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29 Feb, 2024
Filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy can be a daunting experience for anyone, especially if it's your first time. While many believe that filing for bankruptcy is a sign of financial failure, it's actually a lifesaver for those in debt. Unfortunately, many make common mistakes when filing for bankruptcy that can jeopardize their chances of a successful discharge. In today's blog, we'll look at some of the most common mistakes people make when filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in South Carolina and how you can avoid them. Plus, we'll discuss how Jason Ward Law can assist the South Carolina public with bankruptcy matters. 1. Not Consulting a Bankruptcy Attorney People often think that filing for bankruptcy is a simple process, and they can handle it on their own. However, bankruptcy is a complex process that requires technical knowledge and expertise. Failing to consult a bankruptcy attorney can put you at risk of making mistakes that can cost you your bankruptcy discharge. A Bankruptcy attorney can set you up for success, see things you may not be aware of, and help you navigate through the process smoothly. 2. Failing to Document all Debts When filing for bankruptcy, you must list all of your debts to ensure that they are included in your discharge. Failing to document all your debts can limit the amount of relief you receive, as these debts won't be covered in the bankruptcy petition. It's important to consult a bankruptcy lawyer who can guide you in documenting all your debts. 3. Not Reviewing Petitions Thoroughly Bankruptcy is a complicated process, and it's important to review all your bankruptcy petitions to identify any errors. Failing to review your bankruptcy petitions thoroughly can lead to costly mistakes that can jeopardize your chances of a successful discharge. Always ensure you review your petitions thoroughly to avoid errors that could slow down the process or cost you more money. 4. Not Complying with Court Orders Court orders in bankruptcy are essential, and it's important to follow them to the letter. Failing to comply with court orders could have serious consequences, including the invalidation of your bankruptcy petition. You must take all court orders seriously and adhere to the deadlines and requirements set by the court. 5. Not Declaring all Assets All assets must be declared in your bankruptcy petition, whether they are exempt or not. Failing to declare all assets can lead to the seizure of assets and prevent you from obtaining a bankruptcy discharge. You must ensure that all your property is listed in the bankruptcy petition and that you honestly disclose all your assets.  Filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy can be a life-changing event and a difficult process to go through alone. However, avoiding common mistakes when filing for bankruptcy can make the difference between a successful and an unsuccessful discharge. At Jason Ward Law, we assist South Carolina residents with bankruptcy matters, including filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Our team has the knowledge and experience needed to guide you through the bankruptcy process, avoid common mistakes, and ensure that your bankruptcy discharge is successful. Contact us today and let us help you achieve financial freedom.
01 Feb, 2024
In the age of social media, people are more connected than ever before. While the benefits of social media are many, it can also have unintended and negative consequences, especially when it comes to divorce cases. In this post, we will explore how your social media posts can impact your divorce case, how they can be used as evidence, what you should not post, and how to protect your privacy on social media. Can Social Media Posts Become Evidence? Yes, social media posts can become evidence in divorce cases. Social media posts are admissible as evidence in court, and they could potentially be used against you. Anything you post can be used against you, even if you delete it later. Even if you think your social media accounts are set to private, they may not be entirely protected from legal scrutiny. How Can You Protect Your Privacy on Social Media? There are several ways to protect your privacy on social media. First, review your privacy settings and make sure you understand them. Limit what you share, and make sure you do not reveal any sensitive information about yourself that could be used against you in court. Second, avoid accepting friend requests from people you do not know. Third, avoid posting about your divorce or anything related to it. Finally, if you think your social media accounts have been illegally accessed, consult an attorney. What Should You Not Post When You Are Going Through A Divorce? While it may be tempting to vent online about your divorce, we strongly advise against it. Do not post anything that can be construed as harassment, threats or stalking. Also, never post anything about your children that can be deemed as disparaging against their other parent. Avoid posting pictures of you drinking, using drugs, or engaging in other activities that may be viewed as irresponsible behavior. In general, if you have any doubts about posting something, it is best not to post it. Leave Your Children Out Of It Your children should not be involved in your divorce drama. More specifically, you should not post anything about your children online that could be construed as parental alienation or harming their relationship with their other parent. Nothing is more important than your children’s well-being, and they should not be exposed to any unnecessary negativity or contentiousness. How Can An Attorney Help? An attorney can help you navigate the sensitive terrain of social media and avoid conflicts with your ex-spouse and the court. With our legal expertise, we can give proper guidance and legal counseling to ensure that you do not harm your case by giving in to the impulses of social media. We can help you avoid common mistakes, and provide tailored advice based on your specific case.  In summary, social media can have unintended consequences in divorce cases. Social media posts can become evidence and could potentially have negative impacts on your case. If you are going through a divorce, it is vital to protect your privacy, avoid posting anything that could harm your case, and always put your children’s best interests first. At Jason Ward Law, we are committed to helping our clients with divorce and family law matters. We can assist you with all aspects of your case, including social media and privacy concerns. Contact us today for more information.
04 Jan, 2024
Sustaining a work-related injury can be challenging for any employee. It can affect your physical, emotional, and financial wellbeing. Thankfully, the Workers’ Compensation Act in South Carolina exists to cushion employees from the financial impact of injuries sustained while on the job. If you file a workers' compensation claim, there are a few things you should expect. This post will explore the processes involved in filing a workers' compensation claim, why hiring an attorney is recommended, and how Jason Ward Law can help you navigate the legal aspects of the process. 1. How to File a Workers' Compensation Claim The first step in filing a workers' compensation claim is to inform your employer immediately after the injury or illness occurs. If your employer has provided you with a written notice explaining the benefits available under the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Act, follow the steps outlined to file a claim. If your employer has not provided you with these details, you should notify your employer in writing as soon as possible. Your employer should provide you with a claim form, which you should complete and submit. Kindly note that South Carolina law does not require you to use an attorney to file a workers' compensation claim. However, we recommend that you seek legal counsel. 2. Why You Should Hire an Attorney to Help Workers' compensation claims are quite complicated and involve many legal technicalities that may be difficult to understand. Hiring an attorney with experience in workers' compensation claims will ensure that you are seeking accurate compensation. An attorney can help with the claim process, represent you at workers' compensation hearings, negotiate a settlement, and much more. 3. How Jason Ward Law Can Assist You At Jason Ward Law, we have the experience necessary to guide you through the complicated process of filing a workers' compensation claim. We will handle the paperwork, represent you at any necessary hearings, and advise you on your options going forward. We will work diligently to ensure that your rights are well-protected, and your interests are well-represented. 4. What to Expect After Filing a Workers' Compensation Claim After filing a workers' compensation claim, you will receive an acknowledgment letter from your employer’s insurance company, which will contain the case number and the name of the insurance adjuster assigned to your claim. You may also receive a request for additional information to support your claim. If your claim is approved, you will start receiving benefits, such as medical treatment and wage replacement, as determined by your doctor’s evaluation. The length and amount of your benefits depend on the severity of your injury and your ability to work. If your claim is denied, you have a right to appeal the decision. An attorney can help you appeal your case and protect your rights and interests. Filing a workers' compensation claim can be a rigorous process that involves complex legal issues. Hiring an experienced attorney can help make the process smoother and ensure that your rights are well-protected. At Jason Ward Law, we have the experience, and resources to assist South Carolina residents in matters related to workers’ compensation. Call us today for a consultation and let us help you.
01 Dec, 2023
As animal lovers, it is second nature for many of us to assume that all animals are friendly, and that the world is a peaceful place. The reality, unfortunately, is that animal attacks do happen, and they can be traumatic and life-altering. If you or a loved one has been the victim of an animal attack in South Carolina, it is important to seek out the services of an experienced animal attack attorney. In this blog post, we’ll explore what an animal attack attorney can do to help you and your family recover from a traumatizing experience.  First and foremost, an animal attack attorney can help you navigate the complex legal system. Even if you are confident in your ability to represent yourself in court, it is always better to have someone who understands the nuances of the law on your side. In South Carolina, for example, the statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit related to personal injury is three years (source: South Carolina Code section 15-3-530). An experienced attorney will be able to help you make sure your paperwork is filed on time, and that you meet all other legal requirements. Secondly, an animal attack attorney can help gather evidence and build a strong case. This may involve gathering medical records, photographic evidence of the attack, and any other evidence that could support your case. A good attorney will be able to walk you through what you need to do in order to build the strongest possible case – things like keeping track of medical expenses, gathering witness statements, and making sure that you are following all instructions from your healthcare provider. Thirdly, an animal attack attorney can help you get the compensation you deserve. Depending on the circumstances of the attack, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. An experienced animal attack attorney will have existing relationships with insurance companies and other stakeholders, and this will help you get what you deserve without added stress. Fourthly, an animal attack attorney can help you rest easy. When you’ve been the victim of an animal attack, it can be hard to feel like you’ll ever be safe again. An experienced attorney will be able to help you understand your rights and take steps towards feeling more empowered. Knowing that someone with legal expertise is on your side can help you breathe a bit easier. If you or a loved one has been the victim of an animal attack in South Carolina, it is important to act quickly. An experienced animal attack attorney can help you navigate the legal system, gather evidence, get the compensation you deserve, and help you feel more empowered. Don’t wait – reach out to an attorney today to learn more about your options.
30 Nov, 2023
Motorcycle accidents can be scary, and they can result in serious injury or even death. If you're involved in a motorcycle accident, determining who was at fault can be complicated. But it's important to do so, as determining fault can have a significant impact on the outcome of any legal or insurance proceedings. In this blog post, we'll take a look at how fault is determined in a motorcycle accident, and how an attorney can help you to navigate the process. The first thing to understand is that fault is determined based on negligence. Negligence means that someone failed to take reasonable care, which resulted in the accident. In a motorcycle accident, this could mean a variety of things - for example, if another driver ran a red light and hit you, they may be found negligent because they failed to obey traffic signals. One of the challenges in motorcycle accidents is determining who was really at fault. There can be a lot of factors at play, and it may not be immediately clear who the negligent party is. This is where an attorney can be invaluable. An experienced attorney will have the knowledge and resources to investigate the accident thoroughly, including speaking with witnesses and obtaining police reports. From there, they can build a case to demonstrate who was at fault. Another important consideration is the concept of comparative negligence. This means that even if you were partially at fault for the accident, you may still be able to recover damages. For example, if the other driver ran a red light and hit you, but you were speeding at the time, a court may find that you were partially to blame. However, if the court finds that the other driver was more negligent, you may still be able to recover damages. It's also worth noting that motorcycle accidents can be particularly devastating, often resulting in serious or permanent injuries. In cases like these, an attorney can be instrumental in ensuring that you properly seek fair compensation. This can include medical expenses, lost income, and other damages. At Jason Ward Law, we understand how devastating motorcycle accidents can be. That's why we're committed to providing our South Carolina clients with the guidance and representation they need during this difficult time. Whether you're trying to determine fault, recover damages, or navigate insurance and legal proceedings, we're here to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can assist you.
02 Nov, 2023
Accidents happen all the time, and sometimes they result in a slip-and-fall incident. These accidents can be quite dangerous, especially if you injure yourself. While slip-and-fall accidents are common and can happen to anyone, knowing what to do immediately after the accident is crucial. This blog post will guide you on the things you should do after a slip-and-fall accident, to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. 1. Seek Medical Help The first thing you should do after a slip-and-fall accident is to seek medical help immediately. Even if the injury seems minor, there might be underlying health issues that need attention. Seeing a doctor soon after the incident ensures you receive the right treatment for your injuries. It also helps create a medical report that can act as evidence during the legal proceedings if you decide to take legal action against the responsible party. 2. Collect Evidence Collecting evidence is critical in slip-and-fall accidents. It would be best if you took pictures of the accident scene, including the condition of the walkway or surface where the accident occurred. Make sure you also take pictures of the shoes or clothing you were wearing. Collect any witness information who can attest to the incident. These pieces of evidence can help you later on when filing a slip-and-fall accident claim. 3. Fill Out An Accident Report Filling out an accident report is also a crucial step that you should take when you are involved in a slip-and-fall accident. The report documents the details of the accident and helps to create a paper trail. You can file the report at the establishment where the accident occurred. Ensure you keep a copy of the report for your records. The accident report will also be useful during the legal proceedings if you decide to sue the property owner. 4. Consult A Slip-And-Fall Attorney Consulting a slip-and-fall attorney is the best way to ensure that your rights are protected after an accident. The attorney can assess your case and determine whether you are eligible to receive compensation for your injuries and losses. The attorney can also advise you on what to do next, including filing a claim, negotiating a settlement, or going to trial. Here at Jason Ward Law, LLC, we can assist you with slip-and-fall accidents matters. Our team will help you navigate the legal process and help you seek the compensation you deserve. Slip-and-fall accidents can cause severe injuries and result in rising medical expenses. Taking the right steps after an accident is crucial if you want to protect your rights and get compensated for your losses. Seeking medical help, collecting evidence, filling out an accident report, and consulting a slip-and-fall attorney should be the priority after the accident. At Jason Ward Law, LLC, we are here to help South Carolina residents with their slip-and-fall accident claims. Contact us today for a case evaluation.
27 Oct, 2023
Losing a loved one in a sudden or preventable accident is devastating, especially when it was caused by someone else's negligence or intentional actions. In South Carolina, wrongful death laws allow family members to seek justice and compensation when a loved one dies due to the wrongful actions of another party. However, proving wrongful death is a complex legal process that requires meeting specific criteria and presenting strong evidence. In this blog post, we'll explore the four key elements of wrongful death in South Carolina and how hiring an attorney can help you navigate this difficult time.  Element #1 - Negligence: Negligence is when someone has a duty to use reasonable care but fails to do so, resulting in harm to another person. In a wrongful death case, you must prove that the defendant had a duty to act reasonably but breached that duty. For example, if a driver fails to obey traffic laws and causes a fatal car accident, they may be considered negligent. Element #2 - Breach of Duty: A breach of duty occurs when someone fails to fulfill their legal obligation to protect another person from harm. In a wrongful death case, you must demonstrate that the defendant had a legal duty to act in a certain way but failed to do so. For example, if a doctor fails to provide adequate medical care that ultimately leads to a patient's death, they may be considered to breach their duty. Element #3 - Proving Causation: Proving causation means demonstrating that the defendant's actions directly caused the victim's death. This requires strong evidence linking the defendant's actions to the victim's death. For example, if a manufacturer produces a faulty product that causes a fatal accident, you must prove that the defect was the direct cause of the victim's death. Element #4 - Damages: Finally, you must prove that you suffered damages due to your loved one's death. This includes economic damages, such as lost future earnings and medical expenses, as well as non-economic damages, such as emotional pain and suffering. Calculating damages can be complicated, and an experienced attorney can help ensure that you receive fair compensation. How Can an Attorney Help Me? Navigating the legal system can be overwhelming, especially when you're grieving the loss of a loved one. A wrongful death attorney can help you by: - Investigating the incident and gathering evidence to support your case. - Negotiating with insurance companies and other parties to ensure that you receive fair compensation. - Representing you in court if necessary, and advocating for your legal rights. Losing a loved one is never easy, particularly when someone else's actions are to blame. While no amount of compensation can bring them back, a wrongful death lawsuit can help you seek justice and closure. If you're considering filing a wrongful death claim in South Carolina, it's important to work with an experienced attorney who can help guide you through the process and advocate for your legal rights. Contact our team today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help you.
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