Archives for March 2013

How Do I Know if I Have a Personal Injury Claim?

If you’ve been injured by someone else, you may have a personal injury claim and be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Meeting with a Maryland personal injury lawyer is the best way to get your claim evaluated, but generally you must meet the following criteria to have a successful personal injury claim:

  • You were injured
  • You suffered damages
  • Someone else was at fault

Personal accident claims can arise from car accidents, work accidents, medical malpractice or any other circumstances where someone owed you a duty of care and failed to meet that obligation. You may be able to recover compensation for:

  • Medical bills
  • Lost wages
  • Pain and suffering

The compensation you will be able to recover depends on the extent of your damage, the time needed for recovery, and the impact the accident will have on your future. Personal accident claims can include injuries like:

Suffering with your injuries is painful enough, but knowing that someone else’s negligence altered your life can make you feel helpless and angry. Talking with a lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and get you on the path to physical and financial recovery.

If you’ve suffered injuries because of the carelessness of someone else, please contact the Law Offices of Stuart L. Plotnick for your free consultation with an experienced Maryland personal injury lawyer.

 

Dealing with Insurance after Car Accidents

When you purchased your auto insurance, the insurance company was probably very helpful and offered assistance in person, on the phone or online. Once you’ve actually been involved in a car accident though, the insurance company can become unreachable and uncooperative. That’s when you need a Maryland car accident lawyer on your side.

When dealing with a car insurance company after a motor vehicle accident, remember these tips:

  • Don’t sign paperwork until you’ve had your car accident lawyer review it
  • Don’t give a recorded statement to an insurance adjuster
  • Don’t speak with anyone about the accident except your lawyer, your doctors and the investigating officer at the scene
  • Don’t accept an insurance settlement until you have consulted a car accident lawyer

At the offices of Stuart L. Plotnick, we have over 20 years of experience dealing with insurance companies. Before starting the firm a decade ago, Mr. Plotnick worked as a lead trial attorney for two major insurance companies. He is well aware of the tactics they will use to deny your claim or get you to settle for less compensation than you deserve.

If you’ve been injured in an accident, please contact the Law Offices of Stuart L. Plotnick for your free consultation with an experienced Maryland car accident lawyer.

How to Make Sure Your Child Isn’t a Bully

As a Virginia bullying lawyer, Stuart L. Plotnick sees the focus in many bullying incidents on protecting our children from bullies. As parents, we should also be concerned that our children aren’t the aggressors.

Signs that your child may be acting as a bully include:

  • Getting into frequent physical and verbal fights
  • Showing increasing aggressiveness toward others
  • Getting detention and frequent calls to the principal’s office
  • Having unexplained extra cash or new belongings

You can take certain precautions at home to make sure your child understands that social, physical, and cyber bullying are not acceptable.

  • Encourage your children to talk about bullying and the effects it can have on them and other children.
  • Promote a nurturing home environment filled with mutual respect and understanding, where they can express how they are feeling in a safe space.
  • Don’t allow bullying behavior between siblings. This extends beyond normal sibling rivalry, and if tolerated at home can send the child the message that it’s okay to act aggressively toward schoolmates.
  • Avoid telling your children that bullying is part of growing up.
  • Avoid telling your children that fighting physically or verbally is a good resolution to problems with others.
  • Don’t be afraid to seek professional help if your child is acting out and bullying others. A medical or mental health professional can help you and your child understand bullying behaviors and how to develop alternate expressions for the child’s emotions.

If your child has suffered from bullying, please contact the Law Offices of Stuart L. Plotnick to schedule your free consultation with a Virginia bullying lawyer.