Category: Litigation / Personal Injury
Finally, Res Judicata
Contrary to what some non-lawyers might think, res judicata is not the name of the latest trendy disco, nor is it the most recent Latin pop music phenomenon to hit our shores. Instead, it is an important legal doctrine which promotes finality in court cases.… Continue reading
Changes in the Durable Power of Attorney
A very effective and popular estate planning device over the past decade has been the “durable” power of attorney. A power of attorney is a document a person (the “principal”) executes to give authority to another (the “agent”) to act on the principal’s behalf. The… Continue reading
Slip and Fall Injuries
With the slick winter weather we are seeing a rise in the number of slip and fall incidents occurring in public places. Serious injuries, including broken bones, back injuries, and various types of strains and sprains are being reported. Normal, healthy people rarely fall down… Continue reading
Pardon Me!
Since Bill Clinton left office the subject of pardons has been in the news almost daily, due largely to the pardon granted Marc Rich. As a result, the idea of granting a pardon to a convicted criminal may be getting a bad rap. Without question… Continue reading
Your Deposition — Be Prepared
If you or your business is involved in any sort of civil litigation, whether it is a basic collection case or a complex personal injury action, there is strong possibility that you will be required to give a deposition. A deposition is an opportunity for… Continue reading
Proximate Causation
Proximate cause, also known as legal cause, exists when the defendant’s negligent act is a substantial factor in bringing about an injury to the plaintiff. For example, in a wrongful death action, it is essential to prove that the wrongful act of the defendant was… Continue reading
The Medical Malpractice Crisis
For months, there has been much written and reported on the medical malpractice crisis in Pennsylvania and across the nation. Doctors in several states have staged temporary work stoppages to protest the high cost of medical malpractice insurance. In Pennsylvania, the Rendell administration has established… Continue reading
Deadlines
A deadline is defined as a time limit, especially the time by which an article, etc. scheduled for publication must be completed. As my editor called to remind me about my deadline for this piece, I began thinking about the pain and loathing that have… Continue reading
Terminating Democracy?
Ah, California! If it didn’t exist, we’d have to invent it. Almost certainly, if the polls are to be believed, in the recall campaign the present Governor, Gray Davis, is yesterday’s headline, a goner! He is barely at a 25% approval rating and, at least… Continue reading