As usual, it's time for our weekly ten-minute chat with Michael Brooke, head of the Bureau of Accident Investigation. Hello, Michael.
Michael: Hello, Alexander. Hello, dear listeners. I wish everyone to be careful and avoid any troubles or injuries. However, if, God forbid, any mishap occurs to you or your loved ones or your friends, enough to have my phone number and carry it with you: 718-256-5610. Save it on your mobile as Michael Brooke and always keep it handy, just in case. Whether it's an injury, an accident, or simply a fall, call me immediately. I will promptly connect you with a lawyer specializing in your specific situation.
Alexander: Our listeners have already flooded you with questions even before our show started. One listener, named Semyon, has a question. He has a daughter, and she has a son—Semyon's grandson—who is 12 years old. Both were in an accident. Semyon's lawyer agreed to take his daughter's case but refused the boy’s case. Later, Semyon called you, and you immediately found lawyers for both the mother and the son. Semyon is grateful and wants to understand why there is a problem with the child's case. Could you please explain?
Michael: Thank you, Semyon, for your trust. When it comes to cases involving children under 18, in addition to proving the child has suffered significantly and securing adequate compensation, a special court process known as a “minor's compromise” is required. This involves filling many forms, setting up a special account for the injured child, and investing a lot of time and money. Not all lawyers are willing to take on this work as courts often reduce the fees payable to lawyers in such cases. Fortunately, my lawyers are skilled at these tasks and are content with the reduced fees. For instance, a family came to me—a husband, wife, and their 11-year-old daughter. I provided them a lawyer who handled all three cases, securing $20,000 each for the parents and $25,000 for the girl. The judge significantly reduced the lawyer’s fee for the girl's case. The clients were very satisfied.
Alexander: Thank you for your detailed answers. Let's take a call from Peter. Peter, your question, please.
Peter: Good day, Michael. I have a problem and hope you can help. I work in theater set installation, and while installing, a defective board hit me on the head and neck. What insurance covers this?
Michael: If you are officially employed and receive a salary, then any work-related injury entitles you to workers' compensation insurance. I will provide you with a lawyer who will work for free, as insurance companies pay them separately. This lawyer will arrange constant payments for the time missed at work and cover medical expenses. If your treatment extends, they will get an additional compensation called “Latham.” Besides that, if a company provided the defective boards causing your injury, I’ll recommend a lawyer who will sue the company for compensation. This amount generally exceeds the workers' compensation. For instance, a client working in air conditioner installation was injured by a loose board. I found him a lawyer who secured $2 million from the building’s insurance and $300,000 from workers' compensation for treatment.
Alexander: Thank you, Michael. Let’s hear from Margarita. Margarita, go ahead.
Margarita: Michael, please help. My husband was hit by a car and cannot work for several months. He worked as a teacher in a private school. Will the responsible party's insurance cover our financial troubles?
Michael: I will provide a lawyer to handle your husband’s case, sue the at-fault party, and resolve any related issues. The lawyer will arrange a no-fault medical insurance to cover treatment and lost wages up to $2,000 per month from a separate $50,000 allocation. For example, a woman, a home attendant, was hit at a crosswalk. She received $250,000 from the at-fault party’s insurance and another $750,000 from their umbrella policy. Always keep my phone number, 718-256-5610, on your mobile and access my website michaelbrook.com for more details.