Newsletter
Children’s Settlements: Why Can’t I Get The Money Right Away?
When we settle a minor’s claims, parents are sometimes surprised to learn that the children don’t get the money right away. Instead, the money is typically either deposited with the court until the child turns 18 or used to buy a structured settlement. A structured settlement is an annuity that pays a child a set…
Read MoreCar Wrecks: Swoop and Settle Goes High Tech
One thing I’ve written on several times over the years is the insurance company tactic that we call “swoop and settle”. Using this tactic, insurance companies contact you shortly after a wreck and attempt to settle your claim before you know how badly you’re hurt and before you understand your rights. They do this because…
Read MoreCovid-19 And Business Interruption Insurance
Large and small businesses throughout the country have been wondering if any of their insurance policies will cover any of the losses they are sustaining because of the Covid-19/Coronavirus outbreak. It’s impossible to give a general statement because whether there is coverge depends entirely upon the wording of your policy. Insurance companies, of course, don’t…
Read MoreCovid-19/Coronavirus and Force Majeure Clauses in Contracts
We have received some inquiries from people wanting to know what rights they have under various contracts in light of the Covid-19/Coronavirus pandemic. This isn’t an easy answer. Many contracts have a force majeure clause that specifically govern when an event outside the party’s control prevents a party from performing its contractual obligations. However, in…
Read MoreHow Covid-19 Will Affect Your Austin Car Wreck Claims
Covid-19 is affecting everything, including your Austin car wreck claims. Last week, the Austin Police Department announced a change in policy that they wouldn’t be personally showing up for most car wreck calls. That’s probably a good call for officers’ health, but it certainly hurts your ability to bring your claims. What can you do…
Read MoreWhat We’re Doing In Response To Coronavirus/Covid-19
For the most part, for us, it’s business as usual. That’s not to say we’re not being safe. We have closed our office and are trying to eliminate all meetings. But that doesn’t mean much changes for us. We have been set up to work remotely for years. Right now, we’re all working from home,…
Read MoreBoy Scouts, Lawsuits, & Bankruptcy: My Thoughts
This week brings news that the Boy Scouts of America filed bankruptcy. And I have to admit that I have mixed feelings on the subject. While a membership decline has helped contribute to the financial problems, the Boy Scouts’ bankruptcy filing is almost exclusively due to financial pressures faced from lawsuits filed by victims of…
Read MoreMcDonald’s Lawsuit & Austin?
You’ve heard about. You know what happened. And you can’t believe it. A woman goes to the McDonald’s drive in, orders coffee, spills it on herself while driving, and then sues and gets $3 million. As a personal injury lawyer, I’m often asked about the case and oftentimes (like in a conversation this week) asked…
Read MoreConcussion? Go Get Medical Care
As a brain injury lawyer, we often warn our clients that there are few things that can be done for a concussion besides resting the brain in various ways. But that doesn’t mean you should avoid getting medical care. In fact, the opposite is true. A brain injury study released in January found that people…
Read MoreConcussions: Watch Out For Effects On Mental Health
As someone who represents clients who have endured brain injuries, I try to stay on top of the literature. This week, I ran into a summary of a recent brain injury study that was terrifying. The study found that high school athletes who had suffered a concussion in the prior 12 months were 20-25% more…
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