Attorney

Matthew W. Stein Recertified as Board Certified Civil Trial Advocate

Stein Whatley Astorino, PLLC, is proud to announce that Matthew W. Stein has been recertified as a Board-Certified Civil Trial Advocate by the National Board of Trial Advocacy (NBTA).

The recertification underscores Matthew W. Stein’s commitment to excellence and proficiency in civil trial advocacy. Achieving this certification demands a rigorous evaluation process, ensuring that attorneys possess the necessary skills, experience, and expertise in civil trial advocacy. As a recertified Board Certified Civil Trial Advocate, Matthew W. Stein continues to demonstrate unparalleled competence and dedication to serving clients with the highest level of professionalism and competence.

What is the Benefit of Board Certification?

Board certification signifies a pinnacle of achievement in the legal profession and serves as a mark of distinction among civil trial attorneys. It provides clients with the assurance that their attorney has undergone a thorough vetting process and has met stringent standards of competency and proficiency in their specialized area of practice.

Matthew W. Stein’s recertification as a Board Certified Civil Trial Advocate highlights his unwavering commitment to maintaining the highest standards of legal proficiency and staying abreast of the latest developments in civil trial advocacy. His dedication to ongoing professional development ensures that clients receive the highest caliber of legal representation, characterized by strategic thinking, meticulous preparation, and effective advocacy.

Commenting on his recertification, Matthew W. Stein expressed his gratitude for the recognition and reaffirmed his commitment to upholding the principles of excellence and integrity in legal practice. He stated, “I am honored to have been recertified as a Board Certified Civil Trial Advocate by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. This achievement underscores my dedication to providing clients with the highest quality legal representation and reinforces my commitment to advancing the standards of civil trial advocacy.”

An Attorney On Your Side

Stein Whatley Astorino, PLLC is a leading personal injury law firm dedicated to providing exceptional legal services to injury clients in Kentucky and Indiana. With a focus on civil trial advocacy, our team of experienced personal injury attorneys offers comprehensive representation in a wide range of practice areas, including car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, slip and fall accidents, medical malpractice, dog bites, nursing home abuse and neglect, sexual assault, industrial accidents, and wrongful death cases. Committed to excellence, integrity, and client satisfaction, we strive to achieve the best possible outcomes for every client.

For more information about Matthew W. Stein, please click here. If you need a qualified trial lawyer to protect your legal rights, you can contact Matt at 502.553.4750. The initial consultation is free.

SCHEDULE A FREE CONSULTATION

7 Things Insurance Companies Don’t Want You to Know

In a world where uncertainties loom large, insurance becomes a shield against the unexpected. Whether it’s safeguarding your health, property, or financial well-being, insurance promises a safety net in times of crisis. However, beneath the reassuring façade of protection, there are aspects of the insurance industry that often remain obscured. In this blog post, we delve into the shadows to uncover seven things insurance companies might not want you to know.

Profit Over Protection: The Fine Line

Insurance companies are, at their core, profit-driven entities. While their marketing pitches emphasize a commitment to your well-being, it’s essential to understand that their bottom line remains a top priority. Premiums are carefully calculated to not only cover potential payouts but also to generate generous profits for the company. This means that, in most cases, your premiums outweigh the actual benefits you receive.

It’s crucial for consumers to be vigilant when choosing insurance plans. Understanding the fine print, deductibles, and coverage limits can prevent unpleasant surprises when filing a claim. Remember, insurance companies are businesses, and their primary goal is to stay profitable. When an insurance company puts its profits above its obligation to its policyholder, Stein Whatley Astorino, PLLC, and their experienced civil lawyers are there to hold them accountable.

The Claim Game: A Complex Web

Filing an insurance claim can be an intricate process, often intentionally so. The complexity serves a dual purpose. It discourages some people from pursuing legitimate claims, and it allows insurers to reduce their financial obligations. The paperwork, documentation, and long waiting periods can overwhelm people, making it tempting to abandon the claim altogether.

Insurance companies might not readily disclose the nuances of the insurance claims process. It’s advisable to educate yourself on the specific steps involved, keep meticulous records, and, if necessary, seek professional assistance from experienced civil lawyers to navigate the intricacies. Understanding the insurance claims game is crucial to ensure you receive the full and fair compensation you deserve.

Hidden Exclusions: Reading Between the Lines

While insurance policies promise coverage, they are also riddled with exclusions. These exclusions, buried in the policy’s fine print, can significantly limit your coverage. Insurance companies are not eager to highlight these exclusions, as they may reduce the perceived value of their products.

It’s imperative for policyholders to carefully scrutinize their insurance policies. Common exclusions can include pre-existing conditions, specific types of accidents, or even natural disasters. Being aware of these exclusions allows you to make informed decisions and explore additional coverage options if necessary. Our diligent lawyers regularly review our clients’ insurance policies.

Rate Hikes: The Silent Squeeze

Insurance premiums are not set in stone. In fact, they are subject to change, and this change is often in the form of rate hikes. Insurance companies might not explicitly disclose their intention to increase rates, leaving policyholders vulnerable to unexpected financial burdens.

Staying informed about the factors that influence premium increases, such as claims history, changes in coverage needs, or industry trends, empowers you as a consumer. Periodically reviewing your policy and shopping around for competitive rates helps avoid silent rate hikes.

Underwriting Secrets: The Power of Information

Underwriting is the process through which insurance companies assess the risk associated with insuring an individual or entity. What many policyholders might not realize is the extent to which personal information influences their insurance rates. Factors such as credit score, occupation, and lifestyle choices can significantly impact premiums.

Insurance companies are often discreet about the weight assigned to these factors. As a consumer, being mindful of the information you provide and understanding how it affects your premiums can help you make strategic decisions. Moreover, maintaining a good credit score and adopting risk-mitigating practices may positively influence your insurance costs.

Discounts, but at What Cost?

Insurance companies frequently advertise various discounts to attract customers. While these discounts can lead to cost savings, there’s a catch – they might come with trade-offs. For instance, a discount for installing a home security system may be accompanied by stringent security requirements. Similarly, bundling multiple policies may offer savings but could result in compromised coverage in specific areas.

It’s essential to carefully evaluate the terms and conditions associated with discounts. Sometimes, what seems like a cost-saving opportunity may have implications for your overall coverage. It’s important to understand the implications before opting for discounts to ensure they align with your needs and priorities. A common ploy by insurance companies is to offer a discount by waiving your uninsured motorist (UM) coverage and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage. Waiving these coverages gut the coverages that protect you and your family. Be suspicious of these schemes.

Recently, insurance companies began offering a discount if you allow them to monitor you with mobile telematics. Mobile telematics companies partner with major insurance companies, offering apps drivers can use to save money on their premiums. Via the apps, these companies use mobile phone sensors to measure driving behavior. This includes whether a person is speeding, holding their phone, interacting with an unlocked screen while driving (the companies say they don’t collect information on what the drivers are doing on their phones), where you go regularly, what part of town you visit, and other important personal information. Insurance companies will use the information you unwittingly provide against you if they have the opportunity.

The Myth of Total Coverage: Gaps and Ambiguities

Insurance is often viewed as a safety net that provides total coverage in times of need. However, the reality is that policies are not foolproof. Gaps in coverage and ambiguous language within policies can leave policyholders vulnerable to unexpected financial setbacks. Our experienced civil trial lawyers reign in these tactics when exclusions are vague, conflict with state and federal law, or go against public policy.

Insurance companies may not readily disclose these gaps, as it challenges the narrative of comprehensive coverage. It’s crucial for consumers to proactively seek clarity on potential coverage gaps and ambiguities. Additionally, periodically reviewing policies and communicating with experienced lawyers can help ensure that your coverage aligns with your evolving needs and circumstances.

In conclusion, insurance serves a vital role in mitigating risks. However, it’s essential for consumers to approach their policies with a discerning eye. Understanding the intricacies of the insurance industry, from profit motives to the insurance claims processes, empowers you to make informed decisions. By peeling back the layers and shedding light on these seven aspects, we hope to equip you with the knowledge needed to navigate the world of insurance with confidence. Remember, an informed consumer is a well-protected one.

If you have been wrongfully denied the benefits you are entitled to under a car insurance policy, life insurance policy, homeowners insurance policy, commercial insurance policy, or other policy of insurance, consult with the experienced civil lawyers at Stein Whatley Astorino, PLLC, to protect your legal rights.

Call us at 502.553.4750 for a free consultation.

Schedule A Free Consultation

What is a Personal Injury Lawyer?

A personal injury lawyer may handle a range of cases arising from accidents, negligence, or intentional harm that causes harm to an individual’s body, mind, or emotions. When individuals find themselves victims of such unfortunate events, they often turn to the expertise of personal injury lawyers to seek justice and compensation. In this blog, we will:

better understand personal injury law
explore the roles and responsibilities of personal injury lawyers
understand why their services are crucial for those seeking redress

Personal injuries are injuries to your person as opposed to your property. The injuries can be physical in nature, or they can be injuries to your personal rights as guaranteed by the laws and constitution of the United States.

Causes of Personal Injury

Usually, lawyers use the term “personal injury” to refer to a wide range of legal cases resulting in physical and mental injuries caused by:

car accidents
truck accidents
motorcycle accidents
slip, trip, and fall accidents
medical malpractice
intentional injuries such as assault
injuries to your rights as a person, such as false imprisonment

These injuries differ from “injuries” to property, such as vandalism or property damage. They may result in claims against an insurance company, like claims for weather-related damage to a home or business.

Result of Personal Injuries

Personal injury cases can result in a wide range of physical and mental injuries, such as:

Whiplash
Spinal Cord Injuries
Ligament Tears and Other Ligament Injuries
Torn Rotator Cuff
Herniated Disc
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) and Concussion (Mild Traumatic Brain Injury)
Broken Legs, Broken Arms, Broken Collar Bones, and Other Broken Bones
Nerve Injuries and Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
Paralysis
Death

Personal injury law, also known as tort law, covers cases where an individual has suffered harm due to the actions or negligence of another party. As discussed above, these cases can involve a variety of situations, including product defects. The primary goal of personal injury law is to compensate the injured party for their losses and hold the responsible party accountable for their actions. However, this could include injuries statutorily carved out of tort law, like worker’s compensation injuries. In these cases, maybe no one is at fault for your injury.

How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help a Worker’s Compensation

A workers’ compensation claim is a legal process to provide financial and medical benefits to employees who sustain injuries or illnesses in the course of their employment. This system is to protect the employer and the injured worker by offering a streamlined and fair mechanism for addressing workplace injuries.

When an employee is injured on the job, they have the right to file a workers’ compensation claim. This typically covers medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and a portion of lost wages during the injured worker’s recovery.

Unlike traditional lawsuits, workers’ compensation is a no-fault system. This means that injured employees are entitled to benefits regardless of who is responsible for the workplace injury. Employers, in turn, benefit from the protection against potential lawsuits from injured employees This ensures a more efficient resolution of workplace injuries and fosters a safer work environment.

What Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Do?

A personal injury lawyer is a legal professional who specializes in representing individuals who have suffered harm or injury due to the negligence, intentional wrongdoing of others, or injuries suffered at work. These attorneys are competent in personal injury law. They have a commitment to helping their clients navigate the complexities of the legal system to secure fair compensation for their losses. Our personal injury law firm prides itself on helping people. We help injured people when they need help the most. We take a great amount of satisfaction in making our clients “whole” for the losses they suffered to the extent that financial compensation can make them whole.

At Stein Whatley Astorino, PLLC, we start with a free legal consultation. The primary responsibility of a personal injury lawyer is to provide a comprehensive legal consultation to potential clients. During this initial meeting, our trustworthy personal injury lawyers assess the details of the case. Additionally, they’ll gather relevant information and determine the viability of pursuing legal action. They help clients understand their rights, potential legal options, and the expected course of the legal process.

Our diligent personal injury lawyers conduct thorough investigations to gather evidence that supports our client’s claims. This may involve obtaining accident reports, interviewing witnesses, collecting medical records, and consulting with experts to establish liability. A well-supported case is crucial for negotiating full and fair settlements or presenting a strong argument in court.

We serve as advocates for our clients throughout the legal process. Whether negotiating with insurance companies or presenting cases in court, our attorney’s legal expertise ensures the protection of our client’s rights. We handle all legal procedures, paperwork, and communication with opposing parties, allowing clients to focus on their recovery.

How are Personal Injury Cases Resolved?

Many personal injury cases are resolved through negotiations outside of the courtroom. Stein Whatley Astorino, PLLC, is able to resolve most cases without having to file a lawsuit. Our expert lawyers use their negotiation skills to reach full and fair settlements with insurance companies and responsible parties. Our aim is to secure compensation that covers medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages suffered by our clients.

However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, our reliable personal injury lawyers are ready to take the case to court. We will file the necessary court documents, present evidence, examine witnesses, and argue the case before a judge and/or jury. Courtroom experience is crucial for personal injury lawyers, who must effectively articulate their clients’ claims and legal arguments.

Personal injury cases in Kentucky and Indiana are subject to a statute of limitations. This means you have a limited time to file a lawsuit to recover for those damages. If you do not file a claim or a lawsuit in time, your claim will be rejected even if you would have had a good case otherwise. Time is of the essence. Contact Stein Whatley Attorneys, PLLC, immediately to avoid statute of limitation issues that could let the bad actor avoid responsibility for your personal injury.

Legal Limits to Keep in Mind

In addition to the statute of limitations, there can be other types of legal limits or procedures that you have to go through, such as notification before filing a suit. Many otherwise valid claims are thrown out of court when people acting without the guidance of good personal injury attorneys fail to follow the proper court procedures. A knowledgeable personal injury law firm will know the procedural requirements necessary to move your personal injury claim forward.

People who suffer injuries in these types of cases often don’t even realize that these time limits start running before fully recovering. In some cases, recovery can take more time than is allowed by the law to file the claim in the first place. Insurance companies use these legal limitations to avoid paying valid personal injury claims. Read more about tactics insurance companies use against injury victims. Our personal injury lawyers will deal with the insurance companies and all the procedural maze so you focus your energies on your recovery.

In the realm of personal injury law, experienced lawyers play a crucial role in ensuring that individuals who have suffered serious injury and harm receive the justice and compensation they deserve. Their expertise in navigating the legal landscape, advocating for their client’s rights, and seeking fair settlements or court verdicts makes them invaluable allies for personal injury victims in the aftermath of accidents or intentional harm.

Work with an Attorney Who Will Fight For You

As personal injury victims face the challenges of recovery, a trusted personal injury lawyer becomes a steadfast partner. They can guide them through the legal process and work tirelessly to secure the best possible outcome for their case.

At Stein Whately Astorino, PLLC, our personal injury attorneys have experience dealing with both relatively minor injury claims as well as catastrophic injuries, which can result in permanent injury or even death. No matter what personal injury you have suffered, if you call Stein Whatley Astorino, PLLC, you can rest easy knowing our experienced personal injury attorneys will take care of the day-to-day handling of your case. At the same time, you focus on your recovery and your family.

You have a limited amount of time to file a personal injury claim. If you have been injured and it’s not your fault, call Stein Whatley Astorino, PLLC, today for a free case evaluation. Also, check out what our clients have to say about us in their own words.

Schedule A Free Consultation

Matt Stein Achieves Recertification In Civil Trial Law

ATTORNEY MATTHEW W. STEIN ACHIEVES RECERTIFICATION IN CIVIL TRIAL LAW WITH THE NATIONAL BOARD OF TRIAL ADVOCACY

LOUISVILLE, KY: -The National Board of Trial Advocacy (NBTA) is pleased to announce that Matthew W. Stein of the law firm, Stein Whatley Attorneys, PLLC has successfully achieved recertification as a civil trial advocate. The NBTA was formed out of a strong conviction that both the law profession and its clients would benefit from an organization designed specifically to create an objective set of standards illustrating an attorney’s experience and expertise in the practice of trial law.

Matthew W. Stein is part of a growing number of trial attorneys that have illustrated their commitment to bettering the legal profession by successfully completing a rigorous application process and providing the consumer of legal services with an objective measure by which to choose qualified and experienced legal counsel.

The elaborate screening of credentials that all NBTA board certified attorneys must successfully complete includes: demonstration of substantial trial experience, submission of judicial and peer references to attest to their competency, attendance of continuing legal education courses and proof of good standing.

Board Certification is the highest, most stringent, and most reliable honor an attorney can achieve. Board certifications are the only distinctions awarded by non-profit organizations. The NBTA as well as all board certifying organizations are committed to safeguarding the public’s ability to choose a good attorney.

Matthew W. Stein earned his undergraduate degree in Agriculture from the University of Kentucky. He is a graduate of the University of Louisville, Brandeis School of Law. Mr. Stein is licensed to practice in all of the State and Federal Courts of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. He has been involved in hundreds of actions, trials, etc., and is a member of numerous organizations devoted to the legal profession.

Approximately three percent of American lawyers are board certified, and Mr. Stein is a member of a very select group who has taken the time to prove competence in their specialty area and earn board certification.

For more information on Attorney Matthew W. Stein, please visit: Matt Stein Bio and www.nbtalawyers.org

«‹ 2 3 4 5