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The Cochran Firm Legal Blog
With Office Locations Nationwide
Saturday, May 31, 2014
What is a Hostile Work Environment?
The traditional conception of sexual harassment
is simple and easily spotted: an official in a position of power makes an
unwanted sexual advance at a less powerful employee and makes clear that the
employee's success at the workplace will be determined by his or her willingness
to do what the official wishes.
That form of sexual harassment exists and it is utterly
unacceptable. However, The Cochran Firm's employment lawyers
understand that sexual harassment can take other forms, one of which is the
hostile work environment.
Hostile work environment claims are more about company
culture than specific threats or advances. A hostile work environment is one in
which employees are made to feel uncomfortable and sexualized as a result of
organizational norms of behavior.
Examples of ways in which a hostile work environment can be
created include:
- Frequent crude or sexual jokes
- The posting of sexually explicit cartoons in offices, cubicles or common areas
- An atmosphere of pervasive disrespect in a sexualized manner
Because there's no one instigating incident in most hostile
work environment claims, a successful suit requires a skilled employment lawyer
with experience in demonstrating the difficulty of work environments.
The Cochran Firm offers precisely this experience. We know
how to craft a compelling case.
If you've been the victim of sexual harassment and need an
experienced employment lawyer, please contact The Cochran
Firm today for a free consultation.
posted by Admin at 12:16 PM
Tuesday, May 27, 2014
Can I Still Sue If I Wasn't Wearing a Helmet?
One of the questions The Cochran Firm's injury lawyers hear a lot is, "I was
in a motorcycle accident and it was the other driver's fault. But I wasn't
wearing a helmet. Can I still pursue a legal claim?"
The answer to this will depend on the particular
circumstances of your state, your accident and the resulting injuries. Motorcycle
accident laws vary by state, as do helmet laws. Fortunately, the lawyers at
The Cochran Firm branch near you will have a full knowledge of relevant state
and local laws.
The general answer is that failure to wear a helmet while on
a motorcycle will affect the compensation you can pursue, but will not
completely disqualify you from filing a claim.
The other party in the accident will be able to argue that
you are at least partially responsible for some injuries suffered without the
aid of a helmet. This can be a compelling argument in the case of a brain injury, for
example.
However, if you've suffered a broken leg, it will be
difficult to claim that your lack of a helmet was at fault for that injury.
The important takeaway here is that you should speak with
our injury lawyers as soon as possible after your accident. We'll be able to
evaluate your case and explain how your helmet (or lack thereof) will affect
your claim.
If you've been hurt in a motorcycle accident and need an
experienced injury lawyer, Please contact The Cochran
Firm today for a free consultation.
posted by Admin at 12:13 PM
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
Defective Signals Causing Train Accidents
Train accidents
almost always result in devastating, catastrophic injuries. Drivers and
pedestrians rely upon warning signs and signals to avoid these accidents.
That's why The Cochran Firm's accident lawyers are so passionate about pursuing
justice for those who suffered a train accident as a result of a defective sign
or signal.
A railroad crossing should be clearly and explicitly labeled
with prominent signs, most of which include flashing lights. Most railroad
crossings also have gates on either side of the tracks that slide down when a
train is coming.
When one of these elements is missing, either as a result of
a mechanical failure with the gates or lights or as a result of improper
design, innocent drivers can cross the tracks with no warning of an oncoming
train.
The resulting collision is often fatal.
The Cochran Firm's accident lawyers have decades of
experience handling train accidents with these causes. We've helped people hurt
by train collisions, and we've pursued wrongful death
claims on behalf of the families of those killed by these accidents.
If you or a family member has been hurt in a train accident,
you should speak to our accident lawyers immediately. Please contact The Cochran
Firm today for a free consultation.
posted by Admin at 12:09 PM
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
Widow Suing Porsche Over Deaths in Paul Walker Crash
The widow of Roger Rodas, who was killed in the accident
that also claimed the life of actor Paul Walker, is suing Porsche, claiming
that the car Rodas and Walker were in suffered from defective mechanics.
Mr. Rodas and Mr. Walker were in a Porsche Carrera GT in
November, 2013 when the vehicle left the road, hit a tree and exploded in
flames, killing both men. Mr. Rodas' widow claims that the car lacked a proper
"crash cage" and "racing fuel cell."
It would be a mistake to pre-judge the merits of this or any
other case. However, The Cochran Firm's defective
products attorneys have seen how poorly designed or manufactured vehicles
and vehicle parts can cost the lives of innocent victims.
While all defective products are dangerous, defective vehicles
present unique dangers. Those dangers are even more paramount when the vehicle
in question is a high-speed, high-performance automobile that is marketed as
such.
The deaths of Messrs. Rodas
and Walker were tragedies. We hope the courts find the truth and help
the families receive justice, in whatever form is appropriate.
posted by Admin at 12:06 PM