World

As Gambling Rises in Prominence, So Too Do Addiction Rates

Published

5 years ago

July 10, 2019

Risking what you have to gain money fast is as old as money itself. It has been going on for all of human history. People have been betting on anything they could understand for millennia – be it fighting animals, rolling dice, or wondering who could run faster. People seem to have an inherent urge to risk their livelihood, as a high can develop that is just as powerful as any drug when one wins. And if that win is coming off of a string of losses, then it will just feel that much better.

Because of the risks involved with gambling, there have been attempts throughout history to outlaw the practice. These attempts have varied in their rates of success, and many countries which once practiced prohibition of gambling have since reversed their laws. Cases made in favor of gambling have revolved around the concept of personal freedom. People have a right to smoke and damage their lungs, to drink and hurt their hearts, to drive and risk injury – why not to gamble?

Besides the argument of personal freedom, arguments have also been made which stress the value of gambling, not just to the participants, but also to the states endorsing the activity. Countries that have legalized gambling experience staggering windfalls of cash by collecting a large percentage of gambling wins. It’s no secret that if you win the lottery in the United States, you’ll be paying a hefty chunk towards taxes.

It’s easy to wonder if it’s worth it though, considering the consequences of the sport – if you can call it a sport. Regulars at casinos can lose thousands of dollars a year, spending hard-earned money on lining the pockets of casino workers. The case is similar to tobacco and alcohol – it’s a definite addiction. However, the state currently seems to blame the victims of such addictions rather than their suppliers.

The argument for addicts being allowed to gamble is that at least at a state-sponsored casino, you’ll only be placing cash bets, and there is little to no chance of physical harm – unless you pick a fight with the wrong person. Illicit gambling dens and underground venues have been the sites of many violent activities. Acts of jealousy are common, repercussions for unpaid debts, and outright displays of machismo have led gambling dens to be reputed as places worth fearing. At least as long as gambling remains legalized, people can enjoy the comfort of internet gaming and high energy casino music without worrying if there are any new hospital beds available.

Casinos are making an effort to control and treat gambling addictions. Programs like GameSense, which is based in Massachusetts, are rising in prominence and popularity. These programs literally stalk the floors of casinos, keeping an eye out for those that look like they’re in need of help. These troubled souls are referred to programs where their problems might be dealt with by those who are professionally trained to treat addiction. Surprisingly, casino owners are happy to cooperate. Jacqui Krum, of Encore general counsel, says “For those individuals that need help, we want to make sure they get the help. Those are not the customers we want in our building.”

The following video will shed more light on the subject:

World

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

Published

19 hours 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.