The impact of the Coronavirus pandemic has been substantial in the United States, as the nation tries to avoid a healthcare crisis. Many cities and states are requesting, a few even ordering, that citizens “shelter in place”, resulting in businesses being shuttered and employees without wages. Only certain categories of work are deemed “essential” and fall within the exceptions to these rules.
Most of us run paycheck to paycheck and have limited PTO (Paid Time Off/Personal Time Off) from work. With an ordinary cold, we would typically find our way to work and tough it out just like our coworkers would do. But now we have COVID-19, and it is a different animal so to speak.
The Western NC Chapter of A.B.O.T.A. (American Board of Trial Advocates) gathered for an exceptional dinner at Bonterra Restaurant in Charlotte last Thursday evening.
BLUE LIGHTS – EMPTY WALLETS
No two settlements are identical. But my friend/cousin/neighbor/etc. settled their claim for $$$$ and they were not hurt as bad as I was. We hear this all the time when it comes to personal injury settlements. Unfortunately, all I can say in response is “Good for your friend/cousin/neighbor/etc.” Even within the same vehicle in an accident, there can be different settlement results among the claimants. That’s because no two people are identical (except identical twins! And even they are going to have some differences—just ask their Mom).
Picture it: you’re driving home from a long day at work. You reach an intersection with a green light. But, you’re t-boned by someone that runs the red light while on their cell phone. You have suffered some very severe injuries. You must be extracted from your car by the fire department. You’re flown by helicopter to the nearest trauma left and spend a month in the hospital. Your medical bills when you’re released are more than $150,000. You also have a permanent injury and can’t return to your old job or way of life.
Chances are that you have encountered driving through a city that has placed red light cameras at intersections. The stated purpose is to increase safety at intersections by imposing a penalty for those drivers who run red lights. The penalty fine varies from place to place but is typically $50 or $100 for a violation. If not paid timely, then the fine amount doubles in most locations.