Archives 2021

Foreclosure Defense: Knowing Your Rights

Until relatively recently, it was very difficult for homeowners to successfully fend off foreclosure. Economic conditions since the housing crisis and the Great Recession of 2008-09 have changed things, particularly in light of misconduct and errors on the part of lenders. This has led to courts having greater sympathy for homeowners facing foreclosure. Today, there are a number of options for foreclosure defense Columbia MD that can help you to remain in your home.

How Can a Foreclosure Attorney Help?

Because courts today are more likely to side with homeowners, an attorney has a number of different options available when it comes to mounting a defense. For example, in a number of cases, the mortgage company failed to follow proper procedures under state law or made serious errors in servicing the loan.  

Another common situation that has arisen in the past is when the bank or mortgage company has no standing, i.e., they cannot prove they hold the loan. The reason this happens is that mortgages are frequently “bundled” and sold — repeatedly. Documentation gets lost, or the transfer of ownership is not done properly. These days, lenders are much more careful about such details, so this kind of foreclosure defense is less likely to be an option. 

Do You Serve in the Military?

Servicemen and women on full-time active duty with a branch of the U.S. armed forces enjoy special rights under the  Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) when it comes to foreclosure.  Among other things, the SCRA protects service personnel from foreclosure during their service. In addition, the law caps the interest rate on loans at 6 percent, provided the loan was taken out prior to going on active duty status.

The SCRA also applies to commissioned officers working for the Public Health Service and the Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Essential Roles of a Construction Site Accident Lawyer

When individuals are injured or killed due to a construction site accident, they may have legal recourse. A construction site accident lawyer can help the victim file a claim and seek damages from those responsible for the accident. These lawyers typically have experience in many different areas of law, including personal injury, product liability, and workers’ compensation. Some of their essential roles include:

Investigation

The first role of this lawyer is to investigate the accident scene and collect evidence. This includes taking photographs of the scene, interviewing witnesses, and obtaining copies of relevant safety records. The lawyer will also work with experts to determine what caused the accident and is liable.

Legal Representation

A qualified lawyer represents the victim and negotiates settlements with the defendant in court. If the case goes to trial, the lawyer will present evidence and argue on behalf of the victim. The lawyer may also consult with experts to help build a strong case.

Advocacy

Advocacy is one of the essential roles of this type of lawyer. The lawyers help protect the rights of injured workers, and they also work to ensure that employers are held accountable for their actions. By advocating for injured workers, these lawyers help ensure that they receive the medical care and financial compensation they need and deserve.

Advocacy is important because it ensures that the rights of injured workers are protected. Injured workers can often be left vulnerable after a construction accident, and they may not know where to turn for help. The lawyers can provide these workers with the support they need and help ensure that employers are held accountable for their actions. By advocating for injured workers, these lawyers help ensure that they receive the medical care and financial compensation they need and deserve.

Education

Today, the education of the public is an essential role of this type of lawyer. People often feel knowledgeable about sites’ accidents and can handle such claims independently. Unfortunately, many people do not understand the complexities of these cases and wind up with an inadequate settlement resulting from hiring unqualified legal counsel. A qualified attorney will ensure all steps have been taken to maximize the potential for a fair settlement. They can provide information about filing a claim, and what types of damages may be available.

Relocation Assistance

A qualified lawyer can help the victim relocate and find new housing if necessary. This might be necessary if the victim was injured in a place or home that they can no longer access or will cost too much money to repair.

Litigation Assistance

In some cases, this lawyer may also help an individual’s family with legal proceedings related to their death. They may assist with filing a wrongful death claim and identifying beneficiaries.

Settlement Negotiation

A final role of this type of lawyer is settlement negotiation. If a defendant has been identified, the attorney will negotiate an appropriate settlement amount on behalf of the client. If there are further legal proceedings, such as a trial or before an appeals court, the attorney will again represent the victim and argue for a fair settlement.

A construction accident lawyer has many important roles in helping victims of accidents receive the justice they deserve. They investigate the scene, represent the victim in court, and negotiate a fair settlement. The lawyers are also responsible for educating the public about their rights and helping injured workers relocate and find new housing. If you have been injured in a construction site accident, it is important to contact a lawyer as soon as possible. They can help you file a claim and get the compensation you deserve.

Some Reasons Why Hiring a Medical Malpractice Attorney is Crucial When Pursuing a Claim

People often do not know the importance of lawyers till they require one. Once you find yourself in the legal system or requiring settlement for a severe injury, you realize that hiring an experienced legal attorney can significantly make a difference in your personal life.

There are several benefits of hiring a lawyer after you have suffered harm due to the negligence of a healthcare professional. The following are some reasons why hiring a medical malpractice attorney is crucial when pursuing a claim.

  • Dealing with insurers: Among the most challenging aspects of a medical malpractice claim is dealing with insurance companies. Most people are often not sure if they are under an obligation to speak to insurers or what they need to say when corresponding with a representative. An experienced medical malpractice attorney can deal with most of the correspondence and advice you on what you should or should not say to insurers.
  • Handling the paperwork: If you have ever perused legal documents, you most likely know how complex legal terminologies can be. In medical malpractice claims, there is an apparently never-ending flow of paperwork that you require to prepare, review and respond to. Experienced lawyers know the legal jargon to use, the timing for filing a medical malpractice claim, and the best way to respond to other parties.
  • Knowing the claim value: Without some form of reference, you could enter into the negotiation process with unreasonable expectations. Most lawyers have gone through this process severally and have the expertise to determine the compensation that adequately represents your requirements and enhances the chances of succeeding in your claim.
  • Negotiating the best possible settlement: In addition to knowing what a claim is worth, attorneys are also skilled in negotiation. In many cases, an attorney’s reputation precedes them, which enhances their ability to negotiate a favorable settlement for their client. Attorneys won’t be intimidated by a healthcare provider’s legal team, and they’ll know how to build a strategy that will be effective in a negotiation.
  • Arguing your case in court. In most health malpractice claims, the victim’s case often ends before a jury or a judge. The success of your claim depends on your ability to argue the case. A good medical malpractice attorney knows how to design a claim that captures their client’s needs to a judge and follows the judge’s expected standards.
  • Helping you avoid mistakes. When you do not know the claim filing process, you are more likely to make errors. When handling a medical malpractice claim that has the potential to assist you in paying medical expenses and securing lost wages, the mistakes can be costly for your case. Learning through your own experience is not an ideal option for a victim that requires compensation for severe medical malpractice injuries.
  • Hastens the process. An experienced malpractice lawyer appreciates that time is usually of the essence for their clients. A reasonable attorney will always prioritize keeping a case going so that their client obtains a result within the appropriate time frame.
  • Sparing your time. The processes followed in filing a claim can be highly time-consuming. If you’ve never done it before, you also must factor in the amount of time you’ll spend researching each required step. By hiring an attorney to do the work, you’ll free yourself up to focus on your recovery and go about your daily life.
  • Creating network. When you engage a lawyer, you also enlist the assistance of their network of connections. Whether it is consulting professionals in an area that reinforces your case or finding a health expert to address your condition, a lawyer knows persons that can assist you in recovering and enhancing the chances of succeeding in your case.
Never Do These 3 Things After a Car Accident

Most people do the right things after a car accident: check for injuries, pull off the road if it’s safe, exchange insurance information, and render or receive first aid. Sometimes, however, emotions get the better of people, and things happen that don’t bode well with the law or insurance companies. Never do these three things after a car accident, or even a car accident attorney Seattle-based may not be able to help you.

Hesitate to Call the Police

An accident happened, and you’ll need a chance to have it recorded and tell them your version of events. The insurance company may require a formal police report to process any claims for damage to your body. Some people hesitate to involve the police because they don’t want to feel like a trouble maker or be worried about being blamed for the accident. You should always contact the police and request a report be made.

They Wait Too Long to See the Doctor

Depending on a person’s financial situation, they may avoid getting medical treatment. They might worry about the cost or their insurance coverage, or maybe they have to get home to relieve the sitter. Not seeking medical attention is a mistake, even if it is just going to the nearest urgent care facility. You’ll need a record of the damages for your insurance company and for an attorney who can work with you to help you get the medical bills paid.

Get Irrate with Other Drivers or First Responders

Sometimes a car accident is a stressor that pops a larger stress bubble. In these cases, a person flies into a rampage and attempts to berate or bully the other driver, other people involved in the accident, or even medical responders or law enforcement. Never do this, as it’s going to get documented in the reports, and this could cause the insurance company to want to avoid paying out for your claims altogether. It may also harm any future litigation you might endure because of the crash.

When Should You Get a Lawyer?

Should you employ an attorney or handle the situation yourself? Seek advice before making this critical decision. Determine when you absolutely require legal assistance and when you may be able to do so without incurring additional costs. 

When to hire a lawyer is not always a straightforward question to answer. There are some situations where the answer is an unequivocal “yes,” but most of the time it is a matter of weighing multiple considerations. 

When Do You Need a Lawyer?

When You’re in a Nasty Divorce 

There is no need for a lawyer when couples agree on all of the specifics of their divorce. When it comes to property, investments, savings, support, debt, and child custody arrangements, however, only a fool would go without legal counsel. A finalized divorce’s terms are extremely binding, and they can only be modified by returning to court. All of this can be prevented if you hire a qualified lawyer right once.

When Starting a Business

Starting a business can be difficult, and a lawyer is necessary to ensure that all legal criteria are met. Whether you’re a sole proprietor or have partners, it’s really impossible to negotiate the legalities alone unless you have a thorough understanding of them. A corporate law attorney will not only assist you with this but will also ensure that you are protected.

When Considering Filing For disability

A lawyer or advocate from a social security disability law firm Orlando-based can assist you fill out the SSDI or SSI application and acquire medical documents and other proof to support your claim. They can look through your application for errors or omissions that could jeopardize your chances of getting approved, and they can attend meetings or conferences with Social Security officials with you. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will work directly with your representatives and give them access to your Social Security records.

Involved in a Car Accident 

If you’re hurt in an accident that wasn’t your fault, the other party’s insurance company will likely try to persuade you to settle your claim as soon as possible. Never trust insurance company representatives before consulting with a personal injury lawyer. Hiring a lawyer can assist you in getting the most out of the circumstance while avoiding any negative effects.

Once in a lifetime, you will require the services of a lawyer. A lawyer will assist you in getting through difficult times and, if necessary, reduce fines. The situations listed above are examples of when you should hire a lawyer.

Is Working as an Investor Overseas Worth It?

Are you interested in starting a business in the United States? Statistics show that 43,286 individuals were issued with an E-2 Visa in the year 2019. If you want to apply for an E2 visa Los Angeles-based or any other location and don’t know where to start, this article is for you.

What is an E-2 Visa?

An E-2 investment visa allows individuals from a treaty country to start or buy an investment in the United States. Employees of an organization that qualifies for an E-2 visa may also be eligible for this visa.

What are the requirements for applying for an E-2 Visa?

To be qualified for an E-2 investor visa, you must:

  • To enter the United States purely to develop and manage an investment.
  • Have already invested, or you are investing, a substantial amount of money in a genuine business in the United States.
  • Be a citizen of a treaty country.

How to get an E-2 Visa

If you wish to apply for an e2 visa in Los Angeles or in any other city, you can do it without hiring a lawyer. However, most people prefer to hire a lawyer to avoid time and money that could be wasted if they make a mistake.

Benefits of Investing in The U.S. as a Foreigner

Here are the main reasons to apply for an E-2 Visa:

  • Domestic and global market access: The United States is widely known for its excellent economy. It has over 325 million people.
  • A land of innovation: Compared to other countries, it leads in research and development and has the most registered patents.
  • Productive workforce: U.S. workers are among the best skilled and productive in the world.
  • Access to the best education system: the U.S. has the best education system and a home for the best universities than any other country.

Bottom Line

Most E-2 visa applications are accepted. Do not let your ambition of investing in America be wasted because you failed to apply for an E-2 visa.

Common Causes of Car Accidents

It is important to understand that accidents can happen when you get behind your car’s wheel. And this article is purely to educate people, not to scare them. It helps you understand the dangers you could face on roads and help you understand how to exercise caution. Exercising caution requires you to have the right information to help you protect yourself better when on the road. 

Some Car Accident Statistics

To help you better understand the threats you face on the roads every day, here are some road accident statistics for you. You already know that car accidents happen, but how often are they? Although vehicles are increasingly safer because of better and more advanced safety features, they are still vulnerable to accidents. Speed remains the biggest cause of these accidents, and therefore, not letting your guard down might be the best way to stay safe. 

Statistics from the  Insurance Information Institute show that in 2019, 36,096 people perished in car crashes. That was a notable decrease in fatalities from the previous year, 2018, but the numbers are still alarmingly high, surpassing the 36,000 mark. The last year when the fatalities from road accidents did not pass the 36,000 mark was in 2015. 

What are the Common Causes of Road Accidents?

With advancements in technology, cars keep getting more advanced and increasingly safer. Besides, in an attempt to increase safety, more laws keep being implemented. But accidents keep happening regardless of all these efforts to keep people safe while on the road. Do you wonder why that happens?

The truth is, several factors contribute to the occurrence of road accidents. At times, factors beyond people’s control end up being the main cause of auto accidents. Other times, neglecting set laws and precautions lead to these accidents. Some of the common causes of auto accidents are listed below.

Distracted Driving

When you take your first driving lesson, the basic thing your instructor tells you is always to keep your eyes on the road. It is a very simple instruction, but one that many drivers often overlook. 

Many things can get a driver distracted when they are behind the wheel of the vehicle. One major distractor these days is mobile phones. When driving, a simple notification sound is bound to get most drivers distracted. They want to check their smartphones to see what the new message is about. And that simple thing takes away the attention of most drivers. 

Often you might have gotten away with phone usage while driving, but that’s not always the case. At times, one late reaction might land you in trouble. Therefore, it is important to ensure that you keep your smartphone away while driving to minimize the chances of getting into an auto accident. 

Other habits that often distract people when on the road include eating, wearing and fixing clothes, hair, or makeup, and listening to loud music. You can avoid them if you want to stay safe on the road. 

Car Related Issues

The vehicle itself might be the cause of an accident. Poor maintenance practices such as not fixing brakes, car lights, and tires might lead to an accident. Therefore, it is important to ensure that you regularly check your vehicle’s condition to ascertain that everything is functioning properly. 

Environmental Hazards

Your environment might be a reason why you find yourself in an accident. Issues like bad weather, bad roads, and wildlife or animals on the road might lead to auto accidents. It is important to ensure that you read road signs in unfamiliar areas. Besides, you might want to check the weather forecast before heading out to unfamiliar areas to ensure that you do not get blindsided by bad weather.

Driving Under the Influence

Driving under the influence of any drug or substance often leads to road accidents. Alcohol, prescription drugs, and other illicit drugs get people in trouble due to their impact on proper judgment. It is important to be alert when on the road. That means that you should not drive while under the influence of any drug or substance. 

Final Thoughts

Road safety is not a guarantee for anyone. Accidents happen, and people get injured. Hopefully, you’ll get the luck and successfully evade such misfortunes. But there could be times you find yourself in an accident, and you might require the services of an accident lawyer. 

Obligations of a Family Attorney

From a layman’s perspective, the role of a family lawyer seems easier compared to other lawyers. One may assume that a family law lawyers’ responsibilities are not as stressful as a professional practicing criminal law. This may be due to having little or no knowledge of the nature and type of legal services offered by family attorneys.

Legal representation is a common service and obligation in every law firm. Family lawyers come in handy when disputes arise among family members. The attorneys are capable of handling both internal and external family issues and disputes. Patience, reflection, and empathy are some qualities possessed by reliable family attorneys. The traits are beneficial in tackling the following under family law:

Family constitution

The family law document is not known to many people. The constitution comprising the law governing families is useful to people with big clans and business setups. The document comprises the goals, roles, and values of the members of a family. This law document binds children to a family unit and the matriarch or patriarch to the requirements of the family unit and family companies or businesses—the family Garwood attorneys help in drafting and filing the family legal document, which is very important.

Divorce

This is a common thing family law obligation. It involves two people or parties participating in a divorce process hiring attorneys separately. When the divorce entails mutual understanding with no single conflict, you can hire a common family lawyer to represent you and your partner. Family attorneys handle various divorce matters in an ideal and clever manner: the family law experts know what and where to compromise in the divorce process.

Child custody

The legal issues surrounding the custody of children arise from divorce proceedings. Some scenarios involve independent settling of the parents: other instances involve a party that wishes to contest a court ruling about child custody. In such a case, the court begins a new case to determine the legal custody of the child or children involved. This legal issue is delicate as it involves kids: when the child custody process gets out of hand, it can result in children being traumatized. The emotional state of a child is unstable and unpredictable: making mistakes in the procedure can greatly impact the emotional status of a child.

Adoption

There are positive events in the list of family lawyer obligations. Adoption is a daunting process that may lead to an extended wait for the applicants engaged in an adoption procedure. Hiring a family lawyer when undertaking an adoption simplifies the process and makes it quicker. It promotes a hassle-free adoption process.

Why Should You Choose a Reliable Family Attorney?

Nearly every family globally faces varying types of family issues and problems. Some examples of family legal issues are domestic violence, prenuptial contracts and agreements, property rights, and division. Many family problems are complex and broad as well. For this reason, you require legal expertise to handle the issues appropriately.

Some of the reasons behind hiring a reliable family attorney include:

  • To enjoy family law expert advice and services
  • To reduce the hassles of undertaking various legal processes like divorce proceedings
  • To reduce the chances of making mistakes and errors in family legal issues
  • To simplify and quicken a family legal issue

Tackling family problems is not as simple as holding a conversation over a meal at the dining table. You may need the legal assistance and advice of a good family law professional. Hiring an experienced and well-established family law firm relieves you of the burden of undertaking the family legal process. There are many family lawyers available in the modern world: ensure you choose and hire the ideal candidate to deal with your case.

Why Should You Hire an Immigration Lawyer?

There are several reasons behind hiring an immigration lawyer. If you want your case to be analyzed comprehensively and keep off any legal issues, it is best to hire a qualified immigration lawyer. Finding the best San Jose Immigration attorney helps you stay on the safe side. With this in mind, you ought to work with a lawyer that has up-to-date information concerning immigration law. Below are some reasons you should engage an immigration lawyer:

Get assistance to acquire legal status

Hiring a legal lawyer means that you have additional force in your case. The attorney keeps you updated and discusses any issues arising in your case. When it gets to court proceedings, you need to appoint a professional that is conversant with the existing immigration laws.

From time to time, adjustments and updates are made on immigration laws. The immigration lawyer assists you in handling every step in the process: from filing the documents to submitting the paperwork in the right manner.

Speeding up the process of immigration

Acquisition of secured citizenship can be a lengthy process: hiring a lawyer assists you in tracking and managing the progress. A lawyer will guide you and prepare you for the future tests undertaken in obtaining citizenship. Some clients do not have relatives to assist, and attorneys know the questions asked in the citizenship tests. Obtaining citizenship in a country may be a daunting process due to the economic performance and existing laws in the region. The attorney will inform you of any developments, such as why the process could be taking longer and any other related updates. 

Representation in court case hearings

Hiring a legal lawyer to represent you in court gives you an upper hand in the legal proceedings. If you appear in front of a judge, the lawyer can fight your case. The attorney has in-depth knowledge of the situations surrounding the immigration process; it is recommended that you have somebody for your defense. Immigration attorneys make your case stronger through the adoption of the right approach in any situation arising during the immigration process.

Your immigration lawyer can answer the questions that arise during the legal hearings: this type of lawyer guarantees high levels of preparedness in the scenario that there is any situation arising in your case. The immigration application may be denied in some instances: the attorney appeals for a second opportunity on your behalf. You are guaranteed top-notch experience when you work with a trustworthy and reliable immigration lawyer.

Guidelines on Finding a Competent Immigration Lawyer

In some instances, one may risk death by returning to your home country. For such people with a valid reason to avoid going back to people’s home country, hiring a competent immigration attorney is essential as the laws keep changing. Here are some steps to take to assist you through the process:

Analyze the details of your case 

The first thing you need to look into is familiarizing yourself with the important information and the requirements of your case. Having in-depth knowledge assists you in understanding your needs as per your case. Through this, you can identify the role of your lawyer in your case.

Do you research

With the advent of technology, you can surf the web, government websites, and online immigration platforms. The convenience of the internet is that you can acquire information that helps you understand the branch of the immigration law your case falls under. Some of the varying areas in immigration law include family immigration, citizenship, and visa applications.

Every immigrant must undertake the tedious, difficult and lengthy immigration process in a foreign country. The immigration lawyers put together facts for you to see the available options in your immigration case: this, in return, makes the process simpler.

Factors to Look into When Hiring a Mediation Divorce Lawyer

Getting a good mediation divorce lawyer can be tedious and time-consuming. The process entails doing your homework: it is vital to research and plan for consultations before deciding on the best attorney for the task. On top of this, you must make inquiries regarding the attorney’s services, experience with similar cases, and custody issues.

Getting the financial resources to cater to the lawyers’ fees can be a great concern. It is advisable to opt for divorce rather than the court process involved in a divorce. The main reason is that divorce is cheaper, less time-consuming, and an ideal way of undertaking the divorce process. Here are some crucial tips for getting a good divorce lawyer:

Searching for a good mediation attorney

There are a variety of sources to seek referrals from the best lawyers. Some sources include other attorneys, therapists, referral firms, the bar association, close acquaintances, colleagues, or family members. With the advent of technology, you can surf the web for details on the locally available lawyers. It is advisable to get at least three or more lawyers to choose from, depending on who meets the desired criteria. After getting the list, reach out to the attorneys and plan for consultation. The decision you make is based on the outcome of the first consultation.

Interview the mediation divorce attorney

It is essential to ask queries during your first consultation with the attorney. Reach out to every attorney on your list and schedule meetings: discuss the requirements and rate the services during the appointment. Some mediation attorneys give free services during the consultation visit, while others set a small fee for the services provided. Make inquiries from the mediation attorney on the approach to be used in handling your divorce matter. Make sure you get the attorney’s opinion regarding the negotiations with your spouse. In the scenario that there are children involved, find out how the lawyer intends to guide you through the process of custody.

Charges involved in appointing an attorney

Involving an attorney in your divorce means you are expected to pay some money for the services. The money acts as a surety that the attorney will guide and help you through the divorce issue until the last minute. Different law firms have varying billing methods for the legal services given. Some attorneys will charge based on an hourly rate for every consultation or service offered. It is vital to have an agreement or sign a contract that captures all the fees incurred in getting the services of a divorce lawyer.

Things to keep in mind

Always remember that the first consultation with an attorney does not mean that you have appointed the professional. You can opt for another mediation divorce lawyer after the first consultation with one of the potential candidates. Choose a lawyer who clearly understands the mediation divorce procedure by asking the professional to explain to you during the initial consultation sessions. The attorney should be able to handle the mediation process in an efficient manner. Ensure that you plan for the consultation session: write down issues you may need to discuss with the potential divorce lawyer to ensure you ask and discuss all your concerns.

Undertaking a divorce process with the help of a lawyer is a significant necessity. It is essential to make a correct selection to ensure the divorce procedure happens conveniently and favorably. For you to complete the divorce within a short time, find a well-established and reputable lawyer for your mediation.