18-wheeler accidents (a/k/a big rigs, tractor trailers) on the highways and interstates across America can be devastating. You can catch yourself gripping the steering wheel tighter and just trying to hold on to get by or let them by (whatever the situation may be). Every day there are news reports about road closures or traffic backups as a result of a major wreck caused by an 18 … [Read more...]
BOATING SAFETY, BOATING ACCIDENTS
BOATING SAFETY, BOATING ACCIDENTS Boating is the leisurely activity of traveling by boat or the recreational use of a boat whether powerboats, sailboats, or man-powered vessels (such as rowing and paddle boats), focused on the travel itself, as well as sports activities, such as fishing or water skiing. It is a popular activity, and there are millions of boaters worldwide. Boating … [Read more...]
FEDERAL LABOR STANDARD ACT (FLSA) OVERTIME PAY
FEDERAL LABOR STANDARD ACT Let’s begin with an overview of the Federal Labor Standard Act (commonly referred to as FLSA or Wages and Hours Bill) as you need to understand your rights to overtime pay. This is a federal statute of the United States. The Federal Labor Standard Act introduced the 40-hour work week, established a national minimum wage, guaranteed “time-and-a-half” for … [Read more...]
CONFIDENTIALITY OF INFORMATION
CONFIDENTIALITY Confidentiality Confidentiality means Discretion in keeping secret information. There are various professions whose livelihood depend on confidentiality of information between the office and the client (i.e., lawyers, doctors, hospitals, schools, teachers, etc.). So for obvious reasons we would simply like to address the confidentiality between a lawyer and … [Read more...]
RES IPSA LOQUITUR
RES IPSA LOQUITUR Res ipsa loquitur: [Latin - “the thing speaks for itself”]. 1. Torts. The doctrine providing that, in some circumstances, the mere fact of an accident’s occurrence raises an inference of negligence so as to establish a prima facie case. (Often shortened to res ipsa.) Black’s Law Dictionary, 7th Edition It is a fact that accidents happen. In a personal injury lawsuit, in … [Read more...]
D.U.I. OFFENSE
D.U.I. OFFENSE D.U.I Offense in Tennessee, it is illegal for a person to drive or be in control of an automobile or any motor-driven vehicle (which includes golf carts, tractors and motorized scooters) on any public road, highway, street, alley, parking lot, or any other premises frequented by the public while under the influence of any intoxicant (including both illegal drugs and … [Read more...]
VICTIM COMPENSATION FUND
VICTIM COMPENSATION FUND – STATE OF TENNESSEE Victims injured as the result of a criminal act can file for payment or reimbursement of their out-of-pocket medical and/or mental health bills. In some cases, the victim compensation fund will reimburse for unpaid lost wages. The Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund ("Fund") provides financial assistance to crime victims through two programs … [Read more...]
PERMANENT DISABILITY
PERSONAL INJURY – PERMANENT DISABILITY Ballentine's Law Dictionary defines a permanent disability is one that "will remain with a person throughout" his or her lifetime, or he or she will not recover, or "that in all possibility, will continue indefinitely." Unfortunately, permanent disabilities from accidents happen far too often. Determining the extent of the injury is very important in … [Read more...]
PERSONAL INJURY –WHAT IS COMPARATIVE FAULT
PERSONAL INJURY –WHAT IS COMPARATIVE FAULT (NEGLIGENCE) Comparative Fault (Negligence): A doctrine of tort (personal injury) law which permits the plaintiff and the defendant and others to compare their liability for the accident. It allows proportionate recovery if both the plaintiff and defendant were at fault and thereby contributed to the cause of the injury. There are two categories of … [Read more...]
Dangers Of Being A GOOD SAMARATIN
GOOD SAMARITAN ACT Dangers of being a good Samaratin-Suppose you are driving down a lonely highway – you appear to be the only vehicle in sight for miles. You top a slight hill and there it is – a head on collision involving a tractor-trailer and a mini-van full of children. Apparently this has just happened as the smoke is still emitting from the engines. You pull over on the side of the … [Read more...]