Injuries Covered by Tennessee Workman's Compensation

Often people ask what injuries can be covered by Tennessee worker's compensation.  An injury that is covered is not a question of what kind of injury but one of how the injury occurred.  Any injury, disease, condition, regardless of fault, may be covered so long as the injury occurred  "out of and in the course of employment." Therefore, even diseases or complications such as heart conditions and broken bones may be eligible for Tennessee worker's compensation.  It is important that if you have question regarding your rights under Tennessee worker's compensation that you contact an experienced, licensed and diligent attorney such as the Law Offices of Andrew E. Farmer.  Our offices may be contacted at (865) 428-6737.  Our skilled Tennessee worker's compensation attorneys practice in Sevier, Jefferson, Knox, Cocke, Blount and throughout all of East Tennessee.

Taxes and Divorce

With taxes being filed throughout this time of year, common problems arise in divorce and custody cases.  These are often disputes over who can claim the children and whether or not a spouse may file and sign the other spouse's taxes without his or her knowledge.  As it relates to who can claim the children, it is often a case by case situation.  If there is a question in your case, then ask your attorney before you file.  As for whether or not a spouse can sign the other's taxes without permission or knowledge, the answer is that no spouse may sign a tax return or any other document without first being that spouse's power of attorney. 

If you are looking for an experienced Tennessee family law attorney to fight for you and your children, then call The Law Offices of Andrew E. Farmer at (865) 428-6737 for your free consultation.  Our licensed Tennessee attorneys practice in Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg and throughout all of Sevier, Jefferson, Cocke, Blount and Knox counties. 

Office Pools for March Madness and the Law

Every year the calendar page turns to March and every year offices nationwide lose hours of productivity as people become wrapped up in March Madness and NCAA Basketball.  For a lot of offices this means tournament brackets and cash buy-ins.  What most people do not realize is that such office pools are illegal in Tennessee.  The participation in gambling can range from a Class C Misdemeanor (the lowest level criminal offense) to a Class E Felony for Aggravated Gambling Promotion.  Gambling is defined as risking anything of value for a profit whose return is to any degree contingent on chance, or any games of chance associated with casinos, including, but not limited to, slot machines, roulette wheels and the like. Gambling does not include a lawful business transaction, annual events operated for the benefit of charitable 501(c)(3) organizations, and the state lottery. 

So when thinking about putting cash in on your office bracket pool, remember you are violating the law.  Unless you picked Kentucky this year, you would probably just be wasting your money anyway. 

If you or your loved ones are facing criminal charges, do not gamble on your future.  Contact the licensed Tennessee attorneys of The Law Offices of Andrew E. Farmer at (865) 428-6737 for your free consultation today. Our experienced trial attorneys practice in Sevier, Jefferson, Knox, Cocke & Blount Counties.

Can a Credit Card Garnish My Wages For Not Paying?

In these tough financial times, it is common for individuals to fall behind or even making the difficult decision to not pay a credit card bill.  Many people struggle with the monthly decision over which bills they can afford to pay.  This leaves most people without the financial freedom of having their wages garnished by unpaid creditors.  While it is true that most credit card companies will push to have you agree to having their bills automatically be debited from your bank accounts, they cannot simply take the money from your hard earned paycheck without a court's order.  In order to garnish your wages, the creditor must first show the court that they have a valid debt owed to them, then they must get a judgment for that debt owed in order to begin garnishing your wages.  If you have received a judgment against you by a credit card, then let the Law Offices of Andrew E. Farmer assist in bringing an end to the collection calls and garnishments.  Our licensed Tennessee attorneys can assist in debt negotiation as well as filing in the Federal Bankruptcy Court.  Our Bankruptcy attorneys practice in Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg and throughout all of Sevier, Jefferson, Knox, Blount & Cocke Counties.  Call (865) 428-6737 to schedule your free consultation today. 

Tennessee Texting While Driving Law

Since July 1st, 2009 the State of Tennessee has banned driving a vehicle while texting.  The language of the statute is written to include cell phone text messages as well as written message on a PDA, i.e. an email.  If found to be in violation of this statute, then an an individual would be facing a C misdemeanor which is punishable by a fine of no more than $50.00 and court costs of no more than $10.00.  While this may be an expensive text message, the real worry is that distracted driving is unsafe driving.  Many automobile injury cases arise each year from a driver focusing on his or her cell phone rather than the road.  If you were injured in an automobile accident by a distracted driver, then let The Law Offices of Andrew E. Farmer fight for the compensation you deserve.  Our office may be reached by calling (865) 328-6737.  Our licensed Tennessee personal injury attorneys practice in Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and throughout all of Sevier, Jefferson, Cocke, Blount and Knox Counties.