Business owners always begin their financial endeavors with high hopes in mind, even though they know the risks that may be associated with running their own business. Though it may work out for some, many business owners find that their ideas needing reworking only after experiencing loss and incurring loans on their business.

Anyone who finds themselves in a situation where their business is not working out the way they intended and they need help covering the costs and loans they now have, filing for bankruptcy is a viable option. However, just like any other legal or financial endeavor, matters can get extremely complicated, and it can be difficult for a person to figure out what the best way to move forward is. For this reason, a person should always make sure they speak with a bankruptcy lawyer before making any moves. 

There are two main forms of bankruptcy that a person can opt for, A Chapter 7 or a Chapter 13. Both of them have their own advantages and are better to file based on different circumstances.  In Chapter 7, a person does not pay back any debts, but they will lose some of their property. In Chapter 13, a person keeps their property, and a person gets more time, usually up to five years to pay back any unsecured debts. If a person can file a Chapter 13, they should refrain from filing a Chapter 7. However, every case is different, and only a legal expert wo excels in the field can guide a person on what they believe is best for them so they can cut their losses and get the most benefit possible from their situation. 

It is important to note that both the chapters are included as bankruptcy and their main purpose is to help a person get out of their old debt so they can have a fresh start. A trustee will work on figuring out the best interest of the creditors and examining a person under oath regarding their finances. If a person creates a misstatement or they omit any property they own or debt, they would have committed a federal crime, even if it was accidental so these matters should be taken very seriously. 

What property can be lost after filing Chapter 7 in Monroe, Louisiana?

A person can lose any property that is not considered exempt under the current state and federal laws. The trustee might sell any property a person owns and distribute the nets proceeds to the creditors who a person owes. Any property a person has not paid in full must be surrendered. There are many details regarding filing for bankruptcy that can only be understood by speaking to a professional.

Get in touch with a bankruptcy lawyer at the Law Office of Campell, House and company, to get help filing for bankruptcy and to get help regarding one’s financial situation.

Reach them at: 

1815 Roselawn Ave

Monroe, LA 71201

 (318) 855-0285

After the shock of the Texas Freeze back in February, changes to the state’s power grid were inevitable. Now it seems as though lawmakers are taking decisive action to make sure that this type of crisis never happens again. They are also making changes to the companies in charge of this power grid, and hopefully this will be enough to avert any future crises in the future.

If you think that this kind of extreme weather event won’t happen again for another hundred years, you might want to take a look around. Texas is still struggling with extreme weather to this day, including floods, hailstorms, and heatwaves. Mother nature doesn’t show any sign of slowing down, and this definitely isn’t a comforting thought for the millions of homeowners who live in Texas. 

If you have experienced property damage due to one of the many extreme weather events currently tearing through the Lone Star State, it might be a good idea to consult with a qualified, experienced attorney who specializes in insurance claims. These legal experts can help you file a claim in an effective manner. An attorney might be an especially good idea if you have already been denied once by insurance companies, or you’ve received an inadequate settlement amount. 

Governor Greg Abbott Signs New Bills to Address Power Grid Vulnerabilities

In June of 2021, it was reported that Governor Abbott had signed two new bills into law. These new bills are designed to address vulnerabilities in Texas’s power grid that became obvious during the winter storm that robbed so many citizens of electricity. From now on, ERCOT’s board members will be selected by Governor Abbott and a number of other lawmakers, rather than having “industry leaders” appoint board members. 

In addition, power companies are now legally required to upgrade their facilities with weather-proof additions. The goal is to make sure that the Texas Freeze never happens again, although these new upgrades won’t begin construction until 2022. 

More Extreme Weather For Texas

Even while Governor Abbott was announcing these new bills, Texas was still struggling with extreme weather events throughout the state. In early June of 2021, there was a widespread flood warning throughout Texas. In addition, there were numerous heatwave warnings. These weather events show that no matter what lawmakers do, Texas will always struggle with certain weather events that are completely out of our control. 

Enlist the Help of a Qualified Attorney Today

If you’re dealing with a denied insurance claim or an inadequate settlement from the insurance companies, get in touch with a qualified attorney as soon as possible. These legal professionals in Texas can help you hold insurance companies accountable, providing you with the financial compensation you deserve and need. With a fair and adequate insurance settlement, you can rebuild your home and continue on with your life. 

The number of negative stories in the media regarding police brutality may be very demotivating for anyone hoping for justice in such a case. With everything that we hear, it’s easy to forget or be completely unaware that every citizen actually has unconditional constitutional rights protecting them from police brutality. 

Police officers are required to follow a certain set of standards when going about their job. If they step outside these boundaries, they can be held accountable in various ways. If you feel like you were brutalized by the police, whether you committed a crime or not, you may be entitled to compensation under the law. Before you decide to take this on by yourself, consider contacting an experienced South Carolina police brutality lawyer to walk you through the process and maximize your chances of success. 

Is it hard to sue a cop in South Carolina? 

It’s difficult to sue a cop in any state, as police departments are generally well-funded, powerful entities that have virtually endless resources to defend themselves. They are never quick to go down easily, and will often defend their actions to the bitter end. 

In certain scenarios, if your case is strong enough, the police may opt out of committing to a lawsuit and instead give you a settlement. 

Recently, 31-year old Jamal Sutherland was tragically killed in his prison cell after being transferred from a mental facility to the county jail. The investigation found without a doubt that deputy sheriffs had needlessly caused the death by using pepper spray and tasers. Sutherland had repeatedly said “I can’t breathe,” before passing. The autopsy reported that Sutherland had died “as a result of excited state with pharmacotherapeutic effect during subdual process.”

Ultimately, this case never went to court, and Sutherland’s family came away with a $10,000,000 settlement after a unanimous vote from the Charleston County Council. Sutherland’s case is an example of how with the right lawyers and a strong case, victims of police brutality can be made whole in a big way. 

What laws protect me from police brutality in South Carolina? 

The United States Constitution is the main legislation to keep in mind when it comes to police brutality. Under the fourth, fifth, and eighth amendments, every citizen is protected from police misconduct. Police officers need probable cause to search your premises or to arrest you, and once arrested, whether guilty or not, they have to abide by a set of ethical standards. Everyone has a right to be free from “cruel and unusual punishment,” and you may require an experienced lawyer to help define that in front of the courts. 

Are you looking for compensation after a police brutality incident in South Carolina? 

Connect with a qualified South Carolina police brutality attorney today. Obtaining justice and compensation may not be as difficult as you think. 

Pennsylvania – June 7, 2021

A tractor-trailer crash closed down part of Interstate 70 Thursday morning in New Stanton after it brought down power lines.  The crash occurred in the early morning hours at mile marker 56 and the driver was unable to get out of his truck until emergency crews were able to safely navigate the downed power lines.  Luckily, the driver was not hurt in the accident.  Pennsylvania is among the five states that have the highest number of truck accidents in the United States.  Commercial truck company drivers are involved in accidents for a multitude of reasons including time spent on roadways, tight delivery schedules, cargo load mishaps, and driver fatigue to name a few.  A skilled personal injury attorney can help sort out any claim for damages arising out of commercial truck accident, whether it was a direct result of an impact crash or other roadway danger. 

Damage recovery.

Elements that will increase the likelihood of damage recovery involve a commercial driver’s compliance with state and federal laws and specific trucking restrictions, determination of fault, and the extent of losses through personal injury and property damage.  Contact legal counsel to assist with loss determination and legal action when necessary.  

Commercial trucking laws.

Pennsylvania commercial trucking laws are in place to protect drivers and mandate specific safety requirements for commercial drivers, in the hopes of reducing accidents.  Size is a factor in the extensive damages caused due to a tractor-trailer being approximately 65 feet in length and weighing up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded, causing any type of crash between it and another moving vehicle, stationary object, or person to be more catastrophic and/or fatal in terms of injuries.  

Business of trucking may fuel violations.

Commercial trucking companies are deadline-imposed businesses and sometimes accidents occur due to a driver’s violation of safety laws, such as allowing tired drivers to continue to drive past their hourly restrictions, or because of the weight of overloaded cargo. There are state and federal regulations that require tractor-trailer trucks to be inspected and maintained on a regular basis.  Drivers of trucks have imposed hourly restrictions, and size and weight limits based upon cargo are logged and weighed on highways.  Truck accident attorneys may use the logs as evidence of negligence in some cases.  

Common violations of Pennsylvania trucking rules include:

1. Improper Maintenance
2. Driver Fatigue
3. Distracted Drivers
4. Commercial Company Negligence
5. Unsecured Loads
6. Driving in Extreme Weather 

Insurance.

Federal regulations require tractor-trailer trucks to carry various levels of insurance coverage, based on the transported cargo. The state of Pennsylvania requires a tractor trailer truck to carry a much higher minimum liability insurance policy than a typical automobile. The coverage amount needed depends on what freight is being hauled and where it is going. If drivers never cross state lines, they must get a PA PUC # and have a minimum amount of insurance including general freight at $750,000, oil transport at $1,000,000, Hazmat at $5,000.000, Liability at $300,000 and Cargo Insurance at $5,000 per vehicle.  Pennsylvania utilizes the 51% rule, and accident parties can be 50% responsible for an accident and still collect damages in a personal injury claim. 

Hire a lawyer.

Injuries stemming from truck accidents may include wrongful death claims, brain and spine injuries and amputations that cause expensive long term medical costs and therapies.  Contact an experienced truck accident lawyer to fight for your rights. The laws and regulations related to the trucking industry can be difficult to understand, but the experienced legal professionals of Scanlon & Wojton Attorneys at Law can assist you with any potential claim for damages resulting from a truck accident.  

Scanlon & Wojton, Attorneys at Law

Phone:  (412) 918-1241

Fax: (412) 235-7275

The Mitchell Building
304 Ross Street, Suite 510
Pittsburgh, Pa 15219

Sources: 

https://www.iihs.org/topics/fatality-statistics/detail/state-by-state

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/CT/HTM/42/00.071.002.000..HTM

https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/safety/data-and-statistics/large-truck-and-bus-crash-facts

https://www.nhtsa.gov/

Pennsylvania – May 23, 2021

Two young siblings suffered fatal injury when their pickup truck collided with a tractor trailer in Lancaster County.  First responders found the driver and passenger of the pickup truck deceased in their vehicle upon arrival to the scene.  Both vehicles caught fire shortly after first responders arrived at the scene.  Emergency medical personnel evaluated the driver of the tractor-trailer and he was released from medical care.  The crash continues to be under investigation. When fatal injury and property damage occur after a tractor trailer crash, a Pittsburgh truck accident attorney may be instrumental in damage compensation through insurance settlements, or wrongful death legal action when necessary.

Truck size.

A tractor-trailer is approximately 65 feet in length and can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded, causing any type of crash between it and another moving vehicle, stationary object, or person to suffer catastrophic injury, or death. Commercial trucking companies are deadline-imposed businesses, and occasionally driver errors caused by fatigue, safety violations, or overloaded cargo may increase the chance of a truck accident. A skilled personal injury attorney will build a case utilizing information on driver actions directly before the crash as one component that may have resulted in the harms.  

Loss determination.

Truck accident attorneys can help individuals sort out insurance claims resultant from driver error.  Factors that will increase the likelihood of damage recovery involve a truck driver’s compliance with state and federal laws and specific trucking restrictions, and the formal determination of driver fault.  Accident victims should contact legal counsel to assist with loss determinations.  Pennsylvania utilizes the 51% rule, and accident victims can be up to 50% responsible for an accident and still collect damages.  Personal injury legal action needs to be initiated within the two year statute of limitations.

Commercial trucking laws.

Pennsylvania commercial trucking laws are in place to protect drivers and mandate specific safety requirements for commercial trucks in the hopes of reducing accidents.  There are state and federal regulations that require tractor-trailer trucks to be inspected and maintained on a regular basis.  Drivers of trucks have imposed hourly restrictions, and size and weight limits based upon cargo are logged and weighed on highways.  

Hire a lawyer.

Laws and regulations related to the trucking industry can be difficult to understand and the experienced legal professionals of Scanlon & Wojton Attorneys at Law can assist surviving family members after fatal injury by initiating a wrongful death legal action, and accessing insurance funds to pay for immediate expenses related to burial and funeral arrangements.  

Scanlon & Wojton, Attorneys at Law

Phone:  (412) 918-1241

Fax: (412) 235-7275

The Mitchell Building
304 Ross Street, Suite 510
Pittsburgh, Pa 15219

Sources: 

https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/lancaster-county/crash-pickup-truck-tractor-trailer-two-dead-east-petersburg/521-6167555e-1676-46ea-9ed7-07207bd3fe96

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/CT/HTM/42/00.071.002.000..HTM

https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/safety/data-and-statistics/large-truck-and-bus-crash-facts

https://www.nhtsa.gov/