Long-Term Care Planning and Insurance - The Impact on Baby Boomers

According to the Council of Life Insurers Research findings, between 1946 and 1964, about 76 million children -the baby boom generation-were born in the United States. The baby boomers grew up during one of the longest periods of sustained economic growth in U.S. history and have enjoyed a considerably higher standard of living than any previous generation. The boomers represent a disproportionately large segment of the population (roughly 28 percent) and will soon swell the ranks of the elderly as they reach retirement.

By 2030, when the youngest boomers reach retirement age, the elderly population will be nearly double what it is today. By 2050, when the youngest surviving boomers turn 85, the population of the very old (those 85 and over) will have grown by more than 300 percent.

Baby boomers who do not plan for long-term care will face poor choices. While long-term care insurance is becoming more popular, the majority of boomers who can afford to purchase a policy have not yet done so. According to a survey from America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP), 30 percent of Baby Boomers think they have long-term care coverage.

The oldest boomers will turn 65 this year, 2010 and the youngest by 2030. By 2050, the youngest surviving boomers will be 85, roughly the age at which long-term care is most needed. The advances in medical care and greater prosperity today is resulting in increased life expectancy among the elderly. The increase in life expectancy increases the need for long-term care in our society. The problem with increased longevity is the fact that it is increasing at a faster rate than the improvement in the quality of health. This will result in seniors living longer in the future, but may also need long-term care for a longer period of time.

The baby boomers bring mass quantities of people into this pool of seniors who will need care in the future. If the Baby Boomers do not do the planning now, what will happen? Do you think the government will be in a better place financially to handle this growth? The drain on the government will be staggering. Today, Medicaid pays approximately 43% of costs for seniors in nursing home facilities. How will the government be able to keep up? Fewer workers will be in the workforce contributing (your tax dollars) and more will be taking out of the system through Medicare and Medicaid.

Informal home-based care is less viable for baby boomers than it was for their parents. Several changes in how we live today limit the ways we can provide informal care to our families. Some of the demographic changes that are likely to lead to fewer options for informal home care include:

o Declining family size

o Increase in job-related mobility

o Greater work force participation

o Increase in divorce rates

o An increase in people choosing to remain single

Long-Term care planning is a key component to effective retirement planning. It can greatly ease the financial burden of disability in old age. Baby boomers need to realize the possibility of needing some type of care in the future and plan ahead for this possibility as well as recognizing that long-term care insurance is more affordable if purchased earlier than later. Be realistic when planning for your retirement. Don't be in denial that "this won't happen to me." Don't underestimate your life expectancy. Don't assume the government or your family will take care of you.'

In conclusion and as a "baby boomer" myself, this topic deserves a close and serious look. It is good to learn what your options are so that if an unexpected illness comes along (that could wipe out your retirement), you will be prepared with a good plan that enables you to have good choices in regards to your long-term care and not put a burden on your family.

For an unbiased opinion, seek the counsel of an independent long-term care specialist.

DUI Car Accidents in Pennsylvania and Punitive Damages For DUI Accidents

DUI accidents are unfortunately common. People who chose to get behind the wheel of a car when under the influence can turn a car into a deadly weapon. Oftentimes, the accidents are quite severe and the injuries even worse. Many times, the types of losses are staggering. From medical expenses and property damage, to lost wages and pain and suffering, oftentimes the minimal liability policies are not enough. Punitive damages are a potential, additional avenue of recovery for victims of DUI car accidents. They can be particularly useful at settlement.

Under Pennsylvania law, these special damages are designed to punish people for intentional, willful, wanton or reckless conduct. The standard under Pennsylvania Law for awarding punitive damages is also well established. Recently, the Pennsylvania Superior Court reiterated the standard as follows:

Assessment of such damages are proper when a person's actions are of such an outrageous nature as to demonstrate intentional, willful, wanton or reckless conduct, and are awarded to punish that person for such conduct. In other words, punitive damages are awarded only for outrageous conduct, that is, for acts done with a bad motive or with a reckless indifference to the interests of others.
Vance v. 46 And 2, Inc., 920 A.2d 202 (Pa Super. 2007).

In these kinds of cases, many times, defendants attempt to dismiss these special damages claims by way of preliminary motions. They may file preliminary objections arguing that there are no grounds to allow a claim for punitive damages. However, many Pennsylvania courts have upheld punitive damages claims in motor vehicle cases involving a defendant who was driving under the influence. The reasoning is that getting in the driver's seat when impaired is reckless conduct that shows a blatant disregard for others on the road. Reckless and outrageous conduct is sufficient to give rise to an award of punitive damages. A defendant's conduct is particularly outrageous especially with second or third time DUI offenders.

Julia Lee has represented victims of DUI car accidents. For more information, go to http://www.thepanjinjurylawyers.com/practice_areas/new-jersey-car-accident-attorney-pennsylvania-truck-wreck-lawyer.cfm

The Possessor - Dominator

He brings you candy and flowers and wants to spend all of his time with you. You find him flattering when he becomes upset when you go out with friends and family without him. He wants constant reassuring that your devotion is to him and nobody else. He begins to monitor your phone calls, emails, and spies on you when you are out with friends. He begins to express anger when you divert your attention to someone other than him. He starts to set rules and act in ways that limit your contact with others.

The possessor/dominator personality is similar to the charmer/attacker in that each demonstrates the ability to love and respect in the initial stages of the relationship. In fact, each makes a concerted effort to find out all about the values and opinions of the other person and demonstrates very romantic acts of love in the initial stage of the relationship. Where they differ is the level of intensity that is put into a relationship. The possessor/dominator wants their significant other to be their quick fix or addictive substance. This is not to say that the charmer/attacker does not show this quality; however, this usually does not surface until he is on the verge of losing the relationship. The possessor/dominator also shows less confidence and tends to blend in or isolate from others.

The possessor/dominator came from a similar childhood environment as the charmer/attacker. He was not validated as a child and suffered emotional, physical, and/or sexual abuse. He, like the charmer/attacker, may have turned to illicit drugs and alcohol to manage his extreme feelings of hurt, sadness, and emptiness. He found solace in his fantasies of what a relationship should be. He identified with moral relative themes of love and romance through books and movies. His insecurities and low self-esteem contributed to his tendency to hold on tightly to anyone that validated his thoughts, feelings and behavior. This person usually identifies with persons and age groups that make him feel accepted and appreciated. He will experience strong feelings for a person that shows him attention and makes him feel secure and safe.

The possessor/dominator sees people as possessions and security. He does not want to spend time away from a person that he finds comforting and reassuring. He freely demonstrates acts of love, but shows little to no respect for his relationship partner. He only wants to hear opinions and values that match his agenda for having total dominance of the person's time and affection. The possessor/dominator will attempt to manipulate and dominate by providing gifts and intense affection. He will expect that the intensity is reciprocated and begin to place restrictions on the partner's behavior and activities in attempts to force their reciprocation. When his relationship partner apposes him, he may become verbally, physically, and even sexually assaultive. He will make attempts to regain the affection of his relationship partner but will continue to revert to forceful tactics to control and dominate his partner. His acts can become more violent as he loses control of the relationship.

For the possessor/dominator to move to a healthier state, he must develop his ability to respect the thoughts, feelings, and unique qualities of his relationship partner. He will need to let go of his strong hold on his partner's activities and behavior. In order to be able to do this, he must begin to address his own insecurities and fears. For the possessor/dominator, he finds little to no comfort in social situations. He lacks many of the social interaction skills that are developed in the early developmental stages of life. This keeps him very self-centered and egocentric. He needs to be able to look rationally at his own life and ways he was hurt through his childhood. By developing an understanding on how he was dominated and hurt, he can begin to see objectively how he has carried on similar patterns of behavior. By using the criteria of love, respect, and honesty to his past and present behaviors, he can start to evaluate and recognize the hurt he and others have caused.

The possessor/dominator should refrain from intimacy until he develops an understanding of his behavior and engages in behavior and activities to increase his self-worth. The biggest misconception that he possesses in his belief that others will bring about an increase in his esteem. As mentioned throughout this book, a person becomes more irrational as he expects others to show acts of love and respect prior to reciprocating. This places conditions from the start on the relationship. This also reinforces the insecurities and fears of the person as he waits for love and respect to come knocking at their door. The possessor/dominator needs to demonstrate acts of love and respect without having the expectation of reciprocation. He also needs to perform these positive virtues without attempts to develop an intimate relationship. He also needs to understand what events, behaviors, and messages trigger his need to possess and dominate. He must allow others to have choices in how they want to live their life without taking this as a personal assault on him. He will need to develop the social skills of cooperation, active listening, validation, and acceptance.

If the possessor/dominator is attracted to young children, he must enact safeguards to prevent any form of sexual activity. This may mean that he will never go alone to any activity or event that involves children. He may need to ensure that a trusted adult accompany him to places in a community. Most of all, he must be honest about his attraction to children. Many pedophiles continue to spend a majority of their time with children and engage in children activities. They give into their urges and fantasies about children and justify their sexual activity as acts of love. Since their actions of dominance and manipulation result in sexual acts that do not involve physical threats or force, pedophiles justify their acts as love. As mentioned, there are scholars that endorse pedophilia as positive and beneficial to children.

The possessor/dominator must develop his ability to be honest with himself. If he contends to not performing a wrongful act, why does he keep his actions secret? If he knows that there are laws against his actions, he must begin to demonstrate respect for societal laws for social conduct. He, like the charmer/attacker must start to evaluate the consequences of his behavior. If self-preservation stops him from hurting others, he will at least have a starting point to making changes to a healthier state.

Understanding the North Carolina Lemon Law, a Lemon Law Attorney's Perspective

The North Carolina Lemon Law applies to new cars that suffer a nonconformity; a defect or condition, which substantially impairs the use or value of the vehicle; that cannot be repaired after four (4) attempts by an authorized manufacturer's dealership. This nonconformity must first occur within the first 24 months or 24,000 miles, whichever comes first. However, you may still file a claim after the vehicle reaches 24,000 miles as long as you are within the applicable statute of limitations. The North Carolina Lemon Law also applies to new vehicles that are in the shop for repair twenty (20) or more cumulative business days during any 12-month period of the manufacturer's warranty.

The NC Lemon Law only applies to vehicles that were purchased or leased new in the State of North Carolina. However, if you have a used vehicle that is giving you problems that can't be repaired under a manufacturer's warranty after a reasonable number of attempts, there are other laws that may apply.

If you meet the criteria for the NC Lemon Law, the law says that the manufacturer must accept return of the vehicle and give you a new one, or give you your money back (less an amount based on the mileage of the vehicle at a certain point in time.) The Lemon Law also provides that the manufacturer must pay your attorney's fees if you prevail, and the manufacturer has failed or refused to comply with the Lemon Law.

In the last several years, our office has noticed a trend that has emerged in the way that automobile manufacturers and their authorized dealerships deal with "customers" with problem vehicles. Remember, the dealerships are the auto manufacturer's "front line" of defense in Lemon Law Claims. The dealership personnel are trained and educated on the requirements of the lemon laws. There are many tricks and traps that are employed to deny you your rights under the law. As the consumer, you need to protect yourself and your rights well before a claim arises.

The Lemon Law can be confusing and is open to numerous interpretations. If you don't understand how it works, you will most likely allow the auto manufacturers to take advantage of you. Our experience is that the auto manufacturers will minimize your problems and try to discourage you from pursuing your claim. Without the assistance of an attorney, you will most likely experience frustration and give up many of your rights.

Here are a few tips:

Always obtain and keep copies of the repair orders before and after each repair attempt.
Make sure the repair documentation is accurate, including dates the vehicle was dropped off and picked up for the repair, and the mileage on the vehicle at these times.
Make sure that the repair orders accurately describe your vehicle's issues before you leave the vehicle for repair.
If the dealership says that they "cannot duplicate" your complaint (a red flag), make sure that you request a test drive with the service manager or shop foreman, so that you may demonstrate the problems that you are having with your vehicle, in order to assure that your issues are addressed, and not "blown off".
If you feel that they are not repairing your vehicle in a timely fashion, or they are trying to ignore the issues that you are having with your vehicle, don't try to negotiate with the dealership or the manufacturer on your own - contact a Lemon Law Attorney and ask for help.
Make sure to keep up with your vehicle's recommended maintenance as outlined in your owner's manual. If you don't, the manufacturer will deny your claim.

If you are driving a defective vehicle and you think it might be a lemon, contact our office directly, or fill out our online "Lemon Law" claim form, to speak to an attorney right away. If you have a valid lemon law claim, the services of Soboleski Law, PC are at absolutely no cost to you.

All You Need to Know About Insurance Companies

What is short term insurance and what are the benefits thereof? Well it is simple, really. Short term insurance is coverage for your personal belongings such as your car, house and the contents of your home. We work so hard nowadays to buy the few belongings we have and forego enormous expenses when furnishing our homes and buying vehicles, we simply cannot afford to lose these things due to house break ins, car thefts and accidents, as we know these things can so easily occur. Insuring your personal assets gives you peace of mind in knowing that were these things ever to happen, you can replace back what you have lost. Insurance companies abound nowadays, and can offer great coverage packages that will suit your individual needs. How do you find the right insurance company that will cater for your needs? The best place to look for insurance companies these days is online. Due to the convenience of the internet one can search and compare prices from the comfort of your own office or home. Many people are not familiar with the meaning of short term insurance and the benefits it can hold for them. Short term insurance is coverage for houses, cars and personal belongings and ensures that you do not lose what you worked so hard and paid so much for. Thefts and accidents can happen quickly and that is why insurance companies have been popping up all over. Searching for the right insurance company has become much easier and convenient, and can be done online in your own home. Having short term insurance gives people the peace of mind and sound knowledge in knowing that should anything happen to their assets, they will be able to replace them.

Knowing what to look for in an insurance company is important, and can help to ensure that you choose the right insurance company for your specific needs. Before obtaining quotes from different insurance companies ensure that you have an updated list of the assets you would like to insure. It is always wise to get an evaluator to evaluate the value of your household contents and your home as well, along with the value of your vehicle or vehicles. Insurance companies will usually send someone out to evaluate your house and household contents but with your cars all they will want to know is your age, sex and location ( where the car will spend most of its time), security (lock up garage, walling, alarms etc.), and also when you received your license. If you are male under the age of 25 and have only have your licence for a short while, your insurance premium is likely to be higher than that of a female counterpart. This is due to the fact that you are considered a higher risk client. When starting your search for an insurance company it is advisable to know exactly what you are searching for and planning to cover, making a list of your assets and evaluating your property and assets. This will help you to make a more informed decision when choosing the right insurance company. For most insurance companies, your age, sex and location and how long you have had your licence are the most important criteria that help them determine your monthly insurance premium when insuring your motor vehicle. When insuring your home and its contents insurance companies usually send an assessor to determine its value.

Due to the large number of insurance companies today one has to make sure you research an insurance company thoroughly. Things to look for are the company's credibility, customer service record and also one of the most important factors, their claim turnaround time. In other words how long does it take the insurance company to process your claim and pay your money into your account, and also important would be the monthly premium you'll be expected to pay. The best way to find this information out is from members of your family or co-workers and friends. This way you can get an honest opinion on what you can expect of the chosen insurance company.

Unfortunately there are a number of insurance companies that have hidden clauses that they conveniently omit when explaining their terms and conditions of cover. It remains the responsibility of the consumer to make sure he or she go over the contract thoroughly and read the fine print. Not every insurance company is honest. Some insert hidden clauses into the contract which you may be unaware of. Ensure that you read the fine print in the contract and if you are still uncertain, have an experienced attorney or even a family member go over the contract too.

Why Would I Need A Long Term Care Insurance When I Have My Disability Insurance?

Quite often, people have a tendency to get confused about this subject. When people are asked how they plan to protect their assets and income in case of a long term care situation, almost every time answer is the same; "Well I have a disability insurance..."

Confusion starts with the definition of Disability Insurance where people get Short Term Disability and Long Term Disability confused with Long Term Care. There is a distinct difference between the two insurance plans and in order to have a better understanding of the difference, we need to know what each insurance vehicle offers as protection.

We'll start explaining what Disability Insurance offers without going into too much detail as in Long Term or Short Term Disability: In a nut shell, Disability insurance provides a portion of your income for a certain period of time when you are disabled while you are employed. What this means is when you get disabled, you may receive up to 40, 60 or maybe 80 percent of your total income for a specific period of time. Further more, this also means two things:

(1) You are not going to receive any supplemental income for the cost of your care through your disability insurance; all you are going to receive is the portion of your income.
(2) You will receive a portion of your income for a specific period of time. When this period is over, your income from your disability insurance will seize.

So you can actually see that the benefits of Disability Insurance are very specific and limited. Nevertheless this simply doesn't mean that Disability Insurance is not a valuable protection plan. When you learn the benefits of Long Term Care Insurance, you should be able to understand that the two protection plans take separate and important precedence in our lives.

Before we get into the benefits of Long Term Care Insurance, we need to clear out one misconception about this insurance plan; Long Term Care Insurance is not necessarily some insurance plan that you purchase to get care when you are older, and it is not particularly a nursing home care either. People get into Long Term Care situation in younger ages too and Long Term Care Insurance is a great protection plan that provides many valuable benefits.

Among many of these benefits, of course the most important one is to provide funds for your care when you are unable to do some of your daily activities. This is actually the main difference between this plan and the Disability Insurance; Long Term Care Insurance does not provide income or any portion of your income, it actually pays for the cost of your care up to certain amount which is determined within your policy. In other words, Disability Insurance provides you a portion of your income where Long Term Care Insurance actually pays for the cost of your care. Now you can see the importance and the complimentary nature of the two insurance plans; while you are receiving a portion of your income through your Disability Insurance - which is always less than your regular income, you will also have your Long Term Care Insurance paying for the cost of the care that you are receiving.

Considering the present high cost of care, and having to pay for it with a limited income may become an enormous financial burden. This is one of the most important reasons why these two insurance plans exist. It is also as important and highly recommended that you should consult an insurance professional who can coordinate and design these policies according to your specific personal needs for your full protection.

Remember, you must protect the most important asset in your life: Your Earning Power!

Victim Support

Having a crime committed against one is probably the most traumatic experiences a person can go through in their entire life. If you have been a victim yourself or have even been close to someone who has been a victim, you will be able to appreciate how hard it can be to come out of the gloom and despondency that seems to engulf one after a crime, especially a violent one. Fortunately, there are today, a number of groups and organizations that are there to support and care for victims of crime.

There are a number of support groups available in Australia today that specialize in taking care of and providing all kinds of support for the victims of crimes. Groups such as the Victim Support Service Inc. (VSS) provide a range of services which include the following -

Information

Victims' rights
Victims of Crime Compensation
Support services
The impact of crime
Being a witness in court

Support

Inquiry line
Court Companion and preparation service
Therapeutic and support groups
Assistance with preparation of Victim Impact Statements

Counseling

Professional counseling to address impact of crime
Services for those affected by homicide

Advocacy

On behalf of crime victims
For reforms to the criminal justice system
Representation and participation on a broad range of South Australian and national networks

Consultancy and Training

Consultancy services for employers and service providers
Seminars on the criminal justice system
A broad range of training programs

Community Safety and Crime Prevention

Information about the risks of crime and methods to improve safety
Victim Awareness programs with offenders

Community Education and Development

Presentations to community groups

Victim Support Service Inc. (VSS) is a community based, not-for-profit organization operating from eight offices across South Australia. Qualified professional staff provide a comprehensive range of services for people who have suffered as a result of a criminal offense. This includes individual crime victims, their families, friends and the wider community. Victim Support Service provides a professional, personal counseling service for adults who have been affected by a criminal act. This free and confidential service is offered during office hours, Monday to Friday and is provided by professionally qualified social workers and psychologists. A person seeking a service may contact the organisation where a receptionist will record contact details and arrange for the duty worker to call you back. A victim does not need to have reported a crime to access their service. To know more about Victim Support Service, the services provided by them and how they help victims of crime.

Pennsylvania State Law

Pennsylvania state law is a very large body of legislation covering every aspect of life. The laws of each state differ. The state law can be defined as a constitution, statute, regulation, common law or a State action having the force and effect of law. State law in the United States is passed by the state legislature and signed as law by the state governor. This at times exists in parallel or sometimes in conflict with the US Federal Law. The disputes here are often resolved by courts.

State laws influence independent branches of Pennsylvania's government, and play a role in preserving the rule of law and guaranteeing the rights and liberties of citizens. The disputes are fairly resolved, as they are brought before juries and judges, and the judgments are given based on law. These laws also influence our environment, economy, education, families, health and virtually every aspect of our daily lives, now and for generations to come.

There are Pennsylvania state laws like anti-trafficking, driving and many others to guard the safety of the citizens. According to the Constitution, the people of Pennsylvania select representatives and senators to act on their behalf, with the condition that they answer directly to the citizens who elected them. A check on power is kept by exercising control through votes. Pennsylvania also has its set of state laws which the government of that state follows. But a bill is the written version of an idea which legislators consider a new law or a change to an existing law.

Pennsylvania Construction Accident Lawyer

A construction site is a highly dangerous place to work, and it is vital that site owners and managers adhere rigidly to health and safety regulations in order to provide the safest working environment. However, constructions accidents continue to occur, and when they do the consequences can be serious or deadly. A Pennsylvania construction accident lawyer is a professional that can help you to get justice and compensation in the event that you have been affected by a construction accident. If the accident occurred as the result of negligence or failure to follow regulations, you could be entitled to a hefty compensation payout, and a Pennsylvania construction accident lawyer can help you to get this payout.

Construction accidents can also result in death, and with so many dangerous and deadly items and structures in one place it is no surprise that many workers are fatally injured each year. A Pennsylvania construction accident lawyer can also help you to get compensation if you are a family member of the deceased. It is advisable to contact a Pennsylvania construction accidents lawyer as soon as possible following the accident. Your lawyer will then offer advice with regards to your rights, and will start to put together a solid case to maximize your chances of getting compensation for your accident or for the loss of a loved one. Having the help of an experienced lawyer in this field can make a real difference when it comes to getting compensated.

One problem that many people come across is where to find the money to benefit from this legal expertise, and this can be quite a sum. However, you can avoid this additional worry through a prepaid legal services plan, which will provide you with peace of mind and easy access to a trained and experienced construction accident lawyer to help with your case. This can really lighten the load, as it means that you won't have the additional stress of having to find a lump sum to get legal assistance, and it costs just a small amount each month to have one of these plans in place.

Tired Drivers on the Road

There are countless campaigns warning drivers about the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, but there is little being done to warn drivers of the dangers of driving while tired or drowsy. Accidents involving drivers who are tired or drowsy are often very similar to accidents involving drunk drivers and can cause serious injury and even death.

Tired drivers experience many of the same effects as drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs. They often experience:

o    Delayed reaction time

o    Difficulty focusing on the road and other cars around them

o    Impaired vision

o    Lack of concentration and ability to perform more than one task at a time

o    Aggressive and reckless driving

o    Falling asleep while operating the motor vehicle

Such symptoms often result in serious accidents and collisions on the road. It is important that drivers do not attempt to operate a motor vehicle if they have experienced serious lack of sleep or are extremely tired from their daily activities. On lengthy commutes or road trips, it is important to budget rest time into the drive to allow the driver to be well-rested and alert behind the wheel.

Before work or a long trip, it is important that drivers get a good night's sleep. If you feel drowsy behind the wheel, be sure to find a safe place to pull over and do not continue to operate the motor vehicle. Many people wrongly believe that turning up the volume on the radio, drinking caffeine, or lowering the windows in the car will make them more alert, but the only true remedy for drowsiness is genuine rest. Attempting to continue driving while drowsy may result in serious accidents that may cause injury or death.

Individuals harmed in auto accidents with drowsy drivers may be eligible for compensation. Drowsy drivers may be punished in criminal court, but injured parties may also have reason to expect compensation for their pain, suffering, and medical costs. It is important to consult an experienced legal professional if you have any questions about personal injuries suffered due to drowsy drivers on the road. For more information on personal injury and tired drivers, contact the Pennsylvania drowsy driving injury lawyers of Lowenthal & Abrams.

13 Buttonholes by Joann C Odenwelder

13 Buttonholes by Joann C. Odenwelder was created from stories that her mother told her about her time working in a Navy uniform mill and being in love during World War II. It was also formed by her love of adventure, the state of Texas and her love of learning.

Odenwelder's main character is Annie Capelli. The story begins when she is 17 in 1942, living in Pennsylvania with her parents, older sister and younger brother. She works in a Navy uniform factory as a buttonholer. She believes she's in love and has the dream of being a wife and mother in her heart. Problem is, she has chosen the wrong person to share the dream with and it takes her quite a number of years to find it out.

Annie marries the love of her life-Kenneth. Just as if she's living the fairytale in her mind, they have two children. Her husband leaves his family's farm to open his own successful retail business. Just when she thinks life is about as perfect as can possibly be the couple takes a vacation with her sister and brother-in-law that changes their lives forever.

It's 1952 and Annie's sister Josie and brother-in-law Earl and her husband decide to move to Texas, buy a hotel and café in the middle of nowhere and instill themselves into the booming economy. Annie is in disbelief, but as is her personality at the time, she follows along and fulfills all that is asked of her and more. She's working the nightshifts, raising her kids, taking care of the advertising and making all the "regulars" very happy.

Then in an awful moment of realization, Annie sees her husband for the cad he is and opts for divorce-not something done in the early 1950's by a woman with two small children. Then she has another blow-her sister and brother-in-law no longer want to keep running the now very successful hotel and café.

Annie shows what she's made of-she stands up for the rights of the various minorities by serving everyone concerned in the same dining room, keeping her customers, buying out her family and owning the business outright.

Does she do it all on her own? No, her sister and brother-in-law do not leave Annie in the lurch-the re-arrange their plan and change jobs, leaving Annie as sole owner, but remaining in Texas. She also finds Blair Metcalfe, the attorney who helps her attain her divorce and preserve as much of her dignity as possible. He also falls in love with Annie and her children.

He helps her find her way through the 1950's culture that does everything to challenge and destroy any woman who tries to make it in a man's world.

As with any novel that relates the life of a particular character, Annie starts out very idealistic and young. Her transformation was needed, but happened just a bit too quickly and a might too easily. Yes, there was the divorce, her sibling wanting out of the business and her transformation from a doting wife and mother to independent businesswoman, but it didn't happen until the last couple of chapters.

And while Annie vowed to never rely on a man again and tried to stay "free", I notice that the author just couldn't help but let us see that in Blair Metcalfe, Annie had found her true soul mate.

As for the 13 Buttonholes-it was only mentioned as the position Annie worked as in the first couple of chapters and then near the end to explain to Blair about the rumored notes that the seamstresses put into some of the uniforms at the end. It wrapped up the story, but didn't really serve as much of a purpose as it should have given the point that it was the title of the book.

Do You Make These Mistakes With Your Car Insurance?

I think we can agree that neither of us wants to be the victim of an auto accident. After the bumps and bruises have healed and the cars have long been fixed, the unfortunate few get their surprise in the form of a legal document. Usually the complaint is spelled out in a way that not only makes your blood pressure rise, it will make you sound like a deranged criminal behind the wheel. Now the real pain begins, finding a lawyer to defend you...going through the discovery process and finally realizing that there is absolutely "nothing" you can do.

Anyone who has been involved in an automobile accident and carries a Pennsylvania auto insurance policy will know exactly what I mean when I say it's no fun. If you made the mistake of carrying the minimum limits of liability you're going to want to find some nerve medication at this point. The legal system allows the injured driver to recover not only his/her out of pocket expenses but there will be potential for some pain and suffering payment. The pain and suffering paid will be determined by the extent of the injuries and the creativity of their attorney.

Considering that the average payout on pain and suffering for a broken arm is close to $40,000 you can get the picture real quick that there is some serious money to be made here. Let's hope you didn't choose that pa auto insurance policy from the low-ball quoter who threw caution to the wind and gave you the lowest coverages. The minimum required is only $15,000 per person for bodily injury, so you can see the chances for being underinsured with any minor injury.

Call an agent and ask for a review. A good agent will ask questions, many personal and intimate questions regarding your personal and financial situation. These answers will help a true professional agent determine what coverage will protect you adequately and still remain affordable. Please don't fall for the fast talk, low quote, state auto mentality.

Advice For Choosing a Defense Attorney

Building a defense case can easily become a complicated task. If you aren't careful in choosing the proper Philadelphia defense attorney, you could seriously end up damaging your future with possible imprisonment and a criminal record. Before you begin your search for a defense attorney, there are a few things you should know that may help ease the process for you.

The first step in hiring an attorney is to understand which area of law your case falls under so you can search for a lawyer who specializes in that particular facet of law. For instance, a criminal case can easily require a great deal more tenacity in the courtroom than that of a misdemeanor, such as minor property damage and theft, as well as acts of violence. If you have been charged with a criminal offense, it would suit you best to only consider lawyers who have experience in criminal law, particularly in the area you are charged with, as a Philadelphia criminal defense lawyer will likely yield better results with your case.

Step two in the process of hiring a defense lawyer is to draft up a list of lawyers who you think might be able to help you. You can find candidates by browsing through the local phonebook and newspapers, as well as asking family members. Asking the opinion of people you trust can really cut down the quest for a lawyer, providing you get along well with him/her and can develop a sense of trust, as required with many attorney/client relationships. Another great source for finding candidates is online using Google or another good search engine. This is a great way to yield several results which you can trim down by adding more specific search criteria.

Next, you will want to find out if the attorney offers a free consultation. This is particularly important if you are on a budget, as paying for several consultations could lead you to feel pressured into "settling" with a lawyer to end the mounting consultation fees. Start setting up appointments with a handful of lawyers or so to carry out a short face-to-face interview.

Your meeting in person with the lawyer is quite imperative, as you need to be sure you can get along well with your lawyer. You will be asked a series of questions about your case, after which you may ask a few questions about the lawyer. Some good questions to ask are how long the lawyer has practiced defense law in Pennsylvania, how much they charge for cases such as yours, and what their win/lose ratio is. You can research the lawyer's previous cases, and pay particular attention to those that closest resemble yours. You can get a good idea how the lawyer would handle your case based on whether they have won or lost more cases like yours.

Remember these bits of advice when you're looking for a lawyer and you should find the process a little less overwhelming. Also, keep in mind that your future and freedom could be at stake, therefore it's okay to be a bit nit-picky when selecting your Philadelphia attorney.

Basic Technology History

Online Technology Source

Computers:

First Computer Invented:

Most people when they think of first computer invented they think Bill Gates. This, however, is not true, for the computer was invented long before Bill Gates was around. Bill Gates only revolutionized the computer, buy creating a more compact and useful form of the computer and making it available to everyone with a job.

There are many people out there who would say that the first "computer" was the abacus, invented in Asia about 5000 years ago. I however, wouldn't.

The first of the "modern" computers was invented during World War II, in 1941 by a German engineer named Konrad Zuse. Its name was the Z3 and it was used to help design German airplanes and missile's. Then in 1943, the Allied forces developed a computer called Colossus. It helped decode German messages.

The Mark I, designed by Howard H. Aiken, an engineer working with Harvard and IBM. The Mark I was positively huge, taking up half of a football field. It was useful though and it helped to create ballistic charts for the US Navy during the war.

Shortly after this, came the Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer (ENIAC), developed by John Presper Eckert and John W. Mauchly, working with the government and the University of Pennsylvania. ENIAC was about 1000 times faster than The Mark I but no smarter.

The Use of transistors, ment computers that could store memory and even run programs. Soon after computer languages were invented so that people could change the programs run by the computer. Finally computer research brought us smaller, more useful computers, and eventually the kinds of computers that we have today.

First Laptops Invented:

Although it is a little hard to determine what the first portable or laptop computer was, and when it was invented, we can however say that there is more than one claim to laptop fame. There was even signs of laptops dating back as early as 1979. Designed by a Briton, William Moggridge, for use by NASA in early 1980's. IT was one fifth the weight of any model equivalent in performance and was a 340K byte bubble memory lap-top computer with die-cast magnesium case and folding electroluminescent graphics display screen.

Since then notebook PC's released in 1981 lay clam to being the first. It was the Epson HX-20, a battery powered portable computer, with a 20-character by 4 line LCD display and a built-in printer that started the new widespread desire for these laptop computers.

In January of 1982, Microsoft's Kazuhiko Nishi and Bill Gates begin discussions on designing a portable computer, based on using a new liquid crystal display or LCD screen. LCD technology in 1982? Yeah that's right! Believe it or not we had the technology to make the LCD tvs and monitors that you've seen only recently over 22 years ago. But that's another story in itself.

First PDAs Invented:

First of all PDA stands for personal digital assistants in case you didn't already know. In 1993, Apple Computer Inc. released the very first PDA(personal digital assistants) "The Newton®". For the next three years, PDA sales dwindled, and were almost off the charts. Then, in March 1996, Palm(TM), Inc. delivered the industry's first truly compelling handheld computer, the PalmPilot. Today there are to many PDA companies and products to even bother mentioning.

Some Things You Can Do On A PDA:

Get a Wireless Connection

Surf the Web

Play Music and Video Files

Watch movies Using PocketTV

Play a Game

Use Your Pocket PC as a backup device

Update Office Documents

Download and read E-books

Listen to Audio Books

Connect to Windows servers using Terminal Services

Use Messenger Tools

Change the theme of your Pocket PC

Project the Pocket PC screen onto your desktop

Study

Do Your Taxes

Some PDA Software:

Medical/Drug Resources PDA Software

Medical Calculators PDA Software

Learning Tools PDA Software

Patient Tracking PDA Software

Document Readers PDA Software

Medical Equipment PDA Software

Databases PDA Software

Printing PDA Software

News and Information PDA Services

Street Finders and Maps PDA Software

Bible Study PDA Software

Voice Command PDA Software

Language Translator PDA Software

Tax PDA Software

Home Entertainment Technology:

Home Entertainment really is just a collaboration of all our entertainment technologies into a package that surely will not disappoint us. Home entertainment systems have many different parts that together give us the feeling of being at the movies.

Plasma TV

LCD Panel TV

DLP Rear Projection TV

Video Projectors

Surround Sound Audio Systems

Speakers

DVD / CD / VCR Players

Accessories and Furniture

Satellite Television

Media Center HTPCs

First Television Invented:

The first signs of a tele date back to the 1862 when Abbe Giovanna Caselli invents his "pantelegraph" and becomes the first person to transmit a still image over wires. In 1900, at the World's Fair in Paris, the 1st International Congress of Electricity was held, where Russian, Constantin Perskyi made the first known use of the word "television." In 1930 Charles Jenkins broadcasts the first TV commercial. The BBC begins regular TV transmissions.

Then throughout the years the inventions came one after another. In 1950 the FCC approves the first color television standard which is replaced by a second in 1953. Vladimir Zworykin developed a better camera tube - the Vidicon. In 1956 Robert Adler invents the first practical remote control. In 1973 giant screen projection TVs are first marketed. Followed by Sonys release of the first home video cassette recorder in 1976.By time 1996 came around there was a billion TV sets world-wide.

First DVD/Player Invented:

We can only assume the transition over from cd's and cd players over to dvds and dvd players wasn't that hard. The technology was already there for them. So the dvd player was surely invented before or right after the dvd was invented. DVDs are the work of many companies and many people. The DVD evolved from CD and related technologies. Companies such as Sony, Philips, Toshiba, Matsushita, Time Warner, and others announced the new "high density" dvd in September of 1995.

Online Technology Source

Main Types of Product Defect

When you go to the store to buy an item you need, you should reasonably expect the product to perform as it is made. However, there are several things that can happen to the product, leading to its defectiveness. If there is something wrong with the item, there is a chance that it can hurt or even kill you or someone you love.

Interestingly, product liability laws are in place in state laws; they are not part of federal laws. Thus, the rules and regulations can change depending on the state. However, most states recognize the need to hold the source of a damaged product responsible. Thus, someone who sustains an injury with a misleading product or a family who loses a loved one due to a problematic item may be entitled to financial compensation to help alleviate the pain and suffering.

There are three main types of product defectiveness: design flaw, manufacturing abnormality, and "failure to warn." While these issues focus mostly on the original producer of a product, the distributor,  supplier, and even retailer can also be held liable for mishandling a product, leading to damage, or misleading a customer about the safety or uses of an item.

First, design flaw tends to be a difficult thing to prove due to the rigorous testing that an item undergoes before it is put on the market. However, if a design flaw is indeed found by the public, it can lead to a massive recall of the product by the company because it is not usually an isolated, one-item flaw. Thus, design flaws can often lead to mass torts or class action lawsuits as everyone harmed by a single design flaw take action against the corporation responsible.

Additionally, another difficulty with design flaw lawsuits is that the prosecutor must prove that the manufacturing company knew of the potentially dangerous flaw, yet chose to ignore it and continue with production.

Next, things can be improperly manufactured, leading to hazard. For example, consider the lead paint in children's toys. Manufacturers may choose to utilize lead paint in a batch of toys just because it is cheaper at the moment. Lead poisoning can be toxic and lead to lifelong problems. Someone who is bringing a lawsuit against this type of liability must show that the manufacturing process used was inferior to normal processes.

Lastly, corporations are required to include warning labels on their products if they contain toxic chemicals or have pieces that can hurt someone. For instance, let's again look at children's toys. If an item contains several small pieces, the company should mention that they can present a choking hazard. Parents may not know that a toy includes tiny pieces, so they should reasonably expect a warning from the manufacturer. If it is not included, it is called "failure to warn."

Knee Injury Claims

Knee injuries are one of the most common types of injuries around the world today. Given the nature of the knee as a load-bearing joint involved in every aspect of mobility for human beings, personal injury claims as a result of these injuries are fairly common. Most knee injuries are a result of sports-related accidents, but they can also be the result of car accidents, as well as slips, trips and falls. If you have suffered some form of knee injury as a result of someone else's negligence, you could be eligible for compensation under the no win no fee legal system.

In order to determine whether or not you or eligible for no win no fee compensation for your knee injury, you need to contact a no win no fee solicitor as soon as possible to go over the exact way in which your knee injury occurred and the affects its having on your day to day life. A solicitor will look over your medical records as well as any accident reports that are available to determine the exact cause of your knee injury, and whether you are eligible to make a claim for compensation.

Knee injuries can range from something as simple as a slight sprain to a more serious injury that requires surgical treatment and physical therapy to recover from. If someone else was negligent and liable for your knee injury, there is no reason why you should suffer the financial and physical burden of the injury without some form of compensation.

Reasons to Get a Traffic Ticket Extension

When getting a traffic ticket, you can go to court to fight your violation and try to defend yourself so that you can avoid the fines. Sometimes after the court date is set something comes up and you can't go. There is an option to get a traffic ticket extension.

Getting an extension will differ from one jurisdiction to another. There are normally three ways of doing so. You can call the district attorney's office and ask for the extension. Call the number on the ticket or visit the court house that's on the ticket asking for an extension. Some places require that you actually show up in court to be granted the extra time.

Some states only allow one extension while others can give up to three. This is normally a free process but some charge a small fee to delay the court date.

There are some good reasons to go ahead and try to get an extension on your traffic ticket.

-You may not have the money right now. This could be due to unemployment or shortages of funds. Getting an extra 45-60 days can help you get the time to raise the funds to pay the ticket.

-You may want to delay the higher insurance premiums that you may get because of the traffic ticket if found guilty.

-You may have become sick and can't really go to court that day.

-You may need more time to get together a better defense to help fight the speeding ticket.

Simple Advice For Saving on Auto Insurance

How about saving money on car insurance? Many people say that it just takes 15 minutes to save up 15% on car insurance. Yes, you can save money on Pennsylvania auto insurance. But it's not that easy. And it can't be up to 15%. Some people in the year 2009 have saved nearly 37% on car insurance.

It can be both simple and also be complicated if you are really looking for Pennsylvania car insurance rate which can be cheaper than what you are currently paying right now. If you approach somebody and try to get any rate, it is not wise mainly if you do not know what coverage they are quoting.

Many of those online companies will normally have a formula in order to get low Pennsylvania rate in auto insurance but you know what? They keep the coverage hidden. If at all there is an accident then the person will come to know that the coverage is not great. This is the reason why you need to find somebody more credible, and a person who can really help you out of this situation. Now, I think you must have understood the gravity of this problem and its debt.

The market of Pennsylvania auto insurance is quite complicated because of the credit scoring involved. It's funny that some companies love your overall profile and they offer good price and some companies treat you with the step child treatment. This is a reason why you need to use an agent who can submit your profile information to some very good companies that can ensure that you get a very good or a low interest rate. Catching hold of a very good and credible agent also will be an advantage when it comes to detecting the actual money that goes out of your pocket. Just imagine if the introductory price is good and later on if you have to pay a lot than would it be wise?

This is the reason why if you have an agent who works for only one company then you are not completely in safe hands. Then you cannot get the best of what can be extracted from this issue. You need to be very careful when it comes to financial issues as a penny saved could be a penny earned.

I would advise you to put your step forward very carefully when it comes to matters related to the Pennsylvania auto insurance rate. Know your agent well and see that he can get you what exactly are looking for. Also see that you are completely informed about how much amount goes out a few pockets in order to maintain your records perfectly. By this time I think you must have gained an insight about how things work as far as Pennsylvania auto insurance is concerned.

Car Accident Personal Injury Claim - I Was Hit by a Texter, Can I Get an Auto Accident Settlement?

Are you trying to file a car accident personal injury claim? In this article we are going to talk about the question "I was hit by a texter can I get an auto accident settlement?"

It is not uncommon to be driving down the road and see someone messing with their phone. Maybe they are just dialing but some you can just tell that they are texting or that is just one very long phone number they are putting into their phone. As they are texting they do not notice that they are coming over into your lane and they side swipe you. Now you have to think about filing a car accident personal injury claim. Let's go on and talk about the question "I was hit by a texter can I get an auto accident settlement?"

Tell The Police What You Saw

You can tell the police that you saw the offending driver texting while driving. This act is actually illegal in some states now and if it can be proven that they were texting at the time of the accident they may get a ticket as well as having to pay for your injuries and damages to your car.

Call Your Insurance Company

After you called the police the next person that you should have called was the car insurance company. You will need to tell them what has happened and any details that you might know. When you get more information then you will need to call and update them.

Conclusion

When you want to file a car accident personal injury claim you will find that no matter why the person hit you that you should be compensated if they are found at fault. You may be able to get more of an auto accident settlement if you can prove they were being negligent.

I've Suffered a Personal Injury - Now What?

When you are hurt in an accident, regardless of whether that injury is caused by another person, a defective product, a car accident or anything else, you deserve to have your medical bills paid for and compensation for the pain and suffering you endure. In a perfect world, the party responsible for your condition would own up to their duty and do whatever they could to restore you to the way you were before they impacted your life.

We don't live in a perfect world however, and many times the only way to get the compensation you deserve is to take the responsible party to court and use the force of law to compel them to act in the way they should have originally. Even the simple act of going to a court to plead your case and have your rights recognized is now more complicated than ever, and simply "going at it alone" as many people want to do is a quick way to ensure that you will spend a lot of time accomplishing nothing, and likely spending a lot of your own money to do it.

The way to remedy such a problem is to hire an experienced and dedicated personal injury lawyer. When you hire an attorney they become your advocate, your representative, your confidant, and most importantly they become your voice in a legal system that can silence people that aren't prepared for the burdens and complications imposed by a prolonged legal battle. A personal injury attorney can help prepare you for the battles ahead, and make sure that you have realistic expectations of the outcome of your case.

One important role an attorney will play is the point of communication and contact during your case. This purpose is often under-appreciated by people that have never been through the ordeal of having to deal with the legal and medical system during a lawsuit. To put it simply, if you have serious or even minor injuries to deal with after your accident, the last thing you want to deal with are the interminable number of phone calls, emails and statements you need to make over the course of your case. A lawyer will help you deal with these demands for information, and you can concentrate on getting better and moving on with your life.

And that's what important: getting you back on your feet the fastest way possible, and trying to get your life back to what it was before someone inflicted this situation upon you. Going it alone, while certainly possible, is never recommended. You need to concentrate on getting better, not worrying about gathering evidence or scheduling depositions or talking to experts. Every fraction of energy spent doing the paperwork and legwork of your personal injury case is energy you can't spend moving forward with your life.

If you are in a situation like this and think you might need to talk to a personal injury attorney, you need to think over your next steps carefully. They could likely be the most important you ever take.

A Guide to Choosing the Right Personal Injury Lawyer

If you are among the confused lot who is finding it difficult to zero in on a choice of personal injury lawyer, you have reached the right place. Using the tips given in this article, you can now make the right choice, when it comes to a lawyer for representing your case successfully in a personal injury lawsuit.

Personal injury lawsuits are among the most common of legal procedures that are sought by millions of people around the world. There are scores of cases filed across various different courts for claims rising out of it. The entire legal procedure with relation to the litigation could be quite complicated. Fortunately, these days you can easily locate an experienced lawyer to fight the case on their behalf. It is always preferable that you hire the services of an attorney who is specialized in the field of fighting cases involving personal injury.

Personal injury claims are usually filed in case of a motorized collision or any accident. Motorized collision in this case could mean accidents involving, motorcycles, buses, cars, airplanes or trains, to mention only some types of vehicles. To put in a nutshell, you can file a claim, if you find that you have been injured due to the negligence of another person. A competent personal injury lawyer is therefore required to fight your case. You can find them spread around most cities. You can easily locate them through a simple online search. The local yellow pages are another place where you can find them. Your friends or family members can also put you across to a lawyer who specializes in these cases. Yet another good source of information on a personal injury lawyer is your doctor. Having dealt with similar cases before, they may know an experienced attorney.

A skillful lawyer will be able to guide you through the whole process and help protect your legal rights. He or she will be able to get help you get just compensation as damages. An aggressive attorney will forcefully argue before the court and can point out the negligence on the part of the opposing party and pin point the reasons why you need to be paid the right compensation as damages. With so many issues involved it only makes sense that you hire the services of one experienced in handling personal injury cases. He or she should have handled similar cases before and must have good track record. Once you are confident about these factors, you can zero in on the right lawyer with ease.

Pets and Divorce - Determining Pet "Custody"

Divorces can be a messy process, with both sides fighting for the custody of kids, ownership of the house, and rights to alimony money. Anyone who's ever known an obsessed pet owner knows that they'll fight tooth and nail to keep their beloved Fido or Mittens. So when it comes to divorce and pets, the court battles can get quite heated and vitriolic. Neither side wants to give up the pet they love, and so the divorce can get hung up over who will get to keep the animal.

While the dog or cat (or snake or bird, etc.) may be a genuine member of the family in the eyes of its owners, in the eyes of the law, they are pieces of property. While many couples like to argue over who will be better able to provide for the dog and who will provide the dog with emotional security, the courts really don't care and view such grand-standing as unnecessary theatrics.

However, a case in Gloucester County in Pennsylvania may be re-writing the way the courts treat pets in divorce cases. Doreen Houseman has gone to court a second time over the "custody" of the six-year-old dog Dexter she and her ex-husband owned together. She said that he broke an oral contract promising her the ownership of the dog and that now he is withholding the pet as a form of emotional abuse.

The main thrust of Houseman's argument is that the court is being discriminatory when it treats her beloved Dexter as just another possession. She argues that the judge should consider what's best for the dog, and she and a group of animal defense attorneys want to use the case of Michael Vick as a precedent. The credence the court is paying to the argument suggests that the long-held practice of treating pets as nothing more than items to be given to one party or another may be changing.

Until that day comes, though, you'll have to come to some sort of agreement with your soon-to-be ex about who gets custody of the animal. It may be difficult to decide who gets to keep Rover, but it's an important decision you'll have to make eventually and the sooner you can come to an agreement about it, the better.

For more information about the divorce process and pet custody, visit kleinattorneys.com.

Coping With the Effects of a Wrongful Death

There is no question that the sudden and unexpected loss of a loved one is one of the most devastating events that one can ever be forced to cope with. When a death occurs at the end of a battle with a long and difficult struggle with an illness, though it is still emotionally crushing, the benefit of having time to mentally prepare for the passing can be tremendously helpful in reducing the impact or hastening the recovery process. A death that is caused by a person or company's negligence, however, offers no such relief and may substantially interfere with the lives of the decedent's family and dependents, making a wrongful death lawsuit wholly appropriate.

The emotional trauma that results is usually the first concern that comes to mind in consideration of such a horrific tragedy, but to treat it as the only one would be misguided. In the immediate aftermath of your loved one's accidental (or intentional) death it can be difficult to try to form an accurate assessment of the full range of consequences. This is especially true of the financial implications, because there is a tendency to respond to such issues as if evaluating them makes you heartless, when this could not be farther from the truth.

Hidden and Obvious Costs

Obviously, everyone responds differently to loss, so there is no circumstance that can be thought of as universally shared among those who are left behind. There are common threads that present themselves time and again which might be regarded as something of a reasonable starting point in determining the extent of possible consequences of your loved one's passing. When you are trying to decide whether you will pursue a lawsuit, it is important to remember that not all accidental deaths warrant a legal action.

Usually, though, it is the case that significant negligence plays a role in creating the conditions that lead to a person's unnecessary expiration. A skilled and experienced attorney can help you to determine whether this is a relevant consideration. A successful lawsuit may gain financial compensation for the following damages:

Funeral expenses
End of life medical care
Grief counseling and therapy costs
Lost present and future income if you are a dependent
Loss of companionship
Emotional anguish
Punitive damages

For More Information

For more information about the process of pursuing a wrongful death lawsuit, contact the Pennsylvania wrongful death lawyers of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C.

Auto Accidents In Pennsylvania - UM/UIM Litigation

Um/Uim Litigation In Pennsylvania -- The Game Has Changed

Traditionally in Pennsylvania, uninsured and underinsured motorist cases were privately arbitrated. Automobile insurance policies had provisions stating that these types of claims would be arbitrated rather than litigated through the Court system. Typically, the plaintiff would select one arbitrator. The insurance company would select one arbitrator. Those two arbitrators would then select a third or "neutral" arbitrator. The case would be tried in a far less formal fashion than a full blown jury trial. For example, medical records, police reports, expert reports, etc. would be submitted to the arbitrators, without the need to call the doctors, experts, witnesses, etc. to testify live. The decision of the arbitration panel would be binding -- i.e., not appealable (except in very rare circumstances). A case that would take several days to try in a courtroom in front of a jury, and which would cost each party several thousand dollars to litigate, could be arbitrated in an afternoon for a fraction of the cost. This procedure was so beneficial to consumers, that the Pennsylvania Insurance Department made the arbitration provisions mandatory in Pennsylvania automobile insurance policies.

Then, in 2005, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled that the Insurance Department did not have the authority to mandate arbitration in UM/UIM cases. The Court held that it was no longer mandatory under Pennsylvania law that UM/UIM cases be submitted for binding arbitration.

Therefore, insurance companies now had the option of now resolving UIM/UIM cases in arbitration. Insurance companies began writing their insurance policies in several ways: (1) mandating arbitration just like previously; (2) allowing arbitration if either party requested it; (3) allowing arbitration if both sides agree to it; or (4) allowing arbitration if it, the carrier, requested.

It has since become increasingly routine for UM/UIM cases to be filed in the Courts of Pennsylvania. Under the Rules of Civil Procedure, civil cases arising out of motor vehicle accidents can be brought in the county: (1) where the accident occurred, (2) in the county where any defendant can be served, or (3) in the county where any corporate defendant regularly conducts business. Venue which is proper as to any one defendant is proper as to all defendants.

In the context of a UM or UIM case, the addition of the insurance company as a potential defendant in the lawsuit arising out of a motor vehicle accident has increased the venue options for plaintiffs in many cases. Most insurance companies that write automobile insurance coverage in Pennsylvania regularly do business in many counties throughout the Commonwealth. Under the Rules of Civil Procedure, those insurance companies can be sued in any county in which they regularly conduct business.

The insurance companies have responded to this seemingly unanticipated aspect of their unilateral elimination of mandatory binding arbitration by including "forum selection clauses" in their insurance policies. A forum selection clause is a policy provision which states that if a dispute arises between the insured and the carrier in respect to a UM or UIM case, the case can be litigated only in a particular county. These clauses often reduce the number of viable venues provided under the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure.

The validity and enforceability of these forum selection clauses in the context of UM/UIM cases was recently addressed by the Pennsylvania Superior Court in the case of O'Hara v. First Liberty Insurance Corporation. In that case, the Superior Court of Pennsylvania ruled that a form selection clause in the insurance policy which required all UM/UIM cases to be brought in the county and state of the "legal domicile" -- where the insured lives -- of the insured at the time of the accident was valid and enforceable.

This latest opinion is yet another example of the Courts in Pennsylvania making decisions which make it more difficult and more expensive for the innocent victims of motor vehicle accidents to litigate their cases.

For more information about auto accident law in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, go to http://www.thepanjinjurylawyers.com/practice_areas/new-jersey-car-accident-attorney-pennsylvania-truck-wreck-lawyer.cfm

BY: DANIEL J. O'BRIEN

Car Insurance - Your Path to Peace of Mind

Everyone knows that financial stability is an important part of life. When your finances are not in order, you will usually feel totally uneasy and unable to rest properly. If you have all the money you need for your bills, your stress levels will usually be greatly reduced. Arguably one of the worst things that can happen to a person, is to have an unexpected expense come up, or to lose a valuable asset.

This is why it is imperative to have sufficient car insurance cover. When you are involved in a motor vehicle accident, you will usually be faced with some devastating consequences. Firstly, you or your family members could be injured. This in itself is something grievous to have to cope with. If you have car insurance coverage that reaches into a payout for injuries sustained during a motor vehicle accident, you will have a lot less stress to deal with. You will have the peace of mind in knowing that all your medical expenses will be covered, and you will only have to focus on you, or your loved ones, getting better. Furthermore, you can take out auto insurance coverage that will reach into paying out for the injuries sustained to other parties, if the accident was your fault. There can be nothing worse than knowing that you have caused physical pain to another family, and not being able to afford to compensate these people can cause a domino effect of problems for you later on, not to mention the emotional pain that will be caused.

Without the sufficient car insurance coverage, you could find yourself involved in a motor vehicle accident, and then promptly find that you are suddenly without a motor vehicle. If you do not have car insurance at all, you will have to somehow come up with the money for the repairs of your vehicle. Keep in mind that the repair to a vehicle for even minor damage can cost thousands and thousands, the kind of money that people do not usually have lying around on hand. This is only to say if your car is able to be repaired. In a lot of cases, the car will be completely written off, meaning that it needs to be replaced. If you do not have any cover, you will have to somehow find money to buy a whole new car, which can cause devastating effects on your finances if you were still paying off the old one that was crashed! If you have car insurance, none of this will be a problem. Depending on the range of your coverage, you could even be lent a hired car by your insurance company, one which you can use until your car has either been repaired or replaced.

In conclusion, it is easy to see why it is imperative for your peace of mind that you have sufficient car insurance coverage at all times. Regardless of your financial situation, and whether you believe you can afford car insurance, it is so important that you have it in the first place, as an accident will land up costing you far more than the monthly premiums. Dealing with a traumatic event such as a collision is so much easier when you do not have to worry about the financial aspects of it.

Pennsylvania Personal Injury Attorney Talks About Philadelphia Personal Injury Dead Man's Act

This is the second in a series of articles about the Dead Man's Act. "The purpose of the Statute is to prevent the injustice that may result from permitting a surviving party to a transaction to give testimony favorable to himself and adverse to the decedent, which the decedent's representative would be in no position to refute by reason of the decedent's death." Weschler v. Carroll, 578 A.2d 13, 15 (Pa. Super. 1990). Since David Edwards is unable to testify as to the events just prior to his being run over by defendants' tractor-trailer, a great injustice will result if defendant, Nicolas Pinger is permitted to testify adversely to David Edwards. Similarly, defendant must not be permitted to offer expert testimony regarding the collision between defendants' truck and the decedent based on information provided by defendant, Nicolas Pinger. Such testimony would be impermissibly based on information barred from evidence by the "Dead Man's Act".

Defendants should be precluded from offering any trial testimony regarding the collision between defendants' truck and the decedent from defendant, Nicolas Pinger because such testimony is barred by the "Dead Man's Act". Similarly, under the "Dead Man's Act", defendants should be precluded from offering at trial any expert testimony regarding the collision between defendants' truck and the decedent based on information provided by defendant, Nicolas Pinger.

Although the Act is most frequently applied in estates cases, it is also applicable to preclude testimony about the circumstances of an accident with a decedent. See Lyons v. Bodek's Estate, 142 A.2d 199 (Pa. 1958); Weschler, supra. Defendants in personal injury cases commonly assert the protections of the Act to defend actions brought against a decedent. If a negligent motorist can escape liability for inflicting injury, certainly the Act is available to assist the estate of a deceased in seeking compensation under the Wrongful Death and Survival Acts.

You Have a Bad Gut Feeling - When to Know When It's Time to Use Background Check Companies

What makes performing a criminal history check so critical? They suppose that if they have known somebody for a while, there is no necessity to look into their history. They don't think about the odds that the individual they believe they know could in reality be somebody that was in fact masked a long time ago.

People are not always as forthcoming as we would like them to be. Would you be content if your neighbor was a convicted criminal on parole for performing numerous of burglaries? I wouldn't imagine so. What if the same person had been charged with assault and battery numerous instances? Would you like your children living next to a registered sex offender?

Yet how are you going to come across this facts? You can in reality get hold of a public record on any person who has any arrests, jail time, and convictions. That's correct. Though you may be necessitated to shell out an administrative fee, any of these public records can be easily acquired. You have all the right to see to this since your safety is invaluable.

Never bring upon yourself furthermore suppose that this examination has been fulfilled by somebody other than you. And background assessments can vary completely. Some assistance offering background information barely inspect the history inside the state then might be wanting vital facts. Those facts are crucial to your security!

With merely a little action on your part, you can possess the peace of mind that occurs with being aware that you have investigated into each facet of a individuals history that is of exact worry to you. It could be nothing, but it might turn out that one thing that was omitted by their employer is a thing worthwhile to you.

Don't you feel you owe it to you and your family to feel safe? Also, think of your families well being. Do not permit likely noteworthy evils to be missed. Find out this information on the inhabitants living near you sooner than time runs out.

Relationship On The Rocks?

Do you feel as if every time you have a discussion with your significant other you need to wear boxing gloves? Do you feel misunderstood by your loved one? or does your loved one feel misunderstood by you? If you decide to go into the boxing ring... Use these ground rules for "fighting".

Ask for an appointment to have a heart to heart .

Limit this time. Don't spend a lot of time in a fight. The longer it goes the less productive it will be. Get to the point. Acknowledge your partners feelings, make your feelings known, reach a mutual solution and reconnect.

don't criticize or blame; suggest Instead. Ask and give permission to do so.

No Weapons (sarcasm, insolence, negative tones, abruptness)

Say what you mean and validate what you hear.

Don't play therapist - Coaching is different

Search for facts - no mind reading you ask for permission.

NO EXCUSES! - take responsibility for your part.

Say whatever you need to say once

Respect, hug, show affection, and use attachment skills and give genuine felt appreciation and praise.

TIME OUT! - use it if need be, but be responsible to initiate the engage after a disengage

Try using attachment skills to ease the discomfort. Remember, if you aren't giving t to your partner there may be someone out there that won't miss out on the opportunity.

LIMIT!!! - the frequency of fights. Allow time to reassure you that this isn't just an impulsive feeling. Don't resume the fight until the appointed time. Have fun and play during the reconnection.

If you have any questions and or comments email me.

Finding and Copying Divorce Records

Except in cases where minor children are involved, all divorce records are public record and can be handled as such. Whether you are doing your research online or in person, there are a few key pieces of information that you will need to know in order to get to the information that you are looking for and to document it properly. As mentioned, in cases where minor children are involved, these records will not be available to the general public. Because over 65% of all divorce cases in the country happen to involve the parents or custodial guardians of minor children, this could be a slight hindrance to some.

When you are looking into any type of public records, you will need to know the names of all parties involved in the case, those names which would show upon the front header pages of the legal documents under "defendant" and "plaintiff". if you do not have this information, it will be difficult for you to call up these records. You will also need the case number of the file, and in some cases having just one or the other of these pieces of information will suffice. If you have the full names on the file, the clerk may be able to pull the case without the case number.

When you visit the county clerk where the case was filed, another piece of information that you will need to know, you will need to go through the divorce records and mark the pages that you want the file clerk to copy for you. You will want to do this with paperclips or another item that will not permanently affect the original documents. Once you have found and marked the pages of the file that you are in need of, you can have them copied in singles or duplicates, depending upon where they are going and what they are intended for.

You will need to pay for the copies that you receive from the county clerk before you can leave the building, so be sure that you have some extra cash with you when you arrive to do your bidding. You do not have to disclose what you want with these files, so as long as you are prepared with enough information for the clerk to help you find what you're looking for, the entire process should be relatively painless. Online investigation is a bit more consuming.

Get Cheap Car Insurance in Philadelphia - Here Is How

Cheap car insurance in Philadelphia relies heavily on a number of factors. A Pennsylvania car insurance company will ask questions and request information about:

o Your driving record (number of points, violations, at-fault accidents)

o Your gender, age, and the number of years you've been driving (older females with several years driving experience tend to get the cheapest rates)

o Your vehicle (make, model, year, additional safety and anti-theft features)

o Your location (high crime rate, low crime rate)

o Where you store your vehicle when not driving it (especially important if you live in an area with a high crime rate)

o Your credit history (which may take a year or so to repair if it's not quite impressive)

Cheap car insurance in Philadelphia is affected by these factors, but drivers can change several of them. For example, you can move to a safer neighborhood or begin storing your vehicle in a safer place; purchase a safer vehicle or add safety features to your existing vehicle; and work on improving your driving record and credit score.

You'll just have to wait for some factors to change on their own, though. You'll eventually grow older, and you'll begin to rack up years of driving experience as you grow older. Pennsylvania car insurance companies view older, more experienced drivers as being less risky to insure than younger, less experienced drivers. Don't worry though - once you get a few years experience and age behind you, you'll have a better chance at cheap car insurance in Philadelphia.

One factor can't be changed: your gender. Sure, you can undergo a sex change operation, but doing so in order to get cheap car insurance in Philadelphia? It's highly unlikely this is a route you'll take. Based on statistics, female drivers are safer drivers than male drivers. Don't be discouraged: just because you're male does not mean you can't be viewed as a safe driver, too.

Have You Been Wondering Whether a Lawsuit Loan is Right For You? If So, Where Do You Begin? Part 1

Have you found yourself in the throes of a lawsuit and wondering if you're going to be able to survive financially? This is, unfortunately, a very common occurrence. It is a frightening thing to have been injured due to someone else's negligence and, through no fault of your own, you now find yourself unable to pursue a lawsuit against that individual due to limited finances. Although little-known, a lawsuit loan is often readily available for individuals who have sustained such injuries.

This article has been written to help individuals in precarious financial positions, contemplating whether they can afford to pursue litigation as a result of injuries sustained. Hopefully, this article will greatly assist such individuals in navigating the lawsuit-loan process. Applicants are often relieved to learn that, once the documentation is received, notification of either approval or denial is often received within 24 to 72 hours.

The first step that you need to take once you've applied for a lawsuit loan is to contact your attorney. Notify your attorney of your desire to obtain financial-assistance to proceed with your litigation.

Applicants should be aware of the fact that litigation-funding experts will be required to contact your attorney to obtain documentation regarding your pending-lawsuit. If you have already notified your attorney of your desire to obtain such funding and of the need for the funding-expert to contact your attorney to discuss this process, this will greatly expedite receipt of required-documentation. This will also give you an opportunity to complete requisite documentation for the attorney prior to release of the requested information.

Step two in the process is to identify reputable litigation-funding experts. The simplest way to do this is to rely on major search engines.

There is no close-second-place winner to Google. Google is certainly the most respected of the search engines. Therefore, when beginning your research, it is preferable for you to start there. You may begin your search simply by entering relevant search terms such as "settlement loan," "settlement loans," "lawsuit loan," etc.

Once you've performed a search of the relevant terms, identify a few of the websites that you would like to contact and spend a little bit of time reviewing the information contained on each of those sites.

Please note that you significantly decrease the likelihood of obtaining the lawsuit loan you seek when you submit multiple-applications. Although it may seem like a good idea at the time, there is a relatively limited number of funding-entities to which applications are submitted. The submission of multiple applications is a red-flag to the lenders due to the fact that time and effort expended in researching the merits of the lawsuit will be a waste of time due to the fact that other lending-institutions are also looking at this application.

Step three is to assess the lawsuit loan expert's reputation. Much information will be gained upon a careful review of the response received once an application is submitted. A timely-response from the litigation-funding entity suggests both experience in the process and an attention-to-detail that is required to obtain the funding you seek as quickly as possible. A delayed-response to the submission of your application suggests that the applicant is working with inexperienced individuals who are unlikely to be able to obtain the funding they seek.

The fourth step that the applicant must take is to thoroughly discuss inherent-risks of the case with both the attorney and the litigation-funding expert. Although most applicants are curious to know what the interest rates are that will be charged for the lawsuit loan obtained, there are no interest rates with such funding. The fees that are charged are contingent on the inherent-risk in any particular lawsuit. The greater the risk, the higher the fee!