World

Having Possibly Reached a $25 Million Civil Settlement, Harvey Weinstein Faces Criminal Trial Over Charges of Rape and Sexual Assault

Published

4 years ago

July 3, 2020

Notorious Hollywood Mega Producer, Harvey Weinstein experienced perhaps the most significant fall from grace stemming from the #MeToo movement, which gave voice to an ever-increasing number of women and men who allege to have been sexually assaulted or raped. Overwhelmingly, these are individuals who did not earlier feel comfortable speaking publically about having been victim to a sex crime.

Dozens of women have since explained they were assaulted by Weinstein, and these acts were committed over several decades. The criminal allegations made by these women quickly gained momentum as the court of public opinion swung against Weinstein in favor of these women.

At the end of February, Weistein was also convicted in criminal court. He was found guilty on two counts of the five total against him.

“The Weinstein case is complicated,” says Attorney Benson Varghese. “While some allegations were barred from prosecution based on the statute of limitations, the reality is everyone is aware of the number of accusations made and most jurors find there is a ‘quality to quantity’ when it comes to accusations. In other words, even weak accusations can result in convictions when the number of accusations is high. Courts can also allow testimony regarding other accusations to establish a pattern of behavior.”

The movie studio Weinstein ran and operated, Weinstein Co., once renowned, has gone bankrupt, and Weinstein himself largely has been embroiled in controversy.

A tentative civil settlement of $25 million, which would be paid by insurers of the Weinstein Co., has been reached for Weinstein’s alleged victims. Alleged, because the settlement would not require Weinstein to make an admission of wrongdoing and because, again, his criminal trial over charges of rape and sexual assault are still ongoing.

There is disagreement amongst Weinstein’s accusers over whether or not the settlement represents the best or even a fair deal. Some object to how its terms bind nonparticipating accusers from seeking separate recourse, while others say they would accept the settlement believing they’ve no other reasonable course of action.

World

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

Published

7 days 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.