| 10 Connects Foreclosure Special
On April 21, Charles Gallagher participated in The Reality of Real Estate, a hour long prime time special on 10 Connects News. The program included experts in the real estate and foreclosure.
The special provided consumers with commentary and insight on mortgage default and foreclosure issues. The panel answered calls from viewers, responded to emails and live chat from viewers and provided advise to consumers.
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New Airline Rules
The Department of Transportation has issued new guidelines for domestic flights restricting how long airlines can hold passengers on the tarmac during delays. Among the new rules:
*Airlines would be required to provide food and water after a two-hour delay.
*Passengers would have to be deplaned after three hours.
*Airline staff would have to keep toilets working.
*Airlines must provide passengers with an e-mail address and a mailing address for filing complaints.
Civil penalties of up to $27,500 per passenger would be paid to the government for violating any aviation consumer rule. ___________________________________________ |
A Different Take on D.N.R.
You have probably heard the term D.N.R. in realm of health care. D.N.R. stands for Do Not Resituate and is signifies a patient's choice to die peacefully. Doctors and other health care providers honor this directive and will withhold medical care based upon the patient's wishes.
In his essay "Shock Me, Tube Me, Line Me" recently published in Health Affairs, Dr. Boris Veysman, a New Jersey physician, challenges terminal patients and their families to reconsider the gravity of a DNR. In the essay he states:
"Life is precious and irreplaceable. My version of DNR is "Do Not Resign." Don't give up on me if I can still think, communicate and enjoy life. Treat my depression, dehydration, malnutrition and pain. Even severe, incurable illness can often be temporarily fixed, moderated or controlled, and most discomfort can be made tolerable or even pleasant, with simple drugs. Surround me with people; bring the kids so I can teach and talk to them. Let me use my e-mail. Recall the great people of our time who thrived with disability. People like Stephen Hawking, who has ALS and quadriplegia. People like Christopher Reeve. Only after you make every effort to let me be happy and human, ask me again if my life is worth living. Then listen and comply. At that point, if I wish to die, let me die. But until that happens, none of us realize what I can accomplish with another day, another week, another month. So do it all for me. Then ask someone to do it all for you."
No matter what your choice, it is always advisable that patients make their wishes known to their doctors, family members and loved ones.
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Ramsberger for Judge Fundraiser
Gallagher & Associates Law Firm is hosting a Reception and Fundraiser for Tom Ramberger's judicial campaign.
Date: Tuesday May 4, 2010
Time: 5:00-6:30 p.m.
Place: Gallagher & Associates Law Firm
5720 Central Avenue
St. Petersburg, FL 33707
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Beach Injuries
Its that time of the year again where we look forward to warmer weather and the beach. The last thing you expect is leaving the beach in an ambulance. Aside from the sun, two of the biggest threats you are likely to encounter are sting rays and jelly fish. So what to do if you find yourself the victim of a sting ray sting or a jelly fish bite?
Stingray stings are caused by the sharp barb that transmits a protein-based venom. This venom causes extreme pain for a few hours and leave cuts and abrasions at the sting site. The pain is most extreme during the first 30-90 minutes after the sting. While most sting ray stings are not severe, if you experience any nausea, vomiting, muscle cramping or chills call EMS immediately or go to the nearest emergency room. The treatment for sting rays stings is fairly simply, soak the affected limb in the hottest water tolerable for at least an hour. An instant hot pack is also helpful. Because stingray venoms are composed of heat-labile proteins, doing this will deactivate the poison. Always seek the medical care of your physician in the event of a sting. Of course, to prevent encountering a ray, drag or shuffle your feet when you are walking into the water so that you bump into stingrays instead of stepping on top of them.
Treating jellyfish stings involves two steps. The first step is to deactivate any stingers. The second step is to remove the stingers from the victim's skin. If you can't get to a doctor immediately, these steps may provide relief from the jellyfish venom. Pour white vinegar on the sting. If no vinegar is available you can use any type of meat tenderizer to neutralize the venom. Remove deactivated stingers by applying shaving foam to the sting area. Scrape the skin closely with a razor, knife blade, or credit card. Remove any venom in the skin by applying a paste of baking soda and water and using a cloth covering. Ice can be applied to stop the spread of venom until either of these is available. Soothe any remaining skin irritations with over-the-counter antihistamine pills or creams containing diphenhydramine (Benadryl). Again, seek the care of your physician after any stings.
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| New Drivers License Laws
By: Alison Parker
Recently, I had to renew my driver's license. While you would normally expect delay and frustration, this time, it really wasn't that bad.
Specifications for driver's license eligibility may have increased since the last time you renewed. Specifically, more proof is needed to substantiate your identity. Everyone will need a copy of his/her birth certificate (a U.S.-issued passport can substitute) and social security card (a W-2 or 1099 tax form can be substituted). You will also need two items of mail that confirm your address. I brought in my utilities bill and my cable bill for proof of residency. If you have changed your name, you will also need to bring in documentation (e.g. a marriage certificate if you took your husband's name).
Find exactly what documents you need to bring in based on your own details at: http://www.gathergoget.com/
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At the Movies-Film Festivals
By: Alison Parker
Recently, I attended several days of the Sarasota Film Festival. The festival lasted 10 days and featured 160 films. I was able to see several of these films as well as their respective Q&A sessions with that film's director and/or cast and/or producers. Most notably, Vincent D'Onofrio spoke about his new horror comedy Don't Go Into the Woods, and why he left longtime gig Law & Order: Criminal Intent (he no longer enjoyed the experience).
I chose seven films, all from different genres. One film was a indie about yuppies with martial problems, while another was a Persian-language film the 1953 coup d'�tat in Iran. Another film was nominated this year for Best Animated Feature while a feature-length documentary covered men and women obsessed with the virtual reality environment Second Life.
I highly encourage everyone from the uber cinema-aficionado to the casual movie viewer to attend next year's event. Where else might you run into music legend Patti Smith, who attended this year's event? The movie schedules go up approximately a month before the festival starts to ensure you can play the best experience possible. Many local restaurants, caf�s and bars are in walking distance for lag time in-between movies. All in all, this is a treat you won't want to miss.
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We are supporting Thomas Ramsberger for Circuit Judge in Group 20.
We think he would make an excellent judge and would urge you to review his credentials.
You may find out more about Tom on his website below.
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We are supporting Keith Meyer for Circuit Judge in Group 27.
We believe that Keith would make an excellent judge and would urge you to review his credentials.
You may find our more about Keith on his website below.
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We are supporting Susan St. John for Circuit Judge in Group 30.
We believe that Susan would make an excellent judge and would urge you to review her credentials.
You may find our more about Susan on her website below.
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G&A News & Notes
*Charles Gallagher was recently featured on Fox 13 News discussing the Non-Judicial Foreclosure Bill that is before the Florida legislature. To view the stories click here: Fox 13 Story
*Joe Milligan just released his second CD titled "Better Late Than Never." For those of you that do not know, in addition to being a seasoned litigator, Joe is an accomplished singer and songwriter. On April 16 Joe debuted the songs at The Hideaway Cafe. To listen to the tracks click here: Better Late Than Never
*Charles Gallagher was recently featured on Bay News 9 discuss the proposed budget cuts to the Clerk of Courts offices across the state. To view the story click here: Bay News 9 Story
*G&A was a proud sponsor of the St. Petersburg Bar Association's Law Day Run on April 17 at Crescent Lake Park.
*G&A was also a sponsor of the St. Petersburg Bar's Meet the Judges Luncheon held on April 6 at the Pinellas County Courthouse.
*On April 27, Charles Gallagher presented a lecture on Essential Lease Elements at SES's Beyond Basic Landlord Tenant Law seminar.
*Charles Gallagher was featured on Good Day Tampa Bay and Fox 13 News discussing the housing sale market and foreclosure trends. To see the stories cllick here: Good Day Tampa Bay and Fox 13 Story
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G&A Email Directory
Erika Mariz
Joseph F. Milligan
Jason A. Cox
Heather Dussault
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About Our Firm
Gallagher & Associates Law Firm, P.A. accepts cases throughout the Tampa Bay area.
Our main practice areas include: insurance litigation (including toxic mold, sinkholes, hurricane claims and denied insurance claims), real estate & business litigation (including foreclosure defense and lender mortgage fraud), accident & injury litigation, consumer law, and employment litigation.
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The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisements. Before you decide, ask us to send you free written information about our qualifications and experience. This email is designed for general information only. The information presented at this site should not be construed to be formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship.
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