Estate planning is the most often neglected aspect of a couple’s life. Many couples have no will, no health care power of attorney (saying who makes your health care decisions when you cannot), durable power of attorney (allowing someone to act on your behalf if you are unavailable, unconscious, etc.), and living will (saying whether…

Executive Order 138 issued by Gov. Roy Cooper on May 5, 2020, known as the Phase 1 Order, is supposed to be the first phase of a three-phase plan to begin to return North Carolina to more normal activities. The prior order, issued March 27, 2020, (and extended to May 8 by Order 135) created a “Stay at…

We have received many inquiries about what to do about custody concerns during the governmental shut-down of most activities. Here is what you need to know: If you already have a custody ORDER in place, you must continue to do what it says unless doing so would create a significant danger to the child or…

Signs of Medical Malpractice We rely on the judgment of doctors and nurses precisely because they’re experts at what they do. When they make mistakes, it’s not always obvious to untrained eyes. Malpractice often goes overlooked for this very reason. These red flags might indicate that something suspicious is afoot: Nobody from your care team…

Financial worries are common after a traffic accident. A car crash can leave you with severe and possibly permanent injuries. As a result, you’re unable to work, and the bills are piling up. Your medical expenses from the accident alone can be staggering. Your car may have been totaled. You may have been the primary breadwinner…

In the chaos and confusion that follow a traffic accident, it’s easy to lose track of important steps for protecting yourself. Here are three things you should do after any accident. 1. Gather The Right Information If you’re able, get the names, addresses, phone numbers, license plates and insurance information of all the other parties involved…

Working with a lawyer is a new experience for most people. You might not know what to expect. You may feel intimidated by the prospect of turning your traffic accident case over to a stranger. The last thing you need during this already stressful time is a lawyer who won’t return your phone calls. At Hartsoe &…

After a car accident, the legal complexities add another layer of stress to an already difficult situation. The prospect of going to court can be intimidating — especially when you’re already struggling with health concerns and financial worries. Yet you need medical coverage and compensation to make ends meet. Fortunately, not all car accident cases require going to…

The term “product liability” can be confusing. Put simply, a product liability claim is a personal injury case involving a dangerous or defective product. The product’s manufacturer, designer, distributor and other parties might be legally responsible when injuries occur. There are three main types of product liability cases: Defective design: Some products are inherently dangerous in…