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When daddy won’t let his son grow up

September 13, 2019 • By Dennis Beaver  Who hasn’t heard these two proverbs? “You’ve made your bed, now lie in it.” “Experience is the best teacher.” For parents, they are important teaching tools, appropriate to state when our kids have done something that merits an...

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When greed overcomes common sense

May 19, 2008 (Original publish date) • By Dennis Beaver "Can you tell me about the legal responsibility an accountant and broker have for steering clients into a real estate investment that made no sense at all in terms of the risks involved? My parents -- especially...

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When in Costco, don’t forget your manners

June 28, 2014   •  By Dennis Beaver “My sister and I live in Central California and were recently hired as Food Demonstrators at Costco,” Sara's e-mail stated. “Several years ago, civil war broke out in our country, and we thank the U.S. government for allowing us to...

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When incompetent people become business leaders

January 2, 2020 • By Dennis Beaver If you have ever had a manager–perhaps your CEO--who was not only incompetent, but dishonest, manipulative, narcissistic–a first-class jerk--and wondered how such a person could have attained their position, you are not alone. And,...

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When it comes to divorce settlements, verify, don’t trust

November 04, 2010 (Original publish date) • By Dennis Beaver At times, a question about a bill - where something just doesn't seem right - opens a door revealing information, which, if known years earlier, would have prevented us from losing a great deal of money....

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When jealousy simmers over 15 years

February 25, 2012 (Original publish date) • By Dennis Beaver There’s nothing like a fight over money to deeply scar wonderful memories of growing up on a dairy farm in California’s Central Valley in the 1960s. Aida, her sister, Daniela, and their two brothers grew up...

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When lawyers don’t pay their bills

November 15, 2008 (Original publish date) • By Dennis Beaver "Mr. Beaver, would you please explain when I should expect to be paid — and who owes me — for my work as an expert witness for a law firm," began Joel's e-mail. "I am an ASE Certified auto mechanic and also...

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When lawyers refuse to pay doctor’s bill

February 8, 2019 • By Dennis Beaver Today’s story will be of special interest to two groups of readers who are linked together by what is known as a lien, which I’ll explain in a moment. They are: (1) People who were injured in an auto accident who lack good health...

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When leaving a job – what you say has consequences

February 1, 2019 • By Dennis Beaver Who hasn’t wanted to tell a scheming, incompetent manager or boss just what we think of them while clearing our desk and walking out of an office that had become toxic, emotional poison - a menacing Skull and Crossbones. If there...

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When may a veterinarian refuse to treat your pet?

August 28, 2010 (Original publish date) • By Dennis Beaver Part I A dog is struck by a car, suffers a badly broken leg and other injuries. Its owners take it to an emergency animal hospital where it is examined by the on-duty vet. He outlines necessary treatment,...

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When may a veterinarian refuse to treat your pet? – Part 2

September 04, 2010 (Original publish date) • By Dennis Beaver Part 2 Last week we began our look into the bizarre situation surrounding a visit to an emergency animal hospital this past July by readers whose German shepherd (Beemer) had just been hit by a car, the...

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When may the landlord enter a rental?

April 20, 2013 • By Dennis Beaver We’ve all heard the expression “My home is my castle,” but have you ever wondered where it comes from or how old is it? Dating from the time of William Shakespeare — around 400 years ago — it stands for the proposition that no one may...

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When not to be your brother’s keeper

December 17, 2009 (Original publish date) • By Dennis Beaver A large number of lawyers are regular readers of this column and occasionally contribute interesting story ideas. The following e-mail was sent in from "Hal," an attorney in Sacramento: "In August 2009, you...

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When not to file a lawsuit to collect money owed to you

October 30, 2020 • By Dennis Beaver “Our local newspaper wrote a nice article about me obtaining my license as an architect. This led to being contacted by 'Diane,'who wanted to do a re-model and expansion of her law office. She was my first client,” “Ed’s” email...

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When parents steal their children’s identity

March 30, 2013  • By Dennis Beaver Today’s article is not about identity theft in the way that we usually think of the term. No one has assumed Sean’s identify, stolen his credit cards or taken anything of monetary value from him. Something of far greater importance...

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When schools fail to teach students

May 14, 2016 • By Dennis Beaver When under the care of a physician, dentist, or hospital, we are owed a duty due care — they must meet the standards of their profession. Failing–negligent — with resulting significant harm, a medical malpractice lawsuit can be the...

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When shopping for insurance don’t make these mistakes

July 15, 2022 • By Dennis Beaver It is impossible to avoid ads on television, radio and the internet for home and auto insurance from companies wanting us to drop who we now have and come to them. Geico boasts, “15 minutes could save you 15% on car insurance;” Liberty...

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When the boss makes illegal deductions from your paycheck

December 31, 2009 (Original publish date) • By Dennis Beaver Last week I told you about the owner of an insurance agency in San Diego who was requiring employees to buy all of their insurance from the agency, deducting any cash shortages from employee paychecks, and...

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When the bully is a lawyer

October 4, 2019 • By Dennis Beaver  We hear a lot about bullying: at school, and cyber-bullying over the internet. But bullying–any use of force, coercion or threat that is intended to intimidate-- isn’t just confined to the playground, as the adult world has its...

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When the doctor tells you to get your affairs in order

February 26, 2011 (Original publish date) • By Dennis Beaver It's the final diagnosis: "There is nothing more which can be done. Get your affairs in order. Is there someone who you can call, who you can count on, who you trust?" To Ron Dicken and Chris Kennedy of...

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When the know-it-all landlord shot himself in the foot

April 28, 2012(Original publish date) • By Dennis Beaver Owning and managing rental property is never a piece of cake. Even when experienced landlords use a property manager and have excellent legal representation, there will be an occasional problem. Those landlords...

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When the landlord doesn’t fix the A/C

August 9, 2018 • By Dennis Beaver It’s March. You have just moved into a cute little rental house in California’s Central Valley, where summer temperatures are routinely – dangerously – well over 100 degrees. Within days the air conditioner fails, and a frustrated...

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When the pest control company damages your property


March 2, 2021 • By Dennis Beaver Today’s story will be of special interest to three groups of readers: 1. Anyone who owns a condominium under the management of an HOA, a Home Owners Association. 2. Managers of HOAs. 3. Companies who contract with HOAs and cause damage...

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When the Power Company’s Power Surge Nukes Your Appliances

July 19, 2019 • By Dennis Beaver  Who is responsible–and what should you do–when a repair crew from your local power utility negligently causes a power surge and all of your appliances–everything that has wires and plugs into the wall–is fried? That was the question...

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When the property owner causes your injury

April 02, 2011 (Original publish date) • By Dennis Beaver Some of the most often asked questions about legal responsibility concern slip-and-fall or trip-and-fall injuries on someone else's property. If you or someone you know has recently been injured in one of these...

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When the wrong person buys the business

May 12, 2017 • By Dennis Beaver When an owner decides to sell the business, this can have a major impact on employees. With the right buyer, it should be smooth sailing. But when the wrong person buys a thriving business? What, if anything, can the employees do to...

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When they want to ask you ‘just a few questions’

December 17, 2011 (Original publish date) • By Dennis Beaver If you know of someone who has been asked to participate in an investigation where the results could lead to loss of employment or criminal prosecution or both, today’s story will be of special interest as...

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When to get a second legal opinion – Part 1

October 04, 2008 (Original publish date) • By Dennis Beaver Part 1 There are two buildings in most towns that we generally want to stay as far away from as possible; the hospital and courthouse. Neither are happy places and both can be incredibly expensive. For anyone...

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When to get a second legal opinion – Part 2

October 11, 2008 (Original publish date) • By Dennis Beaver Nick trusted his lawyer, believing advice which sucked him into a completely preventable lawsuit. The 45-year-old auto mechanic never obtained a second opinion-about the case or his lawyer's reputation for...

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When to run out of the plastic surgeon’s office

February 12, 2011 (Original publish date) • By Dennis Beaver Last week we told you about "Dotti," the 20-year-old woman who had breast augmentation surgery performed by a "dangerously incompetent surgeon," according to board-certified plastic surgeons who examined her...

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When who you are dating is a risk to you, your employer

July 7, 2023 • By Dennis Beaver Why does someone stay in a romantic relationship with a fraud? We are talking a responsible person who should be aware that their significant other is dishonest and capable of causing them and their employer significant harm. Is there a...

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When you are at fault

May 31, 2006 (Original publish date) • By Dennis Beaver We have all seen the television commercials for Allstate, Progressive, Geico and others. "We are here to protect you," is their basic message, especially the extremely well done Allstate series of TV ads. Should...

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When you are on the witness stand – Part 3

March 7, 2009 (Original publish date) • By Dennis Beaver In our last two articles, we looked at how appearance and behavior can have a powerful influence on the most critical element in any case: Credibility. We can have great facts; all of our ducks lined up in a...

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When You are the Victim of a Burglary Or Vandalism

August 30, 2019 • By Dennis Beaver  You may have heard advice from your insurance agent: “If you ever have a burglary or your property is vandalized, please report this to me at once.” But is this always good advice? Southern California longtime reader, “Anne” had...

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When you don’t pay the disaster recovery company

May 7, 2016 • By Dennis Beaver You might not have heard the term “Disaster Restoration Company,” odds are you have seen the excellent television commercials for three of the largest, Servicemaster, ServPro and DKI. All have high Better Business Bureau ratings, and...

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When you must change lawyers

August 08, 2007 (Original publish date) • By Dennis Beaver The last thing a client wants is to change lawyers in the middle of a difficult case. Recently, two readers — from different parts of the state — wrote in with similar complaints about their attorneys. What...

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When Your Car Is Fixed, But You’ve Still Got the Problem

April 1, 2025 • By Dennis Beaver A few hours after Betty-Ann, 85, one of my readers in Louisville, took her 2020 luxury car to the dealer because the brakes were loudly squeaking, a service writer (aka a service adviser) phoned and said, “We fixed the problem under...

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When your emotional support pit bull bites

December 27, 2019 • By Dennis Beaver “They want to kill ‘Cozy,’ our office emotional support dog!” were the first words spoken by “Chris,” who sounded just seconds away from crying. “Can you stop them? You’ve got to help me stop them,” he kept repeating. He found my...

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When your lawyer says ‘I’m too busy to take your case’

July 1, 2022 • By Dennis Beaver There are times when the greatest help your lawyer can provide is in not doing what you request. In a recent article about suing for defamation, we looked at the "Streisand Effect," calling attention to something no one would know a...

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When your son becomes the enemy

March 01, 2008 (Original publish date) • By Dennis Beaver There is no instruction manual for being a parent. Done properly — with strength and determination — it is a difficult job. Done poorly — by weak parents who cave into a child's every demand — it may be...

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When your tenant is a hoarder

July 29, 2022 • By Dennis Beaver “Terry” was my first hoarder client. About 50 years old, he worked as a custodian at a high school in a small town not far from where I was living at the time. He was a genuinely nice guy and proud of his collection of washing machines...

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When Zombie debt collectors chase written-off debts

December 28, 2018 • By Dennis Beaver Chances are that you have never heard of the terms Zombie Debt, or Zombie Debt Collectors. Neither had former United States Marine, Charles Lay, until, the first week of October, 2018, receiving this phone call: ‘Superior Court...

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Where there is steam, there is an abandoned radiator cap

August 19, 2006 (Original publish date) • By Dennis Beaver In our legal system, before you can be found liable for someone's injury or damage to their property, negligence-causation-has to be shown. For example, before my auto insurance company has a legal obligation...

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Who decides when an ambulance ride is necessary?

August 4, 2017 • By Dennis Beaver  Body boarding–also known as Boogie Boarding–is a popular, ocean water-sport similar to riding a surfboard. While injuries are low in comparison to football, fractures and catastrophic spinal cord injuries occur when waves smash...

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Who is better? Public defender or private counsel

December 31, 2021 • By Dennis Beaver 
 “Mr. Beaver, should we hire a private attorney or insist that our son, ‘Tom,’ just ask for a public defender for his possession of a controlled substance charge? He was arrested with several other young men in a car that had...

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Who is really handling your injury case?

July 14, 2012 (Original publish date) • By Dennis Beaver “For years I’ve seen hundreds of commercials on TV for personal injury law firms, featuring some pretty mean- looking attorneys,” Penny’s email began. “The impression they made on me was that, as a group, these...

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Who is responsible?

January 28, 2007 (Original publish date) • By Dennis Beaver In our legal system, before you can be found liable for someone's injury or damage to their property, negligence--causation--has to be shown. For example, before my auto insurance company has a legal...

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Who keeps Fido?

January 29, 2021 • By Dennis Beaver “One of the saddest parts of a divorce is a question,” Seal Beach family law specialist, attorney Glen Rabenn says. “Who keeps the family’s pet? It is often a deeply emotional aspect of a divorce, and difficult to reach compromise...

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Who needs a cohabitation agreement?

February 14, 2025 • By Dennis Beaver “Mr. Beaver, my father is an optician with three optical stores in our state. We lost Mom two years ago and just recently Dad has been going out with Hillary, who is 50 and a widow. I hired a private investigator who did a...

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Who pays to fix or replace a rental car flat tire?

November 13, 2010 (Original publish date) • By Dennis Beaver Today's story will be of interest to anyone who rents a car. Who is responsible for the expenses to an auto rental company resulting from a flat tire? The rental company itself? The credit card issuer if...

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Who should not go into business on their own?

October 6, 2017 • By Dennis Beaver    Today’s story answers a question not asked often enough: Am I able to successfully go into business on my own? Do I have what it takes or should I remain an employee instead of an owner?” Meet RD. Now in his mid-50s and driving...

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Why Africa matters to the United States, and the world

August 21, 2021 • By Dennis Beaver 
 Anne, my paralegal, grew up in British Hong Kong and learned to speak Chinese. The other day while we were having lunch at the office — and watching a TV documentary about Kenya — it showed two brothers, 9 and 14, preparing an...

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Why are judges not more like Judge Judy?

April 22, 2006 (Original publish date) • By Dennis Beaver Q: I was recently in Small Claims Court and have got to tell you that the judge really disappointed me. Even though I won the case against my former tenant, first of all the decision was mailed to me which took...

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Why are so many employees unhappy at work?

May 8, 2020 • By Dennis Beaver  Note: This article was written before the country went into shut down. While employment in the United States is at an historic high–with unemployment at one of the lowest levels ever seen–“Still something is wrong at work, there is a...

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Why can’t you ever use your timeshare?

February 16, 2024 • By Dennis Beaver If you have been kicking yourself and considering a name change to “sucker” for buying a timeshare while on vacation at that nice resort — but you can never actually book a stay — then today’s story will make you feel less guilty....

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Why have a conservatorship

July 2, 2016 • By Dennis Beaver If someone in your family has had a terrible accident or health issue causing them to make horrible financial decisions, then today’s story will be very helpful and begins in 2010. It was late at night when 21-year-old Heather, who...

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Why he stopped representing drunk drivers

January 2, 2017 • By Dennis Beaver If arrested for DUI, will hiring a lawyer who specializes in drunk driving change the outcome? If it’s your first, do you need an attorney to obtain a favorable plea-bargain offer from the DA? Finally, if tempted to hire someone...

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Why is my lawyer charging for legal research?

October 09, 2010 (Original publish date) • By Dennis Beaver "If I go to a dental office to have a bridge re-done, I don't expect to pay for them to conduct research into dental bridge design. If I see my doctor to get a flu shot, I would never receive a bill for...

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Why is my lawyer so sad and angry all the time?

May 3, 2024 • By Dennis Beaver Law is a high stress occupation, something that many clients do not realize. The reality of the legal profession is far different than portrayed on television or in the movies. Lawyers suffer from higher rates of depression, suicide and...

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Why isn’t small claims court like ‘Judge Judy?’

July 19, 2010 (Original publish date) • By Dennis Beaver If you've seen even one episode of the "Judge Judy" show on CBS and are waiting for your own day in small claims court, chances are good you've wondered, "is small claims court going to be like ‘Judge Judy?'"...

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Why it is so hard to find a lawyer to take a case?

March 16, 2008 (Original publish date) • By Dennis Beaver Have you recently been in an auto accident which was entirely the fault of the other driver? Car damaged, sustained injuries, had a difficult time with insurance companies, and yet unable to find a lawyer to...

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Why it’s best to have a local lawyer – Part 2

October 10, 2009 (Original publish date) • By Dennis Beaver Last week we looked at a common misconception — "the best" lawyers aren't going to be found in smaller towns. Of course, the same thing is often said of doctors; if you want a really good physician, then...

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Why knowing this one language is key

July 24, 2019 • By Dennis Beaver  This foreign language offers unique benefits to: 1. College students who want an educational advantage when seeking employment, and; 2. American business looking for new, overseas markets. Can you guess what it is? It is French, the...

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Why lasers and police helicopters don’t mix well

September 13, 2009 (Original publish date) • By Dennis Beaver "Mr. Beaver, several days ago our grandson and three of his college fraternity brothers were almost arrested for doing something which all of us now realize was completely stupid and dangerous." "It had...

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Why you may need a personal breathalyzer

June 25, 2016 • By Dennis Beaver Today’s story will be of special interest to anyone who drinks significantly more than the controversial “recommended” amount of heart-healthy alcohol or knows someone who does. That’s the equivalent of about two standard size “shots”...

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Will your insurance cover El Niño damage?

December 26, 2015 • By Dennis Beaver Daily, now, we are hearing warnings of the approaching El Niño weather system which is predicted to be one of the most destructive in decades. The insurance industry is facing the prospect of claims on a scale not seen since the...

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With employees like this, you’re in trouble

May 05, 2012 (Original publish date) • By Dennis Beaver Ask any doctor or lawyer to name that one teacher who had the most influence on their professional skills and competence, and you’ll likely hear “Father Time.” School provides the foundation, but the years we...

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With family farms, equal does not mean equal

February 18, 2012 (Original publish date) • By Dennis Beaver Today’s question should be of special interest to all families in agriculture, where some of the adult children might already have other occupations, perhaps live far away and do not want to — or are unable...

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Wood cleaning company damaged room in her house

December 18, 2020 • By Dennis Beaver
 “Mr. Beaver, I live in a home that is over 100 years old and has beautiful wood beams, paneling, floors, built-in bookshelves, counter tops, a dining table - beautiful, old wood everywhere. “I hired a company that claimed to be...

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Work related hearing loss can be compensated

February 07, 2015 • By Dennis Beaver If you are now, or have spent a career working in a noisy environment — for example, agriculture, construction, manufacturing, bars, nightclubs, forestry, hair-styling — then today’s story will be of special interest. But first, a...

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Worker protections could undergo a change in 2024

March 1, 2024 • By Dennis Beaver Have you or someone you know ever been let go from a job, not because of something that you or they did, but just because the boss could? In all states but one, most employees are "at will," meaning, in general, that they can be let go...

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Would a court enforce this agreement?

August 8, 2015 • By Dennis Beaver “Mr. Beaver, my name is Devin and I live in Lexington, Kentucky. Earlier today I stopped at a used car lot looking for a truck. The salesman walked me over to a 2000 Chevrolet S-10 for $3500 and said: “If this truck doesn’t start on...

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Would you pay this ambulance bill?

January 21, 2009 (Original publish date) • By Dennis Beaver On Sept. 7, 2008, 14-year-old Colin Swenson was in Eureka attending a memorial service, with friends. His parents were at home, a few miles away, in Arcata. During the service he fainted, was taken outside...

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Would you pay this claim?

April 05, 2008 (Original publish date) • By Dennis Beaver It is difficult to fathom why, once in a while, you find a lawyer who knowingly helps a client to do something that could result in criminal prosecution for the client and loss of the lawyer's license to...

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Would-be authors: Don’t get scammed!

May 18, 2018 • By Dennis Beaver If you’ve written a book and are dreaming of the day that you can see it in print, the next few minutes will help keep you from being ripped off. Like many others, you could lose thousands of dollars, and pay the same high emotional...

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Write a book in one day, become a best selling author (Not)

November 8, 2024 • By Dennis Beaver We all know someone who is sick and tired of their 9 to 5 job and would love to start a business or get into investing and earn a large income. “Sadly, so often they fall for online business or coaching scams that promise guaranteed...

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Yes, I killed the steak, but it wasn’t my fault!

July 6, 2013 • By Dennis Beaver "Mr. Beaver, your story about fake Omaha steaks makes me feel that you are the right person to speak with about my grilling disaster," began a voice mail from Emily, a second-year student at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville....

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Yes, it is Possible to File Bankruptcy on Student Loans

May 22, 2020 • By Dennis Beaver  When Uniondale, N.Y. based Natalie Jean-Baptiste graduated from law school with a six-figure student loan debt, it never occurred to her that she wouldn’t be able to pay it back. “I just knew I was going to be a hot shot entertainment...

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You and the law: Renting? Then you need renters insurance

July 6, 2018 • By Dennis Beaver Returning to her apartment from a night out with friends, Chicago reader, “Joan,” opened the door and walked straight into a nightmare, discovering “The curtains were open when I left, but now were all closed. The back door was wide...

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You are being blackmailed! Don’t pay her!

April 8, 2022 • By Dennis Beaver  I was in our office late this past New Year's Eve and answered the phone. When lawyers get calls on Christmas or New Year’s Eve, invariably it is something complicated and has been brewing for a while, as “Drew,” calling from Dallas,...

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You built the better mousetrap — what’s next?

March 01, 2014   •  By Dennis Beaver Obtaining a patent is a virtual guarantee that some company will phone one day and offer to buy or market the item, and is a sure bet on greatly improving your lifestyle. We’ve all heard something along those lines. But is it...

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You can hire a local lawyer – Part 1

October 02, 2009 (Original publish date) • By Dennis Beaver Part 1 "Mr. Beaver, I work in the Clerk's Office of the Kings County Superior Court in Hanford. While Hanford's population isn't large — we have excellent lawyers. Yet, those of us working in the Clerk's...

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You can now discuss salary with your co-workers

December 29, 2023 • By Dennis Beaver Have you ever thought that it would be nice to know what other employees who have the same job duties as yours are paid? Or, what a company pays its other employees, before you accept a position there? That’s what recently minted...

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You have rights when selling a structured settlement

January 24, 2015 • By Dennis Beaver Watching the manager of his apartment house get a barbecue fire going using gasoline instead of normal starting fluid, 8-year-old Daniel was burned over 80 percent of his body when a ball of flames erupted. His father immediately...

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You sound white – I can’t hire you

January 24, 2020 • By Dennis Beaver "I am a recent college graduate with a degree in business administration and applied for a sales job at a black-owned insurance agency. "Within seconds of meeting the owner for an interview, he said, ‘You will do well anywhere...

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Your contractor’s bond is probably worthless

March 28, 2010 (Original publish date) • By Dennis Beaver If you're about to hire a contractor for a remodel, room addition, or other big ticket job, today's story has important information which could be a financial lifesaver if things go south. We'll help you...

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Your Loved One Fell for a Romance Scam: What Not to Do

December 17, 2024 • By Dennis Beaver “Mr. Beaver, I manage one of the largest machine shops in the Midwest and work with some of the brightest, most intelligent people on the planet. A machinist must have a superior knowledge of mathematics, and logical thinking is...

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Your teenage children’s privacy – safety first!

June 04, 2006 (Original publish date) • By Dennis Beaver In cleaning my daughter's room, I could not avoid seeing diaries which were left near her desk. One was opened to the last entry, and curiosity led me to begin reading it. Soon I wished that I had not, as she...

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Zombie Mortgages Come Back to Haunt Property Owners

September 20, 2024 • By Dennis Beaver Like ghosts in a haunted house, law firms are pursuing property owners, threatening them with the loss of their property for unpaid second mortgages — known as zombie mortgages. Some people thought their mortgages were discharged...

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