Lomurro, Munson, Comer, Brown & Schottland, LLCLomurro, Munson, Comer, Brown & Schottland, LLC2024-03-11T16:09:41Zhttps://www.lomurrolaw.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1303543/2021/08/cropped-favicon-32x32.pngOn Behalf of Lomurro, Munson, Comer, Brown & Schottland, LLChttps://www.lomurrolaw.com/?p=515472023-06-28T14:54:24Z2023-06-28T06:41:12ZSigns that indicate hidden assets
A sudden decrease in marital income, especially when a spouse owns a business, might suggest that they are hiding assets. If they start excluding their spouse from financial decisions or become overly secretive about financial matters, it could be a red flag.
Another indicator is lifestyle changes. If a spouse's lifestyle does not match the income they report, it might indicate they are hiding assets. For example, they might be reporting a lower income but continue to make significant purchases or travel extensively.
Strategies to uncover hidden assets
Documents and records play a crucial role in discovering hidden assets. Tax returns, bank statements, business records and other financial documents can uncover discrepancies or unusual financial activity.
New Jersey courts allow discovery processes, including depositions and interrogatories, to gather information from the other spouse. A spouse can ask specific questions about the other spouse's finances, and they must answer truthfully under oath.
Sometimes hidden assets may be overseas. Uncovering these requires an understanding of international banking laws and foreign property rights.
The role of New Jersey's equitable distribution law
New Jersey follows the equitable distribution law for the division of marital assets. It doesn't necessarily mean an equal split, but a fair one based on various factors like each spouse's income, the duration of the marriage and the standard of living during the marriage.
To ensure a fair split, it's crucial to disclose all assets. The court can penalize a spouse found hiding assets by awarding a more significant share of the remaining marital assets to the other spouse.
The detection of hidden assets ensures a fair division of property. Someone who is in the process of divorce should keep a careful eye out for potential signs and continue to be honest in their proceedings.]]>On Behalf of Lomurro, Munson, Comer, Brown & Schottland, LLChttps://www.lomurrolaw.com/?p=515452023-06-01T08:34:49Z2023-06-06T08:33:59Zexplains some reasons why some trust creators select co-trustees to administer a trust.
Fill in expertise gaps
You may want someone trustworthy to oversee your trust, such as a relative. However, your family member might not be good at keeping records or making investments. Depending on the needs of your trust, you could name specific people with the education and experience you need to carry out your trust.
In addition, a single trustee may not have enough time to carry out all the trust duties. Selecting one or more individuals could reduce the burden on a single trustee.
Split trustee duties
By choosing multiple trustees, you can assign specific powers to each individual. One trustee may have bookkeeping duties. Another can invest the trust money. A third could take charge of dispensing payments to beneficiaries.
Your trust document should describe the duties of each trustee. Additionally, your document could lay out a method for one or more trustees to remove a trustee that fails to fulfill his or her assigned duties.
Possible drawbacks to having co-trustees
A system of co-trustees may not work for everyone. It is important for all the trustees to work together. Discord among your co-trustees could cause delays in carrying out your trust wishes. It may even lead to litigation between the trustees.
When considering trustee candidates, think about their temperaments and ability to cooperate. It could prevent problems down the road.]]>On Behalf of Lomurro, Munson, Comer, Brown & Schottland, LLChttps://www.lomurrolaw.com/?p=515442023-05-23T08:19:35Z2023-05-26T08:19:09ZUnderstanding the process of review
When a medical professional receives a DWI charge, the New Jersey State Board of Medical Examiners becomes involved. This organization is responsible for ensuring the public's health, safety and welfare by licensing qualified individuals and sanctioning those who do not meet the standards.
The board reviews the details of the case and makes a decision based on several factors. These include the severity of the offense, the individual's history and whether the offense has any connection to the practice of medicine.
First time offense considerations
For a first-time DWI offense, the board will likely consider it a personal issue unless there is a direct impact on the professional's medical practice. For instance, if the offense occurred while the individual was on duty or driving a patient, the board could view it as more serious.
The board may also consider the level of intoxication at the time of the offense. A high blood alcohol level or the presence of controlled substances could result in more severe consequences.
Potential consequences
While it is not common for a first-time DWI offense to result in the loss of a medical license, there can still be consequences. The board may require the individual to undergo a professional conduct review, counseling or substance abuse treatment.
In some cases, the board may issue a reprimand or probation. It is also possible that the medical professional could lose their hospital privileges.
Moving forward after a DWI offense
In the aftermath of a DWI charge, it is important for medical professionals to understand their rights and the potential consequences. They should be proactive in addressing the issue, whether that means seeking treatment, making changes to their personal behavior or engaging in community service.
While a first-time DWI offense is unlikely to result in the loss of a medical license, it should serve as a wake-up call. Medical professionals must uphold a high standard of conduct, both in their personal lives and in their practice, to maintain the trust of their patients and the public.]]>On Behalf of Lomurro, Munson, Comer, Brown & Schottland, LLChttps://www.lomurrolaw.com/?p=515432023-05-19T04:48:48Z2023-05-24T04:48:15ZDuty of care and restaurant responsibility
Restaurants bear the duty of care to ensure the safety of their patrons. They are responsible for maintaining a safe environment and taking reasonable precautions to prevent accidents. This includes properly training waitstaff on handling hot plates and ensuring that plates are not scalding when served.
If a server fails to exercise caution and negligence leads to a patron sustaining a burn, the responsibility for the injury may fall on the restaurant. The restaurant's standard of care extends to its employees, ensuring they receive adequate training and supervision to prevent accidents.
Server's individual responsibility
While accidents can happen, restaurants and patrons expect servers to exercise a reasonable level of care when handling hot plates. This includes using appropriate serving techniques, such as utilizing oven mitts or towels, to minimize the risk of burns.
If a server's negligence, such as mishandling a hot plate or failing to warn the customer about the temperature, directly results in a patron sustaining a burn, the server may be individually responsible for the injury. However, it is important to note that individual server responsibility does not absolve the restaurant of its duty of care.
The specifics of each case will vary, and liability may depend on the circumstances of the incident and the level of negligence involved. Understanding personal injury laws for your state can help determine the appropriate course of action in seeking compensation for the injury.]]>On Behalf of Lomurro, Munson, Comer, Brown & Schottland, LLChttps://www.lomurrolaw.com/?p=515372023-05-04T04:06:06Z2023-05-09T04:05:05Z1. Coma
Extended loss of consciousness has the potential to be extremely expensive. It depends on the extent of the underlying injuries, but many coma patients need advanced equipment just to stay alive. Inpatient care is also common.
2. Burns
Severe burns are often an element of truck accident injury cases. This tends to happen when people are either trapped inside their vehicles or when they come into contact with heated metal from nearby fires as they attempt to exit the wreck. Burns are notoriously painful and often require therapy after treatment.
3. Lost limbs or scarring
Sometimes the damage to an extremity is so severe that amputation becomes necessary. There is a range of quality across prosthetics, therapy and even surgery that might make it unnecessary to amputate in the first place. A settlement that truly makes the person whole might seem to be an astronomical song, but, in reality, would be the true cost of a full recovery from such a catastrophic injury.
Insurance companies tend to have a very good idea of the potential cost of a given injury. To their advantage, they might include lower-cost cases in their statistical models — even when calculating the initial settlement for a severe injury. Such purportedly accurate lowball offers could put a person's very life in danger.]]>On Behalf of Lomurro, Munson, Comer, Brown & Schottland, LLChttps://www.lomurrolaw.com/?p=515292023-04-19T05:54:22Z2023-04-24T07:52:31ZFinancial ramifications for the delinquent parent
When a parent falls behind on child support payments, they can face significant financial consequences. These consequences often begin with the accumulation of interest on the unpaid amount, increasing the overall debt over time. Additionally, the government may use various enforcement methods to collect unpaid child support, such as:
Wage garnishment: A portion of the delinquent parent's wages can be withheld and directed toward the child support debt.
Tax refund interception: The government can seize federal and state tax refunds to cover the outstanding child support.
Property liens: The government can place liens on real estate, personal property or vehicles, which prevents the delinquent parent from selling or transferring the assets until they satisfy the debt.
These financial consequences can make it difficult for the delinquent parent to regain financial stability and may negatively impact their credit score.
Emotional and relational impact on the child and family
Not paying child support can also have emotional and relational consequences for both the child and the family. When a parent neglects their financial responsibilities, it can create additional stress and tension between the parents, making co-parenting more challenging.
Children may also experience emotional turmoil, feeling abandoned or uncared for by the delinquent parent. This emotional stress can harm the child's mental and emotional development, potentially leading to long-term issues in their relationships and self-esteem.
Failing to pay child support can have far-reaching negative effects on both the delinquent parent and the child. It is crucial for parents to prioritize their child support obligations and take necessary measures to avoid these detrimental outcomes.]]>On Behalf of Lomurro, Munson, Comer, Brown & Schottland, LLChttps://www.lomurrolaw.com/?p=515342023-04-19T12:19:08Z2023-04-23T09:30:24Z1. The accident report
As close as possible to the time of an accident, a reliable person usually fills out an accident report. This might seem like an authoritative document, especially with everything else that is happening at a typical crash scene.
Depending too much on an accident report would show an incomplete picture of the events. Luckily, there is often other evidence available.
2. Physical evidence at the scene
Photographs, videos and other types of evidence could support arguments against defendants in a personal injury case. For example, a skid mark on the pavement might indicate the speed, braking location and trajectory of a vehicle. Pictures of roads or vehicles might indicate unacceptable levels of disrepair that contributed to the accident.
3. Computer recordings
Although it is not common knowledge, many commercial and passenger vehicles now have computerized crash recorders similar to the familiar aircraft technology. These black boxes record large amounts of data that can often contribute to an understanding of what caused a collision.
It is typically important to collect all possible information as quickly as possible after a collision, especially one that involves severe injuries and commercial trucks. This prevents evidence loss from weathering, scene contamination or intentional tampering.]]>On Behalf of Lomurro, Munson, Comer, Brown & Schottland, LLChttps://www.lomurrolaw.com/?p=515332023-04-19T13:36:48Z2023-04-19T12:09:30ZRecognized for peer rating and achievement
Owned by information company Thomson Reuters, Super Lawyers is a service for that rates attorneys for members of the general public who need counsel. To gain a coveted spot on the list of Super Lawyers, one must receive positive recognition from peer attorneys as well as earn a high level of professional achievement. Mr. Yngstrom’s inclusion is a testament to his skill, as fewer than 2.5% of attorneys in New Jersey are selected to the list of Super Lawyers Rising Stars.
More about Erik Yngstrom
After graduating from Monmouth University in 2007, Mr. Yngstrom attended the Thomas R. Kline School of Law at Duquesne University, earning his juris doctorate in 2011. He holds licenses to practice in both New York and New Jersey.
He now heads the Workers’ Compensation Department for Lomurro, Munson, Comer, Brown & Schottland, LLC. Mr. Yngstrom is board-certified in workers’ compensation law by the Supreme Court of New Jersey – a rare distinction that fewer than 2% of attorneys in New Jersey hold. In addition, he belongs to several professional associations, including:
The Monmouth Bar Association (co-chair of the Young Lawyers’ Committee)
The New Jersey Advisory Council on Safety and Health
The New Jersey Association of Justice
We feel honored to count Erik Yngstrom as a colleague and friend. Please join us in congratulating him for his selection as a Super Lawyers Rising Star of 2023.]]>On Behalf of Lomurro, Munson, Comer, Brown & Schottland, LLChttps://www.lomurrolaw.com/?p=515322023-04-19T12:06:40Z2023-04-19T12:06:40Z1. Slip and falls
Hot tubs and their surrounding surfaces are notoriously slippery, which can lead to severe head trauma and drowning. Consider installing additional accessories, such as handlebars and grip treads, to promote safety.
2. Bacterial infections
Due to the water's warm temperature, hot tubs can become a breeding ground for dangerous bacteria. For this reason, it is imperative to keep the tub's chlorine and pH levels balanced.
3. Suction entrapment
Hot tub pumps create powerful suction to filter the tub's water, but this suction action can cause significant injury and even death. Hair, limbs, jewelry and clothes can become trapped in the drain pipes. Disembowelment is also possible if someone sits on a drain. While both children and adults can succumb to the filter's vacuum action, children are especially vulnerable. You can take preventive measures to minimize hot tub entrapment injury risks. Frequently inspect all drain covers to ensure they are intact, advise occupants to stay clear of drains and keep the emergency shutoff accessible.
4. Burns
Water that is too hot can cause painful burns, especially for those with sensitive skin. The CDC recommends keeping hot tub water at or below 104 degrees Fahrenheit.
Proper maintenance, safety accessory additions and clear instructions can reduce the injury risks associated with hot tub use.]]>On Behalf of Lomurro, Munson, Comer, Brown & Schottland, LLChttps://www.lomurrolaw.com/?p=515282023-03-27T02:33:37Z2023-03-31T02:33:20ZWhat causes spinal myelopathy?
According to Penn Medicine, spinal myelopathy happens when bones, disks or ligaments impinge on the spinal cord as it passes through the neck or back. The condition can have a few different causes, though. For older adults, normal degradation of the spinal column is often to blame. Still, trauma is a leading cause of spinal myelopathy, so you can develop it after a slip-and-fall accident or motor vehicle crash.
How do doctors diagnose spinal myelopathy?
If you suspect you might have spinal myelopathy, you should visit the emergency room immediately. When you arrive, you can expect doctors to order an MRI. This diagnostic tool gives physicians a complete look at your spinal cord. If something has compressed it, doctors can easily locate the compression and formulate a treatment plan.
What is a person's prognosis?
Your prognosis is likely to depend on your age and overall health. The location and extent of your injury also might factor into your ability to make a complete recovery. Nevertheless, doctors have many options for treating spinal myelopathy, including surgery and rehabilitation.
Ultimately, though, because early diagnosis and treatment can be critical, you should not wait to seek medical attention for spinal myelopathy.]]>