Water Damage and Your Homeowner’s Insurance

April 7th, 2008

Not surprisingly, water damage is one of the most frequent causes of home insurance claims. Not many people like having to discover what is and what isn’t covered by their home insurance policy, but that’s often the way that it goes. A pipe bursts in the basement or an appliance such as a clothes washer or dishwasher begins to leak all over the floor while you’re gone on vacation and all of a sudden you find yourself wondering if you’re covered.

For example, if a pipe were to burst in the home due to a drop in temperature and you had left the home vacant and without the heat necessary to keep the pipes from bursting, you might not be covered. They could possibly deny you due to the fact that you did not take the necessary action that would have prevented the event.

If your bathtub overflows, you should be covered, even if it’s just because you were on the phone or tending to another matter in the house and simply forgot to turn off the water.

In most cases if a major household appliance such as a washer or a dishwasher suddenly malfunctions and water spews all over the floor and causes damage, you are covered by your homeowner’s insurance. You’ll have to pay for the cost of fixing the washing machine or dishwasher yourself, but any damage caused by the water itself should be paid for by your policy.

If the cause of the damage is heavy rain and the water leaks through the roof or floods into the basement and the house itself and items inside it are damaged, you should be covered for the cost of the water damage to the interior of your home. The damage to the belongings inside your home is probably not covered, however; if the roof leak was caused by a tree limb falling on the house, then the damage to your furniture, roof, and interior should be covered to a reasonable extent.

One of the major causes of water damage to homes, however, is usually not covered. This is a flood. Unless you have an insurance policy that specifically identifies a flood as a source of damage to the home, you aren’t covered. Flood insurance needs to be purchased from the federal government and your local community should be able to give you information as to whether or not they participate in the National Flood Insurance Program.

Article By Water Damage Restoration - Basement Flooding Cleanup in NJ

Orange Beach Condos

February 6th, 2008

3 Things To Look For In Orange Beach Condo Deals

Everyone loves sugar-white beaches, waves and the light scent of coconut suntan oil drifting on the breeze. In the distance, you hear the hum of golf carts, or maybe you feel the warmth of your loved one’s hand in yours as you stroll lazily up the gulf coast. Sound good? Of course it does. So now you’re looking for the best, most affordable way to get yourself into an Orange Beach condo as quickly as possible.

However, before you click that “make reservation” button on some travel discount website, be sure that you’ve factored 3 major issues that most bargain-hunters overlook when scouting for Orange Beach condo deals. Orange Beach is one of the most beautiful and unique beach areas in the world, so be certain that you’ll be able to enjoy all it has to offer.

Featured Properties:

Many vacation sites offer discounts on “featured properties.” Renting an Orange Beach condo as a featured property instead of through a discount agency that simply reserves unwanted blocks of rooms can get you a better deal and a better room. Featured properties often include ocean views, full amenities and comfortable sleeping arrangements; whereas professional discounters may stick you with street-side vistas and consider a pull-out couch an acceptable sleeping situation.

Activities Packages:

Getting a good deal on a room is great, but many Orange Beach condos come with vacation packages that can save you literally hundreds of dollars. Before you enter your credit card details, check with a property representative to see if they offer bonus packages, coupon books or discount codes on Orange Beach attractions like dolphin cruises, activities at The Wharf or local restaurants.

Events Calendar and Seasonal Issues:

Orange Beach is a hot travel spot year round, but certain times of year are better than others depending on what your travel plans include. For example, if you hope to show your children sea turtle nests or even spot some mama turtles crawling up the coast, you’ll want to be certain to work your travel dates around the right season. On the other hand, if you’re eagerly anticipating a golfing weekend with the guys or a big shopping event with some of your best girl friends, then time of year may not play as big a role in your Orange Beach condo rental decisions.

Linkin Park

February 5th, 2008

No other name in music comes close to matching the groundbreaking, innovative sound of this Grammy Award-winning group.  Blending rock, rap and metal into one unique musical style, Linkin Park has reached worldwide fame and respect with their hit albums, Hybrid Theory, Meteora and Collision Course.  Now, in support of their latest record, Minutes to Midnight – featuring “What I’ve Done” – Linkin Park will be back on stage, headlining the Projekt Revolution Tour.  Don’t miss your chance to experience Linkin Park live!  Linkin Park concert tickets are on sale now for all Projekt Revolution Tour dates. Linkin Park is coming to town! Get ready to rock as Linkin Park bring their show to a stage near you.  Barry’s Tickets has the best deals on tickets as Linkin Park comes to a city near you.

http://barrystickets.com/concert-tickets/linkin-park-tickets.php

Is The Workers Compensation System Working For You?

December 1st, 2007

The Worker’s Compensation system in New Jersey provides benefits to worker’s injured or whom contract an occupational disease during their course of employment.  Benefits include the payment of medical bills, temporary lost wages and compensation for any resulting permanent injury.  Almost every worker is covered including farm workers.  Persons considered to be independent contractors are not covered.

An injured worker must notify their employer of their accident within 90 days of the happening of the accident.  Of course, whenever possible notice should be given as soon as possible.  It is not necessary to provide the notice in writing.

If you are in need of medical attention or your employer is not providing temporary wages you should promptly contact an attorney who may assist you in getting authorized treatment and the payment of temporary disability.

Many clients are fearful that their employer will fire them or in some other way take action against them for making a claim.  You should take comfort in knowing that the law prohibits an employer from discharging or discriminating in any way against an employee for making a claim for workers’ compensation benefits.

So what exactly are you entitled to?  First you are entitled to all necessary medical treatment.  Your employer has the right to designate the treating physician.  In the event of an emergency an employer can seek treatment without first seeking authorization from their employer.

Second, you are entitled to lost wages (temporary disability benefits) after missing seven calendar days from work.  This benefit is paid at a rate equal to 70% of your gross weekly wages received at the time of the injury up to a maximum established yearly by the Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development.  For example in for calendar year 2006 that amount is $691.00.

Third, when an injury results in a permanent partial disability benefits are based upon a percentage of disability to a “scheduled” body part including arms, hands, fingers, legs, feet, toes, ears, eyes or teeth.  Benefits are also paid for “nonscheduled” losses involving the back, heart, neck, lungs, etc.

In summary, the Workers’ Compensation system is designed to assist all injured employees.  With the necessary knowledge you too can let the system WORK for you.

This article is intended to provide general information only.  It is not intended to be a substitute for a consultation with a lawyer.  The facts and circumstances of every case are unique.  The lawyers at Shapiro & Sternlieb, LLC invite you to contact them with any questions you may have.

At Shapiro & Sternlieb, your case is our priority. Our NJ Workers Compensation attorneys combine outstanding client services with a thorough knowledge of the law and a firm understanding of the latest technology available. Our vast network of legal, medical and professional experts are available to present the best case for you. Located in Manalapan, New Jersey, our lawyers maintain flexible hours to meet your needs. We offer morning, evening or weekend hours, as well as visits to home or hospital, if needed. Our attorneys and staff bring the highest standards of expertise, preparation, concern, diligence, integrity and skill to each case. We take time to return your calls and to ensure each question is answered. You are included every step of the way.