LAW in the WILD

When you are injured due to the careless actions of another person, or a negligent business owner, there are a number of different types of damages you might be able to recover for.  From pain and suffering to the loss of a normal life.  In this episode, we explore the different types of damages plaintiffs can recover when they file a civil lawsuit for damages.  Charles Schierer is the managing partner at the law firm of Schierer & Ritchie, LLC in East Peoria, Illinois.   Go to www.srtriallawyers.com for more information.  

Attorney Charles Schierer sets out the basics for you to have an overview of the probate process.  Probate is the process in which a decedent's will is administered in court and the person's property is inventoried, valued and distributed.  Charles Schierer is the managing partner at the law firm of Schierer & Ritchie, LLC in East Peoria, Illinois.   Go to www.srtriallawyers.com for more information.  

Attorney Charles Schierer provides a broad overview of what a person can expect when they are pursuing a civil claim (typically money damages) but do not wish to file a lawsuit.  In other words, they try to settle pre-suit.  Many claims are handled this way.  Often those are vehicular accidents.  Attorney Schierer takes the listener through the various steps.  Charles Schierer is the managing partner at the law firm of Schierer & Ritchie, LLC in East Peoria, Illinois.   Go to www.srtriallawyers.com for more information.  

Attorney Charles Schierer discusses when man's best friend becomes a criminal defendant, of sorts.  What is a person to do when a dog attacks them and causes them injuries.  Attorney Schierer explores the legal rights and some defenses that the dog's owners have.  Charles Schierer is the managing partner at the law firm of Schierer & Ritchie, LLC in East Peoria, Illinois.   Go to www.srtriallawyers.com for more information.  

Attorney Charles Schierer takes you through the lifecycle of a criminal matter.  Starting with the arrest, this episode explores the various steps a criminal matter takes, all the way to a trial, sentencing and an appeal.  In this episode, Attorney Schierer touches on the basic timeline every criminal defendant endures on the journey through the American criminal justice system.  Charles Schierer is the managing partner at the law firm of Schierer & Ritchie, LLC in East Peoria, Illinois.   Go to www.srtriallawyers.com for more information.  

Attorney Charles Schierer breaks down the legal difference between assault (the threat or apprehension of harm) and battery (the completed physical contact). Using an easy-to-understand example in a pub or a workplace scenario, he explains intent, immediacy, and when contact is accidental versus intentional.  The episode also covers aggravated assaults and batteries—how weapons, serious injury, protected victims, public settings, or hate-motivated acts raise the severity and penalties.  Charles Schierer is the managing partner at the law firm of Schierer & Ritchie, LLC in East Peoria, Illinois.   Go to www.srtriallawyers.com for more information.  

In this first of many upcoming explanations of famous American cases, Attorney Charles Schierer briefly discusses Brandenburg v. Ohio (1969) and explains the very narrow incitement-to-violence exception to the First Amendment.  In this important episode, Attorney Schierer touches on the three-part Brandenburg test: (1) speech that encourages lawless action, (2) intent to cause such action, and (3) imminence of resulting violence. The episode emphasizes why free speech protections are broad, why exceptions must remain narrow, and how robust and peaceful public debate allows society to resolve disagreements without resorting to violence. Charles Schierer is the managing partner at the law firm of Schierer & Ritchie, LLC in East Peoria, Illinois.   Go to www.srtriallawyers.com for more information.  

Have you received a subpoena to have your deposition taken in a legal matter?  Attorney Charles Schierer offers some very helpful tips for first timers, or if you have not provided a deposition in some time.  Attorney Schierer explains what a deposition is, why the deposition is so important, and how your testimony might fit in the discovery and settlement process.  Learn concise, practical tips for giving effective testimony: listen fully, answer only what’s asked, avoid speculation, stay professional with all lawyers, and maintain a consistent, calm demeanor to strengthen your credibility.  Charles Schierer is the managing partner at the law firm of Schierer & Ritchie, LLC in East Peoria, Illinois.   Go to www.srtriallawyers.com for more information.  

Attorney Charles Schierer has helped injured victims for many years.  One helpful tip he has offered accident victims is to keep a daily journal of their recovery.  Why?  Because only the accident victim knows their recovery journey.  They experience the pain and suffering alone.  Sure, they have the support of their family and treatment team, but only they feel the pain and suffering.  That is personal.  When it comes time to settle their claim, having a daily journal to refresh your memory is the best way to prepare for a deposition or for trial testimony so you are able to accurately recount the history of your pain and suffering.  You can also record the events you missed as a result of your injury.  For example, when the broken ankle kept you from horseback riding or walking your daughter down the aisle at her wedding, you want to be able to memorialize the events and feelings that surrounded these additional loses.  It's so easy to do.  Simply use your cell phone to record your daily note.  This will be invaluable to your lawyers for documenting non-economic losses like pain, lost activities, and sleep disruption. Recording day-to-day struggles lets your legal team clearly present the full scope of damages to insurers or a jury and can increase leverage for a fair settlement.  Charles Schierer is the managing partner at the law firm of Schierer & Ritchie, LLC in East Peoria, Illinois.   Go to www.srtriallawyers.com for more information.  

Attorney Charles Schierer offers a simple explanation between the legal definition of actual possession (items on your person or in your immediate control) and constructive possession (items you control but are not physically holding), showing how both concepts can be applied in criminal and civil matters.  Through practical examples—backpacks at music festivals, firearms in cars or a person's home safe, Attorney Schierer explains how courts assess control, dominion, knowledge, and intent, all when making a legal determination of possession.  Charles Schierer is the managing partner at the law firm of Schierer & Ritchie, LLC in East Peoria, Illinois.   Go to www.srtriallawyers.com for more information.