1. Document everything in writing – this is the biggest tip he repeats in most scenarios. We get a call about a contractor who promised all these wonderful things, it was done on a handshake agreement and the contractor did not deliver.  What was in writing?  Were all the material terms in writing, including the scope of the work, deadlines, payments, etc.?  Or if there is an issue with your job – we often advise the person to text or email the issue rather than discussing it.  In most interactions, a paper trail is preferable so there is no dispute later about a verbal conversation. Sending something certified mail, signature confirmation requested with the little green card is the VERY BEST option in most situations.  Receiving a signature confirmation request signifies a more serious situation so the recipient is more likely to pay attention.
2. Understand what you are signing – preferably before you sign a document.  Entities providing inherently dangerous activities such as bungee jumping or playing at a trampoline park require signature for entry.  By all means, feel free to sign if you want to participate but understand you are taking on risk and have less recourse if something goes wrong.  This is more about when dealing with professionals (even attorneys), buying a car, renting a car, getting a loan, etc.  Do not let the person asking you to sign something rush you through to the signature line.  Often, salesmen paraphrase and gloss over things that you may later find are not good for your side of the agreement.  It is better to take your time and actually read the full document and ask questions along the way.   Another example is a lease for an apartment – people ask if (whatever the issue) is acceptable.  We point them back to the document – what does it say?  If it is silent, then it is construed against the drafter but the written agreement is always the first place to start to find out what you agreed to and what are your rights.
3. Obtain copies/pictures of key items – this applies to any interaction that could later lead to a dispute.  A person should not think “boy, I wish I would have taken a photograph or obtained a copy of ____”.  This applies to most interactions.  For instance, a contract for services/goods – get it in writing or snap a quick photo on your phone.  Are all the material terms incorporated? Get a picture/copy of the item as soon as you sign so you can go back and reference it if there are any problems. For those in a motor vehicle crash, get pictures of everything, including the vehicles, insurance cards, IDs.  It may even be a good idea to start a video recording and document everything.
4. Advocate for yourself – The best time to advocate for yourself is at the time.  Using medical professionals as an example, we equip our clients with a gameplan on how to handle an upcoming medical appointment.  We reinforce that things need to be discussed and documented in writing (complaints, pain, etc.) but also to ask the doctor what are the options, especially when dealing with lifelong injuries.  We want to ensure that the person is fighting for him or herself to get the optimal outcome.  Using other professionals as an example, if another lawyer or accountant is not responding or leaving you with more questions that answers, we always recommend calling to make an in-person appointment.  Often, a quick meeting will help clear up confusion.

We wrote about a wonderful new law that unions and patient advocates pushed for in our May 2024 Newsletter.  The law increased minimum staffing and wage requirements meant to keep employees and the elderly and vulnerable safe.  Our firm was hopeful the legislation would eliminate some of the workers’ compensation claims for injured employees at these facilities who are required to do too much (such as lifting a heavy patient alone), while ensuring safety for residents.Unfortunately, the law was revoked.  Industry executives launched a campaign to lobby the government directly with appeals and generous campaign donations.  Within a few months, the industry was granted a full revocation of the law.  Unlike in the classic story, all too often in our world Goliath (i.e. large companies and insurers) bests David (i.e. individual workers and citizens).  While this sort of outcome is not the first of its kind, we continue to fight and advocate for the “Davids” of the world to ensure workers and victims continue to get justice in the Courts.

From time to time, clients call and ask which type of cases we handle.  Our practice is built on referrals from satisfied clients.  We know that if we work hard and do a good job for our clients, they will tell their friends about us.  The best compliment from a former client is that client entrusting us with the potential case of their friend or family.  Our office specializes in the following cases:

1. Personal Injury (auto collisions, trucking, motorcycle, premise liability, dog bites, daycare)
2. Work Injuries
3. Traffic tickets and DUI/DWI

If you know someone that meets these criteria, please have them call our office.  If someone does not quite fit the above criteria, please still have the prospective referral give us a call as we can usually help the person find the right attorney via a referral.