The Law Offices of Azuka L. Uzoh

For a little extra cushion when it comes to monthly income, buying a small piece of commercial real estate in a desirable location is a good place to start. Even if you're not a major investor, a reverse mortgage or home equity loan can get you the cash you need to get your hands on your very own rental property. #lawofficeofazukaluzoh

The best course of action can sometimes be to walk away from an unpleasant incident and move on with your life. However, when an injury causes real damage or suffering, you are left with no choice but to stand up for yourself. Once you decide you aren't going to let injustice go without reacting, have a lawyer on your side who can help you make yourself heard. #lawofficeofazukaluzoh

Zoning and planning restrictions sometimes mean that landmarks or preserved buildings can't be moved or demolished. They can, however, be repurposed and retrofitted more often than you think. Find out how that underused historic district in your town can be revitalized. #lawofficeofazukaluzoh

Many people in rehab experience ups and downs during their efforts to get back into pre-accident shape. Not every setback is grounds to doubt the reasonableness of your settlement, though. Personal injury settlements normally take into account the effort that will be put into recovery, and it's usually best not to dwell on it. #lawofficeofazukaluzoh

Negotiating real estate development takes time, but it's well worth the effort. Having a clear roadmap for your project will keep things running more smoothly as the weeks and months drag on during construction. #lawofficeofazukaluzoh

A new coat of paint or other superficial work done to a piece of property doesn't necessarily show you the full picture. In order to understand what's behind the shiny exterior, you need to bring in your own independent engineer to review whether the building itself is structurally sound. #lawofficeofazukaluzoh

You don't stop getting sick on the day you get laid off - make sure your healthcare plan protects you when you're in between jobs! #lawofficeofazukaluzoh

If you've climbed the ranks of your profession in spite of your personal circumstances or unique background, you don't take your position for granted. Make sure your employer doesn't take you for granted, either; Speak up if you are being singled out for discriminatory or unfair treatment. #lawofficeofazukaluzoh

When negotiating a real estate closing, it usually helps to start with a set of demands that leaves room for negotiation. Aside from the actual price of the property, things like payment schedule, repairs, painting, furniture, and anything else you can think of should all be fought over. As long as you don't make demands that are too insulting or unreasonable, aiming high will give you something to compromise over. #lawofficeofazukaluzoh

For essential workers across all fields, these times have brought on more work opportunities and more obligations. Even when times are tough, employers are still obligated to pay them overtime for all the hard work they're putting in. #lawofficeofazukaluzoh

Physical injuries are the most obvious and immediate consequences of an accident, but some people may also suffer from emotional distress or other mental health issues. Make sure your journey to recovery includes time and space for your mental well-being. #lawofficeofazukaluzoh

Worker's comp rights come with a certain number of paid vacation days for work-related accidents, but sometimes you need some extra time to relax. If you're not ready to get back out there once after your worker's comp comes to an end, consider applying for unpaid medical leave - you won't be getting paid, but your job will remain safe while you get the rest you need. #lawofficeofazukaluzoh

Adjusting to your new reality after sustaining a long-term injury can be daunting even after you receive cash compensation. Vocational rehab is a great way to inject a sense of meaning and purpose back into your daily routine. #lawofficeofazukaluzoh

Don't stay working for an abusive employer just because you are afraid of being stigmatized in the professional community. You are not the one in the wrong here - you're entitled to a job situation that fits your skill set and personality. #lawofficeofazukaluzoh

Regardless of how much compensation you deserve for your injuries, if you're like most of our clients, you want to get back to doing work that you love. If you are looking for fulfilling work that your body is able to handle, vocational rehabilitation is for you. #lawofficeofazukaluzoh

Let's face it - we don't like to follow instructions. However, when you use equipment or machinery that you are unfamiliar with, reading the manual isn't just a good idea - failure to do so could cost you money if you try and sue for injuries incurred while using the equipment improperly! #lawofficeofazukaluzoh

A common question people ask is whether they can get compensated for their injuries if they were somewhat careless and could have avoided the accident if they could have been more careful. That's when comparative negligence comes in. Comparative negligence is a rule that the court uses to assign proportional responsibility when both sides are at least somewhat at fault. When both sides could have used their better judgment to avoid the accident, then the compensation will be calculated accordingly. #lawofficeofazukaluzoh

In a class-action medical malpractice lawsuit (whether due to unprofessional healthcare, a defective medical device, or dangerous drugs) a Lead Plaintiff represents everyone else who suffered similar harm from the defendant’s conduct. The plaintiff who agrees to lead the way is typically awarded a higher settlement or verdict amount. #lawofficeofazukaluzoh

Economic damages shouldn't just cover hospital bills and lost wages. To the extent necessary, they should also account for future rehabilitation like physical or occupational therapy so that you can get fully back on your feet! #lawofficeofazukaluzoh

For every personal injury settlement you hear about that is in the millions, there are dozens of other cases that are settled for a few thousand. In most cases, multi-million dollar settlements (or verdicts) are given to plaintiffs whose lives were really upended. If you've made a full recovery in a relatively short time, count your blessings and expect to be compensated more modestly. #lawofficeofazukaluzoh

Renting your place out for short-term stays can be a great way to bring in some quick cash, just make sure to understand your state's laws about the rights and obligations of homeowners in this case. Depending on the jurisdiction, there may also be a difference between renting out a single room in your own home and renting out an entire property. #lawofficeofazukaluzoh

There are all kinds of issues associated with injuries and recovery from them, but at the end of the day the compensation will mostly come in monetary form - and that's perfectly fine. #lawofficeofazukaluzoh

Negotiating the price of a home involves a certain amount of guesswork about the actual value of your house, as well as considering how much money you want to have leftover for necessary repairs and renovations. We're here to advise you throughout the entire bargaining process - not just right before you sign on the dotted line! #lawofficeofazukaluzoh

When injuries don't go away so easily, you could be faced with the frightening prospect that even when rehab is over you may not exactly be able to go back to life as you knew it. Discuss your concerns with your lawyer (maybe have a three-way conversation including your doctor or therapist), ask about vocational rehab, and ask about financial compensation for any injuries or disabilities that turn out to be long-lasting. #lawofficeofazukaluzoh

FMLA unpaid leave is available in all 50 states for every employee who needs time off for qualified medical and family reasons, including the birth or adoption of a child. Your state may have additional benefits, as well. #lawofficeofazukaluzoh

The best evidence in a personal injury case is written evidence, so try to get something in writing as close as possible to the incident. An accident report from the police, a doctor's note, or an e-mail to the business (better yet - an e-mail with pictures) are all good examples. Otherwise, it's just your word against theirs. #lawofficeofazukaluzoh

Seek medical attention as close as possible to your accident, even if you don't have serious symptoms. Without a doctor's note, the only evidence left to judge your case will be the anecdotal evidence collected at the site of the incident. #lawofficeofazukaluzoh

Just because something is pretty doesn't mean it's safe. Many states have what's called the "attractive nuisance doctrine" which holds that landowners may be held liable for injuries to children trespassing on their property if the injury is caused by an object that is likely to attract children. A good example of this is a construction site where kids are likely to try and sneak in to play. #lawofficeofazukaluzoh

You can't get compensated for the same injury by more than one party, even if it was caused by multiple individuals. What you can do to speed up the process of getting what you deserve is to sue all the parties who were involved in the incident - for example (if we're talking about medical malpractice) you can sue the doctor, the clinic, and their professional insurance company. #lawofficeofazukaluzoh

Labels and warranties can be confusing - what is clear to one person may be incomprehensible to someone else. Printing a warning label on a product does not let a manufacturer or seller off the hook for injuries, death, or other damages that occur as a result of the product. The warning label has to be adequate, and the manufacturer or seller still needs to provide adequate instructions. #lawofficeofazukaluzoh

Getting into the real estate investment game for the first time as a family or a small business can be a big leap towards financial well-being. Before you sink your hard-earned cash into an investment that you don't understand, the first small step should be to have a discussion with a lawyer about the mechanics of the deal - the lawyer's fees will be a small change in the scheme of things, and you will feel much more confident that the process is being handled properly. #lawofficeofazukaluzoh

Wishing you and your family a safe and happy new year! Cheers to 2021!! #lawofficeofazukaluzoh

If you've been tied up in litigation or settlement negotiation for longer than you would have liked, remember that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Between the holiday season and the pandemic restrictions, things are slower than we all might like. However, we're confident that 2021 will bring more good news than the year that is now (finally!) coming to an end! #lawofficeofazukaluzoh

If you are being harassed or discriminated against by your immediate boss, don't assume that you are going to have to quit and find something else. In a big enough company, you may be able to get compensated for the unfair treatment and stay employed in the company in another department or branch. #lawofficeofazukaluzoh

Don't worry- if you have the deed to your land, that usually means that it belongs to you. However, before embarking on any radical redevelopment of your commercial real estate space, it's a good idea to take a look at the easements on the site to make sure you don't make any changes that would adversely affect the registered rights of others. #lawofficeofazukaluzoh

Wishing you and your family a safe and happy holiday! #lawofficeofazukaluzoh

In spite of some urban myths, the COVID-19 crisis has actually spurred activity in the real estate sector - from people seeking more space for social distancing, to others looking to downsize for more affordable rents. Now is a good a time as ever to examine the real estate investment opportunities in your town. #lawofficeofazukaluzoh

When considering how much compensation you deserve for lost workdays, don't just calculate your wages multiplied by the number of days you missed - make sure you also include the percentage of your annual bonus that you might have missed out on, as well as any vacation days you were not able to accumulate. #lawofficeofazukaluzoh

In cases where a car accident was caused by a faulty auto part, installed either by the manufacturer or a mechanic, there is more than one way for you to claim compensation. The more arguments you can present in your favor, the easier it will be to get paid. #lawofficeofazukaluzoh

We're all hoping that the ongoing COVID-19 crisis comes to an end as soon as possible. In the meantime, we encourage healthcare workers and other essential service providers to find out what rights and benefits they should be getting as they put in the extra time to get us safely through these challenging times. #lawofficeofazukaluzoh

If you and your ex can agree on the details, birdnesting can provide a sense of emotional stability for the kids and financial stability for you. One possibility, if the family home is all or partially paid off, is to take a home equity loan in order to buy a smaller place nearby for the other parent to stay while away from the kids. #lawofficeofazukaluzoh

If an insurance company is late in making payments, ask your lawyer about claiming interest. The longer they are holding on to money that you are owed, the more they are investing and making money from it. #lawofficeofazukaluzoh

If you notice a mistake in your agreement after signing - or even after closing - don't panic or resign yourself to living with the mistake. Alert your lawyer as soon as possible and they will contact the other side to draft an amendment or addendum. This is doable whether the mistake was a drafting error or a mistake in fact. #lawofficeofazukaluzoh

Don't be embarrassed to share information with your lawyer, including sensitive medical or other personal information. If you are suffering from something that we can't see, we can't help you recover damages. Your private information is privileged, and we are obligated by law to maintain your privacy. #lawofficeofazukaluzoh

A home equity loan is a great way to buy a second place or finally renovate the one you already own, but your credit score will affect the percentage of equity required to qualify. Having said that, don't assume you aren't eligible if your credit score is not where you want it to be - as long as you own enough of your assets, you can still qualify. #lawofficeofazukaluzoh

If you feel you've been wrongfully terminated or harassed at work, it's a good idea to consult with a lawyer when you approach your boss or HR for your severance/compensation package. By arming yourself with the legal facts, you'll maximize your chances of getting a better deal. #lawofficeofazukaluzoh

If you think you may be owed compensation from more than one source (for example - the plaintiff's insurance and your own disability insurance), it's usually a good idea to kill two birds with one stone by naming all the relevant parties in the lawsuit. You will get your compensation from whichever party pays out first, and then their lawyers can work out whether or not they need to square up without involving you. #lawofficeofazukaluzoh

Always remember - the banks rarely have an interest in foreclosing, nobody wants to see you left with nothing. If your monthly payments are getting ahead of you, you can almost always renegotiate your mortgage terms as long as you have some form of stable income. #lawofficeofazukaluzoh

Health consequences of an accident can be far-reaching. Before you accept any settlement offer from an insurance company, talk to a doctor about any potential lingering effects that you may suffer down the line. #lawofficeofazukaluzoh

When you buy a condo unit, you are getting a title of the interior of the apartment, plus a non-specific portion of the shared property based on the size of the apartment. Aside from the asset purchase contract, don't forget to review the condo rules and bylaws to see how shared property is maintained. #lawofficeofazukaluzoh