Years of experience.  Skills and results typically spring from experience.  Choosing a legal team belonging to a long established legal practice improves the odds for obtaining a favorable outcome.

Experience handling similar cases.  Although parties are different, many cases have similarities and help law firms know which strategies are most effective for certain types of cases.  Attorneys develop a sense for the best approaches to maximize a client’s settlement or to take a case to verdict.

Put reliable truck accident attorneys on your sideOurPhiladelphia truck accident attorneysat Astor, Weiss, Kaplan& Mandel, LLP belong to a law firm that has been in practice since 1954.  Our lawyers have acquired extensive experience and skills throughout the years and are devoted to professional excellence.  To discuss your truck accident in a free evaluation, call 888-441-6238 today or contact us online.  We represent victims and families who have lost loved ones in truck accidents on a contingency basis—no fees unless we recover through settlement or verdict.

Victims of serious injury or families who have lost loved ones from truck accidents often seek legal help for compensation.  Knowing what to look for in a truck accident attorney is very important for achieving a positive results.  Look for a Philadelphia truck accident attorney with:

In-depth knowledge about trucking industry regulations.  Compared to other vehicle accidents, truck accidents are unique, largely because trucking is a highly regulated industry.  The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) tightly controls commercial vehicle use by requiring special driver training, safety fitness procedures, vehicle repair and maintenance, preservation of records, and vehicle size and weight limitations.  The FMCSA also specifies permissible routes, mandates drug and alcohol testing, inspects trucks, and sets other standards.  A successful case outcome often rests on the attorney’s knowledge of trucking regulations and violations, which are vital for proving negligence.

Recognitions and accomplishments.  Many law firms have attorneys with obtained recognitions from their peers, such as AV ratings from Martindale-Hubbell or SuperLawyers selections.  Such accomplishments derive from hard work, dedication, and winning cases.

Continue reading”Five Important Factors in Choosing a Truck Accident Attorney”

Remember my blog on theIRS winning the case against GEfor its abusive tax shelter practices? Well, it seems the quest to take down foreign banks that help provide abusive tax shelters for tax evaders continues. For the first time, US authorities have indicted an overseas bank for helping Americans dodge the tax man. The bank in question is the271-year-old Wegelin; a private Swiss bank that recently sold all of its non-US businesses. I guess the Feds were just waiting for the right moment to swoop in.

Several names have been named in helping wealthy tax evaders hide more than $1 billion in assets from the IRS. These guys were finding ways to shuffle funds around that I thought only the writers for“Ocean’s Eleven” could dream up. For instance, one banker brought $16K in an envelope to a meeting. Others renamed accounts and created non-existent foundations.

Yet again, I’m telling you. You CAN’T cheat the IRS. They will find you. If financial masterminds half way across the world can’t do it, you can’t do it. Be honest with the IRS and hire a tax debt professional, if you are in a bind. Don’t wind up behind bars.

Call888-391-2037or fill out the submission form to get a free consultation on what would work best for your tax problem.

Identity theft and tax fraud are serious problems for taxpayers in the United States, leading to financial ruin that takes years to recover from. The recent IRS efforts to curb this activity include monitoring 250 check-cashing operations for signs of identity theft.

For victims of identity theft, this crackdown may help clear their names.  As a part of the effort, the IRS has introduced new screening methods to prevent fraudulent returns from being issued.

Fraudulent returns are often filed early and refunds issue without investigation. The IRS may become suspicious only when the real taxpayer files their return. The attempt to stop the fraudulent refunds from being issued has caused some delays for honest early filers, which the IRS says they are working to clear up.

The ongoing investigations could also lead to increased contact from the IRS for people with unclear or confusing tax returns. This can be a stressful situation for both potential fraud victims who acquire notification of investigation, and people suspected of tax fraud. Having an experienced advocate during this process can alleviate uncertainty and expedite the resolution.

Identity theft can start anywhere Social Security numbers are stored, such as schools or hospitals. Consumers should use caution when choosing to provide their Social Security number to an entity.

Sources: Wall Street Journal, “IRS Spearheads Bid to Head Off Identity Theft,” Laura Saunders and Kristina Peterson, February 1, 2012.

               
So far, 73 people have been killed in this horrific riot.  At least 1,000
people have been injured, and 150 of these people are critically injured. 
A health ministry official said most of the deaths were caused by concussions,
deep cuts to the head, and suffocation from the stampede.

As authorities were responding to
the fighting in Port Said, a fire broke out inside Cairo stadium after a soccer
game between Al-Ismaili and Zamalek was called off due to the violence in Port
Said.  No one was injured at the Cairo stadium. 

Read more: http://www.cnn.com/2012/02/01/world/africa/egypt-soccer-deaths/index.html?hpt=hp_c1
andhttp://www.cbsnews.com/8301-202_162-57369854/egypt-tv-73-die-in-clashes-after-soccer-match?tag=currentVideoInfo;videoMetaInfo

Shea
& Sheais 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 involvingcatastrophic injuries
includingwrongful
deathandtraumatic 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 atwww.Shea-Shea.comor telephone
888-989-SHEA.

Related posts:

1. Offshore Tax Evaders Get Preferred IRS Help
2. IRS Tax Relief News: Tax Case Convictions on the Rise For Americans with IRS Problems
3. Tax Shelters Spring a Leak-Offshore Tax Evaders TakeNote

Dr. Reiss had opportunities but made no attempt to enter either the IRS Voluntary Disclosure Program (OVDP) that began in 2009, or the following program that recently closed in September 2011. These voluntary programs were designed for people like Reiss; U.S. taxpayers who may have undisclosed assets or income offshore. The program’s objectives were to bring taxpayers into compliance with the U.S. tax system, have them pay an IRS penalty, and by coming forward voluntarily, non-compliant taxpayers avoided the same criminal prosecution and stiff penalties facing Dr. Reiss.

• $2.7  billion in tax revenues as a result of the 2009 and 2011 Offshore Voluntary Disclosure Initiative.
• $2.2 billion has been collected by people who participated in the 2009 program, and the IRS is starting to work through the 2011 applications ($500 million in payments so far from the 2011 program).

For Reiss, purposely failing to report his accounts, made his IRS tax issues not only more complicated but also more expensive. According to the sentencing memos, Reiss was apparently aware of his obligation to file a Report of Foreign Bank Account (FBAR) as he had done so for other offshore accounts. However, he did not attempt FBAR filings for the Swiss accounts. This willful behavior exhibited by Reiss (and quite possibly his financial advisor) has him facing criminal charges that will no doubt have a major negative impact on his net worth. He will be responsible to pay the original income tax amount, plus severe penalties, interest for his failure to file and pay the taxes, as well as pay the 50% FBAR penalty. Being locked up for eight months will only exacerbate the financial devastation Dr. Reiss will most likely endure.

The latest IRS enforcement strategy proves, no one is safe from the wrath of the IRS. They are more determined than ever to go after wealthy individuals, both at home and overseas. If you still have undeclared funds inoffshore bank accounts and owe back taxes, being proactive to disclose them to the IRS could help reduce your chances of criminal prosecution. You are encouraged to hire a certified tax resolution specialist or tax attorney to handle your case, to take over all IRS communications, bring you into FBAR compliance, minimize severe IRS penalties and work out a structured IRS payment plan that brings you outin the open and away from the shadows.

Michael Reiss, New Jersey doctor, professor and medical researcher, was sentenced on January 11, 2012 for failing to report his offshore (UBS) bank accounts. According to the IRS, Reiss was sentenced to eight months in a community confinement center for failing to file Reports of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR) with the IRS. Reiss pleaded guilty in August 2011 and agreed to pay back taxes of at least $400,000 and to pay a civil penalty of over $1.2 million.

It is always in taxpayer’s bestinterest to come forward from behind the shadows for IRS debt relief. Recent figures show the disclosure programs’ success thus far. The IRS has now collected an estimated:

Dr. Reiss had opportunities but made no attempt to enter either the IRS Voluntary Disclosure Program (OVDP) that began in 2009, or the following program that recently closed in September 2011. These voluntary programs were designed for people like Reiss; U.S. taxpayers who may have undisclosed assets or income offshore. The program’s objectives were to bring taxpayers into compliance with the U.S. tax system, have them pay an IRS penalty, and by coming forward voluntarily, non-compliant taxpayers avoided the same criminal prosecution and stiff penalties facing Dr. Reiss.

It is always in taxpayer’s bestinterest to come forward from behind the shadows for IRS debt relief. Recent figures show the disclosure programs’ success thus far. The IRS has now collected an estimated:

• $2.7  billion in tax revenues as a result of the 2009 and 2011 Offshore Voluntary Disclosure Initiative.
• $2.2 billion has been collected by people who participated in the 2009 program, and the IRS is starting to work through the 2011 applications ($500 million in payments so far from the 2011 program).

Michael Reiss, New Jersey doctor, professor and medical researcher, was sentenced on January 11, 2012 for failing to report his offshore (UBS) bank accounts. According to the IRS, Reiss was sentenced to eight months in a community confinement center for failing to file Reports of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR) with the IRS. Reiss pleaded guilty in August 2011 and agreed to pay back taxes of at least $400,000 and to pay a civil penalty of over $1.2 million.

The latest IRS enforcement strategy proves, no one is safe from the wrath of the IRS. They are more determined than ever to go after wealthy individuals, both at home and overseas. If you still have undeclared funds inoffshore bank accounts and owe back taxes, being proactive to disclose them to the IRS could help reduce your chances of criminal prosecution. You are encouraged to hire a certified tax resolution specialist or tax attorney to handle your case, to take over all IRS communications, bring you into FBAR compliance, minimize severe IRS penalties and work out a structured IRS payment plan that brings you outin the open and away from the shadows.

For Reiss, purposely failing to report his accounts, made his IRS tax issues not only more complicated but also more expensive. According to the sentencing memos, Reiss was apparently aware of his obligation to file a Report of Foreign Bank Account (FBAR) as he had done so for other offshore accounts. However, he did not attempt FBAR filings for the Swiss accounts. This willful behavior exhibited by Reiss (and quite possibly his financial advisor) has him facing criminal charges that will no doubt have a major negative impact on his net worth. He will be responsible to pay the original income tax amount, plus severe penalties, interest for his failure to file and pay the taxes, as well as pay the 50% FBAR penalty. Being locked up for eight months will only exacerbate the financial devastation Dr. Reiss will most likely endure.

Related posts:

1. Offshore Tax Evaders Get Preferred IRS Help
2. IRS Tax Relief News: Tax Case Convictions on the Rise For Americans with IRS Problems
3. Tax Shelters Spring a Leak-Offshore Tax Evaders TakeNote

Landowner Liability

Colorado courts have found landowners are not liable for injuries which occur to pedestrians on adjacent public sidewalks caused by the natural accumulation of ice and snow.  SeeBittle v. Brunetti,750 P.2d 49 (Colo. 1988);Burbach v. Canwest Investments, LLC, 224 P.3d 437 (Colo. App. 2009).  Even when a landowner violates a municipal ordinance requiring him or her to remove snow from an adjacent public sidewalk, the landowner may not be found liable if the ordinance does not create civil liability to pedestrians.  Moreover, a Colorado court has held public sidewalks are not the property of the adjacent property owner and Colorado’s premise liability statute does not impose liability on the adjacent landowner. 

Liability may attach to a landowner for injuries which occur on a public sidewalk if he or she affirmatively creates a condition which leads to the snow and ice accumulation.  SeeWoods v. Delgar Ltd., 226 P.3d 1178 (Colo. App. 2009).  Affirmatively causing a condition includes“negligently constructing or maintaining” a premises causing water to discharge on the public sidewalk.  SeeSill v. Lewis, 344 P.2d 972 (Colo. 1959).  Therefore, if there is evidence establishing a landowner affirmatively caused a sidewalk to become icy, liability may be imposed for a slip and fall injury. 

Municipal Liability

With numerous exceptions, municipalities are immune from civil lawsuits involving personal injuries.  The applicable exception to Colorado’s governmental immunity doctrine is for a dangerous condition existing on a sidewalk within a municipality.  C.R.S.§ 24-10-106.  Therefore, a municipality can be liable for injuries resulting from a slip and fall on an icy public sidewalk if the facts establish a“dangerous condition.”

Statute of limitations

There is a two year statute of limitations for all tort actions; generally speaking the injured party must bring a claim within two years of the accident.  C.R.S.§ 13-80-102(1)(a).  Additionally, written notice must be provided within 180 days from the date the injury is discovered if a claim is being brought against a public entity, such as a municipality.  C.R.S.§ 24-10-109.

If someone slips and falls on a sidewalk and sustains serious injuries, a review by aqualified attorney should be considered.

If you have taken out a construction loan specific to building a home, you may be entitled to deduct the interest. However, the deduction only lasts for the first 24 months of the loan, even if the construction carries on for a longer period of time.

Energy Star

Here are the six most important tax breaks a homeowner should not miss out on:

Mortgage Insurance Premiums

Homeowners can take advantage of tax breaks that benefit the installation of energy efficient doors, windows and skylights. To qualify for the deduction, the following criteria must be met:

Mortgage Interest Deduction

Related posts:

1. Tax Advocate Warns Taxpayers Rights at Risk
2. Tax Resolution Tip: Selecting the Right Tax Help Service
3. IRS Tax Help Basics for the Self-Employed

• Deductions must be taken by the end of the year.
• It must pertain to a primary residence.
• They must follow Energy Star program requirements.

With tax day just around the corner, many taxpayers will soon scramble to get their documents organized in order to take full advantage of all the tax breaks available to them. Of these taxpayers, homeowners have a lot to receive but to getting the tax help they need, will mean preparing the dreaded and often confusing itemized deductions.  A Fox Business Article entitled Six Tax Breaks Every Homeowner Should Know suggests that homeowners look past the complex IRS deductions and take full advantage of all the tax breaks they can. Homeowner tax deductions are financially smart and likely result in more money the taxpayer gets to keep.

If qualified, a homeowner could receive a tax credit equal to 10% of the cost of the products. Deduction limits for the products are capped; doors at $500, windows and skylights at $200 but installation costs are not deductible. Since IRS rules for documentation are vague, it is wise to keep any receipts and Energy Star documentation for any and all qualified improvements.

Most homeowners take this deduction, because it offers provides the most tax relief and significant savings. The majority of monthly mortgage payments go toward loan interest, so you are able to deduct all the interest paid on your taxes. Homeowners are advised to keep Form 1098 issued from the lender close by as it explains exactly how much can be deducted and provides proof should there be an IRS audit.

Many homeowners have private mortgage insurance (PMI) which protects the lender from default on the loan. If you have more than 20% equity in your home, you are not required to have PMI. If you have reached the 20% or more equity mark andyour adjusted gross income (AGI) is less than $100,000 (or $50,000, if married filing separately), you could be entitled to take a deduction on the amount you paid. The deduction is either reduced or eliminated if your income level surpasses that and goes away altogether if the AGI is $109,000 or more ($54,500, if married filing separately).

Construction Loan Interest

If trying to figure homeowner tax deductions on your own, you will most likely encounter technical restrictions and confusing guidelines. It’s best to consult a tax expert who may be able find more deductions than you are aware of. More importantly, they can help you avoid creating any IRS tax issues in the first place.

The IRS defines points as certain charges paid to acquire a home mortgage. Points are prepaid interest and may be deductible as home mortgage interest, if deductions are itemized. If this is your first mortgage you can deduct them in the year they werepaid, making sure they are for your primary residence and you didn’t pay excessive points. If you have refinanced, you are able to deduct points over the life of the loan. A certified tax professional or CPA will be able to assist you with the details if you qualify.

Property Taxes

Points

Based on the assessed value of the real property, you are allowed to deduct state and local property taxes. If your property taxes are paid out-of-pocket, you will need to use previous property tax bills to determine how much you have paid. If you are one of the homeowners who pays through an escrow account, the information appears on Form 1098.

 “The CourtORDERSthe Plaintiff in each civil case
file a notice that the case is ready for scheduling conference when all
Defendants have either answered or filed a motion to transfer or dismiss.  The notice shall be filed within five days of
the last remaining Defendant’s answer of motion.  The notice shall include a list of any
pending motions.  For patent cases, the
notice shall also include:  (1) a list of
any related cases previously filed in the Eastern District of Texas involving
the same patent or patents; (2) the patent numbers for this case and any
related case; and (3) the dates of any futureMarkmanHearing and/or Trial for related cases.”

 This new
Standing Order issued by Judge Gilstrap marks a departure from the procedure
used previously under Judge Ward in which cases were taking as long as ten
months or more from the date they were filed before a scheduling conference
would be conducted.  Under the new Standing
Order, plaintiffs who want to see their case proceed more quickly will have the
opportunity to inform the Court that they are ready for the Court to hold a
scheduling conference and move the case forward on its docket.  Conversely, in certain other cases –
particularly patent cases where a number of defendants may have been sued on
the same patent or patents — where the plaintiff may be attempting to
negotiate settlements with a group of defendants, a plaintiff may be able to
postpone a scheduling conference by agreeing to multiple extensions of time for
a defendant or group of defendants to answer while the parties attempt to
resolve their disputes by negotiating license agreements.  Time will show how effective the new Standing
Order will be at moving forward those cases that plaintiffs really want to
litigate, while keeping those cases in which plaintiffs hope to gain early
settlements without engaging in active litigation parked on the sidelines of
the Court’s docket.