Questions answered by Stephen Laurence Hoffman

Archived

If the City of Chicago police department caused my uninsured vehicle to be totaled, can I sue them and if so, how?

Stephen's answer | Answered on July 23, 2014

This is a virtually impossible case to win, because police and municipalities, while in pursuit of their duties, are immune from negligence. High...

Archived

How much and how soon could I expect for a settlement?

Stephen's answer | Answered on July 23, 2014

Workers' compensation cases depend on many factors, such as age, job description, injury, treatment, restrictions, wage rate, and impairment...

Archived

Car accident yesterday with my 2 children in the car. Other driver at fault, needed to know if I have a case as far as damages.

Stephen's answer | Answered on July 23, 2014

If you and your children were not injured, it appears you are solely concerned about property damage. PD damages for total losses are fair market...

Archived

How do judges decide between differing versions of a situation ?

Stephen's answer | Answered on July 23, 2014

Judges look at everything to determine credibility. This is the building block of our civil justice system--allowing the trier of fact to assess...

Archived

My settlement contract was approved on 07/03/2014. How low does the IC have to send my check since they have closed my claim

Stephen's answer | Answered on July 23, 2014

It takes time to get the approved contracts to the insurer and for them to cut the check. If you have a lawyer, check goes to him and is payable...

Archived

My plumber asked permission to park his truck in my fenced back yard at my rehab house. I thought he was coming to work and

Stephen's answer | Answered on July 23, 2014

Sue him for breach of contract. You will want to talk to a lawyer regarding this and other remedies.

Archived

Does the Husband-Wife privilege apply when neither spouse is a party to the suit?

Stephen's answer | Answered on July 23, 2014

I agree with my colleagues Expect to lose any med mal case without a lawyer. Expect the privilege to be challenged. Get yourself a...

Archived

I am considering small claims court for work done/poorly. Do I name both the general contractor as well as the sub contractor?

Stephen's answer | Answered on July 23, 2014

You name everyone and anyone who might be at all involved, in either doing the work, being on a contract, or supplying materials. Your goal is to...

Archived

Hi, I hit a car and it is my fault. How can I negotiate with the other person's insurance company?

Stephen's answer | Answered on July 22, 2014

You really can't negotiate when you have no cards to play. You can either hire a lawyer to challenge your carrier or pay the other carrier.

Archived

Do i have a malpractice suet

Stephen's answer | Answered on July 22, 2014

Impossible to say from this tiny snippet of facts. Nicking the bowel or other internal organs can often be a risk assumed of surgical...

Stephen Laurence Hoffman's Answers (18880)

If the City of Chicago police department caused my uninsured vehicle to be totaled, can I sue them and if so, how?

How much and how soon could I expect for a settlement?

Car accident yesterday with my 2 children in the car. Other driver at fault, needed to know if I have a case as far as damages.

How do judges decide between differing versions of a situation ?

My settlement contract was approved on 07/03/2014. How low does the IC have to send my check since they have closed my claim

My plumber asked permission to park his truck in my fenced back yard at my rehab house. I thought he was coming to work and

Does the Husband-Wife privilege apply when neither spouse is a party to the suit?

I am considering small claims court for work done/poorly. Do I name both the general contractor as well as the sub contractor?

Hi, I hit a car and it is my fault. How can I negotiate with the other person's insurance company?

Do i have a malpractice suet