Blog

Mar 8, 2023

Attorney911 In The News: City Illegally Tears Down Precious Piece of Black History

On this last day of Black History Month, the descendants of Texas City slaves turned  landowners, are blasting the city and its first black mayor for illegally demolishing an  irreplaceable piece of Black heritage. “I was starting to cry. I was choking back tears,” says  Charlesa Gary, president of the African American Historical Preservation Committee in Texas  City. She was watching their historical school auditorium of the first black school being torn  down, days before the scheduled court hearing to protect it.   Click here for link to original article on Houston Public Media Vera Bell Gary is the proud 97-year-old granddaughter of Texas City slaves from the mid  1800’s. She’s furious with Mayor Dedrick Johnson. “I felt like crying I almost cursed that man  out.”   Vera says Mayor Johnson, straight up, asked her to give away her grandfather’s land. How could  he dare to take away her family’s heritage? “Four men were brave enough to save their money.  They were getting paid then after they were free. They saved their money to invest in this 230  acres.”   The Bell family wouldn’t give up the property. They planned to renovate the auditorium into a  community center and the city knew that. But the city demolished their building right out from  under them. “So much history was lost that day,” says Charlesa Gary. Precious history. Gone  forever.   Attorney Ralph Manginello represents the preservation committee in a lawsuit against the city. “The city of Texas city and the mayor decided to just violate…

4 min read Read Article

Nov 29, 2021

What Questions Are Asked in a Car Accident Deposition?

In a car accident deposition, the questions asked by the attorneys vary depending on the particular facts of the accident and who is being deposed. A car accident deposition is a legal proceeding in which the parties and/or witnesses give sworn testimony about their version of the accident. Depositions are an essential part of the discovery phase of a car accident case, where each side obtains information from the other. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_qCwqfeRRs Depositions are taken by attorneys for both parties and can be used as evidence for trial. The purpose of a deposition is to find out what happened during the accident and for both sides to investigate potential evidence that either helps or hurts their arguments. No matter who is being deposed, attorneys for both sides will be able to ask the witness questions. What questions do they ask a witness in a car accident deposition? Generally, the questions they ask a witness in a car accident deposition fall into three basic categories: The witness’ personal backgroundDetails about the accidentThe victim’s car accident injuries and medical treatment Personal Background Typically, a deposition will begin with questions about the witness’s personal background to identify information such as: Name Date of birthContact informationEducational historyFamily situationLiving arrangementsMedical historyEmployment historyCriminal historyPrevious lawsuits or legal claims If the witness being deposed was not involved in the accident but simply eyewitnessed it, the attorneys will still ask for some information about their personal background. However, they will usually ask fewer questions about their health and family background,…

7 min read Read Article

Nov 29, 2021

Are Personal Injury Lawyers Worth It?

In my experience, accident victims who choose to work with a personal injury lawyer obtain a more favorable settlement than victims who do not have legal representation. Although you might think you can handle your claim on your own, hiring an experienced personal injury attorney will considerably improve your chances of receiving maximum compensation for the injuries you have suffered.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDptORwY6Pk What are the benefits of hiring a personal injury lawyer? There are various financial and other  benefits to hiring a personal injury lawyer.  Here is a quick guide. Higher Settlements Statistics show that victims who hire personal injury lawyers usually receive higher settlements. Represented accident victims typically walk away with a much better settlement than they would have received without an attorney, even after paying their legal fees. Personal injury lawyers are uniquely equipped to handle these types of cases, which typically translates into more favorable settlements. Defendants also take cases more seriously when victims are represented by reputable personal injury attorneys. Experience in Dealing With Personal Injury Cases Personal injury lawyers handle these types of cases every day. This extensive experience means that personal injury attorneys have a thorough comprehension of the personal injury claim process and the legal theories involved in successfully arguing a personal injury case. Personal injury lawyers also have encountered many insurance company defense strategies and have likely devised their own methods of dealing with their deceptive tactics.  Professional Negotiation Skills Personal injury lawyers are also skilled and trained negotiators, which means they are…

5 min read Read Article

Nov 29, 2021

Can a Car Accident Cause Occipital Neuralgia?

A car accident can cause occipital neuralgia when it results in a head or neck injury. Occipital neuralgia is a medical condition where the nerves that run through your scalp, known as the occipital nerves, become injured or inflamed. This causes you to suffer headaches that feel like extreme piercing, throbbing, or shock-like pain in your upper neck, the back of your head, or behind your ears.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ydJ51sK_8Hk You can also experience pain behind your eye on the affected side of your head. Patients often describe the pain as migraine-like.  Some people report experiencing cluster headaches.  What is the average payout for a head injury? There is no “average” payout for a head injury, as settlement amounts will vary widely.  It not only depends on the seriousness of the injury and its long-term effects on your life, but it also depends on who the defendant is and their insurance coverage. The minimum auto insurance policy in Texas is $30,000.  Commercial vehicles require a lot more. Head injuries range from mild concussions to severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) resulting in cognitive impairment, memory loss, and altered behavior. Given the broad spectrum of head injuries that a car accident victim can suffer, settlements for these types of injuries can range from thousands to millions. In head injury cases, there are two categories of compensable losses, also known as “damages.” Economic damages are quantifiable losses caused by the injury, whereas non-economic damages are are more subjective and not easily quantifiable.  Some common examples…

5 min read Read Article

Nov 29, 2021

What Does an Offshore Accident Lawyer Do?

Offshore accidents are a common occurrence in the oil and gas industry. These accidents can be caused by a wide variety of factors, such as faulty equipment, human error, and natural disasters. If you've been the victim of an accident on an offshore oil rig or another offshore worksite, then immediately get in touch with an experienced lawyer who can help with these types of cases. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Z8YCG5YT3Y What Is an Offshore Accident Lawyer? An offshore accident lawyer is a type of personal injury lawyer who helps offshore injury victims get the compensation they deserve.  We sue companies for accidents that occur while working on an offshore oil rig or on the water. An experienced offshore injury lawyer can provide legal advice and representation concerning medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. What Does an Offshore Accident Lawyer Do? Offshore accident lawyers handle cases in admiralty law, which is also known as maritime law. Because offshore accidents involve a unique and highly complex set of laws that were exclusively created for the maritime industry, it’s essential that victims of offshore accidents get help from an offshore accident lawyer who has experience handling these types of cases.  Offshore accident cases are different from other types of personal injury and workers compensation claims because they require a deep understanding of the intricacies of maritime laws. Offshore accident lawyers offer legal representation to people who have been injured offshore, using their specialized knowledge of admiralty law to help people receive the compensation they…

7 min read Read Article

Nov 29, 2021

What Happens if You Fall Off an Oil Rig?

Workers falling from oil rigs usually suffer severe injuries and even death.  Since workers often work on elevated rigs, the danger of falling into the ocean or onto the rig floor is real. While dangerous falls from oil rigs can usually be avoided if oil companies take necessary safety precautions, employers often neglect these duties until someone gets hurt. When a worker is injured or killed falling from an oil rig, negligent employers need to be held responsible for their actions. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gCWBb1FMro On oil rigs, many accidents involve workers falling from heights or slipping and falling on other surfaces. For example, when working on platforms, overhead equipment and machinery can fall and strike a worker, pushing them off a platform. Other common platform hazards include missing safety harnesses, defective guardrails, poorly constructed structures, and accumulations of snow, ice, or water.  When working at ground level, workers can trip on exposed cables or slip on wet or slippery surfaces. Improper footwear, poor lighting, and debris and other tripping hazards can also cause workers to slip and fall off an oil rig.  Workers who are injured falling off an oil rig can pursue compensation for their injuries, as can the families of workers who are killed.  The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act offers workers’ compensation benefits to injured workers, but the available compensation is restricted to medical expenses and disability benefits.  To obtain compensation for other types of injuries, victims will need to file a lawsuit under General Maritime Law or…

6 min read Read Article

Nov 29, 2021

What Happens If You Get Caught Shoplifting at Target?

If you get caught shoplifting from Target, you could face criminal charges for theft. Target is known for its extensive loss prevention practices and active efforts to catch shoplifters. Some strategies that Target loss prevention officers use include video surveillance, plainclothes security officers, and uniformed staff at the exits.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u24viPG6LTk When a security guard thinks that a customer is shoplifting, the guard will stop and question the potential thief. If any stolen property is recovered, Target will often issue a “no trespassing” order against the shoplifter, banning them from returning to the store. Target loss prevention will also contact the police, who will respond to the store to conduct an arrest and initiate criminal charges.  Does Target Press Charges for Shoplifting? Yes, Target will typically pursue criminal charges against shoplifters. According to Texas law, shoplifting is a type of theft. Texas Penal Code § 31.03, which is the theft statute, states that “A person commits an offense if he unlawfully appropriates property with intent to deprive the owner of property.” In other words, an individual commits theft when they take property that belongs to someone else and doesn’t intend to return it to the owner. When a theft occurs in a retail store during regular business hours, it is commonly referred to as shoplifting.  The seriousness of the theft charges a shoplifter can face depends on the value of the merchandise taken and the shoplifter’s criminal record, with potential charges ranging from a Class C misdemeanor to a first-degree felony. …

6 min read Read Article

Jul 13, 2021

Should I Report a Minor Injury at Work?

Yes, you should always report a minor injury at work. A minor injury at work may seem like a small matter, but not reporting all of your injuries can lead to a significant regret down the road. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yHV-kBvK4JE While reporting a minor workplace injury can feel like a tedious waste of time, there could be long-term consequences for your health and finances if your injury isn't reported. A minor workplace injury might not entitle you to receive workers' comp benefits, what might initially appear to be a minor injury could get worse or develop into more serious injuries down the road. By immediately reporting all injuries to your employer, no matter how small you think they are, you can ensure that you're covered if your injury ends up being worse than you think. Is it illegal not to report an accident at work?  While generally it is not illegal for an employee to fail to report an injury at work, it is probably against your employer's policies for you to do so. Many employers require their employees to report accidents within 24 hours. If you don't, it could result in you being suspended without pay or reprimanded. In these cases, not reporting an accident or missing the deadline could lead to disciplinary action, reprimand, suspension, or even termination from your employment. You also won't be able to recover workers’ comp benefits if you don't report your injury. Even if you don't think your injury is very serious, it's essential to…

6 min read Read Article

Jul 13, 2021

Can I Sue My Employer for Denying Workers’ Comp?

If you're injured on the job and your employer does not subscribe to workers' compensation coverage, you can file a personal injury lawsuit against them. In limited circumstances, you may also be able to sue your employer even if they have workers comp insurance, but you can also appeal your employer's decision to deny your workers comp claim. Keep in mind, unlike every other state in the country, Texas does not require employers to maintain workers compensation insurance coverage. Here's a quick guide.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SjlIBTJvXTM Can an employer deny workers compensation?  Yes, and they often do. Employers can deny a workers’ compensation claim in certain situations. According to Texas workers’ compensation law, injuries or illnesses are covered if it was sustained during the course and scope of your employment, and you file an injury report within 30 days of the incident. You're not required by law to prove that your employer was at fault for your injury. But if you were in some way at fault, your employer might be able to deny your workers' comp claim. For example, your injuries will not be covered if they were incurred while you were engaging in horseplay or some sort of willful criminal act. Your claim can also be denied if you intentionally injure yourself, you were intoxicated from drugs or alcohol, or you were voluntary participating in some off-duty recreational activity. Finally, workers’ compensation also does not cover injuries caused by acts of God or a third party's criminal act if it's…

7 min read Read Article

Jul 13, 2021

How Do I Make a Claim Against a Bus Company?

If you’ve been injured in a bus accident, making a claim against a bus company can be a complicated process. In many cases, it might not even be clear who you should sue. An experienced bus accident lawyer can help you navigate the often-confusing legal system and get the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Here’s a quick guide. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0fugEAzuAs Can you sue public transportation? Yes, you can sue for injuries caused by public transportation accidents. If the driver or another employee of a public transportation system caused the accident through their negligence, you can also sue the city, county or state governmental body that manages the public transportation system. In an accident involving a city bus, you can sue the city itself for compensation for your injuries. Suing the government is much more complicated than suing a person or a private business, and you will need to hire an experienced bus accident lawyer to ensure things are done properly. Who is liable in a bus accident? In most bus accident cases, the owner and operator of the bus would be liable. However, in many cases, you’ll need the assistance of a bus accident attorney to determine the proper parties to sue in your situation. To win a bus accident lawsuit, you will need to show that the bus driver or the owner of the bus was negligent or otherwise responsible for the crash. Some examples of negligence in bus crashes might include: The bus company didn’t properly maintain the…

7 min read Read Article