A Rise in Filing Bankruptcy – What Does It Mean for You? If you’re feeling the pressure of rising debt, you’re not imagining things. More people are filing bankruptcy in the US – up 13% from last year. People across the country are finding themselves overwhelmed by financial stress, and many are turning to bankruptcy for relief. As a bankruptcy lawyer, I see the reasons behind these filings every day. They go far beyond basic spending issues. So, why exactly are more people filing for bankruptcy right now? Let’s break it down. Inflation and the Rising Cost of Living Groceries cost more. Rent is up. Gas prices are unpredictable. Everyday essentials have gotten significantly more expensive, and for many people,
The Difference Between Class Action Lawsuits and Mass Torts If you’ve been hurt by a dangerous product, medication, or toxic exposure, you may have heard terms like “class action” or “mass tort” and wondered what they mean. The question of a class action vs. mass tort can make a huge difference in your case and what you get for your injuries. Both types of cases involve large groups of people who’ve been harmed in similar ways. But they’re handled differently in court. Our firm has decades of experience with both, and I can help you understand why you might prefer one over the other. What Is a Class Action Lawsuit? A class action lawsuit is when one (or a few)
How Do Workers’ Compensation and Unions Impact Each Other? If you’re part of a union and have been injured at work, you might be wondering how your union membership could affect your workers’ comp claim. As a Memphis workers’ comp lawyer with over 40 years of experience, I understand that the relationship between unions and workers’ compensation can be a bit complicated. In this post, I’ll break down the key points about how being in a union affects your workers’ compensation benefits and answer some of the most common questions. Will Being in a Union Help You Get Workers’ Compensation? Being in a union can sometimes help with the workers’ compensation process, but it’s not a guarantee. Workers’ comp is
Getting SSDI for a Rare Disease Living with a rare disease can feel isolating. You may spend months—or years—just trying to get the right diagnosis. And when that rare condition makes it impossible to work, you might wonder whether Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is even an option. The good news is: yes, you can get SSDI for a rare disease. But as with many parts of the SSDI system, the approval process isn’t always easy. Here’s what you need to know to improve your chances. What Counts as a Rare Disease? In the U.S., a rare disease is generally defined as any condition that affects fewer than 200,000 people. There are over 7,000 rare diseases, including conditions like: Ehlers-Danlos
Changes in Tennessee Laws May Impact Dog Bite Cases If you’ve been bitten by a dog in Tennessee, you may want to know how recent changes in Tennessee dog bite laws might affect your case. From animal care laws to property law, a number of different statutes impact the way we handle dog bite injuries in the area. And most residents don’t know what these laws say and why. As an award-winning Memphis dog attack lawyer, I’m here to guide you through these updates and explain what they mean for you. Understanding Tennessee’s Dog Bite Law Tennessee’s dog bite laws have evolved over time to better protect victims. The key statute governing dog bite liability is Tennessee Code § 44-8-413.
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy and Your Bank Accounts: What You Need to Know If you’re thinking about getting out of debt through bankruptcy, you may want to consider how Chapter 7 bankruptcy and bank accounts impact each other. As a Memphis bankruptcy lawyer, I talk to people every day who are worried about what they’ll be able to keep during the bankruptcy process. Your bank accounts are important, not just for paying bills but also for your day-to-day peace of mind. So let’s take a look at what really happens to your accounts when you file for Chapter 7. Can You Keep Your Bank Account in Chapter 7 Bankruptcy? Generally speaking, you don’t have to close your bank accounts to get
Can Creditors Come After Me Over Student Loans? If you’re struggling with student loan debt, you’re not alone—and you may be wondering just how far creditors can go to collect what you owe. Unfortunately you may find creditors and student loans go hand-in-hand. The short answer is yes, creditors can come after you over student loans, but what they can do—and how you can protect yourself—depends on the type of loan and your financial situation. As a bankruptcy lawyer, I talk to people every day who are overwhelmed by student loan debt. Some are getting nonstop phone calls. Others are worried about wage garnishment or losing their tax refunds. Let’s walk through what creditors can and can’t do, and what
Disability for Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome If you’ve been diagnosed with POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) and find it impossible to maintain a steady job, you’re not alone—and you may be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). But getting SSDI for POTS can come with a lot of challenges. POTS is still misunderstood by many medical professionals and often invisible on paper. So there’s a lot to keep in mind while navigating the system. Here’s what you need to know about applying for SSDI with POTS and how to give your case the best possible chance. What Is POTS, and Why Can It Be Disabling? POTS is a form of dysautonomia, which means it affects your autonomic nervous system.
When a Malfunction Hurts You On the Job, What Are Your Rights? If you were injured at work by a defective machine, tool, or product, workers’ comp may not be your only option. Depending on the situation, you may also have a product liability claim. Product liability at work happens just like it does anywhere else. But the laws around it can get complicated. You have rights—not just as an employee, but as a consumer. And when you’re hurt because a product was defective, you deserve to be fully compensated. Here’s what to do if you were injured by faulty equipment that never should have made it onto a job site in the first place. What Is Product Liability? Product
How to Get SSDI for Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) If you’ve been diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and it’s making it hard to work, you may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). But getting approved SSDI for EDS can be especially challenging, because it’s a complex and often misunderstood condition. Here’s what you need to know about applying for SSDI with EDS, what kind of evidence the Social Security Administration (SSA) looks for, and how working with an experienced SSDI lawyer can give you a better shot at success. What Is Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome? EDS is a group of genetic connective tissue disorders that can affect your joints, skin, blood vessels, and internal organs. Common symptoms include: Joint hypermobility or frequent