Recent Legal Articles

Felony arson is the malicious (with the intent to harm) and willful burning of property, including structures, buildings, motor vehicles, or preserves, forests and parks when the damage or overall property value exceeds $500. If this number is less than $500, the arson is classified as a first-degree misdemeanor.

This article provides practical advice that can help debtors prepare for a 341 creditor meeting that is part of the bankruptcy process.

Many debtors who are going through the bankruptcy process are intimidated by the idea of attending a 341 creditor meeting, or also called Trustee’s meeting. This isn't surprising because the 341 creditor meeting is a legal proceeding that requires debtors to review their Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy petitions with a court-appointed trustee.

This meeting can feel intimidating because your creditors can ask you certain questions about your debts. However, you can take the stress out of attending this meeting if you plan ahead. In almost all cases no creditor is showing up to ask questions. Normally, it is only the trustee and you. The trustee is not a Judge.

So who is to blame? Are plaintiff's lawyers orchestrating these mistakes as part of a broad conspiracy to drum up business? Of course not. Yet PI attorneys are villified when all they do is create a "check" on the medical system. It is wrong that a client should walk in for routine surgery and walk out more debilitated than when they entered the hospital. By the way, we do not advocate suing doctors or hospitals for bad results. There is always a risk of problems during treatment. But administering the wrong medication or performing surgery on the wrong part of the body is inexcusable. Personal injury attorneys keep the medical community honest - or at the very least bring these kinds of problems (that otherwise might get swept under the rug) the attention they deserve.

Bottom line: many factors go into determining what a personal injury case is worth. Some of those factors cannot be fully calculated at the time when the potential client comes to our office. For example, until our client has completed treatment with their medical professionals (or has a clear understanding of how much treatment will be needed in the foreseeable future), there is no way for a personal injury attorney to clearly place a dollar value on the medical expenses that a client will require. But having a good personal injury attorney in your corner to monitor your progress, keep files of all recoverable expenses, and keep tabs on insurance companies who are always looking to minimize what they pay those who are injured, is an important factor in maximizing the amount of money an injured party is entitled to receive.