Articles by Michael
Hiring an Attorney
Legal Fees: What should a Lawyer Cost? How do they Bill?
There are different types of legal fee arrangements used when hiring a lawyer. It is important to distinguish between them in order to understand what is fair and appropriate. Understanding legal fees and retainer agreements is also essential to managing billing expectations and will help you...
Hiring an Attorney
Understanding Your Lawyer's Bill: Legal Costs, Expenses & Fees
The cost of legal services involves two components – a fee for the lawyer’s time worked on a case and the additional related costs and expenses. Even if a lawyer is retained on a contingency fee (where a client only pays for legal services only after winning a case), the client is still...
Legal Resources
What is "The Bar?" State Bar Association List for All US States
The following article will explain what a state bar association is and how to contact the bar association in your state. Bar associations are usually a good place to find general information about how the court system operates in your state and local community.
What is a bar association?
A bar...
Medical Malpractice
Anesthesia Errors, Accidents, Injury and Malpractice
Anesthesia refers to the medical practice which temporarily removes bodily sensation and pain. Despite medical advances in the use of anesthesia, complications can still arise during surgery and may cause injury and sometimes death in severe cases. In some instances, these accidents could have...
Police Activity
How Arrest Warrants Are Obtained and Executed
An arrest warrant is a legal document issued by a criminal court which enables police officers to arrest and hold a criminal suspect. This article will explain how a case begins with a criminal complaint, is followed by the issuance and execution of an arrest warrant and also covers matters...
Hospital Malpractice
Emergency Room Errors & Premature Hospital Discharge
A patient who is prematurely discharged from a hospital emergency room (“ER”) can suffer severe consequences. A medical professional who acts with negligence in the course of treatment in the ER can be liable for medical malpractice. This article will help you understand and identify negligent...
Assault, Battery, Robbery
Robbery Charges, Punishment & Sentencing
The crime of robbery is a felony offense and is considered much more severe than misdemeanor crimes such as disorderly conduct and public intoxication. Robbery is also defined as larceny or the taking of the property that belongs to another person through the use of force or threat of force...
Car Accident
Car Accident Liability For Cell Phone Use
In many states, the use of a cell phone while operating a motor vehicle is prohibited. If you were involved in a car accident while using a cell phone, you may have liability even if you believe you were not at fault. In states where cell phone use while driving is prohibited, monetary fines and...
Motorcycle Accident
Motorcycle Accidents: Road Hazards, Liability & Injuries
Road hazards are a common cause of motorcycle accidents. Liability for a motorcycle accident will depend upon the circumstances and type of hazard and determine whether you or a third party may be ultimately responsible for damages caused by the accident.
Common Hazards Motorcyclists Encounter...
SSI Elegibility, Benefits
Eligibility for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Benefits
Supplemental Security Income or SSI is a Federal assistance program that makes monthly payments to help people of limited means who are blind, disabled or of senior age. This article will help you determine your eligibility for SSI disability benefits payments.
Eligibility for SSI Disability...
Starting a Business
Starting a Business Checklist 3: Licensing, Reporting & Operations
This article will guide you through finishing the process of setting up a company and beginning the actual operations for a new business. It follows the preliminary steps you must take, covered in The Planning Stage and Registration & Incorporation, the first two articles in the "Starting a...
Starting a Business
Starting a Business Checklist 2: Registration & Incorporation
This article will guide you through the process of registering and incorporating a new business. It follows the preliminary steps you must take before registration, covered in Starting a Business Checklist: The Planning Stage, the first article of our series of three "Starting a Business"...
Starting a Business
Starting a Business Checklist 1: Planning
Good planning is critical for the success of any entrepreneur. This article, the first of three in the “starting a business checklist” series, will guide you through the initial stage of starting a new business. After you are finished planning your business with this information, you'll be able...
Car Accident
Win Your Car Accident Lawsuit: Best Practices
Winning a car accident lawsuit is more than just hiring a good car accident lawyer - it's about knowing how to collect and preserve vital evidence to prove your case and leverage a superior settlement offer. This article will provide you with tips and best practices that will significantly...
Toxic Torts
Toxic Mold Exposure and Your Legal Rights
Mold can be found almost everywhere, both inside and outside of one’s home or office building. In some cases it’s harmless but in others it can be harmful to human health. What are your options should you discover toxic mold in your home or office?
Common Types of Toxic Mold
Some of the more...
Toxic Torts
Toxic Mold Lawsuits: Preparation & Expectations
If you have serious problems with toxic mold in your home, the “no action” clause in most insurance policies may provide you with only one year to file a lawsuit from the time you discovered the mold. It is critical to properly and efficiently prepare and preserve evidence in order to obtain the...
Social Security
Life Changes Affecting Social Security Benefits
Changes in your life can affect the amount of Social Security Benefits you can expect to receive.
Social Security Benefits Eligibility
Being eligible for Social Security benefits means meeting three main requirements:
You must submit a written application for benefits with your local Social...
Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code helps business owners who are in deep financial crisis by allowing them to continue running and potentially save their businesses. The principle behind Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization is that it is better for all parties when a business is reorganized...
Military, Veterans
Military Service & Social Security: Special Extra Earnings
If you served in the military, you may be entitled to special extra earnings credits as a veteran which could increase the amount of social security payments you receive. Anyone employed by the military should have paid Social Security taxes the same way general civilian employees have paid...
Any time you start a legal action, you will almost certainly be required to pay a fee - even filing for bankruptcy. In addition to administrative costs the government must bear such as having a court clerk make photocopies and file your documents, the filing fees are intended to discourage...
