When Workers’ Comp Doesn’t Cover the Unthinkable Sometimes an event is so disturbing and has such a long-lasting impact that our typical workers’ comp system doesn’t suffice. In that situation, what can workers do to recover from their injuries and find the healing and support they need? Our Memphis workers’ comp attorneys have dealt with all sorts of situations where on-the-job injuries feel especially traumatic and confusing. A recent example out of Virginia offers some insight into what options people might have when negligence at work leads to catastrophic injury. A Traumatic On-the-Job Event One school day in January, first grade teacher Abigail Zwerner experienced an educator’s worst nightmare. Her six-year-old student came to school with a gun and shot
When the Pharmacies Make a Mistake Healthcare in the United States has a pharmacy error problem. In recent months, patients and customers have seen a drastic uptick in pharmacy mistakes. This includes Memphis, where our personal injury attorneys are currently handling multiple cases resulting from pharmacy errors. We’ve seen firsthand how devastating these injuries can be. So what is causing this problem, and what can we do about it? The Problem Plaguing Memphis Pharmacies All across America and in our local area of Memphis, pharmacies face severe staffing shortages. As a result, pharmacists are often overworked and underpaid. They have limited options for time off. And if they take a moment to themselves, they run the risk of putting people
What Explains the Rise in Personal Bankruptcy? In recent months, the number of people needing bankruptcy has sharply increased from years prior. The stats include Memphis and the surrounding area, but also hold true in the rest of the United States. What’s causing this problem, and is bankruptcy really the best solution? The Rise in Bankruptcy by the Numbers In 2023, personal bankruptcies rose by nearly 20%. In March alone, Chapter 7 bankruptcy rose 13%. This is a type of bankruptcy that gets rid of unsecured debt, like credit card and medical bills. Chapter 7 also stops wage garnishment, lawsuits, and creditor harassment. Chapter 13 bankruptcies increased even more sharply – up 24%. Chapter 13 involves setting up a payment
How Can You Speed Up an SSDI Application? Across America right now, hundreds of thousands of people are waiting to hear back from the SSA about their disability applications. If you need disability and you’ve heard about these awful waits, you may be wondering, “What can I do to speed up my SSDI application?” Fortunately, you do have some options that can help ease the process and give you a better chance for success. The Problem with SSDI Application Wait Times For the last few years, SSDI wait times have skyrocketed. Initial SSDI applications are now at over 1 million backlogged. The problem has plagued so many people that we recently wrote an article about what has caused these delays.
The Truth Behind Preventing Dog Attacks In the aftermath of a dog attack, we often discuss how to make sure it never happens again. Communities desperately want an answer to preventing dog attacks. But unfortunately, the reality can be a complicated process that allows for repeat offenses and never solves the underlying issues. As a dog attack lawyer in Memphis, Tennessee, I’ve seen this pattern for years. Here’s some of what we’ve learned at our firm about what it might actually take to prevent these attacks in the future. Basics for What to Do When a Dog Starts Attacking One of the most common ways you’ll find online to prevent a dog attack is advice for the person being attacked
All the Questions to Help You Know If You Need Chapter 7 If you’re struggling with debts you can’t pay, you may wonder whether bankruptcy is a good option for your situation. Perhaps you’re asking, “Do I need a Chapter 7 bankruptcy? And if so, what would it mean for me?” Here’s what you need to know. Understanding Chapter 7 Bankruptcy There are two different types of bankruptcy: Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. Chapter 7 offers a fresh start and an opportunity to get out of debt completely. With the help of a bankruptcy trustee and the court, you can get rid of your unsecured debt – including credit card debt, medical bills, and personal loans. Because federal law oversees
Myths About Applying for SSDI (and the Truth) As a Memphis SSDI attorney, I know a lot of people have questions and misconceptions about applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). We love to answer our clients’ questions, and in the process, we’ve found a few issues come up more than others. So here are some of the most common myths about applying for SSDI and the truth about how the process works. You’ll Get Approved on Your First Try One of the most pervasive myths is that SSDI applications are typically approved on the first try. In reality, the SSA denies the majority of applicants the first time around. Reasons for denial vary. Some of the most common issues
All the Questions to Help You Know If You Need Chapter 13 If you’re struggling with debts you can’t pay, you may wonder whether bankruptcy is a good option for your situation. Perhaps you’re asking, “Do I need a Chapter 13 bankruptcy? And if so, what would it mean for me?” Here’s what you need to know. Understanding Chapter 13 Bankruptcy There are two different types of bankruptcy: Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. In Chapter 13, you work with the courts to develop a payment plan based entirely off of your personal financial situation. Through this plan, we consolidate all of your debts into one affordable monthly payment. The court oversees the process, which means all creditor harassment has to
When life takes an unexpected turn and you find yourself facing the aftermath of a personal injury, it can be a daunting and overwhelming experience. From mounting medical bills to the physical and emotional pain, navigating through the aftermath can be challenging. In such difficult times, a lawyer can be your beacon of hope and support. You can rely on a lawyer to provide you with the legal counsel you need as you navigate a personal injury case. We’ll explore four essential ways a lawyer can help you regain control of your life. Legal Expertise Navigating the complex web of personal injury laws and regulations can be a formidable task for anyone unfamiliar with the legal system. A personal injury
COLA Increases and SSDI: What You Need to Know Every year, the Social Security Administration makes a cost of living adjustment (otherwise known as COLA). These changes usually raise your monthly SSDI benefits. So what can you expect from COLA SSDI increases this year? And how can you get the benefits you need? Last Year’s COLA Increases Compared to Now COLA increases typically follow inflation. And last year, inflation skyrocketed. You may remember the sudden and scary increase in the cost of gas, groceries, and more. As a direct result, SSDI recipients got an 8.7% increase in their monthly benefits. This was an unusually high amount that made news when it happened. However, this year, inflation has slowed in comparison.