Lawyers.com Blog

Opt-Out of a Class Action

nospam@example.com (Robert R. Ronne) — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 15:17:36 -0500

Opt-Out of a Class Action - Los Angeles Class Action Lawyer

Under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 23 and California Rule of Court 3.766, members of most class action lawsuits must be given the opportunity to exclude themselves, or opt out, of the lawsuit if they would rather obtain their own legal counsel and seek their own remedies. However, studies show that class members opt out in less than 1% of all class actions. This suggests that many class members are unaware of their legal rights and may unintentionally be agreeing to accept an amount much lower than what they deserve without having their voices heard.

What Does it Mean to "Opt-Out" of a Wage and Hour Class Action in Los Angeles?

You can individually choose your own attorney, pursue your own remedy, protect all of your legal rights, and seek to recover an amount that is closer to what you deserve.

test

nospam@example.com (Michael J. Letterman) — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 15:18:50 -0500

test
Continue reading "test"

Common Causes of Personal Injury in San Diego

nospam@example.com (Don D. Hiney) — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 14:49:06 -0500

Legal definitions

In San Diego, personal injury is defined by California law as the physical harm done to a person as a result of negligent, accidental, or unsafe conditions caused by another person, company, or other organization. Personal injuries caused by the outlined conditions are a severe injustice incurred by the victim, and the law provides remedy to compensate that wrongdoing.

There are several common causes of personal injury in San Diego:

    Car accidents
    Truck accidents
    Motorcycle accidents
    Construction accidents
    Head and spinal injuries
    Wrongful death

Anyone, at any time, can become the victim of a serious personal injury. Accidents caused by someone else’s carelessness are unfortunate, everyday occurrences. If you are the victim of such an accident, you do not have to accept the financial burden of your injuries all alone. Contact our personal injury attorneys in San Diego to get legal help when you need it most.

Donald D. Hiney, A.P.C.

San Diego Personal Injury Lawyers

Donhineylaw.com

Did you suffer an injury in San Diego? Call 1-866-942-7350 for personal injuries in San Diego.

Continue reading "Common Causes of Personal Injury in San Diego"

Taxpayer Calls Roni Deutch For Help

nospam@example.com (Roni L. Deutch) — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 14:44:54 -0500

Posted 3/1/2010 5:40:26 PM

Margie
of Kissimmee, FL hired our law firm to negotiate placement on the IRS’s
Currently Not Collectible (CNC) status. At the time Margie called our
law firm, she was on an Installment Agreement with the IRS, but she
really could not afford to be paying the IRS anything at all. After
Margie completed her initial packet, it was apparent that she would
qualify for a better IRS resolution than the one she currently had.

“The biggest difficulty in this case was getting together the proof
documents that would be needed before starting negotiations with the
IRS,” explains tax attorney John Wentenkamp. “Margie had been working
as a self-employed individual when she hired us and she was having some
difficulty getting together a profit/loss statement that would
substantiate her income. There were other proof documents as well that
she was having difficulty gathering, such as bank statements and
non-liable income statements. And some of the details of her financial
profile changed during our representation. However, once we had all the
proof we requested, it was relatively easy to prove to the IRS that she
could not afford to pay back what she owed. The IRS agreed to put her
account into Currently Not Collectible status.”

“One additional wrinkle in this case,” continued Wentenkamp, “was
that when Margie hired us she only owed for tax year 2007. But in the
beginning of 2009, it became apparent to her that she was going to owe
for 2008 as well. She would have no way of paying this off and she
requested that we include it in her resolution. Fortunately, Margie did
everything necessary so that our law firm could grant her request. She
informed us of this additional debt as soon as she knew about it, and
she got her tax return filed immediately. We cannot always grant a
request such as this, but Margie was a conscientious client who
appeared to be very determined to get her tax troubles behind her.”

“I must say my experience with Roni Deutch and her team of lawyers
was amazing,” notes Margie. “I felt so helpless, and I thought that I
might even face jail time for my unpaid taxes. I have never been in
this position in my life before, and always paid my taxes on time. Roni
and her team were a blessing and gave me the hope I needed. I want to
thank you for all your help and understanding.”

Continue reading "Taxpayer Calls Roni Deutch For Help"

Class action claims allowed proceeding against Farmers for med pay claims

nospam@example.com (Jody R. Nathan) — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 13:07:43 -0500

Class action claims allowed proceeding against Farmers for med pay claims - Oklahoma Bad Faith Insurance Attorneys, Stauffer & Nathan

In Houck v. Farmers Insurance Company, Inc., 2010 OK CIV APP 12, plaintiffs complained that Farmers used a claims management company to reduce the amount of medical payments made on claims. The trial court granted class certification and Farmers appealed.

The trial court certified the following class:
All persons who made a covered claim pursuant to the Medical Payments Coverage of a private passenger automobile insurance policy written by [Farmers] where:
A. Zurich Services Corporation (“ZSC”) was utilized to review medical expenses;
B. Farmers applied ZSC’s RC 40 reduction to the medical expenses; and
C. The insurance policy was written in one of the following states:
1. Alabama;
2. California;
3. Idaho;
4. Illinois;
5. Indiana;
6. Iowa;
7. Montana;
8. Nebraska;
9. Nevada;
10. New Mexico;
11. Ohio;
12. Oklahoma;
13. South Dakota; and/or
14. Wyoming.

The listed states were states in which the same policy language was used. The appellate court found all requirements for a class action were met, and affirmed the trial court’s ruling.

Proving Liability in Truck Crash Cases With Black Box Data

nospam@example.com (Steven M. Gursten) — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 12:59:15 -0500

Rule of the Road No. 5 – How Black Box Data Can Prove Liability in Truck Crash Cases

Steve Gursten recently spoke at the AAJ Truck Litigation Seminar

“Black boxes” have completely revolutionized the way trucking companies can monitor the activities of their truck drivers. They’ve also revolutionized the way truck accident lawyers litigate serious crash cases, as black boxes may likely help prove your case and discredit the defense.

The term “black box” is thrown around a lot these days. It can refer to electronic log systems, electronic data recorders and electronic control modules systems. Black boxes are usually equipped with global positioning systems (GPS) and can be an important source of information about the truck and its journey. They accurately record a driver’s daily duty status and hours on the job.

How a Truck Accident Attorney Can Apply Black Box Information to Win a Case

So many preventable truck accidents are caused by drivers working beyond the regulated hours of service. And if you ask any experienced truck accident lawyer, he will tell you that many drivers and companies routinely falsify driver logs. Because of this widespread cheating, the fake driver logs are often called “lie logs” throughout the industry.

If you end up filing suit against a truck company that employs black boxes, you must include black box and other electronic data records in your discovery requests, even if the company supplies you with copies of the truck driver’s handwritten driver logs.

Send a preservation of evidence letter (also known as a spoliation letter) via certified mail to the motor carrier, notifying it that black box data is required to be preserved for litigation. Also request that the truck not be moved or repaired as the event recorder can be erased or recorded over before it is downloaded. If necessary, file a TRO. Whatever you do, preserve that evidence before the other side can destroy it.

This is a great way to fact check a truck driver’s log books. If you find that the trucking company refuses to produce this data because it has either been “lost” or “destroyed,” you can demand the back-up copy that the FMCSA now requires be kept somewhere other than on the truck’s on-board computer. Remember, this must be updated each month.

The information is out there to win your case. For additional, detailed information on how to obtain black box data and use it to prove your case, read my web page on black boxes.

The Black Box in Truck Litigation

In an effort to become compliant with hours of service regulations, some trucking companies, especially some of the larger motor carriers, have now implemented the use of these electronic on-board data computers.

Under 49 CFR § 395.15, a FMCSA compliant black box used in lieu of the handwritten driver logs must:

Warn the driver visually and/or audibly that the device has ceased to function.

If the device is not functioning (or simply turned off), the trucker must hand write his daily logs for the current day and any of the past seven days that the driver is missing records until the device is once again activated.

* The truck company must also maintain a second, back-up copy of the electronic hours of service files, by month, in a different physical location than where the original data is stored.

But Black Box Data Can be Destroyed…

I previously stressed that the information you need to prove a truck driver was negligent and therefore caused a serious truck accident is out there. But please remember that this invaluable information is only out there for a short period of time. That’s why a truck accident lawyer must start the truck accident investigation fast.

I normally don’t encourage people who’ve been injured in a car crash to go out and hire lawyers, but trucks are different. There is so much critical information that can be destroyed - quite legally and intentionally. This information is so critical to winning a truck accident case, that I believe these cases require a lawyer to be hired immediately.

For example, by law, trucking companies can destroy black box data (and other vital records such as log books, receipts and pre-trip inspection documents) after 60 days. It’s not unusual for Michigan trucking companies to destroy or ‘lose’ important documents that proved their negligence and/or hours of service violations to avoid financial responsibility to the people they have seriously injured or killed in deadly truck crashes.

My series on “Rules of the Road” for truck accident lawyers will continue Tuesday, with a blog on fatigued truckers.

Truck Accident Attorney Steven M. Gursten is recognized as one of the nation’s top experts in serious truck accident injury cases. He serves on the board of governors for the Association of Plaintiffs Interstate Trucking Lawyers of America. Steve is past-president of the American Association for Justice Truck Litigation Group. Recently, he was named a Michigan Lawyers Weekly Leader in the Law for his efforts to promote truck safety and his help in stopping preventable truck accidents in Michigan.

Related information:

Michigan Truck Accident Facts and Causes

Finding All Insurance After a Truck Crash

Truck Accident FAQs

Previous blogs from “Rules of the Road Every Truck Accident Lawyer Needs to Know” series:

Rules of the Road: Intro for Truck Lawyers

Truck Driver Fatigue

Truck Lawyers: Get Your Hands on Those Discovery Documents!

Investigate the Trucker’s Background and History

Truck Driver Qualification Files

Michigan Auto Law exclusively handles car accident, truck accident and motorcycle accident cases throughout the entire state of Michigan. We have offices in Southfield, Sterling Heights, Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids and Detroit to better serve you.

Continue reading "Proving Liability in Truck Crash Cases With Black Box Data"

Landmark Verdict against School District in Michigan Bullying Case

nospam@example.com (Andrew Agatston) — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 12:41:08 -0500

It was reported this week that a student enrolled in a Michigan public school district was awarded $800,000.00 against the district because the student's school did not do enough to protect him for years of severe bullying.

It is landmark because, in effect, it told the school district that it was not enough for schools to stop one student from bullying another. The schools must stop system-wide bullying as well.

It is important to note that this verdict occurred in a federal (as opposed to state) court jurisdiction that includes the State of Michigan. That is the 6th Circuit in the United States federal judiciary. Other circuits are not bound, and an appeal is almost assured in the particular case. For a map of the federal circuits, click www.uscourts.gov/courtlinks/.

The particular student was the target of bullying that began in middle school and continued into high school. The reported harassment was extreme, and verbal, physical and sexual in nature. His parents reported the abuse to the school, but it continued.

Sound familiar?

The school district had an anti-bullying policy in place, but failed to stop the pattern of abuse according to the plaintiffs. This case shows that school districts, at least in this circuit until an appeals court says otherwise, must make sure that there is not a broader pattern of abuse beyond an individual case.

I am not aware of any similar cases in Georgia. However, it is a very interesting legal theory.

Best regards.

First Amendment Does Not Prohibit Restrictions on Brothel Advertising

nospam@example.com (Steven J. Klearman) — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 12:06:24 -0500

The Las
Vegas Sun reports that the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a
Nevada law restricting advertising for brothels. The law was challenged
under the First Amendment for violating the right to free speech.

The Nevada law prohibits brothels from advertising in any county
where the sale of sexual services is prohibited by state law or local
ordinance. The law also limits advertising in counties where brothels
are legal: advertisements are prohibited in public theaters, on the
public streets of any city or town, or on any public highway.

The court found that the law targets pure commercial speech, which
enjoys less protection under the First Amendment than other types of
speech. The court held that the restrictions imposed by the law are
constitutional, because they "attain a reasonable fit between ends and
means."

The court stated, "By keeping brothel advertising out of public
places where it would reach residents who do not seek it out, but
permitting other forms of advertising likely to reach those already
interested in patronizing the brothels, Nevada strikes a balance between
its interest in maintaining economically viable, legal regulated
brothels and its interest in severely limiting the commoditization of
sex."

Federal Crimes in California

nospam@example.com (Charles T. Spagnola) — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 10:50:49 -0500

Federal crimes are offenses against the United States. These include criminal acts involving federal employees, taxes, property, receipt of federal benefits, and sales between multiple states.

The government tries these crimes differently from state crimes. A knowledgeable Orange County criminal attorney can explain how the state and federal government may charge you differently for various offenses.

Federal criminal prosecution

The U.S. attorneys and assistant U.S. attorneys try criminal offenses on the federal level. The Department of Justice employs these attorneys, whereas the state of California employs state prosecutors.

Federal criminal prosecution usually requires that a grand jury indict the accused. This means that U.S. attorneys present the evidence in their case to 23 citizens, and ask those jurors to decide if the attorneys have probable cause to arrest the suspect.

If twelve or more jurors reasonably believe there is a chance the person committed the crime, the prosecutors can indict the accused. Criminal defense lawyers are familiar with the grand jury proceedings and advise you of your rights during federal prosecution.

Federal Bureau of Investigation

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has legal authority to investigate more than 200 categories of crimes under federal law. The bureau has 56 offices in the U.S. and Puerto Rico, and federal investigators often work with local law enforcement officers.

The FBI addresses international and internal crimes committed against America. The department lists these eight areas as the organization’s top criminal and national security priorities:

Counterterrorism
Counterintelligence
Cyber crimes
Public corruption
Civil rights violations
Organized crimes
White collar crimes
Major thefts & violent crimes

The government investigates hundreds of crimes that fall under these areas. They range from identity theft, corporate and health care fraud to terrorism and child pornography.

Help with federal charges

As soon as the authorities notify you that they are investigating a federal offense, you need the assistance of an Orange County criminal law firm. Your case only benefits from qualified representation from an Orange County criminal defense attorney, and the sooner you retain counsel, the more information you will have. Cummins & White, LLP · 2424 S.E. Bristol St. Suite 300, Newport Beach, CA 92660-0757

Continue reading "Federal Crimes in California"

Why Instant Tax Refunds Are Not A Wise Choice

nospam@example.com (Doron F. Eghbali) — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 09:18:19 -0500

With Tax season in full swing and high unemployment rate, some people need instant cash, so what they would do is they borrow against their tax refunds. However, the hefty costs associated with this unwise practice would be unconscionable and literally immoral and arguably illegal.

REFUND ANTICIPATION LOANS (RALs)

Refund anticipation loans are loans to borrowers secured by their tax refunds with:

Short Duration, usually two weeks or so, until the lender is repaid by borrower's tax refund.
Automatic repayment of loans to lender by the IRS tax refund.
High costs to borrower anywhere from $34 for a $300 loan to $130 for a $9,999 loan.

SERIOUS COSTS TO BORROWERS

Borrowers Would Incur Very High Costs:The $34 cost would amount to 500% Annual Percentage Rate (APR). The $130 cost for $9,999 would be equivalent to 50% APR.
Other Charges Would Hike the APR Even Further: Yet, these calculations DO NOT INCLUDE other costs charged by tax preparers or banks. For instance, an added $40 cost could hike the effective APR to 1300%.
Costs Would Be Especially Hard on Low-Income Families:These costs are especially unconscionable for low0income families who are the recipients of Earned Income Tax Credit, the nation's largest anti-impoverished program.

EASY MONEY FOR LENDERS

Lenders Would Receive Relatively Fast and Low-Risk Income: Since the duration of such loans would not usually last longer than two weeks and IRS usually pays the refunds, the lenders get paid. Even if the lenders do not get paid, they can still go after the borrower and charge the borrower interest on outstanding balances.

THE IRS MIGHT SHUT DOWN RAL OPERATIONS

The IRS announced in January that it would create a task force to examine the sale of financial products by tax preparers. The task force could shut down RAL operations as they charge such hefty and unreasonable fees.

However, the IRS so far does not have the authority to crack down on such practices.

USE E-FILE AND RECEIVE DIRECT PAYMENTS

One of the best options to avoid paying such hefty fees would be to file online and get a direct deposit into your bank account in as few as 10 business days or so.

___________________

DORON EGHBALI is a Partner at the Beverly Hills offices of Law Advocate Group, LLP. He Primarily Practices Business, Real Estate and Entertainment Law. He Can Be Reached at: 310-651-3065. For More Information, Please, Visit: HERE.

var LEO_HIGHLIGHTS_INFINITE_LOOP_COUNT = 300;
var LEO_HIGHLIGHTS_MAX_HIGHLIGHTS = 50;
var LEO_HIGHLIGHTS_IFRAME_TOP_ID = "leoHighlights_top_iframe";
var LEO_HIGHLIGHTS_IFRAME_BOTTOM_ID = "leoHighlights_bottom_iframe";
var LEO_HIGHLIGHTS_IFRAME_DIV_ID = "leoHighlights_iframe_modal_div_container";

var LEO_HIGHLIGHTS_IFRAME_TOTAL_COLLAPSED_WIDTH = 520;
var LEO_HIGHLIGHTS_IFRAME_TOTAL_COLLAPSED_HEIGHT = 391;

var LEO_HIGHLIGHTS_IFRAME_TOTAL_EXPANDED_WIDTH = 520;
var LEO_HIGHLIGHTS_IFRAME_TOTAL_EXPANDED_HEIGHT = 665;

var LEO_HIGHLIGHTS_IFRAME_TOP_POS_X = 0;
var LEO_HIGHLIGHTS_IFRAME_TOP_POS_Y = 0;
var LEO_HIGHLIGHTS_IFRAME_TOP_WIDTH = 520;
var LEO_HIGHLIGHTS_IFRAME_TOP_HEIGHT = 294;

var LEO_HIGHLIGHTS_IFRAME_BOTTOM_POS_X = 96;
var LEO_HIGHLIGHTS_IFRAME_BOTTOM_POS_Y = 294;
var LEO_HIGHLIGHTS_IFRAME_BOTTOM_COLLAPSED_WIDTH = 425;
var LEO_HIGHLIGHTS_IFRAME_BOTTOM_COLLAPSED_HEIGHT = 97;
var LEO_HIGHLIGHTS_IFRAME_BOTTOM_EXPANDED_WIDTH = 425;
var LEO_HIGHLIGHTS_IFRAME_BOTTOM_EXPANDED_HEIGHT = 371;

var LEO_HIGHLIGHTS_SHOW_DELAY_MS = 300;
var LEO_HIGHLIGHTS_HIDE_DELAY_MS = 750;

var LEO_HIGHLIGHTS_BACKGROUND_STYLE_DEFAULT = "transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%";
var LEO_HIGHLIGHTS_BACKGROUND_STYLE_HOVER = "rgb(245, 245, 0) none repeat scroll 0% 0%";
var LEO_HIGHLIGHTS_ROVER_TAG = "711-36858-13496-14";

createInlineScriptElement("var%20LEO_HIGHLIGHTS_DEBUG%20%3D%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20false%3B%0Avar%20LEO_HIGHLIGHTS_DEBUG_POS%20%3D%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20false%3B%0A%20%20%20%0Avar%20_leoHighlightsPrevElem%20%3D%20null%3B%0A%0A/**%0A%20*%20Checks%20if%20the%20passed%20in%20class%20exists%0A%20*%20@param%20c%0A%20*%20@return%0A%20*/%0Afunction%20_leoHighlightsClassExists%28c%29%20%7B%0A%20%20%20return%20typeof%28c%29%20%3D%3D%20%22function%22%20%26%26%20typeof%28c.prototype%29%20%3D%3D%20%22object%22%20?%20true%20%3A%20false%3B%0A%7D%0A%0A/**%0A%20*%20Checks%20if%20the%20firebug%20console%20is%20available%0A%20*%20@param%20c%0A%20*%20@return%0A%20*/%0Afunction%20_leoHighlightsFirebugConsoleAvailable%28c%29%20%7B%0A%20%20%20try%0A%20%20%20%7B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20if%28_leoHighlightsClassExists%28_FirebugConsole%29%20%26%26%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20window.console%20%26%26%20console.log%20%26%26%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%28console%20instanceof%20_FirebugConsole%29%29%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%7B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20return%20true%3B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%7D%0A%20%20%20%7D%0A%20%20%20catch%28e%29%7B%7D%0A%20%20%20%0A%20%20%20return%20false%3B%0A%7D%20%0A%0A%0A/**%0A%20*%20General%20method%20used%20to%20debug%20exceptions%0A%20*%20%0A%20*%20@param%20location%0A%20*%20@param%20e%0A%20*%20@return%0A%20*/%0Afunction%20_leoHighlightsReportExeception%28location%2Ce%29%0A%7B%0A%20%20%20try%0A%20%20%20%7B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20if%28_leoHighlightsFirebugConsoleAvailable%28%29%20||LEO_HIGHLIGHTS_DEBUG%29%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%7B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20var%20logString%3Dlocation+%22%3A%20%22+e+%22%5Cn%5Ct%22+e.name+%22%5Cn%5Ct%22+%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%28e.number%260xFFFF%29+%22%5Cn%5Ct%22+e.description%3B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20if%28_leoHighlightsFirebugConsoleAvailable%28%29%29%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%7B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20console.error%28logString%29%3B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20console.trace%28%29%3B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%7D%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%7D%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20if%28LEO_HIGHLIGHTS_DEBUG%29%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20alert%28logString%29%3B%20%20%20%20%20%20%0A%20%20%20%7D%0A%20%20%20catch%28e%29%7B%7D%0A%7D%0A%0A/**%0A%20*%20This%20will%20log%20a%20string%20to%20the%20firebug%20console%0A%20*%20%0A%20*%20@param%20str%0A%20*%20@return%0A%20*/%0Afunction%20_leoHighlightsDebugLog%28str%29%0A%7B%20%20%20%0A%20%20%20try%0A%20%20%20%7B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20if%28_leoHighlightsFirebugConsoleAvailable%28%29%29%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%7B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20console.log%28typeof%28_FirebugConsole%29+%22%20%22+str%29%3B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%7D%0A%20%20%20%7D%0A%20%20%20catch%28e%29%0A%20%20%20%7B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20_leoHighlightsReportExeception%28%22_leoHighlightsDebugLog%28%29%20%22+str%2Ce%29%3B%20%20%20%20%0A%20%20%20%7D%0A%7D%0A%0A/**%0A%20*%20This%20will%20get%20an%20attribute%20and%20decode%20it.%0A%20*%20%0A%20*%20@param%20elem%0A%20*%20@param%20id%0A%20*%20@return%0A%20*/%0Afunction%20_leoHighlightsGetAttrib%28elem%2Cid%29%0A%7B%0A%20%20%20try%0A%20%20%20%7B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20var%20val%3Delem.getAttribute%28id%29%3B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20return%20decodeURI%28val%29%3B%0A%20%20%20%7D%0A%20%20%20catch%28e%29%0A%20%20%20%7B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20_leoHighlightsReportExeception%28%22_leoHighlightsGetAttrib%28%29%22%2Ce%29%3B%20%20%20%20%0A%20%20%20%7D%0A%20%20%20return%20null%3B%0A%7D%0A%0A/**%0A%20*%20This%20is%20a%20dimensions%20object%0A%20*%20%0A%20*%20@param%20width%0A%20*%20@param%20height%0A%20*%20@return%0A%20*/%0Afunction%20LeoHighlightsDimension%28width%2Cheight%29%0A%7B%0A%20%20%20try%0A%20%20%20%7B%0A%20%20%20%09this.width%3Dwidth%3B%0A%20%20%20%09this.height%3Dheight%3B%0A%20%20%20%09this.toString%3Dfunction%28%29%20%7B%20return%20%28%22%28%22+this.width+%22%2C%22+this.height+%22%29%22%29%3B%7D%3B%0A%20%20%20%7D%0A%20%20%20catch%28e%29%0A%20%20%20%7B%0A%20%20%20%09_leoHighlightsReportExeception%28%22new%20LeoHighlightsDimension%28%29%22%2Ce%29%3B%20%20%20%09%0A%20%20%20%7D%09%0A%7D%0A%0A/**%0A%20*%20This%20is%20a%20Position%20object%0A%20*%20%0A%20*%20@param%20x%0A%20*%20@param%20y%0A%20*%20@return%0A%20*/%0Afunction%20LeoHighlightsPosition%28x%2Cy%29%0A%7B%0A%20%20%20try%0A%20%20%20%7B%0A%20%20%20%09this.x%3Dx%3B%0A%20%20%20%09this.y%3Dy%3B%0A%20%20%20%09this.toString%3Dfunction%28%29%20%7B%20return%20%28%22%28%22+this.x+%22%2C%22+this.y+%22%29%22%29%3B%7D%3B%0A%20%20%20%7D%0A%20%20%20catch%28e%29%0A%20%20%20%7B%0A%20%20%20%09_leoHighlightsReportExeception%28%22new%20LeoHighlightsPosition%28%29%22%2Ce%29%3B%20%20%20%09%0A%20%20%20%7D%09%0A%7D%0A%0Avar%20LEO_HIGHLIGHTS_ADJUSTMENT%20%3D%20new%20LeoHighlightsPosition%283%2C3%29%3B%0Avar%20LEO_HIGHLIGHTS_IFRAME_TOP_SIZE%20%3D%20new%20LeoHighlightsDimension%28LEO_HIGHLIGHTS_IFRAME_TOP_WIDTH%2CLEO_HIGHLIGHTS_IFRAME_TOP_HEIGHT%29%3B%0Avar%20LEO_HIGHLIGHTS_IFRAME_BOTTOM_HOVER_SIZE%20%3D%20new%20LeoHighlightsDimension%28LEO_HIGHLIGHTS_IFRAME_BOTTOM_COLLAPSED_WIDTH%2CLEO_HIGHLIGHTS_IFRAME_BOTTOM_COLLAPSED_HEIGHT%29%3B%0Avar%20LEO_HIGHLIGHTS_IFRAME_BOTTOM_CLICK_SIZE%20%3D%20new%20LeoHighlightsDimension%28LEO_HIGHLIGHTS_IFRAME_BOTTOM_EXPANDED_WIDTH%2CLEO_HIGHLIGHTS_IFRAME_BOTTOM_EXPANDED_HEIGHT%29%3B%0A%0Avar%20LEO_HIGHLIGHTS_DIV_HOVER_SIZE%20%3D%20new%20LeoHighlightsDimension%28LEO_HIGHLIGHTS_IFRAME_TOTAL_COLLAPSED_WIDTH%2CLEO_HIGHLIGHTS_IFRAME_TOTAL_COLLAPSED_HEIGHT%29%3B%0Avar%20LEO_HIGHLIGHTS_DIV_CLICK_SIZE%20%3D%20new%20LeoHighlightsDimension%28LEO_HIGHLIGHTS_IFRAME_TOTAL_EXPANDED_WIDTH%2CLEO_HIGHLIGHTS_IFRAME_TOTAL_EXPANDED_HEIGHT%29%3B%0A%0A%0A/**%0A%20*%20Sets%20the%20size%20of%20the%20passed%20in%20element%0A%20*%20%0A%20*%20@param%20elem%0A%20*%20@param%20dim%20%0A%20*%20@return%0A%20*/%0Afunction%20_leoHighlightsSetSize%28elem%2Cdim%29%0A%7B%0A%20%20%20try%0A%20%20%20%7B%0A%20%20%20%09//%20Set%20the%20popup%20location%0A%20%20%20%09elem.style.width%20%3D%20dim.width%20+%20%22px%22%3B%0A%20%20%20%09if%28elem.width%29%0A%20%20%20%09%09elem.width%3Ddim.width%3B%0A%20%20%20%09elem.style.height%20%20%3D%20dim.height%20+%20%22px%22%3B%0A%20%20%20%09if%28elem.height%29%0A%20%20%20%09%09elem.height%3Ddim.height%3B%0A%20%20%20%7D%0A%20%20%20catch%28e%29%0A%20%20%20%7B%0A%20%20%20%09_leoHighlightsReportExeception%28%22_leoHighlightsSetSize%28%29%22%2Ce%29%3B%20%20%20%09%0A%20%20%20%7D%09%0A%7D%0A%0A/**%0A%20*%20This%20can%20be%20used%20for%20a%20simple%20one%20argument%20callback%0A%20*%0A%20*%20@param%20callName%0A%20*%20@param%20argName%0A%20*%20@param%20argVal%0A%20*%20@return%0A%20*/%0Afunction%20_leoHighlightsSimpleGwCallBack%28callName%2CargName%2C%20argVal%29%0A%7B%0A%20%20%20try%0A%20%20%20%7B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20var%20gwObj%20%3D%20new%20Gateway%28%29%3B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20if%28argName%29%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%09gwObj.addParam%28argName%2CargVal%29%3B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20gwObj.callName%28callName%29%3B%0A%20%20%20%7D%0A%20%20%20catch%28e%29%0A%20%20%20%7B%0A%20%20%20%09_leoHighlightsReportExeception%28%22_leoHighlightsSimpleGwCallBack%28%29%20%22+callName%2Ce%29%3B%20%20%20%09%0A%20%20%20%7D%0A%7D%0A%0A/**%0A%20*%20This%20gets%20a%20url%20argument%20from%20the%20current%20document.%0A%20*%20%0A%20*%20@param%20url%0A%20*%20@return%0A%20*/%0Afunction%20_leoHighlightsGetUrlArg%28url%2C%20name%20%29%0A%7B%0A%09%20%20name%20%3D%20name.replace%28/[%5C[]/%2C%22%5C%5C%5C[%22%29.replace%28/[%5C]]/%2C%22%5C%5C%5C]%22%29%3B%0A%09%20%20var%20regexS%20%3D%20%22[%5C%5C?%26]%22+name+%22%3D%28[^%26%23]*%29%22%3B%0A%09%20%20var%20regex%20%3D%20new%20RegExp%28%20regexS%20%29%3B%0A%09%20%20var%20results%20%3D%20regex.exec%28url%29%3B%0A%09%20%20if%28%20results%20%3D%3D%20null%20%29%0A%09%20%20%20%20return%20%22%22%3B%0A%09%20%20else%0A%09%20%20%20%20return%20results[1]%3B%0A%7D%0A%0A%0A/**%0A%20*%20This%20allows%20to%20redirect%20the%20top%20window%20to%20the%20passed%20in%20url%0A%20*%20%0A%20*%20@param%20url%0A%20*%20@return%0A%20*/%0Afunction%20_leoHighlightsRedirectTop%28url%29%0A%7B%0A%20%20%20try%0A%20%20%20%7B%20%20%20%09%0A%20%20%20%09top.location%3Durl%3B%09%0A%20%20%20%7D%0A%20%20%20catch%28e%29%0A%20%20%20%7B%0A%20%20%20%09_leoHighlightsReportExeception%28%22_leoHighlightsRedirectTop%28%29%22%2Ce%29%3B%0A%20%20%20%7D%0A%7D%0A%0A%0A/**%0A%20*%20This%20will%20find%20an%20element%20by%20Id%0A%20*%20%0A%20*%20@param%20elemId%0A%20*%20@return%0A%20*/%0Afunction%20_leoHighlightsFindElementById%28elemId%2Cdoc%29%0A%7B%0A%09try%0A%09%7B%0A%09%20%20%20if%28doc%3D%3Dnull%29%0A%09%20%20%20%20%20%20doc%3Ddocument%3B%0A%09%20%20%20%0A%09%09var%20elem%3Ddoc.getElementById%28elemId%29%3B%0A%09%09if%28elem%29%0A%09%09%09return%20elem%3B%0A%09%09%0A%09%09/*%20This%20is%20the%20handling%20for%20IE%20*/%0A%09%09if%28doc.all%29%0A%09%09%7B%0A%09%09%09elem%3Ddoc.all[elemId]%3B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20if%28elem%29%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%09return%20elem%3B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20for%20%28%20var%20i%20%3D%20%28document.all.length-1%29%3B%20i%20%3E%3D%200%3B%20i--%29%20%7B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%09elem%3Ddoc.all[i]%3B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%09if%28elem.id%3D%3DelemId%29%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20return%20elem%3B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%7D%0A%09%09%7D%0A%09%7D%0A%20%20%20catch%28e%29%0A%20%20%20%7B%0A%20%20%20%09_leoHighlightsReportExeception%28%22_leoHighlightsFindElementById%28%29%22%2Ce%29%3B%0A%20%20%20%7D%0A%09return%20null%3B%0A%7D%0A%0A/**%0A%20*%20Get%20the%20location%20of%20one%20element%20relative%20to%20a%20parent%20reference%0A%20*%0A%20*%20@param%20ref%0A%20*%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20the%20reference%20element%2C%20this%20must%20be%20a%20parent%20of%20the%20passed%20in%0A%20*%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20element%0A%20*%20@param%20elem%0A%20*%20@return%0A%20*/%0Afunction%20_leoHighlightsGetLocation%28ref%2C%20elem%29%20%7B%0A%20%20%20_leoHighlightsDebugLog%28%22_leoHighlightsGetLocation%20%22+elem.id%29%3B%0A%20%20%20%0A%20%20%20var%20count%20%3D%200%3B%0A%20%20%20var%20location%20%3D%20new%20LeoHighlightsPosition%280%2C0%29%3B%0A%20%20%20var%20walk%20%3D%20elem%3B%0A%20%20%20while%20%28walk%20%21%3D%20null%20%26%26%20walk%20%21%3D%20ref%20%26%26%20count%20%3C%20LEO_HIGHLIGHTS_INFINITE_LOOP_COUNT%29%20%7B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20location.x%20+%3D%20walk.offsetLeft%3B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20location.y%20+%3D%20walk.offsetTop%3B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20walk%20%3D%20walk.offsetParent%3B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20count++%3B%0A%20%20%20%7D%0A%20%20%20%0A%20%20%20_leoHighlightsDebugLog%28%22Location%20is%3A%20%22+elem.id+%22%20-%20%22+location%29%3B%0A%0A%20%20%20return%20location%3B%0A%7D%0A%0A/**%0A%20*%20This%20is%20used%20to%20update%20the%20position%20of%20an%20element%20as%20a%20popup%0A%20*%20%0A%20*%20@param%20IFrame%0A%20*%20@param%20anchor%0A%20*%20@return%0A%20*/%0Afunction%20_leoHighlightsUpdatePopupPos%28iFrame%2Canchor%29%0A%7B%0A%20%20%20try%0A%20%20%20%7B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20//%20Gets%20the%20scrolled%20location%20for%20x%20and%20y%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20var%20scrolledPos%3Dnew%20LeoHighlightsPosition%280%2C0%29%3B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20if%28%20self.pageYOffset%20%29%20%7B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20scrolledPos.x%20%3D%20self.pageXOffset%3B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20scrolledPos.y%20%3D%20self.pageYOffset%3B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%7D%20else%20if%28%20document.documentElement%20%26%26%20document.documentElement.scrollTop%20%29%20%7B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20scrolledPos.x%20%3D%20document.documentElement.scrollLeft%3B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20scrolledPos.y%20%3D%20document.documentElement.scrollTop%3B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%7D%20else%20if%28%20document.body%20%29%20%7B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20scrolledPos.x%20%3D%20document.body.scrollLeft%3B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20scrolledPos.y%20%3D%20document.body.scrollTop%3B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%7D%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20/*%20Get%20the%20total%20dimensions%20to%20see%20what%20scroll%20bars%20might%20be%20active%20*/%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20var%20totalDim%3Dnew%20LeoHighlightsDimension%280%2C0%29%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20if%20%28document.all%20%26%26%20document.documentElement%20%26%26%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%09document.documentElement.clientHeight%26%26document.documentElement.clientWidth%29%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%7B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%09totalDim.width%20%3D%20document.documentElement.scrollWidth%3B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%09totalDim.height%20%3D%20document.documentElement.scrollHeight%3B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%7D%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20else%20if%20%28document.all%29%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%7B%20/*%20This%20is%20in%20IE%20*/%0A%20%20%20%20%20%09%20%09totalDim.width%20%3D%20document.body.scrollWidth%3B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%09totalDim.height%20%3D%20document.body.scrollHeight%3B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%7D%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20else%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%7B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%09%20totalDim.width%20%3D%20document.width%3B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%09%20totalDim.height%20%3D%20document.height%3B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%7D%0A%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20//%20Gets%20the%20location%20of%20the%20available%20screen%20space%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20var%20centerDim%3Dnew%20LeoHighlightsDimension%280%2C0%29%3B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20if%28self.innerWidth%20%26%26%20self.innerHeight%20%29%20%7B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20centerDim.width%20%3D%20self.innerWidth-%28totalDim.height%3Eself.innerHeight?16%3A0%29%3B%20//%20subtracting%20scroll%20bar%20offsets%20for%20firefox%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20centerDim.height%20%3D%20self.innerHeight-%28totalDim.width%3Eself.innerWidth?16%3A0%29%3B%20%20//%20subtracting%20scroll%20bar%20offsets%20for%20firefox%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%7D%20else%20if%28%20document.documentElement%20%26%26%20document.documentElement.clientHeight%20%29%20%7B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20centerDim.width%20%3D%20document.documentElement.clientWidth%3B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20centerDim.height%20%3D%20document.documentElement.clientHeight%3B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%7D%20else%20if%28%20document.body%20%29%20%7B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20centerDim.width%20%3D%20document.body.clientWidth%3B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20centerDim.height%20%3D%20document.body.clientHeight%3B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%7D%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20//%20Get%20the%20current%20dimension%20of%20the%20popup%20element%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20var%20iFrameDim%3Dnew%20LeoHighlightsDimension%28iFrame.offsetWidth%2CiFrame.offsetHeight%29%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20if%20%28iFrameDim.width%20%3C%3D%200%29%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%09iFrameDim.width%20%3D%20iFrame.style.width.substring%280%2C%20iFrame.style.width.indexOf%28%27px%27%29%29%3B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20if%20%28iFrameDim.height%20%3C%3D%200%29%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%09iFrameDim.height%20%3D%20iFrame.style.height.substring%280%2C%20iFrame.style.height.indexOf%28%27px%27%29%29%3B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20/*%20Calculate%20the%20position%2C%20lower%20right%20hand%20corner%20by%20default%20*/%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20var%20position%3Dnew%20LeoHighlightsPosition%280%2C0%29%3B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20position.x%3DscrolledPos.x+centerDim.width-iFrameDim.width-LEO_HIGHLIGHTS_ADJUSTMENT.x%3B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20position.y%3DscrolledPos.y+centerDim.height-iFrameDim.height-LEO_HIGHLIGHTS_ADJUSTMENT.y%3B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20if%28anchor%21%3Dnull%29%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%7B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20//centerDim%20in%20relation%20to%20the%20anchor%20element%20if%20available%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20var%20topOrBottom%20%3D%20false%3B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20var%20anchorPos%3D_leoHighlightsGetLocation%28document.body%2C%20anchor%29%3B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20var%20anchorScreenPos%20%3D%20new%20LeoHighlightsPosition%28anchorPos.x-scrolledPos.x%2CanchorPos.y-scrolledPos.y%29%3B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20var%20anchorDim%3Dnew%20LeoHighlightsDimension%28anchor.offsetWidth%2Canchor.offsetHeight%29%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20if%20%28anchorDim.width%20%3C%3D%200%29%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%09anchorDim.width%20%3D%20anchor.style.width.substring%280%2C%20anchor.style.width.indexOf%28%27px%27%29%29%3B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20if%20%28anchorDim.height%20%3C%3D%200%29%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%09anchorDim.height%20%3D%20anchor.style.height.substring%280%2C%20anchor.style.height.indexOf%28%27px%27%29%29%3B%0A%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20//%20Check%20if%20the%20popup%20can%20be%20shown%20above%20or%20below%20the%20element%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20if%20%28centerDim.height%20-%20anchorDim.height%20-%20iFrameDim.height%20-%20anchorScreenPos.y%20%3E%200%29%20%7B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%09//%20Show%20below%2C%20formula%20above%20calculates%20space%20below%20open%20iFrame%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20position.y%20%3D%20anchorPos.y%20+%20anchorDim.height%3B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20topOrBottom%20%3D%20true%3B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%7D%20else%20if%20%28anchorScreenPos.y%20-%20anchorDim.height%20-%20iFrameDim.height%20%3E%200%29%20%7B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%09//%20Show%20above%2C%20formula%20above%20calculates%20space%20above%20open%20iFrame%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%09position.y%20%3D%20anchorPos.y%20-%20iFrameDim.height%20-%20anchorDim.height%3B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20topOrBottom%20%3D%20true%3B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%7D%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20_leoHighlightsDebugLog%28%22_leoHighlightsUpdatePopupPos%28%29%20-%20topOrBottom%3A%20%22+topOrBottom%29%3B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20if%20%28topOrBottom%29%20%7B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20//%20We%20attempt%20top%20attach%20the%20window%20to%20the%20element%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%09position.x%20%3D%20anchorPos.x%20-%20iFrameDim.width%20/%202%3B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20if%20%28position.x%20%3C%200%29%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%09position.x%20%3D%200%3B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20else%20if%20%28position.x%20+%20iFrameDim.width%20%3E%20scrolledPos.x%20+%20centerDim.width%29%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%09position.x%20%3D%20scrolledPos.x%20+%20centerDim.width%20-%20iFrameDim.width%3B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20_leoHighlightsDebugLog%28%22_leoHighlightsUpdatePopupPos%28%29%20-%20topOrBottom%3A%20%22+position%29%3B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%7D%20else%20%7B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20//%20Attempt%20to%20align%20on%20the%20right%20or%20left%20hand%20side%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20if%20%28centerDim.width%20-%20anchorDim.width%20-%20iFrameDim.width%20-%20anchorScreenPos.x%20%3E%200%29%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20position.x%20%3D%20anchorPos.x%20+%20anchorDim.width%3B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20else%20if%20%28anchorScreenPos.x%20-%20anchorDim.width%20-%20iFrameDim.width%20%3E%200%29%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%09position.x%20%3D%20anchorPos.x%20-%20anchorDim.width%3B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20else%20%20//%20default%20to%20below%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20position.y%20%3D%20anchorPos.y%20+%20anchorDim.height%3B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20_leoHighlightsDebugLog%28%22_leoHighlightsUpdatePopupPos%28%29%20-%20sideBottom%3A%20%22+position%29%3B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%7D%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%7D%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20/*%20Make%20sure%20that%20we%20don%27t%20go%20passed%20the%20right%20hand%20border%20*/%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20if%28position.x+iFrameDim.width%3EcenterDim.width-20%29%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%09position.x%3DcenterDim.width-%28iFrameDim.width+20%29%3B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%09%09%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20//%20Make%20sure%20that%20we%20didn%27t%20go%20passed%20the%20start%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20if%28position.x%3C0%29%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20position.x%3D0%3B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20if%28position.y%3C0%29%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%09position.y%3D0%3B%0A%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20_leoHighlightsDebugLog%28%22Popup%20info%20id%3A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%22%20+iFrame.id+%22%20-%20%22+anchor.id%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20+%20%22%5Cnscrolled%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%22%20+%20scrolledPos%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20+%20%22%5Cncenter/visible%20%20%20%20%22%20+%20centerDim%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20+%20%22%5Cnanchor%20%28absolute%29%20%22%20+%20anchorPos%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20+%20%22%5Cnanchor%20%28screen%29%20%20%20%22%20+%20anchorScreenPos%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20+%20%22%5CnSize%20%28anchor%29%20%20%20%20%20%22%20+%20anchorDim%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20+%20%22%5CnSize%20%28popup%29%20%20%20%20%20%20%22%20+%20iFrameDim%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20+%20%22%5CnResult%20pos%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%22%20+%20position%29%3B%0A%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20//%20Set%20the%20popup%20location%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20iFrame.style.left%20%3D%20position.x%20+%20%22px%22%3B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20iFrame.style.top%20%20%3D%20position.y%20+%20%22px%22%3B%0A%20%20%20%7D%0A%20%20%20catch%28e%29%0A%20%20%20%7B%0A%20%20%20%09_leoHighlightsReportExeception%28%22_leoHighlightsUpdatePopupPos%28%29%22%2Ce%29%3B%20%20%20%09%0A%20%20%20%7D%0A%7D%0A%0A%0A/**%0A%20*%20This%20will%20show%20the%20passed%20in%20element%20as%20a%20popup%0A%20*%20%0A%20*%20@param%20anchorId%0A%20*%20@param%20size%0A%20*%20%0A%20*%20@return%0A%20*/%0Afunction%20_leoHighlightsShowPopup%28anchorId%2Csize%29%0A%7B%0A%20%20%20try%0A%20%20%20%7B%0A%20%20%20%09var%20popup%3Dnew%20LeoHighlightsPopup%28anchorId%2Csize%29%3B%0A%20%20%20%09popup.show%28%29%3B%0A%20%20%20%7D%0A%20%20%20catch%28e%29%0A%20%20%20%7B%0A%20%20%20%09_leoHighlightsReportExeception%28%22_leoHighlightsShowPopup%28%29%22%2Ce%29%3B%20%20%20%09%0A%20%20%20%7D%09%0A%7D%0A%0A%0A/**%0A%20*%20This%20will%20transform%20the%20passed%20in%20url%20to%20a%20rover%20url%0A%20*%20%0A%20*%20@param%20url%0A%20*%20@return%0A%20*/%0Afunction%20_leoHighlightsGetRoverUrl%28url%29%0A%7B%0A%09var%20rover%3DLEO_HIGHLIGHTS_ROVER_TAG%3B%0A%09var%20roverUrl%3D%22http%3A//rover.ebay.com/rover/1/%22+rover+%22/4?%26mpre%3D%22+encodeURI%28url%29%3B%0A%09%0A%09return%20roverUrl%3B%0A%7D%0A%0A/**%0A%20*%20Sets%20the%20size%20of%20the%20bottom%20windown%20part%0A%20*%20%0A%20*%20@param%20size%0A%20*%20@return%0A%20*/%0Afunction%20_leoHighlightsSetBottomSize%28size%2CclickId%29%0A%7B%0A%20%20%20/*%20Get%20the%20elements%20*/%0A%20%20%20var%20iFrameBottom%3D_leoHighlightsFindElementById%28LEO_HIGHLIGHTS_IFRAME_BOTTOM_ID%29%3B%0A%20%20%20var%20iFrameDiv%3D_leoHighlightsFindElementById%28LEO_HIGHLIGHTS_IFRAME_DIV_ID%29%3B%0A%0A%20%20%20/*%20Figure%20out%20the%20correct%20sizes%20*/%0A%20%20%20var%20iFrameBottomSize%3D%28size%3D%3D1%29?LEO_HIGHLIGHTS_IFRAME_BOTTOM_CLICK_SIZE%3ALEO_HIGHLIGHTS_IFRAME_BOTTOM_HOVER_SIZE%3B%0A%20%20%20var%20divSize%3D%28size%3D%3D1%29?LEO_HIGHLIGHTS_DIV_CLICK_SIZE%3ALEO_HIGHLIGHTS_DIV_HOVER_SIZE%3B%0A%0A%20%20%20/*%20Refresh%20the%20iFrame%27s%20url%2C%20by%20removing%20the%20size%20arg%20and%20adding%20it%20again%20*/%0A%20%20%20leoHighlightsUpdateUrl%28iFrameBottom%2Csize%2CclickId%29%3B%0A%0A%20%20%20/*%20Clear%20the%20hover%20flag%2C%20if%20the%20user%20shows%20this%20at%20full%20size%20*/%0A%20%20%20_leoHighlightsPrevElem.hover%3Dsize%3D%3D1?false%3Atrue%3B%0A%0A%20%20%20_leoHighlightsSetSize%28iFrameBottom%2CiFrameBottomSize%29%3B%0A%20%20%20_leoHighlightsSetSize%28iFrameDiv%2CdivSize%29%3B%0A%7D%0A%0A%0A/**%0A%20*%20Class%20for%20a%20Popup%20%0A%20*%20%0A%20*%20@param%20anchorId%0A%20*%20@param%20size%0A%20*%20%0A%20*%20@return%0A%20*/%0Afunction%20LeoHighlightsPopup%28anchorId%2Csize%29%0A%7B%0A%20%20%20try%0A%20%20%20%7B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20_leoHighlightsDebugLog%28%22LeoHighlightsPopup%28%29%20%22%29%3B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%0A%20%20%20%09this.anchorId%3DanchorId%3B%0A%20%20%20%09this.anchor%3D_leoHighlightsFindElementById%28this.anchorId%29%3B%0A%20%20%20%09this.topIframe%3D_leoHighlightsFindElementById%28LEO_HIGHLIGHTS_IFRAME_TOP_ID%29%3B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20this.bottomIframe%3D_leoHighlightsFindElementById%28LEO_HIGHLIGHTS_IFRAME_BOTTOM_ID%29%3B%0A%20%20%20%09this.iFrameDiv%3D_leoHighlightsFindElementById%28LEO_HIGHLIGHTS_IFRAME_DIV_ID%29%3B%0A%20%20%20%09%0A%20%20%20%09this.topIframe.src%3Dunescape%28this.anchor.getAttribute%28%27leoHighlights_url_top%27%29%29%3B%3B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20this.bottomIframe.src%3Dunescape%28this.anchor.getAttribute%28%27leoHighlights_url_bottom%27%29%29%3B%3B%0A%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20_leoHighlightsDebugLog%28%221%29%20LeoHighlightsPopup%28%29%20%28%22+this.topIframe.style.top+%22%2C%20%22+this.topIframe.style.left+%22%29%22%29%3B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20_leoHighlightsDebugLog%28%222%29%20LeoHighlightsPopup%28%29%20%28%22+this.bottomIframe.style.top+%22%2C%20%22+this.bottomIframe.style.left+%22%29%22%29%3B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%0A%20%20%20%09leoHighlightsSetSize%28size%29%3B%0A%20%20%20%09%0A%20%20%20%09this.updatePos%3Dfunction%28%29%20%7B%20_leoHighlightsUpdatePopupPos%28this.iFrameDiv%2Cthis.anchor%29%7D%3B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20this.show%3Dfunction%28%29%20%7B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20this.updatePos%28%29%3B%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20this.iFrameDiv.style.visibility%20%3D%20%22visible%22%3B%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20this.iFrameDiv.style.display%20%3D%20%22block%22%3B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20this.updatePos%28%29%3B%0A%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20_leoHighlightsDebugLog%28%223%29%20LeoHighlightsPopup%28%29%20%28%22+this.topIframe.style.top+%22%2C%20%22+this.topIframe.style.left+%22%29%22%29%3B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20_leoHighlightsDebugLog%28%224%29%20LeoHighlightsPopup%28%29%20%28%22+this.bottomIframe.style.top+%22%2C%20%22+this.bottomIframe.style.left+%22%29%22%29%3B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%7D%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%0A%20%20%20%09this.scroll%3Dfunction%28%29%20%7B%20this.updatePos%28%29%3B%7D%3B%0A%20%20%20%7D%0A%20%20%20catch%28e%29%0A%20%20%20%7B%0A%20%20%20%09_leoHighlightsReportExeception%28%22new%20LeoHighlightsPopup%28%29%22%2Ce%29%3B%20%20%20%09%0A%20%20%20%7D%0A%7D%0A%0A/**%0A%20*%20updates%20the%20url%20for%20the%20iFrame%0A%20*%20%0A%20*%20@param%20iFrame%0A%20*%20@param%20size%0A%20*%20@param%20clickId%0A%20*%20@return%0A%20*/%0Afunction%20leoHighlightsUpdateUrl%28iFrame%2Csize%2CclickId%2CdestUrl%29%0A%7B%0A%20%20%20try%0A%20%20%20%7B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20_leoHighlightsDebugLog%28%22leoHighlightsUpdateUrl%28%29%20%22+destUrl%29%3B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20var%20url%3DiFrame.src%3B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20var%20idx%3Durl.indexOf%28%22%26size%3D%22%29%3B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20if%28idx%3E%3D0%29%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20url%3Durl.substring%280%2Cidx%29%3B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%0A//%20%20%20%20%20%20size%3D1%3B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20_leoHighlightsDebugLog%28%22leoHighlightsUpdateUrl%28%29%20size%3D%22+size+%22%20%20%22+url%29%3B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20if%28size%21%3Dnull%29%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20url+%3D%28%22%26size%3D%22+size%29%3B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20if%28clickId%21%3Dnull%29%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20url+%3D%28%22%26clickId%3D%22+clickId%29%3B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20if%28destUrl%21%3Dnull%29%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20url+%3D%28%22%26url%3D%22+destUrl%29%3B%0A%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20_leoHighlightsDebugLog%28%22leoHighlightsUpdateUrl%28%29%20%22+url%29%3B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20iFrame.src%3Durl%3B%0A%20%20%20%7D%0A%20%20%20catch%28e%29%0A%20%20%20%7B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20_leoHighlightsReportExeception%28%22leoHighlightsUpdateUrl%28%29%22%2Ce%29%3B%20%20%20%20%0A%20%20%20%7D%0A%7D%0A%0A%0A%0A/**%0A*%0A*%20This%20can%20be%20used%20to%20close%20an%20iframe%0A*%0A*%20@param%20id%0A*%20@return%0A*/%0Afunction%20leoHighlightsSetSize%28size%2CclickId%29%0A%7B%0A%09try%0A%09%7B%0A%09%09/*%20Get%20the%20element%20*/%0A%20%20%09%09var%20iFrameTop%3D_leoHighlightsFindElementById%28LEO_HIGHLIGHTS_IFRAME_TOP_ID%29%3B%0A%0A%20%20%09%09/*%20Figure%20out%20the%20correct%20sizes%20*/%0A%20%20%09%09var%20iFrameTopSize%3DLEO_HIGHLIGHTS_IFRAME_TOP_SIZE%3B%0A%20%20%09%09%0A%20%20%09%09/*%20Refresh%20the%20iFrame%27s%20url%2C%20by%20removing%20the%20size%20arg%20and%20adding%20it%20again%20*/%0A%20%20%09%09leoHighlightsUpdateUrl%28iFrameTop%2Csize%2CclickId%29%3B%0A%20%20%09%09%0A%20%20%09%09_leoHighlightsSetSize%28iFrameTop%2CiFrameTopSize%29%3B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20_leoHighlightsSetBottomSize%28size%2CclickId%29%3B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20/*%20Clear%20the%20hover%20flag%2C%20if%20the%20user%20shows%20this%20at%20full%20size%20*/%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20if%28size%3D%3D1%26%26_leoHighlightsPrevElem%29%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20_leoHighlightsPrevElem.hover%3Dfalse%3B%20%20%20%20%20%20%0A%09%7D%0A%09catch%28e%29%0A%09%7B%0A%09%09_leoHighlightsReportExeception%28%22leoHighlightsSetSize%28%29%22%2Ce%29%3B%20%20%20%09%0A%09%7D%0A%7D%0A%0A/**%0A%20*%20Start%20the%20popup%20a%20little%20bit%20delayed.%0A%20*%20Somehow%20IE%20needs%20some%20time%20to%20find%20the%20element%20by%20id.%0A%20*%20%0A%20*%20@param%20anchorId%0A%20*%20@param%20size%0A%20*%20%0A%20*%20@return%0A%20*/%0Afunction%20leoHighlightsShowPopup%28anchorId%2Csize%29%0A%7B%0A%20%20%20try%0A%20%20%20%7B%0A%20%20%09%09var%20elem%3D_leoHighlightsFindElementById%28anchorId%29%3B%0A%20%20%09%09if%28_leoHighlightsPrevElem%26%26%28_leoHighlightsPrevElem%21%3Delem%29%29%0A%20%20%09%09%09_leoHighlightsPrevElem.shown%3Dfalse%3B%0A%20%20%09%09elem.shown%3Dtrue%3B%0A%09%09_leoHighlightsPrevElem%3Delem%3B%0A%09%09%0A%09%09_leoHighlightsDebugLog%28%22leoHighlightsShowPopup%28%29%20%22+_leoHighlightsPrevElem%29%3B%09%09%0A%20%20%20%09%0A%20%20%20%09/*%20FF%20needs%20to%20find%20the%20element%20first%20*/%0A%20%20%20%09_leoHighlightsFindElementById%28anchorId%29%3B%0A%20%20%20%09%0A%20%20%20%09setTimeout%28%22_leoHighlightsShowPopup%28%5C%27%22+anchorId+%22%5C%27%2C%5C%27%22+size+%22%5C%27%29%3B%22%2C10%29%3B%0A%20%20%20%7D%0A%20%20%20catch%28e%29%0A%20%20%20%7B%0A%20%20%20%09_leoHighlightsReportExeception%28%22leoHighlightsShowPopup%28%29%22%2Ce%29%3B%20%20%20%09%0A%20%20%20%7D%09%0A%7D%0A%0A/**%0A*%0A*%20This%20can%20be%20used%20to%20close%20an%20iframe%0A*%0A*%20@param%20id%0A*%20@return%0A*/%0Afunction%20leoHighlightsHideElem%28id%29%0A%7B%0A%09try%0A%09%7B%0A%09%09/*%20Get%20the%20appropriate%20sizes%20*/%0A%20%20%09%09var%20elem%3D_leoHighlightsFindElementById%28id%29%3B%0A%20%20%09%09if%28elem%29%0A%20%20%09%09%09elem.style.visibility%3D%22hidden%22%3B%0A%20%20%09%09%0A%20%20%09%09/*%20Clear%20the%20page%20for%20the%20next%20run%20through%20*/%0A%20%20%09%09var%20iFrame%3D_leoHighlightsFindElementById%28LEO_HIGHLIGHTS_IFRAME_TOP_ID%29%3B%0A%20%20%09%09if%28iFrame%29%0A%20%20%09%09%09iFrame.src%3D%22about%3Ablank%22%3B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20var%20iFrame%3D_leoHighlightsFindElementById%28LEO_HIGHLIGHTS_IFRAME_BOTTOM_ID%29%3B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20if%28iFrame%29%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20iFrame.src%3D%22about%3Ablank%22%3B%0A%20%20%09%09%0A%20%20%09%09%0A%20%20%09%09if%28_leoHighlightsPrevElem%29%0A%20%20%09%09%7B%0A%20%20%09%09%09_leoHighlightsPrevElem.shown%3Dfalse%3B%0A%20%20%09%09%09_leoHighlightsPrevElem%3Dnull%3B%0A%20%20%09%09%7D%0A%09%7D%0A%09catch%28e%29%0A%09%7B%0A%09%09_leoHighlightsReportExeception%28%22leoHighlightsHideElem%28%29%22%2Ce%29%3B%20%20%20%09%0A%09%7D%0A%7D%0A%0A/**%0A*%0A*%20This%20can%20be%20used%20to%20close%20an%20iframe.%0A*%20Since%20the%20iFrame%20is%20reused%20the%20frame%20only%20gets%20hidden%0A*%0A*%20@return%0A*/%0Afunction%20leoHighlightsIFrameClose%28%29%0A%7B%0A%20%20try%0A%20%20%7B%0A%09%20%20_leoHighlightsSimpleGwCallBack%28%22LeoHighlightsHideIFrame%22%29%3B%0A%20%20%7D%0A%20%20catch%28e%29%0A%20%20%7B%0A%09%20%20_leoHighlightsReportExeception%28%22leoHighlightsIFrameClose%28%29%22%2Ce%29%3B%20%20%20%09%0A%20%20%7D%0A%7D%0A%0A/**%0A%20*%20This%20should%20handle%20the%20click%20events%0A%20*%20%0A%20*%20@param%20anchorId%0A%20*%20@return%0A%20*/%0Afunction%20leoHighlightsHandleClick%28anchorId%29%0A%7B%0A%20%20%20try%0A%20%20%20%7B%0A%20%20%09%09var%20anchor%3D_leoHighlightsFindElementById%28anchorId%29%3B%0A%20%20%09%09anchor.hover%3Dfalse%3B%0A%20%20%09%09if%28anchor.startTimer%29%0A%20%20%09%09%09clearTimeout%28anchor.startTimer%29%3B%0A%20%20%20%09%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20/*%20Report%20the%20click%20event%20*/%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20leoHighlightsReportEvent%28%22clicked%22%2C%20window.document.domain%2C%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20_leoHighlightsGetAttrib%28anchor%2C%27leohighlights_keywords%27%29%2Cnull%2C%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20_leoHighlightsGetAttrib%28anchor%2C%27leohighlights_accept%27%29%2C%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20_leoHighlightsGetAttrib%28anchor%2C%27leohighlights_reject%27%29%29%3B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%0A%20%20%20%09leoHighlightsShowPopup%28anchorId%2C1%29%3B%0A%20%20%20%09return%20false%3B%0A%20%20%20%7D%0A%20%20%20catch%28e%29%0A%20%20%20%7B%0A%20%20%20%09_leoHighlightsReportExeception%28%22leoHighlightsHandleClick%28%29%22%2Ce%29%3B%20%20%20%09%0A%20%20%20%7D%09%0A%7D%0A%0A/**%0A%20*%20This%20should%20handle%20the%20hover%20events%0A%20*%20%0A%20*%20@param%20anchorId%0A%20*%20@return%0A%20*/%0Afunction%20leoHighlightsHandleHover%28anchorId%29%0A%7B%0A%20%20%20try%0A%20%20%20%7B%0A%20%20%09%09var%20anchor%3D_leoHighlightsFindElementById%28anchorId%29%3B%0A%20%20%09%09anchor.hover%3Dtrue%3B%0A%20%20%09%09%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20/*%20Report%20the%20hover%20event%20*/%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20leoHighlightsReportEvent%28%22hovered%22%2C%20window.document.domain%2C%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20_leoHighlightsGetAttrib%28anchor%2C%27leohighlights_keywords%27%29%2Cnull%2C%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20_leoHighlightsGetAttrib%28anchor%2C%27leohighlights_accept%27%29%2C%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20_leoHighlightsGetAttrib%28anchor%2C%27leohighlights_reject%27%29%29%3B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%0A%20%20%20%09leoHighlightsShowPopup%28anchorId%2C0%29%3B%0A%20%20%20%09return%20false%3B%0A%20%20%20%7D%0A%20%20%20catch%28e%29%0A%20%20%20%7B%0A%20%20%20%09_leoHighlightsReportExeception%28%22leoHighlightsHandleHover%28%29%22%2Ce%29%3B%20%20%20%09%0A%20%20%20%7D%09%0A%7D%0A%0A/**%0A%20*%20This%20will%20handle%20the%20mouse%20over%20setup%20timers%20for%20the%20appropriate%20timers%0A%20*%20%0A%20*%20@param%20id%0A%20*%20@return%0A%20*/%0Afunction%20leoHighlightsHandleMouseOver%28id%29%0A%7B%0A%09try%0A%09%7B%0A%09%09var%20anchor%3D_leoHighlightsFindElementById%28id%29%3B%09%09%0A%0A%09%09/*%20Clear%20the%20end%20timer%20if%20required%20*/%0A%09%09if%28anchor.endTimer%29%0A%09%09%09clearTimeout%28anchor.endTimer%29%3B%0A%09%09anchor.endTimer%3Dnull%3B%0A%09%09%0A%09%09anchor.style.background%3DLEO_HIGHLIGHTS_BACKGROUND_STYLE_HOVER%3B%0A%09%09%0A%09%09/*%20The%20element%20is%20already%20showing%20we%20are%20done%20*/%0A%09%09if%28anchor.shown%29%0A%09%09%09return%3B%0A%09%09%0A%09%09/*%20Setup%20the%20start%20timer%20if%20required%20*/%0A%09%09anchor.startTimer%3DsetTimeout%28function%28%29%7B%0A%09%09%09leoHighlightsHandleHover%28anchor.id%29%3B%0A%09%09%09anchor.hover%3Dtrue%3B%0A%09%09%09%7D%2C%0A%09%09%09LEO_HIGHLIGHTS_SHOW_DELAY_MS%29%3B%0A%09%7D%0A%09catch%28e%29%0A%09%7B%0A%09%09_leoHighlightsReportExeception%28%22leoHighlightsHandleMouseOver%28%29%22%2Ce%29%3B%20%20%20%09%0A%09%7D%0A%7D%0A%0A/**%0A%20*%20This%20will%20handle%20the%20mouse%20over%20setup%20timers%20for%20the%20appropriate%20timers%0A%20*%20%0A%20*%20@param%20id%0A%20*%20@return%0A%20*/%0Afunction%20leoHighlightsHandleMouseOut%28id%29%0A%7B%0A%09try%0A%09%7B%09%0A%09%09var%20anchor%3D_leoHighlightsFindElementById%28id%29%3B%0A%09%09%0A%09%09/*%20Clear%20the%20start%20timer%20if%20required%20*/%0A%09%09if%28anchor.startTimer%29%0A%09%09%09clearTimeout%28anchor.startTimer%29%3B%0A%09%09anchor.startTimer%3Dnull%3B%0A%09%09%0A%09%09anchor.style.background%3DLEO_HIGHLIGHTS_BACKGROUND_STYLE_DEFAULT%3B%0A%09%09if%28%21anchor.shown||%21anchor.hover%29%0A%09%09%09return%3B%0A%09%09%0A%09%09/*%20Setup%20the%20start%20timer%20if%20required%20*/%0A%09%09anchor.endTimer%3DsetTimeout%28function%28%29%7B%0A%09%09%09leoHighlightsHideElem%28LEO_HIGHLIGHTS_IFRAME_DIV_ID%29%3B%0A%09%09%09anchor.shown%3Dfalse%3B%0A%09%09%09_leoHighlightsPrevElem%3Dnull%3B%0A%09%09%09%7D%2CLEO_HIGHLIGHTS_HIDE_DELAY_MS%29%3B%0A%09%7D%0A%09catch%28e%29%0A%09%7B%0A%09%09_leoHighlightsReportExeception%28%22leoHighlightsHandleMouseOut%28%29%22%2Ce%29%3B%20%20%20%09%0A%09%7D%0A%7D%0A%0A/**%0A%20*%20This%20handles%20the%20mouse%20movement%20into%20the%20currently%20opened%20window.%0A%20*%20Just%20clear%20the%20close%20timer%0A%20*%20%0A%20*%20@return%0A%20*/%0Afunction%20leoHighlightsHandleIFrameMouseOver%28%29%0A%7B%0A%09try%0A%09%7B%0A%09%09if%28_leoHighlightsPrevElem%26%26_leoHighlightsPrevElem.endTimer%29%0A%09%09%09clearTimeout%28_leoHighlightsPrevElem.endTimer%29%3B%0A%09%7D%0A%09catch%28e%29%0A%09%7B%0A%09%09_leoHighlightsReportExeception%28%22leoHighlightsHandleIFrameMouseOver%28%29%22%2Ce%29%3B%20%20%20%09%0A%09%7D%0A%7D%0A%0A/**%0A%20*%20This%20handles%20the%20mouse%20movement%20into%20the%20currently%20opened%20window.%0A%20*%20Just%20clear%20the%20close%20timer%0A%20*%20%0A%20*%20@param%20id%0A%20*%20@return%0A%20*/%0Afunction%20leoHighlightsHandleIFrameMouseOut%28%29%0A%7B%0A%09try%0A%09%7B%0A%09%09if%28_leoHighlightsPrevElem%29%0A%09%09%09leoHighlightsHandleMouseOut%28_leoHighlightsPrevElem.id%29%3B%0A%09%7D%0A%09catch%28e%29%0A%09%7B%0A%09%09_leoHighlightsReportExeception%28%22leoHighlightsHandleIFrameMouseOut%28%29%22%2Ce%29%3B%20%20%20%09%0A%09%7D%0A%7D%0A/**%0A%20*%20This%20is%20a%20method%20is%20used%20to%20make%20the%20javascript%20within%20IE%20runnable%0A%20*/%0Avar%20leoHighlightsRanUpdateDivs%3Dfalse%3B%0Afunction%20leoHighlightsUpdateDivs%28%29%0A%7B%0A%09try%0A%09%7B%0A%09%09/*%20Check%20if%20this%20is%20an%20IE%20browser%20and%20if%20divs%20have%20been%20updated%20already%20*/%0A%09%09if%28document.all%26%26%21leoHighlightsRanUpdateDivs%29%0A%09%09%7B%0A%09%09%09leoHighlightsRanUpdateDivs%3Dtrue%3B%20//%20Set%20early%20to%20prevent%20running%20twice%0A%09%09%09for%28var%20i%3D0%3Bi%3CLEO_HIGHLIGHTS_MAX_HIGHLIGHTS%3Bi++%29%0A%09%09%09%7B%0A%09%09%09%09var%20id%3D%22leoHighlights_Underline_%22+i%3B%0A%09%09%09%09var%20elem%3D_leoHighlightsFindElementById%28id%29%3B%0A%09%09%09%09if%28elem%3D%3Dnull%29%0A%09%09%09%09%09break%3B%0A%09%09%09%09%0A%09%09%09%09if%28%21elem.leoChanged%29%0A%09%09%09%09%7B%0A%09%09%09%09%09elem.leoChanged%3Dtrue%3B%0A%09%09%09%09%0A%09%09%09%09%09/*%20This%20will%20make%20javaScript%20runnable%20*/%09%09%09%09%0A%09%09%09%09%09elem.outerHTML%3Delem.outerHTML%3B%0A%09%09%09%09%7D%0A%09%09%09%7D%0A%09%09%7D%0A%09%7D%0A%09catch%28e%29%0A%09%7B%0A%09%09_leoHighlightsReportExeception%28%22leoHighlightsUpdateDivs%28%29%22%2Ce%29%3B%20%20%20%09%0A%09%7D%0A%7D%0A%0Aif%28document.all%29%0A%09setTimeout%28leoHighlightsUpdateDivs%2C200%29%3B%0A%0A%0A/**%0A%20*%20This%20is%20used%20to%20report%20events%20to%20the%20plugin%0A%20*%20@param%20key%0A%20*%20@param%20domain%0A%20*%20@param%20keywords%0A%20*%20@param%20vendorId%0A%20*%20@param%20accept%0A%20*%20@param%20reject%0A%20*%20@return%0A%20*/%0Afunction%20leoHighlightsReportEvent%28key%2C%20domain%2Ckeywords%2CvendorId%2Caccept%2Creject%29%0A%7B%0A%20%20%20try%0A%20%20%20%7B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20var%20gwObj%20%3D%20new%20Gateway%28%29%3B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20gwObj.addParam%28%22key%22%2Ckey%29%3B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20if%28domain%21%3Dnull%29%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20gwObj.addParam%28%22domain%22%2Cdomain%29%3B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20if%28keywords%21%3Dnull%29%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20gwObj.addParam%28%22keywords%22%2Ckeywords%29%3B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20if%28vendorId%21%3Dnull%29%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20gwObj.addParam%28%22vendorId%22%2CvendorId%29%3B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20if%28accept%21%3Dnull%29%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20gwObj.addParam%28%22accept%22%2Caccept%29%3B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20if%28reject%21%3Dnull%29%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20gwObj.addParam%28%22reject%22%2Creject%29%3B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20gwObj.callName%28%22LeoHighlightsEvent%22%29%3B%0A%20%20%20%7D%0A%20%20%20catch%28e%29%0A%20%20%20%7B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20_leoHighlightsReportExeception%28%22leoHighlights%28%29%22%2Ce%29%3B%20%20%20%20%20%0A%20%20%20%7D%0A%7D%0A%0A/**%0A%20*%20This%20will%20expand%20or%20collapse%20the%20window%20base%20on%20it%20prior%20state%0A%20*%20%0A%20*%20@return%0A%20*/%0Afunction%20leoHighlightsToggleSize%28clickId%29%0A%7B%0A%20%20%20try%0A%20%20%20%7B%20%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20_leoHighlightsDebugLog%28%22leoHighlightsToggleSize%28%29%20%22+_leoHighlightsPrevElem%29%3B%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20/*%20Get%20the%20hover%20flag%20and%20change%20the%20status%20*/%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20var%20size%3D_leoHighlightsPrevElem.hover?1%3A0%3B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20_leoHighlightsSetBottomSize%28size%2CclickId%29%3B%0A%20%20%20%7D%0A%20%20%20catch%28e%29%0A%20%20%20%7B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20_leoHighlightsReportExeception%28%22leoHighlightsToggleSize%28%29%22%2Ce%29%3B%20%20%20%20%20%0A%20%20%20%7D%0A%7D%0A%0A/**%0A%20*%20Call%20into%20the%20kvm%20that%20will%20then%20do%20a%20callback%20into%20the%20top%20window%0A%20*%20The%20top%20window%20will%20then%20call%20leoH%0A%20*%20%0A%20*%20@return%0A%20*/%0Afunction%20leoHighlightsSetSecondaryWindowUrl%28url%2C%20customerId%2C%20phraseId%29%0A%7B%0A%20%20%20try%0A%20%20%20%7B%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20_leoHighlightsDebugLog%28%22leoHighlightsSetSecondaryWindowUrl%28%29%20%22+url%29%3B%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20var%20gwObj%20%3D%20new%20Gateway%28%29%3B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20gwObj.addParam%28%22url%22%2C%20url%29%3B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20gwObj.addParam%28%22phraseId%22%2C%20phraseId%29%3B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20gwObj.addParam%28%22customerId%22%2C%20customerId%29%3B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20gwObj.callName%28%22LeoHighlightsSetSecondaryWindowUrl%22%29%3B%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%0A%20%20%20%7D%0A%20%20%20catch%28e%29%0A%20%20%20%7B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20_leoHighlightsReportExeception%28%22leoHighlightsSetSecondaryWindowUrl%28%29%22%2Ce%29%3B%20%20%20%20%20%0A%20%20%20%7D%0A%7D%0A%0A/**%0A%20*%20Call%20into%20the%20kvm%20that%20will%20then%20do%20a%20callback%20into%20the%20top%20window%0A%20*%20The%20top%20window%20will%20then%20call%20leoH%0A%20*%20%0A%20*%20@return%0A%20*/%0Afunction%20leoHighlightsSetSecondaryWindowUrlCallback%28url%2C%20customerId%2C%20phraseId%29%0A%7B%0A%20%20%20try%0A%20%20%20%7B%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20_leoHighlightsDebugLog%28%22leoHighlightsSetSecondaryWindowUrlCallback%28%29%20%22+url%29%3B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20/*%20Clear%20the%20hover%20flag%2C%20if%20the%20user%20shows%20this%20at%20full%20size%20*/%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20var%20size%3D_leoHighlightsPrevElem.hover?0%3A1%3B%20%20%20%20%20%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20_leoHighlightsDebugLog%28%22leoHighlightsSetSecondaryWindowUrlCallback%28%29%20%22+_leoHighlightsPrevElem+%22%20--%20%22+_leoHighlightsPrevElem.hover%29%3B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20/*%20Get%20the%20elements%20*/%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20var%20iFrameBottom%3D_leoHighlightsFindElementById%28LEO_HIGHLIGHTS_IFRAME_BOTTOM_ID%29%3B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20leoHighlightsUpdateUrl%28iFrameBottom%2Csize%2Cnull%2Curl%29%3B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20_leoHighlightsDebugLog%28%22leoHighlightsSetSecondaryWindowUrlCallback%28%29%20%22+url%29%3B%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%0A%20%20%20%7D%0A%20%20%20catch%28e%29%0A%20%20%20%7B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20_leoHighlightsReportExeception%28%22leoHighlightsSetSecondaryWindowUrlCallback%28%29%22%2Ce%29%3B%20%20%20%20%20%0A%20%20%20%7D%0A%7D%0A%0A/**%0A%20*%20This%20will%20set%20the%20text%20to%20the%20Top%20%0A%20*%20%0A%20*%20@param%20txt%0A%20*%20@return%0A%20*/%0Afunction%20leoHighlightsSetExpandTxt%28txt%29%0A%7B%0A%20%20%20try%0A%20%20%20%7B%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20var%20topIFrame%20%3D%20_leoHighlightsFindElementById%28LEO_HIGHLIGHTS_IFRAME_TOP_ID%29%3B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20if%28topIFrame%3D%3Dnull%29%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20return%3B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20/*%20Get%20the%20current%20url%20*/%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20var%20url%3DtopIFrame.src%3B%20%20%20%20%20%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20if%28url%3D%3Dnull%29%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20return%3B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20/*%20Extract%20the%20previous%20hash%20if%20present%20*/%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20var%20idx%3D-1%3B%20%20%20%20%20%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20if%28%28idx%3Durl.indexOf%28%27%23%27%29%29%3E0%29%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20url%3Durl.substring%280%2Cidx%29%3B%0A%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20/*%20Append%20the%20text%20to%20the%20end%20*/%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20url+%3D%22%23%22+encodeURI%28txt%29%3B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20/*%20Set%20the%20iframe%20with%20the%20new%20url%20that%20contains%20the%20hash%20tag%20*/%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20topIFrame.src%3Durl%3B%0A%20%20%20%7D%0A%20%20%20catch%28e%29%0A%20%20%20%7B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20_leoHighlightsReportExeception%28%22leoHighlightsSetExpandTxt%28%29%22%2Ce%29%3B%20%20%20%20%20%0A%20%20%20%7D%0A%7D%0A%0A/*----------------------------------------------------------------------*/%0A/*%20Methods%20provided%20to%20the%20highlight%20providers...%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20*/%0A/*----------------------------------------------------------------------*/%0A%0A/**%0A%20*%20This%20will%20set%20the%20expand%20text%20for%20the%20Top%20window%0A%20*/%0Afunction%20leoHL_SetExpandTxt%28txt%29%0A%7B%0A%20%20%20try%0A%20%20%20%7B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20_leoHighlightsDebugLog%28%22leoHL_SetExpandTxt%28%29%20%22+txt%29%3B%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20_leoHighlightsSimpleGwCallBack%28%22LeoHighlightsSetExpandTxt%22%2C%22expandTxt%22%2Ctxt%29%3B%20%20%20%20%20%20%0A%20%20%20%7D%0A%20%20%20catch%28e%29%0A%20%20%20%7B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20_leoHighlightsReportExeception%28%22leoHL_SetExpandTxt%28%29%22%2Ce%29%3B%20%20%20%20%0A%20%20%20%7D%0A%7D%0A%0A/**%0A%20*%20This%20will%20redirect%20the%20top%20window%20to%20the%20passed%20in%20url%0A%20*%20%0A%20*%20@param%20url%0A%20*%20@param%20parentId%0A%20*%20@return%0A%20*/%0Afunction%20leoHL_RedirectTop%28url%2CparentId%29%0A%7B%0A%20%20%20try%0A%20%20%20%7B%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20try%7B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20var%20domain%3D_leoHighlightsGetUrlArg%28window.document.URL%2C%22domain%22%29%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20var%20keywords%3D_leoHighlightsGetUrlArg%28window.document.URL%2C%22keywords%22%29%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20var%20vendorId%3D_leoHighlightsGetUrlArg%28window.document.URL%2C%22vendorId%22%29%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20leoHighlightsReportEvent%28%22clickthrough%22%2C%20domain%2Ckeywords%2C%20vendorId%29%3B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%7Dcatch%28e%29%7B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20_leoHighlightsReportExeception%28%22leoHL_RedirectTop%28%29%22%2Ce%29%3B%20%20%20%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%7D%0A%20%20%09%09%0A%20%20%20%09_leoHighlightsRedirectTop%28url%29%3B%0A%20%20%20%7D%0A%20%20%20catch%28e%29%0A%20%20%20%7B%0A%20%20%20%09_leoHighlightsReportExeception%28%22leoHL_RedirectTop%28%29%22%2Ce%29%3B%20%20%20%09%0A%20%20%20%7D%0A%7D%0A%0A/**%0A%20*%20This%20will%20redirect%20the%20top%20window%20to%20the%20passed%20in%20url%0A%20*%20%0A%20*%20@param%20url%0A%20*%20@param%20parentId%0A%20*%20@return%0A%20*/%0Afunction%20LeoHL_RedirectTop%28url%2CparentId%29%0A%7B%0A%20%20%20leoHL_RedirectTop%28url%2CparentId%29%3B%0A%7D%0A%0A/**%0A%20*%20This%20will%20redirect%20the%20top%20window%20to%20the%20passed%20in%20url%0A%20*%20%0A%20*%20@param%20url%0A%20*%20@param%20parentId%0A%20*%20@return%0A%20*/%0Afunction%20leoHL_RedirectTopAd%28url%2CparentId%29%0A%7B%0A%20%20%20try%0A%20%20%20%7B%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20try%7B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20var%20domain%3D_leoHighlightsGetUrlArg%28window.document.URL%2C%22domain%22%29%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20var%20keywords%3D_leoHighlightsGetUrlArg%28window.document.URL%2C%22keywords%22%29%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20var%20vendorId%3D_leoHighlightsGetUrlArg%28window.document.URL%2C%22vendorId%22%29%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20leoHighlightsReportEvent%28%22advertisement.click%22%2C%20domain%2Ckeywords%2C%20vendorId%29%3B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%7Dcatch%28e%29%7B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20_leoHighlightsReportExeception%28%22leoHL_RedirectTopAd%28%29%22%2Ce%29%3B%20%20%20%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%7D%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20_leoHighlightsRedirectTop%28url%29%3B%0A%20%20%20%7D%0A%20%20%20catch%28e%29%0A%20%20%20%7B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20_leoHighlightsReportExeception%28%22leoHL_RedirectTopAd%28%29%22%2Ce%29%3B%20%20%20%20%0A%20%20%20%7D%0A%7D%0A%0A%0A/**%0A%20*%20This%20will%20set%20the%20size%20of%20the%20iframe%0A%20*%20%0A%20*%20@param%20url%0A%20*%20@param%20parentId%0A%20*%20%0A%20*%20@return%0A%20*/%0Afunction%20leoHl_setSize%28size%2Curl%29%0A%7B%0A%20%20%20try%0A%20%20%20%7B%0A%20%20%20%09/*%20Get%20the%20clickId%20*/%0A%20%20%20%09var%20clickId%3D_leoHighlightsGetUrlArg%28%20url%2C%22clickId%22%29%0A%20%20%20%09%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20var%20gwObj%20%3D%20new%20Gateway%28%29%3B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20gwObj.addParam%28%22size%22%2Csize%29%3B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20if%28clickId%29%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20gwObj.addParam%28%22clickId%22%2CclickId+%22_blah%22%29%3B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20gwObj.callName%28%22LeoHighlightsSetSize%22%29%3B%0A%20%20%20%7D%0A%20%20%20catch%28e%29%0A%20%20%20%7B%0A%20%20%20%09_leoHighlightsReportExeception%28%22leoHl_setSize%28%29%22%2Ce%29%3B%20%20%20%09%0A%20%20%20%7D%0A%7D%0A%0A/**%0A%20*%20This%20will%20toggle%20the%20size%20of%20the%20window%0A%20*%20%0A%20*%20@return%0A%20*/%0Afunction%20leoHl_ToggleSize%28%29%0A%7B%0A%20%20%20try%0A%20%20%20%7B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20var%20gwObj%20%3D%20new%20Gateway%28%29%3B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20gwObj.callName%28%22LeoHighlightsToggleSize%22%29%3B%0A%20%20%20%7D%0A%20%20%20catch%28e%29%0A%20%20%20%7B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20_leoHighlightsReportExeception%28%22leoHl_ToggleSize%28%29%22%2Ce%29%3B%20%20%20%20%20%0A%20%20%20%7D%0A%7D%0A%0A");

Discretionary Duty and Municipal Liability

nospam@example.com (Dixon R. Gahnz) — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 09:22:24 -0500

The time has come to re-examine the principles underlying the immunity afforded municipalities for the torts of their employees. As a preliminary matter, we are not talking about huge verdicts or settlements against villages or cities. The statutes provide a $50,000 cap, no matter how badly the person is injured.

The current law insulates a municipal official for those acts that are discretionary as opposed to ministerial. The distinction between a discretionary act and a ministerial act has become blurred over the years. However, the courts have changed the rule set forth by the legislature. Originally, liability was the rule, and immunity the exception. Unfortunately, the courts have completely changed the law, and left injured people with no recourse.

In a recent case, the court found the municipality immune from suit when a bus driver sexually assaulted eighteen students on the school bus. The court ruled that the families of the children assaulted had no recourse in the courts of this state. The reason, discretionary immunity. The court held you cannot sue a municipality for failing to supervise its own employees because such an act requires discretion.

The courts have noted that the doctrine leads to harsh results. They have yet to provide a remedy though. There are a number of options available.

The simplest solution is to return the dictates of the municipal immunity statute, sec. 893.80 Stats. The statute insulates judicial and legislative acts from liability. It also precludes liability for quasi judicial and legislative acts. The contours of the statute are open to debate, but such an interpretation would allow the students who were assaulted to proceed with a negligent hiring and supervision claim. This interpretation of the statute would allow a claim for defective bridge design to proceed to a jury trial.

Private Citizens and corporations are responsible for their torts, and there is no reason the same analysis should not be applied to municipalities.

Contact me at dgahnz@lawtoncates.com if you have been hurt and need a lawyer to advocate on your behalf. For more information, go to http://www.lawtoncates.com.

Continue reading "Discretionary Duty and Municipal Liability"

How Does The Credit CARD Act Affect Businesses?

nospam@example.com (Doron F. Eghbali) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 17:54:22 -0500

The Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility and Disclosure Act (CARD Act) went into effect on February 22, 2010. The CARD Act provides protections to consumers; however, such protections do not extend to
businesses. Let us analyze the scope of such non protections and perils
of using personal credit cards for business use.

CREDIT CARD
ACT AND BUSINESSES

1. IMPLICATIONS OF CREDIT CARD ACT FOR
BUSINESSES

As stated, the CARD
Act protections do not extend to businesses. However, what could
business owners embroiled in a frozen credit market do when they do not
have ready access to capital? In fact, many business owners are afraid
credit card issuers left unable to hike rates or change terms without
restrictions, will seek to shift their attention and effort to business
cards to make up for lost revenue. Hence, business owners still reeling
from the "Great Recession" are highly skeptical of business cards. Such
business owners, might tap into their personal cards in the hopes the
protections of the CARD Act would shield them against rate hikes and
other alleged predatory practices.

2. IMPLICATIONS OF USING
PERSONAL CARD FOR BUSINESS USE

Commingling Business
and Personal Expenses Thus Losing Limited Liability: One of the most
serious problems of using personal cards for business use might be
placing CORPORATE STRUCTURE in jeopardy. In other words, if business
owners do not segregate meticulously their business and personal
expenses, then those taking advantage of LLCs, Corporations or Limited
Partnerships-to limit their liability to the extent of their investment
in the business-may expose their whole wealth to creditors.
Tax
Implications: Placing business expenses on a personal card would
appreciably restrict deducting interest or annual fees as business
expenses.
Loss of CARD Act Protections: This is very
possible a business owner-who rather excessively uses a personal card
for business expenses-risks forfeiting CARD Act protections.

3.
A POTENTIAL POSITIVE OUTCOME OF CARD ACT FOR BUSINESS CARDS

Since
Credit Card Issuers have spent a lot of money upgrading or updating
their systems, policies and agreements, this might seem reasonable they
will decide to apply some of the CARD Act protections to business cards
to cut costs. Nonetheless, this calculation might prove unrealistic, if
credit card issuers come to the conclusion, in the long term they will
make more profits by maintaining the status quo for business cards.

This
is important to note, business owners should be extremely cautious of using
business cards, too.

_____________________

DORON EGHBALI is a Partner at the Beverly Hills Offices of Law Advocate Group, LLP. He Primarily Practices Business, Real Estate and Entertainment Law. He Can Be Reached at: 310-651-3065. For More Information, Please, Visit: HERE.

Some Seroquel Documents From AstraZeneca Now Available At The Drug Industry Document Archive

nospam@example.com (Thomas J. Lamb) — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 08:37:29 -0500

These 241 "New" Documents Show How Drug Company Obscured Potential For Patient Weight Gain And Diabetes

(Posted by Tom Lamb at www.DrugInjuryWatch.com on March 11, 2010; see http://bit.ly/c4oT9x)

In mid-February 2010 Kim Klausner, the Industry Documents Digital Libraries Manager for Drug Industry Document Archive (DIDA) at the University of California, San Francisco, let us know about some "new" documents concerning the drug Seroquel that are now available on the DIDA web site:

I’m pleased to announce that we’ve added to the Drug Industry Document Archive (http://dida.library.ucsf.edu) 241 documents about the marketing of Seroquel from the files of AstraZeneca. These documents show how the company obscured the potential for patient weight gain and diabetes from physicians and regulatory bodies and how they balanced the desire for sales with the need for scientific rigor. You can find these documents by entering “ddu:2010*” without the quotation marks in the query box.

Further, Kim listed some of what she thought were the more "interesting" (my characterization, not hers) Seroquel documents for us:

1) “[Do] not to discuss details surrounding trial 41 with any external customers” who include investigators.

2) How to spin and de-emphasize weight gain.

3) AstraZeneca Director of Clinical Research asks for information about BristolMyersSquibb’s trials in exchange for sexual favors (I’m not kidding).

4) Suggests data mining of Study 50 focusing on efficacy by measuring psychotic relapse.

5) Suggests that AZ-supported research has suspect results.

6) Discusses how much to disclose about Study 15.

7) Suggests pooling data to achieve certain efficacy claims.

8) “all off-label slides are financed outside of commercial for obvious legal reasons”

9) “R&D is no longer responsible for Seroquel research - it is now the responsibility of Sales and Marketing.”

10) Discusses giving limited data to an investigator on Trial 31 because he is perceived to be a “Lily advocate.” “I don't want to irritate him nor give him the impression that we are hiding data.”

11) Proposal for a study on the diabetogenic and hyperlipidemia side effects of quetiapine; concern about the potential risk and damage if the study had negative results.

12) Questions why “limited” would remain as a qualifier to weight gain in the Core Data Sheet even though SERM [Safety Evaluation and Review Meeting] had decided otherwise.

13) Email re the request of Dr. Ghaemi, who was asked to be an author on the Trial 104 manuscript, for the study’s raw data. Suggests dropping Dr. Ghaemi as an author.

14) Contemplates Study 125 endpoints based on potential adverse effects on US sales.

As some of you may recall, we have written previously about this DIDA project:

Drug Industry Document Archive Has Over 1500 Documents Regarding Big Pharma Conduct -- Includes Previously Secret Documents That Were Released During Lawsuits Against Merck & Co., Parke-Davis, Warner-Lambert, and Pfizer
Drug Industry Document Archive (DIDA) Adds 15 More Pharma-Related Documents To Collection In November 2009 -- This Archive Contains Some "Secret" Documents Only Made Public In The Course Of Lawsuits Filed Against Pharmaceutical Companies

We thank Kim for letting us know about these Seroquel-AstraZeneca documents that are now available to the public at the DIDA web site, and look forward to receiving her future notices (which, in turn, we will let you know about).

Attorney Tom Lamb represents people in personal injury and wrongful death cases involving unsafe prescription drugs or medication errors. The above article was posted originally on his blog, Drug Injury Watch – with live links and readers’ Comments. http://www.DrugInjuryWatch.com

Continue reading "Some Seroquel Documents From AstraZeneca Now Available At The Drug Industry Document Archive "

Seatbelt Laws in Illinois

nospam@example.com (Lance P. Brown) — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 08:31:43 -0500

A significant number of deaths each year are directly attributable to car accidents in Illinois. One of the easiest ways to avoid a serious injury—or death—is to wear a seatbelt while in a moving vehicle. Additionally, you may receive a $55 fine for not buckling up.
According to the Illinois Cyberdrive program, details on the seatbelt law are as follows:

Anyone in the front seat is required to wear a seatbelt regardless of age
Anyone under the age of 16 must wear a seatbelt regardless of location within the vehicle
Drivers under age 18 are limited to one passenger in the front seat—and the number of passengers in the back seat must not be more than the number of available seatbelts
Effective January 1, 2004, teenage drivers are limited to only one passenger under the age of 20 (except immediate family members, including siblings or children of the driver) during the first six months of having their license—or until they reach the age of 18, whichever happens sooner
Any passengers under 18 with a driver under age 18 must wear a seatbelt

The third state to enact a mandatory safety-belt law for adults, Illinois is one of the leading states in seatbelt safety.

Some exceptions to Illinois seatbelt laws

Exceptions to the seatbelt laws in Illinois include the following:

A driver who frequently stops to exit and enter the vehicle to deliver packages does not have to wear a seatbelt unless the vehicle is moving faster than 15 mph
Anyone who operates a motorcycle does not have to dear a seatbelt
Anyone who drives a car made in 1965 or earlier does not have to wear a seatbelt
While required to have an official endorsement on their license or an official certificate, any driver who has a medical condition that makes wearing a seatbelt unsafe does not have to wear a seatbelt

You should contact an Illinois auto accident lawyer immediately if you have been involved in an accident.

Sam C. Mitchell & Associates
115 1/2 East Main Street
West Frankfort, Illinois 62896
888-899-1458

Continue reading "Seatbelt Laws in Illinois"

Dog Bite Attacks Can Cause Serious Injury or Even Death

nospam@example.com (Michael P. Ehline) — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 01:22:29 -0500

Pet owners in Orange County, Los Angeles and San Francisco Counties are strictly held liable by California law in the event that an individual or child were to suffer from serious bodily injury or death when they have been attacked from a vicious animal attack. Unfortunately, this is an event that happens all too often, and in many cases it can cause long-term painful injuries that can even be life-altering.

Sadly there are as many as 800,000 children and adults every year who end up suffering from injuries they obtained from vicious dog bite attacks, and a majority of the injuries that are received from these attacks require that the individuals seek medical attention and care immediately. Dog bite attacks can cause serious injury or even death. As a matter of fact the CDC dog bite injury statistics show that as often as every 40 seconds, medical attention is sought from victims who have been bitten in in a dog bite attack. This ultimately ends up meaning that about $165 million dollars are spent by the victims and insurance companies every year for the serious injuries to happen to these victims.

From 0.5 percent to 1.5 percent the injuries that are most seen in hospital emergency room visits are those that have happened to the face of the victims. This means that as many as 44,000 adults and children suffer from facial injuries every year. Perhaps the saddest statistic shown is the fact that 60% of all victims of dog bite attacks are children, and there are 18 victims each year that lose their life to the injuries that they have received in these types of attacks.

In almost every community and even in the neighborhoods and communities where there are lots of small children, there are people who actually train their animals to have aggressive behavior. Breeds such as Akitas, Huskies, Pit Bulls, German Shepherds, Chows, Dobermans, and American Staffordshire Terriers are the most common ones that are trained to have this type of behavior. It is a very frustrating situation but a large number of these animals are responsible for causing serious injury to victims and even death.

If you or one of your family members have become the unfortunate victim of a vicious dog bite attack and have suffered serious injury, it is very important to seek the expertise of a knowledgeable dog bite attack attorney who is familiar with all the laws that surround these tragic cases. We are not just a Los Angeles personal injury attorney. Ehline Law handles all types of animal attacks, from horse bites to pet pig attacks.
Continue reading "Dog Bite Attacks Can Cause Serious Injury or Even Death"

Any Form Of Elder Abuse Is Inexcusable

nospam@example.com (Michael P. Ehline) — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:42:30 -0500

Any Los Angeles personal injury attorney
knows that Elder abuse and nursing home abuse is an extremely serious
issue that affects thousands upon thousands of individuals during this
delicate time of their life. It comes in the form of neglect, being
exploited, and being either physically or emotionally abused. Any form
of elderly abuse is inexcusable but it can certainly hit a new level of
seriousness when it is a tragedy that occurs in the nursing home
facilities and even with the staff of home health care agencies that
many of us have entrusted the care of our family members to. Statistics
have shown that this is an increasing problem within a large number of
nursing homes and home care companies that claim to incorporate the
highest levels of quality care. The sad reality much of the abuse that
occurs is in part due to the fact of the vulnerability and lack in
ability that our older generations has in being able to defend
themselves when we are not continuously by their side protecting them.

Because of the level of seriousness that is involved in this
specific type of crime being committed, the elder abuse protection
program of the Department of Justice in California has been given the
power by the Attorney General to use the means necessary to force
nursing homes and home health care facilities into complying with the
strict laws that have been set both by both federal and state levels for
governing the stewardship of patients. This would include the power
that may be needed at civil, administrative and federal levels. It is
unfortunate that these extreme measures have to be taken but it is
comforting to know that the care of our elder generation is of high
priority.

Any form of elder abuse is inexcusable and this is
especially true when it is a crime that has occurred in the type of
facility that is in business specifically to offer the care to our
family members that many individuals are unable to provide.

Expertise
and a high level of knowledge are very important factors you will want
on your side when an elderly member of your family has been abused in
the nursing home they have been placed in, or they have been abused by a home health worker you
have allowed to come into your home. Los Angeles most widely acclaimed
elderly abuse attorneys have the experience in handling all types of
elderly abuse cases and they take the necessary action to see that
justice is served.

Retrieved from "http://www.articlesbase.com/personal-injury-articles/any-form-of-elder-abuse-is-inexcusable-934313.html"

(ArticlesBase SC #934313)

Michael Ehline

Ehline Law | Injury Lawyers PC, is a law firm with an
experienced and aggressive Los
Angeles elder abuse injury attorney who can be contacted at 633
West Fifth Street, 28th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90071. Call 213-596-9642
to learn more.

Continue reading "Any Form Of Elder Abuse Is Inexcusable"

Federal and Postal Disability Retirement: The Law and Language

nospam@example.com (Robert R. McGill) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 20:24:35 -0500

Language is the playground of the Attorney. It is the heart and soul of his or her profession. Through language, the attorney describes, delineates, argues, and provides a sequential (hopefully) rebuttal and attack upon any attempt by the "opposing" forces or the named "adversary" to undermine one's logically structured application -- in this case, an application for Federal Disability Retirement benefits under FERS or CSRS. While logic and argumentation are the chosen methodology of attack, it is the stringing of descriptive words to create concepts; the sequencing of concepts in order to provide complex compounds of winning arguments; and the totality of language in order to convey meaning, persuade and bring about agreement. In Administrative Law arenas, especially in the law of Federal Disability Retirement, it is especially important to have the ability to describe, delineate, argue and persuade -- because the package of persuasion is in written format -- and the reader (a claims clerk at the Office of Personnel Management) does not know the disability retirement applicant personally, and only comes to know the issues, the person, the medical condition, and the intertwining compexity of the medical condition upon the person, through the words which are put together. As such, how a Federal Disability Retirement packet is put together, which words are chosen, too few, too many, and what definitional arrows are meant to be conveyed, not only comprise part of a Federal Disability Retirement application; in many ways, it comprises the entirety of the process.

Sincerely, Robert R. McGill, Esquire

Continue reading "Federal and Postal Disability Retirement: The Law and Language"

Connecticut Driver Blaming Camry Gas Pedal For Crash

nospam@example.com (Michael P. Ehline) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 22:47:59 -0500

March 11, 2010 (by Michael Ehline) A Connecticut driver is blaming the gas pedal on her Toyota Camry for a crash when it went out of control.

The driver a 76 year old woman long with her 15 year old grandson that was riding in the vehicle were involved in an accident Tuesday. The woman believes the accident occurred because the gas pedal on the Toyota Camry she was driving stuck causing the vehicle to go out of control.

The woman struck the front steps of St. George Greek Orthodox Church while they were delivering items to the church for a sale. The woman told the local newspaper the Herald of New Britain that she had just recived the notice from Toyota that the vehicle had been recalled. She also stated that she did not want to be identified, but that the car flew through the air, crossed a street and was stopped by a small hill. Neither her grandson nor she was injured, but the police told her she should be a race car driver. The accident is still under investigation by the police.

This comes on the heels of the San Diego and New York defective Toyota Prius incidents and the revelation that a Korean man have wrongfully convicted of vehicular manslaughter. Even more alarming is the allegation made by a former Toyota defense attorney, that Toyota hid or destroyed evidence of defective accelerators and other defects in many Toyota models.

Los Angeles personal injury attorney, Michael Ehline has been inundated with non injury calls regarding Toyota stuck accelerators. It appears this is just the tip of the iceberg for Toyota.

Continue reading "Connecticut Driver Blaming Camry Gas Pedal For Crash"

Bank of America Will Not Oppose New Consumer Agency

nospam@example.com (Brian D. Turner) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 18:11:17 -0500

Consumer Law in Birmingham, Alabama

According to reports on February 2, 2010, Bank of America will not oppose President Obama’s plan to create the Consumer Financial Protection Agency. B of A says that while not endorsing the agency, they do agree with the policy direction. B of A spokesman James Mahoney says that the bank has made it clear to various organizations they are apart of that they will not lobby against the agency. This stance puts Bank of America at odds with rival bankers who have spent millions of dollars lobbying against the agency. The bank does oppose proposals that would allow state regulators to overrule federal guideline.

President Obama calls the agency a “non-negotiable” part of his regulatory reform effort. The House of Representatives has already passed a bill to overhaul bank regulations to protect consumers. Senate Banking Committee Chairman Christopher Dodd (D. Conn) and ranking Republican Senator Richard Shelby (R. AL) are in discussions over alternatives to the House bill. The proposed agency has the support of more than 200 consumer groups.

Not surprisingly, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and American Bankers Association have organized television campaigns and encouraged the writing of letters to congressmen against the formation of the agency. Rival bank, JPMorgan Chase & Co, who like B of A was a beneficiary of the government bailout of troubled financial institutions, has stated that they are not in favor of the formation of a new agency to regulate risky or abusive banking practices.

www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20670001&sid=aEWQSgo1DrOw

NRS 41.133 Liability Does Not Abrogate Comparative Negligence

nospam@example.com (Steven J. Klearman) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 17:28:16 -0500

NRS 41.133 states that when "an offender has been convicted of the
crime which resulted in the injury to the victim, the judgment of
conviction is conclusive evidence of all facts necessary to impose
civil liability for the injury."

In Cromer v. Wilson, 126 Nev. Adv. Op. No. 11 (March 11,
2010), the Nevada Supreme Court addressed the effect of this conclusive
evidence of liability on the issues of comparative negligence and
damages. The defendant was convicted of felony DUI and felony reckless
driving in an accident that severely injured the plaintiff.

The district court had allowed the jury to decide the issue of
liability instead of granting the plaintiff's motion for summary
judgment. The jury found the defendant liable. In determining
liability, the jury was allowed to consider comparative negligence, and
it found the plaintiff 25% at fault and the defendant 75% at fault.
The jury returned a verdict in favor of the plaintiff and awarded
$4,530,785.50 in damages.

On appeal, the Nevada Supreme Court held that NRS 41.133 establishes a
conclusive presumption of liability when an offender has been
convicted of the crime that resulted in the injury to the victim.
Thus, the district court should have granted the plaintiff's motion for
summary judgment on the issue of liability, and the trial should have
resolved only the issue of damages.

However, the Court also held that NRS 41.133 does not abrogate the
law regarding comparative negligence or damages. Therefore, while NRS
41.133 establishes a conclusive presumption of liability, a defendant
may argue comparative negligence pursuant to NRS 41.141 to reduce an
award of damages at a trial as to damages only.

Common Myths Associated with Worker Compensation Laws

nospam@example.com (Larry Pitt) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 16:56:41 -0500

Common Myths about Workers Compensation

There are many myths about workers compensation. Some of these myths are as scary as realizing you can no longer work due to a work related injury. Here are some of the common myths debunked.

I am out of work due to an injury, how can I afford an attorney? Attorneys are only allowed to receive a certain percentage of the settlement if you win. In Pennsylvania, the statue is 20%.
There are time limits on when I can file a claim. Unfortunately there are time limits for filing. Contact a workers compensation lawyer to find out the time limits for Pennsylvania.
It won’t cover medical expenses. In most cases, medical expenses are covered.
It will take years to settle. Depending on the case, it may get settled very quickly or it may take a long time.
I can’t sue my employer. You can sue your employer.
I can’t sue my co-employee. You can sue your co-employee if they were involved with your injury.
There is no judge only insurance carriers. Judges are involved with these claims, not just insurance companies. Judges are the ones who issue the final decrees of the settlement.
I can get compensatory damages. Unfortunately you cannot receive payment for pain and suffering. The monetary compensation received is work-loss benefits and medical expenses.
I can get a jury trial. A jury trial is not an option in workers compensation cases. Lawyers for both sides, the clients for each side, and a judge are the main people involved with a workers compensation claim.

There may be many more myths out there about workers compensation claim in Pennsylvania. The way to refute these myths and to find out more information, especially if you think you may have a workers compensation or personal injury case, is to contact a lawyer who is experienced in workers compensation, personal injury law, or employment law.

Continue reading "Common Myths Associated with Worker Compensation Laws"

Garbage Truck Accidents: Was the truck's blind spot involved?

nospam@example.com (Michael M. Shea) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 16:53:44 -0500

Early in the morning in most cities, a fleet of garbage trucks, recycling trucks and yard waste trucks travel the streets and roads of the community. These trucks can usually be driven from the right or left side of the cab depending upon the task at hand.

When the trucks are driving on the roads, and not engaged in pick ups, the driver usually sits on the left side of the vehicle, as most drivers do. When the driver sits on the left side to drive, there is a significant blind spot in the lower right front of the truck. Accidents most often occur in this driving configuration when the truck is turning right.

In the trash pick up mode, the waste company will have the trucks follow highly specified routes of travel that position the trucks so that the hydraulic dumping arms face the side of the street destined for pick up. In this configuration, the driver of the truck usually stands on the right side of the cab. When the driver is on the right side cab, there is a significant blind spot in the left front of the truck. Accidents most often occur in this driving configuration when a pedestrian or other vehicle is moving from driver's left.

Accidents involving garbage trucks most often occur because the driver cannot see a pedestrian, bicyclist, motorcyclist or other vehicle because of the blind spot created by the design, configuration and operation of the truck.

Shea & Shea is a nationally recognized personal injury law firm located in San Jose, California. The firm has extensive experience in representing individuals and their families in cases involving catastrophic injuries including wrongful death and traumatic brain injury. Since 1966, Shea & Shea have successfully represented the seriously injured and their families in both state and federal courts. To learn more, visit us at www.Shea-Shea.com or telephone 888-989-SHEA.

Things to Do After Filing Bankruptcy in Boca Raton

nospam@example.com (Joey Michael Grant) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 16:24:29 -0500

If you have filed bankruptcy in Boca Raton, you are on the road to rebuilding your financial future. Your bankruptcy lawyer, trustee, credit counselors, and accountant will most likely offer advice to stay organized and focused on staying on track. This article provides a list of suggestions for after filing bankruptcy in Boca Raton. Your bankruptcy lawyer may have additional ones.

Life after Bankruptcy

Establish good credit — Paying your debts, including your mortgage, on time demonstrates that your financial setback is a thing of the past.
If you cannot pay cash rethink the purchase — Having a credit card with a high limit is enticing when you want to buy furniture or plan a vacation. However, the freedom of using a credit card does have its price. Carefully reconsider all purchases before you make them, and pay cash if you deem the purchase is necessary.
Check your credit report — Mistakes are common on credit reports and any inconsistencies should be reported. Remember that bankruptcy does not erase your credit report, and will appear on your credit report for seven to ten years. Keep track of what is happening with your credit.
Credit card — Wait about six months or so after your bankruptcy and apply for a secured credit card which requires collateral in case you cannot make the payment. Read the fine print on any credit card to check for exorbitant fees or interest rate.
Start putting money away for a rainy day — Begin rebuilding your nest egg just in case you have an unforeseen circumstance like you lose your job or are unable to work.

There is life after bankruptcy in Boca Raton; it should just be a leaner one.

This article was provided by the Boca Raton bankruptcy law firm of Padula & Grant, PLLC, 561-544-8900, www.padulagrant.com.

Continue reading "Things to Do After Filing Bankruptcy in Boca Raton"

FIRST TIME BUYER GUIDE TO CHOOSING A LAWYER

nospam@example.com (Chesley Oriel) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 16:06:09 -0500

Purchasing a home for a first time Buyer is not only an exciting time in their life, but for many, it can be very frustrating and nerve racking. Therefore, who they choose for their Lawyer is an extremely important step in the process of buying a home. Unfortunately, not all Lawyers are alike. It is easy to compare mortgage rates and the lender's fees, but how does one choose the Lawyer who is going to guide them through the purchase process and hopefully make it a smooth transaction for all concerned?

Many times, first time Buyers who are working with a real estate broker will ask for the name of a Lawyer they recommend. Although this Author has been recommended many times by real estate brokers, it is important for the first time Buyer to decide if the "recommended" Lawyer is going to be really representing them or if their real interest is to make the real estate broker happy. One should never forget, that unless the "deal" comes together, the real estate broker does not get paid. Although there certainly are many professional real estate brokers who put their clients' interests and needs ahead of their own, the first time Buyer just needs to ask the right questions and be comfortable that the Lawyer is going to be "there" for them and not just to make sure the "deal" happens.

Some of the questions to ask of the Lawyer during the initial interview, whether it be on the phone or in person are:

--how will the Lawyer protect their interests? ask for examples.

--ask how often the Lawyer has "deals" with the real estate agent who referred the Lawyer? ask if there is any conflict?

--be sure to ask about the Lawyer's fees and expenses.

--try to develop a sense as to whether the Lawyer is really interested in helping you buy your first home, or are they just interested in getting a fee.

--how patient is the Lawyer in answering your questions and explaining their answers.

The same questions for the most part would apply, if you get referred to a Lawyer by a friend, relative, or business associate. You should never be afraid to ask questions and you should never hesitate in asking a question, because you think its stupid. No question is really stupid. Everybody is entitled to understand what is involved in the closing process.

The bottom line is that you need to feel comfortable with the Lawyer you choose. You want to feel confident that the Lawyer will provide you with the kind of services you are looking for, and that the Lawyer you are questioning or interviewing is going to be the actual Lawyer who is going to handle your purchase transaction. Too many Lawyers today take clients for granted. What is meant by that, is that the "partner" or the Lawyer in charge participates in the interview, but then hands off the file to someone you never meet. Sometimes, its okay to do that, but not necessarily for a First Time Buyer.

We are www.oriellaw.com are committed to providing not only First Time Buyers, but all of our clients with the best service possible; meaning we are responsive to our clients phone calls, we keep them informed, and we are there when we are needed.

Head and Brain Injury Statistics in SC

nospam@example.com (Mark D. Clore) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 16:05:56 -0500

“In recent decades, public health and health care communities have become increasingly aware that the consequences of mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) may not, in fact, be mild. Epidemiologic research has identified MTBI as a public health problem of large magnitude, while clinical research has provided evidence that these injuries can cause serious, lasting problems.”

This is the opening paragraph of the 2003 report to congress on mild traumatic brain injury in the United States published by the CDC’s National Center for Injury Prevention.

The statistics available at the time of this report show that:

Approximately 1.4 million people sustain a TBI in the United States each year
50, 000 of those afflicted will die
235, 000 are hospitalized
1.1 million are treated and released
75% of TBIs are considered to be mild TBI
5.3 million people suffer from long term disabilities requiring help in performing daily activates as a result of TBI

As noted by the NCIP above, mild TBI can be anything but mild with many individuals suffering from impaired function for years without adequate treatment and rehabilitation. This information is important in an South Carolina brain injury lawsuit. The state of South Carolina has participated in programs funded by the CDC to help measure the magnitude of TBI cases and the impact on its victims. The Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Work Group was formed by the CDC to develop a strategy for obtaining information on the prevalence of TBI in America. South Carolina’s role as one of the states awarded funds to participate in the surveillance program and the service linkage program has been important in increasing the awareness of TBI and illustrating the need for services for those affected. South Carolina has collected data beginning in 1997 regarding the risk factors, incidence levels, external causes, and short term outcomes of TBI cases. These population based studies have provided valuable statistical information about TBI in South Carolina which is summarized below. In 2005:

The adjusted rates per 100,000 population are higher in South Carolina as compared to the United States average for fatalities but is slightly lower than the United States average for hospitalizations.

As part of the Follow up Registry, another CDC funded study, random TBI victims are contacted at one, two, and three year intervals to determine the status of their symptoms and ongoing functional limitations, to determine if any secondary conditions have arisen as a result of the TBI, and to provide referrals to services. Outpatient services for TBI patients are limited in South Carolina and more funding is required to adequately provide for the needs of TBI patients within the state and nationwide.

This article has been provided the brain injury attorney in South Carolina at the Law Offices of Anastopoulo & Clore, LLC, 800-610-2546.

Continue reading "Head and Brain Injury Statistics in SC"

Immigration Law Since 9/11

nospam@example.com (Enrique Garcia) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 15:15:40 -0500

Immigration Law Since 9/11

The attacks of September 11th, 2001, shattered a prevailing sense of security, if not comfort, within the United States. That the hijackers had been living in the United States, attending flight courses, contributed to a sense of unease after the attacks. In this climate of fear and suspicion, Congress and President George W. Bush invoked extraordinary powers to avert terrorism such as the Patriot Act and various initiatives related to immigration and customs.

Entering the U.S. after 9/11

Foreign nationals wishing to enter the U.S. temporarily usually have to obtain nonimmigrant visas. Nonimmigrant visas could be issued for many reasons, including tourism, school, business, and temporary work. Since September 11, 2001, people issued nonimmigrant visas must adhere to the National Security Entry-Exist Registration System (NSEERS). The purpose of NSEERS is to keep track of who enters and leaves the United States.

Special registration

In addition to simply entry and exit registration upon arrival in the United States, certain individuals from select countries are requires passing through a special registration with NSEERs:

Iran
Iraq
Libya
Sudan
Syria
Pakistan
Saudi Arabia
Yemen

Some critics of NSEERS special registration claim that it is tantamount to racial profiling.

Legislation impacting immigration after 9/11The US PATRIOT Act

The US PATRIOT Act not only drastically extended the powers of government surveillance, it also impacted immigration law. Title IV of the Patriot Act focused on protecting the border. In terms of immigration, the US PATRIOT Act is mostly concerned with preventing terrorism by increasing resources, personnel, and monitoring for immigration and customs agencies. Some of its provisions led to the closer monitoring of holders of nonimmigrant visas, such as students.

Foreign students after 9/11

The US PATRIOT Act of 2001 enhanced the authority of the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). SEVIS is a database that tracks the academic status of students holding F, M, and J nonimmigrant visas. SEVIS monitors schools and programs, students, exchange visitors and their dependents. A main function of SEVIS is to ensure that out-of-status students do not stay in the United States after their visas expire.

Enhanced Border Security and Visa Reform Act of 2002

The main purpose of the Enhanced Border Security and Visa Entry Form Act of 2002 was to require that immigration and naturalization information be shared throughout different databases and agencies.

If you would like to know if 9/11 has impacted the visa application process for you, contact an experienced El Paso immigration lawyer in your area.

Continue reading "Immigration Law Since 9/11"

Motorcycle Accidents Due to Longer Braking Distance

nospam@example.com (Clifford A. Blackman) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 13:36:06 -0500

At about 1:30 a.m. in San Antonio, a motorcycle rider crashed into the back of a car. The impact threw both the driver and passenger off the bike. The bizarre part is that the motorcycle then somehow ran over the passenger. Both driver and passenger were taken to Brooke Army Medical Center and are in serious condition.

Many motorcycle accidents happen because their drivers underestimate the braking distance necessary to stop. As the speed of the motorcycle increases the distance it takes to stop goes up dramatically, and not in a linear fashion. Consider the chart below, which is published on many motorcycle safety sites:

Speed Braking distance
90 MPH 300 feet
80 MPH 238 feet
70 MPH 182 feet
60 MPH 134 feet
50 MPH 93 feet
40 MPH 59 feet
30 MPH 33 feet
20 MPH 15 feet
10 MPH 4 feet

Motorcycle accident attorney Clifford A. Blackman, a noted brain injury lawyer, handles serious injury cases that result from motorcycle crashes, citing limited braking of the motorcycles as a major factor in crashes caused by drivers of cars cutting in front of motorcycles that are unable to stop to avoid the collision.

Contact Blackman Legal Group in the event of a serious motorcycle accident, especially if there has been a traumatic brain injury. Toll-free number is 1-888-395-3551.

Continue reading "Motorcycle Accidents Due to Longer Braking Distance"

Department of Defense Starts New Policy Requiring Head Injury Evaluations

nospam@example.com (Clifford A. Blackman) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 13:23:51 -0500

In a press release on March 10, 2010, the American Forces Press Service announced the new policy of the Armed Forces. From now on, when servicemembers in combat are in close contact with explosions or blasts, they are required to report to medical for a head injury evaluation.

In an effort to protect our servicemembers from the consequences of concussions and more serious head injuries, the affected soldiers will be required to rest for 24 hours and be excluded from their unit’s mission cycle after being exposed to the explosion or blast.

The consequences of concussions can be serious, and in the case of repeated concussions can have cumulative effects that are much more serious.

In the past, too many armed forces servicemembers had head injuries that were undetected, and their problems on discharge were being written off as “adjustment” issues with returning home. Now, there is an effort to recognize when a person has suffered a brain injury and to allow for early intervention to avoid the devastating consequences long term should the injury be made much worse by repeated concussions.

This is a big shift in the policy of the military which has been for a servicemember to come voluntarily to medical with a complaint of a head injury or concussion. Now they will be required to be checked out whether or not they have any complaints.

This is appropriate as March is Brain Injury Awareness Month.

Lawyers who represent victims of traumatic brain injury caused by accidents in the civilian world applaud the efforts of the military to treat our soldiers with head injuries as soon as possible.

In cases of traumatic brain injury (tbi) or other catastrophic injury, it is important to review the matter with an experienced brain injury law firm to determine if there is a viable case for the recovery of money damages against a responsible entity or person. The brain injury lawyers at The Blackman Legal Group are available to review cases from around the US 24/7, and can be reached toll-free at 1-888-395-3551.

Continue reading "Department of Defense Starts New Policy Requiring Head Injury Evaluations"

Driven to Distraction -- Even First Responders Aren't Immune

nospam@example.com (Andrew Agatston) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 12:55:08 -0500

Distracted driving is harmful. I don't think that proposition is disputable. I've blogged in the past about the federal government's website, www.distraction.gov, that sets out the brutal facts related to this epidemic of drivers distracted by their new-found in-car technologies.

Today, I read an article about first responders -- paramedics and police officers -- whose vehicles are loaded up with technology in order for them to perform their roles more efficiently. Their technology is proven to save lives, and is absolutely a good thing. Response times for first responders is far better than the old days, for example.

But with the technology comes the dangers, and the article highlighted the distraction angle. To the credit of the first responders interviewed, they acknowledge that the distraction issue is a real concern, and must be responsibly addressed in light of the tremendous good the technology does in their vehicles for our safety. As an example, new voice-only technology is being tested by some jurisdictions.

But the fact that these professionals take the distracted driving topic so seriously is strong evidence that the rest of us should. Having bells and whistles in a vehicle solely for the sake of listening to them ringing is ultimately dangerous. When a person who causes a wreck says, "I didn't see her -- I was looking at my phone," that's not an excuse. Instead, it's a reason for punitive damages.

Best regards.

Received a Summons and Complaint for Foreclosure in NY?

nospam@example.com (David S. Hamilton) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 11:51:24 -0500

Many of our clients come to Dwyer & Associates as they are
falling many months behind in their mortgage payments and want advice
regarding bankruptcy and foreclosure. You have choices and options, although it might not seem that way now.

Many people are surprised to hear that we may not always advise
bankruptcy when they are in foreclosure and can not see any other way
out. Foreclosure of residential property is a very long process in New
York State and can take between one and two years once the process
begins. It can of course move faster or slower, however this is the
norm. In some other states, you could be out within 4 months.

If you have received a summons and complaint from your mortgage
lender or servicer you should contact an attorney immediately to explore
your options. Very often firms like ours can draft an answer to file at
court so that all of your legal rights are protected. We can issue
general denials as well as formulate defenses you would likely never
consider if you were not familiar with the law in New York. We have
already successfully negotiated mortgage modifications with lenders as a
result of these foreclosures. With a strong case behind you, attorneys
who are interested in the best for you and fair judges overseeing the
legal process in settlement conferences, modifications can often be
obtained, putting you back on tract.

Bankruptcy and foreclosure are never first choices, but if you find
yourself there, you should see to it that you do your best to
reestablish yourself quickly and for the long-term. If you could better
cope with a current mortgage and lower monthly payments this could very
well be obtainable.

Continue reading "Received a Summons and Complaint for Foreclosure in NY?"

Termination of Varick Street Facility

nospam@example.com (Kerry Bretz) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 11:00:28 -0500

A few weeks ago, U.S. Immigration and Customs and Enforcement (ICE) announced a plan to terminate its detention operations at the Varick Street Facility by the end of February. The facility, which is at 201 Varick Street, New York, NY, will continue to operate as a processing center. That facility is said to house about 300 detainees at a time. A recent report in the New York Times said more than 11,000 men pass through this facility each year. These men are mostly longtime residents of New York. ICE’s plan calls for the transfer of these immigration detainees to the Hudson County Jail in Kearney, New Jersey, where they will be kept separated from local criminal inmates.

ICE officials see the plan as having important benefits. First of all, from a budgetary point of view, ICE officials have calculated that the daily cost of maintaining these detainees will be reduced by more than 50%. Secondly, this would serve the goal of bringing all immigration detention operations into conformity with national detention standards in that the transfer of the detainees to the Hudson County Jail will provide access to outdoor recreation space and better visitation services not available at the Varick Federal Detention Facility. While cost savings for ICE and quality of detention life are significant issues, I believe this plan will be disadvantageous for New Yorkers housed in New Jersey jails in terms of legal representation and family access.
It has been reported the transferred detainees will continue to have their cases heard at the Immigration Court at 201 Varick Street, New York, NY. This will be convenient for the detainees' New York families, friends, and attorneys. However, this means ICE will have the extra expense of transporting the detainees between New Jersey and New York for their court hearings. This expense, together with van fleet maintenance, will partially offset the cost savings of housing them in New Jersey. Another issue is ICE’s reliability in producing detainees for Varick Street hearings. It should be noted that ICE has been transferring detainees from Varick Street to various county jails in New Jersey for years. For many of these detainees, their immigration court venue remained at 201 Varick Street. During those years, we and other green card attorneys in New York City have often appeared at that court, only to find that ICE had failed to bring our clients from New Jersey for the hearing. Whenever this occurs, it is an inconvenience for us, a disappointment for their families, and a waste of resources by ICE.

Attorneys, relatives, and friends, will have to go to the extra trouble of journeying to New Jersey for visits. This means extra cost in time, money, and inconvenience that otherwise would not be incurred if an immigration detention facility were in New York City. Notwithstanding the “better visitation services” touted by ICE, the distance and cost of traveling to New Jersey raises the possibility that family visits for the detainees may become fewer and farther between.

This article was provided by Mr. Kerry Bretz of Bretz & Coven, located 305 Broadway, Suite 100, New York, NY 10007-1109. Bretz & Coven is a respectable firm aiding clients with New York City immigration help.

Continue reading "Termination of Varick Street Facility"

How Much Money Can I Get for a Personal Injury In Los Angeles?

nospam@example.com (Michael P. Ehline) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 09:51:28 -0500

In order to determine how much money can I get for My Los Angeles personal
injury case, there are many factors to look at. One major factor is whether or
not the person who caused your serious injuries in Los Angeles even had
insurance.

This is true whether it is a premises liability case, car accident, or
airplane crash mishap. You must first consult the below checklist to secure your
rights and build the value of your Los Angeles personal injury attorney's
ability to recover money damages.

1. What Should I Do If I Am Hurt in a Car Accident?

You must take pictures with your cell phone camera, make a diary about your
injuries. The law requires you make a report of the accident to the DMV. Never
give a recorded statement to anyone, never admit responsibility. Only talk to
your attorneys and only if you are in a confidential relationship with no
conflict of interest (i.e., if you were a car passenger, make sure the car
driver is represented by another lawyer, as he is potentially conflicted with
your interests.)

2. How Long Will it Take to Get Money in My Case?

Before your Los Angeles Personal Injury Attorneys can get you money, or send
the insurance company a settlement demand, make sure you have completed all
necessary medical treatments. Normally, your attorney will get the property
damage portion of your claim settled within a few months after your
accident.

3. Does Failing to See a Doctor Immediately Hurt Your Insurance
Claim?

Even if you're not feeling pain right away, you must take an ambulance to the
hospital. The human body produces adrenaline, a natural pain killer, when it is
under the trauma of a serious auto accident, or other injury caused by
negligence or willful neglect. Make sure to document when the pain started in
your diary, and all your doctor visits. Failure to do the above gives the
defendant an argument you are committing insurance fraud!!

4. Do I need Experienced Los Angeles Personal Injury Attorneys, or Should
I Hire that Guy on the Back of the Bus or 12:00 Midnight TV?

It is always in your best interest to consult an
experienced attorney. But remember, the defendant's insurance company has a very
experienced adjuster, law school graduate who never took the Bar, or full blown
lawyer negotiating for them. Many TV attorneys and face men on the back of buses
actually don't even practice law. Instead, they simply have a phone bank sign
you up and then get a referral fee for sending you to an inexperienced attorney.
Alternatively, they have so many cases, you don't get the personal attention you
deserve. It is better to retain a boutique law firm who learned law in a law
office on the California State Bar Law
Office Study Program

5. The Guy Who Hit Me Didn't have Auto Insurance; How Do I Get Paid
Now?

If the Defendant was uninsured ("UM") or underinsured ("UIM") in a California
car accident, you will need to seek recover from their personal assets. However,
if you were smart, you already purchased UM, or UIM motorist coverage on your
own insurance policy. Your attorneys can seek recovery against that insurance
policy in that case.

6. Who Will Pay for My Medical Bills While I Wait to Get a Verdict or
Settlement?

Sometimes your own insurance will pay right away. But usually they will seek
reimbursement from your award. Experienced Los Angeles personal injury attorneys
will review your medical coverage and discuss that option when appropriate.

7. How Do I get Around When My Car is Being Repaired?

Look at the declaration of coverages and exclusions in your insurance policy.
Your policy may contain a rental car clause. Sometimes you'll end up with a
crappy car unless you pay extra. Make sure to track the expenses that went over.
You may be able to get loss of use coverages for a similar car as you lost in
the auto accident case.

8. I Can't Return To Work; Are Unemployment Benefits Also
Available?

Normally no, unless it was a work related injury. But often you may be able
to seek state disability benefits in California.

9. Who Pays me for Dangers in the Roadway Like Potholes?

Sometimes defects in the roadway cases damages to your car due to improper
maintenance or repair. Often you will need to file a government claim. There is
a statute that requires you to file a claim within six months of the damages.
Good luck!!

10. How Much Money Will I Get if I do the Above Things?

There are many considerations to determine the amount of an award or
settlement. You are usually entitled to seek lost of wages, pain and suffering,
property loss, like your car. Assuming it's not a Prop 213 case, all damages
will be considered. Your attorneys review the case and do a work up in order to
give you an estimated amount of reasonable jury verdict or settlement in your
accident claims.

11. Is It Better to Settle Instead of a Jury Trial?

Not usually. A jury trial in California courts can take months and sometimes
you'll get less than the insurance company was willing to settle the case for.
Plus the attorney's contingency fee will normally go up and you could even end
up paying the defendant's costs and attorney's fees even if you win!! (See Code
Civ. Pro. Sec. 998.) You must weigh the risks and benefits.

12. What if The Defendant's insurance company offered me money. Should I
Accept the Settlement and Cut Out a Lawyer?
Only if you want to get
ripped off. Insurance companies know you have no idea what your case is worth.
They will offer you a fraction of what an experienced personal injury attorney
in Los Angeles would get you. Contact and retain an attorney and watch insurance
company's offer increase. Never take money from an insurance company unless you
consult with a lawyer first.

13. But What If I Can't Afford an Experienced Attorney?

Los Angeles personal injury attorneys usually work on a contingency fee
basis. Normally, in cases like that, you pay nothing unless there is a recovery.
If your lawyer wins your case, you get a percentage less the contingency fee.
You and your attorneys agree on this in advance with consent after consultation.
How much money can I get for my Los Angeles personal injury case depends upon
the above factors, so it is imperative that you get a lawyer before the statute
of limitation expires in your civil cases.

Personal Injury Lawyers represent
injured victims in California and are recognized as by their clients as the best car accident
attorneys

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Ehline

Continue reading "How Much Money Can I Get for a Personal Injury In Los Angeles?"

A Few Items To Be Aware Of If You Are Involved In A Car Accident

nospam@example.com (Ronald W. Sage) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 01:35:01 -0500

In all likelihood, most of us will be involved in a car accident at some point in time. There are several items you should keep in mind after the accident.

For starters, if an injury occurred, it is a good idea to speak with a Freehold New Jersey injury attorney about your situation.

Do not leave until a police officer tells you to. It is critical that after the car accident, you remain until you are told it's alright to leave. Leaving the scene of a car accident before you should, may result in driver's license suspensions and even criminal charges in certain instances. Make sure you stick around until you've been told to leave.

You will want to gather information of others involved in the car accident including:

Names, addresses, insurance info, driver's license numbers, and license plates of any individuals involved in the car accident.
The names, addresses, and phone numbers of any witnesses to the accident.
Any other relevant information including the location of the accident, names of the officers you speak with, and the events surrounding the accident.

You don't want to admit fault for the accident even if you think you may have been responsible. The reason for this is that there is a chance that factors you were not aware of played a part in causing the accident. It could be that another driver was actually responsible. It is best to be honest about what happened, report the facts, and let the police determine fault.

Make sure you visit a doctor to examine any injuries sustained. Sometimes in the heat of the moment, when nerves and adrenaline are kicking in, the pain of injuries sustained doesn't set in. In the event that you have been injured and sue another driver, they may argue your injuries were not caused by the car accident. This is why visiting a medical professional is so important.

If you have been injured in a car accident, contact Freehold New Jersey injury lawyer Ron Sage for a free consultation.
Continue reading "A Few Items To Be Aware Of If You Are Involved In A Car Accident"

Federal and Postal Disability Retirement: Revisiting the Concept of "Accommodations"

nospam@example.com (Robert R. McGill) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 20:35:54 -0500

"Accommodation" is a legal term of art. At least, in preparing a Federal Disability Retirement application under FERS or CSRS, it is a specific term, with specific definitions, with underlying meanings that need to be fully understood in preparing a viable and successful disability retirement application. In very loose, non-legal terms, there is never anything wrong with an Agency Supervisor "accommodating" a good and loyal Federal employee -- by allowing the person to take LWOP; of instituting liberal leave policies; of lessening the workload; of allowing for temporary light duties; of minimizing travel, restricting certain physical requirements, or reassigning certain complex projects to other employees of the Agency. Every good supervisor does this; and, indeed, sometimes everything works out for the best, and the temporary measures undertaken by the supervisor may allow for the employee to sufficiently recover and later reaffirm all of the essential elements of the position. But the remaining question is: Were those measures considered an "accommodation"? The answer is: No. Why not? Because such measures do not constitute and meet the definition of "accommodation" under the laws governing Federal Disability Retirement. They may be "good" for the Agency, but they do not preclude one from filing for Federal Disability Retirement benefits under FERS or CSRS.

Sincerely, Robert R. McGill, Esquire

Continue reading "Federal and Postal Disability Retirement: Revisiting the Concept of "Accommodations""

Toyota Recall Increasing

nospam@example.com (Michael P. Ehline) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:53:43 -0500

March 10, 2010 (by Horatio Algren) According to reports the Toyota recall that has involved 8.5 million of the companies vehicles is expanding to include more vehicles.

Toyota has now included in their recall Toyota Tundra pickups from 2000 through 2009 and has stated it will fix them all, instead of the 110,000 it had recalled in cold weather states.

When the Tundra’s were recalled in cold weather states the automaker said the road salt used in these states could cause corrosion and cause spare tires or even the gas tank to fall off the vehicle onto the road.

Yesterday all U.S. Toyota auto dealers were notified that Toyota Motor Corp is expanding the Tundra recall to pickups sold in all 50 states. This comes after reports of the San Diego and New York Toyota Prius sudden acceleration incidents. If you were injured as the result of a Toyota accident in LA, contact a Los Angeles personal injury attorney asap.

Continue reading "Toyota Recall Increasing"

FERS & CSRS Disability Retirement: Agencies

nospam@example.com (Robert R. McGill) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:46:39 -0500

Agencies often engage in acts which clearly impede a Federal Disability Retirement. Think about it. If a Human Resources Department is set up to provide services for the assistance and processing of people who are requesting a service or benefit which is offered and is a part of being a Federal or Postal employee, one would think that such a department would do everything inside (and even outside) of the purview of the mandate of such a creation, in order to further the needs of the Federal or Postal employee. That is why the Federal sector is often criticized. In the private sector, such departments are funded to make sure that the mission is fully accomplished. Yet, too often, when a Federal Disability Retirement application is submitted to the Agency Human Resources Department, that department will take its time; will "inform" the applicant that the packet is "incomplete", and let the packet sit in a pile of other Federal Disability Retirement packets. Now, in all fairness, this is not always the case. But what is always interesting, is that when an Agency's H.R. Department goes out of its way to be helpful, it is an event to be celebrated. In fact, it should be the other way around; helpful H.R. offices should be the norm; when an H.R. Department is unhelpful, it should be of great surprise to all. Be that we lived in such a universe. No wonder people spend hours on computer games of virtual reality.

Sincerely, Robert R. McGill, Esquire

Looking to Hire an Attorney in Fresno, CA? How to Prepare.

nospam@example.com (Lori R. Mayfield) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 17:17:01 -0500

What to prepare if you are meeting with an attorney in Fresno

Selecting the right Fresno lawyer to be your attorney in Fresno is a major decision, one that you should not approach lightly. Once you have narrowed down your choice and settled on your Fresno attorney, here are some things you can do to prepare properly for meeting with your attorney:

- Search the Internet to learn about your legal problem. Read articles and blogs, and discuss your situation with others who may have had similar problems.

- Make copies of everything you are going to need to take with you to the attorney's office.

- Make a written list of questions. There can be a lot to discuss and many people are nervous when speaking about their problems with an attorney for the first time.

- Being unprepared may cost you money, because it will take longer for the lawyer you hire to get up to speed on your legal matter.

Bring your contact information

The lawyer will want to know who you are and how to contact you. Be sure the lawyer has your:

- Home address
- Work address
- Home phone
- Work phone
- Cell phone and/or pager
- Fax number
- Email address

Provide a summary of the facts

Bring a chronological summary of the facts leading up to your decision to meet with a lawyer. Important facts include:

- The names of the parties in your dispute
- Key background facts
- The date the dispute or problem began
- The type of dispute
- Key events of your dispute
- The current status of your dispute

Supply related documents

You should bring important documents that relate to your matter such as:
- Contracts
- Correspondence, including emails
- Photos
- Accident reports
- Employment materials, such as an employee handbook
- Witness statements

Keep track of dates

Dates are very important and must be accurate. Buy a calendar and mark down the dates of when events occur, including when you receive any notices or other documents. Bring the calendar with you to your meeting and discuss.

Contact Mayfield & Leath, Attorneys at Law, when you are seeking Fresno attorneys. One of our highly regarded Fresno attorneys will be happy to schedule a consultation with you.

Mayfield & Leath, Attorney at Law
Law Office in Fresno
1500 West Shaw
Suite 204
Fresno, CA
Telephone (559)761-0292
Fax (559)222-0702

Continue reading "Looking to Hire an Attorney in Fresno, CA? How to Prepare."

Florida Might Prohibit All Cell Phone Use in Vehicles (Accidentally)

nospam@example.com (James W. Martin) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 17:35:21 -0500

How would you like to be pulled over by the Florida Highway Patrol for talking on a cell phone while driving. That might happen if the 2010 Florida Legislature adopts HB 323 in its present form.

The bill is intended to stop drivers from texting while driving. However, it defines texting rather broadly as "any digital communication manually created by a person to be transmitted electronically between physical devices". Oops. I think your dragnet picked up cell phones in that definition.

I suggest someone amend that bill so that voice-based communications are excluded. Unless they want about 10 million unhappy residents.

Continue reading "Florida Might Prohibit All Cell Phone Use in Vehicles (Accidentally)"

Information Your Medical Malpractice Attorney Needs

nospam@example.com (R. Clay Milling) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:52:51 -0500

When you visit an Atlanta medical malpractice law firm for a consultation, your attorney will need some basic information to determine if you have a potential claim. If you prepare properly for your consultation, your attorney can work efficiently and give you a quick understanding of your legal position.

Circumstances establishing medical malpractice in Georgia

To initiate a case, Georgia medical malpractice law firms need to be confident that—

Your medical provider failed to follow accepted standards of care
The failure directly resulted in your medical injury

Both of these factors must be present in order to initiate an Atlanta medical malpractice claim.

Information needed by your Georgia medical malpractice law firm

Timeline of events. Review your calendar and make a complete list of every date on which you had contact with your medical provider or you experienced an adverse medical event
Medical records. Gather all of your medical records—everything you have. Present your attorney with a complete medical history, up to and including your recent medical injury
Medical bills. Put together all bills that are in any way related to treatment you received from the doctor who you believe is responsible for your injury
Records of wage loss. Bring pay stubs and W2 forms that demonstrate how much you used to earn. Also make sure you have a letter from your doctor that names the date that you were found medically unable to work.

Qualified attorneys use all of this information and more to aggressively pursue Georgia malpractice settlements.

Get compensated for medical malpractice in Atlanta

After you have made your initial presentation of information to your attorney, continue to keep detailed notes of your medical treatments. Continue to collect new medical records and medical bills. The diligence of injured people in keeping track of new information about their case is crucial in helping attorneys achieve Atlanta medical malpractice settlements. If you have been hurt due to medical malpractice, contact Atlanta law firm Henry Spiegel Milling LLP.

Continue reading "Information Your Medical Malpractice Attorney Needs"

Florida Considers Media Sanitization Law

nospam@example.com (James W. Martin) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:57:07 -0500

The 2010 Florida Legislature is considering a law regulating how to remove data from computer media. It would apply to all state agencies and private corporations and entities doing business or located in Florida.

If adopted, HB 279 would become effective 7/1/10 and would mandate use of the purge or physical destruction techniques set forth in "Guidelines for Media Sanitization: Recommendation of the National Institute of Standards and Technology," NIST Special Publication 800-88.

It would apply to all "any information that is deemed secret, private, personal, or confidential in nature; contains identifying information, including names, personal or business addresses, social security numbers, credit or debit card numbers, bank account numbers, telephone numbers, or photographs that are recorded on media."

Sounds like a good idea. Wonder what it will cost everyone.

Continue reading "Florida Considers Media Sanitization Law"

Where are the Muni Watchdogs?

nospam@example.com (Robert E. Cartwright) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:32:02 -0500

On February 24, I wrote an entry on my blog which asks: “What’s Going On at Muni Headquarters?” The accidents keep on happening and, in fact, are getting more egregious. I am now representing an innocent bystander who was hurt by an accident I reported in that same 2/24 piece (Rob Cartwright Blog Lawyers.com).

Since then there are have been a rash of new Muni accidents with varying degrees of seriousness, yet there is one incident that stands out and makes me again question what is going on at Muni, and who is really in charge and do they care at all about these incidents.

Documented briefly by both The SF Chronicle (Muni Accident Hit & Run) and SF Weekly (Muni Driver Bike Hit & Run), on March 4 a bicyclist was blooded and dazed on Market near Fifth Street, following a collision with a 5 Fulton bus. More distressingly, however, is that eyewitnesses told investigators that the bus driver refused to stop, even when passengers told him he'd hit a bike rider and begged the driver to return to check on the cyclist.

A passenger and witness on the 5 Fulton recalled the incident when she revealed, “People were like, 'You hit a bike, you need to stop,'" said Mary Chancey, a passenger on the 5 Fulton bus. "He (the bus driver) said, 'She fell by herself'", and he continued driving down the street. Chancey said approximately ten bus riders on board demanded that the driver stop following the 8:30 a.m. collision -- but he instead left the scene.

The bus driver, a Muni employee, made the decision not to go back to the accident site even though it involved his vehicle. Worse yet, he purposely fled the scene of the incident even though he was told by numerous witnesses that he caused the crash. This isn’t an accident any longer, this is a crime.

Multiple eyewitnesses on the street confirmed to authorities that the cyclist was hit by the bus. The victim, who spoke to police, was loaded onto a gurney and taken away in an ambulance.

Muni spokesman Judson True said police and a Muni investigator were on the scene soon after. "Clearly this is a serious allegation, and we are investigating it now," he noted. True said the initial report he received was that the cyclist fell near the bus, and subsequently made contact with her and her bike. This assertion was negated by eyewitnesses.

So what are Muni and Nathaniel Ford, Sr. (Muni Organization Chart), the Executive Director and CEO of San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency, doing to make Muni employees become safer drivers and operators? Are they truly looking out for the safety of passengers and others, or they more concerned with revenues? At a time when Muni is raising rates and cutting services, what is being done to make the agency more responsive to its users?

This is a problem that is waiting for thorough documentation of its dangers from the press. Who is holding Muni responsible?

Rob Cartwright

Continue reading "Where are the Muni Watchdogs?"

Florida Legislature Considers a "Foreclosure Bill of Rights"

nospam@example.com (James W. Martin) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:41:06 -0500

Welcome to America in the 21st century where in Florida we are considering adopting a "Foreclosure Bill of Rights". The 2010 Florida Legislature has pending before it a bill that would provide additional rights when a homestead is foreclosed.

If adopted, HB 75 would become effective 7/1/10 and would allow a homestead owner to file a notice invoking the Foreclosure Bill of Rights. Within 45 days thereafter, the lender would have to obtain a new appraisal of the homestead. Then the lender would have to provide the appraisal to the borrower along with copies of all the loan closing documents involving the mortgage.

So far so good in protecting the borrower. Here's where the bill takes a left turn. The borrower would then have 30 days to provide a sworn financial affidavit and copies of 3 years of tax returns and bank statements. These are documents that the lender would not have been entitled to receive before obtaining a judgment against the borrower.

So, this bill essentially requires the borrower to give up the right to keep these documents private in order to....what....require the lender to give the borrower copies of the loan closing documents and get a new appraisal. The loan closing docs are available through discovery, anyway. So far, the bill seems more beneficial to the lender than the borrower.

I wonder who wrote this one.

Continue reading "Florida Legislature Considers a "Foreclosure Bill of Rights""

Florida Might Prohibit Deficiency Judgments in Homestead Foreclosures

nospam@example.com (James W. Martin) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:28:38 -0500

The 2010 Florida Legislature is considering a bill that would prohibit deficiency judgments in foreclosures of homestead property.

If adopted and signed into law, HB 35 would take effect on July 1, 2010. It would prohibit the lender obtaining a deficiency judgment when foreclosing on a Florida homestead.

This would mean that the lender could only recover from the sale of the homestead at the courthouse steps. The lender would not be able to get a personal judgment against the borrower for the shortage between the sale price and the loan amount.

The bill is silent with regard to whether a lender may elect to sue only on the promissory note and not sue on the mortgage. If this was not prohibited, then a lender could get a personal judgment on the note by electing not to foreclose the mortgage.

The Legislative Session only began on 3/1/10. Who knows whether this bill will become law?

Continue reading "Florida Might Prohibit Deficiency Judgments in Homestead Foreclosures"

Take My Name Off the Deed, Please

nospam@example.com (James W. Martin) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:27:55 -0500

So, how do you take your name off the deed? How do you take anyone's name off the deed? It depends on where the real estate is located. In Florida, and in most states, you cannot literally take a name off the deed.

Here's the reason. Many people think houses are like cars. Cars have title certificates, so houses must, too. But they don't. At least not in Florida.

Vehicle title registration systems are mostly a 20th century thing. Cars are, too. Land ownership, on the other hand, is ancient. Florida land ownership laws are based on the common law of England so there are no title certificates. Instead, who owns land and houses on land is determined by searching the public records where deeds are recorded. The last deed recorded usually says who the current owner is.

Of course, that's why you need title searches and title insurance: to cover those times when the last deed does not name the current owner.

So, how do you get someone's name off the title to real estate in Florida? It depends. Sometimes it takes recording another deed. Sometimes it takes recording a death certificate. It all depends on the facts and the state of the title. Which is what lawyers and title companies help you do.

Continue reading "Take My Name Off the Deed, Please"

Being Investigated by Police in Orange County, California?

nospam@example.com (Scott D. Hughes) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:11:26 -0500

An Orange County criminal investigation usually begins when a person contacts law enforcement and reports a crime. Once a crime is reported to police, law enforcement conducts a criminal investigation before filing the police report with the Orange County District Attorney's Office or with another prosecuting agency. Therefore, pre-file criminal investigations occur before criminal charges are filed and allow law enforcement to determine if there is sufficient evidence to believe that a particular person has committed a crime. If the police find sufficient evidence, the suspect can be arrested and or charged with a crime. However, if the police do not sufficient evidence that either a crime has been committed or that a particular person has committed it, then the person will not face any legal action.

If you or a loved one believes that they may be the subject of a criminal investigation it is in your best interest to speak to an experienced Orange County Criminal Investigation Attorney, such as Scott D. Hughes, immediately. Throughout a criminal investigation, a person suspected of a crime may be questioned by police. By having former law enforcement officer Scott D. Hughes by his or side, the person can ensure that his or her rights are protected and that he or she is kept aware of his or her rights throughout the process. Additionally, if Orange County Criminal Lawyer Scott D. Hughes gets involved before charges are filed, there is a significant chance that he can negotiate with law enforcement and challenge potential evidence.

Scott D. Hughes provides free criminal investigation consultations and can be contact at (714) 423-6928 or scott@scotthugheslaw.com

Continue reading "Being Investigated by Police in Orange County, California? "

"THEY SUSPENDED MY LICENSE!": ALCOHOL AND THE UNDERAGE DRIVER

nospam@example.com (Matthew David Keenan) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:00:59 -0500

Now that you have your own set of wheels, you feel really cool. So after school, you thought you’d take your friends for a night on the town. You were watching the road, so you didn’t realize your buddy in the back seat had popped open a beer. You yourself had a beer, but you figured you were way under the state’s .08 alcohol limit.

Unfortunately, an officer pulled you over. Now, you are charged with an alcohol-related driving offense and face the suspension of your driver’s license.

Under the Zero Tolerance policy, the Illinois Secretary of State will automatically suspend the license of any driver under age 21, who has been caught drinking or even carrying open alcohol in the passenger compartment of their car. You need not be anywhere close to the .08 breathalyzer limit to lose your license. Any trace of alcohol in your system is enough, even a .01 reading.

You may also lose your license for having open alcohol in the passenger section of your car, even if the bottle wasn’t yours. If it is your bottle, you face a charge of illegal possession. But if it is not, you can still be charged with illegal transportation, causing the loss of your license for 12 months on a first offense.

If you are under the age of 21 and have been charged with an alcohol-related crime, you should immediately seek the advice of an attorney. You may be able to contest the charges against you. Maybe the officer lacked the probable cause to pull you over. Maybe you can negotiate a plea to a lesser offense.

Even if you are convicted of an alcohol-related offense, you may be able to obtain a restricted driving permit. The Secretary of State allows you to request a hearing to determine if you have a sufficient hardship to grant the permit. Primarily, permits are granted to allow you to go to work or to obtain medical care.

If you have been charged with a crime, it is essential that you not speak about these charges with anyone, either in person or through electronic means such as twitter or Facebook. Any statements you make to the police or a friend can come back to hurt your defense.

If you have questions about your situation, feel free to contact Matt Keenan at 847-568-0160 or email matt@mattkeenanlaw.com for advice.

Continue reading ""THEY SUSPENDED MY LICENSE!": ALCOHOL AND THE UNDERAGE DRIVER"

Your Rights After You Are Arrested

nospam@example.com (Adrian King) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 15:33:54 -0500

Your Constitutional rights

Looking for Ohio criminal law attorneys? Visit: www.Quickjd.com

After you are arrested and in police custody, you are entitled to certain rights in Ohio, as provided by state procedure and the Constitution. In addition to the Fifth Amendment, which guarantees your right to remain silent—to avoid self-incrimination during police interrogations—and your right to an attorney, the Sixth Amendment also secures several rights for criminal suspects:

Speedy trial: ensures that you will not wait in incarceration for too long prior to the trial, to minimize anxiety and concern due to the accusation, and to reduce the risk of defendants’ ability to themselves diminishing over time
Public trial: prevents possible abuse of police and prosecutors
Jury trial: this does not cover petty misdemeanor offenses, jury trials are intended as safeguards against judicial abuse
Notice of the accusation: this simple concept, perhaps taken for granted, requires that criminal defendants know the accusations against them and that these accusations should be quite specific
Confrontation with opposing witnesses
The right to favorable witnesses: defendants may present themselves as witnesses or request—including by subpoena—that other favorable witnesses are called before the court
Right to counsel: defendants are entitled to privately retained legal counsel or a state-provided counsel; a defendant may also waive the right to counsel.

The criminal process in Ohio

In order to hold you in custody, police in Ohio must file charges against you within 72 hours of your arrest. When charges are filed, you will appear at your arraignment, at which you can enter four possible pleas in response to the charges:

Guilty plea: you admit the facts of the crime
Not guilty plea: you reject the charge and then a trial date is set
No contest plea: you do not admit guilt, but you do not dispute the charge; this results in a plea bargain
Mute plea: results in a not guilty plea and avoidance of admitting that the proceedings against you have been valid to that point

During your arraignment, bail—or the refusal to set bail—will be determined. For more information about the criminal process in Ohio and your rights, contact an experienced Ohio Criminal Attorney. The Quickjd.com Legal Portal is a great resource to find Ohio criminal defense lawyers. Call Toll Free at: 1-877-263-4613

Categories:

Ohio Criminal Defense Attorney

Ohio Criminal Laws

Ohio Criminal Lawyer

Continue reading "Your Rights After You Are Arrested"

Comparing Differences Between Chapter 7, 11, and 13 Bankruptcy Claims

nospam@example.com (Adrian King) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 14:24:25 -0400

Different Types of Bankruptcy in Ohio

Whether you are filing a personal bankruptcy in Ohio or business bankruptcy, the problem is the same: too much debt. However, not all debt problems are alike. While there is no threshold to mark when bankruptcy should be filed, there are several telltale signs:

Creditors and collection agencies are constantly harassing you about their claims
You are accumulating new debts even as you struggle to pay back existing ones
Interest rates on loans are increasing due to missed payments
You are being denied additional credit
You are facing possible foreclosure on your house
Your sources of income, if any, are inadequate for meeting minimum payments on loans

If you are experiencing any of these situations, you may need to seek the help of a legal professional to learn about your bankruptcy options. Contact bankruptcy law firms in Ohio for ohio bankruptcy help.

Exploring your options

There are different types of bankruptcies for different debt situations:

Filing as an individual: individuals can file Chapter 7 bankruptcy or Chapter 13 bankruptcy
Filing as a business: businesses can file Chapter 7 bankruptcy or Chapter 11 bankruptcy

Your current and projected income, in relation to your debts, are main criteria for determining which type of bankruptcy to file.

Chapter 7 bankruptcy

Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Ohio—also known as liquidation—is the most common type of personal bankruptcy. By discharging debt, liquidating assets, and distributing the proceeds to creditors, Chapter 7 represents a “fresh start” for people badly in debt. At the same time, debtors do not emerge with an entirely clean slate, as a bankruptcy claim will remain in your credit history for at least 10 years.

Chapter 11 bankruptcy

Chapter 11 bankruptcy in Ohio is used by businesses that are unable to pay back creditors. In a Chapter 11 bankruptcy, a business owner must formulate a business reorganization plan and establish a repayment schedule, which must be approved by creditors. A skilled bankruptcy attorney can help you assess your business’s finances and present a plan to creditors.

Chapter 13 bankruptcy

In many ways, Chapter 13 bankruptcy in Ohio is like Chapter 11, but for individuals. Similar to Chapter 11, a repayment plan must be established and presented to creditors for approval. Typically, debtors are given three to five years to present a claim. Chapter 13 is often used by individuals who do not qualify for Chapter 7 under the “means test” required by Congress’s passage, in 2005, of the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act.

Contact Ohio bankruptcy attorneys today at Ohio's legal portal, www.Quickjd.com.

Call Toll Free at: 1-877-263-4613

Ohio Bankruptcy Law Firm

Continue reading "Comparing Differences Between Chapter 7, 11, and 13 Bankruptcy Claims "

Does Georgia Recognize a Difference between Wrongful and Accidental Deaths?

nospam@example.com (R. Clay Milling) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 14:51:09 -0500

Wrongful death claims are civil lawsuits. They can involve any death caused by negligent behavior. Even if the negligent person’s actions were unintentional and the death was accidental, the person who caused it can be sued for wrongful or accidental death.

If the negligent person’s actions were deliberate, in the case of murder, for example, that person may be brought up on criminal charges. However, the surviving family members can still file a wrongful death lawsuit in civil court. This is a separate legal action. Even if someone is acquitted of criminal charges, they can still lose a wrongful death lawsuit in civil court.

In Atlanta or Tucker, accidental death cases can be complex. A skilled Georgia wrongful death attorney can guide you through the legal process as you seek reparations for the loss of your loved one through a claim for wrongful death in Atlanta or wrongful death in Tucker.

Contact Henry Spiegel Milling today, Atlanta wrongful death attorneys because losing a loved one is incredibly painful. If your family member died as a result of negligence, you may have a wrongful death lawsuit.

At Henry Spiegel Milling, our attorneys have extensive experience representing clients in wrongful death cases throughout Georgia, including Atlanta and Tucker. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Continue reading "Does Georgia Recognize a Difference between Wrongful and Accidental Deaths? "

Truck Accident Attorney Tips: Driver Qualification Files

nospam@example.com (Steven M. Gursten) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 14:57:05 -0500

Rule of the Road No. 4 – Know that Complete Driver Qualification File is a MUST After a Truck Accident

A motor carrier is required to keep seven documents in each of its drivers’ qualification files. But it’s almost inevitable that a negligent truck company will fail to produce a complete file after a serious truck accident in Michigan.

In this event, a truck accident attorney’s trial preparation must highlight the carrier’s failure to comply with 49 CFR § 391.51. This critical Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Regulation states that a motor carrier is required to maintain a complete driver qualification file for each driver it employs.

The truck driver qualification file must include:

1. The trucker’s application for employment;

2. A copy of the motor vehicle record received from each state where the driver held or holds a motor vehicle operator’s license during the preceding three years;

3. The certificate of driver’s road test issued to the driver or a copy of the license or certificate which the motor carrier accepted as equivalent to the driver’s road test;

4. The motor vehicle record received from each state drivers licensing agency to the annual driver record inquiry;

5. A note relating the annual review of the driver’s driving record;

6. A list or certificate relating to violations of motor vehicle laws and ordinances; and

7. The medical examiner’s certificate.

Once again, the qualification file must be retained by the truck company for as long as the driver is employed by that motor carrier and for three years thereafter.

Keep in mind, this regulation does not suggest a carrier SHOULD maintain SOME of these documents, but that ALL of these documents MUST be included in the driver qualification file.

More often than not, these documents are either outdated (especially the medical examiner’s certificate), or completely missing from the file. In your discovery requests, be sure to include all of the itemized documents that a carrier is required to preserve within 49 CFR § 391.51. Read here for more tips on legal discovery of the trucker and the truck. Here’s an extensive list of discovery documents.

On Thursday, my series on “Rules of the Road” for truck accident attorneys will continue with laws regarding automatic, on-board hours of service devices.

Steven M. Gursten is recognized as one of the nation’s top experts in serious truck accident injury cases. He is on the board of governors for the Association of Plaintiffs Interstate Trucking Lawyers of America and past president of the American Association for Justice Truck Litigation Group. Recently, he was named a Michigan Lawyers Weekly Leader in the Law for his efforts to promote truck safety.

Related information:

Michigan Truck Accident Statistics

Michigan Truck Regulations

Support for Truck Drivers

Previous blogs from “Rules of the Road Every Truck Accident Lawyer Needs to Know” series:

Rules of the Road: Intro for Truck Lawyers

Truck Driver Fatigue

Truck Lawyers: Get Your Hands on Those Discovery Documents!

Investigate the Trucker’s Background and History

Continue reading "Truck Accident Attorney Tips: Driver Qualification Files "