Life-Changing Consequences of Drinking & Driving

Drinking and driving is illegal but it's still a frequent crime. The act of drinking and driving one time can lead to life-changing consequences. As a lawyer at the Lake of the Ozarks, we see a number of cases that involve a DUI or BUI. It's important to know the legal dangers associated with drinking and driving. Take a look below to learn how drinking and driving at the Lake of the Ozarks can have a life-changing impact.

Consequences of Drinking & Driving:

Get License Revoked

Getting your license revoked is a common consequence of driving under the influence. This can impact your personal and professional life. If you rely on your vehicle for transportation it can have a devastating impact on your life.

Hefty Legal Fees

Steep fees may be placed upon you if you are charged with a DUI. In addition to these fees, you'll likely incur the cost of legal representation. These expenses can add up quickly and you may find yourself in a tight financial situation

Lose Job

Some employers have policies about a criminal record and a conviction can be terms for your termination. It can also be hard to find a new job since most employers run a background check on potential candidates. This is just one of the ways a conviction can impact your professional life.

Insurance Rates Rise

Most insurance companies will charge more monthly premiums after a driver has been convicted of a DUI or BUI. It can also be hard to shop around for new insurance with a charge like this. Insurance companies will see this as reckless driving behavior and the risk of insuring a person with this conviction goes up.

Lose Friends

Some people in your life may look down upon a criminal conviction, like a DUI. This type of situation can be damaging for your personal relationships. It can be very stressful to go through a conviction like this. Your personal relationships may suffer if you are charged with drinking and driving.

With Mardi Gras Pub Crawl right around the corner, it's important to keep the dangers of drinking and driving top of mind. Calling a cab or designating a driver is way cheaper than being charged with a DUI! If you do find yourself being charged with a DUI, contact Gibbons Law Firm right away.

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

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Gibbons Law Firm

2820 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B4

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

(573) 348-2211

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Steps to Take if Your Are Injured At Work

An employer takes certain precautions to keep employees safe. Safety procedures and practices, workers compensation insurance, consequences for breaking safety protocol are just a few of the ways employees work to protect their employees. Although many precautions are in place, work injuries do occur. If you are injured on the clock, it's important to take the proper steps for your situation. Take a look below to learn more about each step.

As your personal injury lawyer at the Lake of the Ozarks, it's important to know your rights as an employee who has been hurt on the job. Here at Gibbons Law Firm, we can help ensure your rights are being respected and you get the proper care you deserve.

Report Injury to Supervisor

As soon as an accident occurs, injury or not - report it to your supervisor. If an accident with no injury is reported, it can help prevent future injuries due to the same or similar situation. If an injury does occur, this needs to be reported as soon as possible. Your manager or boss will need to file an accident report with their workers compensation company. The quicker this gets rolling, the faster a resolution to your claim will come about.

Seek Medical Treatment

If needed, seek medical treatment for your injury right away. When you seek treatment, be sure the injury is documented as a work-related injury. This being noted in the paperwork can help represent your case, if needed. Follow instructions for your injury as closely as possible and don't return to work until you have been cleared by a medical professional.

Find Legal Representation

As you file your workers compensation claim, you may run into a manager or supervisor brushing off your injury. If you don't feel like your injury is being taken seriously, you may have a workers compensation claim at the Lake of the Ozarks. At this point or at any point you run into trouble filing your claim, it may be time to speak with a workers compensation lawyer in mid-Missouri.

Now that you know the steps to take if you are injured on the job, you're more prepared as you go to work each day. If you are unfortunately injured at work near the Lake of the Ozarks and feel like you aren't being treated fairly, contact our lawyer. We can help you walk through your situation and determine if legal representation could be of benefit to your case. Remember, your first consultation with our Lake of the Ozarks law firm is always free.

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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Top 5 Ways to BETTER Protect Your Business

As a business owner, you face a number of risks on a daily basis. Hiring an experienced business attorney at the Lake of the Ozarks can make all the difference in protecting your business. Finding ways to legally protect your business can help protect both you and your venture. Here at Gibbons Law Firm, we have a number of ways to protect your business at the Lake of the Ozarks. Take a look below for a few of the top ways to better legally guard your business.

1) Choose the right kind of business from the start. 

Deciding which type of business is right for your unique situation is important. Whether it's a sole proprietorship, corporation, partnership, or LLC, you can decide on a level of protection with your business type. A legal professional will be able to advise you on which business type is the best option for your venture.

2) Document, document, document, and document some more. 

You can't over-document when it comes to your business. The more you have in writing, the better. If an external person would need to go through your paperwork for any legal reason, it's best to have more than needed. Documenting any and all business activity can help protect your business!

3) Prepare for the end, at the beginning. 

As you start a business, you likely aren't thinking about the end of your business. You should be. Whether you are a sole proprietor or have partners in your business, make an exit plan from the start. This can help you make decisions ahead of time and prepare for the exit of yourself or your partner. A plan can be especially helpful if there is a sudden need to end the business or partnership.

4) Have an external person review all accounts

Many small businesses have one internal employee help with accounting. While this is a great solution to have someone on staff, it's also best to have an external person or company review your books on a regular basis. Embezzlement is a common crime and can have a detrimental impact on a small business.

5) Keep business and personal funds separate. 

As a business, there are a number of occasions in which your books may be audited. It's best to keep your business and personal accounts separate from one another. You may open your personal accounts up to being considered part of your business funding if the accounts have been co-mingled at some point.

Now that you have some tips on how to better protect your Lake of the Ozarks business, you're ready to start implementing these steps right away. If you're interested in learning exactly how our Lake of the Ozarks law firm can help safeguard your business, contact Gibbons Law Firm today! And remember, the first consultation with us is always free.

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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How to Identify Sexual Harassment at Work

Sexual harassment is a serious issue challenging the workforce across America. While this has been an issue for years and years, recent news stories and activists have brought this issue to the forefront. Sexual harassment has a damaging effect on your employees and company culture. Whether you are a business owner or an employee at a business, sexual harassment is a topic that should be taken very seriously. As your business attorney at the Lake of the Ozarks, we know how important it is for sexual harassment incidents to be addressed right away. Learn more about the damaging effects of sexual harassment in the workplace and how to identify this type of behavior.

Identifying Sexual Harassment:

There are many forms of sexual harassment. Below are a few examples of common sexual harassment situations, to help you better identify this type of harassment in the future:

• Touching someone in an inappropriate manner (brushing up against them, placing a hand on shoulder or back). 
• Discussing sex or sexual acts with another employee. 
• Kissing, hugging, punching, or grabbing someone you work with. 
• Asking for sexual favors. 
• Making uncalled for or sexual noises around another employee. 
• Asking about the sexual history of a co-worker. 
• Showing sexual photographs or objects.
• Insulting someone's clothing or appearance. 
• Threatening an employee if they refuse sexual advances or favors. 

Types of Sexual Harassment:

The federal law classifies two primary forms of sexual harassment in the workplace:

• A Hostile Work Environment results when a person or group of people are made to feel uncomfortable at work. No physical contact has to be made to create a hostile work environment. A sexual joke or comment can certainly lead to a hostile work environment. 

• The Quid Pro Quo is when an employees' work status is threatened or changed due to a sexual advance or favor. If someone is being hired, promoted, or fired contingent upon their willingness to submit to sexual advances or perform a sexual favor, it is quid pro quo harassment. 

Sexual harassment should not be taken lightly. It's vital for your business to take action and address the issue right away. If you notice any of the above behaviors of sexual harassment, even if it does not involve you, report the issue right away. If you are the business owner or HR manager that receives a report of sexual harassment, prompt action is required. If you are worried about your business being sued for sexual harassment in the workplace near the Lake of the Ozarks, contact a lawyer right away. A legal professional can offer advice on how to take the proper steps to put an end to the harassment and help protect your business from further legal steps against you. For more information about sexual harassment in the workplace, contact Gibbons Law Firm at 573-348-2211.

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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Common Reasons the Divorce Rate Spikes After the Holidays

As the holiday season comes to a close, the divorce rate is typically on the rise. There are a number of reasons the rate of divorce goes up this time of year. As your experienced divorce lawyer at the Lake of the Ozarks, we know divorce is a very emotional process and those emotions are high this time of year if you are thinking about divorcing your spouse.

For some, the holidays are a joyous time with friends and family. For someone considering a divorce, it can be an emotionally draining time of year. The holidays can be a make or break time as a divorce is contemplated. Take a look below to learn about some of the common reasons the holiday season leads to many divorces.

Put It Off

Many couples decide to put off divorce until after the holidays. This may make it a little easier to get through the holiday season with fewer questions about their relationship from friends and family. It can also be tough on children to have a divorce right before the holidays and many parents may think it is better for their family if they wait to announce their divorce until the holiday festivities have concluded.

Reflection

The new year is typically a time for setting goals and reflection upon the past year. While many couples probably don't set a resolution to get divorced, they may set new goals for their personal or professional life. If they look back upon the past year and aren't happy, they may believe their partner is one of the reasons they aren't where they would like to be and divorce may seem like the solution for their unhappiness.

Flaws are Revealed

The holidays are a time of year when a couple is forced to plan and work together. From shopping for gifts to planning time with your families, it can be stressful on any relationship. If you have flaws in your marriage, this time of year may bring those to the surface.

Last Ditch Effort

If you and your spouse are trying to make it work, you may have decided to continue to work on your marriage and stay together through the holiday season,. This may be an attempt to rekindle your relationship during the holidays - which are typically a time of joy and celebration.

Now that you know why this time of year can put extra strain on your marriage, you can decide if you are willing to work through your issues or if you are ready to file for divorce at the Lake of the Ozarks. Our Lake of the Ozarks divorce attorney can help, if you have decided to file for divorce. From the initial filing paperwork to deciding upon child custody, Gibbons Law Firm can help you through the entire divorce process. If you are ready to end your marriage, give us a call today to learn what your next steps will be.

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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Actions to Avoid During a Child Custody Dispute

Getting a divorce is hard but going through it when children are involved can be tough on everyone involved. If you are going through a divorce and have kids, it's important to keep your child's best interest top of mind. As your experienced divorce attorney at the Lake of the Ozarks, we know how vital this time can be to the future of your relationship with your children. Take a look below for some quick tips for actions to avoid, provided by Gibbons Law Firm.

NOT Providing a Stable Environment

A loving and stable environment can help your children grow and thrive. A divorce can throw a wrench in that, but it's important to work toward providing the best place possible for your children. A child needs consistent love and it's important to show that you are capable of providing that for your kids, especially during a child custody dispute.

Turning to Alcohol or Drugs

It can be easy to turn to drugs or alcohol in order to cope with the new stress and changes in your life. If you would like your children to live with you, even partial custody, it's important to show that you can provide a stable place for them to live. Alcohol or drugs do not provide stability.

NOT Having Self Control

Stay in control of your anger or aggression at all times. While the stress builds and the pressure of the looming divorce may be weighing down on you, you have to keep your composure. This can help show that you are a stable figure in your child's life and a good influence on them. Don't let a moment of weakness jeopardize your custody dispute.

Talking Negatively About Your Spouse

During a divorce, you are likely not seeing eye to eye with your spouse. Don't let your children feel the negative effects of this. Keep your comments and feelings about your spouse to yourself or vent with another adult. It's inappropriate to force your feelings on your children - after all the other person you are talking about is their parent too!

NOT Being Involved in Your Child's Life

Especially if your family is going through a divorce, it's important to be there for your kids. No matter what they are involved in, show up and show support for your little one. They are going through this new transition, just like you are, and it's vital to be there for them. Whether it's little league or another school activity, make an effort to be involved in your child's life.

Now that you know what actions to avoid during a child custody dispute, you're ready to keep your child's best interested in mind. If you're thinking about getting a divorce near the Lake of the Ozarks, we are here for you. Our divorce attorney in Lake Ozark, MO can help explain the process you are about to experience. And remember, your first consultation with our Lake of the Ozarks law firm is free!

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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3 Must-Know Tips for Starting a Small Business

As we near the end of another year, you may be setting some goals for 2019. If starting a small business at the Lake of the Ozarks is on your list of things to accomplish, this blog is for you. Starting a business is an exciting, yet stressful time. The legal requirements for a new startup may seem daunting to many. As your Lake of the Ozarks lawyer, we can help ease some of the stresses you may face when it comes to starting your business in the new year.

1. Decide on Business Structure

The legal structure for your new business has a big impact on you and your venture. Deciding which type of structure is best for your unique situation is key to starting a successful business. A sole proprietorship, corporation, or LLC, there are benefits of each type for the individual and/or business. A legal professional can help point out the benefits and drawbacks to each business structure and what would be best for your situation.

2. Think About Staffing

Who will work for your small business? Whether you plan to work alone or hire employees, it's important to have the right documentation and protection in place. If you do hire a staff, ensure you properly document the hiring process and employee paperwork required by the state. Having this proper documentation on hand can help protect you and your business down the road if there is an issue. Also, if you end up having to let someone go, ensure you properly document the reasoning and your conversation with the employee. This can help protect your business, as well.

3. Double Check Contracts

Whether it's a contract you've drafted or paperwork you are signing on behalf of your business, ensure the paperwork is read over and worded correctly. Your business lawyer can help ensure you know what you are agreeing to in the said contract. Consider having your lawyer look over any paperwork you sign or have them draft up a contract for your business. This can help cover your bases as you enter into agreements with others.

Now that you know some of the legal requirements of a new business, you have a good idea of the decisions and legal documentation you need to have in place. If you'd like assistance or advice on how to move forward with your new venture, contact our Lake of the Ozarks business attorney. Gibbons Law Firm would be happy to assist you through the process as you get your new business up and rolling.

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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