A young lady asked Gaydos Law, P.C. to represent her in a slip and fall accident that occurred in a Big Box Store parking lot. After a rain shower, our client slid on painted lines that were covered with oily residue. She broke her ankle in the fall and suffered RSD (reflex sympathetic dystrophy).
We investigated the matter and found that the parking lot was not maintained consistent with the Big Box Store’s maintenance handbook. We had the paint used on the lines analyzed and found that it lacked the friction additives that prevented the lines from being slippery when wet. We also utilized satellite photography with images of the parking area where the fall occurred to show the large areas of oil staining in the parking lot that built up because of the lack of maintenance.
Gaydos Law, P.C. was able to settle this case for $500,000.00. Prior to our involvement, the offer to settle was $2,500.00.
Let us review your case, call Gaydos Law, P.C. at 412-678-7900 or fill out our case form.
GUARDIANSHIPS
Importance of Competent Estate Plan Documents
Recently, our team was confronted with a situation where the named-agent of a general durable power of attorney was denied by the bank, and unable to serve on behalf of her mother, because the law firm that prepared the estate planning documents failed to comply with the requirements of Pennsylvania’s Probate, Estates and Fiduciaries Code. While a properly prepared power of attorney would have allowed for the coordination of treatment and care when it was needed the most, our client’s mother no longer had the capacity or ability to execute new documents. As is often the case, the value of a competently drafted estate plan cannot be overstated when guardianship becomes the only available remedy.
In this instance, the petitioner and proposed guardian was an out-of-state individual who nonetheless maintained regular contacts with her mother in Pennsylvania. Although the court is hesitant to appoint a guardian who resides outside the Commonwealth, we collaborated closely with court-appointed counsel and the next of kin to find a solution where the needs and best interests of the ward were front and center. Additionally, based upon our client’s compelling testimony regarding her efforts to aid in her mother’s finances for several years, the court agreed to waive the requirement for posting a surety bond.
We recognize that every matter is different and prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes in future cases.
Less than stellar credit-worthiness of a proposed guardian
When the need for guardianship arises, the loved one who may be most willing and best-suited to serve the ward’s interests will not always have the financial history or credit-worthiness necessary for posting a bond with the court. These cases often demand innovative solutions to complicated issues, and our attorneys have the knowledge and experience to negotiate outside the box guardianship orders that protect the interests of all necessary parties.
In one recent case, we were able to satisfy the court that a proposed guardian, previously a bankruptcy debtor, had demonstrated the financial stability necessary to become limited guardian of the estate such that she could access monthly income for the ward’s best interests.
We recognize that every matter is different and prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes in future cases.
Importance of Competent Estate Plan Documents
Recently, our team was confronted with a situation where the named-agent of a general durable power of attorney was denied by the bank, and unable to serve on behalf of her mother, because the law firm that prepared the estate planning documents failed to comply with the requirements of Pennsylvania’s Probate, Estates and Fiduciaries Code. While a properly prepared power of attorney would have allowed for the coordination of treatment and care when it was needed the most, our client’s mother no longer had the capacity or ability to execute new documents. As is often the case, the value of a competently drafted estate plan cannot be overstated when guardianship becomes the only available remedy.
In this instance, the petitioner and proposed guardian was an out-of-state individual who nonetheless maintained regular contacts with her mother in Pennsylvania. Although the court is hesitant to appoint a guardian who resides outside the Commonwealth, we collaborated closely with court-appointed counsel and the next of kin to find a solution where the needs and best interests of the ward were front and center. Additionally, based upon our client’s compelling testimony regarding her efforts to aid in her mother’s finances for several years, the court agreed to waive the requirement for posting a surety bond.
We recognize that every matter is different and prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes in future cases.
Less than stellar credit-worthiness of a proposed guardian
When the need for guardianship arises, the loved one who may be most willing and best-suited to serve the ward’s interests will not always have the financial history or credit-worthiness necessary for posting a bond with the court. These cases often demand innovative solutions to complicated issues, and our attorneys have the knowledge and experience to negotiate outside the box guardianship orders that protect the interests of all necessary parties.
In one recent case, we were able to satisfy the court that a proposed guardian, previously a bankruptcy debtor, had demonstrated the financial stability necessary to become limited guardian of the estate such that she could access monthly income for the ward’s best interests.
We recognize that every matter is different and prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes in future cases.