Negligence

What is a case worth?

Accident victims have a right to know the compensation they are entitled to, and our civil justice system is designed to compensate people financially. That means determining how to quantify damages and injuries that may not be susceptible to a precise mathematical calculation. Another consideration is a defendant’s ability to pay. A paper judgment is… read more…

Settlement offers and insurance companies: are you getting a fair deal?

Insurance companies adjust automobile accidents on a daily basis, most clients do not. So how do you know if an offer is fair following an injury accident? Simply stated, you generally don’t. Information is power, and when you work from an information disadvantage, you lose the leverage and bargaining power to level the playing field…. read more…

What’s in a name? SCOTUS narrows definition of “Debt Collector”

When is a debt collector not collecting a debt? Apparently when the collector has purchased the debt for collection. This week a unanimous Supreme Court held that debt purchasers– companies that buy debt from credit card companies and others, and then try to collect that debt by calling/harassing consumers– do not fall within the definition of a… read more…

Court enters judgment against Trooper for $2M

A Tulsa County District Court Judge has entered judgment for $2,000,000.00 against former Oklahoma Highway Trooper, Sheldon Robinson, in the death of Michael Swatosh. Robinson killed Swatosh after an encounter on a motel stairway in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Robinson claimed he shot Swatosh in self-defense, but an investigation revealed inconsistencies in Robinson’s explanations. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol terminated… read more…

Title IX and Sexual Assaults on Campus

Schools and campuses are supposed to be a place where students can learn and should feel safe. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. Whether it is the school or college’s reputation or the fear of repercussions based upon an investigation, a problem is growing on campuses everywhere. Sexual violence on campuses is going unreported by… read more…

What to know about injuries caused by fireworks

As we wrap up another July 4th celebration, most of us are a little sluggish the next day due to fireworks continuing late into the night. For others, the long term consequences of their July 4th celebrations are far more serious with long lasting injuries. The vast majority of fireworks injuries occur where an individual inadvertently… read more…

5 Things Victims of Excessive Force Should Do

If you’re the victim of excessive force, and you want to hold the person responsible for your injuries accountable for their actions, here’s a list of five things you should do immediately afterwards:  Get immediate medical attention for your injuries Before doing anything, the victim of excessive force should have their injuries evaluated by a… read more…

What is “billed verses paid,” and why should I care?

People who seek medical treatment after an accident from a motor vehicle collision, a slip and fall, or some other misfortune causing injury, will quickly realize that insurance companies attempt to reduce their responsibility under a theory known as “Billed versus Paid.” In a nutshell, “Billed vs. Paid” boils down to the amount a medical provider… read more…

Jury rules for mocked patient in defamation, medical malpractice suit

A jury in Virginia has ruled in favor of a patient who was mocked by his physician during a colonscopy. The patient recorded the incident in April 2013 using his smartphone while being prepped for the procedure.  His intent was to capture the doctor’s post-operation instructions, but he forgot to turn off the device.  The… read more…

Drivers and Obstructed View: Who’s Responsible?

We’ve all experienced that anxious moment when a sign, bush or pole has obstructed our view of oncoming traffic as we try to negotiate a turn from a business or side street. While most accidents are avoided, the obstruction is a hazard that can contribute to accidents with serious injuries. If you believe you were… read more…