Explore our legal content, spanning diverse legal topics, court decisions, legislative changes, and expert analysis, as we bring you the pulse of the legal world in a succinct and informative format.
Heavy Equipment Operator – Workers Compensation – $380,000 Lump Sum Settlement
Facts/Liability: On October 17, 1995, 49 female heavy equipment worker operating paving roller on job site when almost hit by dump truck. Client suffered “whiplash” type injuries trying to avoid a collision, but no impact of vehicles. Carrier initially accepted workers comp claim and paid client $750.00 weekly comp. Multiple treating doctors said non-surgically correctable damage (aggravation of pre-existing arthritis) to cervical spine. Multiple IME’s said no injury. Eleven (11) DOL/CAB decisions kept the claimant on full disability benefits from...Read More
Flaking Paint Raises Two Year Old’s Blood Level
Parents rented home in Northfield, NH in 2008 for family that included a 2-year old child. Landlord failed to give family the required lead paint disclosure forms or pamphlet. Landlord knew home was older home with peeling and flaking paint but told family that they could repaint if they wished. The following year, at child’s 3-year “well baby visit”, a blood lead level of 20 mg/dl was discovered and NH DHHS, Childhood Lead Paint Poisoning Division investigated the home and...Read More
Lead Paint Presentation – November 9, 2017
How it Affects Contractors, Investment Properties & Families November 9, 2017.
IRS Announces 2018 Tax Brackets – Standard Deduction Amounts
The Internal Revenue Service has announced the annual inflation adjustments for a number of tax-related provisions for 2018, including, of course, the latest tax rate schedules and tax tables. These are the numbers for the tax year 2018 beginning Jan. 1, 2018 (assuming that there are no big changes as the result of tax reform). They are not the numbers and tables that you’ll use to prepare your 2017 tax returns in 2018 (you’ll find them here). You’ll use these...Read More
American Airlines Bankruptcy
American Airlines filed for Chapter 11 reorganization. That allows them to cancel existing contracts and renegotiate for better terms in the hopes that they can turn a profit and get out from under their debt. It can be a very effective business tool. Individuals can also do this, but it is called Chapter 13. Chapter 13 allows people to cancel leases or loans, certain home mortgages, credit card and other debt in the hopes that they can get out from...Read More
When the Negligent Party is Immune from Liability
What happens in New Hampshire if one of the people at fault for someone’s injuries is “immune” from liability? An “immune” person or business is one that cannot, by law, be sued for negligence under certain circumstances. The New Hampshire Supreme Court just recently addressed this question in the case of Alfred Ocasio v. Federal Express Corporation in which the plaintiff sued Fed Ex when his leg was crushed by a rolling air can when it was trapped between a...Read More
Merck Penalized for Vioxx
The pharmaceutical company Merck announced today that it would pay approximately $950 million in civil damages and criminal fines to resolve a longstanding problem with its medication called “Vioxx.” The drug was already taken off the market for safety reasons, but Merck has been accused of making false statements about the drugs cardiovascular safety and promoted the drug for unapproved uses. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, more people die every year in the United States from...Read More
Sandra Griffin Killed by Alzheizmer Brother Jeffrey Cook
The tragic death of Sandra Griffin allegedly by her brother Jeffrey Cook, who was suffering from Alzheimer, underscores how difficult it is for family, as well as medical professionals, to deal with this disease. While this sudden tragedy may not have been preventable, Alzheimer is an unpredictable disease which can take control of its victims. With an aging baby boomer population Alzheimer and other dementia will most likely become more prevalent. All the more reason for families to plan ahead...Read More
Collaborative Law and Mediation
One of the latest trends in family law is Collaborative Law. It is an alternative to litigation.The idea of Collaborative law is not new but it has yet to grow in popularity. Collaborative Law allows the parties to keep control of the outcome. The parties hire attorneys committed to a process of including the parties and use group meetings in all negotiations and discussions. The goal is to resolve the matter without going to court. To keep things fair, the Collaborative...Read More
Dale Collinge of Pembroke, NH Charged in Shooting
Allegations of domestic violence are treated very seriously in NH. The case against Dale Collings in the shooting of a female friend in Pembroke NH as reported in the Concord Monitor today is but one example. While NH Family and Superior judges can and will issue domestic violence (DVP) restraining orders if a credible threat of violence is made, our NH Supreme Court has recently held that the threat to be “credible” it must be immediate and serious. Having a...Read More