Chapter 7, or Chapter 13?

Chapter 7

One of the first questions Tacoma bankruptcy lawyers will help you answer is which type of bankruptcy you should file for. Chapter 7 is the one that’s most often used by consumers. With Chapter 7, you are excused from all debts after proceedings are complete, with the exception of certain kinds of debt like student loans.

There are some caveats with Chapter 7 bankruptcy, though. For starters, you have to qualify for it. If you make more than the median income declared for your state for a family of your size, you generally will not be able to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Your Tacoma bankruptcy attorneys will be able to tell you whether or not you can.

You will also give up most of your assets. Everything considered an asset will be liquidated to pay back creditors, with the exception of certain protected assets like retirement accounts. Therefore, you will probably lose your house, savings, and any other assets that can be liquidated and used to pay back creditors. You will also have a black mark on your credit history for about seven years, which will make it difficult or impossible for you to get any type of loan.

There are benefits, though. The biggest is that you get to start with a clean slate. Once the debt is discharged, you don’t owe anybody anything anymore, again with the exception of certain debts like student loans. Your Tacoma bankruptcy attorneys will help you figure out if this is the best course of action for you.

Chapter 13

With Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you’re not simply to be excused from your debts. Instead, the court will set you up on a repayment schedule that you will follow for what is usually five years. At the end of those five years, any remaining debt is discharged. You will need to file for Chapter 13 bankruptcy if you make too much or otherwise do not qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Chapter 13 bankruptcy also has benefits as compared to Chapter 7, though, because you can often keep assets like your house and savings. Again, your Tacoma bankruptcy lawyers will help you figure out which is best for you.

What will a workers’ compensation attorney in Arizona do for you if you or a loved one have been severely injured in a workplace accident?  Lawyers who specialize in this area are advocates who provide sound legal advice and assistance to injured workers as well as their families.  When the company you work for purchases workers’ compensation insurance, you are entitled to benefits for medical expenses as well as lost wages.  However, a skilled Arizona workers’ compensation attorney can help to ensure that you receive the maximum compensation possible.

Some aspects of workers’ compensation that a trusted lawyer may help an injured worker with include:

Bad faith.  When a claim is denied or delayed in bad faith, you may be entitled to additional compensation.

Claims for permanent disability.  Frequently, a worker may not be aware that the way they choose to receive payment for a settlement for permanent disability can benefit them.  An Arizona personal injury lawyer can help you determine whether it is to your advantage to settle for a lump sum or negotiate with the insurance company so that you receive monthly payments.

Medical benefits and compensation.  Never assume that by simply filing a workers’ comp claim, you will receive the full compensation you deserve.  A trusted workers’ compensation attorney in Arizona will advocate on your behalf to ensure you get maximum medical benefits and wages.

Discovery.  When all of the details are not in order, you may not be fully compensated.  A skilled attorney will work to make certain that all evidence is gathered and presented so that your case is solid; this may include presenting witness testimony, or cross examining the responsible party’s witness.

There are many areas of workers’ compensation that the average employee is not aware of, which makes filing a claim on your risky.  If you or a loved one has sustained injuries at work, it is critical that you consult with a capable Arizona workers’ compensation lawyer.  While it is natural that most workers assume that they are protected and there is nothing to worry about, this is often not the case.  Rules must be followed, every “i” dotted; don’t put your benefits at risk.

You may feel that you have been misled by your stockbroker, or that he/she was reckless in your investment.  A skilled securities arbitration lawyer knows how to “discover” the evidence, and that arbitration often leads to a quick resolution for the client, as brokerage firms cannot file countless appeals as often happens in the litigation process, stretching it out for months or even longer.  Litigation often results in substantial legal expenses to the investor, which is why arbitration is usually the preferred course of action.

Panel members in an arbitration proceeding are generally individuals who are skilled and knowledgeable in areas of controversy, and impartial to either the brokerage firm or the investor.  These “neutral” members work to resolve disputes between investors and brokerage firms or financial advisors.  Even through the arbitration process, it is essential that you have a knowledgeable securities arbitration attorney who understands securities investments, and can obtain all of the documents and other information necessary to successfully prove your claim.  The discovery process is highly important to recovering the money an investor loses when he/she suspects fraudulent action on the part of a broker/financial advisor.

It’s also important to note that when you do decide to consult with a securities arbitration lawyer, you choose someone who specializes in the investment/securities areas of the law.  An attorney who works only in these areas has the skill and expertise to ensure that a successful resolution is reached.  When you have lost a substantial amount of money, hiring a competent lawyer can make all of the difference in whether you recover your losses.

There are some very reputable brokerage firms and financial advisors who take great care of their investors and who make every effort to help their clients make wise investments; however, there are just as many who are unscrupulous.  Experienced securities arbitration attorneys understand that every day, investors lose money that may have been invested as a way to make their golden years financially comfortable, or was meant to pay for their children’s college.  Regardless, when you have been “scammed” it is critical that you consult with a reputable securities arbitration lawyer who will work to protect your future and recoup your losses.

The fines and penalties associated with a conviction for driving while intoxicated can be substantial, not to mention the costs to have your driver’s license reinstated.  Not only that, you may face jail time and a criminal record that will impact your ability to secure employment.  Skilled DWI lawyers in Kansas City know that with each subsequent offense, penalties and punishment become harsher.  Your auto insurance rates will likely increase as well; if it is your second or third offense, your provider may even drop you.

Never assume that because you were arrested, you have no choice but to accept the penalties or punishment.  Until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, you are innocent.

Why should you consult with a trusted Kansas City DWI lawyer when you’ve been arrested?

An experienced Kansas City DWI attorney will not simply assume that you are guilty and should take the punishment handed out to you.  You may have had a drink or two at a restaurant or friend’s house, and were perfectly capable of driving.  However, even if you act perfectly sober, police officers are quick to arrest any individual who has a hint of alcohol on his/her breath.  An aggressive lawyer will question police as to the reason you were stopped; he will also work to challenge the results of breath/field sobriety tests, whether those results were accurate, and review any videos of the stop if they exist.

Unfortunately, many DWI lawyers in Kansas City choose to run their client through a plea agreement rather than preparing a strong defense or working to have charges reduced or dismissed.  When it is your reputation and future at stake, you want an attorney who is diligent and prepared, ready to do whatever it takes to protect your legal rights.  Do you need legal counsel when you have been charged with driving while intoxicated?  Absolutely, if you value your freedom, reputation and future.

What your lawyer will do for you

It is a fact that the IRS is used to dealing with consumers who do not know tax law every day. If you haven’t filed your taxes for years or you have been targeted as the subject of an audit because you are suspected of not doing so properly, you’re right to be concerned. The IRS has every resource at its disposal to make sure you pay your taxes. And although your Seattle tax attorney will not be able to erase any taxes you must pay if in fact you do owe them, he or she will make the process much easier for you and will have the legal expertise necessary to help make sure you pay as little as possible. And of course, if you are innocent of any wrongdoing and have faithfully filed correct tax returns as a law-abiding citizen, your Seattle tax lawyers can also help you get the charges completely dismissed.

Proper expertise, to help you with a complicated process

You can be sure that the IRS knows how to do its job. Its job is to collect taxes from citizens, plain and simple. Even if the case against you is in error, you may not be able to get out of it without help. Make sure you are taken care of properly and contact a Seattle tax attorney for help. Your lawyer knows tax laws, and will know how to help correct the situation or at least make it as easy as possible to correct. Even if you do owe money, you will owe as little as possible so that you can simply pay what you owe and get on with life.

Don’t risk having to face the IRS on your own and paying fees or taxes you don’t have to. It is difficult if not impossible to challenge the IRS on your own, but you can do so appropriately if you have a Seattle tax lawyer on your side.

Although the term ‘settlement loans’ sounds like a loan, it is actually a cash advance that is given against a pending settlement to those who qualify.  Unlike conventional bank loans in which substantial collateral is required such as your home or car, there is no such requirement with litigation funding, because your expected settlement is actually the collateral.  If you win, you repay the funding company the amount that was advanced to you, plus minimal fees for their services.  If you lose, you do not owe the settlement funding company a penny.

How can it possibly be that with settlement loans, you could get the money you need right away, but not be required to repay the money in the event you do not win your lawsuit?  Litigation funding companies thoroughly review your case prior to granting an advance, so they are fairly certain that you will win before they give you the money.  Frivolous lawsuits do not merit a loan.  The necessary information needed to determine if you qualify will be submitted by your attorney, should you both decide that a settlement loan is ideal for your situation.

With litigation financing, you are not required to make monthly payments to pay the advance back, so you never have to worry about adding more to your monthly financial burden.  Settlement loans are repaid once you have your money and not before.  If you choose a structured settlement, you can repay the funding company with the payments you receive, so you never face out-of-pocket expenses.  There are no upfront costs, so basically litigation funding is a no-risk process.

How much you may be entitled to depends upon the value of your lawsuit.  Typically, settlement loans allow you to get an advance of approximately 10% of your expected settlement.  If you do qualify, you can expect to have access to your money the next business day, usually within 24 hours.  Talk to your lawyer about the possibility of litigation funding, and put your money worries behind you so that you can focus on healing and winning your lawsuit.

Garcia was run over by a skid loader at Harland J. Shoemaker and Son, Inc. headquarters.  Shoemaker and Son is a New Market-based contractor.  Garcia was transported to Shock Trauma in Baltimore, where he was pronounced dead shortly before 12:30 p.m. according to Cpl. Scott Blundell.

A skid loader is similar to a Bobcat in size, and is a small vehicle that can be used with attachments for jobs such as lifting or grading.  At the time of the accident, details were sketchy; the cause of the accident was unknown.  Investigations were ongoing by the Maryland Occupational Safety and Health Agency (OSHA) in to the cause of the accident.

Construction site accidents are extremely common; in fact, those who work in the construction industry are at a much greater risk of being seriously or even fatally injured in the workplace due to the nature of the job.  Heavy machinery and equipment are often the cause of accidents, as was demonstrated in this tragic accident.

Workers often use Bobcats, cranes, scaffolding, ladders, and other potentially dangerous tools and equipment in their work.  Some accidents are related to faulty or ill maintained equipment, while others are injured in falls from scaffolding or multi-level buildings.  Construction workers should always be well trained regarding safety, and contractors are responsible for ensuring the safety measures are put in place.  However, far too many accidents still take place each year in this industry.

At Brown Chiari, our New York construction accident lawyers work aggressively to protect the rights of victims and hold those responsible accountable for their negligent actions.  Contact us today for a free evaluation of your case.

Many clients have experienced a loss since 2008, when funds were frozen in the ARS market which ultimately collapsed.  You may have been misled to believe that you were investing in a safe alternative to actual cash, only to find that you could not withdraw money from your account.  You trust your stockbroker or financial advisor to give you sound advice and make good investments for you, but this is unfortunately not always the case.  In this situation, you need a reputable auction rate securities attorney who understands the often complex laws of fraud.

Thousands of individuals invested in corporate or municipal long-term bonds, some as far back as the 1980s when it seemed a smart investment; years later, in 2008, the auctions regularly failed to produce a sufficient number of buyers, and the auctions eventually failed leaving you, the bondholder, with illiquid securities and unfavorable interest rates.  Ultimately, the market collapsed, and now you find that the investment wasn’t such a good idea after all.  What can an auction rate securities lawyer do?

An experienced attorney who focuses primarily on investment and securities fraud will work aggressively to hold fraudulent brokers accountable.  You trust your broker to offer sound investment advice, and  now you have lost a sizeable portion of your assets because you did invest in corporate or municipal long-term bonds.  While you may believe it is simply a lesson learned and nothing can be done, a skilled auction rate securities lawyer will work to uncover the injustice that you have suffered, and help recover your losses.

Unfortunately, many good people are enticed by their brokerage firms that certain investments are sound, when actually they are not.  As an investor, you may not have realized the risks involved in making this type of investment, and now you find that you have lost money and have no idea if there are options for you to attempt to right the wrong.  Leave the legal guidance to a capable auction rate securities litigation attorney who will work to protect your rights and hold those responsible for your losses accountable for their actions.

The construction accident happened at 225 South Street at the location of the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute.  Hanson, who was 82 years old, was a subcontractor and was reportedly affiliated with a soil testing company in Castleton; authorities did not release much information about Hanson at the time of the accident.

Little information was released regarding the accident, other than Hanson was apparently struck by a piece of construction equipment and run over.  Investigations are ongoing by the Williamstown and state police, as well as OSHA.  The art institute is undergoing expansion.  Hopefully, more details will be forthcoming as investigations continue in the coming days and weeks.

Construction accidents are often deadly, as was unfortunately the case here.  If you or a loved one have been injured in a construction site accident, contact the New York construction accident lawyers at Brown Chiari.

Learn more about the New York construction accident lawyers at Brown Chiari. Brown Chiari is a team of hard working Buffalo injury attorneys that are available to evaluate your case at your convenience.

Tom is from a close family.  His father and grandfather were both lawyers.  This gives Tom a unique
experience and perspective of law that many other lawyers do not have.  With his personal one on one attorney-client relationship, and his dedication to work hard and fight aggressively for your rights; Tom (an Arizona car accident lawyer) will be the choice you can be confident in.

Did you know car accidents comprise a majority of personal injury claims in the United States.  It is not surprising that according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that every 10 seconds someone in the U.S. is involved in a car accident.

After an accident here are some steps a person should take.  This information can be invaluable.

1.    Stay at the scene of the accident.  (The only exception is if you are hit by another car in a deserted place
and it may be unsafe for you to get out.  In that situation, drive to the nearest police station and report
the accident.)
2.    Check to make sure everyone in the accident is alright; and, if necessary, get medical attention for them.
3.    You may need to call the police if there is significant property damage, physical injury, or death.  If  police officers arrive at the scene of the accident, ask that they file a police report and get their names and badge numbers.
4.    Exchange necessary information.  Talk to the drivers of any other vehicles involved in the accident.  Determine that everyone is O.K. Get their names, phone numbers, addresses, drivers’ license numbers,  and license plate numbers.  If there are any passengers in the cars; get their names, phone numbers, and addresses as well.
5.    If possible, talk to any witnesses and ask them what they saw.  Get their names, phone numbers, and addresses too.  Write down what they told you.
6.    As soon as possible contact your insurance company and tell them you’ve been in an accident.  Cooperate with them and do not lie about anything.  Be able to explain to them the situation in a clear and concise manner.
7.    Keep track of your medical treatment.
8.    Take pictures of your vehicle after the accident.  If you have before pictures of your car use those also.
9.    Get a property damage valuation from your insurance company.  If you are not satisfied, get two estimates for the repair of your car yourself.
10.    Only discuss the accident with your attorney, your insurance company, and the police.
11.    If you are offered an early settlement offer, be wary.  Don’t settle a claim until you know you will be fully compensated for all your injuries.

Even with this valuable information, you need an Arizona car accident attorney who will look out for your rights.  Thomas C. Wilmer P.C. knows and understands this complicated process.  He will fight aggressively for you.  An experienced Arizona personal injury lawyer can help you get compensation to cover any losses incurred due to the accident, such as medical expenses, lost wages, car repairs, and much more.  He will help you avoid any costly mistakes and make sure you will get any extra care you may need as a result of the accident.

For a free consultation call Thomas C. Wilmer, P.C. at 602-230-1188.