I am at Yonge and Sheppard today for a Small Claims Court matter. Small Claims Court is an excellent forum for people to resolve their disputes.
If you require assistance with a Small Claims Court matter call me.
Loss of Income
If you have been injured in a car accident, slip and fall or any other type of accident a part of your claim against the other party can include a loss of income portion. This is income you would have earned but did not due to the injuries sustained in the accident.
If you did return to work you can still make a claim for loss of income, if you were denied promotions or suffered a demotion or reduction in your income. Pending of course, it is proven that the injuries from the accident caused you an inability to perform your duties.
Loss of income is a tricky area, ensure you hire a personal injury lawyer that is familiar with your claim for loss of income.
Woman Charged After 50 Cats Found
The Toronto Star reported:
Police have charged a 63-year-old woman with cruelty to animals after more than 50 cats were found roaming inside her home near Mt. Pleasant Rd. and Eglinton Ave. E. on Monday
Click here for the complete story.
Bee Attack
A bee attack in Texas has killed an elderly couple and injured their son.
Click here for the article.
Food Safety Modernization Act
In the United States the Federal government has responded to the rising number of food related illness and massive food recalls with the Food Safety Modernization Act. The Act became law on December 21, 2010 and is designed to provide new safeguards.
You can find more in the recent edition of the Food Safety Magazine.
Dog Bite
A Home Depot employee was bitten by a dog and sustained injuries. The owner of the dog was subsequently charged.
I’ve said it before and I will say it again a dog attack is no laughing matter. If you have been bitten by a dog seek medical attention and consult with a personal injury lawyer.
http://www.torontosun.com/2011/04/18/owner-charged-after-dog-bites-womans-nose-off
Brampton Court
Brampton courthouse described as one of the busiest in Canada.
If you live in Peel Region and face criminal charges or are involved in a civil lawsuit including a small claims court
matter this is where you would like come.
Hockey Is Illegal
Did you know that playing ball hockey in the street is illegal in Toronto and the surrounding areas.
You can be fined for playing ball hockey. Toronto City counselors are trying to change this.
http://www.thestar.com/mobile/news/gta/article/823751–street-hockey-illegal-maybe-not-for-long
Lawyer Referral Fees
Lawyers are permitted to give each other a fee for referring a client. Many people will call the lawyer that did their real estate closing for a criminal or personal injury matter. Or they might call their family lawyer because they were just served with a lawsuit.
Referral fees encourage the lawyer to provide you with the contact details of another lawyer that might be more suitable to assist you.
If you end up retaining the lawyer that was referred, he or she can provide a lawyers referral fee. This is a great way for lawyers to network and to ensure that all clients end up finding someone that works well for them.
If you are a lawyer and need to refer work out, please contact Rehan Khalil a Mississauga lawyer.
Working With A Lawyer Part 2
In a recent entry I discussed the topic of working with a lawyer. There are additional factors to keep in mind when working with a lawyer. As mentioned, legal services are like any other area of the service industry.
Lawyers charge for their time, i.e., they bill for their time. This is done according to their hourly rate. Lawyers set their hourly fee based on their experience, year of call to the bar, practice area and the market.
When looking to work with a lawyer ensure you are aware of the hourly fee. If the lawyers hourly fee is higher than something you can afford you might want to reconsider whether that is the lawyer for you.
Since, lawyers are billing you for their time, they will charge for phone calls with you and others on your behalf, they will charge for correspondence, they will charge for reviewing your file. Most lawyers will use their judgement when charging for emails. Lawyers will charge for meetings with you or the other party.
Always, keep this in mind when hiring a lawyer and working with a lawyer.
Some practice areas such as criminal law, the lawyer will provide you with a flat fee, i.e., block fee. This usually works out well for clients. Again use your discretion. Flat fees, contingency agreements and legal aid matters should not be abused. If you find you are continuously contacting the lawyer he or she might send you an additional bill for all the telephone calls.
Rehan Khalil is a lawyer in Mississauga.