Firm News & Legal Updates

How to Avoid Pedestrian Accidents

Published on: September 28, 2019 | By Hart David Carson LLP

Pedestrian fatalities from accidents have been steadily increasing since 2009, which means the roads have become far more dangerous for those traveling on foot. In order to reverse the trend and get pedestrian accidents to start decreasing, caution and alertness are needed from everyone involved.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

To understand how to reduce your chances of being involved in a pedestrian accident, it’s important to know what causes these types of accidents in the first place. These accidents frequently result from the following contributing factors:

Should My Business Create a Captive Insurance Company?

Published on: September 25, 2019 | By Hart David Carson LLP

Insurance can be expensive, and when you need to file a claim, you might find your business at the mercy of your insurance provider. The issues your business might have with insurance could be mitigated by creating a captive insurance company.

What Is Captive Insurance?

Captive insurance is a subsidiary company completely owned by your business and that provides risk mitigation services. In other words, your business creates and owns the company, and that company provides insurance coverage more or less on your terms.

Can Workers’ Compensation Run Concurrently with FMLA?

Published on: September 24, 2019 | By Hart David Carson LLP

If you’ve been injured on the job, your employer may try to force you to take time off work. In some cases, they might be in their rights to require you to use time off, but not if it would cost you workers’ compensation benefits.

In some cases, both time off under the Family Medical Leave Act and payments from workers’ compensation may run concurrently.

Rules of the FMLA

Slips and Falls While at Work

Published on: April 16, 2019 | By Hart David Carson LLP

Slip and fall injuries are fairly common, and many personal injury cases involve these types of incidents. However, if they happen on the job, they will be treated quite a bit differently than they would under normal circumstances. When you slip and fall at work, your claim goes through workers’ compensation rather than personal injury law.

Various workplace scenarios may lead to a slip and fall injury, including spills, obstacles in high traffic areas, ice and water accumulation, and so forth. Given the risk, it’s important to know how to handle these claims.

Work Injuries and Fault

6 Reasons to Start Your Taxes Now

Published on: April 4, 2019 | By Hart David Carson LLP

Most people don’t start thinking about their taxes until April. Many businesses have to deal with them year-round, but even then, their tax burden may not get as much attention as it probably needs. With the start of the new year, now is the time to start preparing your taxes. There are several reasons to do this, six of which we’ll discuss here.

1. Get Refunds Sooner

One of the most attractive benefits of filing taxes promptly is that you get your refund sooner. If you overpaid over the course of the last year, you’ll be due a refund, and that extra cash can be very helpful if business has slowed down after the holiday season. If you make estimated payments throughout the year, that extra windfall can be put toward this year’s taxes, diminishing your overall financial burden.

Corporate Governance and Technology

Published on: March 23, 2019 | By Hart David Carson LLP

Corporate governance demands high levels of efficiency and transparency, and the implementation of new technologies has aided in that endeavor. There are many ways in which technology can aid in these matters, but it may also present some risks as well.

Higher Transparency and Accuracy

When used well, technology allows for more consistent transparency and accuracy of data. Databases with dedicated portals help company leaders access information without rifling through physical filing cabinets, and databases can be configured to limit access to only those with the right amount of clearance.

Injuries and Risks of Night Shift Work

Published on: March 11, 2019 | By Hart David Carson LLP

Working at night comes with a host of risks ranging from health problems to an increased potential for injury. Studies have shown that those who work at night are at a much higher risk of work-related accidents, meaning workers’ compensation is often necessary.

Physical Injuries

By nature, human beings are physiologically designed to be awake during the day and asleep at night. When this pattern is disrupted, it diminishes the quantity and quality of sleep that workers can achieve. This leads to higher levels of fatigue, lower cognitive functioning, and a subsequently increased risk of workplace accidents. Night shift workers tend to be less aware of potential risks and may not take countermeasures to prevent accidents, making injury more likely.

Is a Home Inspection Necessary?

Published on: February 27, 2019 | By Hart David Carson LLP

Real estate transactions involve many details and moving parts, including house purchase agreements. Whether you’re buying or selling, you’ll have to keep those details in mind, including the overall condition of the building. For this reason, a home inspection will typically be needed.

Given the fees and costs associated with the process, many people may wonder whether a home inspection is actually necessary. The short answer is that it is, but it can get a little more involved than that.

Strict Requirements

Birth Injuries – Should I Sue?

Published on: February 15, 2019 | By Hart David Carson LLP

With all the anticipation that precedes a child’s birth, it can be heartbreaking to know they’ve started life with a debilitating injury. A birth injury is a very serious matter, regardless of how severe it is, and coping with it can be very difficult for all involved.

With all the pain and stress, filing a lawsuit may be the last item on a parent’s mind, but it can actually help ease the process in certain circumstances. It’s worthwhile to know when filing a birth injury lawsuit is appropriate.

Birth Injury Vs. Birth Defect

Asset Protection Strategies for 2019

Published on: February 3, 2019 | By Hart David Carson LLP

A new year means new financial changes for many of us, and there may be challenges that come. In order to make sure your wealth is kept as secure as possible in 2019, you’ll want to implement a variety of tried and tested strategies. These will help safeguard your assets while maintaining profitability over the course of the next year.

Set a Goal

One of the first things to do in the new year to safeguard and expand your assets is to create an investment policy statement. This statement simply outlines what your investment goals are for 2019 and what methods you’ll use to achieve them. If you’re not sure where to start, consider talking to an asset protection attorney to determine where your investment portfolio’s weak points are and what you might do to improve your situation.