Ponce Law

Consumer and Industrial Products Can Be Dangerous

At Ponce Law, our Nashville defective product lawyers focus plenty of time and attention handling cases where innocent victims are injured or suffer illnesses related to defective medical devices.

But it’s important for Middle Tennessee residents to remember that the cases we handle aren’t limited to just medical devices. Ordinary industrial and consumer products also have the potential to be dangerous and even deadly, and when people are hurt by those products, they should have the same rights as people who were harmed by medical products.

A few common consumer and industrial products that are linked to serious injuries, health problems, and complications include:

• Asbestos—Although its usage in most products has been on a significant decline since the 1970s, asbestos is still present in many homes and buildings. It’s linked to deadly health problems, including a form of lung cancer called mesothelioma.
• E-cigarettes—Electronic cigarettes are increasing in popularity every year, and many smokers use them as replacements for ordinary cigarettes. But they can be dangerous, especially when they overheat, as their batteries can explode or catch fire.
• Weed killers—A popular herbicide called Roundup^® contains glyphosate, a chemical that’s linked to cancers such as non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Exposure to the dangerous chemical can occur via respiration, skin absorption, or consuming contaminated food and water.

If you or someone you love were hurt by a consumer or industrial product, we’re here to help. We have the experience, resources, and dedication you need to get the compensation your family deserves after an industrial or consumer product injury. Call today for a free consultation.

Why Do You Need a Lawyer After a Dog Bite Injury?

Dog bites always have the potential to cause serious complications. Severe dog bites require immediate medical attention, as they can result in profuse bleeding and even nerve damage. But even minor dog bites can range from disabling to life-threatening, as they can cause a significant risk of serious infection that can become systemic and spread throughout the body.

At Ponce Law, our Nashville dog bite lawyers are here to stand up for the rights of anyone who was injured by a dog that wasn’t properly enclosed or restrained. Almost all cities have ordinances concerning dogs and how they should be handled around other people both in private and in public, and when those ordinances are violated and people are injured, owners can and should be held liable.

Having a lawyer on your side after being bitten by a dog can help in these two ways:

• It helps you prove that you were injured by an improperly restrained or enclosed dog—Dog bite claims are dead in the water without proof. Our attorneys know how to investigate your injury to find evidence that both proves the dog attacked you and that your injury occurred because the dog wasn’t restrained or enclosed at the time of the attack.
• It helps you get compensation for your medical expenses and lost income—Dog bites can be expensive, as victims may need surgery to address their injuries. They also may be unable to work for months or even years. We’ll calculate how much the injury will cost, and we’ll fight to get you full compensation.

Don’t wait to get the experienced legal representation you deserve. Call today for a free consultation.

Who can be held responsible for truck accidents?

Unlike car accidents where individual drivers are often the sole parties at fault, truck accidents can have multiple parties that could be considered responsible for causing crashes.

At Ponce Law, our Nashville truck accident lawyers work hard to help victims get the money they deserve after crashes that weren’t their fault—and that involves finding out who was responsible for the crash in the first place.

There are four parties that are commonly liable for truck accidents, including:

• Truck drivers—Not only do truck drivers have to follow all of the everyday rules of the road, such as obeying the speed limit, but they also have to follow strict industry guidelines concerning how long they’re allowed to work without a break or a rest period.
• Truck owners—While truck drivers or companies often own semi-trucks, they’re sometimes leased from other parties. Regardless of who owns a big truck, that party is responsible for making sure it’s well-maintained and safe to drive.
• Truck companies—Companies that use trucks to conduct their business always want to maximize their profits, but they must do it safely. That means never overloading trucks or loading them in hazardous manners.
• Other motorists—When truck drivers get cut off or are forced to engage in evasive maneuvers to avoid collisions, serious accidents can occur. Some truck accidents are caused by other negligent drivers, including those traveling in cars, pickup trucks, and SUVs.

The legal complexity of truck accidents makes having an experienced legal team on your side extremely beneficial. Find out how we can help your family by calling today for a free consultation.

3 Common Mistakes That Can Hurt Auto Accident Claims

Car crashes are often extremely costly for victims. In addition to dealing with totaled vehicles that require thousands of dollars in repairs, victims also may be facing expensive medical bills and weeks or even months where they’re too hurt to go back to work—and that means no paychecks that they and their loved ones depend on.

At Ponce Law, our Nashville auto accident attorneys know how important it is for victims and their families to get back on track after crashes. It’s our goal to help our clients get maximum compensation, but we also know that claims are subject to many factors, including mistakes made by victims themselves.

You can avoid making a costly mistake by being aware of these common missteps:

1. Saying too much to the insurance adjuster—Insurance adjusters have one primary responsibility: reducing or denying claim payments to victims like you. Leave the communication with the insurance company up to your attorney instead.
2. Lying about your injuries—Never exaggerate or downplay your injuries. Being dishonest about the severity or origin of your injuries can disqualify you from receiving compensation for your auto accident.
3. Waiting too long to get help—Car accident claims are subject to statutes of limitations, but an even more pressing issue is the availability of evidence. Important evidence can and often does quickly disappear after crashes, and that’s why time is of the essence when it comes to starting an investigation.

Don’t risk your future or your chances of getting the money you deserve. Call us today for a free consultation.

Ponce Law Stands Up for Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Victims

Nursing homes are held to high standards of care for their residents. In addition, all nursing home residents in Tennessee are protected by several rights, including the right to privacy; the right to dignity, respect, and freedom; and the right be fully informed of any medical decisions or treatment plans.

Whether it’s due to high turnover rates, poor staff morale, low pay, or inadequate training, nursing home standards of care and individual resident rights aren’t always upheld or respected. When that happens, residents may be abused or neglected, causing them to suffer from physical and mental ailments.

At Ponce Law, our Nashville nursing home abuse lawyers don’t tolerate nursing facilities that don’t prioritize the well-being and health of their residents above everything else. If you call us to handle your loved one’s nursing home abuse claim, you can count on us to:

• Prove the negligence or abuse occurred—Filing a compensation claim requires presenting proof that mistreatment occurred. We have years of experience helping nursing home victims and their families, and we know how to collect evidence that gets results.
• Negotiate to get maximum compensation—When insurance companies know they can’t easily deny claims, they often offer lowball settlements. We’ll fight to maximize your chances of getting full compensation for the suffering your loved one endured.

Get the experienced legal advocacy you and your loved one deserve. Call us today for a free consultation.

What’s the Difference Between SSD Benefits and Disability Insurance?

Losing your ability to work at any point during your career due to an illness or injury can be devastating for you and your loved ones.

You count on your paychecks to pay bills and keep your family fed, clothed, and sheltered, and when you lose those paychecks, everything you’ve worked hard to build may feel like it’s in jeopardy.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) allows people with illnesses or injuries that prevent them from working to pursue Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits that serve as a replacement for their lost income. Another form of income replacement is disability insurance, which also kicks in when people can’t work due to limitations.

Although both types of benefits are similar on the surface, they have two distinct differences:

• SSD benefits are paid via your paycheck deductions, while disability insurance is purchased. All workers in the U.S. pay into the SSA via their paychecks, and when they get hurt or retire, they’re eligible to receive some of that money. Disability insurance, however, is voluntary and purchased privately, and it only kicks in if the recipient becomes unable to work.
• SSD benefits can last until retirement age, but disability insurance varies. People who receive SSD benefits must undergo frequent eligibility reviews, but they may continue receiving benefits until they reach retirement age if they’re still unable to work. Disability insurance may be paid out on a short-term or long-term basis depending on the type of insurance that the policyholder purchased.

The SSA and its requirements for receiving SSD benefits are complicated, and it’s helpful to have an experienced legal team on your side when you’re pursuing the money you need when you’re unable to work.

Call the Nashville Social Security Disability lawyers at Ponce Law today for a free consultation—we’re here to help.

Drivers Are Responsible for Watching Out for Motorcyclists

Although motorcycles make up only around three percent of registered vehicles in the U.S., drivers are responsible for being on the lookout for them no matter where they are.

Rural roads, congested interstates, and busy city intersections are all places where motorcycles can be encountered, and motorcyclists face serious risks in all three locations when drivers don’t give them the respect and courtesy they deserve.

At Ponce Law, our Nashville motorcycle accident lawyers have helped many innocent riders who were injured because of negligent drivers. If you were hurt because of any of the following driver errors, you may be eligible to file a claim for compensation:

• Vehicle turning left into your path of travel—One of the biggest risks motorcyclists face is left-turning drivers. Drivers are accustomed to looking out for other vehicles, but they don’t always take the time to watch for people traveling on two wheels. When they turn in front of motorcyclists, the consequences can be devastating for riders.
• Vehicle drifting into your lane—Although motorcycles are much smaller than most passenger vehicles, they still deserve the same respect and space on the road as all cars, trucks, and SUVs. However, not all drivers give motorcyclists those courtesies, and they may negligently drift into their lanes, causing serious accidents.

No matter what caused your motorcycle accident, it’s important that you speak with an experienced law firm. There are many ways that driver negligence can contribute to motorcycle crashes, and it’s our goal to help all victims get the compensation they deserve.

Call us today for a free consultation.

How Can a Lawyer Help With Your Veterans Disability Benefits Claim?

At Ponce Law, we know how disappointing and disillusioning it can be for veterans like you when they’re denied the benefits they desperately need.

You served your country admirably, and when you need its support in return, you may feel like the system has turned its back on you.

Our Nashville veterans disability benefits lawyers have seen that scenario play out many times over the years. It’s frustrating and heartbreaking, but having an experienced legal team on your side can help you maximize your chances of getting the benefits you deserve.

Going up against the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) on your own can feel daunting, as its requirements for approving claims are strict. But when you call us, it’s our goal to give you peace of mind and help you increase your chances of approval by:

• Handling the paperwork—A significant portion of the veterans disability benefits application process comes down to paperwork, including having the right paperwork, completing it correctly, and submitting it on time. You may not have the time or energy to worry about that when you’re injured or sick, so let us take care of it.
• Fighting to help you get approved—It’s not uncommon for people to get denied by the VA on their first attempts at getting benefits. But we know how the appeals process works, and we’ll fight for your rights to the benefits you need. Trust our experience and our track record of success—we’re here to help.

Get the experienced legal advocacy you and your loved ones deserve, and let us help you get the benefits you earned during your years of service. Call today for a free consultation.

3 Phone Calls to Make After an Auto Accident

When it comes to protecting your health and your rights after an auto accident, there’s no greater tool than your phone.

Making three phone calls as soon as possible can give you the best chances of avoiding legal complications, getting treated for any injuries you suffered, protecting your right to pursue compensation, and protecting yourself as a victim.

Those three phone calls are:

1. 911 — The first number to dial after an auto accident is 911. Calling 911 dispatches a police officer and emergency responders. That means your accident will be properly reported and you’ll be able to receive immediate medical attention.
2. Your insurance provider — Auto insurers require prompt notice of all accidents—often within a matter of days after they occur. Don’t wait to report your accident. When talking to the insurance adjuster, stick to the facts and keep the conversation brief.
3. A Nashville auto accident lawyer — Countless innocent car accident victims accept lowball settlements every day—if they’re even offered settlements at all. Don’t proceed without having an experienced legal team on your side that knows how to protect your rights.

At Ponce Law, we know how complicated car accidents can be, and we know that victims like you just want to focus on getting better. That’s why we’ll do everything in our power to take the stress of the accident off your shoulders while you spend time with your loved ones and focus on getting better.

Call today for a free consultation, and let us put our experience to work for you.

Federal Laws Protect You in Your Workplace

Tennessee is a right-to-work state. That means either you or your employer can terminate your employment at any time.

However, the federal government has passed many laws in the past several decades that protect workers in all states from being abused or mistreated by their employers. At Ponce Law, our Nashville employment lawyers know that employers in Music City and throughout Middle Tennessee sometimes violate those laws, and when they do, workers like you can hold them accountable.

As an employee, you have several rights that are guaranteed and protected by federal laws, including:

• The right to a workplace free from discrimination – No employer can discriminate against an employee because of his or her age, sex, religion, pregnancy status, race, disability, or nationality.
• The right to overtime wages if you exceed 40 hours in a given week – If you’re a non-salaried employee, federal laws mandate that you must receive overtime pay for every hour you work beyond 40 in one week. In addition, you also must be paid for every hour you’re at work.

Being mistreated, harassed, or discriminated against at work can be a difficult experience for anyone. You want to stand up for your rights, but you may be afraid of what will happen to your job or your career.

Let us help guide you through this delicate situation. We know how to handle workplace disputes and employment law violations, and we want to protect your rights. Call today for a free consultation.