Legal

Credit card identity theft where your credit card is stolen, your PIN is stolen or someone opens another credit card in your name, can all be particularly damaging to your credit score. Unfortunately a credit score isn’t so easily restored but there are a couple of things you can do to make the best of the situation and restore it as much as possible. In this article we will look at what you should do before and after credit card identity theft in order to best protect and restore your credit score.

The first thing you should do whenever you receive a new credit card is to make photocopies of both sides of the card and file these away in a safe place. This way if your credit card goes missing or you believe it may have been compromised you can immediately put a stop to it.

Regularly request credit reports on your name. These credit reports will show you whether any other credit cards have been opened in your name that you do not know about. The sooner you find out that a card has been opened in your name that is incorrect the sooner you will be able to put a stop to it and prevent any damage from occurring.

Only carry around with you those credit cards that you are going to be using and try to keep a minimum of credit cards.

If you discover that your credit card has gone missing or if there is any chance that your credit card information may have been compromised and used in credit card identity theft then the first thing you should do is to stop the relevant card or cards. Phone the card issuer and let them know that you believe you may have been a victim of credit card identity theft and if they could immediately put a stop to all purchases on the card.

You should also contact one of the credit card bureaus if you believe you have been a victim of preventidentitythefthelp.com/Identity_Theft_Shield/ credit card identity theft and report the matter to them. They can then put a fraud alert on your credit report which will make it more difficult for anyone to open another account in your name.

File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission and with the local police station where the ID theft took place and give them a copy of your form from the FTC.

By following these preventative measures and taking action if you believe you have been a victim of credit card identity theft you will be in a much better place to restore your credit score if anything does happen and will hopefully be able to prevent too much damage taking place from the start.

You can also find more information at preventidentitythefthelp.com/Identity_Theft_Shopping_Online/ Identity Theft Shopping Online and preventidentitythefthelp.com/Identity_Theft_Software/ Identity Theft Software.Preventidentitythefthelp.com is a comprehensive resource to find how to secure your ID.

Historical Background and Development:

Consequent to the Lord Mountbatten’s 3rd June 1947 Plan the Indian Independence Act, 1947 was enacted by the British Parliament and Pakistan emerged on the world map as an Independent & Sovereign Dominion. In terms of Section 18 (3) of the Act of 1947 the Laws of British India were applicable and continued as law of the Dominion (Pakistan) with necessary adaptations until the other provisions are made by the Legislature in Pakistan. The then Governor General (Mountbatten of Burma) was empowered in Section 9 (1) to carry into effect the operation of the Act of 1947 who accordingly issued “The Pakistan (Adaptation of Existing Pakistan Laws) Order dated 14th August 1947” (G.G.O. No. 20 of 1947).

Section 3 of the Order of 1947 read as “As from the appointed day, all existing Pakistan Laws shall, until repealed or altered or amended by a competent Legislature or other competent authority, in their application to Pakistan and any part or parts thereof, be subject to the adaptation directed in this Order”. Through this legislative mechanism Pakistan inherited plethora of colonial and other legislative instruments, hundreds of which were repealed and the remaining were retained/adopted, adapted and extended through various Acts, Ordinances promulgated in different phases of time by the Legislature in Pakistan.

At the time of independence the laws in force in Pakistan relating to Telecommunication were “The Telegraph Act, 1885 (XIII of 1885)” and “The Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933 (VII of 1933)”. These were extended and adapted in Pakistan through “The Adaptation of Central Acts and Ordinances Order, 1949” (G.G.O. No. 4 of 1949) and Central Laws (Statute Reforms) Ordinance 1960 (XXI of 1960).

The Act of 1885 was the primary governing telecommunication statute. There was a joint Director General of Posts, Telegraph & Telephone under the Act of 1885. The Act granted exclusive privilege to Government (Posts, Telegraph & Telephone [PTT] Department to establish, maintain, working, licencing, regulating the Telegraph within or any part of Pakistan. The government was the governing and controlling authority of telecom sector in Pakistan. Likewise, The Wireless Telegraphy Act was enacted in order to regulate the possession of wireless telegraph apparatus.

In 1962 Posts and Telegraph (Amendment) Act, 1962 (V of 1962) was enacted which amended Telegraph Act, 1885, The Post Office Act, 1898 and The Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933. The purpose of the Amending Act was to split up the Postal Department and the Telegraph and Telephone Department. The PTT Department slumbered for about 30 years with no active, substantial and innovative development in telecom sector.

The arena of development, innovation and liberalization starts from 1990-1991. By 1991 the scenario changes, The Pakistan Telecommunication Corporation Act, 1991 (Act XVIII of 1991) was promulgated which created the independent statutory corporation named “Pakistan Telecommunication Corporation (PTC)” and Telegraph & Telephone Department was merged into PTC. The Corporation with perpetual succession took over all the assets and liabilities of the PTT Department. In pursuance to government competitive and liberalization policy in relation to telecom opened field to private sector and PTC started out-sourcing few of its services i.e card payphones services and pre paid calling card operations to private companies. Although in the Act of 1991 there was no regulator in its true sense but attributes of regulator, to some extent, were existent in PTC. The PTC was responsible in the field of telecommunication for development, research, improvement in quality, advice to government and determination of tariff subject to approval of government, maintain liaison with foreign government and other obligations as any regulator performs.

In 1994 in order to further liberalize and open the telecom industry and to transfer the telecommunication services to private sector and the matters connected thereto the Presidential Ordinance “Telecommunication Ordinance, 1994 (Ordinance LI of 1994)” was promulgated on 13th July 1994. To promote, maintain fair competition and regulate the telecom industry and telecom services the regulatory bodies “The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA)”, “Frequency Allocation Board (FAB) and “National Telecommunication Corporation (NTC)” were established.

The independent regulator (PTA) was established for the first time in the history of telecommunication field in Pakistan under the 1994 Ordinance. The Ordinance also caused the federal government to incorporate the “Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL)” under the company ordinance, 1984 which replaced the PTC. The Company was provided the exclusivity to provide the basic telephone services in Pakistan for a period of seven years.

The Ordinance of 1994 repealed The Telegraph Act, 1885 (XIII of 1885) and certain sections of Pakistan Telecommunication Corporation Act, 1991. The 1994 Ordinance was to face its constitutional death upon expiry of four month as declared in Article 89 of the Constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan 1973, therefore, before its constitutional expiry life was given to it afresh through another Presidential Ordinance No. LXXVII of 1994 dated 7th November 1994. This Presidential Legislation under Article 89 of the Constitution continued until the Ordinance was presented in the Parliament. The Presidential Ordinances are Ordinances Nos. (XXIII of 1995 dated 7th March, 1995), (LXIII of 1995 dated 5th July, 1995), (CIII of 1995 dated 30th October, 1995) and Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-Organization) Ordinance, 1995 (CXV of 1995) dated 27th November, 1995. (XXX of 1996 dated 7th March, 1996) and Ordinance No. LXXVII of 1996 dated 4th July, 1996. Every subsequent ordinance repealed the previous one. Finally the “Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-organization) Act, 1996 (XVII of 1996)” was passed on 17th October 1996.

Some of the salient features of the Act of 1996 are:

• Creation of Regulator
• Regulation of Telecommunication Industry and Services
• Transfer of telecommunication regime to private sector
• Powers of Federal Government to Issue Policy Directives
• Licensing
• Establishment of PTCL as Company under the Companies Ordinance, 1984
• Creation of National Telecommunication Corporation (NTC) to provide telecom services to armed forces, defence projects, federal government, provincial governments and local authorities etc.
• Formation of Frequency Allocation Board (FAB) with the responsibility of allotment and management of frequency spectrum. The FAB replaced the Pakistan Wireless Board established under “The Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933” and took over the function of the Wireless Board.
• Creation of Pakistan Telecommunication Employees Trust with the object of to take care of the interests of the employees of the Company.

Deregulation Policy 2003:

Section 8 of the Act of 1996 empowers the federal government to issue policy directives and PTA is under obligation to adhere and comply with the directives. Deregulation implies the removal of control of the government. It also implies the liberalization of the telecom market.

The exclusivity of Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) to provide basic telephone services under the Act of 1996 expired on 31st December 2002. In July 2003 the Government of Pakistan (GoP) announced “Deregulation Policy for the Telecommunication Sector”. The Policy sets out the following objectives :

• To increase service choice for customers of telecommunication services at competitive and affordable rates
• To promote infrastructure development, especially infrastructure that will increase teledensity and the spread of telecommunication services in all market segments.
• To increase private investment in private sector.
• To encourage local telecom manufacturing/service industry.
• Recognizing the challenge to incumbent, PTCL.
• Accelerate expansion of telecom infrastructure to extend services to un-served and under-served areas.
• Liberalize the telecommunication sector by encouraging fair competition amongst service provider.
• Maintain and effective well defined regulatory regime that is consistent with best international practice.
• Maintain consistency with Pakistan’s IT and Interconnect promotion policy of low prices for bandwidth to make internet access affordable.
• Safeguard Pakistan’s national and security interest.

Mobile Cellular Policy 2004:

GoP has announced it Cellular Policy. The policy objectives are:

• Promotion of efficient use of radio spectrum;
• Increased choice for customers of cellular mobile services at competitive and affordable price
• Private investment in the cellular mobile sector;
• Recognition of the rights and obligations of mobile cellular operators
• Fair competition amongst mobile and fixed line operators;
• An effective and well defined regulatory regime that is consistent with international best practices;

In pursuance and compliance of the Cellular Policy, the Regulator has issued licenses to the foreign companies.

Subordinate Legislations:

The Act of 1996 sets and provides the broad framework, principles, authority and functions of the Regulator etc. The Act is silent about how the various telecom services, tariffs, interconnection guidelines and disputes arising therefrom, role and responsibilities of incumbent, accounting standards, reporting and problems faced by the companies inter are to be regulated and controlled? To meet the various situations, to control and regulate the services offered by the telecom companies and to create the fair competition environment, the rules and regulations have been framed by the Government and the Regulator. The various Rules, Regulations and Guidelines are:

i. Telecommunication Rules 2000

The Rules have been framed under Section 57 of the Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-Organization) Act, 1996. The Rules provides for the procedure of licencing procedure, its duration, renewal, modification, transfer, assignment or transfer and termination. The Rules further provide the Interconnection procedure, basis terms and conditions of Interconnection Agreement, Procedure in case of failure to agree and arrive at Interconnection Agreement, Interconnection Charges, and dispute resolution mechanism. The Rules also narrates the quality of services, exchange of information between the two operators, Tariff etc.

ii. Access Promotion Contribution Rules 2004:

Means the contribution made by Long Distance International (LDI) operator/licencee to Local Loop (LL) operator/licencee or Universal Service Fund (USF) created and maintained by Federal Government. USF has been established for providing access to telecom services to people living in un-served, underserved, rural and remote areas etc.

iii. Card Payphone Service Regulations 2004:

These have been issued by PTA under Section 5 (2) (O) of the Act of 1996. The Regulations deal with terms and condition of the licence, its modification, renewal and termination, monitoring procedure, accounting & auditing, Inspection by PTA, responsibilities, assignment, complaint systems, code of commercial practices, relationship with customers by the payphone operators and with other operators etc.

iv. Interconnection Dispute Resolution Regulations 2004:

The Regulations provide the comprehensive procedure of dispute resolutions between the operators .

v. Other Regulations and Guidelines:

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority has framed and issued certain other regulations and guidelines. These are:

• Fixed Line Tariff Regulations 2004
• Vehicles Tracking Services Regulation 2004
• Burglar Alarm Services Regulations 2004
• Amateur Radio Services Regulations 2004
• Audio-tex Service Regulations 2004
• Non-voice Communication Network Service Regulations 2004
• Registration of Satellite Service Provider Regulations 2004
• Trunk Radio Services Regulations 2004
• Interconnection Guidelines 2004
• Access Promotion Regulation 2005
• Number Allocation and Administration Regulation 2005
• Mobile Number Portability Regulations 2005

Regulator:

Generally there are two types of Regulators, the first is called the “Economy Wide Competition Regulator” as the Monopoly Control Authority established under the Monopoly Control and Restrictive Trade Practices Ordinance, 1970; and the other one is called the “Industry Regulator” .

Although the Industry Regulator was established in the year 1994 with the Promulgation of the Telecommunication Ordinance, 1994 but the real objective behind the creation of such Regulator was the need of independent, technical, expert and legal body to cope with some key issues, besides others, such as change over of telecom sector from monopoly to competition, protection of the rights of the companies competing with incumbents and to provide safeguard the interest of the users of the telecommunication services.

An Ideal Regulator is expected to :

• Determine the size of the telecommunications market by providing licences for the purposes of delivering telecommunication services.
• To foster healthy relations between the different service providers by overseeing interconnection agreements so that service providers have equal access to the network provider by the dominant operator.
• To resolve disputes and maintain a level playing filed or regulate for fair competition so that the dominant operator does not abuse his or her dominance in the market place.
• To meet the policy goals so that consumers are protected against high prices, poor quality of services, inadequate infrastructure, limited services, unsafe equipment and neglect by the service provider.

• To address consumer complaints and solve them amicably.
• To ensure efficient use of frequency spectrum and space for the provision of information technology services.
• To encourage investment, innovation and optimum growth of the sector (or related sectors) and operators’ performance.
• To administer the numbering plan so that there are sufficient numbers available.
• To monitor compliance with national and international telecommunications equipment supplier and service providers.
• To monitor compliance with national and international telecommunications equipment suppliers and service providers.

PTA has all the traits of a good regulator and its primary functions, powers and responsibilities are:

To regulate the establishment, operation and maintenance of telecommunication systems and the provisions of telecommunication services; receive and dispose of application for the use of radio-frequency spectrum promote and protect the interest of the users of telecommunication; promote and available the high quality, efficient and cost effective telecommunication services; investigate and adjudicate on complaints; grant, renew, modify, transfer, monitor and enforce the telecom licences; regulate tariffs and prescribe telecommunication equipments; provide guidelines and determine the terms of interconnect arrangements .

In the larger context, we hope, that PTA shall keep up, adhere to, perform and enforce the telecom laws without any discrimination between the incumbents and the other telecom operators so that the healthy competitive environment could flourish and shall further keep herself abreast of the latest development, law and technology, in telecom sector.

The author has about 12 years of experience in various fields of law most particularly in banking, corporate and telecom. Besides handling other legal matters he is presently managing legal affairs of the largest Telecom Operator in Pakistan.
Email: mailto:naeemsheikh@lawyer.com naeemsheikh@lawyer.com

1. Why Do a Background Check?

Doing a background check is an opportunity for you to verify information. Whether you receive the information from a job candidate, a prospective tenant, someone applying for credit or anyone you feel you need to know more about. A background check can also reveal information that was either mistakenly or intentionally omitted.

Using background checks can help you verify degrees or certifications that were earned and provide specific information about employment history.

If you are an employer or landlord, background checks will help you to reduce your risk of lawsuits and help you to protect your assets.

2. What Types of Background Checks Are Available?

Here is a quick bullet list of some of the types of background checks available:

• Address history
• Social security number trace
• Federal criminal records
• Statewide criminal records
• County criminal records
• Instant criminal history
• Sexual offender registry
• Federal civil records
• County civil records
• Department of motor vehicles driver’s history
• License and certificate confirmations
• Education confirmation
• Prior employment confirmation
• Workers compensation records
• Drug testing
• Reference checks
• and many more…

3. How Much Do Background Checks Cost?

Background check costs can vary depending on the number of searches included in the screening requests. Simple checks can cost as little as $20.

By combining several searches into a single background check package, many companies can offer a better price per screening. Some background check companies can offer volume discounts to companies or individuals that order their services frequently.

Also, there is software that can be purchased to do your own background checks on the Internet.

4. How Long Does It Take to Complete a Background Check?

Most employee background checks can be completed in 48 to 72 hours. Most companies can complete address searches and credit reports, instantly.

Statewide and County criminal searches can be completed within 48 hours. Education and employment confirmations are usually done in 48 to 72 hours.

5. How Do I Receive the Background Check Information?

With most companies that do background checks, you can select the option that suits you best. The company can e-mail results directly to you. Results can also be faxed, viewed online or sent by regular mail.

6. What If There Is a Mistake on the Credit History Portion of a Background Check?

The applicant has specific rights outlined in the summary of rights, which must be provided to the subject of the background check. This is specified in the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). The applicant or the employer or whoever is making the request for the background check, should make an inquiry, and it will be investigated.

7. Should a Nationwide Criminal Background Check Be Requested?

An accurate nationwide criminal history check would be possible, but extremely expensive. It is misleading to advertise a “Nationwide Criminal Search” because it does not include all states and is done by searching databases, not the court system. Many of the courts do not participate in submitting their records to these databases. The records of these databases are frequently outdated. 3000 courts throughout the country would have to be searched, since there is no central repository available for criminal records to the private sector.

8. Can I Do a Background Check on a Minor?

Juvenile records are not available, but if the subject of the background check was tried as an adult, you may be able to find the records available in the courts.

9. Do I Need a “Release” Form from the Subject of the Background Check?

A signed release form should be obtained from any subject of a background check. Be sure to keep a copy of a signed release form for your own files. Also, be sure the subject of the background check receives a “Summary of Rights” (as required by the Fair Credit Reporting Act) with their copy of the signed release form.

10. When Is a Driver’s History Background Check Required?

If anyone is driving on behalf of your company or organization - even once - they’re driving history should be checked on a regular basis.

I hope these frequently asked questions were helpful.
I invite you to visit my website for more information.

The Best Always & Stay Safe,

~ Sue Edwards

This article is 1 of 3. To get all 3 articles in a FREE report visit:
backgroundcop.com

It may save your life!

Sue R. Edwards has a diverse background in: Banking, Taxi Driving, Auto Mechanics, Industrial Mechanics, Nuclear Power, Computer Repair and Law Enforcement. Sue is an active foreign currency trader and internet marketer with a career online working for herself!
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Divorce is an excruciating process. It hurts the sentiment and morale of everyone involved. Our Law Firms strive to make this process smoother and quicker. The creative attorneys at Our Law Firms believe more in a separation through mutual understanding rather then the Hostile divorces. Mediation or collaborative divorces are a growing way of resolving split-up issues. Collaborative ways are less adversarial and allows greater control and privacy to both parties. It also saves money, saves mental stress, and in most cases achieves outcomes comparable with adversarial methods. The mediated settlements are also encouraged by courts and such divorces often got approved quickly. Collaborative law approves to the process where both sides are represented by lawyers but obligate to negotiating a resolution and refraining from litigation. Comparatively harmonious approach such as collaborative divorce usually reduces the pain of divorce for all parties.

During the starting phase of this process both parties and their attorneys sign a partaking Agreement. This agreement requires:

• The exchange of complete financial information from both sides so that each party can compose right decisions
• To sustain total privacy during the settlement process, it helps both parties to feel free about expressing their requirements and worries,
• To attain written agreement on all disputes outside of the contested court proceedings,
• To authorize the attorneys the use of written agreement to obtain a final court order.

Collaborative law helps both parties to shield the children from the harm legal action can inflict. It helps all parties to preserve a respectful relationship between them after the separation process is over. This type of process keeps the self-esteem of both parties and is a very positive solution for entire family.

The process:

First, both of the parties meet up with their collaborative attorneys to talk about individual requests and apprehensions. Then, the parties and their lawyers meet in round-table meetings to reach a resolution without involving the court. All the issues including property distribution, child custody, and support are discussed in these conferences. Both parties got benefited from the expertise, recommendation, and support of attorneys while striving to work things out in a positive, future-oriented way.

When a resolution is achieved, attorneys file the suitable paperwork necessary for the court proceedings. No court appearances are required to get hold of a final divorce or separation announcement.

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Fort Worth is home to a number of hospitals and it is but natural that medical malpractice cases are filed day in and day out here. Fort Worth’s medical malpractice attorneys are found throughout Texas. Since laws may differ from state to state, it is always better to hire the services of legal professional who is well versed with the local laws. In this case lawyers based in Fort Worth are always better equipped to handle cases in Fort Worth.

Medical malpractice claims, in order to be won, need several things to be successfully proved. Legally speaking, the duty of a doctor or other health care provider is to provide you with care that is in keeping with professional standards. Doctors and hospitals are also guided by certain ethics. Whenever you want to win a medical malpractice claim, your attorney should be able to prove that the doctor did not meet the requisite ‘standard of care’. The standard of care is comprised of actions or measures considered reasonable and will vary depending on the type of health care professional. For instance it may be a different set of standards for a dentist than for a heart surgeon. It would be different in case of a highly specialized physician in a large community, and so on and so forth. You can also file suits to prove substandard service or negligence on the part of the physician or hospital.

With medical care getting increasingly sophisticated by the day, attorneys have to keep themselves abreast of the latest developments in the field. This is another important criterion, when you are hiring the services of an attorney to fight your case for medical malpractice. The first question that should be asked before hiring the services of an attorney is whether he or she specializes in handling medical malpractice cases. It is always better to go in for the services of a specialized attorney, since they have a better understanding of the field and the intricacies involved in fighting medical malpractice cases. They will also be able to guide you in a definitive manner. You can find out more about Fort Worth’s medical malpractice attorneys by reading through online articles. They are very informative and will be able to give you more than a fair idea on what you are dealing with. It is always better to know at least something about these laws before ‘talking the talk’ with your attorney.

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The three Maritime Laws that protect employees are “The Jones Act,” the “Death on the High Seas Act,” and the “Longshoreman and Harbor Worker’s Compensation Act.

The Maritime Jones Act was created to protect sailors, seamen (or women) or employees of an American ship or other vessel - such as an oil rig - who are injured at sea or while performing their duties.

The “Death on the High Seas Act” provides recourse for people who lost a family member on the seas, and the law includes anyone who was killed in a plane crash in open waters.

The Longshoreman and Harbor Workers Compensation Act is similar to the Maritime and Jones Act, but it also includes workers who are “land based” support personnel who are injured on the job.

Under the Jones Act, you have the right to be treated fairly, receive independent medical care and advice, be given enough time to fully recover from your injuries before going back to work, and receive appropriate payments during the time you’re recovering to help you pay your bills.

If you have been injured and you believe that you fall under the protection of the Maritime Jones Act, the first thing you should do is to seek the advice of an experienced “Maritime Attorney.” Get his or her advice before signing anything, making a statement or talking to your employer’s insurance company representatives. Most employers are honest and trustworthy, and their main concern is to see that you are all right, however, there are a few things that you should be aware of, to protect yourself until you find an experienced maritime act attorney:

1. Reporting the Injury: As soon as you’ve been injured, you need to report it to your supervisors. Do NOT give a recorded statement until you’ve talked to your Maritime Act attorney, and he or she is present. If your employer, his attorney or insurance representative asks you to give a recorded statement, simply tell them you’ll be happy to do so, once your attorney is present. Anything you say now could hurt you later on - especially if the person asking you questions is doing it in such a way that will protect your employer, not you.

2. Signing anything to get medical benefits or maintenance payments: Other than signing a release at the hospital or doctor’s office - that says you agree to allow them to take the steps they deem necessary to provide you with proper medical care, you are NOT required to sign any statements prepared by your employer or his representatives. Before signing anything else, talk to your own maritime act attorney to make sure that under all the “legal-eese” you’re not signing away any of your rights under the Jones Act.

3. Getting medical care: You are NOT required to only see or be under the care of “company” doctors. You have the right - and always should - pick doctors that you are comfortable with, who are competent to treat your injuries and that you’re comfortable with. Sadly, many “company affiliated” medical providers are under pressure to force you into going back to work before you’re ready, and there have been cases where necessary tests are not done (to avoid revealing the true extent of injuries), or where the providers′ statements and observations are written in such a way to support the employer’s case, not you and your injuries.

4. Receiving Medical Benefits and Maintenance Payments: Called “maintenance and cure” you are entitled to receive medical care and appropriate support payments to help you cover your living expenses until you are fully recovered for your injuries. The only exception to this is if you were injured while you were “off the job” or if you intentionally injured yourself. However, if you are told by your employer or his or her advisors that they are refusing to provide you with the benefits you’re entitled to because they have determined that you are at fault, or that your employer is not at fault, you are strongly advised to talk to an experienced “maritime act attorney″ and get legal advice as soon as possible.

5. Receiving further damages for pain and suffering: Under the law, you are entitled to receive medical benefits and maintenance support as previously mentioned. However, depending on the extent of your injuries and if it is proven that your employer was negligent or the vessel you were working was unseaworthy, then you may be entitled to receive further medical care beyond maximum medical “improvement”, a settlement to recover your lost wages - and even against future wages - and “pain and suffering and mental anguish” damages. Again, this is why you need to consult with an experienced “maritime act attorney″ who can give you competent legal advice about your rights.

In conclusion: If you are a sailor, a seaman or an employee who is injured on the job, you have the right to receive medical care, maintenance payments to help you pay your bills, and time to recover from your injuries. Don’t let anyone try to tell you otherwise. Never sign any legal documents given to you by a representative of your employer until you’ve had your own attorney go over them first.

It’s in your best interests to find an attorney who is experienced with maritime law and who you feel is competent and will have your best interests at heart. Most attorneys will give you a free consultation with no strings attached, so use that first interview to ask questions about his or her background, experience and working procedures. Make sure that you receive all the help and protection that you’re allowed under the Maritime and Jones Act laws.

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Criminal defense careers offer several exciting and rewarding positions in both public and private sectors. Employment options in any legal organization would depend upon the size of the firm, specialization, and expertise. Criminal defense lawyer or attorney can specialize in areas such as DUI, DWI, disorderly conduct, kidnapping, domestic violence, weapon crimes, felonies, murder, parole violations, arrest warrants, bail hearings, or summonses. However, a great deal of trial experience is required for any criminal defense lawyer. Most of the criminal defense lawyers work for prosecutor?s or public defender?s office.

The attorneys can specialize in white collar criminal defense. Most of the large law firms consist of a white-collar criminal defense division. They can also work as solo practitioners. White collar criminal defense lawyers provide legal representation for corporate clients against regulatory boards such as the Securities and Exchange Commission or against the corporate crime division of the U.S. attorney′s office. Besides crime issues, they can also specialize in embezzlement, price-fixing, fraud, bribery, and racketeering. White collar criminal defense attorneys charge relatively higher than that of large-scale civil litigation attorneys.

The lawyers can also specialize in appellate law. Appellate attorneys can work in both private and government organizations. They spend most of their time in appellate research, presentation of oral arguments, and in the preparation of records and briefs. A wide range of appellate caseload is available in both state and federal courts. State appellate criminal defense attorneys can earn a government salary. Private lawyers engaged in appellate cases can earn a huge amount as salary. Most appellate attorneys will have either prior trial experience or clerking experience for a judge.

e-CriminalDefense.com Criminal Defense provides detailed information on Criminal Defense, Criminal Defense Attorneys, White Collar Criminal Defense, Criminal Defense Law and more. Criminal Defense is affiliated with e-sandiegoduilawyers.com San Diego Dui Laws.

Identity theft is a worldwide problem that continues to widen its scope every passing month. Billions of dollars are lost every year to criminals who obtain and reuse confidential consumer information to their advantage and to your peril. You can prevent identity theft by following several simple tips as suggested by law enforcement and consumer rights experts. Read on and I’ll inform you of the ways that you can lessen your risk of becoming a victim of identity theft.

In the US, identity theft typically begins with the accessing of your social security number by a third party. This party has no right to your number, but they manage to get through a variety of means. These means can include via the internet, through a phone conversation, paper found in the trash, even voluntarily by you as you share that information with a party you think should know that number.

In most cases, no one needs to know your social security number. Certain government agencies and your employer, but beyond that this information should not be shared unless, of course, you apply for credit.

Your social security number alone is usually not enough to cause a problem. Sharing your phone number, home address, the correct spelling of your name, your mother’s maiden name, can all increase the likelihood that you will be scammed.

Most cases of identity theft are thought to occur online. However, this is simply not true. Most cases rear up through a phone conversation or via paperwork you threw out instead of shredding. On the internet identity theft can occur when consumers shop via sites that are unsecured or if they answer fake email from someone they think is a legitimate company representative.

In all cases, never give your confidential information out to anyone. The IRS will not contact you via email as they know scammers will attempt to use intimidation to get you to give up important information about yourself. When in doubt, simply don’t. Why put yourself in a precarious position?

Finally, order your free copies of your annual report from the three credit reporting bureaus as least once per year. If identity theft is occurring, you will find that information out via the unauthorized opening of accounts in your name. These accounts will show up on your credit report where you can dispute them, have them closed, and have your identity restored before things get totally out of hand.

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NSF/NFD (nephrogenic systemic fibrosis or nephrogenic fibrosing dermopathy) is a painful and debilitating condition which involves hardening of the skin and can cause damage to internal organs. It is caused by the use of gadolinium, used in MRI’s and MRA’s, in patients with kidney disease.

NSF/NFD was first discovered in 1997. So far it appears that only people with kidney disease develop the condition. It is rare, but very difficult to treat, and can be very painful, debilitating, and sometimes fatal. It is also preventable.

Gadolinium is a contrast agent used in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). A contrast agent is a dye which is injected into your body to enhance the images. Iodine-based contrast agents are known to cause acute renal failure. Gadolinium is supposed to be much safer, but in patients with kidney disease, it appears to be causing NSF/NFD.

NSF/NFD Symptoms
NSF/NFD can take days or week to develop. If the condition progresses rapidly, it can be fatal.

Symptoms include:
· Tightening and swelling of the skin, usually in the extremities, sometimes in the trunk of the body
· Thickening of the skin around the joints, restricting movement
· Red patches on the skin
· Skin which feels “woody” with texture similar to that of an orange peel
· Burning, itching, and/or sharp pains in affected areas
· Calcification of soft tissues
· Symmetrical skin lesions, commonly on the ankles and thighs and between the wrists and upper arms
· Muscle weakness
· Deep bone pain in the hips and ribs
· Yellow plaques near the eyes
· Fluctuating hypertension preceding the appearance of skin legions

Why Gadolinium contributes to

Representing yourself in any type of legal matter without the benefit of legal counsel is referred to as acting “Pro Se”. Pro Se (pronounced ‘pro say’) literally means “on one’s own behalf” — you choose to act on your own without hiring an attorney.

Legal self representation applies to more than just court proceedings; actions like creating a Last Will and Testament, filing a Deed, handling your own Divorce or filing for Bankruptcy all fall under the pro se category, provided you complete the legal forms and file the paperwork without the advice or representation of a lawyer.

WHAT TYPE OF PEOPLE REPRESENT THEMSELVES?

A variety of legal organizations and bar associations have conducted studies of self-represented litigants, and these studies show that a wide variety of individuals rely upon themselves for handling their legal issues:

• Persons with lower than average incomes are more likely to represent themselves.

• A significant portion of self-represented individuals report they could have afforded to hire an attorney to represent them, but that they chose not to do so.

• Some studies show that those who represent themselves are far more likely to be satisfied with the legal process than those who are represented by attorneys.

• Three quarters of those who represented themselves in court said they would do it again before they hired an attorney.

WHY DO PEOPLE CHOOSE TO REPRESENT THEMSELVES?

Likewise, the reasons that people offer for representing themselves in legal matters are as many as they are varied:

• Lawyers are too expensive

• Many feel that lawyers do not deliver quality services, fail to return telephone calls, and treat their clients in an unfriendly or unprofessional manner

• For many, their cases or situations are simple enough to handle themselves or involve simple legal document preparation and filing

• People know their own situation best and believe that they are in the best position to address any issues that may face

• People want to be in control of their own lives, circumstances and situations

IS REPRESENTING YOURSELF LEGAL — OR WISE?

In every state in the United States, individuals are permitted to represent themselves inside the courtroom and/or to handle their own legal issues without the assistance of a lawyer. (This does not mean, however, that non-lawyers can act for or on behalf of any other person or even represent a corporation or limited liability company that they own; to do this, one must be a licensed attorney.)

Lawyers often suggest that one is “foolish″ for representing one’s self, whether in court or for transactional or other legal matters. However, those armed with the correct information and technology — including the appropriate legal forms and legal documents — as well as the desire to address their own legal issues can achieve the same results themselves as they would with a lawyer. Of equal importance, those persons can save themselves hundreds — if not thousands — of dollars in the process.

WHAT TOOLS EXIST TO HELP A PERSON SELF-REPRESENT?

Whether the self-help individual is looking to transfer real property, file for a divorce, loan money, sell property or set up a business, the use of accurate and up-to-date legal forms and documentation is essential. In many cases, individuals seeking the assistance of an attorney could achieve the very same result by obtaining, completing and filing/recording with the appropriate court or government entity the necessary valid and binding legal forms.

Most common legal matters involve the use of some kind of standardized legal form. For years, courts and attorneys have created these standardized forms and the use of these forms has been ongoing, often without any changes in the form or document for substantial periods of time. The use of the forms by individuals who are not lawyers does not, in any way, make these forms any less valid or binding. As long as the form or document utilizes the legal “magic words” and complies with the governmental regulations with regard to content and usage, the document is effective — even when completed and filed by a non-lawyer.

Of equal importance to the legal forms themselves are the instructions to complete the forms correctly. Many times, a person may be able to find a generic legal form from a government agency or court website, but typically those documents will not provide any type of instructions or overviews to help a person complete and file them. So unless the person has a keen understanding of the law and its processes — including any state-specific requirements that are usually not spelled out on the form — the blank documents from a government or court website will be unmanageable for the average person.

So how can the average person gain access to the types of legal forms needed for common issues like Bankruptcy, Wills, Divorce, etc. with the proper instructions included? A number of the most common “do it yourself legal forms” are available in downloadable software format from companies like StandardLegal.com” target=”_blank Standard Legal and others, at a price significantly less than the cost of hiring an attorney.

WHEN SHOULD YOU CONSULT AN ATTORNEY?

No one can argue that there are times when it may be necessary — or at the very least highly advisable — to consult a qualified attorney to handle a legal matter. Especially difficult for pro se cases are those with intensive litigation and court proceedings. For many, representing one’s self in a personal injury and medical malpractice case may be ill advised. Complex business transactions or matters involving the IRS may call for the advice of an attorney. Likewise, if any individual has questions concerning the proper procedure for any legal matter or transaction, is unsure the steps that must be followed to achieve a specific legal goal, or has any difficulty in understanding or completing legal forms, then those persons should seek the advice of an attorney.

Self representation makes sense at times, but let common sense prevail! Don’t let anger, stubbornness or “penny pinching” cloud your judgement when important legal matters can have long term effects.

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Standard Legal offers affordable solutions to common legal issues, including do-it-yourself legal forms software, legal document preparation services, and attorney find services.

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