News

• SUV Roof Strength is Seriously Lacking
  Report states that 200 deaths each year could be prevented if SUVs had stronger roofs.
• West Virginians who are receiving Social Security Disability or SSI Must File Tax Returns To Receive Federal Tax Rebate Money
  West Virginians Who Receive Social Security Disability or SSI Must File Federal Tax Return to Qualify for Federal Tax Rebate Money
• Arbitration Clauses Erode Patient Rights in Nursing Homes
  Arbitration agreements in Nursing Home admission ageements can be very costly in the event your loved one is neglected or abused while in the care of the Nursing Home and its staff.

SUV Roof Strength is Seriously Lacking

USA TODAY reports that safety advocates have been right all along; many SUVs' roofs are not strong enough and result in unnecessary deaths in rollover crashes. 

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has released a report which suggests that 200 deaths could be prevented each year if SUV manufacturers would simply improve the strength of SUVs' roofs.  IIHS President Adrian Lund has stated "strengthing a vehicle's roof reduces injury risk and reduces it alot." 

The IIHS estimates that SUVs with roofs as strong as the top-rated Nissan Xterra are 57% less likely to be seriously injured in the event of a rollover automobile crash than those driving the Jeep Grand Cherokee (1999 - 2004) the Chevy Blazer (1996 - 2004) or the bottom-rated Ford Explorer (1996 - 2004).

If you or one of your loved ones has been injured in a roll-over automobile accident in West Virginia, please contact the attorneys of Mani Ellis & Layne, PLLC, to discuss your potential claims.  Mani Ellis & Layne, PLLC, has years of experience handling automobile accident cases in West Virginia and the contiguous states.  As always, with Mani Ellis & Layne, PLLC, you will receive "Powerful Representation and Personal Care."

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West Virginians who are receiving Social Security Disability or SSI Must File Tax Returns To Receive Federal Tax Rebate Money

West Virginians who are currently receiving Social Security Disability, SSI, or Veterans Affairs benefits must file a federal tax return in order to receive a tax rebate from the federal government.  A recent article estimates that nearly 50,000 disabled and retired West Virginians still have not filed their tax returns for 2007.  The good news is that you have until October 15, 2008, to file the return and become eligible for between $300 to $600 rebate check that is not taxable.

According to Internal Revenue Service (IRS) statistics, cited within the article, 78 percent of retirees, disabled individuals and disabled veterans in West Virginia still need to complete the paperwork to see if they are eligible for a free check from Uncle Sam.  Further, it is estimated that 5,600 people in Kanawha County have not filed the needed return.

The IRS has undertaken an outreach program to get the word out to disabled workers, veterans and retirees in West Virginia to let them know that they must file a return in order to become eligible for the economic stimulus rebate.

If you live in West Virginia and need help with the forms, you can call West Virginia's IRS offices in Charleston, Bridgeport, Parkersburg, Huntington, Martinsburg or Sophia.  The offices are open Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  You can also contact the IRS toll free (800) 289-1040.

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Arbitration Clauses Erode Patient Rights in Nursing Homes

Placing a loved one in the care of a nursing home is an extremely emotional and stressful process.  Due to the stress and emotions involved in this decision, you may not be in the position to understand and comprehend some of the long and intimidating documents placed before you. 

One of the documents now included in many admission agreements is an arbitration clause.  While the document may appear innocent enough, it actually strips you of many of the rights you have in the event the nursing home abuses, neglects, or kills your loved one.  Some of the drawbacks to arbitration provisions are the following:  1. arbitrations are expensive; 2.  arbitrations severely limit your ability to obtain evidence in possession of the nursing home; 3. arbitrations are usually confidential; 4. arbitration clauses sometimes require hearings in inconvenient venues; and 5. arbitrations limit the remedies available to claimants (i.e. no injunctive relief, no punitive damages, etc.)       

Prior to signing a nursing home admission agreement, review the documents carefully.  Be on the lookout for arbitration agreements and proceed cautiously.  If you are forced to agree to an arbitration clause as a condition of care, you may want to choose another home.  While you may be focused on obtaining care for your loved one, based upon the high number of resident abused and neglected everyday, you also need to think of your legal options down the road. 

Attached is an article addressing arbitration agreements and eroding patient rights in nursing homes.  Prior to signing an arbitration agreement and admitting a loved one to a nursing home, call the attorneys of Mani Ellis & Layne to learn more about your legal rights. 

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Mani Ellis & Layne
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Charleston, WV 25325

Toll Free: 888-720-1001
Phone: 304-720-1000
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