What Questions to Ask a Car Accident Lawyer in Alberta

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Car accidents are a significant concern for drivers in the United States. For those injured or lost a loved one in an accident, it is essential to know your rights and understand what you can do to seek justice. The following are some of the questions to ask your lawyer.

  1. How many experiences Do You Have Representing People In Car Accident Claims?

Ask your prospective car accident lawyer how many cases he has handled, and specifically inquire about the number of cases similar to yours, i.e., hit-and-run accidents, multiple-vehicle collisions, etc.

  1. Do I Have To Go To Trial To Get A Fair Settlement?

Most personal injury claims settle out of court, and, unfortunately, most people only file lawsuits because they want the insurance companies to pay their medical bills and lost wages. For some, going to trial may be unavoidable, even if you do not honestly want to take the case that far. If you have been seriously injured and your claim is worth a substantial amount of money, the insurance company may insist on trying to take you to court instead of paying you what you deserve.

  1. Is My Case Strong Enough That We Can Win?

If your attorney thinks that they cannot get a fair settlement for you without going to trial, there is probably something in your case that suggests you may not win. If the evidence is stacked against you, then it might be in your best interest to negotiate a settlement with the insurance company before filing suit or consider hiring another lawyer who will be able to review your claim thoroughly.

  1. Will I Need An Expert Witness?

If you have been injured and need a car accident lawyer and the other party was at fault, you will likely need to hire an expert witness. An expert might be your mechanic who will testify about how the accident affected your car, or perhaps you were treated by a doctor who can explain how your injuries are different than they would have been without the collision. If the insurance company is not willing to pay for your expertise, you may be able to sue them for the money.

  1. Will My Medical Bills Increase If I Wait Too Long To Settle?

It is never a good idea to let your medical bills go unpaid, especially if they are piling up and getting more expensive as time goes on. If you do not pay them quickly, they may increase substantially because of interest charges and penalties. However, if your injuries are not severe and you will be able to return to work soon after the accident, then delaying a settlement until your case is stronger might be in your best interest.

  1. What Will Happen If We Go To Trial And I Lose?

If the worst happens and you lose your case, not only will you have to pay your lawyer for what could have been avoided if they had settled, but the insurance company may be able to garnish your wages or put a lien on your property. In most states, losing defendants are responsible for paying all of their costs, in addition to whatever the court decides is fair compensation.

  1. Is Mediation Or Arbitration An Option?

Many states allow injured claimants to resolve their disputes through mediation rather than a protracted and expensive trial. This allows both sides to agree upon a satisfactory settlement for both parties without engaging in costly litigation. Depending on where you live, you may also have the option of hiring an arbitrator to hear your case rather than going to trial.

  1. Who Will Pay My Attorney Fees?

If your claim settles out of court, having informed counsel by your side can be very important in achieving a fair settlement for you. If all goes well, the insurance company will pay for your lawyer’s fees, but you should ask whether this is the case before signing any settlement documents. And if you take your claim to trial, you could be responsible for paying at least part of your legal costs.

  1. Who Will Pay My Medical Bills?

Even if you can settle your case successfully, you should still be prepared to pay your medical bills. Although the insurance company may agree to reimburse you for your expenses, their offer may not cover everything you need, forcing you to choose between paying down your debt and catching up on other bills. It is essential to consider all of this before signing any documents or agreeing to a settlement.

Conclusion

It would help if you had all of your questions answered before hiring a car accident lawyer. Knowing how to find and hire an attorney can be complicated, but it is easy to understand who is best for you with the right questions.

 

Mike

Find top rated attorneys and law firms profiles with Find Attorneys Directory, the best and free online attorney directory. Guest bloggers can also publish their articles here as other bloggers are doing.

What Should You Do When Involved In A Car Accident?

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Have you been involved in a Car Accident? Here’s what to do.

 Even if we are conscious of our activities, the road is still a dangerous place. We have little influence over the actions of others with whom we share the road, and their carelessness and arrogance can have disastrous consequences at any time.

For example, every year in the world about 1.3 million lives are lost as a result of a traffic accident. Nonfatal injuries affect more than 20 to 50 million individuals, many of whom become disabled as a result of their injury.

In Australia, the annual death rate per 100,000 people is now 4.4. This represents a 4.9 percent raise over the rates for the 12 months ending September 2020.

These statistics are concerning, and you must recognize your duties if you were involved in a collision that was not your fault.

Adelaide Car Accident Lawyers is exceptionally competent and experienced in managing injury cases.

In this weblog, he will outline the procedures you should follow immediately after a crash.

  • Stop and double-check that everyone is safe:

Probably one of the hardest mistakes you can make is driving by accident. If you have any passengers, check them out immediately. Next, decide whether it’s safe to go outside. If it is not, make sure the passenger and all drivers involved in the collision are safe.

To alert other drivers on the road, turn on your danger lights, emergency flashers, or flares. If you’re too hurt to get out of your car, dial emergency medical services immediately.

  • Seek medical advice:

If you have been injured in an accident, the most important thing you should do is seek medical help. Although whether or not you feel “fine” during an accident, you always need to go to the emergency department.

Even if it’s just a small cut, you could be suffering from more significant damage that only a doctor can diagnose. You should not try to treat the injuries yourself because you will make them worse.

You should also make sure that your health insurance data is accurate so that your injuries are covered, even if the accident is not your responsibility.

  • Decide the number of injuries or damages:

When calling the police, make sure there is no one who needs immediate medical attention. In this situation, contact an ambulance immediately. Except if the cars are causing serious traffic jams, wait until the police arrive and collect evidence of them before moving them.

  • Obtain evidence:

If you are involved in an automobile accident for which you are not at fault, it is critical that you defend yourself and collect the required proof. Having this will greatly assist your compensation claim. When you call an auto accident attorney, you will be ready to begin the procedure. The following proof is required:

  • Pictures of the accident;
  • eyewitnesses statement records and
  • contact information;
  • A printed record of the original accident report.
  • Contact the police:

However, even if the accident is minor, it is still advisable to obtain a civil accident report. This is an important step in ensuring the safety of all involved and the documentation of all facts.

Some states require motorists to call the police if they are involved in an accident. Even if you’re not compelled, tell them and let them decide whether or not to go.

By informing them, you are both following the law and protecting your own interests. This will help if you decide to prosecute after the incident.

  • Information on Insurance Exchange:

Make a note of their name contact number, full address, and insurance details before you part ways. This is true for both destruction of property and/or healthcare costs. Sharing insurance details with other parties involved in a collision is crucial. If it wasn’t your mistake, then you may have to sue for restitution.

  • Maintain a diary of any expenses incurred as a result of the accident:

Keep a record of any expenditures incurred as a result of the accident. Prescription medications, doctor’s appointments, physiotherapy bills, and lost income are all included.

It’s also a good idea to keep track of other activities linked to the accident, such as discomfort, incapacity to conduct daily duties, and so on.

Because car accident lawsuits can drag on for a long period, keeping a clear record can allow you to maintain track of the evidence.

  • Need a skilled personal injury attorney:

Submitting a personal injury claim is a complicated legal procedure. You will need the assistance of an auto accident lawyer that is not just qualified but also experienced in the industry to assist you with this.

They will assist you in gathering evidence for your case. Aside from that, they may assist you in arranging your facts and proof in a persuasive manner.

You don’t have to be concerned about the costs because most personal injury attorneys do not ask for money until their client’s case is won. What you pay them is only a proportion of what you are compensated for.

Need more respective information? 

Accidents, tragedies that happen, no matter how big or minor, may be stressful. You should always seek legal counsel. As a result, we have Car Accident Lawyers Perth that can assist you in any situation.

Car Accident Lawyers Perth can assist you in recovering all of your legal rights. They can assist you whether you have been wounded in a car accident, truck accident, or if a loved one was killed in a motor vehicle accident.

They will deal with the insurance adjusters, manage your auto repairs, find you a rental car, and earn you the best compensation while you concentrate on getting your energy up together.

They are committed to keeping clients informed and educated throughout the whole legal process, from start to finish. Even their legal department is available around the clock each day, every week.

Mike

Find top rated attorneys and law firms profiles with Find Attorneys Directory, the best and free online attorney directory. Guest bloggers can also publish their articles here as other bloggers are doing.

How Do I Know If I Qualify for Bankruptcy Chapter 7?

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Nowadays, it’s all too easy to sink into debt, but it’s extremely difficult to get rid of it. You may be watching your debts pile up month after month while you don’t have enough money to make ends meet. As you face this difficult time in your life, you may wonder what you can do to get out of debt and regain control of your life and finances. Fortunately, there is a legal alternative that could be helpful to you. As you might imagine, we’re talking about bankruptcy.

Now, bankruptcy may be the answer to your financial problems, but not everyone qualifies for it. You need to keep in mind several factors to know if you qualify for your preferred bankruptcy chapter or if you’ll have to look for other options to get the fresh financial start you need.

Here you will learn how you can determine if you qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy and how a bankruptcy attorney may help you navigate the process.

What is chapter 7 bankruptcy?

One of the most important decisions you will have to make during your bankruptcy filing is which chapter of bankruptcy you wish to file. Bearing this in mind, you should know that the most popular type of personal bankruptcy is Chapter 7 bankruptcy.

Chapter 7 bankruptcy will enable you to get rid of most of your debts in a matter of months. To accomplish this, your non-exempt assets will be sold by a court-appointed bankruptcy trustee. The trustee will then use the proceeds to pay your creditors.

So, if you are looking for a quick solution to your debt problems and don’t mind the prospect of having to sell some of your assets to do so, Chapter 7 may be your best option.

However, qualifying for Chapter 7 bankruptcy is not as simple as it may seem. To do so, you will have to pass a means test that will assess your finances and determine if you meet the financial requirements to be eligible for this debt relief solution.

Is your income low enough?

The first phase of the means test will determine if your income is below or above the state median. Income includes wages, bonuses, tips, salaries, overtime, commissions, interest, royalties, workers’ compensation, tax returns, and more. Essentially, most of your money inflows.

If your current income is below the state median for households similar to yours, you will automatically qualify for Chapter 7; you won’t have to complete the rest of the means test.

However, if your income is higher than the state median, you will need to proceed with the rest of the test to determine if you qualify.

The bankruptcy means test

The means test is designed to restrict the use of Chapter 7 bankruptcy. The goal is to make this solution available only to those who indeed cannot pay their debts.

To do so, it deducts certain monthly expenses from your current monthly income to determine your “disposable income.”

As a rule of thumb, the higher your disposable income, the less likely you are to qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. The point is, if you have enough disposable income each month, you should use it to pay your creditors.

Now, if your income is too high, but you still want to get rid of your debts, you may want to consider Chapter 13 bankruptcy instead. In this type of bankruptcy, you will have to create a 3-to-5-year repayment plan. Once you complete it, most of your remaining debts will be discharged.

Other requirements to keep in mind

Besides your monthly income, there are other details you should consider to find out if you are eligible for Chapter 7 bankruptcy:

           Pre-bankruptcy credit counseling is mandatory:

           Before filing for any type of bankruptcy, you must complete a credit counseling course conducted by an approved agency. You are required to attend this course six months before your bankruptcy filing. Otherwise, your filing may be dismissed.

           There must be nothing suspicious about your finances:

           Bankruptcy courts will carefully evaluate your finances after your filing. If they find anything suspicious, such as that you transferred money or assets to family members to avoid losing them or that you maxed out your credit cards to abuse the process, your filing could be denied, and you might face fraud charges.

What if you filed for bankruptcy before?

If you previously filed for bankruptcy, you will have to wait some time before doing it again. To be exact, you have to wait eight years after a Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing before filing again, and six years in case of a Chapter 13 filing.

Should you work with an attorney during your filing?

Working with a Los Angeles bankruptcy attorney during your bankruptcy filing could be very helpful to you and will maximize the chances of success of your filing.

The attorney will help you choose the bankruptcy chapter that best fits your financial situation and advise you during the means test to ensure that you include all the required information without making unnecessary mistakes.

Overall, working with an experienced attorney may be your best option if you want your bankruptcy filing to be effective, simple, and stress-free.

Mike

Find top rated attorneys and law firms profiles with Find Attorneys Directory, the best and free online attorney directory. Guest bloggers can also publish their articles here as other bloggers are doing.

How Are Wrongful Death Settlements Paid Out?

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The typical wrongful death settlement is brought about when a wrongful death occurs to an individual. A wrongful death, as defined by Merriam-Webster, is “a death caused by the negligent, willful, or wrongful act, neglect, omission, or default of another.” When this kind of death occurs, the deceased individual’s next of kin has the right to seek wrongful death settlements within the statute of limitations that are set (either on a federal level or at the state level).

Any situation where a wrongful death settlement is needed can be especially painful and stressful. So we want to explore the answer to the question of “how are wrongful death settlements paid out” below.

How are Wrongful Death Settlements Paid Out?

To answer the question of “how are wrongful death settlements paid out” is pretty straightforward. A typical wrongful death settlement will be paid in one of two ways. Those two ways are:

  • A lump-sum payment
  • A structured settlement

There are differences between these two kinds of wrongful death settlement payments in how they are paid out. For a lump-sum payment, the typical wrongful death settlement payment will be paid out to the deceased individual’s family or beneficiaries all at once.

A structured settlement payment will occur through regular payments to the individual’s family or beneficiaries over time.

When it comes to which method is utilized in paying out wrongful death settlements, the parties that are involved in the case must decide. This will typically be decided at the end of the case. Though depending on the situation tied to the defendant in a typical wrongful death settlement case that may affect how disbursement is also handled.

For example, a defendant may be financially unable to afford a lump sum payment. This may lead to a structured settlement payment where they are able to pay out different amounts of money over a period of time.

Wrongful death settlements that will be fully covered by an individual’s insurance may be handled in a lump sum payment on the other hand. These are the two main ways that wrongful death settlements will be paid.

The state of Ohio also has laws that apply to the “distribution to beneficiaries” that a typical wrongful death settlement may be affected by as outlined in Section 2125.05 of the Ohio Revised Code.

What Damages are Available in Wrongful Death Settlements?

When it comes to the damages that are available in wrongful death settlements, damages (as laid out by Section 2125.02 of the Ohio Revised Code) can include things such as:

  • Compensation for a number of financial losses (i.e. funeral expenses, medical costs, etc)
  • Loss of “prospective inheritance” to an individual’s heirs
  • Mental anguish caused to surviving spouses, parents, next of kin, or dependent children
  • Loss of support from “reasonably expected earning capacity of the decedent”

Consider Working with a Wrongful Death Attorney

An individual may want to work with a wrongful death attorney as they seek a typical wrongful death settlement. A wrongful death attorney can provide assistance in navigating the ins and outs of the legal process and handling the insurance company negotiations or mediations.

The aftermath of losing a loved one can be difficult and stressful. A wrongful death attorney in Ohio can help to ease the process and provide experienced representation in your case.

Corey Heit

Heit Law, LLC is a personal injury law firm based in Columbus, Ohio that handles a wide range of cases that include car accidents, catastrophic injuries, and wrongful death. Handling all personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, Corey Heit is an experienced wrongful death attorney in Columbus who has served as a number of clients’ wrongful death advocates over the years.

What is California Lemon Law?

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Every state has its own lemon law. In the State of California, consumers are protected by both federal and state protection laws that provide remedies to owners and lessees of defective consumer products, which largely include vehicles. A vehicle or consumer good is a lemon if it has not been repaired after a reasonable number of repair attempts while under the manufacturer warranty. The Lemon Laws offer several remedies including obtaining a refund for the lemon, getting a replacement, or getting money damages for the diminished value of the product but still keeping it.

The most common remedy is a refund. If you get a lemon law refund, you will be reimbursed for all money you have spent on the vehicle or consumer product including your down payment, monthly payments, pro-rated registration, and any incidental or consequential damages. The manufacturer will also be required to pay off the loan and make a reasonable contribution towards your attorney’s fees and costs. You should be aware that the manufacturer will be entitled to deduct a usage fee – this is a value for when you drove the vehicle or used the product, trouble-free.

Other remedies include the replacement which is where the manufacturer will replace the lemon with a product that is substantially similar or cash and keep. This is where you retain possession of the product and receive cash compensation for its diminished value as a result of its defects.

It!s a common misconception that California!s Lemon Law only applies to vehicles that are purchased new.  The reality is that many defective used vehicles still apply for all of the protections under the Song-Beverly Act.  In fact, used vehicles can sometimes be very strong cases where the manufacturer had notice of issues with a vehicle from the prior owner.

It is important to note that the safe use or value of the vehicle must be impaired by the problems in order for the vehicle to qualify as a lemon.

Whether it!s a car, truck, or SUV…a Chevy, Chrysler, or Ford…a Mercedes, Volkswagen, or BMW…Toyota, Honda, or Kia…even a Ferrari, Bentley, or Maserati. Regardless of the manufacturer, if you have had repeated problems with your car during the warranty period, you may have a lemon.

Tips for Starting Your Lemon Law Claim

If you believe your product is a lemon, there are some tips you should be mindful of…

(1) If you think there is something wrong with your consumer good, take it in for service or repair work and make sure it!s documented;

(2) Be sure to accurately report any and all of your concerns to the service advisors – take care that they document all the issues you report;

(3) Keep all your documentation for all repairs – your lemon law attorney will need to review these to evaluate and support your claim;

(4) Make note of the names of the people who worked on your vehicle – this includes the service advisors, technicians, and/or any mechanics;

(5) Finally, if you have had repeated repairs during the warranty period you should contact an attorney to discuss your matter.

How Should I Select an Attorney?

The most important decision a client makes is the choice of lawyer. There are many attorneys out there that take on lemon law cases but do not specifically practice lemon law. It’s important to find an attorney who specializes in this area. Many lemon law attorneys will settle cases early.

It’s best to find an attorney who will work hard to maximize your recovery and aggressively pursue your case. This attorney should have a proven track record and history and be respected in the community.

At the Lemon Law Experts, we are about fighting to the end and taking on the challenge to advocate for our client’s rights in an effort to get them what they deserve. The defense attorneys know who we are, the manufacturers know who we are, and the judges know who we are. Additionally, we do not get paid unless you do, and none of the costs will come out of your pocket.

You should seek an attorney as soon as you begin experiencing repetitive issues with your vehicle. This will ensure that you receive the proper guidance throughout your lemon law experience.

Vehicles with Known Defective Components

It’s very possible that any vehicle can qualify as a lemon. Having said that, there are a few vehicles that have been manufactured with known defective components. Consumers across the nation have dealt with these issues, so we’ve compiled a list of some of the most frequently noted defective vehicles below.

Nissan Automatic Braking Defect

  • 2017-Current Nissan Altima
  • 2017-Current Nissan Armada
  • 2017-Current Nissan Leaf
  • 2017-Current Nissan Maxima
  • 2017-Current Nissan Murano
  • 2017-Current Nissan Pathfinder
  • 2017-Current Nissan Rogue
  • 2017-Current Nissan Rogue Sport
  • 2017-Current Nissan Sentra

Infiniti and Nissan CVT Transmission Defect

  • 2015-Current Infiniti QX50
  • 2015-Current Infiniti QX60
  • 2017-Current Nissan Altima
  • 2018-Current Nissan Armada
  • 2018-Current Nissan Juke
  • 2018-Current Nissan Leaf
  • 2018-Current Nissan Maxima
  • 2018-Current Nissan Murano
  • 2015-Current Nissan Pathfinder
  • 2015-2017 Nissan Quest
  • 2014-Current Nissan Rogue
  • 2018-Current Nissan Sentra
  • 2018-Current Nissan Versa
  • 2018-2021 Nissan Versa Note

General Motors Transmission Defect: Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC

  • 2016-2019 Cadillac ATS
  • 2016-2019 Cadillac ATS-V
  • 2016-2019 Cadillac CTS
  • 2016-2019 Cadillac CT6
  • 2016-2019 Cadillac CTS-V
  • 2015-2020 Cadillac Escalade
  • 2015-2020 Cadillac Escalade ESV
  • 2016-2019 Chevrolet Camaro
  • 2017-2019 Chevrolet Colorado
  • 2015-2019 Chevrolet Corvette
  • 2014-2019 Chevrolet Silverado
  • 2015-2020 Chevrolet Suburban
  • 2015-2020 Chevrolet Tahoe
  • 2017-2019 GMC Canyon
  • 2014-2017 GMC Denali XL
  • 2014-2019 GMC Sierra
  • 2015-2020 GMC Yukon
  • 2015-2020 GMC Yukon Denali
  • 2015-2017 GMC Denali XL

While there are many vehicles with known defects, the ones listed above are some of the most common. If you have experienced these issues, make sure to contact a lemon law attorney as soon as you can. If you have one of these vehicles and have not experienced these issues, pay attention! We hope that your vehicle does not qualify as a lemon, but regardless it’s best to stay informed.

Jessica Anvar

Jessica Anvar is the Founder and Managing Partner of the Lemon Law Experts, a Lemon Law Firm based in California. She has considerable experience with both Federal and State Lemon Laws and uses this expertise to defend the rights of consumers who have leased or purchased a defective vehicle or consumer good. Ms. Anvar has been involved in several prominent cases against powerful vehicle manufacturers. Aside from being an attorney, Jessica is an entrepreneur and philanthropist who is very active in the legal community.

Were You Wrongfully Terminated Because of COVID-19

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When it comes to the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been a number of job terminations all across the country. A large worldwide event such as the COVID-19 pandemic can have far-reaching effects, including on employment status.

But along with job terminations can come a number of different questions, such as wondering were you wrongfully terminated because of COVID-19? To help answer that question, we will take a short look at some of the circumstances that might pop up around wrongful termination and COVID-19.

While Ohio is an at-will state, which means that an employer can fire you for any legal reason as they see fit, employees do have protection against unlawful or wrongful termination. So, if you think you were wrongfully terminated because of COVID-19, some of the following examples might fit with your situation.

For more specific questions, it can be especially helpful to reach out to a COVID-19 wrongful termination lawyer from the Friedmann Firm as well.

Examples of How You May Have Been Wrongfully Terminated Because of COVID-19

While each individual case of wrongful termination will differ, there are a few examples we can look over that can tie into if you were wrongfully terminated because of COVID-19. Wrongful termination may tie to unsafe working conditions, filing a worker’s compensation claim, or even refusing to go to work when emergency orders are in place for people to remain at home.

Refusal to Work During Emergency Orders

Laws are in place to protect employees in relation to emergency orders, such as shelter in place orders. In terms of COVID-19, there are a number of different ways that an employer could potentially terminate an employee in a wrongful manner. Some of these include:

Filing A Worker’s Compensation Claim

Filing a worker’s compensation claim will happen after you have suffered an injury on the job typically. But if you file a worker’s compensation claim in regard to COVID-19, you are protected by law against wrongful termination.

Requesting COVID-19 ADA Accommodations

By federal and state law, reasonable accommodations are allowed at places of work for employees who are disabled. COVID-19 may call for you to work from home under ADA accommodations or for other necessary accommodations to be met. Since the ADA allows for such accommodations to be made, if you believe you have been wrongfully terminated when asking for ADA accommodations, speaking to a COVID-19 wrongful termination lawyer is suggested.

Taking COVID-19 Related FMLA

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) offers protection at both the federal and state law levels for employees who have to take time off of work for reasons related to COVID-19. The FMLA “entitles eligible employees of covered employers to take unpaid, job-protected leave for specified family and medical reasons”. If you have been fired for taking FMLA leave or placing an FMLA related leave request, speaking with a COVID-19 wrongful termination lawyer should be your next step.

Complaints Related to Unsafe Working Conditions

Employees may have complaints related to unsafe working conditions in any given year. The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) protects workers from illegal termination when such complaints are filed. An example of this might be a lack of COVID-19 safety adjustments to the work environment.

The long and short of it is if you were wrongfully terminated because of COVID-19, there are protections available to you.

Contact a COVID-19 Wrongful Termination Lawyer in Columbus, Ohio

At the Friedmann Firm, our attorneys are experienced and ready to advise and offer representation to employees throughout the stat of Ohio. We work to address unlawful harassment, wrongful termination, and other cases that fall under employment law. We take an aggressive approach and offer free, fully confidential consultations.

To speak with a COVID-19 wrongful termination lawyer, call us at 614-610-9755 or contact us online today.

Mike

Find top rated attorneys and law firms profiles with Find Attorneys Directory, the best and free online attorney directory. Guest bloggers can also publish their articles here as other bloggers are doing.