The Law Offices of Azuka L. Uzoh

Permanent loss of a primary breadwinner's income, whether to injury or premature death, can be tough to overcome. Make sure you have people on your side who are making sure you get as much as possible from their disability or life insurance. #lawofficeofazukaluzoh

Finding your dream home is a balance between cost, location, and quality of construction. It will almost never be a perfect fit, but if you open your eyes to the deals that are out there you will undoubtedly find something that comes darn near close! #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

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

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

Nobody expects to get hurt while traveling and enjoying the outdoors, but sometimes accidents happen. If you're injured in a slip-and-fall accident at the park, don't just get up and leave. Inform the park ranger or parks department of the hazard and get checked out by a doctor as soon as possible. The closer to the incident you can take these steps, the easier it will be for you to prove your case in court in the event you try to sue for compensation. #lawofficeofazukaluzoh

Title VII anti-discrimination protection applies to companies of 15 or more employees if the complaint involves race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability, or genetic information. For age discrimination, it applies to companies of 20 or more employees. Know your rights! #lawofficeofazukaluzoh

One of the best ways to get the compensation you rightfully deserve is to sue all parties on the hook for the damage - for example, the opposing driver as well as their insurance company. You usually won't be able to double-dip, but the more pockets you go after the faster you will get what you are owed. #lawofficeofazukaluzoh

Personal injury or wrongful death suits involving the government come with the additional hurdle of government immunity. While in many cases the immunity can and will be waived, be prepared to deal with that extra wrinkle. #lawofficeofazukaluzoh

Buying the lot next door to expand your home comes with several questions, as well as opportunities. One key question to ask is whether you should leave the property zoned as a separate parcel or apply to have both lots consolidated. #lawofficeofazukaluzoh

Even when real estate is a gift, there are filings to be made and taxes and fees to take into account. Don't try this at home - have a lawyer by your side! #lawofficeofazukaluzoh

People who suffer from moderate injuries are sometimes disappointed when they are given a settlement offer that is lower than what they'd expected. Remember that big payouts for pain and suffering are usually associated with injuries that caused just that - significant pain and suffering. Instead of being disappointed with the offer, try to count your blessings that your injuries weren't severe. #lawofficeofazukaluzoh

Homebuyer's remorse is a common feeling after you've made an offer, but don't let it spoil the moment. To ease your nerves, stay in contact with your lawyer and your real estate agent about any legitimate concerns you have about the closing process, and count the many things that made you fall in love with your new home in the first place! #lawofficeofazukaluzoh

A silver lining of the COVID-19 crisis is that the clerical elements of a closing that used to require in-person notarization are now allowed, in many states, to go ahead electronically. We're still open for business throughout this challenging time! #lawofficeofazukaluzoh

Give your lawyer as much information as you can when describing your injuries. Don't just name an injured bone or limb - the sooner you let us know the type of injury, extent, severity, length of recovery, long-term effects, and as much relevant information as possible, the sooner we can get the ball rolling on filing your claim! #lawofficeofazukaluzoh

The question of whether a struggling tenant will be expected to keep up with rental payments as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect our lives depends, among other things, on the scope of the lease agreement's force majeure clause. If you have questions, give us a call. #lawofficeofazukaluzoh

Although the usual rule of thumb is that chickens should not be counted before they've hatched, the hard reality is that personal injury settlements often need to be finalized before we know the full extent of the injuries and what they will cost. Although it may be unpleasant, consider long-term consequences before accepting any terms. #lawofficeofazukaluzoh

Even if you settle with the opposing party before going to trial, you may want to take the agreement to court to get an order of settlement so that you have a proper paper trail for the purpose of medical records, bank accounts, and the like. A handshake is good in principle, but might not serve you when approaching the technicalities. #lawofficeofazukaluzoh

Especially if your rental unit is attached to your own home, it's reasonable to want tenants who will not give you a hard time. Ask us how to avoid charges of discrimination or violations of landlord-tenant laws while still keeping your peace of mind. #lawofficeofazukaluzoh

Usually, the keys to an asset are given to the buyer at closing and they can move in right away. In some cases, however, a later move-in date can be arranged and the seller can enter into a rent-back agreement in order to remain in the asset for a certain amount of time following closing. #lawofficeofazukaluzoh

When a non-profit sells real estate, the tax treatment typically depends on whether the assets in question were related to its core mission or not. If your charitable organization has a real estate transaction coming up, it's a good idea to set up a call between your regular corporate lawyer and a real estate specialist in order to chart out your tax strategy. #lawofficeofazukaluzoh

In order to get an accurate picture of the extent of your injuries, talk to as many healthcare professionals as you need to. Remember, injuries don't always show up right away. Especially with head trauma, always ask your doctor if and when you need to book a follow-up appointment and make sure to keep all medical documents for your attorney. #lawofficeofazukaluzoh

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

Think twice before posting anything on social media about your claim. Rest assured that your employer's lawyers and HR department are looking for any excuse to have your claim dismissed or reduced. #lawofficeofazukaluzoh

In today's world, emotional well-being should be taken into account as part of any injury compensation package. Don't forget to bring up mental health issues in your conversations with your lawyer. #lawofficeofazukaluzoh

When you are at home suffering from injuries, there are things you can't control. A personal injury suit can help you at least control what you can - take action today to claim the compensation you deserve. #lawofficeofazukaluzoh

Using an unlicensed or non-regulated financial advisor to help you qualify for your dream home isn't always recommended - the market is filled with stories of unsuspecting homeowners who ended up with loans that they couldn't afford or terms that did not actually apply to them. Use only licensed advisors when buying what is probably your biggest personal investment. #lawofficeofazukaluzoh

When deciding when it's time to accept a settlement offer, you need to balance between demanding what you feel you deserve and the cost of ongoing litigation. In some cases, it's smart to take the money and walk away - in others, the price of litigation is a small change compared to getting what you are owed. #lawofficeofazukaluzoh

When your investment condo serves as a basic part of your monthly cash-flow, an uncooperative tenant - or a tenant who has hit hard times - can potentially become a significant burden. Ask us how to get what you are owed and protect the value of your investment. #lawofficeofazukaluzoh

Harassment and discrimination can sometimes come from clients of your company, not just your direct boss. If your company is putting you in situations where clients or customers are harassing you, they might still be held accountable. #lawofficeofazukaluzoh

Countless studies have shown that the slower you drive, the less likely you and the people around you are to get hurt. Even when the other side is at fault, you will minimize damage by following all traffic laws and regulations. #lawofficeofazukaluzoh

When the primary breadwinner in the family is lost to an accident, the first layer of protection for their dependents should be their life insurance policy. However, since every drop of financial security helps, it can pay in some cases to file a wrongful death claim in addition to the insurance claim. #lawofficeofazukaluzoh

Construction projects - whether residential or commercial - often come with regulations that require the builder to invest in certain public infrastructure projects adjacent to the project such as plumbing and access roads. Always get advice on this element of your project when considering your business plan. #lawofficeofazukaluzoh

This Veteran's Day, we salute all of the brave men and women who have dedicated their lives so that we can live free. #lawofficeofazukaluzoh

In states where the weather takes a turn for the worse during the winter months, drivers may have extra requirements like driving with fog lights at all hours, or switching to winter tires. If you are involved in an accident while not complying with seasonal regulations, your claim might be denied or reduced. #lawofficeofazukaluzoh

Non-monetary benefits (paid vacation, for example) are important for your health and well-being and you typically would not want to forego them for a bit of extra cash. Still, if you have not received what you are owed, the least your employer should do is compensate you financially. #lawofficeofazukaluzoh

Depending on your jurisdiction, you have at least two or three years to file your personal injury claim. It may be good to wait and see exactly how severe your injuries are or how much recovery and rehab costs. However, it's important to collect evidence immediately -especially photos of the site of the accident (if relevant) because conditions can change over time and you will want to be able to present accurate photos in court. #lawofficeofazukaluzoh

You probably have issues that are less important to you when negotiating a settlement or coming to terms with an insurance company - but you don't necessarily have to let them know what they are. A better negotiating tactic would be to let your lawyer know all the different considerations and talking points, and see what kinds of terms you are offered. #lawofficeofazukaluzoh

You don't always get to pick your neighbors. Sometimes, even after you've done your due diligence, you end up living next to someone whose lifestyle affects your quality of life. If your neighbor is bothering you with environmental or noise pollution, or otherwise behaving unreasonably in a way that it affects your enjoyment of your property, you may be able to file a nuisance lawsuit. #lawofficeofazukaluzoh

Today we celebrate this country and its unique democratic process. We don't take liberty for granted, and as attorneys, we fight for it each and every day. #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

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

It may seem like overkill to sue for minor injuries and mild discomfort, but the laws are there to protect you from irresponsible behavior. If you've been hurt in an accident, even lightly, you owe it to yourself to find out if you deserve compensation. #lawofficeofazukaluzoh

Pay discrimination based on race, religion, or sex is illegal. However, envy of your coworker's compensation package won't be enough to prove it. Before gearing up for a confrontation, arm yourself with the facts. #lawofficeofazukaluzoh

If your business is bogged down in endless negotiations about deal terms, it's time to get back to what you love doing. Get out of your own way - hire a lawyer to do the drafting for you. #lawofficeofazukaluzoh

An attractive nuisance is something that draws children onto property but threatens them with harm. In states where this concept applies, property owners are liable for injuries to children even if they are trespassing. #lawofficeofazukaluzoh

When negotiating the sale of your house, don't overlook the importance of cleanly removing yourself from the title and from all the bills - you don't want to be legally bound to a property and remain responsible for the liabilities that go with it. Make sure the buyer properly takes over everything. #lawofficeofazukaluzoh

Many people don't realize that bystanders to an accident can get compensated for emotional distress caused by being near another person when they were injured. Usually, some threshold must be met - like suffering physical symptoms (e.g. heart attack, shock) or being a close relative of the victim. #lawofficeofazukaluzoh

If you've lost your spouse, whether due to medical malpractice or in any other accident, the well-being of your family now rests squarely on your shoulders. While nothing can truly ease the pain, a wrongful death claim can help relieve the financial burden. #lawofficeofazukaluzoh

Once you've submitted all the necessary materials to your lawyer and filed a claim, it's natural to be anxious about how long the process will take. Since it can take quite some time to work things out with the other side, their insurance company, and their lawyers, the best thing you can do for your mental health is to take a deep breath and rest assured that your lawyer is busy moving the case along. #lawofficeofazukaluzoh

If you've been hurt by a faulty product, one of the first things you'll want to do is identify the type of defect. As a rule, a defect will usually be one of three types : 1. A product with a manufacturing defect is a single unit (or series) that is more dangerous than the properly manufactured products of the same type. 2. A design defect is when all the products on the line have the same dangerous quality. ... 3. A third type of defect is when a product is made as intended but it does not have adequate warnings or is labeled for an activity for which it is not designed. #lawofficeofazukaluzoh

Compensation for injuries typically includes medical care, lost wages, and loss of ability to work. If your injuries resulted in the loss of something priceless - like the ability to engage in your favorite hobby or a missed family event - then don't forget to mention it to your lawyer. Money can't make up for it, but at least your claim will address it and perhaps the settlement will be higher as a result. #lawofficeofazukaluzoh

Injuries from motor vehicle accidents can happen to passengers as easily as they can happen to drivers. If you've been injured in a car accident while in the passenger seat, you may be entitled to claim compensation from the driver of the vehicle you were riding in as well as the driver of the other car. As always, you can't claim double compensation. However, you might have twice as many pockets from which to collect what you're owed. #lawofficeofazukaluzoh

If you win a lawsuit against the city for a slip-and-fall accident that occurred on public property, the financial compensation wouldn't be the only reward - you also might be helping to keep your town safer if the city fixes the hazard that caused your injury! #lawofficeofazukaluzoh

If a tenant installs fixtures or makes improvements to a rental property, they typically have one of two choices - either return everything to its original state at the end of the rental period or allow the landlord to take possession of the improvements. Unless the rental contract states otherwise, the tenant won't be allowed to charge the landlord for the improvements. #lawofficeofazukaluzoh

Taking your dispute to court can be like using a proverbial sledgehammer to crack a nut - it could cause more problems than it solves. Ask your lawyer about the pros and cons of negotiating an out-of-court settlement or some other arrangement that gets you what you want without having to take your dispute to court. #lawofficeofazukaluzoh