Every child has biological parents. They may be the same or different than the legal mother and father. At birth, it is clear who the mother is. If she is married, the law presumes her husband is the legal father, and he has certain legal rights and responsibilities. If a mother is unmarried, there may not be a legal father yet. “Paternity” refers to the process of determining who is a child’s legal father. Benefits of Establishing Paternity   Establishing a child's legal father provides … [Read more...]

According to the government, nearly one million Americans seek medical attention each year for dog bites, and over half of these are children. Of these victims, nearly half need emergency treatment. Most dog bite victims are children ages 5 to 9, and injury rates are significantly higher for boys than for girls. Adults should be aware of ways to prevent dog bites. Since the majority of dog bite victims are children, parents should teach their children basic safety rules, including: • Never … [Read more...]

You were just in an automobile accident. Your car was hit and you’re in pain. You slipped on a wet floor in a market and can’t get up. You are ill after a restaurant meal. You were walking down the street and a dog bit you. Or you were hit by a falling object in a store. These and other accidents happen daily. What are the first steps you should take to protect and make a claim? Get medical help   The first step is to get medical help for injuries. Prompt medical care helps prevent any … [Read more...]

A recent government study reveals a major safety problem – the large increase in the number of elderly suffering slip and fall injuries. The study showed that the number of people over 75 suffering falls that need emergency room treatment has almost doubled in the past decade. It also showed that falls are the leading cause of injury-related death for people over 75. Over half of all fall-related deaths involving seniors occur in the home. The second most common place of fall-related deaths is … [Read more...]

Over 1.5 million seniors live in nursing homes. Although they are entitled to receive proper care, a report from the U.S. Congress shows there is widespread abuse in nursing homes. The report, titled "Abuse of Residents Is A Major Problem in U.S. Nursing Homes," was the first major investigation to assess the prevalence of abuse in nursing homes by reviewing state nursing home inspection records as well as formal complaints filed by residents, families of residents and others. The Congressional … [Read more...]

    If you’ve been in an accident and make a claim, you will want to make sure to get the maximum amount of compensation you are entitled to receive for your injuries and losses. Often, the keys to getting full compensation after an accident are to document the facts, have good proof of your damages and have a lawyer's assistance in making your claim promptly after the accident. Here are some steps to make sure you have this. At the accident As soon as possible, write down … [Read more...]

Many accident victims don’t get all the compensation they are entitled to receive. This is often due to mistakes they make that hurt their case. Here are some common mistakes accident victims make, and how you can avoid them. Handling a personal injury claim alone, without a lawyer’s help. After an accident, an insurance adjuster will likely try to persuade you not to use a lawyer, saying a lawyer won’t get you more money. But if you follow the adjuster's advice and handle your claim alone, … [Read more...]

If you’ve been in a car or other accident and want to make a claim, one of the key questions you will have is: “Do I need a lawyer?” The answer to this question depends on several factors, including the seriousness of the accident and severity of your injuries. There are times when you may not need a lawyer’s help after an accident. If you were in a minor fender bender and are certain you did not suffer any injuries, you may not need a lawyer’s help. But for most other accidents, it is vital … [Read more...]

At one time or another, most people think of making a claim against somebody for “negligence.” Usually this happens after being in a car, slip and fall or other type of accident. “Negligence“ is the legal theory that many accident victims base their claim on to hold a person or business legally responsible to pay their damages. What exactly is “negligence?” The legal concept called “negligence” has evolved over many centuries. Depending on the case, it can be easy or hard to apply. Here is a … [Read more...]

According to the government, each year nearly 1 in 10 people are in a car accident. Despite this high risk, many drivers don’t know the right steps to take after an auto accident. A recent Auto Club study found that nearly one-third of the public doesn’t know what information to get at the accident scene. It also found that nearly half of all drivers don’t know what insurance they carry or what the law requires them to have. Because the chance of being in a car accident is high, it’s wise to … [Read more...]