Smith + Schwartzstein LLC

Today, we are sending each of you our warmest wishes for a wonderful start to the fall season. As always, if you have questions or needs before the end of the year, do not hesitate to reach out. We are here to help.

Did you know that car seats can reduce the risk of fatal injury by 71% for infants and 54% for toddlers? This week is Child Passenger Safety Week — and as many of you may know, one of the best ways to keep kids safe in the car is by choosing the right car seat.

With that in mind, our team has put together a quick guide regarding car seat safety. Swipe through the graphics to see the different types of car seats and their uses.

If you have any questions about legal matters related to car seat safety or need assistance after an accident, don’t hesitate to reach out. We are here to help.

It's tempting to think some cases are guaranteed wins, especially when the facts seem overwhelmingly in your favor. However, litigation is inherently unpredictable. Judicial discretion, opposing counsel’s strategy, and unforeseen evidence can all significantly impact the outcome.

With that said, having a skilled legal team like ours can greatly enhance your chances of success. Quality representation, strategic planning, and effective witness management play crucial roles in securing a favorable outcome. We are adept at navigating these variables to optimize results for our clients.

If you are in need of legal representation, call our office today. Our team is here to help.

Where legal matters can be found, so, too, can legalese — representing a significant hurdle for defendants and plaintiffs alike. That is why our team places a premium on client education and why we’re defining a common legal term today.

“Burden of proof” is the obligation to prove allegations presented in a court of law. It determines who is responsible for presenting evidence and the level of evidence required to satisfy the court. This principle is crucial in ensuring fairness and clarity in legal proceedings.

In civil cases, the burden of proof typically rests on the plaintiff who must demonstrate their case "by the preponderance of the evidence," meaning it is more likely than not that the facts are as claimed. In criminal cases, however, the burden is on the prosecution and requires proof "beyond a reasonable doubt," a much higher standard, reflecting the serious implications of a criminal conviction.

Understanding this concept is vital for both legal professionals and the public, as it shapes the course of litigation and protects the legal rights of all parties involved.

As always, if you have legal questions or need, do not hesitate to give us a call. We are here to help you navigate the legal landscape with clarity and confidence.

This Labor Day, we're pausing to say a huge thank you to our incredible clients. Your support and partnership make our work truly rewarding 🙏

In celebration of the holiday, our office will be closed on Monday, September 2, but we'll be back on Tuesday, September 3, ready to assist you.

Wishing you all a Labor Day filled with fun, joy, and relaxation.

As the back-to-school rush begins, excitement goes hand-in-hand with safety! That’s why our team has compiled a few helpful tips to ensure a successful and secure school year for all. Swipe through ↩️

Safety is a shared responsibility, and being prepared can make all the difference! If you have any questions or need advice, our door is always open. Let's make this school year both fun and safe!

As personal injury lawyers, we know how overwhelming it can be when an accident disrupts your life. In such cases, having a foundational knowledge of the personal injury process can be incredibly beneficial.

With this in mind, our team put together a brief overview to help you understand the fundamentals of personal injury cases.

Swipe through to learn more ↩️ And remember, while we hope you never need this information, we’re here if you do.

If you have questions or find yourself needing representation, do not hesitate to reach out to our team.

Each personal injury case will have four basic elements: duty, breach of duty, causation, and damages. Today, we’re going to define the first of these: duty.

We all have certain “duties” to keep others safe, whether it’s on the road, on our property, or out in public. Swipe through for an explanation and an example.

Remember, understanding the term “duty” helps you understand the responsibilities held by individuals and entities and can keep you out of legal trouble.

If you have questions or ever need assistance from a legal professional, our team is here to help.

August is National Traffic Safety Month. Since our team specializes in handling safety violations, we thought we would share some valuable insights with you.

Swipe through our easy-to-follow graphic for common traffic violations and their potential consequences.

Need legal advice? Don’t hesitate to give us a call. Our team is here to help.

Today, on World Drowning Awareness Day, we shed light on a deeply concerning issue that claims between 3,500 and 4,000 lives annually in the United States. Tragically, most victims are children aged 1–4, with the majority of drownings occurring in home swimming pools.

Drowning is preventable and, by working together, we can dramatically reduce these tragic losses. Share this post with your network to spread awareness.

Did you know that your social media profile can be used against you in legal proceedings? Our clients are often surprised to learn how social media can significantly impact their case.

The truth is, your online profiles can turn into valuable resources for defense attorneys. They can use your posts, photos, or comments to question your credibility, challenge the cause of your injury, or argue against the severity of your damages.

Swipe through for more information and social media considerations during a legal case ↩️ As always, our team is here to help you through your legal proceedings. Don’t hesitate to call our office when you need us.

Ever wondered how long you should keep files, especially those related to past client matters? You're not alone — it's a common question among our clients.

The American Bar Association suggests a minimum retention period of five years. However, it's not a one-size-fits-all rule. Depending on your state and the nature of the files, you might need to keep them longer.

Examples of situations in which documents need to be kept longer include:

🗂️ Files related to minors, which should be kept until the minor reaches adulthood plus any relevant statute of limitations.

🗂️ Certain tax documents should be retained until there's no longer a risk of liability for the client.

Have questions? Reach out to our team — we’d be happy to discuss the nature of your unique situation.

This summer, as many of us enjoy the open water, let's remember the importance of operating boats safely – and soberly.

Just like driving a car while intoxicated, operating a boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs poses serious risks to yourself and others. Impaired judgment, slowed reaction times, and compromised coordination significantly increase the likelihood of accidents and injuries.

Swipe for a reminder of key facts about boating under the influence (BUI) and five tips for boat safety this summer ➡️

If you have any questions or concerns about boating under the influence or any other legal matters, please don't hesitate to reach out. Stay safe, and enjoy your time on the water 🌊☀️

As we celebrate Independence Day, it's crucial to prioritize safety for ourselves, our loved ones, and even our furry friends.

With that in mind, we’re sharing some vital tips to ensure a joyful and hazard-free Fourth of July. Swipe through for six safety reminders, and have a wonderful July 4th holiday.

Did you know that fireworks are responsible for starting an average of 19,000 fires each year? This not only poses a risk to personal safety but also leads to significant property damage and a surge in personal injury claims.

The enjoyment of fireworks comes with a responsibility — to use them in a manner that ensures the safety of everyone around. This includes choosing the right environment away from people, houses, and flammable materials, and strictly adhering to safety guidelines. Remember, improper use of fireworks can expose you to substantial legal liability, including the costs of damages and medical bills.

As we prepare to celebrate our nation's independence, let's commit to keeping our communities safe and minimizing risks. Share this post as a helpful reminder to your network, and give us a call anytime if questions or needs arise.

In the time it takes you to hum the “happy birthday” song twice, a fire department will respond to a new call somewhere in the United States. And in just over a minute, there will be a total of three such calls, according to the National Fire Protection Association.

Given the frequency of fires and the unique risks presented in the summer months, we’re sharing a timely reminder of safety best practices. Swipe through to learn more ➡️

Do you have any other fire safety tips to add to the list? We would love to hear – add them in the comments below!

This National Safety Month, we’re sharing a safety reminder for the parents, grandparents, and caregivers in our network.

As you know, summer programs offer incredible opportunities for kids to grow, have fun, and learn, all under the watchful eye of camp counselors, daycare workers, and teachers. However, it's important to remember that these activities also come with risks.

Swipe through these images for some legal considerations to keep in mind when it comes to your child's safety. And, remember, you can always reach out to our office for legal support or guidance.

🇺🇸 In honor of Memorial Day, our office will be closed. We will be back to our regular hours starting Tuesday, May 28.

We invite you to join us in remembering that Memorial Day is more than just a long weekend. It's a time for us to come together and honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms.

Wishing everyone a safe and meaningful Memorial Day weekend.

With outdoor activities increasing as summer arrives, National Bicycle Safety Month serves as a timely safety reminder for all of us on the road.

That is why our team has compiled a list of safety tips for cyclists and drivers alike. These guidelines are not only essential for preventing accidents, but also for fostering mutual respect among all road users.

Swipe through to read these tips and feel free to share them with your network ↩️ And as always, give us a call if our team of legal experts can be of assistance. We’re here when you need us ⚖️

Did you know that you can recover more than just medical expenses in personal injury cases?

The personal injury landscape can be confusing, so we thought we would offer a helpful overview of the three types of personal injury damages.

Have you been injured? Reach out to us — our legal team is ready to help you understand your options and receive the compensation you deserve ⚖️

Unfortunately, accidents involving drivers who do not have insurance are common, as millions of Americans drive without insurance 🚗 In such cases, without Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM), the options for recourse can be severely limited. Given this risk, we strongly recommend considering UM coverage.

UM coverage is especially beneficial after hit-and-run incidents involving stolen vehicles, which are all too common. Because the driver is unknown, legal action is often not possible. In such cases, UM coverage covers medical expenses, lost wages, and other related damages, which would otherwise fall heavily on the victim.

If you have questions about uninsured motorists or about your options in accident scenarios, please don't hesitate to reach out. We are here to be a resource for you and your family.

Stress isn't just tough on employees – it can also affect your business operation and even impact your bottom line. With that said, in honor of Stress Awareness Month, we’re sharing some timely tips employers in our network may want to communicate to employees.

Do you have any specific business issues or questions that our team can help with? Remember, our experts are always here as a resource for you! Reach out anytime by phone or email 🤝

During the winter months, unexpected events can occur, and we understand that some of these incidents may have legal implications.

If you or someone you know has experienced any accidents or incidents over the winter that may require legal attention, we're here to help. Our team is dedicated to assisting you in understanding your rights and exploring your options for potential legal action.

Reach out to our office anytime — we are here to help you know your options.

Spring Break is almost here, and we know many of you are planning to take time away with family and friends! 🌼 While creating family memories is enjoyable, holiday travel can pose unique challenges.

That’s why we are dropping in to share a few tips to keep your crew safe and secure during your trip. So buckle up, swipe through, and prepare to have a fantastic and safe spring break! 🚐

Have any more to add to the list? Drop them in the comments below! 🌷

Did you know that Women’s History Month has been officially observed in the U.S. every March since 1987?

This year, the National Women's History Alliance has given us a powerful theme: "Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion." 🌈👭

As we celebrate Women’s History Month, let's shine a spotlight on the amazing women working towards a future free of bias and discrimination and honor the women, past and present, who have shaped our lives.

Here's to the trailblazers!