In This Issue - #175 September 30, 2013

Why did you become a lawyer?

I wanted a career that was intellectually stimulating and where I could work with people in the community.  Law fit the bill and I am enjoying practicing so far.

A recent study published in the professional journal, Current Directions in Psychological Science, concludes that brain miscalculations play a crucial role in motorcycle crashes with automobiles, and may be related to a basic human judgment error caused by the way the brain judges distance and time.

The Builders Lien Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 45 (the “Act”) provides a means for workers to secure payment of a claim against lands which have been improved by their materials or labour.

Many people confuse trade names and trade-marks and think they acquire trade-mark rights by virtue of having a trade name.

This column is the first of a three for how to prove your personal injury claim and while this trilogy doesn’t contain the excitement of hobbits, elves or a ring for taking over middle-earth (some Lord of the Rings excitement for you J.R.R. Tolkien fans), the information might be considered “precious” if you have an injury claim you need to prove. 

Many non-lawyers (and many non-employment lawyers) will make reference to a “rule of thumb” that provides that a terminated employee is entitled to one month per year of service.

As a personal injury lawyer, I have represented numerous clients that, prior to my involvement, were told by ICBC they were not entitled to injury compensation, despite having been injured in a motor vehicle accident.  The reason ICBC had denied compensation in these instances was because it had determined that the accident was the fault of my client. 

On September 23, 2013, the Canada Revenue Agency announced the prescribed interest rates for the fourth quarter.

I am often asked “can I sell franchises?”.  The short answer is “yes”.  However, a potential franchisor needs to consider what is involved in franchising.

We are proud to once again support the Terry Fox Run and the dedicated efforts to raise money for cancer research.

From Our Personal Injury Group - Paul Mitchell Q.C recently settled a personal injury file dealing with a severe spinal cord injury.

Vince Sicari, popularly dubbed the "joking judge" in New Jersey, wound up being the butt of his own jokes.