More than 100 people, including 72 former NYC police officers and 8 former firefighters, were charged earlier this month with Social Security disability fraud. A total of $21.4 million in benefits was paid to people listed in the indictment. About half of the defendants falsely claimed psychiatric illness as a
In our previous post discussing the basics of maritime salvage, we touched upon the fundamentals of the salvage award. The following information gives a more precise account of these points with emphasis on salvage awards, jurisdiction issues, maritime liens, and other relevant Florida statutes. The information provided here is quite
It has happened again: the cruise industry takes yet another hit. Royal Caribbean just ended a ship’s 10-day trip due to hundreds of passengers and crew members becoming sick. On Sunday, the Explorer of the Seas was boarded by officials from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
It is the well-entrenched admiralty law of the United States that, as set forth by former Chief Justice Marshall of the United States Supreme Court, if property is exposed to peril or hazard at sea and is “saved by the voluntary exertion of any persons whatsoever,…a very ample award will
The office of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs announced on December 16, 2013, that they will be expanding benefits for veterans who have suffered from a traumatic brain injury (TBI). This new regulation went into effect last week (January 15, 2014). The regulation was expanded because of a report created by
Legal issues in the estate planning field are as diverse and complex as the clients whose lives are impacted by them. For this reason, I highly suggest to clients that they put forth a plan for the unforeseen circumstances that life can often throw our way when we’re not expecting
In the world of Social Security, your date last insured plays a major factor in whether you qualify for the benefits program. Date last insured (DLI) refers to the last date you are eligible to receive Social Security disability insurance (SSDI). In order to receive SSDI, you must pass the
A blog series from a maritime lawyer and boating enthusiast. The Navigator explores various topics in the boating world; including safety issues and an in-depth look into the cruise industry. In this inaugural issue, I share my experience aboard Costa Atlantica by Costa cruise lines and provide essential tips on cruise safety and cruise etiquette. The Ship My family and I took
Nearly 2 weeks ago it was reported that two divers were left behind by a charter dive boat off the coast of Key Biscayne, Florida. Fortunately, they were rescued three miles off shore by a passing yacht after several hours at sea. Neither diver knew each other and had gone
I often get calls from prospective clients wishing to collect money owed to them for services rendered in connection with the marine industry. Sadly, I have to advise some of these clients that because they did not get their agreement in writing, the cost of filing a suit or other
