Spring 2015 - Hodges Trial Lawyers, P.C.

SPRING 2015
HODGES TRIAL LAWYERS
NEWSLETTER
FOR FRIENDS AND CLIENTS OF OUR FIRM
Happy
Easter!
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KOURTNEY’S
KORNER
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EASTER BUNNY CAKE
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JEREMIAH FEATURED
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ZOFRAN LAWSUIT
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Whistleblowers:
You Want Me to Do What?
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What can you do if your boss is unethical or demands that you do unethical things? Well, if the boss
happens to be cheating the government, the answer is quite a bit. And you can be rewarded for it. A
person who “blows the whistle” on fraud is entitled to between 15% - 30% of the amount recovered
by the government in fines, a settlement or a jury award -- which can run in the millions of dollars. From 1987 to 2012, the government recovered nearly $35 billion under the False Claims Act. !
A person who “blows the
whistle” on fraud is
entitled to between 15%
- 30% of the amount
recovered by the
government.
Fraud can, and does, occur in many taxpayer funded industries -defense contracting, pharmaceuticals, Medicaid and Medicare
programs, income tax payments, customs duties on imported goods,
school grant programs – to name but a few. The variety of ways to
cheat the government out of taxpayers’ dollars is virtually unlimited.
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Whistleblower (or “qui tam”) cases are filed under seal in order to give
the government the opportunity to investigate. That protects the
identity of the whistleblower initially. The law also provides protection
from retaliation.
The decision about whether to become a whistleblower is a personal one that involves professional
risk. Our firm, along with our network of experts, can help.
Alabama Bar Association rules require the following disclaimer: no representation is made that the quality of legal services to be provided is greater than the quality of legal services to be performed by other attorneys.
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SPRING 2015
Kourtney’s Korner
WHAT IS AN EMERGENCY PENDENTE LITE HEARING?
An Emergency Pendente Lite Hearing can be conducted in a
domestic relations matter if one party believes an emergency
exists that cannot wait to be addressed at a final hearing. The
Court will set the matter for a hearing as soon as possible to
address the emergency situation; however, the Court will not
entertain non-emergency situations. Non-payment of child
support, visitation disputes, and personal property disputes do
not typically rise to the level of an emergency situation. Child
neglect, failure to take the children to school, relocation of the
child, and asset disposal in violation of a court order are a few
examples of possible emergency situations where the Court
may intervene prior to Final Hearing. It is important that you speak with an attorney immediately if
you believe you have an Emergency situation that cannot wait
until your final hearing. Sometimes the best decision is not
seek emergency relief due to cost involved. This would never
be the right decision in the case of domestic or child abuse. Our
lawyers are trained to analyze your specific circumstances to
provide the best outcome and
help you determine what is best
Speak with an
for your specific situation and
attorney immediately
your case. Every case is
if you have an
different, especially when
emergency situation
dealing with the health, safety,
that cannot wait until
and wellbeing of your children. your final hearing.
If you or someone you care
about is facing these kinds of
decisions, we are here to help. HODGES TRIAL LAWYERS
Our Attorneys
Jeremiah M. Hodges
graduated from the University
of Alabama School of Law.
He has concentrated his
practice in the areas of severe
personal injury and civil
litigation.
Timothy McFalls graduated
from the University of
Alabama School of Law. He
focuses on helping people
who have been injured,
people hurt at work, and
those denied social security
disability benefits.
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Kourtney M. Ballew
graduated from the University
of Mississippi School of Law.
She focuses her practice on
representing those facing
divorce and family law issues
and those accused of
criminal conduct.
Alabama Bar Association rules require the following disclaimer: no representation is made that the quality of legal services to be provided is greater than the quality of legal services to be performed by other attorneys.
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SPRING 2015
HODGES TRIAL LAWYERS
Jeremiah appears on Law Line on WAAY 31
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Jeremiah Hodges made a guest appearance on Law Line on the ABC affiliate WAAY 31. Law
Line is a live, weekly, thirty minute show broadcasted on Sunday nights where viewers are
encouraged to call in with their legal questions. Jeremiah answered a number of callers’
questions relating to car wrecks, liability issues, insurance coverage and claims, and whether
individuals needed an attorney to handle specific issues. While not all questions were simple
enough to be answered on air, Jeremiah was able to help
numerous callers with their specific legal problems. !
Hodges Trial Lawyers enjoys giving back to the community
by participating in events where we can use our training and
talents to help those who might not otherwise have access to
lawyers. Last year, Tim McFalls of Hodges Trial Lawyers,
participated in the Law Day All Call telethon that occurred
at WHNT 31. The All Call was a day long telethon where
lawyers continuously answered phone calls and gave out
legal advice to callers. The event was deemed a huge
success by the Madison County Volunteers Lawyers
program. Our lawyers appreciate the opportunity to give
back to the community they are proud to represent.
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Easter Bunny Cake
Cake mix flavor of your choice
Shredded Coconut Assorted Jelly Beans
Frosting (1 white, 1 pink)
Green Food coloring
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Bake two (2) six (6) inch cake pans using your favorite mix or family
recipe. Using a sharp knife, cut two “ears” from opposite sides of the
second six (6) inch cake leaving the “bowtie.” Dye 1/3 of the shredded
coconut green. Using the pink frosting, outline the inner “ears.” Frost the
rest of the cake using the white frosting and coat with coconut. Use the
green coconut to coat the “bowtie.” Add jellybeans for eyes, nose, mouth,
and whiskers.
Alabama Bar Association rules require the following disclaimer: no representation is made that the quality of legal services to be provided is greater than the quality of legal services to be performed by other attorneys.
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SPRING 2015
HODGES TRIAL LAWYERS
Zofran Believed to Cause Birth Defects
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Zofran was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat nausea and vomiting
caused by chemotherapy and radiation. The drug was also prescribed to treat morning sickness in
pregnant women, but it was not approved by the FDA for this use.
The Center for Birth Defects Research and Prevention recently published a study suggesting that
women using Zofran during the first trimester of pregnancy
had a significantly increased chance of having a child born
with birth defects.
Zofran is believed to cause cleft lip, cleft palate, and
congenital heart defects. Although Zofran was not approved by
the FDA for morning sickness, GlaxoSmithKline promoted
off-label use of the drug. Mothers who took Zofran during pregnancy and had a child with cleft lip, cleft palate, or heart defects
may be entitled to compensation. If you and your child have faced these issues, please call today to
see if we can help.
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Alabama Bar Association rules require the following disclaimer: no representation is made that the quality of legal services to be provided is greater than the quality of legal services to be performed by other attorneys.
www.NotAnAccident.com!
Twitter: @InjuryLawyerAL
Facebook: Hodges Trial Lawyers
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PERSONAL INJURY
SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY
DIVORCE & FAMILY LAW
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200 West Side Square, Suite 309
Huntsville, Alabama 35801
Phone: 256-539-3110 | Fax: 256-539-3212
Outside Alabama: 888-539-3110
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Or Current Resident
Alabama Bar Association rules require the following disclaimer: no representation is made that the quality of legal services to be provided is greater than the quality of legal services to be performed by other attorneys.
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