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Francis J. Collins's Answers

Francis J. Collins
Baltimore Personal Injury Lawyer.
Contributor Level 8

2

Attorney answers:

  1. Robert L Mauro
  2. Francis J. Collins

Is this a violation of my civil rights?

Asked by a user in Baltimore, MD - 18 days ago.

Answered in a vacuum of facts, I think you might have a violation of your constitutional rights. However, practicalities may prevail. Suing the county for this violation would be costly. Unless you are wealthy and want to do this as a matter of principle, you are not going to obtain a satisfactory remedy.

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Attorney answers:

  1. Francis J. Collins

Small Claims... Who do I sue to get my car back?

Asked by a user in Gaithersburg, MD - over 2 years ago.

Under state law, you're entitled to a written estimate for all repairs costing more than $50 and you can't be charged more than 10% over the written estimate without your consent. If the mechanic finds that the repair will cost more than 10% than the estimate, or that additional repairs are needed, the shop must contact you to get your authorization. http://www.oag.state.md.us/consumer/edge77.htm I strongly urge citizens to use the small claims court -- at least once. Doing so will...

2

Attorney answers:

  1. Francis J. Collins
  2. Donald Solomon Nathan

I was in a car accident and from the dents in my car you can tell it was the other drivers fault. should i sue?

Asked by a user in Baltimore, MD - over 2 years ago.

If you were injured, it certainly would be worth contacting an attorney. On the other hand, if there is only property damage (dents to your car, for example), you should probably handle this through your own insurer. If you don't have comprehensive or collision coverage on your vehicle, you may have to bring a claim for the cost of the repairs. Obviously, if that cost is not very high in legal terms (even if it seems high to you), it probably won't be worth hiring an attorney. On the other...

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Attorney answers:

  1. Francis J. Collins

What can i do if i was hurt during a work related injury and afterwards upon my return i was harrased by management

Asked by a user in Baltimore, MD - over 2 years ago.

You should immediately bring this to the attention of your workers' compensation lawyer if you have one. If your injury involves any significant treatment you should have an attorney. It is illegal in Maryland to terminate an employee "solely for having filed a workers compensation claim." Unfortunately, Maryland courts read that phrase narrowly and it is legal to fire you for two reasons, only one of which relates to your workers compensation claim. If you intend on pursuing this,...

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Attorney answers:

  1. Francis J. Collins

How do I know if my employer taking advantage of me?

Asked by a user in Rockville, MD - over 2 years ago.

The Fair Labor Standards Act prohibits an employer from failing to pay for hours worked. Therefore, based on the facts that you provide, the answer will depend on whether you are working more than 40 hours a week because of these breaks and whether your are an hourly employee. Maryland has a wage and hour division in the Dept. of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (DLLR). If this problem pertains only to you, it will be difficult to find a lawyer because the amount at stake would be small....

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Attorney answers:

  1. Francis J. Collins

Slander in work place?

Asked by a user in Bethesda, MD - over 2 years ago.

Slander or libel, a.k.a. defamation, is very fact specific. You must look at the context to determine if any particular statement is actionable. That being said, there are published cases addressing many comments that are probably similar to what was said about you. Generally speaking, in Maryland, a statement that someone is "depressed", without more, would not likely be defamatory. Defamation involves a statement that holds you up to public ridicule and is not clearly an opinion. Calling...

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Attorney answers:

  1. Francis J. Collins

Is ex-employer liable for me loosing my livelihood?

Asked by a user in Silver Spring, MD - over 2 years ago.

It sounds like you were working for one of Maryland's many "beltway bandits" in a defense industry job. Assuming that is correct, you would have to look at any contractual arrangement you had with your past employer. If your former employer did not guarantee that it would keep your clearance up to date after your termination, I seriously doubt you have a claim. As you probably know, you have certain due process rights with the government regarding security clearances. It sounds like...

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Attorney answers:

  1. Francis J. Collins

Can I sue my boss for labor abuse?

Asked by a user in Gaithersburg, MD - over 2 years ago.

If you believe you are the victim of pregnancy discrimination you may have a claim. However, you would need to prove that you are being treated badly BECAUSE of your pregnancy. A boss has the right to be a bad boss, as long as she is not doing so for illegal reasons such as your pregnancy or gender. You also need to consider how much you are being paid. If you could replace this job with another your best bet is to vote with your feet. A discrimination case is a long, expensive and...

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Attorney answers:

  1. Francis J. Collins

Can I sue my Surgeon

Asked by a user in Washington, DC - over 3 years ago.

It is very unlikely that your case would be economically viable. Although you should not have been treated this way, your economic damages would not justify bringing a malpractice case. F.J. Collins

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Attorney answers:

  1. Francis J. Collins

Can my former employer sue me for slander when I resigned and told the doctor that worked with us the reason ( cut in pay)?

Asked by a user in Corapeake, NC - over 2 years ago.

You did nothing wrong. F.J. Collins