We all work hard, and one of the reasons we do is so that we can afford to buy the things that we want and need. When we purchase those things, we have certain expectations. Beyond the most basic idea that we will get enjoyment or benefit from the things that we buy, we also assume that they are safe. In the United States, manufacturers, designers, and everybody else involved in bringing products to market are expected to make sure that they are safe and that they will not harm us if we use them correctly. That is called a duty of care. When the products that we buy do not achieve that standard and instead cause us harm, they are legally considered to be defective, and consumers who have suffered damages as a result are able to file a defective product lawsuit against them. There have been a number of successful defective product lawsuits filed in the last few years. Here are the most common defective products, from the South Jersey product liability lawyers at Wallace Law.

The products that are most frequently the subject of product liability lawsuits include medications, automobiles and their parts, household appliances and children’s products. The things that make a product defective generally fall into one of three different categories:

• they are defectively designed
• they are defectively manufactured
• there have been inadequate warnings provided about how to use them safely

Defectively designed products are those that are inherently dangerous, even if the manufacturer has produced them correctly. Examples of a product with an inherently dangerous design include vehicles that flip too easily or explode upon impact or an infant toy that is small enough that a child could easily swallow it.

Defectively manufactured products have a flaw that is related to how it was fabricated. This can include an auto part that has a crack in it or which wears out easily, a medication that has been contaminated and can make people sick, or a food item that was exposed to harmful bacteria during the time that it was processed or packaged.

Inadequate warnings or failure to warn involve items that would not be harmful if used properly or if people had been provided with appropriate warnings about precautions that they need to take, but no such warnings are provided. Examples could include a medication manufacturer not warning about mixing the medication with alcohol or not driving while taking it, or a cleanser or chemical that did not warn about wearing protective eyewear or gloves while using it.

When a person has been harmed by a defective product, the South Jersey product liability attorneys at Wallace Law can help. We can file a defective product lawsuit seeking compensation for medical expenses for injuries that you have suffered, lost wages if you have missed any work, and any pain and suffering that you have endured. Contact us today for more information or to set up an appointment.

Some car accidents are minor incidents that result in a scraped door, a lost side view mirror, perhaps a dented fender. When you have been in this type of accident, you can generally address it yourself with a quick call to your insurance company. But if you have been injured in a car accident, things can get more complicated. Your concerns go beyond getting your vehicle fixed because you also need help getting hospital bills paid or to make up wages you’ve lost as a result of your injury. Though you may be able to handle things for a minor accident, if you have been injured in a car accident in South Jersey then it’s probably a good idea to enlist the help of an experienced South Jersey car accident lawyer like the attorneys at Wallace Law. Here are some of the signs that a lawyer should be involved to help with your case.

• You believe that the other driver was negligent and that the accident was their fault, but they are denying responsibility. When this happens it is essential that you have a knowledgeable attorney acting as your legal representative. An experienced South Jersey car accident lawyer has extensive resources to help investigate the cause of your accident and to provide evidence on your behalf to prove that you were a victim.
• Your medical bills and lost wages are significant. If you were injured in an accident and your medical treatment cost you thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket expenses, or if you lost substantial wages as a result of having to miss work because of medical treatment or pain, then a car accident lawyer will be able to help you get the compensation you need for those damages.
• The accident caused you significant pain and suffering that has had a long-term impact on your life. Some car accident injuries are truly life-changing. If you have suffered an injury that has caused you pain and suffering or which has impeded on the quality of your life, a compassionate South Jersey car accident lawyer will represent your interests and make the person responsible for your injury legally responsible for your loss.
• The insurance company is offering you a settlement that is far less than you believe that you deserve. Though insurance company representatives may act friendly and concerned, it is important to remember that they represent a company that is in business to make money – not to help you. The best way to ensure that a settlement offer is fair is to consult with an experienced attorney.

At Wallace Law, we have a long record of providing our clients who have been involved in car accidents with competent, confident representation designed to get them the compensation that they deserve. If you have been injured in a car accident in South Jersey, contact us today to set up a free consultation to discuss your case.

There’s nothing that gives you that pit in your stomach feeling like seeing a police car’s lights flashing behind you. But if you get stopped and you know you’ve been drinking, then that feeling is exponentially worse. The state of New Jersey has some of the country’s toughest laws on driving under the influence, so if you get stopped by a South Jersey cop and you don’t know who to call, a DWI lawyer should be high on your list. The experienced lawyers at Wallace Law have a record of successfully defending clients accused of driving under the influence, and we can help you too.

If you’ve been charged with driving under the influence, your first instinct may be to call a family friend who is an attorney. Though calling on somebody that you are familiar with may offer a certain level of comfort, doing so may work against you in the end. Just as you would go to a cardiologist if you were having a heart attack or an orthopedist for a broken bone, you need to make sure that the attorney that represents you on a DWI charge has extensive experience and knowledge of the New Jersey laws regarding driving while intoxicated.  Choose a DWI lawyer who has the resources and background that will mean they understand how to interpret and argue against field sobriety testing and question the legality of sobriety checkpoints. Your attorney needs to know all the ins and outs that are specific to DWI charges, as it is often this type of detail that can mean that the charges against you will be thrown out or you will be better able to fight your case.

It is important to remember that in the state of New Jersey there are no plea bargains offered in DWI cases. Despite this, it is possible to have the charges against you reduced or dismissed based on problems with the arrest or the equipment or testing that was done. By the same token, there are aggravating factors that can be used against you in a DWI case that can mean that your punishment could be increased if you are found guilty. These factors include refusing to provide a chemical breath test, having a child in the car, or driving within 1,000 feet of a school building. It is essential that you choose an attorney who is familiar with all of these elements so that you will not be faced with any surprises, and who will be prepared to argue on your behalf.

The dedicated attorneys at Wallace Law understand the impact that DWI conviction can have on your life. We will aggressively pursue all possibilities to get the charges against you dismissed or reduced so that you can put your DWI case behind you. Call us today to set up an appointment.

The weather can have a significant impact on our day-to-day activities and quality of life. There is nothing that can lift your spirits and make you glad to be alive like walking outside and finding that it is a beautiful day. It is equally true that a cloudy, cold, grey day can make you feel like getting back under the covers. Though it would be nice to be able to structure our activities based on whether it’s nice outside or not, that isn’t the way that life and its responsibilities work, and we are often forced to venture out in inclement weather. Unfortunately, sometimes going out in the rain or wintery weather is more than just a bother. In some cases, bad weather can lead to dangerous conditions for those who are walking or driving around, and this can cause premises accidents. Though many people who are injured on other peoples’ property tend to blame themselves, or think that circumstances were beyond control, that is not always the case. Understanding whether or not you are responsible is the first step in knowing whether you have a right to file a lawsuit when you have been injured in a premises accident, and the attorneys at Wallace Law can help.

Though we all certainly need to pay attention when we are out and about during bad weather, owners and managers of the properties that we visit are also expected to act in a way that shows a level of care and responsibility for those who enter their premises. This means that their parking lots and sidewalks need to be kept clear of ice and snow in a reasonable amount of time, and their floors need to be kept dry in order to prevent visitors from suffering slip and fall accidents. These accidents often result in minor bumps and bruises as well as serious injuries such as fractures, concussions, and paralysis. If this has happened to you or someone you love, then you should make an appointment to discuss what happened with an experienced personal injury lawyer. They will listen carefully and advise you as to whether the property owner acted responsibly and reasonably, or whether your accident was a result of negligence or carelessness on their part. Bad weather may not always be a good enough excuse to alleviate their liability for your medical expenses, lost wages and other damages.

The attorneys at Wallace Law are experienced and compassionate personal injury lawyers who will ask all the right questions and give you the answers that you need to be able to determine whether you are eligible to file a lawsuit when you’ve been hurt in a premises accident. If you are, then we will be able to help you file a claim to get reimbursed for the pain and suffering you’ve experienced, as well as to pay for your doctor’s bills and more. Call us today.

The Important Steps You Can Take to Receive Compensation for an Injury from A Defective Product

If you have been injured by a product that was either defective or dangerous, you have a right to file a product liability lawsuit against the manufacturer, designer, and others that have been involved in bringing the product to market. This type of lawsuit is specifically designed to provide those who have been harmed by negligence with a way to seek and receive compensation for the damages that they have suffered. These damages can include their medical expenses, lost wages, loss of quality of life or ability, and more. Knowing your rights and what to do if you have been victimized in this way is essential, because if you let too much time go by or don’t follow the correct procedures, you can end up forfeiting your ability to get the justice you deserve. The knowledgeable and experienced attorneys at Wallace Law have successfully represented many clients in product liability lawsuits, and can help you with the important steps you can take to receive compensation for an injury from a defective product.

Compensation for an injury from a defective product can take many forms, but generally include the following:

• Lost wages – If you were force to miss work or are unable to return to work, your lawsuit should seek reimbursement for wages that you did not and otherwise would have received. This can include time that you had to take off in order to go to a doctor’s appointment or diagnostic test. It also can include the loss of wages caused by any change in your ability to do your job as a result of the injury.
• Medical expenses – It is important to track these expenses from the very first treatment or examination that you undergo. Medical expenses should be reimbursed for all bills previously paid, currently waiting to be paid, or that can be reasonably anticipated in the future as a result of the injury.
• Emotional distress/pain and suffering – Compensation for the pain, trauma, or loss that you have suffered is an intangible, but an experienced attorney will be able to help a judge or jury quantify and provide reimbursement for suffering.

Depending upon what type of product you have been harmed by and whether your injuries were specific to you or happened to a number of people, you may be entitled to file a claim as part of a class action lawsuit. It is important to note that there are time limits for filing a defective product liability claim. This is called a statute of limitations, and it is different in each state. If the statute of limitations is allowed to expire without you taking action, you will be left with no legal recourse.

An experienced defective product attorney from Wallace Law will give you the information that you need regarding when and how to file a product liability lawsuit, as well as a general idea of what you can anticipate in terms of compensation. Call us today to set up an appointment.

The weather at this time of year is beautiful, and idea for outdoor activities. Cycling is one of the most popular and rewarding ways to enjoy the great outdoors, but it needs to be done with attention to safety. Many cyclists are under the mistaken impression that they only need to concentrate on pedaling, and that motorists will watch out for their safety: this is a dangerous misconception that can lead to serious accidents and injuries. The more you know about bicycle safety and follow the rules, the better off you will be. If you or someone you love has been injured in a bicycle accident and you believe that it was a result of negligence on the part of a driver or another cyclist, the attorneys at Wallace Law can help you get the compensation you need to help pay for your medical expenses and recovery.

There are a number of important bicycle safety tips that can help you stay safe on the roads and to avoid serious accidents. Safety experts are quick to remind cyclists that bicycles are not exempt from traffic rules: they are vehicles in the same way that automobiles are, and must obey traffic signals. Cyclists should always wear helmets, as when a collision or fall occurs, they do not have the same protections that those in an automobile, bus, or other vehicle have. The most important things for a cyclist to remember include:

• Obey traffic laws
• Do not carry a passenger unless your bike is built for more than one person
• Do not ride your bike on a road that has a speed limit of more than 50 miles per hour
• Ride as close to the right side of the road as practical and safe unless you are turning left, on a one-way street, are passing another vehicle, pedestrian or hazard
• Use the bike lane if one is available
• Do not hold on to a vehicle on the roadway
• Do not carry anything that keeps you from keeping both hands on the handlebars or that impedes your vision
• Do not wear a headset or earphones
• Wear a helmet
• Make sure your bike is equipped with a lamp and a reflector
• Use your bell
• Make sure that your bike is in good working condition – especially your brakes

Bicycle riders need to be aware of safety rules and traffic rules: they have the same responsibilities as automobile drivers. They also have the same rights as automobile drivers, and if they are injured as a result of another person’s negligence then they have the right to file a lawsuit for compensation for the damages that they suffer. The attorneys at Wallace Law are experienced, compassionate and knowledgeable advocates for those who have been injured by another’s negligence. Contact us if you need legal information or representation.

Selling your home can be a stressful experience. Not only do you have to deal with getting the house ready to be shown to strangers and packing up your belongings, but there are also the various stressors involved in the sales process itself. Working with an experienced realtor can be an enormous help, and can make the entire process much smoother, but when it comes time for contracts and the actual sales transaction, there are many good reasons for consulting with an experienced real estate attorney. The attorneys at Wallace Law know that though the process may seem simple and straightforward, there are a lot of ways that a lawyer can help when you are selling your home. Contact our office for more information.

Though you may be focused on finding a seller, getting your asking price and moving into your new house, it is important to remember that buying and selling a home is a legal transaction that requires close attention to the details. It starts with signing a contract with a real estate agent, and then when a buyer is found it quickly moves to the stage where you need a contract of sale. Each of these processes can be stress-free, but they can also go wrong in a variety of ways, and there are a number of steps in between that can introduce challenges as well. Having a real estate attorney review your contracts and help you navigate the complexities can help keep you from problems in the future.

There are a number of problems that can come up in the course of selling your home. The standard forms that you sign with your realtor may not necessarily work for your specific situation, and you may need to introduce amended terms into the contract. An attorney can protect you from clauses that work against you, such has having to pay a commission if the sale does not happen. Some realtor contracts may require you to pay commissions to both the buyer’s realtor and the seller’s, and a lawyer can help you negotiate those terms, as well as others that might work against you. Similarly, when it comes to the contract for the sale of your house, the boilerplate terminology that your realtor uses may not address some of your particular needs.

In addition to serving as your representative and advocate with regards to the sales contracts and transaction, a real estate attorney will also be invaluable when it comes to providing you with information regarding the impact that selling your home will have on your taxes, and of what information and documentation you may need when tax season comes. They can provide assistance with your mortgage application, conduct a title search, and represent you at the closing to make sure that your interests are being legally represented. If you are getting ready to buy or sell a home, contact the attorneys at Wallace Law to learn more about the many benefits we can provide to you during the process.

If you’ve been driving without the benefit of an insurance policy, you may have thought it no big deal or a victimless crime. But the state views this issue as a serious offense, and those who are convicted face surprisingly harsh penalties. New Jersey requires that every car that is registered in the state, or that spends the majority of its time garaged or kept in the state has liability insurance coverage: when a car without this type of insurance is taken out onto a public road or highway, it is considered a violation. The state also expects that if you are driving a car, you will know whether it is insured or not, or you should know, and that if it is not insured that you as driver can also be held responsible. If you have been charged with this offense, it is essential that you put yourself into the hands of an experienced New Jersey attorney who can provide you with a competent offense against these charges – otherwise you may have to pay extensive fines and other penalties. The attorneys at Wallace Law can help.

The state takes a harsh approach to both first time repeat offenders. If you are charged with a first-time violation, you may be faced with a fine of at least $300, and you may be required to perform at least $1,000 worth of community service. There is also a s$250 surcharge imposed by the Division of Motor Vehicles that you will be required to pay for three years and your license may be suspended for a year. Additionally, you will have to pay court costs and fees.

Second time offenders are treated even more harshly. The fine climbs to $5,000 and carries a mandatory jail sentence of 14 days as well as 30 days of community service. Your driver’s license will be suspended for two years, and will not automatically be reinstated at the end of that time period: instead you have to directly apply to the Director of the DMV.

Though the consequences of driving without proper insurance are very serious, there are a number of defense strategies that can be used to minimize the impact or have the charges thrown out. In some cases, the attorneys at Wallace Law have successfully argued against a conviction by providing proof that there was some kind of mix-up or mistake on the part of the insurance company and that the driver believed the car to be insured. In some cases we can show that the driver was not the car’s owner and carried their own insurance, or that the vehicle was not actually registered or principally garaged in the state. When you contact Wallace Law to represent you against charges of driving without insurance, we will determine which defense will work best for you and aggressively pursue it so that you can avoid the state of New Jersey’s severe penalties. Call us today to set up an appointment to discuss your case.

When you climb on board public transit, whether it’s a bus, train, subway, or other form of transportation provided for the public, you probably don’t give much thought to who’s running the system. You also don’t think about your own safety. You just consider it a convenience that you rely on, and perhaps you grumble about it running late, or being too crowded, or needing to be updated. The truth is that you shouldn’t need to worry about safety – the agencies that run public transit are held to a higher standard of safety because they are responsible for carrying passengers, and that means that they are expected to exercise the highest degree of care to ensure that nobody gets hurt. When accidents do happen and you are injured on public transit, it is important that you do the right thing to ensure that you get the compensation that you deserve for the injuries you’ve suffered. The attorneys at Wallace Law can help.

There are important differences between being injured on public transit and being injured by an accident involving a private citizen, and because of those differences there are special procedures and processes that you need to follow in order to make sure that you get compensated. Here are 5 steps you need to follow:

1. If at all possible, gather names and contact information from your fellow passengers or any witnesses to the accident at the scene of the accident. Make sure to take photographs so that you can refresh your memory and use them as proof of what you saw.
2. Do not answer any questions about your injuries or make any statements to anybody from the bus company. Refer them to your personal injury attorney. Statements that may seem innocent can be used against you to disprove your injury claim.
3. Make sure that you are working with an experienced personal injury attorney who has extensive experience in representing those who have been injured on public transit.
4. Seek medical attention as soon as possible. Even if you think that you’re okay, many injuries that are not apparent to you may show up in ways that are evident to healthcare professionals. Plus, it is important to have medical records and receipts for care you received.
5. Document everything, and make sure that you know about the deadlines for filing claims. Your attorney can help you make sure that you have submitted all claims in time to get you the compensation that you deserve.

Filing a personal injury claim against a public transit agency will provide you with compensation for any medical bills that you had to pay as a result of your injuries. It also can provide you with money to make up for days that you lost from work, as well as any pain and suffering you may have suffered. The attorneys at Wallace Law have a record of successfully representing those who have been injured on public transit, and we can help you as well. Call us today to set up a free consultation.

In the state of New Jersey, if you have been arrested for a shoplifting claim it means that you are at risk for jail time, having to pay fines, and having to make restitution to the retailer from whom you are accused of stealing. By definition, a charge of shoplifting means that the accused person has either taken merchandise or concealed it, changed it or removed price tags in a way that deprives the merchant of the ability to sell it and the money that they are owed for the item. If you are found to have concealed an item, changed the tags or transferred it into another container you can be accused of shoplifting, even if you never walked out of the store. The penalty for shoplifting is often determined by the value of the item that was involved, with the lowest penalty and classification assigned to those who are accused of shoplifting merchandise worth less than $200 and charges and penalties moving up incrementally as the value of the goods increases. If you have been arrested for a shoplifting claim you can be charged both criminally and civilly – the merchant can sue you for the value of the merchandise that you take if it is not recovered in its original condition, plus damages for the costs of having you arrested. These penalties and fees can add up quickly – that is why you need the assistance of an experienced New Jersey criminal defense attorney who can provide you with a vigorous, aggressive defense. The lawyers at Wallace Law can help.

There are five steps to take if you have been arrested for a shoplifting claim, and knowing them at the time you are charged will dramatically aid your chances of being cleared of charges. They are:

1. Do not run away from store security. In most cases, the first accusation of shoplifting does not come from the police, but from an employee of the store or the store’s internal security. If you have been confronted, do not run away. They are not allowed to detain you because they are not law enforcement, and you will be able to make a charge of illegal detainment in court if they do. But if you run it will definitely make you look guilty.
2. Do not say anything to the police. Once you are in police custody, anything that you say can be used against you to prove your guilt. That means that you shouldn’t apologize, offer an explanation, or try to minimize what happened. Simply say that you want to speak to an attorney.
3. Get yourself an experienced criminal defense attorney.
4. If the item that you are accused of stealing was not left in the custody of the store, and it is in your possession, try to pay for it or return it. In many cases if a retailer ends up getting their property back it is not worth it for them to spend the time involved in pursuing a lawsuit.
5. Make sure that you listen to everything that your attorney recommends and show up in court on the day that you are supposed to. Otherwise the judge will issue a bench warrant and you will be in even more trouble.

At Wallace Law, we have a long and successful record of helping our clients avoid jail time and fees when they are facing a shoplifting claim. Contact us as soon as possible if a shoplifting claim has been filed against you.