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Freak Texas Accidents Can Cause A Brain Injury

Brain Injury

Many kinds of accidents that injure individuals are so common that it may seem straightforward to determine who should have liability for a person’s injuries. Some situations are so far outside of a typical person’s experience that they demand special knowledge and skill to explore them and determine what happened, and who should be held responsible. The propeller accident causing a brain injury that happened in late 2011 to a fashion blogger in Texas is just such an occurrence.

While the details of the case were not fully revealed in one recent report, safety around planes and airstrips is not an arena most people know well. As a result, it might be difficult for the average person to know whether proper safety protocols were followed. Additionally, it is likely that only a person with specialized experience would know whether the circumstances surrounding an unusual accident were appropriate.

The person in this unusual accident who was struck by a plane’s rotating propeller suffered many serious injuries, including an extensive brain injury and the loss of one of her hands. Where the injuries are so serious and related treatment is so costly, it is important that the right parties be held responsible in the case. The injured person’s recovery has been described as painstaking a year after the accident itself.

In addition to the knowledge necessary to determine the safety standards in the case, there may be additional issues and requirements within the environment. The airport itself likely has specific responsibilities. Any staff involved in flying the plane or directing the passengers was likely also have very specific responsibilities. There may be many factors in a case where unusual circumstances lead to a brain injury like this one in Texas and it is important for an injured person to be well informed so he or she may look out for his or her own interests.

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Texas Estate Planning

Real Estate

Your last will and testament is the most fundamentally important document you can have in place prior to your death. A will allows you to clearly define how you want your property distributed when you pass away. If you die without a will, formally referred to as dying intestate, your property will be distributed to family members according to Texas statute. Wills are also frequently used to name guardians for your children, and for other considerations.

The preparation of a will is an important first step in estate planning and ensuring that your wishes are known so your assets pass to the people of your choosing. I have helped countless clients draft sound, well-considered wills ranging from general distributions to named beneficiaries to very specific distributions of assets.

Making Your Wishes Known

I understand how overwhelming it can be when you first start thinking about preparing a will. I will take the time to learn about your family background, your beneficiaries, the property that will need to be distributed, your goals and your concerns. I will walk you through the entire process and work with you to draft a will that makes your wishes known.

I also represent clients in will contests. I pride myself on drafting wills that limit the possibility of challenges. There is always the possibility, however, that a family member or other party may seek to challenge a will. If you are the executor of the estate and need legal representation, I will present the strongest possible case on your behalf.

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Frisco Property Division

Property Division

Property division can be one of the most contentious areas of a divorce proceeding. Texas is a community property state, which means that, with few exceptions, all property and debts acquired during the marriage are considered to be shared equally by both spouses. Property acquired by gift or inheritance and most personal injury awards, as well as property and debts held by either spouse prior to the marriage, are considered separate property.

Texas Asset Division Attorney

In many cases, one of the biggest challenges is trying to determine what is community property and what is separate property. There are times when one spouse used separate property funds to pay for home improvements or the other spouse’s education. This is called commingling and can be very difficult to sort out. Once community and separate property have been identified, the next step is to value and distribute the community property.

Seeking a Fair Settlement on Your Behalf

At the Vern D. Richards Law Office in Frisco, I work diligently to see that my clients receive the best property division settlement available. As a community property state, Texas Law seeks to divide property in a fair and just manner, which is not necessarily 50/50. When you hire me as your lawyer, I will take the time to understand your goals and do everything I can to reach them. If there is a dispute over community or separate property, I will present the strongest possible argument to obtain a favorable result for you.

I have access to valuation experts who can help to ensure that the correct value is assigned to each asset and work to reach a property division agreement that works for everyone. It is important for spouses to reach agreement in these matters whenever possible. If they don’t, a judge may eventually divide the property for you. It is always better for couples to reach some sort of agreement than to leave it all in the hands of the judge.

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