Who is liable for a data breach?

Data breaches started to occur more frequently, making individuals, businesses, and public institutions concerned about becoming the next target. Although the top-level cybersecurity solutions always try to be a step ahead of potential cyber offenders, the sophistication of hacki

What Is Child Identity Theft?

Although many consider identity theft to be an “adult problem,” an increasing number of victims under the age of 18 has been observed over the last few years. In fact, children are statistically more likely to have their identity stolen compared to adults. Moreover, the amount of

COVID-19: Cybersecurity and Data Privacy Concerns

The COVID-19 pandemic raises numerous concerns regarding various crucial subjects, ranging from global health to economy and human rights. Many of us are still restricted and have no other choice but to fully transition to remote work or schooling, which poses several challenges.

Data Breaches And Personal Injury

My Personal Information Has Been Compromised. What Should I Do?With the increasing number of cyberattacks and data breaches happening all over the world since the beginning of the global pandemic COVID-19, consumers, businesses, students, and patients want to find out what to do

How To Protect Your Personal Data Online?

In today’s world, cybersecurity and data protection are topics nearly as important as health, finance, or law. We do not have to look far to find an example -- the recent FBI v Apple encryption dispute showed the serious impact security features in day-to-day technology may pose

Semi-truck Driver Slams into SUV at U.S. Border Patrol Checkpoint

On Sunday, March 22, 2020, a tractor-trailer sped towards the I-35 checkpoint near Laredo. The driver couldn't control his speed to slow the large vehicle in time, and it crashed into the back of a Ford SUV. The accident happened in a lane designated for passenger cars only.The d

What Caused the Fatal Cotulla Accident that Claimed One Man’s Life?

It was Saturday afternoon in October of 2018. I-35 just north of Cotulla was experiencing a high amount of traffic that day. This traffic caused a freightliner to slow down. Unfortunately, when the large truck began to brake, the Dodge cargo van behind it was unable to slow its s

Fatal accident in Laredo left one man dead and a city leader injured – but who was to blame?

Trucking and transportation is a big industry…especially in Laredo. Nearly half of all the trade from the US to Mexico comes through the area. As the largest inland port in the nation, big trucks and 18 wheelers are a common sight. Port Laredo reports that 16,000 trucks cross it

Local Man Takes on Big Grocery Store Chain and is Awarded $19 Million

It was a hot Texas day in Duval County when 71-year-old Roy Canales walked into the Lowe’s Market in Freer to buy a watermelon. The date was May 4, 2015, and Lowe’s, the only grocery store in town, was running a special sale on the melons. As he walked up to one of the big boxes

Tragedy Strikes at a Moment's Notice

Remembering the 13 Senior Citizens who Lost their Lives 3 Years AgoUvalde County has some of the most beautiful land in Texas. Cool, clear rivers, stunning hilltop views, and long, winding roads that stretch on for miles.But on March 29th of 2017, just three years ago, a terrible

Local Freer Woman Wins a $210K Settlement

Dora Perez, Owner of the Macarias Tire Shop Refused to Let American Tank Company Take her for a RideWhen a drunken employee from American Tank Company crashed into Dora Perez’s car, she wasn’t about to quietly accept their insurance company’s low-ball offer. As a resident of Free

Houston Wig Shop Owner Denied COVID-19 Insurance Claim When She Needed it Most

And she's among the first in the state to fight backBarbara Lane-Snowden is a small business owner with a big goal to serve others. And last fall, her dream came to fruition when she launched her very own wig store, called Hair Goals Club. Hair Goals Club, located in Humble just

Ports, Pirates, and the Coronavirus

What does all this mean for the people of South Texas?Buc Days has been a Corpus Christi tradition since 1938. This fun-filled pirate festival celebrates both family and community. It’s normally held in late April and early May. But this year is different. Because of the COVID-19

New Regulations for the Trucking Industry are Coming Soon

But will these changes make the roads safer - or more dangerous?The trucking industry has been in the spotlight now more than ever in light of COVID-19. Consumer behavior has changed significantly since the pandemic began, disrupting supply chains and logistics. And while trucki

Coronavirus Lawsuits Against China – Symbolic or Serious?

As the evidence mounts, more U.S. states and citizens are filing lawsuits against ChinaCoronavirus has dominated the news for months now. And for good reason – it's not going away anytime soon. But the question remains – where did it start? If the answer to this question is Chin

Two Lives Lost near Kingsville and Too Many Questions Left Unanswered

It was May 2019 and the end of the school year for 18-year-old Mario Alberto Benevides III of Kingsville. He was wrapping up 12th grade and making plans to attend Del Mar College in the fall to pursue a physical therapy degree. Sadly, Mario’s schooling would end with high school.

Fighting Big Insurance: 7 Years After the Loss of a Brackettville Family

Brackettville is no stranger to fighting. For nearly 100 years, troops at Fort Clark fought off all kinds of foes…Indians, the Mexican Army, Union soldiers, and more. Now we don’t have to face the same kinds of fights today, but there are still battles to be won. Many vehicles co

The Story of Kenedy County: Are you familiar with it?

For many people, Kenedy County is just a long stretch of land and highway along the route to and from the border. But anyone who lives in the area knows that there is much more to the story.The Kenedy Ranch Museum located in the little town of Sarita reveals the rich and beautifu

Justice Isn’t About Money – It’s About Doing the Right Thing

Legend has it that the town of Helena in Karnes County was wiped off the map by an angry father. His son was shot dead and he demanded to know who pulled the trigger. No one answered. No one really knew for sure.According to the tale, Emmett Butler got drunk and accidentally shot

Jailed Dallas Business Owner Donating Money to Two Laredo Beauticians

Shelly Luther wants to use the money raised by GoFundMe for other business owners facing charges Hairdresser Shelly Luther had no intention of creating such a name for herself when she decided to open up her Dallas-based hair salon early. The single mom and small business owner s

Illiana Martinez: An Innocent Life Gone in a Not-So-Innocent World

In March 2019, Lori Perez and her 5-year-old daughter, Illiana Martinez, were headed to a doctor's appointment in Austin, TX. They were passengers in a 2010 Toyota Venza that Lori’s boyfriend, Travis was driving when they were hit by a Dodge truck traveling at speeds above 70 mil

Fatal December Ride for Two Teens in Jim Wells County

This time of year is one of celebration and joy for many. But for those who have experienced loss, it can feel very empty. In December of 2012, two young teens from Corpus Christi had a fun opportunity to ride as passengers in a deuce and a half (an old military cargo truck). T

Like Falfurrias Butter, Things Aren’t Always What They Seem

Falfurrias is best known for its famous sweet cream butter that dates back to the early 1900s. And you would think that it is still produced here. After all, the label reads “Falfurrias Butter - A Texas Tradition Since 1909”. But, what locals know is that even though this butter

DeWitt County Jury Awards Man a Record $20 Million + for Trucking Accident

Yet held him responsible for 50% of it…Late one night at the end of March, in 2017, a man in a pickup truck was driving down Farm-to-Market Road 108 in DeWitt County near Yorktown. He had passengers with him in his vehicle. The man came upon a large tractor-trailer, owned by an o

Explosions aren't the Only Risks of Oil-Producing Areas in South Texas

November 1, 2019, is a day that families living near Yorktown and Nordheim in DeWitt County will probably remember for some time. It’s the day of the blowout of a natural gas well belonging to Devon Energy. The accident, which happened near FM 952 and Cotton Patch Road, didn’t in

DeSouza Law, P.C. Contributes $10K to Improve the City of Freer’s Park

The new and improved park is scheduled to open on March 21stDeSouza Law, P.C. has a special connection with the people of Freer. Shelly Valdez, a litigation paralegal at the firm grew up in Freer. And firm founder, Jason DeSouza has helped many residents of the city with their

Could Pandemic Demands Lead to a Rise in Trucking Accidents?

There's no question, the trucking industry is essential to our nation now more than ever. Like healthcare workers, truck drivers have been vital to keeping the country safe by transporting much-needed supplies across the nation. But the increased need for supplies and the recent

It’s Been Six Years Since the Tragic Death of a Man in Cotulla, on His Birthday

February 13, 2020, would have been the 30th birthday of Saim Villalobos – if he had survived the fiery crash that took his life six years ago. Early in the morning, on his birthday in 2014, Saim set out for work. He was driving his Chevrolet Camaro down Highway 97. But he didn’t

75-Year-Old Woman Dies in Accident with a Semi-Truck at a Deadly South Texas Intersection

The Port of Brownsville is a hub of activity - and if you live around Brownsville, odds are good that you are connected to it. As one of the largest ports in the country, it’s responsible for over 44,000 jobs, including jobs in the trucking industry.In fact, over 90,000 truck mov

What is Negligent Operation?

Negligent operation of a motor vehicle also referred to as driving to endanger or reckless driving occurs when a driver is operating his or her vehicle in a reckless or negligent way that puts others in danger. A few examples of negligent operation include, but are not limited to

What Is Respondeat Superior?

Respondeat superior is a legal doctrine holding that an employer is responsible for the actions of his or her employees. However, these actions must have been performed while the employee was "on the clock." In the area of personal injury law, this doctrine would apply to a situa

What is a rear-end collision?

Rear-end collisions are one of the most common types of auto accidents. They usually occur when a motorist drives into the back of another vehicle. Although this type of collision usually occurs at a low speed, the health consequences can be severe; a rear-end collision that occu

What Is Libel?

Libel is a false, written statement about another person or entity; it is a type of defamation. Libelous statements can be found anywhere -- from online articles and comments to internet chat rooms or forums. However, it is important to remember that opinion cannot be defamatory.

What is Negligent Entrustment?

Most of the time, when a car crash takes place, the driver of the vehicle is the one liable for any damage or injury resulting from it. However, in some circumstances, the car’s owner can be held liable for the accident under the principle of negligent entrustment. In other words

What is Premises Liability?

Generally speaking, premises liability is a legal concept that requires a property owner to maintain a safe environment for anyone who enters the property. Furthermore, premises liability can apply to both public and private property. Whether it is a private residence or a public

What Is Slander?

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where another person has made a false statement that hurt your reputation or finance? If so, it might have been a case of slander. The victims of slander have the right to file a lawsuit where they seek compensation for any resulting da

What Is Pharmaceutical Negligence?

Pharmaceutical negligence occurs when a patient suffers injury or death as a consequence of taking a drug that was incorrectly prescribed. For example, situations in which the prescribed dosage was inaccurate or the drug led to adverse reactions with other medications taken by th

What Are Construction Worker Injuries?

Working at a construction site can be both difficult and dangerous. Construction workers are often required to climb heights, perform duties on a road with heavy traffic, or operate large machinery. Injuries and accidents are not uncommon and some of them have serious, sometimes

What Is Wrongful Death?

When someone dies or is killed due to the negligence or misconduct of another person or entity, their death could be considered “wrongful.” Wrongful death claims can be brought by the closest family members or the estate of the deceased. Such claims can arise in several different

SoCalGas Pays Air Force Captain $46 Million for an Accident Involving their Company Truck

In February of 2017, Air Force Captain Jason Lo was stopped at a light in a Los Angeles suburb when his motorcycle was struck by a SoCalGas Company Truck. The driver, Dominick Consolazio, dragged Captain Lo and his motorcycle 430 feet before finally coming to a stop. Fortunately,

San Antonio Jury Awards Woman $43.5 Million Against JC Fodale Energy Services

Jenny Hennes was hit from behind by a company vehicle belonging to JC Fodale Energy Services. The impact damaged her neck, back, and shoulders bad enough that she may never be able to work again. Fortunately, Jenny decided to fight JC Fodale for the money she needed to recover. A

Virginia Nurse Receives one of the State’s Largest Settlements in Case Against Clean Harbors Environmental Services, Inc.

What would you do if you were told you could never work in your chosen field again? All those years spent learning your craft would be of no use if you had to start over. That’s exactly what happened to Linda Gervin, a licensed practical nurse in Newport News, Virginia. One even

What Is A Ridesharing Accident Injury?

Have you ever been a driver or passenger in Lyft or Uber? If so, you have probably wondered what would happen if the vehicle you’re in gets in an accident. Or worse -- what if you get injured as a rideshare passenger? The popularity of ridesharing services has been on the rise. F

What is intoxication manslaughter?

Intoxication manslaughter takes place when a driver who is operating a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol causes death to an individual. The death does not have to be immediate and can occur later, as a result of the injuries. In Texas, it is a second-degree fe

Schnitzer Steel Industries Inc. Must Pay Family $280 Million - the Largest Amount in Muskogee County History

After a trial lasting a week and only two hours of deliberation, a jury in Muskogee County, GA recently awarded a family $280 million against the steel manufacturer and its truck driver, Kenneth Cathey. Cathey was driving a Schnitzer Steel company truck when he collided with a fa

What is Workers Compensation?

Have you ever thought about the possible consequences of an injury that could occur at your workplace? What happens if you get injured while completing your work tasks? In most cases. if an employee was hurt as a result of work, he or she might be eligible to receive workers comp

How One of Connecticut’s Largest Wrongful Death Settlements Was Won

After years of negotiations with a trucking company and its driver for the wrongful death of a woman in Connecticut, a settlement was finally reached in August 2019. But this agreement didn’t happen until the case went to court and was handed off to a jury. There were no drugs or

Negligent Trucking Company Responsible for 7 Motorcyclists Deaths

It was a nice Friday evening in June when members of the Jarhead Motorcycle Club met up for an end of the week cruise. These motorcyclists, a community of military veterans and their spouses, had no idea that their social outing would soon turn into a fatal tragedy rattling their

What is the Burden of Proof?

The criminal justice system believes that a person is “innocent until proven guilty.” In almost every legal proceeding, the evidence is the key factor determining the truth. For that reason, the plaintiff or district attorney is obligated to provide evidence proving a fact in dis

What is discrimination?

One of the basic principles of human rights is the equality of all people in the eyes of law. It means that although we are different, we should be treated equally by the law and public institutions, no matter what gender, religion, skin color or national origin we are. This prin

Who is an Expert Witness?

Have you ever wondered what happens in complex cases, where the judge, the jury, or even the plaintiff are not capable of explaining the connections between the facts and the events that led to harm or injury? In matters regarding “scientific, technical or specialized knowledge,”

What is Medical Malpractice?

Medical malpractice occurs when a doctor fails to fulfill his professional duties and his actions result in a worsened condition, injury, or death of the patient. However, a number of factors need to be considered in order to determine whether the case involves medical malpractic

What is a motion?

In basic legal terms, a motion is a written request or proposal to the court to ask for a decision or permission to do something. Each and every court has its own set of rules, so it is important to fully understand how to file a motion properly. How does filing a motion work?Bot

What is a hearing?

If you have never been to court before, you are probably unfamiliar with the process that takes place during a hearing. Although each court is different, there is a general course of events that occur at a court hearing. A hearing is a method of delivering an in-person testimony

What is Jury Nullification?

Did you know that jurors have the right to determine the defendant not guilty if he or she breaks an unjust law? This event is known as ‘jury nullification’ and the purpose of it is to protect good people from the consequences of bad laws. In effect, the jury is not judging the d

What is Collateral Estoppel?

In America, once a legal issue has been decided, it is final. That means, that if one loses in court, he or she cannot file a court case to retry. That is because second litigation would be considered one that is trying the identical substantive legal issue. This rule applies eve

Social Media Share

There are so many reasons businesses benefit from hosting their own blog that they regularly update.Here are just a few to consider:1. Blogs drive more traffic to your website and social media pagesEvery time you write a blog, you're creating content that's easily shareable on pe

What is a Deposition?

A deposition is a process in which a witness delivers testimony under oath, before the beginning of the trial. It is important to note, that the goal of the deposition is to direct the case to a favorable settlement or verdict. A deposition is one of the most significant means of

What is Negligence?

Imagine a situation where one person acts in a careless way that leads to injuring someone else. For example, a driver running a red light, which causes a dangerous collision on the road. In legal cases, an event like that could be classified as “negligence”. The plaintiff, which

Why You Shouldn't Post About Your Injury on Social Media

Although it may be tempting to vent your frustrations or ask for advice online during a personal injury case, you need to be careful what you share on social media. Even the most well-intentioned posts can be used against you.EVIDENCE TO DISPROVE YOUR CLAIMIf your social media po

The Dangers of Distracted Driving

We all love our phones. We are connected constantly to the digital world and sometimes we can stay a little too connected. It’s not uncommon to see people texting and driving or talking on the phone while driving. We have a condensed version of the internet at our fingertips in o

Key Factors That Lead to Swimming Pool Accidents

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