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Securities Fraud

Court Case Helps Stall SEC Move to Increase Fiduciary Standard for Stockbrokers

Court Case Helps Stall SEC Move to Increase Fiduciary Standard for Stockbrokers The push to make stockbrokers adhere to same fiduciary standard as financial advisers has been held up by court and broker challenges. Consumer advocates wanting to hold stockbrokers to the same client-first standard of care as investment advisers appeared to be successful last summer after a study by the Securities and Exchange Commission called for new rules along those lines. Stockbrokers, however, objected, saying providing advice was just one part of their business model and that they shouldn’t have the same degree of accountability for the client’s best interest in...

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Do You Know Whose Side Your Real Estate Agent Is On?

A survey by the National Association Realtors indicates that many homebuyers don’t know who the real estate agent they are working with actually represents. In some cases, the agents may actually be working against the buyer’s best interest. Laws in most states require agents to disclose, usually at the first meeting, their fiduciary relationship. But often agents fail to disclose this and buyers don’t know the agent’s efforts are on behalf of the seller, or has no duty to either buyer or seller. The NAR’s survey revealed that perhaps a third of all buyers were not told whom the agent represented. The...

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Do Bankers Have a Fiduciary Duty to Their Customers?

If a banker loans a bunch of money to a borrower for a deal that goes bad, does the borrower have any recourse by contending that the bank did not adequately vet the loan or counsel the borrower? Does the bank have a fiduciary duty to the borrower? The short answer from a recent case is no. The case of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. v. Vandorn, 2012 NCBC 6 is a situation where Wells Fargo sued two individuals and an LLC formed by them to collect on a defaulted loan made to the LLC to buy a lot for a resort...

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How does a Securities Class Action with Accounting Allegations Differ from other Securities Actions?

A securities class action suit with accounting allegations means the company did not comply with standard methods of accounting when its financial statements were released.  Throughout 2005 to 2010, the largest settlements made in 19 out of 20 securities class action cases involved accounting. Increased public awareness about accounting practices, along with a recent change in the accounting regulatory system, may explain these large settlements. Being more complex, accounting cases take more time to resolve and are less likely to be dismissed. The end result is typically a larger settlement amount. By the end of 2010, only 36% of accounting cases...

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What are the Indiana State and Federal laws that govern truck drivers?

Trucking companies must follow the following federal regulations found in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSA): Truck drivers are required to keep a driver's log. Federal regulations require a commercial driver's license for certain vehicles to reduce or prevent truck accidents, serious injuries, and death. Federal regulations require commercial trucks to have specific insurance coverage depending upon the type of load transported. The Commercial Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program requires that States and certain jurisdictions develop, support, and implement safety programs that establish and improve safer transportation of goods. Common provisions used in accident litigation 9 C.F.R. § 391 - Qualification...

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Construction Site Accidents – Who Will Pay For My Lost Wages?

Under Indiana Workers Compensation laws, construction site victims will be provided not only medical care, but also compensation for lost wages if they are unable to return to work.  The Indiana Compensation Act offers three types of benefits to injured workers: Medical care for work-related injuries Wage replacement due to injuries Payment for any permanent impairment Wage replacement is paid weekly after the employee misses more than 7 days of work due to injuries.  Benefits are paid at 2/3 of the injured worker’s weekly wage, which is based upon wages from the previous year. Compensation is also paid for a permanent impairment...

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Construction Accidents – Who Will Pay My Medical Expenses?

Workers compensation insurance is the first resource an accident victim may use for help. However, there may be other parties involved at the work site who are legally responsible for your injury.  A contractor or sub-contractor may be at fault. Your accident may have resulted from a violation of OSHA regulations or a malfunctioning piece of equipment from the equipment manufacturer. Immediately after an injury, it is imperative to gather all information and begin a thorough investigation of the accident. Immediate attention should be given to the scene of the accident, along with contact of any eyewitnesses. Photographs and videos of...

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Trucking Accidents – Who Will Pay For My Lost Wages?

If your truck accident occurred while you were working, Indiana Workers Compensation laws will provide medical care and compensation for lost wages if you are unable to return to work.  The Indiana Compensation Act offers three types of benefits to injured workers: 1.    Medical care for work-related injuries with no cost to you 2.    Lost wage replacement because of inability to work due to injuries 3.    Payment for any permanent impairment resulting from your injuries There are four types of disability benefits: 1.    Temporary Total Disability (TTD) 2.    Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) 3.    Permanent Total Disability (PTD) 4.    Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) Benefits are paid to employees who are...

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Trucking Accidents – Who Will Pay My Medical Expenses?

After a trucking accident, sorting it all out can be frustrating and confusing.  The main concern of most clients is how to pay for their medical expenses. We can help negotiate on your behalf with insurance companies and healthcare providers so you can continue to receive medical care until your case is settled. Who will pay your medical expenses?  The answer depends up how the trucking accident occurred.  If you have an auto policy, medical benefits may be available under your auto insurance along with the trucking company’s insurance, regardless of fault, up to a certain amount. After benefits with insurance companies...

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What are the Federal or State Laws That Govern Truck Drivers?

Trucking companies must follow many federal laws found in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSA) such as: 1.    Keeping a driving log by the commercial truck driver 2.    Obtaining a commercial driver's license for certain vehicles to reduce or prevent truck accidents, serious injuries, and death 3.    Carrying specific insurance coverage for commercial trucks depending upon the type of load being transported Here are common federal rulings used in accident litigation: 9 C.F.R. § 391 - Qualification of Drivers If a driver operates a tractor trailer or other commercial vehicle that weighs over 10,000 pounds, carries 16 or more passengers, or transports hazardous materials, he...

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