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Visit us online!
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Our website provides comprehensive information about our firm, attorneys and practice areas.Visit our website at www.sivialaw.com
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UPCOMING SEMINARS:
April 28, 2009
7:30 a.m. at Sivia Business & Legal Services, P.C.
May 12, 2009
"Protecting Your Assets as a Landlord"
6:00 P.M. at Granite City Township Hall
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Founder Todd W. Sivia
Todd Sivia established Sivia Business and Legal Services, P.C. to assist individuals in protecting their assets through estate planning and business formation. Even outside of work, Todd works in the community with SCORE to help small businesses succeed. More
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The Illinois Attorney General is in charge of protecting Consumers. Visit them online ag.state.il.us |
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Greetings!
 New Alton Location!
Sivia Business & Legal Services, P.C. proudly opened a second location, located in Alton, Illinois. The new location will help our firm better serve everyone in the Alton Community. The new office is located at 603 Henry Street, Alton, IL 62002, and the new phone number for that location is (618) 466-4490.
FEATURED ARTICLE SUBMISSIONS
Beginning on April 30, 2009, our newsletter will be featuring articles submitted to us from other service professionals in the area, including accountants, financial planners, bankers, real estate agents, and technology service professionals. If you or someone you know would like to submit an article to us, please email me by clicking the following link E-mail Address. All articles must be related to business law, employment law, family law, or estate planning and relavant to the needs of others in those areas. |
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When the Dog Bites... 
Even with the increased notoriety of dog fighting and dog attacks, many still are unaware of who might be liable when a dog attacks or bites another person. In Illinois, a dog attack victim has two options for recovery. This is sometimes difficult, because in Illinois, dogs are presumed tame, docile and harmless absent evidence otherwise.
The first option for recovery is commonly referred to as the "one-bite" rule. This option is available at common law, and a victim would have to prove that the dog presents a danger or has bitten before, without provocation. This means, if this is the first time a normally tame dog has attacked, the victim cannot recover.
The second option for recover is under the Illinois Animal Control Act. A victim can recover under the Act if they can prove four elements. First, the victim must show that the injury was caused by an animal owned by the defendant. Ownership basically means that the defendant had care or control of the animal at the time of the attack. Second, the victim must show a lack of provocation. Obvious provocation is kicking or hitting a dog. Third, the victim must be in a place that he or she has a right to be. Third, the victim must have been engaged in peaceful conduct at the time of the attack.
While the burden of proving the elements of either option of recovery may seem harsh, recovery is possible. Often times, attacks can be serious. If you want to talk to an attorney about possible options for recovery for an animal attack, contact the attorneys at Sivia Business and Legal Services, P.C..
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Home Repair and Your Rights
Remodeling is a great way to increase home value and, if done right, can last the life of the house. However, there are a few contractors out there that are dishonest and disreputable. Often times, homeowners are left high and dry after paying for work that is poorly completed, if at all.
However, Illinois has some comprehensive measures for homeowners against such contractors. Since it's not always possible to research every contractor you hire, the state provides certain basic requirements that contractors must meet before starting work on your house.
First, the contractor is supposed to provide the homeowner with a pamphlet stating the rights of consumers for home repairs. Second, for work over $1,000, the contractor is required to furnish a written contract laying out the costs and information about the business and individual conducting the work. The contractor is also required, in certain situations, to carry liability and property damage insurance.
If a contractor has not met any of these requirements, or has breached any of the contract terms, the consumer might be able to avoid payment and might be entitled to recovery. If you have been ripped off by an unscrupulous contractor, be sure to document all transactions that have occurred. You can report the contractor to the Illinois Attorney General. Additionally, you can retain an attorney to recover for any losses that may have occurred due to problematic home repair. Contact the attorneys at Sivia Business and Legal Services to discuss your options to recover when you have issues with your home repair.
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Thanks for your support and loyalty. For information about legal services, do not hesitate to ask!
Sincerely,
Todd Sivia
Sivia Business & Legal Services, P.C. |
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