Buffalo Personal Injury Lawyer News
What Is A Release?
The vast majority of all personal injury claims are resolved outside of courtrooms through settlements. A settlement agreement is a legally binding contract between the victim and the defendant whom they filed the lawsuit against. The terms of a settlement are negotiated back and forth until an agreement can be reached. Once negotiations have concluded, and a settlement amount is agreed upon, you will have to review and sign a release of liability form before your check is processed.
The Purpose Of A Release
A release is a binding contract agreeing to settle a claim in return for a sum of money. The primary purpose of the release is to prevent the victim from filing other claims against or seeking further damages from a defendant based on the same incident. In other words, you consent to drop all claims against the other party in return for the settlement money. Defense attorneys and their insurance companies are responsible for drafting releases.
Most personal injury lawsuits begin with a case evaluation and consultation. Often, it is the first time you will discuss your claim with a lawyer face-to-face. At an initial consultation, one of our elite lawyers will assess the merits of your potential case. The attorney will also determine if your specific needs match our legal services. Initial consultations are a beneficial process for everyone involved. It allows the lawyer to understand how the accident happened, the scope and severity of your injuries, the medical treatment involved, your future prognosis, and other damages. You must be adequately prepared for your complimentary consultation. Our attorneys request that potential clients speak openly and honestly so that we can get all the required information. 
Suppose that you, or a family member, have been injured in an accident caused by another person’s negligence or recklessness. You may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit. Pursuing a case against the responsible party could be your only means to recover compensation. However, you only have a limited time to file your claim. The deadline is known as the statute of limitations (SOL). The statute of limitations, like a countdown, can significantly impact when or even if you can pursue your case. Regardless of the strength of your claim, when the statute of limitations runs out, your case will be considered time-barred. Meaning the defendant can assert that the statute of limitations has run out and ask the court to dismiss the lawsuit on that basis alone.
Driving is the most dangerous activity the average American performs multiple times daily. When most people get behind the wheel, the thought of getting into a car accident never even crosses their minds. Drivers are more focused on reaching their destinations quickly. However, motorists are exposed to varying risks during their commutes depending on the time of day, day of the week, and time of the year. While the last thing any driver wants is to be seriously injured in a crash, car accidents are a part of driving.
The human spine comprises 33 vertebrae, each separated by a spongy member referred to as a disc. Each spinal disc contains a jellylike nucleus encased in a rubbery exterior called an annulus. These discs act as shock absorbers and cushions for the spine. Back injuries are often excruciating and can make it difficult for victims to move. One of the most common back injuries is a slipped disc, also called a bulging or herniated disc. As many as 2 percent of adults throughout the United States suffer from slipped discs each year. This type of injury occurs when a portion of the nucleus pushes out through a tear in the exterior. While any spine segment can suffer a slipped disc, most occur in the lower back. When left untreated, herniated discs can potentially cause permanent and life-altering complications. 
Victims of even minor car accidents often complain about headaches. Headaches suffered after a collision are commonly referred to as post-traumatic headaches because they result from the trauma. Accident victims may suffer head pain immediately, but it is not uncommon for headaches to start several hours or days after a collision. These headaches are often excruciating and debilitating. In addition to the severe pain, headaches can also be a symptom of concussions or traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). It is essential to remember that the severity is not always dependent on the seriousness of the collision. Ravaging and crippling headaches can even arise from low-impact accidents.
Cement trucks transport wet cement to construct foundations, buildings, and driveways. When transporting cement, these massive trucks can weigh over 60,000 pounds. Since the weight of a concrete truck is disproportionately located in the mixing drum, these vehicles tend to be highly top-heavy. As a result, cement trucks have a rollover rate ten times higher than cars. When concrete truck drivers cause accidents, occupants of other vehicles risk suffering devastating injuries or worse. Every time a trucker slams on the brakes or makes a sharp turn, they place others in significant danger. Although collisions are bound to happen, many cement truck crashes occur because trucking companies, inattentive construction companies, or negligent truckers lack oversight.
Liability in personal injury cases is often unclear and ambiguous. This is because a defendant may not be entirely responsible for the accident. It is not uncommon for plaintiffs to be partially at-fault too. Fortunately, victims may still be eligible to recover compensation for their damages even if they were partly to blame. When applying the legal doctrine of comparative negligence, also known as comparative fault, a plaintiff that contributed to their accident would still be awarded compensation for their damages. However, the total amount would be reduced based on their share of fault. Whether you have been hurt in a car crash, construction accident, slip and fall, or any other mishap, comparative negligence can significantly impact the compensation you obtain. 
A foodborne illness, also known as food poisoning, is any sickness caused by eating contaminated food. Over 200 diseases, from diarrhea to pancreatic cancer, are spread through tainted food. Everyone involved in the food cycle, including producers, processors, wholesalers, distributors, grocery stores, and restaurants, must take every necessary precaution to keep food safe.