jail time and a license suspension, DWI penalties can include community service, DWI surcharges, educational driving and alcohol addiction classes, and a vehicle interlock system.
For first time DWI offenders, the individual can expect a jail term of up to two years, a fine up to $750, and a 90-day license suspension. A first time DI offense is considered a misdemeanor.
Second time DWI offenders can also expect a jail term of up to two years, a fine up to $1,500, and an 18-month license suspension. A second time DWI offense is also considered a misdemeanor.
Third and fourth time DWI offenders may receive a jail term of up to five years and a fine up to $2,500. However, a third time DWI offender may have his or her license suspended for life with a possible reinstatement after three years. A fourth time DWI offender will have their license suspended for life. A third and fourth time DWI offense is a felony.
If a DWI resulted in a fatality or serious bodily injury, an individual will receive up to 15 years in jail. A fine of up to $5,000 if the victim is seriously injured can be incurred. If the DWI caused a death, the fine can reach $10,000. A DWI that results in a fatality or serious injury is a felony and comes with a license suspension of up to one year. Contact Burlington criminal defense attorneys from the law firm of Bergenron Paradis & Fitzpatrick today by calling 802-316-4318 or by submitting our online contact form.
Stricter sentencing guidelines are introduced to decrease the amount of crimes committed. It is important to have the help of seasoned criminal attorney when facing criminal charges. Sentences in Vermont are imposed according to the severity and type of crime. There are two classifications for crimes in Vermont – misdemeanors and felonies.
Misdemeanors and Felonies
Misdemeanors are lesser crimes with jail time of no more than one year. A fine can accompany the jail time.
Felonies in Vermont are more serious crimes with imprisonment of two years or more. Fines may also accompany imprisonment depending on the type of felony.
In both misdemeanors and felonies in Vermont, sentencing is done according to the offense committed.
DWI Sentences in Vermont
Drunk driving or driving while intoxicated (DWI) is a serious offense in Vermont that requires the legal guidance of experienced Burlington DWI attorneys. The magnitude of damage a drunk driver can cause is enormous. DWI sentences in Vermont were developed according to the number of DWI offenses the individual has committed. In addition to a fine, jail time and a license suspension, DWI penalties can include community service, DWI surcharges, educational driving and alcohol addiction classes, and a vehicle interlock system.
For first time DWI offenders, the individual can expect a jail term of up to two years, a fine up to $750, and a 90-day license suspension. A first time DI offense is considered a misdemeanor.
Second time DWI offenders can also expect a jail term of up to two years, a fine up to $1,500, and an 18-month license suspension. A second time DWI offense is also considered a misdemeanor.
Third and fourth time DWI offenders may receive a jail term of up to five years and a fine up to $2,500. However, a third time DWI offender may have his or her license suspended for life with a possible reinstatement after three years.
A fourth time DWI offender will have their license suspended for life. A third and fourth time DWI offense is a felony.
If a DWI resulted in a fatality or serious bodily injury, an individual will receive up to 15 years in jail. A fine of up to $5,000 if the victim is seriously injured can be incurred. If the DWI caused a death, the fine can reach $10,000. A DWI that results in a fatality or serious injury is a felony and comes with a license suspension of up to one year.
Contact Burlington criminal defense attorneys from the law firm of Bergenron Paradis & Fitzpatrick today by calling 802-316-4318 or by submitting our online contact form.
March 10th, 2010 — Medical Malpractice Settlements
NYC Medical Malpractice Law Firm
JULIEN & SCHLESINGER, P.C. has taken on litigation focused upon a wide variety of claims including recovery for loss caused by negligence in the ownership and maintenance of property; negligence in the operation of vehicles including cars, boats or motorcycles. JULIEN & SCHLESINGER has successfully represented construction workers in labor law claims to recover for substantial injury incurred in the course of construction work.
JULIEN & SCHLESINGER, P.C. takes pride in its practice of pursuing all appropriate claims for recovery on behalf of our clients.
With the benefit of the analysis of highly qualified medical experts, the legal staff of JULIEN & SCHLESINGER, P.C. is recognized as one of the primary firms in New York for the prosecution of complicated NYC malpractice settlements and lawsuits.
In NYC malpractice law, you have a 2-1/2 year statute of limitations, but if New York City is involved, there is a 90 day notice of claim deadline that the patient intends to file the case. The clock starts ticking from the moment that the malpractice happened, so it is vital that patients seek the guidance of a medical malpractice attorney right away.
Julien & Schlesinger, P.C.
One Whitehall Street, 17th Floor
New York, New York 10004
Phone: 1-866-915-3451
