Successful Zoom Trial
We just finished a complete trial in a civil domestic relations protection order entirely by Zoom, including witnesses testifying from remote locations and digital presentation of exhibits.
We just finished a complete trial in a civil domestic relations protection order entirely by Zoom, including witnesses testifying from remote locations and digital presentation of exhibits.
There were some minor bumps in the Zoom/trial road, but it all went relatively well. Even live trials had (and will always have) proverbial bumps in the road when it comes to lining up witnesses and getting exhibits presented to the trier of fact.
In some ways, Zoom has made this easier. Witnesses are more likely to cooperate if they don’t have to travel to the courthouse and wait outside for their turn – thus their whole day is not ruined.
Lawyers can label and exchange exhibits faster. We think many parts of Zoom trial technology is here to stay.
Avoid Arrest this Memorial Day
The kick-off to summer officially begins on May 31 and whether it’s a backyard bbq, pool party or vacation, make sure you drive smart.
The kick-off to summer officially begins on May 31 and whether it’s a backyard bbq, pool party or vacation, make sure you drive smart.
No longer is it just avoiding drugs and alcohol behind the wheel, the Ohio State Highway Patrol continues to also crack down on distracted drivers.
Put into effect over a year ago, now officers are constantly on high alert for any reason to pull you over, including texting and driving.
“In four years, nearly 30 crashes along this portion of I-680 were caused by distracted drivers, according to the Ohio Department of Transportation,” as reported in Mahoning Matters.
Don’t spend the beginning of summer behind bars. If you do find yourself under arrest, we are available 24/7 even on holidays and will fight to make sure you receive the best possible outcome.
Is Your Business Protected?
What a long year it has been for every business owner.
What a long year it has been for every business owner.
No matter what your business, if you have even one employee it is important to make sure your business is safe from unfounded lawsuits.
We have the expertise of representing both sides, and are poised to make sure your business stays protected from frivolous suits by greedy parties.
Whether it’s contract, real estate or employee disputes, we have the knowledge and experience to fight for you and your business.
Don’t wait until a lawsuit arrives, establish all of the necessary protections the law provides to make sure you are safe from unwarranted attacks and contact us today.
Work Injury Season is Here
Summer is coming and so is the season for personal injuries.
Summer is coming and so is the season for personal injuries.
With construction at its peak season along with roofing and landscaping projects on the rise, the risks of injuries significantly increase from now until September.
According to the United Stated Department of Labor, 20% of workplace fatalities are in the construction industry.
Whether it is your teen’s first seasonal job or you are a long-time worker, it is vital and life-saving to know the laws put in place to protect you.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration ensures every worker’s safety while making sure that all safety protocols are met.
The most frequently cited standard by OSHA was failure to have proper fall protection in the construction field.
If you believe your working conditions are unsafe, contact us immediately.
Fighting to Keep Injured Client's Money
This health insurance company is trying to reach into the settlement proceeds of a serious personal injury case to take what the health insurance company believes they are due – even though an Ohio statute forbids this type of conduct.
We just had to file a lawsuit last week against a health insurance company on behalf of our personal injury client.
This health insurance company is trying to reach into the settlement proceeds of a serious personal injury case to take what the health insurance company believes they are due – even though an Ohio statute forbids this type of conduct.
That health insurance company takes the position that they do not have to follow that statute.
We had offered them an appropriate amount to resolve their claim, but they rebuffed that offer.
A multi-million dollar company that feels it needs $10,000 of a woman who was run over by a car. A woman who had to stay in the hospital and nursing home for weeks after the accident, and who now has permanent injuries.
Looking forward to their explanation to the Judge.
Ready for a Spring Divorce?
We have said goodbye to winter and if you are also ready to say goodbye to your marriage, we can help.
We have said goodbye to winter and if you are also ready to say goodbye to your marriage, we can help.
It’s been a long year being stuck at home and if you have grown tired and can’t take another minute, let us start working to ensure your assets are protected.
With many still working at home, the division of properties and custody battles have become heightened and it’s important you secure experienced legal counsel before filing.
We understand how difficult and intense divorces can be and that is why our office is open 24/7 to assist you any day, any time.
State Troopers Go Beyond Speeding Tickets with DeWine Initiative
Now the Ohio State Highway Patrol is taking big steps to remove illegal drugs and firearms from the roads.
It’s not just drinking and driving that should give you pause before getting behind the wheel of a car.
Now the Ohio State Highway Patrol is taking big steps to remove illegal drugs and firearms from the roads.
“The OSHP is an important partner in Ohio’s work to prevent violent crime and to hold drug traffickers accountable as part of my administration’s RecoveryOhio initiative,” Gov. Mike DeWine stated.
Not just looking to give out speeding tickets, troopers are now identifying areas during the traffic stop that may indicate criminal activity.
“In 2020, the OSHP investigated a wide range of felony offenses that led to 6,133 felony arrests,” as reported by The Times Leader.
Whether you are going on a road trip across the country or on a short spring break getaway, it is vital to follow all laws behind the wheel so you avoid being put behind bars.
If you or your spring break teen find yourself facing charges, contact us immediately.
Are Your Rights Protected?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the highest fatalities were in the private transportation and the warehousing industry.
Construction season is coming and we are here to make sure your worker’s rights are protected.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the highest fatalities were in the private transportation and the warehousing industry, with fatal work injuries totaling 158.
With OSHA Worker Rights and Protections in place to protect every Ohioan, it is vital your safety remains a top priority.
So whether you are on the roads or in a warehouse we advise everyone, no matter what your job, to know your rights and ensure they are upheld.
And if you are concerned you or other employees are at risk, contact us immediately.
Guns and Drug Arrests Increasing on Ohio Highways
The Ohio State Highway Patrol is making major moves with a 30% increase in the confiscation of illegal weapons and more than twice the amount of marijuana.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol is making major moves with a 30% increase in incidents involving illegal weapons and more than double the amount of marijuana as compared to last year.
Whether you are traveling a short distance or far, state troopers are on high alert and looking for not only speeding but distracted driving, improper safety restraints and possession of illegal weapons and drugs.
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, troopers have detected illegal guns and drugs with 1,743 firearms, 6,162 pounds of marijuana and 225 pounds of methamphetamine being confiscated.
Channel 19 reported, “Ohio’s transportation network makes our state a gateway to other parts of the country, and unfortunately, traffickers use our highways as they transport deadly drugs and other contraband,” said Governor Mike DeWine. “Every time our troopers confiscate illegal guns or narcotics during a traffic stop, it has a direct impact on the safety of our communities and our families.”
If you find yourself facing charges, our office never closes and we will fight to make sure your rights are protected and ensure it was a legal traffic stop.
Is Your Teen Prepared for Spring Break?
According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, “the rate of current alcohol consumption increases with increasing age from nearly 2% among 12-13 year olds to nearly 19% at ages 16-17, and almost 36% among 18-20 year olds.”
Whether they are traveling or staying home with friends, make sure your students celebrate safely.
They have been trapped learning virtually for longer than you care to remember, and now that they are able to get a break, it’s important to educate them on how to enjoy it responsibly.
Whether they are 21 or underage, stressing the dangers of drinking and driving is vital to protect their future.
If house parties are where they will be spending their time, serving and possessing to minors carries major consequences and should be avoided at all costs.
According to the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health 7.05 million Americans between the ages of 12 and 20 report current alcohol consumption, and “the rate of current alcohol consumption increases with increasing age from nearly 2% among 12-13 year olds to nearly 19% at ages 16-17, and almost 36% among 18-20 year olds.”
No matter where they spring break this year, make sure your of-age and underage students are well aware of the dangers of drinking and if they find themselves under arrest, contact us immediately.
Celebrate St. Patrick's Day Safely
The downtown Cleveland parade may be cancelled but that doesn’t mean police won’t be out in full force.
The downtown Cleveland parade may be cancelled but that doesn’t mean police won’t be out in full force.
With curfews extending later and more bars opening, the potential for underage drinking and DUI arrests is strong.
Whether you are hosting friends at your house or going out to celebrate the day of the Irish, it’s vital to avoid serving any underage teens (and inform your own teens of the consequences of drinking if they are not 21), and also avoid driving at all costs.
Too often we have seen jobs and even marriages end over DUI arrests so stay safe this season and drive sober.
If you do find yourself facing DUI charges, contact us immediately as our office is open 24/7.
Not Feeling the Love this Valentine's Day?
Not every marriage will last forever and if roses and chocolates are the last thing on your mind, we can help.
Not every marriage will last forever and if roses and chocolates are the last thing on your mind, we can help.
Whether you have been married for 20 years or two, it is vital to retain a qualified attorney to protect you and your best interests every step of the way.
With decades of experience helping mothers, fathers and in custody battles, we are ready to guide you throughout the entire process to make sure you get the best possible outcome.
Don’t let another miserable holiday go by and contact our office today.
New Year Brings 10 Deaths in 3 nights
From December 31- January 3, Ohio State Highway Patrol officers made 3,979 traffic enforcement contacts; including 303 OVI arrests, 115 distracted driving and 478 safety belt citations.
2021 rang in a new year but also fatalities that were the result of driving while intoxicated and also from not wearing seat belts.
We have represented countless clients arrested for drunk driving and continue to see an increase in fines for not wearing a secure safety belt.
We can’t stress enough the importance of avoiding driving under the influence and wearing a seat belt (and proper seat for children).
Putting the phone down is also vital as five deaths were pedestrians.
From December 31- January 3, Ohio State Highway Patrol officers made 3,979 traffic enforcement contacts; including 303 OVI arrests, 115 distracted driving and 478 safety belt citations.
If you find yourself facing charges it is vital you contact us immediately. We are here 24/7 and ready to help.
Enter 2021 in a Safer Workplace
5,333 workers died on the job according to The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, more than 100 a week or about 15 deaths every day.
This is the time for resolutions and if yours includes a new career, make sure your safety is a priority.
The United States Department of Labor found the most frequently cited standards were all involving unsafe conditions including fall protection, scaffolding, machinery and face protection.
5,333 workers died on the job in 2019 according to The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, more than 100 a week or about 15 deaths every day.
“About 20% (1,061) of worker fatalities in private industry in calendar year 2019 were in construction – accounting for one in five worker deaths for the year.”
No matter what industry you are looking to gain employment, it is important to ensure your rights are protected.
If you believe your current work environment is unsafe or not properly following safety protocols, contact us today.
Major Flaws in Auto Insurance Policies
This rather horrible situation could have easily been avoided if our client had sufficient “un-insurance” and “under-insurance” coverage.
We just again had another very serious automobile accident case come through our office where the insurance coverage of the at-fault party was seriously lower than the value of the injury claim.
Our client had over $125,000 in medical and rehabilitation bills in just the first few weeks after the accident, and the at-fault party has only $100,000 in coverage.
This rather horrible situation could have easily been avoided if our client had sufficient “un-insurance” and “under-insurance” coverage.
Getting a sufficient amount of this type of coverage is not very expensive. Ask your insurance broker about it.
Our suggestion is that you have at least $500,000 of this type of coverage. You never know if the other driver has any or sufficient insurance to cover your injury and losses.
See our blog post here to learn more about this type of important coverage.
Are All of Your Drivers Insured?
Make sure everyone in your household is covered by your policy and listed as drivers.
Make sure all of the folks in your household who use your cars covered by the policy are listed drivers on the policy.
We are litigating a case against an insurance company who refuses to provide coverage to our client because the client let his daughter use his car about once per month when the weather was bad (had had an SUV).
The insurance company claims that the SUV was made available to the daughter too often, and since she was not actually listed on the policy, the insurance company will not pay the claim.
We of course disagree with them (which is why we sued them), but it would have never been an issue if the daughter was simply listed on the policy. It would not have affected the premium.
If you need help fighting an insurance claim, contact us today.
New Yew, New Divorce?
2020 has brought more than enough stress and if you and your spouse are at a point of no return, we can help.
2020 has brought more than enough stress and if you and your spouse are at a point of no return, we can help.
January is known to be the month most divorces get filed and it’s important to have an experienced attorney helping you every step of the way.
Whether you have been married two years or twenty, without knowledgable legal counsel you could lose much of what you are entitled to.
With jointly owned property, vehicles, vacation homes and even retirement plans, it is vital to have our help to protect you and your best interests.
And with extensive experience in custody cases, we have represented the interests of both mothers and fathers in custody issues and are ready to fight for you.
Citations for Safety Belt Violations Are Increasing
3,504 people in Ohio were cited with failing to wear an available safety belt. Additionally, 36 people were cited for child safety seat violations.
State Trooper Project reveals 3,504 people in Ohio were cited with failing to wear an available safety belt. Additionally, 36 people were cited for child safety seat violations.
In an effort to ensure all safety precautions are being taken, the Ohio State Highway Patrol joined forces with five other states to focus on distracted driving enforcement.
While you may avoid texting and driving, as well as drinking and driving, it is also important to note you can be pulled over if you or your passengers are not wearing your safety harness.
Children should also be properly restrained in their age-appropriate car seats and the Rocky River Police Department will even install child seats at no cost.
Whatever charges you find yourself facing, we have the expertise to ensure your rights are met and are available 24/7.
Avoid New Year's Eve DUI
Drunk driving claims about three times more lives on America’s roads than distracted driving.
Well we can only hope the year 2021 brings better things than 2020 but the one thing we don’t want is to get arrested.
Whether you are going to a party or even just a pub down the street, it is vital to remember even now police will be out in full force.
Drunk driving claims about three times more lives on America’s roads than distracted driving.
Don’t allow your young drivers or anyone in your home to drink under the influence, and with college kids returning it’s even more important to stress the impact a DUI can have on their future before going out.
If you do find yourself under arrest, our office never closes, not even on holidays so contact us immediately.
New Distracted Driving Bill Passes
Texting and driving just became a bigger offense in Ohio.
Texting and driving just became a bigger offense in Ohio.
On October 29, 2018, Ohio passed House Bill 95, a law that broadened what is considered distracted driving, and also increased the fine for drivers.
Distracted driving-related crashes account for approximately 18 percent of overall Ohio crash fatalities and 16 percent of Ohio serious injuries.
In an effort to crack down on the increasing number of distracted driving accidents, “The Ohio State Highway Patrol joined forces with other members of the 6-State Trooper Project to focus on distracted driving enforcement.”