Thursday, April 25, 2019

Top Workers Compensation Claims and How to Protect Against Them

A workers compensation claim can be detrimental to your business if you don't have the right precautions in place. As a business owner, it's required to provide workers compensation insurance for your employees. This can help cover injuries, should someone get injured in the workplace. Our Lake of the Ozarks law firm knows how important this coverage is, as accidents at work happen more than one might think. Below are some of the most common workers compensation claims to watch out for around your business.


Top Workers Compensation Claims:

Strains and Sprains 

Doing a job-specific motion over and over can cause wear and tear on employee's joints. This puts strains and sprains at the top of the list for workers compensation claims. Know the type of motions and work your employees are doing and provide items to help avoid injury.

Cuts or Punctures 

Many workplaces have dangerous objects around. Falling against a sharp corner or other object can actually cut or puncture the skin. Encourage employees to keep an eye out for this type of object that can cause injury.

Contusions

A contusion (or bruise) is another common workplace injury. A severe bruise can be very painful and commonly caused by a fall. In your workplace, work hard to avoid any tripping or slipping hazards to help avoid employees falling.

Inflammation

Inflammation is a common bodily response to injury. Inflammation can actually be painful and may prevent an employee from being able to work. Work hard to create a safe work environment to avoid workers getting injured and/or inflamed.

Fractures

Broken Bones or fractures do unfortunately happen on the clock. Usually caused by falling or being hit with an object, ensure your workplace is safe and employees know the proper protocol for safety to help avoid as many fractures as possible.


How to Protect Against Workers Compensation Claims:

Train On Safety Often

Ensure your staff has regular training sessions to promote safety. Cover any new safety protocol and review your current procedures. This can help ensure that safety is top of mind for all of your employees. While most new employees receive safety training during their initial training, it's best to have a refresher course on a regular basis.

Go Over Safty Protocol with New Employees

When hiring someone to join your team, ensure they have been shown the proper safety protocol for all tasks. This is important to show how safety is a top priority for your new staff members. Putting a high importance on safety can help make it clear from the start of their employment that you take the safety of your employees seriously. Take the extra time to explain in detail the safety regulations you have within your company. Also, ensure each new employee fully understands what the safety protocol is and why it is in place.

Look for Safety Improvements

Let your staff know that you are always on the lookout for safety improvements. Sometimes the people who do the job a daily basis can have great input for safety ideas to add to your company's protocol. Try to be open for employees to report faulty equipment. Let your staff know that you want to know when a piece of equipment is starting to fail, as this is a huge safety concern that needs to be addressed right away.

Let Employees Be Your First Line of Defense

Encourage all of your staff members to look out for one another. If someone notices a lack of safety, please encourage them to report this. Keeping someone safe is important to all employees and the company as a whole. Also, a co-worker may be able to help point out a safety concern to a fellow employee in real-time and help prevent an unnecessary injury.

A workers compensation claim can put a damper on things but with the right kind of protection, your business will be covered from workplace injury lawsuits. Our workers compensation attorney at the Lake of the Ozarks is here to help protect your business, should you be facing a workers comp case. Give Gibbons Law Firm a call today to discuss your business' legal needs.

Remember, your initial consultation with Gibbons Law Firm is always free.



Your Trusted Legal Resource

Gibbons Law Firm
2820 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B4
Lake Ozark, MO 65049
(573) 348-2211

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Felony vs Misdemeanor: What's the Difference?

A felony and misdemeanor charge can have a serious impact on your future. While it can be an intimidating process, it's important to know the difference between the different types of consequences you may face for each charge. Our Lake of the Ozarks lawyer knows this is a stressful time but knowledge of the charges can help let you know what may lie ahead. If you're facing a criminal charge at the Lake of the Ozarks, it's important to know what kind and what that means for you. Our criminal defense attorney at the Lake of the Ozarks is here to help. Learn about the different crime types below and what each classification has for punishment.


All About Misdemeanor Charges:

Misdemeanors could be considered "middle-of-the-road crimes." They are more serious than infractions (which are minor transgressions that typically result in a fine), but less serious than felonies. They are typically punishable by fines and up to one year in the county jail. Examples of misdemeanors may include:

  • Petty Theft
  • Possession of small amounts of marijuana
  • Trespass
  • Disturbance of the peace
  • Illegal gambling

It is important to realize that certain acts may be moved from a misdemeanor to a felony classification depending on their severity.


All About Felony Charges:

A felony is the most serious classification of crimes according to the American judicial system, and as such it is reserved for the most heinous acts. Convicted felons may be subject to the maximum punishment allowable by the state in which they are committed. This punishment may include steep fines, multiple years in prison (including a life sentence), and potentially even the death penalty. Examples of felonies may include:

  • Robbery
  • Kidnapping
  • Possession and/or distribution of child pornography
  • Embezzlement
  • Grand theft
  • Murder
  • Identity theft
  • Rape (of both adults and minors)
  • Possession and/or distribution of a controlled substance
  • Fraud

Now that you know the details of a felony and misdemeanor crime, you can feel more confident as to what charges you may face. If you've been accused of a crime, it's important your rights are respected. Our Lake of the Ozarks criminal defense attorney has experience with criminal defense cases and can help ensure your rights are protected. Don't forget, your first consultation with Gibbons Law Firm is always free. Give us a call today to schedule your consultation.

Remember, your initial consultation with Gibbons Law Firm is always free.



Your Trusted Legal Resource

Gibbons Law Firm
2820 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B4
Lake Ozark, MO 65049
(573) 348-2211

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Tuesday, April 9, 2019

3 Ways a Lawyer Can Help When Buying Property​​​​​​​

Buying a home is an exciting process but it's also a very involved transaction. Your home is likely the largest investment you will make. It's important that your best interest and rights are being protected as you prepare for this big purchase. A real estate lawyer at the Lake of the Ozarks can assit in the transaction and offer peace of mind as you enter this exciting phase of homeownership. Learn how our Lake of the Ozarks lawyer can help during your home buying process.


Buying and selling a home involves the transfer of real property. This transfer process requires that certain extensive procedures must be correctly followed in order for the transaction to be legally valid. Most real estate agents are involved in the processes on a daily basis for a typical real estate transaction. If your transaction is out of the ordinary, the documentation and required legal paperwork may be tricky and present an issue. It's vital for the legal paperwork and proper documentation be completed accuratel and in the right order, at the right time. It may be of benefit to consult with a Lake of the Ozarks real estate attorney as you prepare to buy or sell a home in the area.

Why Should You Consider An Attorney?

Many people buy and sell homes without involving an attorney. Therefore, you may be wondering what purpose an attorney can serve in the process. Here are a few of the different reasons why involving an attorney may be beneficial for your real estate transaction.

1) Listing Your Home

Unless you choose to For Sale By Owner, contacting a real estate agent to list your home will likely be your first step when you choose to sell your home. An attorney can help you evaluate the standard broker contract to ensure that it will meet your needs in the event that any unexpected situations should arise or in the event that a transaction ultimately does not occur. Your attorney can also explain the terms of the contract to you and help you to negotiate changes within the contract (before it is signed) if certain aspects do not meet your needs.

2) Buying A Home

As the buyer, you hope to purchase a title that is free and clear - one without any title issues, liens, or extraneous factors that may inhibit your use or enjoyment of your new property. For example, there may be tenants that are currently leasing part of your new property, or you may learn about property damage or hazardous material on the property after the transaction has been finalized. An attorney can help you navigate any unusual situations that may occur. Your attorney can also help evaluate the appropriate contracts to ensure that they meet your needs.

3) Finalizing The Transaction Process

There is countless paperwork and a seemingly endless list of details that must be attended to during the transfer of real estate property. If you are financing a significant portion of the transaction via a mortgage loan, there will be even more paperwork involved. An attorney can help ensure that every document is prepared correctly and can advise you on the legal implications of each step of the process.

Here at Gibbons Law Firm, we know buying a home is an important step in your life and we want to help ensure you know the legal requirements every step of the way. We can help ensure your rights are being protectecd and you have the right legal documentation in place during your home buying process!

Remember, your initial consultation with Gibbons Law Firm is always free.



Your Trusted Legal Resource

Gibbons Law Firm
2820 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B4
Lake Ozark, MO 65049
(573) 348-2211

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Friday, April 5, 2019

5 Things that Impact the Cost of Divorce

Divorce is a trying time for everyone involved. Personal and professional relationships may be affected by a divorce. Not only does a divorce at the Lake of the Ozarks cause emotional damage, but it can also have a negative impact on your financial stability. Divorces cost money and it's best to find an experienced divorce attorney near the Lake of the Ozarks to look out for your best interested throughout the entire process.


1) Business Ownership

Owning a business can make the divorce process more complex. If no arrangements were set in stone before the marriage, the business may be included in the overall assets of the marriage. This can take extra steps for each lawyer to review financial documents and decide a worth of the business if both parties want ownership rights or financial gains from the business.

2) Children Involved

When there are children involved in a divorce, the cost of the divorce may rise. It can take more time to determine how to divide custody of your kids. A custody battle is often the most highly contested aspect of the divorce process. Each parent is typically passionate about their kids and are willing to fight for their rights, causing the cost of divorce to rise.

3) Marital Assets Involved

If a large amount of assets are involved, the more work needed in dividing them between the two parties. Multiple properties or other assets can complicate the process, and drive the cost up. Other assets that can complicate the process are shared investments and retirement accounts that are listed in both of your names.

4) Amount of Cooperation between Spouses

Cooperation with your spouse also has a direct impact on the length of time involved to finalize the divorce. This factor also has a big impact on the money needed to complete the process. If you and your spouse cannot decide how things should be handled and divided, extensive and costly litigation fees may be involved. If the two parties can agree and cooperate, it can greatly impact the bottom line in a positive way.

5) The Attorneys You Choose

The attorneys used to represent you in the divorce process will have a significant impact on the overall cost. While the cost is a major factor, it's important to find a divorce attorney at the Lake of the Ozarks that is trustworthy, reliable, and has your best interest in mind.

If you're thinking about filing for divorce near the Lake of the Ozarks, Gibbons Law Firm is here for you. We offer a free initial consultation for divorce cases. It's important your interests are top of mind and our law firm at the Lake of the Ozarks can help protect yours. Contact us today to set up your consultation and learn about how we can help with your unique divorce circumstances.

Remember, your initial consultation with Gibbons Law Firm is always free.



Your Trusted Legal Resource

Gibbons Law Firm
2820 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B4
Lake Ozark, MO 65049
(573) 348-2211

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