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Bagen Law Blog

Steven A. Bagen

Recent Posts

Can I Get a Second Disability Hearing If I’m Denied My First?

Posted by Steven A. Bagen

Nov 28, 2012 5:17:00 AM

Finding yourself out of commission when it comes to the workforce for any reason can no doubt be stressful. However, it can be double that when you find yourself out of work because of a disability. Not only do you have to deal with the pain, suffering, and hardship attached to dealing with the disability itself, but you also have to deal with the hassle of actually obtaining your disability benefits.

Sometimes you even find yourself having gone through the entire process only to be denied your claim, which can be frustrating to say the least. Naturally you want to know more about whether or not you can have your case reevaluated so that you can collect your benefits as soon as possible. Let’s take a closer look at how that works.

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Topics: Personal Injury

The Toy Soldier Run 2012 Offers Good Food and Great Music

Posted by Steven A. Bagen

Nov 26, 2012 2:32:00 AM

Having a good time for a good cause is always well worth the effort. On December 15, The Toy Soldier Run 2012 will be held at Ginnie Springs in High Springs, Florida. You are guaranteed to have a good time, with good friends, both new and old. There will be plenty of food, quality live music and a variety of vendors selling desirable merchandise for the cause.

After enduring the long hot months of summer, it is finally time to take out on your bike and hit the Florida highways. Now that the weather has finally cooled off, the streets are beginning to fill up with many of the beautiful two and three wheeled machines only seen in the Sunshine State. Polish up your chrome, load up the tank and show off your wheels at this year’s Toy Soldier Run event.

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Topics: Personal Injury

The 11th Annual Gainesville Harley Davidson Chili Cook Off Is Sure to Be a Good Time for All

Posted by Steven A. Bagen

Nov 21, 2012 2:31:00 AM

On Saturday, December 1, 2012, the 11th annual Gainesville Harley Davidson Chili Cook Off will be warming the hearts and bellies of many of those that show up between noon and 4 PM. Proceeds of the event this year are donated to the American Cancer Society. Once again, live music is provided. This year’s band is “Local Traffic”.

Do not be shy, now is the time to show everybody your way around the kitchen. Dust off your mother’s old cookbook, and turn to the page of her Southern “All Fired Up Chili” recipe and get to cooking! This December’s event is sure to be your time to show everyone just how gut pleasing your family’s old chili recipe truly is. We will all be there eagerly waiting with our spoons.

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Topics: Events

The 2nd Annual Ocala Pumpkin Run

Posted by Steven A. Bagen

Oct 18, 2012 7:05:00 AM

It’s that time of year again for festivals, Halloween parties, and of course the Ocala Pumpkin Run. Be sure to mark your calendars because you will not want to miss this weekend long blowout. The 2nd Annual Ocala Pumpkin Run is of course an extraordinary car show, but it offers car enthusiasts and families much more than just classic automobiles. This reoccurrence of the run promises to be bigger, better, and louder than last year.

Of course, the focal point of the run is the cars. People bring their beautiful classic and modern vehicles from across the state and across the country to participate in shows, contests, and demonstrations for the crowds. Even if you do not have a car in the show, you can still participate in the people’s choice contests on Friday and Saturday, and let the judges and owners know which car is your favorite.

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Topics: festivals, News, Ocala Pumpkin Run

Am I Liable for my Child’s Car Accident?

Posted by Steven A. Bagen

Oct 4, 2012 6:48:00 AM

Being the parent of a teen driver can be a stressful and apprehensive time. New drivers are a very high-risk category of driver; they are inexperienced and maybe a little to eager behind the wheel. Young drivers are involved in thousands of car accidents each year. When you hand over the keys to your car, you often worry about the safety of your child and the financial strain that may occur should something happen. If you’re left wondering who is liable for your child’s car accident, then read on.

When you’re held responsible for your child’s accident

The truth is that there are circumstances in which a parent can be liable for the child’s accident. The parent can be held responsible for negligence use of the vehicle if a few requirements are met. The court can hold the parent responsible for negligence if they are considered the head of the household, and that the vehicle used in the accident is concerned a vehicle used for the comfort or pleasure of the family. The parent must also have given permission, either direct or implied consent, for the child to operate the vehicle. If it can be proven that the child did not have permission to operate the vehicle, courts may rule that the parents are not liable.

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Topics: Car Accidents, drivers, Car

Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer? Why You Only Get One Chance to Get It Right

Posted by Steven A. Bagen

Sep 29, 2012 11:59:00 PM

 

Lawyers often times stress the importance of hiring a tough and experienced attorney to defend you and fight for you in personal injury cases. It’s understandable why you need such an attorney, considering that the opposition will be brutal. It’s unwise to go into battle, without an armor or weapon, and your experienced attorney is your shield and your sword.

That said, why do so many lawyers implore you to make a wise decision, as if your entire livelihood depends on it? On one hand, obviously, attorneys are in business to make money and they make money from you. Just think of the hundreds of cases in your own city that probably never come to trial because the plaintiffs are simply too scared or too pessimistic to come forward. Yes, sometimes, personal injury victims do need a little encouragement, a little motivation, to come forward with a complaint.

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Topics: Personal Injury, Personal Injury Law

Bicycle Accidents On the Rise How To Get Out And Home Safely!

Posted by Steven A. Bagen

Sep 29, 2012 11:48:00 PM

 

Yes, bicycle accidents are on the rise! Statistics nationwide (most notably by The US Department of Transportation and the Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals) suggest that there are 19,000 serious injuries a year, and perhaps as many as 3,000 deaths over a twelve-month-period. What’s even more alarming is the fact that most bicycle accidents are not reported to authorities! That’s right, even when there are serious injuries involved, the matter is often ignored.

Young Adults and Children Are Most at Risk
So, it’s quite likely that there are two or three times more injuries and deaths than the official estimate. Another sad fact remains that many cyclists who are injured or killed are children—and yes, toddlers through teens are at the highest risk of suffering a bicycle injury.

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Topics: Personal Injury, Speeding Accidents

Baltimore Ravens’ Torrey Smith Personally Impacted by Motorcycle Accident

Posted by Steven A. Bagen

Sep 23, 2012 6:58:00 AM

The Baltimore Ravens’ win against the New England Patriots in September was a comeback game for more than one reason. Not only did the Ravens come from behind with the help of two crucial touchdowns in order to narrowly win the game by just one point, but the person who caught those touchdown passes had just comeback from 24 devastating hours in his life.

The night before this exciting game, Torrey Smith, wide receiver for the Baltimore Ravens, lost his younger brother to a terrible motorcycle accident. Smith’s younger brother, Tevin Jones, passed away after a motorcycle accident late that Saturday night. Torrey Smith was awakened in the middle of the night with the news, and rushed home to be with his family: his mother and five younger siblings.

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Topics: motorcycle, Motorcycle Accidents

Dog Bites and Homeowners Insurance

Posted by Steven A. Bagen

Jul 14, 2012 5:29:00 AM

The majority of dog bites that occur around the United States are negotiated between the dog owner, their insurance company and the victim. About 5 million U.S. citizens are bitten annually, but only 16,000 claims are payouts from insurance companies.

The Costs of a Dog Bite
On an average, the cost of medical treatments has increased, but the treatment for dog bites has become exponential. Dog bite victims are no longer seeking treatment from general surgeons, but are going to plastic surgeons. As a result, insurance companies are paying out larger settlements in dog bite cases. These payments are notably cutting into the profits of insurance companies. If a homeowner is known to have dogs, then they are required to sign liability waivers for dog bites. If an owner's dog bites someone and they are off a leash, their premiums will increase or the insurance company can exclude their dog from coverage. As a result, many companies are considering not covering dog bites at all or only covering certain breeds.

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Topics: Personal Injury

Auto Accidents on the Rise in Gainesville

Posted by Steven A. Bagen

Jun 11, 2012 5:23:00 AM

Gainesville has recently received negative publicity following a devastating pile up on I-75 that resulted in the death of ten people, as well as the hospitalization of eighteen. This isolated incident is just one example of the increased rate of auto accidents in the area, and residents are desperately searching for answers as to why this is occurring.

Foggy conditions make for bad drivers
One common hindrance in the Gainesville area is the low visibility during morning driving. Early morning fog is prevalent in this area, and it can significantly affect a driver's ability to see what lies ahead. In the case of the recent pile up, a mixture of smoke and fog prevented unsuspecting drivers from seeing the danger that was right ahead of them.

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Topics: Car Accidents, Community, Motorcycle Accidents, Serious Accidents & Injuries