The Automatic Stay in Bankruptcy: What You Need to Know If you’re drowning in debt, constantly getting calls from creditors, or facing threats of wage garnishment, foreclosure, or repossession, you might feel like there’s no way out. But there’s one powerful tool to stop it all: the automatic stay in bankruptcy. The automatic stay is one of the most powerful tools for stopping debt collectors in their tracks. As a bankruptcy lawyer, I’ve seen firsthand how it gives people much-needed relief while they figure out their next steps. So, let’s break it down: What is the automatic stay? How does it work? And what does it actually stop? What Is the Automatic Stay? The automatic stay is a court order
Dog Bite Laws in Tennessee: Rules and Regulations If you’ve been bitten by a dog in our home state of Tennessee, you may be wondering who is responsible and what your legal options are. What are the dog bite laws in Tennessee, and what options do you have? As an award-winning Memphis dog attack lawyer, I help victims like you understand their rights and fight for the compensation they deserve. Tennessee’s dog bite laws can be confusing, but I’m here to break them down in a way that’s easy to understand. Tennessee’s “One Bite” vs. Strict Liability Rule Tennessee has a mix of strict liability and the “one bite” rule, depending on the situation. Strict Liability In most cases, a
How Will Disability Change in the Coming Years? Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a vital lifeline for millions of Americans unable to work due to disability. As we move into 2025, several changes and proposals are on the horizon that could impact current and future beneficiaries. So what do we know about the future of SSDI, and how can you prepare? Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) Increase Starting in January 2025, SSDI recipients will see a 2.5% increase in their monthly benefits due to the annual Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA). So for example, if you’re currently receiving $1,000 per month, your benefit will increase to $1,025. This adjustment happens every year in order to help beneficiaries keep up with inflation and rising
Dealing with Debt After a Layoff: What You Need to Know Layoffs are stressful enough without the added burden of overwhelming debt. If you’ve recently lost your job and are struggling to keep up with bills, you might be wondering whether filing bankruptcy after a layoff can help you regain control of your finances. The good news is that bankruptcy exists for situations just like this—to give people a fresh start when life takes an unexpected turn. As a Memphis bankruptcy lawyer, I’ve helped many people navigate the challenges of filing for bankruptcy after a layoff. Here’s what you need to know about your options and how to move forward. How a Layoff Can Lead to Bankruptcy A sudden loss
What Happens if the CFPB Closes? How It Could Impact Creditor Harassment What happens if the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) shuts down? Here’s what you need to know about the CFPB and creditor harassment. The Power of the CFPB and What’s Next For years, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has acted as a watchdog against abusive debt collection practices. It has fined shady lenders, cracked down on illegal creditor harassment, and given consumers a place to report bad actors. But if the CFPB shuts down or loses its power, what happens next? As a bankruptcy lawyer, I already help clients escape creditor harassment. And without the CFPB, the responsibility to hold debt collectors accountable could shift even more onto
The Importance of Honesty in Your SSDI Claim Applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) can be a long and frustrating process, and it will leave some people wondering, “Can I lie on my disability application?” Maybe you think an exaggeration here or there might help you get benefits you really do need. But that’s not the way to go. One of the most important things you can do in the application process is be completely honest throughout your claim. As a Memphis SSDI lawyer, I’m happy to lay out for you why honesty is so imperative in your SSDI claim – and how to present your case the right way. Can the SSA Tell if I Lie on My
What Happens If You Misuse a Product and Get Injured? You’ve been injured by a product, but there’s a problem—you weren’t using it exactly as intended. Now the medical bills have added up and become unaffordable. You know that using the product caused the injury. So you’re left wondering: can you still sue if you misused the product? As an experienced personal injury attorney, I get this question a lot. The answer depends on a few key factors. In many situations, yes, you may still have a product liability case. Here’s what you need to know. What Counts as Product Misuse? Product misuse happens when you use an item in a way that wasn’t intended or recommended. Some examples include:
Slip and Falls in Supermarkets and Grocery Stores: What You Should Know Grocery store slip and fall accidents could leave you with more than just embarrassment. They often cause serious problems, like broken bones, back injuries, and even head trauma. Supermarkets and grocery stores are among the most frequent places for slip and fall accidents, and as a personal injury lawyer, I’ve helped many of our clients navigate these cases. We’ve dealt with some of the biggest grocery chains in the world, and won. Recently, we represented someone who damaged her hip replacement when she fell in a grocery store. It caused a lot of damage and long-term medical problems. We were able to get her a six-figure settlement to
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy for Senior Citizens: What You Should Know If you’re dealing with overwhelming debt later in life, you aren’t alone—and you have options. Chapter 13 bankruptcy for senior citizens offers certain lasting benefits and is one option you may want to consider. Depending on your situation, Chapter 13 bankruptcy could be a smart solution to help you get control over your finances without putting your home or retirement savings at risk. Here’s what you need to know about how Chapter 13 can work for you and what’s involved. Why Chapter 13 May Be a Good Option for Seniors As you get older, medical bills, credit card debt, and unexpected expenses can pile up fast. For a lot of
Getting SSDI for Cardiovascular Conditions Living with a cardiovascular condition can limit your ability to work, making basic daily activities difficult. And getting SSDI for a heart condition – even when you meet all the qualifications – can feel overwhelming at times. If your heart condition is preventing you from holding a job, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits may provide the financial support you need. However, first you need to prove your cardiovascular condition disables you from earning an income. And that requires meeting specific medical criteria. Here’s what you need to know about getting SSDI for a heart condition and how an experienced SSDI lawyer can help you build a strong case. Heart Conditions That May Qualify for