Sadly, it's estimated between 115,000 and 400,000 American soldiers have suffered traumatic brain injury (TBI) during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. In addition, many stateside Americans suffer TBI as well. The injury is all too common, with devastating results.

What is TBI - Traumatic Brain Injury?

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when the brain is injured as the head suffers extreme outside force. Common causes are a car accident, medical malpractice, sporting event, domestic abuse, an explosion, or a fall.

Picture someone in a car accident with his head being thrown against the dashboard or against the car door - or a patient falling of a gurney with her head slamming against the floor or a table - or - a woman being pushed down the stairs by her boyfriend - or - a guy playing pickup football, hit intentionally by another player -or - a misdiagnosed patient fainting at home and hitting his head on the counter - or - a soldier stepping on an IED and being thrown against a building, truck, or tank.

It's traumatic just to think about it or picture someone suffering brain injury.

It's traumatic just to think about it or picture someone suffering brain injury.

TBI can kill, maim, and horrendously discomfort - and the symptoms are slow to heal, if they ever do. In the most severe cases, the injured are left helpless. In severe cases, the injured may have an entirely different personality.

Common TBI symptoms include: memory loss, chronic pain, lack of concentration, attention deficit, confusion, lack of self-control, tired eyes, lethargy, fatigue, bad taste, insomnia, ear ringing, dizziness, mood swings, headaches, and loss of hearing.

The injuries are so severe that they often severally limit day-to-day functioning and the ability to work. Thus, medical, financial, and legal support are needed.

If I Have TBI, Do I Need an Attorney?

Whether it's appropriate to consult with an attorney depends on the circumstances of your situation - what caused your brain injury?

• Personal injury attorneys help people who were injured at the hands of another person or company such as in a car accident, medical accident or misdiagnosis, or in a personal attack such as domestic abuse or a fight.
• Veterans benefits attorneys help veterans, who were injured or became ill because of their military service, get disability benefits from Veterans Affairs.
• Disability attorneys help people who are too injured or ill to work - and have worked and paid into the system - get disability benefits from the Social Security Administration.

Where Do I Find an Attorney that Will Help with My TBI case?

If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI), it's wise to at least find out whether you have a case and are owed financial compensation and/or disability benefits.

You are quite welcome to use our attorney referral website (www.attorneys.org) which has a ton of information and listings of attorneys, whom you can contact for a free case evaluation. The site is free and private - and your free case evaluation - comes with no obligation.

If you have a loved one, who has also suffered TBI, she may be able to refer you to her attorney - or - your local bar association may have listings of personal injury, veterans, and disability attorneys.

If divorce is now part of your everyday vocabulary or thoughts, it's in your best interests to collect your thoughts as well as financial documentation. A high stress time is a hard time to think straight, make good decisions, and know what to do next. We understand. This article and your divorce attorney will help you to do all those things.

If you are considering divorce, use this pre-divorce checklist to get you started along the right path. To be sure you have a complete checklist customized to your state law and your personal situation, consult with a qualified divorce attorney for proper legal advice.

Exhaust all reconciliation efforts.

It's okay to take your time with divorce; there is usually no legal need to file for divorce immediately.*

Meet with a therapist and spend some time thinking through the long term consequences of divorce. Some folks wait a year or so before actually filing.

Bottom line - Wait to file until your anger has subsided, some time has passed, and you've spoken with a trained therapist. It is okay to consult with a divorce lawyer and find out your rights and choices, even if you're not sure you want to file immediately.

*If you are in an abusive (verbal, physical, emotional, etc.) relationship, don't wait. Get out now. Get help now.

Meet With a Therapist

We mentioned meeting with a therapist above, but because it's such an important concept, we'll make it an individual checklist item.

Bottom line - Never use your children or your lawyer as sounding boards. Work with a trained therapist.

Consult With an Attorney Who Vows to Work Cooperatively

Cooperation is the key to success. If you have an attorney who reminds you of a pit bull or shark, attacking his or her prey, walk away, quickly. That aggressive attitude will pull you down, land you in court, increase your fees, and get you less of what you want.

On the other hand, an attorney who will work with your spouse's attorney to create your own Marital Agreement or guide you through mediation, will be a trusted advisor, keep your fees to a minimum, and get you more of what you want all at a lower emotional and financial cost.

Jot down a list of your questions, thoughts, and concerns. Be sure to include issues such as your children's best interests, whether you should move out of the family home, whether you should take assets out of joint accounts, your rights to your spouse's retirement benefits, life insurance, health insurance, credit cards, the family business, vacation home, covering future expenses, and anything else you think of.

Bottom line - Hire a "good guy/girl" attorney, collect information, and ask your questions. You'll reap the benefits.

Collect Documentation

Immediately start the treasure hunt for credit reports, financial statements, tax returns, loan applications, expense lists, all income and assets, and real estate appraisals. If you think there are hidden assets or your spouse if self-employed or employed in a family business, be sure to let your lawyer know.

Gather evidence of future and separate living expenses for you and your children.

Bottom line - The more information you can gather, the better picture your divorce lawyer will have of what's fair in a property settlement, spousal support, and child support.

Both you and your spouse will have to compromise throughout the divorce and if you have children, into the future as well.

When your emotions are high, everything feels like a big deal. Please say this word to yourself three times (and no less) whenever you feel those emotions go through the roof, "compromise", "compromise", "compromise". Three very deep breaths also help.

Your Real Life DUI Defenses

If you are convicted of DUI, your entire future may be in jeopardy “ this means that you need to analyze your arrest, blood alcohol testing, and your most formidable defenses. Law enforcement and judicial mistakes are made on a daily basis and there are legitimate defenses to drunk driving charges.

Do you have a valid defense to the DUI or DWI charges against you?

You might and not even realize it. Drinking and driving “ even being arrested “ don't necessarily mean that you will be found guilty of DUI “ if you have a strong defense.

Why are DUI Defenses are So Important?

A DUI conviction results in serious negative fallout. If you're not actually convicted, the fallout will be greatly reduced.

What are My Potential DUI Defenses?

Fortunately, a DUI arrest is not the same thing as a DUI conviction. There are legitimate defenses.

Was My DUI Stop Legal?

If the stop during which you were arrested for DUI was not legal, you cannot be convicted of drunk driving. Police can only stop you to check for DUI in two circumstances.

Lack of Evidence

As you likely know, under the American legal system, you are innocent until proven guilty. This standard applies to all criminal cases, including DUI and DWI cases.

If the evidence is not sufficient to prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, you are innocent. Reasonable doubt means that the prosecution must show that all elements of the crime happened and only an unreasonable person could think otherwise.

Improper Procedure

There is a legal doctrine called "fruit of the poisonous tree". The rule says that if evidence is illegally obtained, it can't be used in court against you.

This is why you cannot be convicted of DUI if the initial stop was improper.

There are other procedures that must be followed in DUI cases as well.

Here are the details to discuss with your DUI defense attorney. If proper procedures aren't followed, you have a strong defense.

Where do I Get Help with My DUI Defense?

Legally, you have the right to investigate your own drunk driving case and identify and assert potential defenses. However, if you choose, you may work with a DUI defense attorney who knows how to interact with investigators, the court, witnesses, and the prosecutor and formulate your strongest defenses.

You can find a DUI defense attorney by asking a friend for a referral or by calling the bar association and asking for a list of criminal defense attorneys. However, if you want to keep your DUI arrest on the down low, you can use our free “ private “ confidential site, www.attorneys.org. You're entitled to a free “ no commitment case evaluation if you contact an attorney from this site.

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Name: Attorneys.ORG, The trusted legal directory to help you find the right criminal defense attorney near you.

Website: https://www.attorneys.org/criminal

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Go into a bail bondsman's office and show identification. The bondsman will do a search to determine whether there has been a warrant issued. A warrant search is typically completed at no charge.

If there is an outstanding warrant, the bail bonds service will help you turn yourself in and get bonded out. This avoids an on street confrontation with the police.

Criminal law can be tough - but finding the right attorney shouldn’t be. Visit Attorneys.ORG today to start your search.

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The trusted legal directory to help you find the right bankruptcy attorney near you.

Website: https://www.attorneys.org/bankruptcy

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Keeping My Credit Cards through Bankruptcy

When considering bankruptcy, we each seek to clean up our past as well as plan for our future. Because credit card use is so engrained in our way of life the United States, wondering whether you can keep your credit card through bankruptcy is a common concern.

• After all, we use credit cards not only out of habit, but as a "necessity" to purchase tickets, book hotel rooms, make online purchases, rent a DVD at Redbox, rent cars, and pay for emergencies.
• And, even for those who are going through bankruptcy and have decided to forgo credit cards because of their many perils, having one locked away "just in case" does provide a sense of security.

Usually You CANNOT Keep a Credit Card Through Bankruptcy

You'll get the opportunity (and have the need) to start fresh after your bankruptcy discharge.

• All creditors, including credit card companies, with any balance due will be notified immediately when the court accepts your bankruptcy petition.
• Usually, the creditor will close your credit card account.
• Even if a creditor is not listed on your bankruptcy petition (because you have a zero balance), most credit card companies review customer creditor reports on a regular basis. When the bankruptcy is noted, your account will likely be closed. WARNING: The court and bankruptcy trustees investigate if one creditor has been favored over another so be sure to consult with a qualified bankruptcy trustee before paying off a creditor so you have a chance at keeping that card.

Occasionally You Can Keep a Credit Card Through Bankruptcy

Once in a blue moon, you can keep a credit card at the discretion of that particular creditor.

However, most bankruptcy attorneys advise that you'll likely have more luck by focusing on building new credit.

Is Having a Credit Card a Good Idea?

Although most bankruptcies are caused by medical bills, job loss, and the housing crisis, many are caused by overspending and credit card company shenanigans.

• It's so easy to overspend and get in financial trouble when predatory credit card companies continuously raise credit limits; then, suddenly skyrocket interest rates and tack on ridiculous fees.
• We've observed interest rates go from something like 8.9% up to 32.99% overnight because of a supposedly late payment.
• More and more credit card companies are being heavily fined for cheating customers by claiming payments were late when they weren't or claiming payments were never received when they were. Credit card company employees have come forth and disclosed that they shredded checks or held checks so they'd be late.

Bottom Line: Credit card companies cannot be trusted. If you choose to have a credit card after bankruptcy, be sure you can pay off anything you charge within that first month and either pay online or mail your check extra early to avoid the credit card company falsely claiming you were late.

Bankruptcy law can be tough - but finding the right attorney shouldn’t be. Visit Attorneys.ORG today to start your search.

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What Is My Legal Issue?
Attorneys generally focus on specific areas of the law and any directly related practice areas. For example, tax lawyers may also handle bankruptcy cases and family law attorneys may also handle divorce or adoption cases. But a civil rights attorney will generally not handle business transactions. Start with a general category, such as business, tax or personal injury and narrow down from there to find attorney with specific experience that matches your legal need.

Can An Attorney Help Me?
If you or a loved one has been seriously harmed by the actions of a person or company, you probably need an attorney to protect your rights and see that you are compensated fairly. If you’ve been charged with a felony, you definitely need a lawyer to represent you. If you are selling your business, you likely need an attorney. But if you are buying or selling a car at the local dealership, for example, you probably don’t need a lawyer to manage the transaction.

How Do I Research My Legal Issue?
Common legal matters, from Bankruptcy to Social Security, are discussed in depth here in our Legal Information section. Compare lawyers and law firms near you to find an attorney with experience with cases like yours. Carefully consider reviews from past clients. Speak with several local attorneys to learn more about your legal options and to find an attorney whom you are most comfortable with.

How Do I Find The Right Attorney?
Attorneys.org features a comprehensive directory of attorneys and law firms. Our legal directory is the only one where every lawyer is connected to their law firm and every firm to its attorneys. Browse local results for 100 practice areas all across the United States. Our directory has attorney and law firm results for every common legal matter.

Your Trusted Source For Legal Information

• Detailed and reliable profiles of attorneys and firms nationwide
• In-depth articles on today's most urgent legal matters
• Tools to find an attorney in your area
• Comprehensive state by state guides & legal glossaries
• Helpful advice on finding, choosing and preparing to work with an attorney

Attorneys.org is an expert resource designed to help our visitors better understand the law, help them make more educated decisions, help them find the right attorney and help them be prepared to work with their attorney. Our national directory of attorneys lists attorneys who focus their practice on particular areas of law and you are free to contact them or not. You can rest assured that your search is private and free and without any obligation. This means that even if you do choose to consult with one of the attorneys listed you are not obligated to hire that attorney.

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The trusted legal directory to help you find the right disability benefits attorney near you.
Website: https://www.attorneys.org/disability

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You MUST appeal within 60 days or your claim will be dismissed. So our advice would be to:

• Consult with a qualified disability lawyer.
• Appeal within 60 days.

Social Security attorneys help their clients qualify for benefits by showing the SSA how their clients fit within the SSA definition of disability.

Disability benefit law is tough. but finding the right attorney shouldn’t be. Visit Attorneys.ORG today to start your search.

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Name: Attorneys.ORG, The trusted legal directory to help you find the right injury attorney near you.

Website: https://www.attorneys.org/immigration

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If you or a loved one has been injured at the hands of another individual or company, there are 3 important reasons you should not wait to consult with a personal injury lawyer.

1. Statute of Limitations; Legal Time Limits that Can Block Your Case
2. Evidence Disappears
3. No Fees Unless You Win Your Case

Statute of Limitations (Legal Time Limit)

Personal injury cases have a statute of limitation - a time limit for bringing a legal claim against the person or company who caused you injury. If you don't file your case within the applicable statute of limitations, your case will be barred.

If your case is barred, you won't be allowed to file suit and you won't receive financial compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, loss of consortium, and the like.

While injury related statutes of limitation usually range from 1 to 4 years, they vary greatly from state to state. It's in your best interests to consult with a personal injury lawyer licensed in your state to find out how much time you have to file.

Evidence (Disappears)

Evidence is always best preserved as close to the time of an injury as possible. The further away from an event, witnesses have trouble remembering what they saw and heard and physical evidence can disappear.

As soon as a personal injury attorney accepts your case - and perhaps even before - he or she will investigate your case to determine what happened, potential causes of action, possible defenses, gather evidence, figure out what your case is worth, and whether the defendant will actually pay if the jury finds in your favor.

No Fee (You Have Nothing to Lose and Everything to Gain)

You actually have absolutely nothing to lose by consulting with and hiring a personal injury attorney. You only pay attorney fees and expenses if you win your case. If you don't receive financial compensation, you owe your PI attorney nothing at all.

Plus, case evaluations are done at no charge and no commitment.

Where to Find a Personal Injury Lawyer

You are welcome to use our free and private website, Attorneys.ORG, to find and select a personal injury lawyer. In addition, if you have a loved one, who has had a good experience with a PI attorney, you can ask for a referral. Lastly, the local bar association likely has a list of lawyers.

Free Case Evaluation

If you or a loved one has been injured by an individual or a company, you may be able to recover for your losses and pain and suffering. Be sure to consult with a qualified person injury attorney ASAP to make sure that your case is not blocked by the statute of limitations and evidence is not lost. Your case evaluation will be free and at no obligation.

And, for a bonus reason, to consult with a PI lawyer ASAP: You'll have increased peace of mind and will be able to focus on your own healing as soon as you do. The sooner, the better. Best of luck.

Personal injury law is tough - but finding the right attorney shouldn’t be. Visit Attorneys.ORG today to start your search.