Title: Help A detective from a neighboring city of mine asked me to come in and speak to him about some allegations made against me

Question: So just a bit ago I got called asking for me by name and I said yes this him he replied this is detective so and so your name across my desk and I was wondering if you could come to clear some things up. I asked what it was about because I’m never is this city really accept for driving through it to and from home. He said some allegations were made against me and he wants to clear some things up. He said I am not under arrest and that he just wants to talk. He said he won’t be back into work until Monday so I told him I would come in Monday around noon. I’m worried because I have no idea what it is about also I’m not sure if I need to hire lawyer to come with me or not? Also should I be worried here? I feel like it can’t anything too crazy or else he would of asked me to come in immediately or even arrest me.

Answer:
 If there are allegations against you, the cops are never on *your* side.

I think it's attorney territory for you.Answer #2: Hire a lawyer immediately, have them deal with the detective. Don't go talk to them unless your lawyer advises you to. Answer #3: > Can we talk to the landlord, he loves me and my girlfriend.

Yeah, he wants you to come over *there* to talk so that you're right there in front of him to potentially be arrested when you inevitably confess to something or talk yourself into an incriminating position.  Otherwise "clearing things up" could easily be done over the phone.  There's a reason they want to talk to you in person, and that reason isn't in your favor.

>  so I told him I would come in Monday around noon

You should absolutely not go down there Monday at noon unless your lawyer advises it and is accompanying you there.  You are under no legal obligation to show up on Monday at noon, even though you told him you'd be there.Answer #4: Never speak to the police, STFU and tell them to contact your attorney. Answer #5: Never ever ever talk to the police without a lawyer if there are "allegations" against you.

But also, how do you know if this guy is legit? Did you look up his precinct and call a number that you obtained independently? Because this honestly sounds super shady.


Title: [FL] Past phone number owner refusing to give up phone number

Question:
Hello! I'm writing this on the behalf of my parents.

We moved to Florida three years ago into a brand new home. My parents got everything settled, and got this new home phone number. According to them, the number was taken from the previous number because he did not pay his bills, and given to my parents after about a year of it being in limbo. Now, over the course of the last three years, my parents have gotten phone calls from debt companies, the IRS, various credit card companies, etc. asking for this previous owner. My mother told me that the IRS apparently started a case against this guy, but it looks like they cannot find him as our phone number is the one they have on file as his. We know he keeps on using this phone number because a couple of weeks ago, we got a call from a nearby Lexus dealership asking for him and talking about his credit and whatnot. We have also gotten several collect calls from the local prison asking for the inmates' 'friend' - same dude who seems to be skipping out on paying off his debt.

My question is, is there anything we can do? Any way to formally complain about this guy still using this phone number? No one seems to be able to find him and get a hold of him because of the fact that he's using our/his old phone number as his primary means of contact. Thank you!

Answer: Change your phone number.


Title: Won a small claims case, now coworker is filing workplace harassment [CA, US]

Question:
To start, I'm based in California. I loaned my coworker less than $5,000 with the expectation that she pay it back. She ended up moving away and working at a different store within the same company, and refusing to pay it back. I submitted a small claims case, and won by default since she never showed up. Since she also refused to pay me back, I had to go to the local sheriff to serve her at her business to garnish wages.

She is now contacting me stating that she is filing workplace harassment claims (because she was served at the workplace). Is there anything I should be doing to prepare or anything I should be saying to HR at my company to cover myself? I just don't know how this will be handled and I'd rather not lose my job because of her.

Answer: If that is all there is her claim is completely baseless. Just explain the situation to HR. This isn't really a legal issue. They can legally fire you, but if you're a good employee I don't see why they would.


Title: In what circumstances can a city's law override state law? (Specifically regarding abortion)

Question: Discussing with a fellow who is convinced that if RvW were overturned, and even if states outlawed it, then individual cities would legalize it. I've got no background to say one way or another, but that sounds unlikely to me. Thanks!

Answer:
 Generally, a city law can make something illegal that state law allows, but it can't make legal something that's illegal under state law.

It can make things MORE restrictive, but not less.Answer #2: A city cannot pass a law that overrides a state or federal law. That being said, the state and federal governments do not have the resources to enforce the laws in every city.

A city might decide to simply not make enforcement of certain laws a priority. Marijuana is a great example of this. It's illegal in the federal system and in many states, however there are cities where the police will for the most part turn a blind eye to it and focus enforcement on other areas considered more important.

So long as the city doesnt come flat out and say "it is our policy to defy state or federal law" it would be hard to prove that lack of enforcement is not simply a matter of limited resources at the city level.


Title: FL- Landlord/Roomate threatening to evict if I don't hand over my debit cards

Question:
Posting for a friend that doesn't use Reddit. I'll try to keep things concise from what he's told me:

&#x200B;

\-Lives in FL, Polk County to be specific

\-His mom passed away last May (previously had lived with her) so he moved into an acquaintance's home and pays $600 rent per month. No lease, just month to month.

\-He is fully disabled, and receives disability from the government + Medicare/Medicaid. No other income, so money is tight.

\-They (the landlords/"friends") have been giving him grief over how he spends his extra money (adult sites, Amazon, etc) however he pays his rent on time, every month. They are obsessed with his income and how he spends his money. They've demanded that THEY be in control of his spending, have demanded his debit cards + pins (he has given them as this is his first time renting on his own, ever, and has essentially been bullied into all of this because he didn't know what else to do) and have stated that they're going to kick him out if he doesn't comply.

\-He's got no other immediate options, no other family/friends he can fall back on, and because he's on disability and thus a limited income, his main fear is that he'll be homeless if he doesn't comply with their demands.

&#x200B;

I'm in Canada so there isn't anything I can do from here other than post here in the hopes that SOMEONE can give him advice and help him out. My instant gut reaction was "this is fucked and has to be illegal" and I'm sure I'm correct in that gut feeling, however I don't know where to start with getting him help and holding these d-bags responsible. Thank you in advance to anyone who can offer a helping hand!

Answer:
 He needs to change his credit/debit card numbers, review his credit report, and move out ASAP. I don’t know what else you want here. He is a month to month tenant, he cannot force then to allow him to remain in the home indefinitely. Answer #2: Perhaps reach out on behalf of this friend to his local Adult Protective Services? This sounds exactly the sort of thing they'd be needed for.Answer #3: I took a quick look and it seems like he should be able to find another place to live for around that amount. Maybe not his own apartment, but at least a room in someone else's house.

What they are doing is likely against the law as they are not his guardians. He could call the police and/or Adult Protective Services, but the penalty for trying to extort or control someone is not a lifetime tenancy. So he really needs to get other housing lined up before that.

It might be worth contacting the [Housing Authority](https://lakelandhousing.org/) to see if they can help find him an affordable place.


Title: Slip and fall at the pool

Question: My wife slipped at a public pool today and shattered her kneecap.  She was walking down a shallow incline into the lazy river when she hit a slick spot and fell onto her knee. While we were waiting on the ambulance we were told by the lifeguard on duty that they had just painted the floor and there are some very slick spots.  Should I sue the for her medical expenses?

Answer:
 You can get a free consultation with an attorney. Do that if you're thinking of suing. Also contact your insurance and tell them what happened.

But be prepared for that fact that she slipped at a pool.


Title: Delayed Birth Certificate- 6 Years spent TRYING to get my Passport

Question:
Hi, I´ve been trying to get my passport for years now and feel that reaching out for help is my best option at this point. Here is my dilemma.

I am 25 year old US citizen born in california. I was born at home. My mother and father were the only ones present. At age 6 I got a judge ordered birth certificate.

When I was 19 I applied for my passport. I was denied and sent a letter stating that my passport was not issued the year of my birth and because of this i would need to send additional verification of time and place of birth. They listed several options that would qualify:
Baptismal certificate (no declared religion, never baptized)
Hospital birth certificate (born at home, delayed certificate)
Census record (Parents didn't participate)
Early school record (documents I gathered were stamped official by the school department, they state I attended public school, the school I attended grades etc.)
Family bible record (None)
Doctor's record of post-natal care (none)

So this is where I stand. Ive spent years collecting affidavits from family stating my time and place of birth. I contacted the landlord and neighbors of my parents at that time of my birth. Each wrote a letter stating my mothers pregnancy and birth timeframe of myself on that property. A letter from my parents previous midwife who gave me post birth vitals the day after my birth.

What I have submitted to the US passport office:
Delayed birth certificate, Drivers license, Affidavit from mother and father, Brothers birth certificate, Letter from midwife, letter from landlord, letter from neighbor (all stating pregnancy birth location and time), Public school records, Elementary school student ID

My brother is 3 years older than me, he does not have a delayed birth certificate (he was also born at home but got his birth certificate before he was 1 years old) and he has his passport. We share the same last name and both the same parents.

 I have a birth certificate, social security card, pay taxes, go to college, but have no idea what to do here. It seams unlawful to deny my ability to travel as a citizen. Do i hire a lawyer? What branch of law is passport law? If I joined the military would they issue me a passport without question? honestly grasping at straws.  Thanks!

Answer: So you submitted this stuff.  Are you waiting for a response?  Did you get denied?  What's the status?


Title: Pirating Dallas Buyers Club? IL

Question: No, I did not own aw copy of Dallas Buyers Club. Just got a letter from Comcast saying that I need to go to court because I infringed on Dallas Byers Club LLC. I don't know what to do, I already formatted my hard drive and reinstalled a clean copy if windows, and I did this about 6 months ago, so now I'm really scared that some crazy shit will happen to me over a movie I didn't watch. Can someone please tell me what to do, I can provide pictures if that will help. Also my dad is really pissed at me

Answer:
 You need to look at the papers better. The letter likely says that DBC is asking for your info from Comcast so that DBC can sue you.

You stole. You got caught. You will soon get a letter regarding settlement. Pay it or wait to see if they sue you.

Stop stealing.


Title: School Safety Concerns

Question:
My SO works for a private school in Ohio. Our daughter is in Kindergarten at the same school. My SO tells me nearly every day how the janitor didn't do his responsibilities (vacuuming, mopping the floor, disinfecting the in-class bathroom, etc). Additionally, this school at the day's end, has all of the kids preschool and up stand outside and wait for up to 15-20 mins for their parents to pick them up in negative temps/negative wind chill temps. Some kids were crying they were so cold.

 I was there for a kids concert and thankfully got there late. The bleachers were full to the point I didn't want to move anyone to get to a middle seat. So I stood next to the edge of one and watched. I noticed, while standing there, that the hand rails that are supposed to help keep you on the bleachers and keep you from falling off the edge are held on my zip ties. My middle child accidentally touched one and it fell on to the person sitting next to the walk way. Another guy saw the sign that said: "Do not lean on. Not weight bearing" and started fiddling around. He barely pulled on it and the zip ties holding it to the bleachers snapped like a twig! If someone were to lose their footing, they would easily fall over the edge. Today, my SO was holding on to our daughter walking her into school with her and my daughter slipped. Luckly she was holding on to her mom. The teacher behind them wasn't so lucky. Just found out it's a torn miniscus. They apparently don't salt the sidewalks and we've had a layer of ice under the melting snow. To top it all off: the janitor (the only person employees to clean and maintain) is the principles husband.

My question: how can I report this with out repercussion to my SO or my daughter? How can I prove the lack of work done on the janitors side of things? I don't want my daughter to break bones. I don't want my daughter to get sick with illnesses that run rampent in that building. Pre-emptively: Thank you!

(PS: Sorry for spelling/formatting. I'm on mobile)
EDIT: Some spelling

Answer:
 Report any hygiene and cleanliness issues to the administrator. You don't have to make it accusatory, more concerned. "I noticed this..." is a good starting point. Answer #2: Is it possible to switch your daughter to a different private school? This is the most direct legal route to helping your daughter not get sick and avoid any repurcussions from the school against your daughter.

It's not clear that your daughter attending a different school would have repercussions on your SO's employment, but you know the situation better.Answer #3: There is usually someone above the principal in private schools. A church, a dioceses, a governing board something. Ideally whoever is not the teacher should make the complaint. But I've taught in private school so you might want to have someone who you are close to, but is not a teacher, make the complaint. It is not impossible that someone might retaliate by firing your SO. There accreditation organizations for schools. If the school it a part of such organization, it would be easier to anonymously complain through them. Also consider if any of your complaints would be fire hazards or fire safety violations. If they are, you can contact the fire marshall.


Title: Can I post a picture on social media of someone who robbed my house [AZ]

Question:
So, yesterday a nice fellow came by my house and tried to convince my wife that I had sold him some of my tools. She called me on the phone and he tried to convince **me** that I had rented the tools and if I didn't give them to him I would be charged late fees.

I had just bought the tools at Harbor Freight (still brand new in boxes)

I told him to leave and that we were calling the police. He then picked up as much as he could carry, and walked away.

We called the police, they moseyed over 6 hours later, told us that we would probably never see our stuff again and that they would "keep an eye out"

We got several very clear identifying photos of him taking our stuff.

My question: Would I be in any legal trouble for posting those photos on local group sites to see if someone can identify him? It's clear the police are going to put less than zero effort into tracking this guy down, and since he's learned that as long as I'm not home he can just take whatever he wants and no one will stop him, I'd like him arrested sooner rather than later.
Topic:
Criminal Law

Answer: The news runs stories with photos or videos when someone steals packages off porches around Christmas requesting anyone has any details to please contact police. I don't see how your own footage taken on your own property could get you in trouble. Without proper documentation calling Joe blow out could be slander, but you have actual evidence. Answer #2: Posting a picture of an unnamed person and identifying that person's picture as a thief raises some interesting questions. In this case, I would suppose that the person could argue that being called a thief is injurious, but first the person would have to step forward to identify himself, and second overcome your 'truth is an absolute defense to libel/slander' defense... Further, it's going to be hard for him to get an attorney to take such a case on contingency when he's sitting in a cell for theft, which is the likely result of identifying himself.


Title: Is this a way to avoid Disney trademark issues?

Question:
1. Buy land
2. Build a building/wall with a Mickey Mouse mural on it
3. Have this land owned by an off-shore proxy
4. Can't punish anyone since they aren't bound by laws in a country they aren't in

Answer:
 Deeply-guarded secret:  Underneath the Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World is a dungeon, with torture chamber, holding many people who tried to do the kind of thing you're suggesting.

&#x200B;


Title: Alabama- neighbors leave husky locked on small porch with no shade and porch is covered in feces

Question: [deleted]

Answer: Call Animal Control immediately.


Title: [USA] What are the potential legal consequences of the Satanic Temple legally pushing their religious right to get abortions?

Question:
The Satanic Temple is a religion made of atheists and nontheists. They push to end and point out legal hypocrisy for religious freedom that usually only benefits Christianity. They also push to use religious freedom laws to give people’s rights back when religious laws take them away. Legally what can happen if they push their case. Both in the short and long run.

(The article) [https://out.reddit.com/t3_pie5tb?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sacurrent.com%2Fthe-daily%2Farchives%2F2021%2F09%2F04%2Fthe-satanic-temple-begins-legal-maneuver-to-skirt-texas-new-abortion-ban&token=AQAA-i81YQvbY-wbZZ8uSVdunik8qe43tk1ygz-HllNaELai0PeV&app_name=reddit.com&web_redirect=true]

Answer:
 They could win or they could lose.

There’s no punishment for bringing a good faith case against another party.

There are organizations that lose case after case but keep bringing them because they feel they have a moral imperative to do so. And outside funding.


Title: [Ohio] My paycheck just bounced and now my account is overdrawn.

Question:
I'm in Ohio. Paycheck was returned today due to insufficient funds. TLDR at bottom but I included a timeline of what happened.

Thursday 10/4 I received a paycheck that was incorrect and immediately contacted my bosses letting them know of the error. I was not paid for all of the hours that I worked. I was told I could meet with one of them the next day, 10/5, about the error. I did not deposit the paycheck because it was incorrect and I felt depositing it would be "accepting it". We use an app for scheduling and clocking in/out and Thursday night my manager access (letting me see hours worked) was taken away with no explanation why.

Friday 10/5 Autopay bills are taken out of my account which makes me overdrawn. Boss does not show for meeting. I text boss asking if she still planned on meeting with me, I didn't receive a response until hours after the store closed and she said basically sorry she was busy. I deposited the -still incorrect- paycheck that night because I didn't want to be charged any fees for having an overdrawn account for more than a day (bank gives me 24 hours to come up with funds).

Monday 10/8 I had more bills to pay, still had not received the rest of my check. I checked my bank account and it said I had an available balance including my deposited paycheck, so I went ahead and paid the rest of my bills. I've made the mistake before of using money out of my account before my check actually clears so I know I made sure this time that it said I had an available balance.

Tuesday 10/9 Still have not received a check for the hours I was not paid for. I messaged bosses letting them know I was going to be looking for a new job because I just needed to be making more money to keep up with my bills, and that I would put in a formal 2 week notice when the time came, I just wanted to give them more notice as I knew sometimes it takes more than 2 weeks to find a replacement, etc etc. We were on friendly terms until all of this so I felt I was being polite.

Today, Thursday 10/11 I woke up to a notification my paycheck was returned due to insufficient funds and now my account is extremely overdrawn. I texted my boss "My paycheck bounced". She said she'll bring over a replacement later today. I asked can it please be before 5 oclock so I have time to deposit it before the banks closed, and was met with an "I'll try".

TLDR: I already spent the morning updating my resume and continued looking for a new job. In Ohio am I entitled to any damages? Will they have to pay fees I'm charged or is that "my fault" that essentially I live paycheck to paycheck?

Answer:
 It isn't the responsibility of your employer to control your personal expenses.

It IS the responsibility of your employer to not bounce checks, and you can generally sue for any penalties or fees you incurred due to the bad check.

Come to them with a detailed list of any overdraft fees or late fees and demand that they pay those as well. If they refuse, the only leverage you have is to tell them that you will go to the dept. of labor.

If your employer is not keeping enough funds in the account that employees are paid out of, that is a **VERY** bad sign. Answer #2: I don't think they HAVE to pay your overdraft fees but when I used to work at a coffee shop they did. I will say that bounced and late checks are a sign of the business having financial issues. I would look for a new job. I drove by that coffee shop a year later and they were gone.


Title: [MO] [LONG] I have a full order of protection against my ex girlfriend. She has texted and called me a dozen times and is trying to frame me.

Question:
I made a whole new account for this because it's quite a complicated situation and I'll probably have to make several posts so it's not just one huge wall of text. I'm seriously dealing with "Gone Girl" levels of insanity here. For my first post I'll set the bullet points.

I was arrested for misdemeanor domestic assault. She was supposed to catch the same charge, but had a "panic attack", stayed one night in the hospital, slashed my tires and stole half my stuff from my house.

I got an exparte against her, set a court date, she didn't show, full order of protection was granted. One day she texted and tried to call a dozen times each, admitting to the stolen items and even starting the first text with "I know this is breaking the restraining order.."

She said through the texts she was going to kill herself and just wanted me to have my stuff back. A condition of my bond is to not speak to her at all, so I didn't reply. Called the police and told them what she was saying.

Filled out a police report, provided them with the texts as proof that she was breaking the exparte. This was a month ago and nothing has happened. I overheard my lawyer ask the prosecutor why nothing has happened and the prosecutor said he has a "desk full of reports" stating that **I** am texting **HER** as well, which I am absolutely not doing.

Apparently she's trying to frame me. One of the things she stole and admitted to having was my iPad. I checked my email on my phone and noticed I had one unread message in my Trash folder. It was an email from me to her saying "Bitch Fuck Off" I panicked and did a security check and took a screenshot showing my iPad was still logged in when the message was sent. I took a screenshot, removed the iPad, and changed all my passwords.

My lawyer has been kept up to date on everything. My court date is coming up for the assault charge, so the lawyer says he can't call up the prosecutor to see why the hell nothing has been done about her breaking the order, damaging my car or stealing my things. He says it's up to the prosecutor if he wants to pick up on it or not.

She broke the law by blowing up my phone, and admitted to that and the theft in the message. I feel like I'm losing my mind here. The lawyer says not to worry too much because I have proof it was her that texted me and she must be just using random numbers or something but I'm scared shitless.

Also, somewhere during all that, she had me served with an exparte stating that I had been cruising past her work (nope) and stating that I had sexually abused her while we were living together (double nope). I'm currently trying to take measures to prove where I'm at at all times (only leaving the house for work, taking multiple pictures of my odometer through the day, etc.)

This post was much longer and more detailed than I anticipated, sorry about that. If anyone can give me any advice here I'd greatly appreciate it. I am absolutely losing my mind.

Answer:
 You have a lawyer, what else do you need? You can attempt to press charges, but ultimately it will be up to the DA if they want to pursue.Answer #2: There's not much to add to this.

* Listen to your lawyer.
* Document, document, document.
* Make sure to show up and defend yourself if she seeks a full restraining order upon the expiration of her ex parte one.
* Continue to escalate your complaint for the violation of your ex parte order up the chain of command of the police department.  If that fails, you might consider contacting your local political figures like the mayor and your representative to ask them to explain why the local police aren't enforcing restraining orders.


Title: My wife just got a notification for possible jury duty in our county in central Indiana. She is 38 weeks pregnant.

Question:
My wife is 38 weeks pregnant and about to pop. We received a notification for possible jury duty between April-June. We are concerned about her recovery time, as well as we are moving out of state in June. Anything we can do?
Topic:
Other Civil Matters

Answer: Notify them via the route on the letter.


Title: My friend [23/M] got his long-distance GF [19/F] of 1yr 4mos pregnant during a visit. She's become abusive and he doesn't know what to do. Help?

Question:
A friend of mine went to Australia to visit his long distance girlfriend. He (23) is from the United States (South Carolina). She (19) is from Australia. They have been in a relationship over a year.

He was there for approximately three months. When he returned to the US, she told him she was pregnant and sent him a picture of a positive pregnancy test as confirmation. Her mother also spoke with my friend and supported this claim.

My friend left his job in retail in order to stay with his girlfriend in Australia. He is still currently unemployed. His girlfriend has been insisting that he get a job immediately and start actively preparing for the baby. However, his plan was to wait until he returned to Australia in July to be with her and his future child before looking for a job so as to not cause any more instabilities to their present situation.

She was not happy with that and has been actively trying to disparage and isolate him from his friends and family. She has begun calling him a deadbeat dad, cursing at him whenever they talk, and acting irrationally upset whenever he communicates with others.

Because of this, their communication and relationship has very quickly deteriorated. He has since decided it might be better to instead remain in the U.S. and pay child support.

What options or advice should I give him? When is the soonest he should request for a paternity test? What are his options for child support? Is adoption even an option if she refuses? Is it possible for him to relinquish parental rights? What are the best and worst case scenarios for him from a legal standpoint?

Answer:
 Go no contact. Live his life. If she's pregnant (and I question that based on the rest of this story) he can request a paternity test after the child is born.

He's not going to get out of child support *if* she's pregnant, and it's his. He gets to pay unless she agrees to give the child up for adoption. He can do this from Australia, or the United States, to his preference.


Title: My father keeps pressing his desire to sue for grandparent visitation rights/custody if I die. Wondering if this is even possible and if so how to avoid. Texas.

Question:
This year my husband passed away. It has already been a stressful year and I'm currently pregnant with my late husband's child. Thankfully, I'm on okay terms with his family and we worked out visitation regarding the grandchild among ourselves with the understanding that I ultimately dictate when they get to see her but establishing that they will.

My dad isn't the most stable man in the planet. He's an alcoholic and habitual drug user. He bounces from state to state and can't hold a job but brags about the money he's received from his father's death and how it will ensure he never has to work again.

He has told me lately that if I ever pass that he will fight tooth and nail and sue to gain custody of my daughter so that she's raised with him. And that regardless of me drafting a will and appointing godparents, if he fights it enough he will win against my mother and my late husband's family and any future godparents that I have in mind.

He also told me that if he doesn't win custody he will fight for mandatory visitation.

Here's the thing: emotionally I'm a little distraught that my dad is making plans for my child upon my death... and I'm in my twenties and healthy so it isn't like I'm going to die anytime soon. My dad was abusive growing up and my mom had full custody of us. He isn't a stable person at all and I truly, truly do not want this person to have a snowball's chance in hell of gaining custody OR visitation of my child in event of my death.

Is there any possibility that he could do this or should I go ahead and start drafting something legal to protect my child from that fate if it is possible?

Houston, TX

Answer:
 Go see a lawyer. Ask them to draft a will and a designation of guardian for your children. Texas looks at the best interest of the child when determining who gets access to a child after the death of both parents, but the State would also take into account what your estate planning documents say.
You can list in your will or designation of guardian reasons for your choice if you want to make a written record of why you are concerned about your father getting custody. Answer #2: Write a will including a chain of custody (e.g. my mother, and if she dies then my mother-in-law, and she dies then my brother).  Make it explicit in your will that you do not want him to have custody because he was abusive.

Work with a lawyer to do this right.


Title: [GA] Is my discriminating against me or violating my rights?

Question:
I rent a house from a property management company in Georgia with two other guys. I've lived in this house for five months, and for the past two months I have been charged $175 for lawn care, specifically the trimming of shrubs and hedges. The first time I was charged, which was July, I simply paid the fee as I assumed it would be a one time charge. Then we were charged the same fee the next month after being warned about the condition of the lawn and spending three hours in my yard with my roommates doing everything the property manager said need to be done.

This is when I decided we were not being treated fairly. Below are the terms of my lease concerning lawn care.

> Tenant is responsibel for the care of the yard(s) or lawn(s) to     include but not be limited to the following: mowing, watering, weeding, and trimming all shrubbery, beds, and/or grass. Should tenant neglect to take care of the same, Management shall have the right to hire this work done, which shall be paid for by the tenant.

My issues with this are that the terms in the lease are far too vague to warrant charging such a high amount so often, we have never received an invoice for the work, but rather it is charged to our account with the office, and the managers accept rent without the charges being paid, but then send letters stating if we fail to pay they will take legal action.

Any help that you can provide would be much appreciated.

Thanks

Answer: That's not discrimination or a rights violation at all. Ask to see verification of the cost of services.


Title: [Arizona/Federal] How can my boyfriend get his gun rights back?

Question:
My boyfriend was in a very bad motorcycle accident in 2016. He was put into a medically induced coma for three weeks as a result of brain injury. During that time his mother had to take legal guardianship over him in order to be able to make medical decisions for him (the doctors wanted to give up.)

He made a full physical, and most importantly, mental recovery and she no longer had guardianship over him. He was forced to retest for his license and with that came the return of his voting rights.

Earlier this year, however, he went to purchase a gun and was denied by NICS. After requesting a letter of denial, he received it in the mail a few weeks later. He was denied because he is considered as having been mentally adjudicated. He was never actually mentally unstable. He was in a coma.

He has been to the courts and through his records from that time and can't find any information on how to get his 2nd amendment rights back. All the methods of getting his rights back refer to criminal cases which his is not. He's never even had a misdemeanor. We've been unable to find local legal advice as our county courts (Maricopa, AZ) have no information and attorneys handle criminal cases.

How can we have his 2nd amendment rights reinstated?
Topic:
Background Checks and Expungements

Answer: He is going to need a lawyer that specializes in those laws. I HATE the NRA but sadly they might be the best resource here to get help. Because once the NICS revokes gun rights its very difficult to get them back. Answer #2: The Second Amendment Foundation (saf.org) would be my first choice. They have a lawyer referral service and can put you in touch with a lawyer in your state. (They do litigate quite a few cases themselves, and maybe your case is something that will catch their eye. I bet they're always looking for an interesting case and a sympathetic client.)


Title: Contractor left half way into construction work and wont return calls or texts. Left with almost 20k in cheque

Question:
So I'm in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. We had to do some water proofing in the house basement so we contracted a dude. I don't know if I'm allowed to include his business name here but I can provide if you need in order to help me with this. Basically this guy took the entire fee upfront in cheque and did the work. He sorta half assed the job but never finished the work at all. He broke a part of my neighbours fence and completely removed the fence on my other neighbour's place, we had their permission but now it's been removed for a while and they're getting pissed. This guy won't return calls and we're almost out of options. Our plan right now is to try to contact the people that gave him his working license for these jobs and get him in trouble. We have proof that he did not finish the job, we took pictures and such. We have the transaction evidence of the cheque so we can prove it all. He did not provide a lincese or anything but we have his number for his business and some HST number (not sure if that helps) please help us because he took a lot of money but I'm not sure what we can do about it!
Topic:
Contracts

Answer:
 I just saw your other post comparing black people to monkeys.

Enjoy your karma, racist.


Title: Went to have oil changed, shop didn't add oil (originally posted to r/mechanicadvice

Question:
Posted this in r/mechanicadvice and many suggested I re-post here.

So, like the title says, I went to have my truck serviced and they didn't add any oil. When I left the shop, no engine lights were on. I drove home (approx 2 miles) and then, an hour or two later as I was heading to the gym, I noticed the "low oil pressure" and "check engine" lights were on. I also noticed the oil pressure gauge was at zero. I drove exactly five miles without any oil (reset the trip odo after the oil change)

I parked and called the shop. They sent a guy with some oil and he filled it up. Went back to the shop and they "checked it out" and said everything was fine.

How and when will I know if there is any real damage? This is a 2012 Nissan Frontier, I take good care of it and want it to last. I took a video of the warning lights, dry dipstick and the tech putting the oil in.

Any advice as to how to proceed is greatly appreciated.

Answer:
 Let me start with - NOT A LAWYER - I simply subscribe to this sub because often times the  advice may prove useful later in life,  or just because i enjoy knowing some simple legal facts.
   Disclaimer aside.. I am however  Pretty decent with cars and chemistry.

  Unfortunately for you your car is dead it just doesn't know it yet.  Running a car without  oil for a minute is bad  for 5....
 Your block is made of aluminum   -  and it doesn't react well to heat, without lubrication, the cylinder lining (  think steel sleeve put inside the cylinder to strengthen the sides ) is probably shot.

The good news is you can actually prove the damage by this but your gonna need to  get an oil analysis done.  ( link http://www.blackstone-labs.com/gas-engine.php)
    That will give you a breakdown of whats going on inside your engine. How bad everything is and what  to expect in the future.

 You are gonna need a lawyer for this one, it may help to find one in whatever specialty this area is. It is a long and drawn out process.
     -  For reference if anyone remembers Montgomery wards...  I went through this with them with a ford explorer and no oil added to it after a change.


Title: Why is there a legal age to donate blood?

Question: I have a funny feeling I may be walking into a stupid question, but what about the process calls for one? I ask this out of curiosity as someone who has had tested blood as per medical protocol as far back as I can remember.

Answer:
 Donating takes a sizable quantity of the blood in the body. It has potential to have harmful effects, so you need to be old enough to consent knowing that.

There are also size restrictions. Incredibly tiny people can't donate either, because their bodies just can't afford to lose that much blood at one time.


Title: Should my sister open a supposed check that was mailed to her from a potential employer she ended communication with?

Question: Sister applied for an assistant job through LinkedIn. She is interviewed through email and at one point gives her address. This guy says he is sending her a check for $6000 to cover expenses as he is overseas. She senses a scam and stops replying. Well, now a priority mail envelope is here with an Alabama return address. She wants nothing to do with it. I tell her to open for shits and gigs. What should she do?

Answer: Scam.  The check will bounce/is stolen.


Title: Coachella: Arrested for attempt to use an ID (25661) and minor possession (11377)

Question:
I got caught using an ID, and also searched for pills.

I'm from the UK and my court date is after my flight home, I cab have it moved or just take the bench warrent, how long will the bench warrent last for? (As in reentry to the country)

Also, how much will each ticket cost? I understand the ID is minimum $250 but how about the drug charge?
Topic:
Drug Possession

Answer:
 Whoever had "10" in the pool about Coachella drug arrest posts this year -- I think you might win.Answer #2: If you ignore this, you shouldn't plan on returning to the US, ever.  You won't pass ESTA and you won't get a visa.

Of course, with misdemeanor convictions, you might not either.  But a lawyer is certainly a better bet than ignoring it.  At least it shows you respected the law.Answer #3: I don't think that this has been mentioned yet, but have you contacted your nearest embassy or (full) consulate yet?

They might know better about how to specifically deal with UK citizens charged in the US, who would need to go home.


Title: Neighbor put his sump pump hose right outside my basement windows, now my basement carpet is ruined.

Question:
Located in West Fargo ND.

Just as the title says. I was out of town for the past few months, but had someone watching my house while I was gone. They came over to mow my yard on Thursday, and I came home on Friday. When I got home, my basement had water in it. Luckily, it wasn't standing water, but it was enough to completely ruin my carpet and padding.

My first thought was that it was my own sump pump failing, but the utility room was completely dry, so I ruled out that possibility. I then went outside and noticed that my neighbor (I live in a twinhome) had placed their sump pump hose right outside my basement windows, which just so happens to be the wall where the water was most concentrated.

I asked the person that mowed my yard if they moved that hose themselves, and they assured me they hadn't, as they'd have no reason to go on my neighbors yard of course. They did however mention that they specifically recall seeing it in my neighbors yard on Thursday because they saw it shooting out water while they were mowing.

They did mention that when they mowed on Thursday, that my neighbors yard hadn't been mowed. When I got home on Friday, my neighbors yard had been mowed, so between Thursday and Friday, they had moved their sump pump hose while mowing, and had forgotten to put it back in their own yard.

I've tried to reach out to my neighbors about this, but can't get in touch with them. They appear to be gone for the weekend.

Does anyone have experience with a situation like this? One would have to think that it's borderline illegal for them to direct their wastewater directly at my basement as opposed to pointing to the drain located in our back yards.

Answer:
 This one sounds like a pretty open and shut case - their actions resulted in the destruction of your property, and putting a hose right next to your window is pretty foreseeably a bad idea.

If you have a groundwater rider on your homeowner's insurance, they can help you (they can also recommend services that can help you). Alternatively, their homeowner's insurance may also help them here (or if they have an umbrella policy).

Definitely start removing the ruined carpet and pad, you want to mitigate future possible damages and avoid mold.


Title: Friend just interviewed for a job. They wanted her to work today to see if she can handle it.

Question: This is just a minor topical curiosity at this point, but do they owe her pay for this period no-matter whether they want to hire her or not? I've heard of people being hired and starting work immediately, but this "maybe" hired thing seems a bit sketchy.

Answer: My answer assumes you're in the US but it's likely the same anywhere that has a modern legal system. Yes they would owe her if she is doing work even if they don't give her the job. A very limited skills set during an interview is permissible but if you are actually doing work that benefits the employer they must pay you.


Title: My job in construction doesn't give us PTO or none of that stuff to the employees is there laws in place that says otherwise?

Question:
My work is in arizona tucson

The company is based in Nevada Las Vegas. But they branch out to Tucson..

I've asked my boss if the company gives PTO and he said well we dont give any.  We work 40+ hours a week

Also they dont do overtime so if I work the full week and decided to do extra hours he pays them by the hour and not overtime is that unusual?
Topic:
Employment Law

Answer:
 Arizona does not require PTO at all

You can file a wage claim for any overtime you are owed, assuming you're not exempt managerial staff or something


Title: Buzz ringer every night

Question:
Hey guys, I live in Canada with my parents and this person keeps on ringing our buzzer every night at 11-12 and sometimes in the morning too (like 4-6AM). When he/she rang the buzzer, I threaten them to call the police but I just cantacted my apartment manager. I dont know what to do and my mom is super stressed out cuz she cant sleep. What should I do?

Thanks for reading

Answer: Unplug/disable the buzzer if you can. If you know who is buzzing you can tell the apartment manager and ask them to handle it. If you don't know who it is though, there's not much you can do except unplug the buzzer since it's not illegal to try to get in contact with someone.Answer #2: You can unplug the buzzer. It's pretty simple.


Title: HOA towed my car unlawfully

Question: My boyfriend lives in a town home that has an HOA and a sketchy tow truck company aswell from what I have heard. My boyfriend tells me that I can park in the guest parking for 3 days in a 7 day period and that any more I will get towed and I had always been careful about this. I parked on the public street outside of the town home from monday-thursday and later that thursday I picked up my brother and boyfriends friend to go to his town home pool and later that day after dropping everyone off I came back to my boyfriends townhome and parked in the guest parking. On friday morning, I saw my car there when I went out with my boyfriend. Then saturday, next morning, I dont see my car where I parked it so I had assumed that I parked on the street but no luck, my car had been towed. I called the tow company and they said they have my car. To release it on saturday was 368$ and i asked when it was towed and for what reason. I was told my car was towed at 8pm on Friday for not having a parking permit. I had thought this was ridiculous because they don't pass out parking permits for guests unless they are there for cleaning business or daycare etc. It says on the hoa website that "No vehicle may be parked in the guest parking longer than 3 consecutive days,no more than 3 days on any given 7 day period, and no more than 12 days in any given 30 day period. Any vehicle parked in excess of any of these limitations is subject to towimg and the imposition of monetary penalties against the responsible unit owner. For long term guest parking( anything over 72 hours) you must recieve authorization from management/board." I had asked someone in the parking lot about this and she said she had problems with this aswell and got a parking permit because she was in a cleaning business and I checked every single car in the parking lot and did not see a parking permit on any vehicle that are in the guest parking including where I was parked. Was this justified? Can I fights this or am I in the wrong?

Answer: Well had you been parked in a guest spot for more than 12 days in 30? And that includes days where you were only there for 30 minutes say. It might even count as multiple days if you parked, left, came back again etc.


Title: I was assaulted.

Question:
Member of the Army Reserves, travelling back home from drill in my uniform. I was on an extremely busy two lane road, when someone starts turning into my lane. He came very close to hitting me, and I had to swerve to avoid just that... When he saw me swerve, he swerved back into HIS lane.

As I drove by I had my window rolled down and said "Watch where you're going!"

I understand I probably shouldn't have done that to begin with, but he almost caused an accident and I hate it when people try to act like nothing happened at all.

After I did this, he followed me to the next light, stopped in the middle of EXTREMELY heavy traffic, and leaned out of his car window to yell "Why don't you watch where you're going?! N\*\*\*, N\*\*\*

For some reason, he started yelling a particular racial slur at me.

I asked "Are you okay?" through my open car window.

He then got out of his car, and walked up to mine IN HEAVY TRAFFIC, and punched me in the face before I could get my window rolled up. I was sitting in my car when he punched me.

He broke my glasses, and cut my face which caused me to bleed heavily. I probably should have gone to the hospital for stitches, but I chose not to.

He then ran back to his car to try to drive off, but I grabbed one half of my broken glasses and grabbed his license plate number. I called the police, and they grabbed him a block away. He admitted to them he did it, under the excuse that I provoked him.

I am pressing charges against him, but I have never done anything like this before. Is there any particular advice I need?

Answer:
 You contact the police and let them handle it. You don’t need a lawyer unless you plan on suing, in which case get one. Don’t talk to road rangers. Answer #2: This is fairly generic advice, but: jot down some notes as soon as possible of literally everything you can recall of the incident - everything from the weather conditions, time of day, what the other person was driving, where they were, where you were, what was said, and what was done. The more details the better.

Refer back to your notes as needed to refresh your memory, but do not show the notes to anyone. They are only to help you recall the events as accurately and completely as possible, in the event you are asked by police and/or attorney(s) in the event of a civil or criminal case. Answer #3: Get a dash cam. I hope you never need to use it, but video is hard to dispute.Answer #4: If you need to go to the doctor, call your unit and tell them what happened; you can bring a Line of Duty form (DA Form 2173) to a doctor. Then your unit commander fills out the bottom portion, and they pay for the visit as well as any follow on care you might need. Coordinate with your unit carefully on this if you go this route and don’t be afraid to call your MSC surgeon directly if they’re taking too long processing the LOD.

https://armypubs.army.mil/pub/eforms/DR_a/pdf/A2173.pdf


Title: Ticket for making a left turn when there is no sign saying that I can't do that. Colorado

Question:
I was pulling out of a school paring lot to a make a left turn, [seen in these pictures.](https://imgur.com/a/tVJTj) After making the left turn I was pulled over and given a ticket for "Disregarding traffic control device". The problem is that there isn't an official sign that says I cannot make a left turn. The school sometimes duct tapes cardboard signs to that stop sign that say "Right turn only", which was on the stop sign that day, but they cannot make up the driving rules. I called the Engineering Department for Public Works of the city and they said they have been taking down these signs for some time now and that I am allowed to make the left turn.

Is showing the linked pictures and telling the court what the Engineering Department for Public Works told me enough to get me out of this ticket? Should I get a lawyer?

Edit: Ticket was dismissed.
Topic:
Traffic and Parking

Answer:
 The Uniform Traffic Code allows a property owner to request police enforcement of traffic laws in a parking lot or private road. This is common in mall parking lots, shopping centers, private roads in gated neighborhoods, and yes, even your school.  If a mall puts up a stop sign, and you run it, you can get a ticket.

So, if the school put up the sign and gave the officer the authority to enforce it, you have to listen to the sign.


Title: [USA] An online order from the UK declared my package at over $800, when the value was $782. FedEx is trying to collect import duties from me. Any recourse?

Question:
In November, I ordered some clothing from a retailer in the UK. Total price I paid was $782, under the $800 threshold to be exempt from import duties (Section 321). However, the company declared my package at $978.

When it arrived, I got a bill from FedEx for import taxes. Because my package was worth $782, I immediately filed a value dispute with FedEx. They initiated an investigation and I never heard from them again.

Fast forward to today, and I get an email from FedEx telling me the following:
> I am in receipt of the above referenced disputed invoice.  You have advised that the incorrect value was indicated on the import paperwork and the correct amount for this shipment should have been $782.40, which is under the $800 threshold for duty-free entry.  It should be noted that we would have no way of knowing that the import paperwork value provided was incorrect.  We have procedures in place to address Section 321 shipments (under $800) base on the paperwork provided and the AWB value to remove these shipments and process under Section 321 entries.  With the value of $978.00, we would not have addressed this under the scenario and processed according to the information provided with an entry, paying duties/taxes.  You will need to address this issue with the carrier and/or the shipper/supplier, so that the information provided is accurate and compliant with Customs regulations.
>
> There are no options available with U.S. Customs to address a Section 321, after a shipment has been released and entry summary filed.  The AWB needs to indicate the correct value and also indicate indication of Section 321 entry processing.

Do I have any recourse here? Am I stuck paying this because the UK company messed up the value? What would the repercussions be if I told FedEx I had no intention of paying the duty and they needed to handle it?

While I don't think FedEx is necessarily in the wrong here, neither am I.

Thanks in advance for any help.

Answer: I would contact the retailer and expect them to make good on their mistake. They are the ones at fault here, not you or FedEx.


Title: Airline canceled one leg of my flight

Question:
I’m an American citizen currently traveling in Tunisia. I had a return trip booked through Royal Air Maroq that was supposed to take me from Tunis to Casablanca and then from Casablanca back to the US.

Yesterday I received an email (entirely in French just as an extra fuck you) saying that my flight from Tunis to Casablanca has been canceled and I was being bumped to a later flight that would not arrive until several hours after my flight to the us departs.

I talked with remarkably unhelpful royal air maroq representatives who insisted that my only options would be to 1) take a flight the previous day, costing me a day of vacation and forcing me to eat the hotel cost, 2) take a flight the next day, costing me a day of work and to pay for another night at the hotel , or 3) cancel the whole flight and rebook with another airline, just a few days before the flight so obviously at a much higher price than I could have booked moths ago when I purchased the air maroq tickets.

Tl:dr unless I can manipulate spacetime to reconcile two flights, I’m out some money

Is there anything I can do to get reimbursed for my extra costs? I kept asking but the representatives I spoke to said I would have to file a claim after the fact and see what happens.

Answer: Probably not.  Travel nonsense happens.  This is why travel insurance is really a must-have for international trips.  They'd have paid your hotel and helped rebook you, if necessary.


Title: Autistic cousin worked for his brother-in-law and was promised pay but never received it.

Question:
My cousin is 24 years old, Ohio(OH) United States(US), who has Asperger's, and he has recently moved in to live with my family for a year until he can get himself into an assisted living home. Not long afterwards his brother-in-law, who does plumbing related work, offered him payment to help him with a job.

My cousin for about a week or two would be gone from about 9 or 10 in the morning and wouldn't come home until about 12 hours later. On average he worked physically 8 to 10 hours a day.

The pay was under the table and he was promised $60, and would be paid a week after the job was done. He was never paid though, and worse my cousin on several occasions had to pay out of pocket himself for materials his brother-in-law needed but did not have the money for. The costs I have no idea on and also my cousin on several occasions bought had to buy his "employer" lunch and/or dinner for the same reason.

The final thing was how my cousin's brother-in-law was trying to get him to invest in his business as well. After not getting paid like promised after a couple weeks my cousin turned down another offer from his brother-in-law in doing another job with him.

I'd like to know is by Ohio law, has he been exploited by his brother-in-law and what would be the best way to see my cousin is compensated.

Answer:
 [This is the form you fill out](http://www.com.ohio.gov/documents/dico_MINIMUM_WAGE_COMPLAINT.pdf). If he has receipts for the stuff he paid out of pocket for, he'll have to sue.

That your cousin has Asperger's makes the BIL's actions a little more despicable but doesn't have any legal implications I can think of in this case. Unpaid wages is unpaid wages.


Title: [WASHINGTON STATE] 13 Year Old [f] Continuously Taking Inappropriate Photos. School Will Not Disable Laptop Cam.

Question:
We have a 13 year old who has come to stay with her father and I, after living with her mother who we've recently discovered is a drug user, and has an unsavory ilk of people coming though her home. In the time that she was living with her mom, she would be left home alone for days, going to the neighbors house hoping for food, etc. She was molested by one of the numerous junkies that was coming and going from that house.

Since she has been living with us, she has repeatedly been taking photos of herself that are inappropriate, and sending them to boys. This is unmistakably child pornography. We've taken her electronic devices, and even bought her a cell phone with no camera. It's not helping, as she is still having text conversations of a sexual nature. She now has no cell phone at all.

The only device she has is her school issued laptop. This has a camera. There has been 2 separate occasions where we have discovered CP on this machine. The school adamantly refuses to disable the camera, and all device settings are locked down, requiring an admin password. Our next step now is to provide her with a laptop that we've furnished, with the camera disabled by admin.

My questions are:

- What happens if the school district discovers CP hidden on her computer that we were unable to find when we turn the computer in?

- How the hell can we "scare her straight" without ruining her (or our) life? We've discussed that her actions can mean jail time for us, but that is not a deterrent, apparently.

- How do we protect ourselves in general? She's already been given 2 cell phones by friends at school that we've found in her room.

We have no idea what to do at this point, and worry that if we take her to the police for a scared straight type deal, they will blow this up in to something that will follow her the rest of her life.

Thank you, Reddit.
Topic:
Juvenile and Youth Law

Answer:
 You're not going to "scare her straight."  You're dealing with a very young child with deep emotional issues.  This is not a case of a kid that is (mostly) well-adjusted making some poor decisions.  IANAL, nor am I a doctor, but I feel completely safe saying that you locking her down isn't going to stop this behavior and it's only going to escalate.  (However, putting a stop to the access is probably a good step.)

She needs to see a mental health professional immediately, one that specializes in abused children.  NOT just a school therapist or counselor.  Find a private option to work with her in conjunction with the school.


Question:
A friend of mine has a sibling who acted irresponsibly. She took her father's credit card and spent approximately $6,000. While this won't make them homeless, it's a big hit to the parents and I'm trying to research to help them.

If a child who is no longer a minor steals their parent's credit card, and spends a lot of money, does this count as credit card fraud? Can you get the money back? What kind of charges and repercussions would the child face?

Answer: If they’re not a minor I wouldn’t consider them a child anymore


Title: Hearing loss at work

Question: Hello everyone...first post to reddit and it's a legal question. A friend of mine at work, who's also a manager, asked me ro come into his office for a sec. When I walked in he blew one of those insanely loud airhorns at me. I felt instant bomb-like shock, we both kinda laughed but as the evening went on, ringing in my ear increased, equilibrium off and really muffled hearing. It's the morning and it's worse. Wondering if there is recourse if is permanwt. Everything I've read says it may or may not be permenant. I'm going to the doctor today to check it out. Thanks

Answer:
 this is a workman's comp issue and should be reported to your employer as a workplace injury immediately.

and your friend can, and probably should, be fired immediately for it.


Title: A 16 year old foreign exchange student was abandoned at an international airport by his host family with no cash, itinerary, or working cell phone.

Question:
Hello! I read over the rules for the subreddit and the FAQ, but if this is not the correct sub, please let me know if there is a more appropriate place.

Disclaimer : I don't have all of the specific details, but I have spoken with my family who were involved and present when the host family left him at the DFW airport.

This is what I know:

My cousin (we'll call her A) has been "talking" to a German exchange student (we'll call him P) this year. Nice kid, on the basketball team and well liked at school. Long story short, the host family did not like my cousin. They made him sign a contract saying that he would have no communication with her after the host mom found a selfie of them on his cell phone. Since they are 16, both A and P ignored the host family. On Friday night, the host dad saw A and P sitting on my aunt's front porch and made him get in the car to take him home (P was staying the night at a nearby house).

The host family took P to the person in charge of the exchange program on Saturday, packed all of his belongings, picked him up today and drove him straight to the airport.

According to my aunt, they left this 16 year old foreign exchange student with no cash, no itinerary, and no working cell phone. He had a scheduled flight for June and they told him if he couldn't get it changed to a flight today that he would have to try tomorrow. They dropped him off at 10 and the desk for the airline didn't open until 12, he was able to get it rescheduled for 5 this afternoon. My aunt also said that since P didn't have cash my uncle had to argue and plead with airline to accept his traveler's checks to pay the difference for the airfare and to check his three suitcases.

To my knowledge, P is safe and on a flight back to Germany. My aunt and uncle and A took him to lunch and then back to the airport when it was closer to the flight time. I questioned my aunt as to how they even got involved and she said that P sent an SOS text to A on his German phone (wifi only) when the exchange program person told him that the host family was taking him to the airport.

The reason I am posting this in /r/legaladvice is because the whole situation is just bizarre. It feels like the host family must have broken some sort of law by just leaving this kid at the airport without even making the necessary arrangements to ensure that he would be able to fly back today. I have requested more information from my aunt, while I was writing this post she has texted the program that handled the exchange.

Not looking to take legal action against the host family or anything (can't imagine that my aunt and uncle would have any grounds to do so), but I am curious as to the legality of the host family's actions, because as my mother said, "It must be wrong, 'cause there ain't nothing about this that feels right." I am going to help my aunt contact the exchange program to ensure that the host family can't do this to another kid.

Thanks for any help!

*Edit - sorry, I somehow managed to misread both warnings (including the red box) that said include your location.

Answer: The kid and his parents should contact the organization that did the exchange. Let them know so they cannot host again.


Title: Any legal issues with letting a teenage child (15m) live with me while his mother finds apartment? PA

Question:
Long story short, I had been with my fiancee 7 years, I actually posted here for advice a few weeks ago about removing her from my home.  She left me, but cannot find section 8 housing in the month I'm giving her to find a place.  I offered to let her son stay with me until she can so he doesn't have to be homeless.  I have no legal ties to him or his mother.

Are there any legal issues I should worry about doing this?

He didn't cause this and shouldn't suffer, in another post about this someone mentioned legal problems with letting a minor stay with me short term and I want to play it safe.

Answer:
 As long as mom approves it is fine.

Your safest option is to get it in writing (text, email) that he is staying with you, you will take him to school, feed him, whatever. Just so that everyone knows the expectations and she cannot turn around and say you kidnapped the kid. Answer #2: Please don't forget to set guidelines on length of stay. If you are fine unofficially adopting this child, fine. But what if the mother feels unobligated and skips town while you have the child?

Something to think about.Answer #3: Make sure you get a signed form permitting you to give him emergency medical care if necessary. These are common for parents who travel and leave their minor children behind, and you can easily search for a form online. Answer #4: What are the legal issues if it doesn't work out, and OP wants to send the child back to his mother?  Would the child have tenant rights?

Also, is OP at any risk for being considered the legal father of he acts in that capacity? Answer #5: Legally if he got into trouble, as the custodian would I have the legal concerns the parent normally would?


Title: [CA] After 40 years, I just found out I am a US citizen

Question:
My parents immigrated to the US in '63 from the UK, when I was 5 years old.  We all had green cards.

They both became naturalized citizens in '75 when I was 17, and were told that I wouldn't automatically become a citizen because I was over 16.  Since then I've paid for green card renewal and lived as a legal resident.  Until today...

I went to a county-sponsored  immigration workshop to finally become a citizen.  The lawyers I spoke to said the cut off age was actually 18 years old, and that I've been a US citizen since '75.

They told me to file for a Certificate of Citizenship, but I really can't afford the $1100 fee.  Is there a better way?

I'm also worried about being in the system as a resident alien.  If I don't renew my green card next year, I would then be an illegal.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Answer:
 If you can't afford the $1100, how are you going to afford the many costs associated with naturalization?

>I'm also worried about being in the system as a resident alien. If I don't renew my green card next year, I would then be an illegal.

Not if you're a citizen.  This doesn't really make sense.


Title: Mentally-ill family member rented out my car on craigslist without my consent and people won’t return it.

Question:
I have a family member who has paranoid schizophrenia and bi-polar disorder who rented out my car on craigslist without my consent and now the people won’t return it. The day I found out I could only get in contact with their friend who dropped him off and he said, “Give me the money my friend gave you so I can personally return the car because this guy you rented out the car to is a very shady person and I believe in karma and want to do a good thing because he clearly took advantage of you and your family.” So I waited to meet him around 1:30am and gave him the money because there was nothing else we could do, and he just took off with it and we waited til 4am and there was no word back. The cops are saying that this is a civil matter but it’s so clear that they took advantage of my family member. Here is all the information I have gathered:

1.	The original craigslist post
2.	Their first names
3.	Their phone numbers (if it’s actually theirs)
4.	Email exchanges, anonymous through their craigslist account
5.	I have information about their friend who dropped them off (facebook, first and last name)
6.	It’s been almost two weeks now.
7.	These people are criminals and are toying with me (in two emails they said they would drop it off but they don’t…)

My resources are limited so I’m hesitant to hire a private investigator. The last two weeks have been so stressful so stressful it had my family member forcefully taken way to the Psych ER. The police won’t help so I’m turning here to ask for advice/assistance because I have so questions like do I even have a criminal or civil case? Who do I talk to? Do I need an attorney? Is a Private investigator my only option? What do I tell my insurance if I never see this car again? I want the car returned but I am also so upset I want to bring them to justice.

Is there any way to find these people based on phone number and should I even be trying to take matters into my own hands? This situation has been overwhelmingly stressful to the point where my family member was forced to the Psych ER and our family is just a mess not just because of the car but the residual effects of it ...I'm just trying by myself to give my family something positive...

UPDATE 6/19/2017
After calling number times talking to numerous dispatchers we finally got a stolen vehicle report filed. A CHP officer came to our rescue when no one else would. Thank you everyone for your all your advice! Now it's just a waiting game, not really expecting to get my car returned but at least we can file a claim with our insurance! :)

Answer:
 Call the police, file a report about your _stolen car_. Mental illness might prevent a criminal conviction, but it's not carte blanche to take your property.Answer #2: This is unequivocally a stolen car. You have to report it stolen, and you have to report your family member along with whomever has it. You also need to contact your insurer. Answer #3: Well, um...that's different.

If they have been told to return it and have not returned it, then you can go ahead and report it stolen. You've got the title and the insurance, so it's clearly yours. Keep all communication records, so you can make it clear that you told them to return the car.

I would contact your insurance and say that it's been stolen. Contact a lawyer for advice on how much to tell your insurance.

Finally, password protect your computers and keep your family member off the damned internet.Answer #4: Cops may not get involved, as you discovered, since they did have permission to use it (even though the person who gave permission had no right to do so). You should deliver notice to the people who have the vehicle explaining that the car is yours and you are revoking consent to use the vehicle, and it needs to be returned within 24hrs. Keep proof of delivery and a copy of the notice. Once the 24hrs are up, *then* go to the police and see if they will take a report then.


Title: Opting out Life Insurance

Question:
Hello,
My husband is in the Air Force and we have been married for less than a year. He mentioned that I had a life insurance plan, and he is the beneficiary. I did not opt in, and would like to opt out. I have let him know that I do not want life insurance and he has not opted out. I have no way of knowing what the plan is, or how I can opt out. Can I send a family a letter stating that if something were to happen to me, that I did not want life insurance, and cause it to become invalid? I hope all of this make sense. I appreciate any help

Answer:
 You can't usually exempt yourself. As your husband, he has a 'financial interest' in your well\-being and thus can take out an insurance policy on you. Some insurers might seek to get your consent, but I guess whichever one he is using does not.

A better question, though, is why? If you're concerned about your husband's motivations for having life insurance against you, then you should probably not be, y'know, married.


Title: Ex Husband never removed me from Military DEERs System, Benefits still in place 4 years later

Question: (Portland, Oregon) This week I received paperwork at my newest address about my Military Benefits. This came as a shock as I was divorced 4 years ago. After logging into the Navy Military site that holds records it still shows me as married with full health benefits as his spouse. I'm concerned about going to a DEERs Office (the place you get your ID cards and spousal support info) as there's a chance he was still collecting cash benefits for being married. I also don't want to be accused of fraud as there was insurance on me for 4 years. (I was insured through my parents after the divorce and now have my own insurance.) What is the best way to deal with this? If he left his status as married he was getting tax breaks, a lot of extra money on his paycheck for living expenses, etc. I don't care about the money aspect, just protecting myself from any sort of accusations.

Answer:
 J_platypus's husband here. Veteran of 16 years in the Navy.

First, you have no need to worry about fraud claims against you. (One of my guys was basically in this situation.)

They will have proof that you didnt try to use Tricare.

Contact the DEERS office and inform them of the situation. They will need to get copies of your finalized divorce paperwork.

DOWNSIDE: There is no way to do this without screwing him over a bit. They need official paperwork. Official paperwork is dated. Dates dont lie. He will end up owing any overpa  yment back to the government. Sucks to be him, but honestly, BAH fraud is one of the top reasons that the penny pinchers are trying to cut benefits.


Title: I brought a $40,000 Rolex last night and when I woke up I couldn't find it. I tried to get a refund but they refused. I was heavily intoxicated at the time of purchase so I obviously couldn't adequately give my consent. What can I do, legally, to right this horrible injustice?

Question:
[removed]
Topic:
Troll Post

Answer:
 Go to rehab and learn to control yourself. That's about it.Answer #2: Nothing. You lost your watch. Deal with it. As /u/grasshoppa1 said - go to rehab.

Edit to address your edit:

>I smashed it at some point during the night, but that's all I remember.

Well, that was a quick way to lose $40K


Title: 10 years removed from Divorce being finalized, and debt is still an issue.

Question:
I live in WI.

Per the divorce decree, $40,000 worth of debt was in her name, however I was responsible for paying off $30,000. The debt was for my car and a boat, that got repossessed; but all of the debt was in her name.

To date I have only been able to pay my ex $12,000. I just found out that my ex negotiated a settlement with the creditor to payoff all $40,000 for $16,000. However, my ex is still claiming that I owe her an additional $18,000; even though she settled for less.

The divorce decree specifically states that I was responsible for $30,000 of the debt. It states that I need to indemnify her.

As is, I feel like I paid my share of the debt. She is taking me back to court for the remaining $18,000. She is claiming that her credit was ruined for 10 years, and the settlement will ruin her credit for another 7 years; therefore I should have to pay the full amount in the divorce decree, even though she settled the debt for less.

Any advice would be welcome. I know I sound like a bad guy, but I am only interested in how the law would handle this.  Do I owe her more money? Do I have to pay the full $30,000, even though she settled the debt for $16,000? How does the law handle this?

Answer: You handle this by taking it seriously and hiring an attorney. This is not DIY territory.


Title: Canada. Should I press charges against my sister.

Question:
I need advice.  I came home today and my sister had let herself into my home.  I had her car parked at my house as a favour. While I was out without calling me or any warning she let herself in saying that the door was unlocked.  I am sure it was not.  I knew she was picking up her car today but I said she had to wait until after I got back from my mid term and didn't remember the time when I spoke to her.  When she let herself in she left me a note that I how I know it was her.  I know she removed her keys from my home.
She upset my dog which cause him to bark out of control because he has very bad separation anxiety. So I now have a second complaint from my asshole neighbours because he barks during day light hours.

My husband wants to press charges I am not sure if it is worth it.   I know she might be in jail by end of next week anyways for driving without a licences and lying to a police officer. She can't pay any fines she receives she lives in pay day loans.

Answer: Tell her she's not to enter your property, change the locks, and give your landlord a copy of the new key. It's probably not worth filing a police report for trespassing after the fact, if nothing was damaged or stolen, but you could. If she keeps doing it after you've told her to stop, then escalate to your local police department.


Title: [Wisconsin] I accidentally shot a deer out of season, what do I do?

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 You do nothing unless you're contacted by police and/or the Department of Natural Resources. At that point, it may be a good idea to consult an attorney, depending on what you're being charged with.Answer #2: You might be better off self reporting and donating the meat. Not sure how the herd management is in your area, but if you likely did no (significant) harm outside of an out of season kill, you could get off with a minor offense, or maybe even a warning.

Do you have an attorney that can inquire for you, maybe even make the exchange or coordinate pickup?


Title: Can a YouTube video be used as evidence in a court?

Question: [CANADA] [CA] I am thinking about posting a video of me climbing a construction crane, but I am worried if the construction company sees the video they can sue me or maybe I can get fined/go to jail. So can a YouTube video be used as evidence? And how likely is it that this will happen? Also any loopholes you guys have that would help me avoid trouble would be nice.

Answer: Yes, your video documentation of the crime could be used against you. If you're going to break the law, you certainly don't want to document that publicly.


Title: I was diagnosed Bipolar 1 on my first day of my spring semester in college. My mental capacity was never in question, I had hives covering my body. My school told me I could not participate in my semester unless I did an inpatient stay.

Question:
I was diagnosed Bipolar 1 on my first day of my spring semester in college. My mental capacity was never in question, I had hives covering my body before an audition. My doctor deduced I was in a manic episode and had been since the hives started. My school told me I could not participate in my semester unless I did an inpatient stay. They attempted to involuntarily commit me with police force three times and each time the officers refused because I was coherent but rightfully upset. I asked for help with a diagnosis and received none from my school, only obstacles. They deny I had no choice. I did not know my right to refuse, and did not get to finish the semester. My accommodations could not help at TCU. My Title IX decision for Disability Discrimination has not been finalized but it is not enough. The investigation has already been lazy and I have done much of the reporting and questioning myself. I am struggling to find legal counsel but have gathered all my files from the school and on one page the story ends mid sentence. The woman responsible for the decision forgot to finish my file. At one point I was shut in a conference room for four hours and when she is making note of this it cuts of mid sentence. She did not have to finish her reasoning for taking my education away to have the power to do so. The school has received federal funding and is subject to all ADA protections. There are so many glaring reporting errors as well as manipulation of my trust documented on paper and I don’t know who to share this with. My demands are simply tuition reimbursement, payment of medical fees, and personal damages. There is a pattern of practice of Ivy League schools doing this. Currently three other women are suuing Texas Christian University for racial and disability discrimination. My case does not have much to do with theirs, but the Title IX coordinator whom I had an issue with and they did as well has been quietly replaced. I have to push this case now while they are already under pressure to hope for settlement. The social worker in my case called me a liar (stating I knew I would be taken from school if I were honest about wanting to kill myself which I never intended) and violated her code of ethics. The day I came back the faculty and administration began pressuring me into medical leave and that I would not be successful. It is well documented. I just cannot find someone to care and need advice. I was a student employee as well which aids in arguing everything I lost. The school denied me on campus care after I returned and the Vice Chancellor told me that was not supposed to happen to any student. The school went back on denying me access to those resources. I fought hard for myself and left a paper trail. Please help me figure out how to support this suit and folks who may be able to help me.

-D

Answer: This seems main sub worthy to me


Title: How can I request/demand child support/maintenance.

Question: I am Polish and is a citizen. I went on vacation in the U.S. for 3 months. I am now pregnant and father is a U.S. citizen. He is avoided me. He blocked me on facebook which is our only form of communication because I am not having a U.S. phone number. All I know is his address, his complete name, his phone number, work place and email address. What can I do to get child support/maintenance?

Answer:
 Looks like Poland has a reciprocity agreement with the US:
https://www.acf.hhs.gov/css/resource/poland-frc

You should consult with an attorney, as this is well out of DIY territory.Answer #2: To add to what I posted earlier, expect to return to the US so that a DNA test can be performed to ensure that the guy is the bio dad of the child. Also, if dad wants it, you will have to work out a visitation schedule for dad and decide who pays what for the travel, or the judge will make the decision for y'all.


Title: County judge is taking his sweet time signing my attorney's request to represent me [TX]

Question: [deleted]

Answer: You can request the Court to do so, but keep in mind your case is not the only case on his docket. If you send an e-mail to his administrative assistant in a *calm, cool, and collected manner*, you will most likely get what you need.Answer #2: How long has it been?


Title: Wages still being garnished after the debt is satisfied?

Question: [deleted]

Answer: You work during their hours and haven't found time in two pay periods to call them?  Get it together and make the time, dude.  Taking one full day without pay to knock this out is likely going to cost you less than the garnishment.


Title: Can I ask Doctor (psych) if my adult child is going to therapy?

Question: I want to verify my adult child is going to therapy as they promised to so I'll pay for college. Does verifying treatment break doctor/patient confidentiality?

Answer:
 Yes.
He can't reveal if your adult child is in treatment without permission.
You can ask your adult child to sign consent to talk to you.
In order that your child be able to speak freely, I would recommend limited consent such as whether he's showing up to sessions.Answer #2: >Does verifying treatment break doctor/patient confidentiality?

Absolutely. You are welcome to ask, but the doc can't tell you.


Title: I’m stuck and about to miss my court date

Question: I have a court date today it’s in the next state over from where I live and my babysitter was supposed to watch my daughter and drive me down there. Now she’s not answering her phone at all. I’ve been calling her since last night and my court date is in three hours. What are my options? I’m having a panic attack thinking I’ll have to miss it and they’ll issue a warrant for my arrest.

Answer:
 Take your child - not ideal at all but the judge will see you are making the effort.Answer #2: Either find another babysitter or take the kid with you.

I guarantee the court would be more upset about you missing a court date than bringing your kid with you into the courtroom.


Title: [Delaware] Receiving tickets from someone who has the same plate as me

Question:
Hello,
Not sure if this is the right sub for this so sorry in advance. I've been receiving traffic cam tickets but the car pictured is not mine, however they do have the same plate #. I know for certain that my plate was not taken during the time these offenses occurred.

I called the number on the ticket, they instructed me to send a copy of my registration to them. I did so, but they still have not removed the charge from my account and I've recently received another ticket.

I'm less concerned about the camera ticket and more concerned about if this person gets caught doing some more serious offense and I get dragged into it. What can I do to make sure that if this person does commit a more serious offense that the police don't come knocking on my door? Any advice about the traffic cam tickets would be nice too.

**UPDATE**

I went to the DMV. Gave them copies of the tickets and they told me they will dispute them. I asked if I can get a new plate # and they said no because I haven't gotten enough tickets.

I brought up my concern about being dragged into more serious crimes and they told me not to worry about it because Delaware recycles plate #'s so it might just be someone who is using an expired plate. It's really idiotic that they even recycle plate #'s especially considering Delaware plate's are integer-only so you're obviously going to get a bunch of duplicates.

In any case, hopefully I don't have to worry about this any longer, but I doubt that's the case. More likely, I will be posting here again sometime in the future about being charged with crimes due to mistaken identity.

However, I'm not sure what else I can do. I really don't want to file a police report since I've had bad experiences with police

Answer:
 What do you think about calling the DMV and asking for new plates? Bring your paperwork to show them your problem. Filing a police report may also be a good idea.Answer #2: Sounds like your plate has been cloned.Answer #3: Follow-up with them. You need to take care of this quickly. If this other person decided to rob a bank tomorrow you could have SWAT teams running through your house and you would be in for a long legal fight I guarantee you don't want.

Once the can determine you are not the owner of the vehicle pictured the tickets will be removed.


Title: [Michigan] Legal liability of roommate/tenant illegal behavior

Answer:
 You're talking about child porn, right? Why not just say child porn? Most people who read your post are going to conclude that's what you meant anyway.Answer #2: Reformatting the hard drive may not destroy all the data on it.

The material there is not evidence until there is a criminal investigation.

If it was me, I would get a signed statement from the guy saying that he used that machine between whatever two dates and he downloaded/viewed illegal material during that time.  Save that document someplace in case this ever comes  back.

Then wipe or destroy the hard drives and replace them so you aren't retaining illegal material.


Title: Can any one help me with my firing a BB gun charge?

Question:
Hi guys wondering if any one can help me with advice i'm being charged  under this offence number 9(1),20M88 this happened in Alberta Calgary.
It's basically a discharging a firearm, pellet gun, BB gun within city limits charge.
I never even held the pellet gun it was just happened at my house I came out to confront the police at my gate who had guns drawn including a shotgun. They then proceeded to charge me a hold me in the car and wrote me the ticket.
My trial was today and now i have a court date in 4 months my question is how much trouble could i be in? Should i hire a lawyer or can i handle this myself?

Thanks guys any advice would be most helpful :)

Answer:
 So you didn't fire the gun? That would make you innocent and you should probably get a lawyer to fight the charge. That's what most innocent people do.

Now, why don't you tell us what really happened without leaving out very important details like I get a feeling you did....


Title: Company is giving us laptops for home use. They said the webcams will record us. Is this legal?

Question: So the company I work for is providing us with laptops for use at home. We are a work from home company. They mentioned that the webcams on the laptops will be recording us while we are at home. This doesn't sound legal. I have been trying to find something about it through google but nothing that seems valid. Anyone have any idea or resources? It is highly appreciated. Also the employees are located in California but the company is based out of Arizona.

Answer: I know there is a big mail order pharmacy in my area that video records all their home employees. They go to the home, install a video camera in your work area, and watch you. You can't work in pj's or sweats, you can't have children or other family members talk to you while you are working, you can only disappear off camera during two 15 minute breaks and lunch. Heck, I would rather work in the office. I think the company is Medco.


Title: Is it illegal to put a fake number in place of your SSN at a doctor's office?

Question: [removed]

Answer: No, you wouldn't.  That would be fraud.  Either put down the true number or refuse to provide.


Title: Feeling intimidation and aggression via written communication from landlord, any recourse?

Question: I've moved out. I had no contact. I'm receiving what I consider to be aggressive written communication (via email and text). I've received some of the deposit back. He's indicated I might get more back. I've been receiving bizarre requests and comments from him about the property. I feel harassed. What does it take to get a restraining order? I'd forgo the remainder of the deposit of I never had to have communication again from him.

Answer: You are absolutely not going to get a restraining order for that.


Title: [NY] Exempt status -- paid by hours worked for less than 40 hours per work, or less than 6 hours per day. Not paid for more than 8 hours per day or 40 hours per week. Is this legal?

Question:
Hello,

I am in NY and have a Temp position with exempt status.  I was under the impression, that with exempt status, I should be receiving the same paycheck every week (for 40 hours) regardless of how many hours I actually work.  But that is not the case:

* If I work 6 to 8 hours, I am paid for a full (8 hour) day (expected this)
* If I work more than 8 hours, I am only paid for the full (8 hour) day. (expected this)
* If I work less than 6 hours in a day, I am paid for the hours worked. (did not expect this)

There are some weeks where I work 40 hours over 4 days, rather than 5 and I am only paid for the 4 days (32 hours).  There are also some weeks where I'll work 50 hours and not get paid for that extra 10 hours.  It seems like they are picking and choosing how they are paying that is best for their bottom line?  Is this legal?  Or am I completely misunderstanding how pay works for exempt status?

I'm trying to be as vague as possible, I am treated VERY well here, I like the people I work with, and I like my job.  I'm not sure if I'm going to bring this up or when (I am still paid very very well).

Thank you!

Edit:  Thank you for the input everyone.  I didn't know what exempt status meant when I first started working (nor did I care considering the hourly pay), it's just after googling that I misunderstood.  It seems like what they're doing is OK and in the meanwhile I had the issues that I did have resolved when I talked to my manager.

Answer: So they are paying you hourly up to 40 hours, but then switching you to salary? No that is not legal. You should contact the labor board and file a wage complaint, or talk to HR/boss about it to see why it's being done that way.


Title: [FL] Florida DOT charging $1140.00 because tag was missing "Origination Point" and "Destination Point"

Question:
My brother recently purchased a crane for our families business which was located in McAllen, TX. So, he flew himself and me out there to pick it up. Well, we finally make it into FL and pull into the weigh station. The gentleman who was working comes out and tells us that the tag we had wasn't "any good in FL." And that we needed to comes inside, a short conversation later he hands my brother an $1140.00 citation because the crane weighs 30,300 and the "legal weight" is 10,000.

Now, we are not interstate truckers we merely picked this crane up and were driving it home to Miami. The TX business who gave us the tag assured us that he had been handing out those tags for 50 years and noone has had a problem with them. So my brother took the ticket, but refused to sign and the gentleman told us we had a ten day pass to get home. And we left. Sorry about any grammar or format problems we are on the truck as I type.

What does my brother do here?

Answer:
 Sounds like this is something you should have detailed research on before you purchase and transport heavy equipment out of state.Answer #2: He could hire a lawyer to fight the ticket, or he can pay the ticket. It's not the job of the guy who sold you the crane to make sure it's legal for you to transport it in your state. What was the statute cited on the ticket?Answer #3: There are no 10,000lb dot weight limits. And limits are dictated by axle.

Sounds like your brother was 10,000 over. Did you get stopped at any other stations?


Title: (NJ) Birth injury after epidural during power outage

Question:
Posting on behalf of my sister.

My sister gave birth by Caesarean in November after several hours of labor. When she was in labor and still intending to give birth vaginally, the hospital she was in administered an epidural. Shortly before this epidural, the lights went off in the hospital and my sister was told that the backup generator would kick in shortly. The generator did not kick in and lamps were brought in to allow the anesthesiologist to administer the epidural. During the procedure, the needle was inserted into my sister’s back and her leg jumped involuntarily. The needle was then reinserted and the procedure was deemed successful. She then labored for a few more hours before she was told that the baby’s heart rate had dropped and they would need to do an emergency C-section.
At this point I am not 100% sure if the lights are back on at the time of the C-section, but overall it was successful and my niece was delivered safely.
A few days after the delivery, my sister was complaining of severe debilitating headaches and floaters in her vision. She was taken to Urgent Care where she was told that she was leaking cerebro-spinal fluid from the epidural. The change in pressure caused her headaches. She was on bed rest for about a week after which the leak resolved itself.
Over the next several months, however, she developed a wide range of neurological symptoms, mainly encompassing weakness of her arms and legs, a sensation of pins and needles in her extremities, an eye twitch, and difficulty speaking clearly and finding her words. She works in a very physical profession and has had difficulty returning to work with these symptoms. She will be seeing a neurologist tomorrow for her symptoms which at this point (almost 9 months later) have become unbearable.
My question is this: does this seem like a reasonable case for personal injury and if she chooses to engage with a lawyer, what sort of documentation might be helpful? She has not yet been able to find the anesthesiologist’s name on her paperwork or hospital bills.
Topic:
Personal Injury

Answer: I'm not a lawyer, but I've had two epidurals and each time I was required to sign paperwork stating that I understood the risks of an epidural.  There is a difference between a bad outcome and medical malpractice.  A personal injury lawyer could review the medical records to determine which this was, but don't be surprised if it turns out that she just happened to be one of the small percentage that have the complications associated with an epidural.