World

How COVID-19 is Affecting Domestic Violence

Published

4 years ago

July 3, 2020

In addition to the many direct impacts on the lives of millions of Americans, the coronavirus pandemic has created a landscape that could increase domestic violence rates across the nation. With unemployment rates challenging the high rates of the Great Depression, as well as financial anxieties from stock market fluctuations and isolation from support groups can further worsen a survivors risk of domestic abuse.

The removal of every day escapes like jobs, schooling, or access to public spaces can make it difficult for a person experiencing domestic violence to distance themselves from an abuser. Coupled with the possibility that a survivor is on lockdown in a home or other shared space with a potential abuser, COVID-19 is forcing survivors to spend increased amounts of time in unsafe situations.

While the novel coronavirus has upended life for many across the country, the consequences can be even harder felt by those in inopportune situations like domestic abuse. Despite the lack of data providing explicate detail as to how covid-19 is impacting those in situations of domestic abuse, many experts are beginning to prepare for the serious negative effects that may come once lockdowns are lifted and states return to more normal proceedings.

Impact of Crises on Rates of Domestic Violence

Experts who study domestic violence have long explained the relationship between times of crises and increase in destructive behaviors like domestic abuse. Additional stressors may come from instances of natural disasters, economic downturns, or health crises and can find their way into the relationships a person may have with friends, family, and partners.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused normal outlets for energy or behavior to disappear. The ability to go to sporting events, bars, restaurants, gyms, or leisure businesses has been limited due to risk of transmission of the infectious disease. This can lead to people taking up the behaviors at home and aggravating the risk of domestic violence.

The special circumstances of the global pandemic have also created new components to strain an existing relationship a person may have with an abuser. The fearful messaging and quarantine tactics implemented across the country can cause some people who are living in abusive situations to see increased control on their lives and rights.

“With federal and state guidelines prohibiting certain normal activities, we are seeing an influx in violence in the home across the country. ” explained Attorney Mark Sherman of The Law Offices of Mark Sherman, LLC.

Partners or family members may attempt to regulate the already limited pandemic-approved freedoms of a person to prevent the spread of the virus into the shared space. This can be anywhere from restriction of rights to travel, like access to a car or bike, to the extreme of a partner pulling a weapon on a person to prevent them from leaving the house.

These factors and others, can make it difficult for a person who is trying to survive the complicated time of a pandemic to do so in a situation where a partner or family member has displayed violent tendencies.

World

A Step-by-Step Guide to Hiring the Right Personal Injury Lawyer

Published

1 week ago

April 19, 2024

Michelle Langton

Are you dealing with injuries, loss of income, and hefty medical bills because of an accident that was not your fault? If yes, you need the services of an excellent personal injury lawyer. But how do you determine if a lawyer is a perfect match for your personal injury case when you have so many options? This step-by-step guide aims to teach you the critical steps to hiring the best personal injury lawyer in your state.

1. Know Why You Need a Personal Injury Attorney

Typically, you must hire the right personal injury lawyer if you are pursuing a lawsuit for personal injury. As defined on Forbes, a personal injury lawsuit is a civil action that an injured person takes against a person or company responsible for an accident that resulted in injuries.

For instance, you get into a car crash or slip and fall incident in the workplace because of someone else’s fault. You can sue the party responsible for injuries, lost wages, medical bills, and mental anguish.

But there are instances you may not need a personal injury attorney despite being in an accident. For example, a minor fender bender where no one sustained injuries or had their property damaged is easy to resolve without involving lawyers. So, after an accident, evaluate the damages incurred. If they are severe, search for a personal injury attorney.

2. Do Extensive Research

Where do I begin my search? Referrals are valuable because you can ask specific questions regarding the lawyer’s communication style, availability, litigation experience, and fee structure. So, ask family and friends to recommend someone they have worked with. Search for attorneys in your area online if you need referrals. You can type a simple search query like ‘personal injury attorney near me’ on Google. Alternatively, look for a lawyer through online directories.

3. Schedule Free Consultations

You want to know what a personal injury lawyer will do for you. Therefore, schedule a free consultation meeting and ask questions like:

What will you prioritize in my case?

The right attorney will focus on getting justice and fair compensation to ensure your stress-free recovery. Communication should also be a top priority. The lawyer should communicate with you using simple terms to help you understand your legal rights. More importantly, they should update you about the case progress on time.

Do you have experience handling cases like mine?

As lawyers at Cohen, Feeley, Altemose & Rambo law firm mention, experienced personal injury attorneys will guide you through the legal process. Even more interesting, they will handle negotiations on your behalf to safeguard your rights. So, make sure your lawyer has experience in personal injury law.

It would be better if they had specialized experience handling cases like yours. For example, if you are pursuing a truck accident lawsuit, you will want a personal injury lawyer with expertise in dealing with trucking accident claims.

What is the value of my personal injury claim?

After evaluating your case, a skilled attorney should tell you the worth of your personal injury claim. What you should be cautious of are unrealistic estimates and guarantees. There are no assurances in personal injury claims. If a lawyer promises a higher settlement that sounds too good to be true, do not fall for it because they are lying.

How much are your legal fees?

Personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee arrangement. Based on Cornell Law School, a contingent fee structure allows lawyers to receive a certain percentage of the total settlement value a client wins. As a result, you do not pay your legal representative any upfront fee.

4. Check Testimonials

Aside from experience, work with a trustworthy and reputable attorney. You can quickly determine a lawyer has an outstanding reputation by reading testimonials from past clients.

Find out if the clients feel happy about the outcomes of their case. How about the style of communication? Does the lawyer explain legal terms in simple language?

A reputable lawyer will receive positive feedback from clients and respect from peers. Also, check with your local bar association to ensure your preferred lawyer doesn’t have disciplinary actions against them.

5. Select Your Lawyer

At this point, comfort matters a lot. Do not choose a lawyer you feel uncomfortable discussing your legal issues with. Also, ensure they have the experience and resources to win your personal injury claim. Equally important, they should have an excellent reputation.

Conclusion

When you are a victim of an accident that someone else caused out of negligence, you need to seek justice and compensation for your injuries. There is only one way to achieve these goals. You must work with the best lawyer to pursue a personal injury claim. True, choosing the right one can be challenging. But you can make an informed decision if you follow this step-by-step guide to hiring the right personal injury lawyer.