The scope and horror of all the stories that were uncovered during the take down of Jerry Sandusky, the now maligned former assistant football coach at Pennsylvania State University, have parents across the country on high alert. While Sandusky sits in prison serving his 60 year sentence for his criminal conviction of involuntary deviate sexual […]
Widerman Malek Law Blog
Brazil Internet Regulation
The international political fall out continues over the revelations of the expansive National Security Agency (NSA) spy program leaked by Edward Snowden. Media attention has been mainly focused on Snowden and his flight to Russia and subsequent asylum. Not as much focus has been paid to the protests across the globe and the especially strong […]
They breached the contract so what kind of damages can I get? How about lost profits or loss-of-use?
By: J. Mason Williams IV It can be difficult to determine what type of monetary damages, if any, a party is entitled to in a breach of contract case. Even if you determine the type of damages, it can be even more difficult to prove the amount as evidenced in a recent case in Hillsborough […]
Will a Tenant get their security deposit?
By: J. Mason Williams IV I have been asked several times whether a person can get their security deposit back. Often times, they tell me that they cleaned everything up and the landlord still won’t give them their deposit back. Why not and what can I do? Well, first you have to review your […]
Laws Regarding Home Fencing
This spring homeowners may be thinking about sprucing up their properties’ curb appeal. Fences are a popular choice among homeowners to add instant curb appeal to a home. Fences not only aesthetically enhance a home, but they also act as privacy divider. Are you contemplating installing a fence around your property? If so, it is […]
Remember This? When Common Sense Loses in a Court of Law
Are you aware that coffee is served hot? How about that if hot coffee were to accidentally spill on someone it could burn that person? If you knew both these facts, congratulations you have mastered common sense. Common sense tells us that hot beverages are going to hurt if poured onto our skin. Anyone who […]
Beach Easements: Are Private Beaches Truly Private?
Rhode Island, known as the Ocean State, has a beautiful coastline on the Atlantic Ocean. Its private and public beaches are enjoyed throughout the summer months by residents and tourists alike. One day as a teenager I ventured forth with friends onto a private beach in Newport. We were hoping not to be noticed if […]
Do you always have to pay rent?
The short answer is no, you don’t always have to pay your rent, but the circumstances that allow you to make partial payments, or to stop paying altogether are very limited. In short, generally you need to pay your rent. You might win a case and get that rent returned or get something fixed, but […]
Can I disinherit someone?
In Florida and many states (if not all states), the short answer is you can absolutely disinherit someone . . . mostly. There’s a catch or two though. You can disinherit anyone to a certain degree. The problem is that statutes sometimes allow certain heirs the ability to take an elective share of the elective estate […]
What are the odds a case is going to trial?
Before starting my legal career, I often wondered how many civil cases actually go to trial. I knew the number was small, but how many actually end up in trial. Why is the number so small? Is it just costs? For the ones that do make it to trial, are they mostly bench trials (decided […]
