WALKER & CRAWFORD, PC

Business owners lost income from Hurricane Ike.

Business owners have unresolved insurance claims from Hurricane “Ike”. Claims for business interruption appears to be the sticking point on open claims.

It is important to provide detailed accounting of business losses which often requires the skill of forensic accountants and accountants trained in preparing business loss reports.

Law firm of Walker and Crawford, P.C. is helping Business owners get repairs paid for by the insurance carriers, and losses to Business income recouped. Proper preparation of claims is the key say attorney Jim Walker. Detailed preparation of a claim takes away excuses from the insurance company. When we prepare detailed claims on both property damage and Business interruption claims it takes away any argument the insurance company can make.

For more details on Hurricane claims settlement, call Walker & Crawford or visit our website,

www.Walkertexaslawyer.com

(KTEN.com) Patients are recovering from Tuesday’s bus crash in Bokchito, Texas at home and at two Dallas hospitals.  The accident happened on Highway 70, just as a Rock Creek school bus was stopping to let students off. Just moments after it stopped, Oklahoma troopers say an 18-wheeler clipped the back of the bus, causing it to overturn. Seven people, including six students were hospitalized, while a number suffered bumps and bruises.

Three students were flown to Parkland Hospital in Dallas, while others were taken to MCSO in Durant. Oklahoma Highway Patrol says the driver of the semi, was simply not paying attention. He was not injured.

Here’s the latest on those patients conditions:

The driver of the school bus, Coach Brad McKnight, was treated Tuesday at MCSO and later released. Chase Thompson, 16, was flown to Parkland Hospital and is listed in serious condition Wednesday morning. Jennifer Russell, 16, is also listed in serious condition at Parkland.

Bryar Thompson, 6, was taken to MCSO, but later flown to Children’s Hospital as a precaution. He’s now in good condition.

Six-year-old Justin Fults and nine-year-old Roni Fults were both treated and released from MCSO Tuesday night.

While some parents rushed to the scene, others went to the hospital in Durant. The driver of the bus, Rock Creek basketball coach Brad McKnight, was actually filling in for the driver. According to school board members, the regular driver, Athletic Director and Baseball Coach, Alan Cartwright, was away at a baseball game.

“We have a baseball game today and I thought it was going to be all the kids on the baseball team, but then I found out it was my basketball coach,” said Kodi From, just hours after the crash. “I was worried wondering if he was going to be okay, [and] all the kids on the bus. I was worried about them.”

“We have some Boy Scouts in Bokchito and we heard about the accident so we came over here to offer some spiritual guidance and prayers,” said Andrew Burns, a local minister.
    
“Oh, it’s terrible. It’s awful,” said Wilma Cooper. ”We don’t know how it happened, probably one of those freak things, but without any seatbelts on busses, it’s sad for these little kids that bounce all over the place.”

Were one of your loved ones injured in the bus crash in Bokchito?  Our experienced team at Walker & Crawford, P.C. are some of the finest trial lawyers in the country whose goal is to pursue justice and maximize the recovery for your loss. Truck Accident cases (as are most personal injury claims in the United States) are handled on a contingent fee basis. The trucking accident attorney’s fee is deducted from the settlement at the conclusion of your case, so the client pays no fee unless the case is successful.

Cases involving 18 wheeler accidents should be handled by a truck accident lawyer familiar with the most serious injury cases. The injuries sustained by an ordinary motorist fortunate enough to survive a collision with a truck are usually severe and require significant medical testimony.

Call us today for a free evaluation of your case.  We are standing by to assure that your family stays on the road to recovery.

www.walkertexaslawyer.com

Houston 713-552-1117

Toll Free 800-732-2934

Fortunately most of us do not need the assistance of a personal injury lawyer on a regular basis.  Most of us are blessed with good health and good fortune.  However, life does throw us a curveball now and again.  An automobile accident with an under-insured motorist, a slip and fall incident in your local mall, a catastrophic accident resulting in loss of life or general health can unfortunately come our way.  In these cases, contacting the reputable and trustworthy attorneys at Walker & Crawford, P.C. should be your first move.  What should you expect?  Here are some answers to frequently asked questions regarding retaining the services of personal injury lawyers and a few tips to make the process more seamless and beneficial for all parties involved.

When I meet my personal injury lawyer for the first time, are there any particular documents I should bring with me?

Supply your attorney with as much information as possible.  When your attorney has more information, he is better able to properly advise you of your legal rights.  You need to bring in all documents pertaining to your case.  The accident report is a very important document that you should bring your attorney.  Also, if you have any eye witness statements or medical records or reports from your doctors, you should bring those to your lawyer.  Any photographs of the accident or of your injury will be valuable information for your meeting with your attorney. If you don’t have the documentation, the attorneys at Walker & Crawford, P.C. may collect the documents for you.

What type of information will my attorney request at the initial consultation concerning my personal injury or automobile accident case?

Your attorney will request general information related to your medical treatment.  The attorneys at Walker & Crawford, P.C. will begin to compile a list of the names and addresses of all treating physicians and medical providers. This will include physical therapists, chiropractors, visiting nurses and other medical providers.  Your attorney may also ask you for a list of prior medical providers.

What usually happens at the first consultation?

The experienced personal injury lawyers at Walker & Crawford, P.C. you have selected will determine whether you have a valid legal claim.  Once you retain them, they will request that you sign a retainer agreement.  The retainer agreement is an important legal document which a lawyer is required to obtain.  At the initial consultation, it is extremely difficult for your lawyer to tell you the value of your case.  The value of your case is dependent on many circumstances which include but are not limited to the amount of your medical bills and the nature and extent of any pain and suffering.  The value may be dependent on whether or not your injury is permanent, whether or not there were/are periods of partial or complete disability, whether or not there was any disfigurement, scarring or other physical injury and the amount of your lost wages, etc.

After you have completed treatment or have reached a certain point in your medical treatment, Walker & Crawford, P.C. will provide a settlement demand with all relevant medical records and documentation to the insurance adjuster.  If the insurance company believes the claim has merit and the insurance adjuster and our attorneys can agree on a figure, then the case will be settled out of court.  Despite the fact that your attorneys will attempt to settle the case out of court, they will also be preparing the case for court in the event that the case does not settle.

What is necessary to have a valid personal injury case?

If you were injured as a result of another person, person’s or entity’s negligence or intentional act, then you have a potential personal injury cause of action.  However, it is not always required to have a physical injury to bring a personal injury lawsuit.  A personal injury lawsuit can be pursued by the attorneys at Walker & Crawford, P.C. based on the diminution of your reputation or an intentional infliction of emotional distress.

What exactly is a settlement in a personal injury case?

If you settle a personal injury car accident or slip and fall case, you are agreeing to accept a sum of money in exchange for either not pursuing a personal injury case against the person or entity or dismissing a personal injury case against a person or entity.  If the case settles out of court, you will need to sign a legal release form releasing any parties of any potential future liability.  In order to determine whether or not you should accept a personal injury settlement, the attorneys at Walker & Crawford, P.C. need to assess the amount of damages you have suffered, the likelihood of prevailing at trial, and any other factors that they deem appropriate.

A settlement can be reached at any time prior to the filing of the lawsuit or after the lawsuit is filed and any time up until the jury’s verdict.  The case can even be settled after the trial if the case is on appeal.

At Walker & Crawford, P.C., it is our philosophy that it is always the client’s decision whether or not to accept a personal injury settlement. Our role is to help you make that determination by providing all of the essential information and answering any relevant questions that you have. We often will give our recommendation as to whether or not a settlement is fair and we always purse THE most fair and equitable settlement available for our clients.  We always let our clients make the final decision whether or not to accept a personal injury or auto accident settlement.

Is it a good idea to wait a period of time before I hire an attorney?

You should contact the experienced team of personal injury attorneys at Walker & Crawford, P.C. immediately after the accident.  It is not a good idea for a person to be dealing with the insurance adjuster concerning their personal injury or car accident claim as they do not have all of the tools or knowledge needed to pursue a fair and equitable settlement.  The team at Walker & Crawford, P.C. are standing by to help walk you through this difficult time and get you back on your feet again.

Am I required to give a recorded statement to the insurance company upon their request?

There is no legal requirement that you give a recorded statement to an insurance adjuster.  However, if the insurance company is your own insurance company, you may be contractually obligated to give a recorded statement.  You should not give any statement unless you have legal representation present and you should acquire a copy of the transcript.  Again, the team at Walker & Crawford, P.C. will be there to advise you in this regard.

What types of cases are typically handled on a contingent fee basis?

Car/auto accidents, slip & fall, trip & fall, premises liability, bicycle accidents, motorcycle accidents, boating accidents, truck accidents, pedestrian accidents, wrongful death, uninsured or underinsured, motorist claims, intentional infliction of emotional distress, dog bite claims, etc. are often handled on a contingent fee basis.

For more information regarding ANY type of personal injury claims, accidents or wrongful death suits, please contact the team at Walker & Crawford, P.C. for a free consultation.  We are standing by to help and to get you a fair settlement so that you can get back on your feet again!

www.walkertexaslawyer.com

Houston – 713-552-1117

Toll Free – 800-732-2934

Jackson, MS (Associated Press)–On August 13, 2008, 36 year-old Carlos Reed was shot and killed during a home invasion at his residence in the Cypress Point Apartment complex. Reed, the brother of a Jackson police officer, was killed when he was shot multiple times by an assault rifle during a robbery of his apartment in search of $3,000 according to the Clarion Ledger.

Reed’s father filed a wrongful death claim in Hinds County Circuit Court. The attorney for the slain man’s family alleges the owners and leasing agents of the apartment complex were negligent in their duties to provide a safe living environment for their tenants. Cypress Point Apartments is owned by Heritage Properties Inc., of Madison, and the family’s lawyer claims the apartment complex had a long history of crimes against tenants and their property. The apartment community has multiple entrances and no added safety measures.

Criminal proceedings against one of the murderers began in criminal court in December. Jackson Police Department detectives have testified in the capital murder case under oath. According to court testimony before the judge, the assailants found $600 and not $3,000 as expected during the robbery murder of Reed.

Has someone you love been involved in an incident such as the one where Oscar Grant occurred?  Wrongful death is when a person’s death is caused by the wrongful act or negligence of another.  The team at Walker & Crawford, P.C. has 30 years of experience in handling cases such as these.  We are sympathetic to all of the issues surrounding the untimely and painful death of a loved one and we are here to help you with the legal issues regarding your case as well as any compensation you and your family could be entitled to.  Please contact us for a free evaluation of your case.  We are standing by to help.

www.walkertexaslawyer.com

Houston – 713-552-1117

Toll Free – 800-732-2934

Chicago, IL –Air Angels, the Bolingbrook based emergency medical helicopter transport company, has been sued by the parents of the 1 year-old girl killed in a fatal helicopter crash October 15, 2008. The suburban Chicago air medical transport company released a statement on Thursday they are immediately ending their emergency ground and air ambulance operations reported the Associated Press (AP).

The parents of Kristin Blockinger, the 1 year old child who died in a fatal medical transport helicopter crash last fall, filed a lawsuit in court claiming the company violated known safety standards and guidelines which led to the fatal crash killing everyone on board. The lawyers for the family allege when the pilot of the helicopter, Del Waugh, clipped a radio tower wire, he was flying 100 feet below the company’s standard procedure. The medical chopper crashed into a nearby field and exploded into flames killing the pilot, the child, and the emergency medical transport crew including a South Chicago Heights firefighter paramedic Ronald Battiato. The family’s attorneys say the negligence of the company and its pilot led to the wrongful death of their injured daughter.

Medical transport accidents leading to fatalities are heartbreaking.  If you or someone you know has been a victim of such a crash, the attorneys at Walker & Crawford, P.C. would like to help.  An aviation attorney must have extensive knowledge of aviation standards, rules and regulations.  At Walker & Crawford, P.C., we have just that.  Our attorneys are standing by to get the justice you and your family deserve.

www.walkertexaslawyer.com

Houston – 713-552-1117

Toll Free – 800-732-2934

New York, NY –The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) www.epa.gov has issued a news release citing Cytec Industries for federal violations. The chemical resin company is facing fines for alleged violations of the federal Clean Air Act. Cytec, a global chemical company with a manufacturing plant in Wallingford, Connecticut, was inspected by the EPA and found to be in violation of multiple federal policies. The EPA filed an Administrative Civil Complaint subjecting the chemical company to fines totaling $437,204.

The company makes many formulas including chemical resins used to coat and seal consumer furniture products. The production of chemical resins is regulated and termed “Hazardous Air Pollutants” under the United States Government’s Clean Air Act. Cytec is accused of violating the federal laws, guidelines and standards by emitting formaldehyde, methanol and other toxic Amino/Phenolic Resins. The EPA states this is a clear violation of the National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP).

Exposure to these highly toxic chemicals, including formaldehyde, can cause serious respiratory injuries including eye, nose and throat irritation leading to long-term illnesses and chronic medical conditions. Methanol exposure leads to blurred vision, headaches, dizziness and nausea leading to chronic debilitating medical injuries. Both formaldehyde and methanol are highly toxic to patients currently suffering from bronchitis emphysema and asthma. Cytec company executives have alerted the EPA the plant has stopped the production of spray dried resins and will dismantle the production line.

Do you suspect your family has been a victim of chemical exposure?  Attorneys Walker & Crawford can help.  Having gotten justice and compensation for victims of the British Petroleum explosion, Jim Walker is experienced in issues such as the possible future ramifications and health consequences of chemical exposure.  Toxic law settlements need an experienced litigator.  Jim Walker is that attorney.  Call today for a free case evaluation.  We are standing by to help.

www.walkertexaslawyer.com

Houston – 713-552-1117

Toll Free – 1-800-732-2934

Have you been involved in a motorcycle crash or any type of accident involving a motorcycle?   Here are some of the most important things you need to do or have someone do for you directly after the accident.

1. Seek medical attention!  Directly after any accident, you check for injuries, both external and internal. Your number one concern must be the physical and psychological effect of the crash. Seek medical attention as quickly as possible.  The medical check-up will also serve as your evidence for personal injury claims.

2. Do not leave the scene of the accident. It is important to not leave the scene when involved in an automobile accident, remain at the scene of the accident and do not leave until the authorities arrive to document your accident.  This data can be of significant use in any case or claim you might file against those liable and at fault.

3. Avoid making comments about the accident.  While you gather more facts and information about the accident, refrain from commenting about things like what really happened, what you are feeling, what injuries you sustained, who was at fault, who is liable, or who should pay for damages.  You will need to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney. 

4. Keep your own records about the incident.  Even if filing a lawsuit is not your utmost priority at present, it is important to keep your own personal record of everything related to the incident.  Expenses you have incurred for treatment of injuries and resulting from the accident and other miscellaneous expenses that were the direct result of the accident are two good starting points.

6. Contact an experienced personal injury attorney.  Being involved in a motorcycle crash and sustaining injuries is life changing, not only for your but for your family as well.  The attorneys at Walker & Crawford, P.C. specialize in motorcycle crash accident litigation and will be your ally in cases such as these!  They will help you establish and understand the damages you and your family have sustained and make certain you are fairly compensated.

Call Walker & Crawford, P.C. today is you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle crash.  We are standing by to help you and your family through these tough times.  With over 29 years of experience handling personal injury cases with compassion and fairness, you can rest assured that you are in capable hands. 

www.walkertexaslawyer.com

Houston – 713-552-1117

Toll Free – 1-800-IAM-HURT

Exhausted sailors working 98 hour weeks are regularly falling asleep at the helm, turning their ships into “unguided missiles” which could cause a major disaster off the UK coast, an independent watchdog warns.

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch said it was only a matter of time before a “catastrophic accident” took place in UK waters.  It called on the Government to take immediate action to ensure that ships were properly manned.  In its latest report, the MAIB cited the example of the cargo vessel Antari which ran aground on the Antrim coast in Northern Ireland in June last year.

The officer of the watch, who was alone on duty, fell asleep for three hours and was only woken when the 88 metre vessel, carrying 2,360 tons of scrap, had beached itself.  Nearly three quarters of the hull was damaged and dented, while the grounding had punctured the bottom of the ship.  The MAIB discovered that the officer had been working six hours on, six hours off for the previous three and a half months.  He had fallen asleep in the wheelhouse almost as soon as he had taken over the watch shortly after midnight on a warm June 29 in calm seas.

Stephen Meyer, chief inspector of the MAIB, said the unrelenting shift patterns were “as close to slavery that we have in the UK”.  He said: “People are working 98 hour weeks, week after week and they do not have a single night’s sleep in that time.  “They never get more than five hours and the cumulative effect is enormous.”

 

Persons working at sea or offhsore are covered by different laws than those that protect their shore-side counterparts.  They are covered by federal and state maritime laws and if you or someone you know has been involved in a maritime accident such as the one mentioned above, you need an attorney well-versed in maritime laws.  Walker & Crawford are here to help. 

James Walker is rated one of the top personal injury lawyers in Houston by Inside Houston Magazine and has over 29 years of experience fighting for your rights.   We are here to help you with your maritime claims or any personal injury claims you or your family might have. 

 

www.walkertexaslawyer.com

Houston – 713-552-1117
Toll Free - 800-732-2934

A recent study shows that plaintiffs and defendants alike may want to re-think the decision to rush to trial. The study, which will soon be published in the Journal of Empirical Legal Studies, found that it was routinely erroneous for plaintiffs and defendants to go to trial, in that each, respectively, received less or payed more than was offered during pre-trial settlement negotiations.  In only 15% of cases that went to trial was the award less than the plaintiff initially demanded but more than the defendant originally offered.

Last week, the Texas Supreme Court agreed to hear arguments in an unusual rehearing of a ruling that lawmakers and other groups say was “flat-out” wrong. The case involved contract employees covered by workers’ compensation, and whether they should be allowed to seek damages against work site owners for on-the-job injuries. The decision has been protested by a bipartisan group of lawmakers, labor groups, and accident victims, who maintain that the justices erred in the original hearing when they granted extended immunity provisions that were never part of legislative intent.