StudentSecure insurance from HCC Medical Insurance Services

Pursuing your education outside your home country? Take StudentSecure insurance from HCC Medical Insurance Services (HCCMIS) with you.

Do I need study abroad insurance? If you are a student or scholar planning on traveling to pursue your education outside your home country, health insurance is a necessity.

Most student visas and learning institutions require visiting foreign students be covered by a comprehensive health insurance policy. You may also fi nd that the coverage from your home country will not follow you while you are studying abroad. HCC Medical Insurance Services (HCCMIS) off ers StudentSecure as an aff ordable solution.

HCCMIS takes the guesswork out of insurance for individuals in study abroad programs with StudentSecure, a plan designed specifi cally to meet the needs of international students and scholars. HCCMIS’s StudentSecure is the program that travels with you and meets or exceeds U.S. government student visa requirements.

The four levels of coverage - Elite, Select, Budget and Smart - ensure that you can fi nd the appropriate plan. Each plan includes coverage for medical expenses, emergency medical evacuation, and repatriation of remains.
After purchasing coverage,

how can I trust the company to be there if I need them?
HCC Medical Insurance Services LLC (HCCMIS), headquartered in the United States in Indianapolis, Indiana, is a full-service company off ering international medical insurance and short- term medical insurance products designed to meet needs of consumers worldwide. HCCMIS is a subsidiary of HCC Insurance Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: HCC), a leading Specialty Insurance group. HCC’s major companies have a fi nancial strength rating of AA (Very Strong) by Standard & Poor’s and Fitch Ratings and A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best Company.



For more information about StudentSecure, please visit hccmis.com
Quebec City, Canada Oxford University, England Paris, France
Did You Consider This?
Car Accident
Converting kilometers to miles can be hard, but a speed limit is a
speed limit.  Car accident $120,599*
*This amount is an example of an actual claim handled by HCCMIS. Coverage for similar claims is not to be inferred as all claims are unique.
VisitorsCoverage Inc. 2350 Mission College Blvd.  Suite #1140 Santa Clara, CA 95054 Phone: 408-737-2538 Fax: 408-737-2555 E-mail: insurance@VisitorsCoverage.com
Pre-existing Conditions
After 6 months of continuous coverage, StudentSecure Elite and StudentSecure Select will provide benefi ts for pre- existing conditions (12 months for StudentSecure Budget).  A pre-existing condition is generally defi ned as any injury or illness which, within the 12 months prior to the eff ective date of coverage, manifested itself, exhibited symptoms, or required medical treatment or medication, or for which a physician was consulted. Please refer to the certifi cate of insurance for the complete defi nition. 
Acute Onset of a Pre-existing Condition
Individuals who purchase StudentSecure Smart are entitled to a $25,000 lifetime maximum for the acute onset of a pre- existing condition.  The acute onset of a pre-existing condition means a sudden and unexpected outbreak or recurrence of a pre-existing condition which occurs spontaneously and without advance warning either in the form of physician recommendations or symptoms, is of short duration, is rapidly progressive, and requires urgent care. The acute onset of a pre-existing condition must occur after the eff ective date of the policy. Treatment must be obtained within 24 hours of the sudden and unexpected outbreak or recurrence. A pre-existing condition that is a chronic or congenital condition or that gradually becomes worse over time will not be considered acute onset.   All other expenses related to pre-existing conditions are not covered with StudentSecure Smart.

Organized Sports Activities
Medical expenses for injuries or illnesses sustained while participating in intercollegiate, interscholastic, intramural, or club sports are covered by the StudentSecure plan up to a maximum of $5,000 per Injury or Illness on StudentSecure Elite and Select and up to $3,000 per injury or illness on StudentSecure Budget.  StudentSecure Smart does not provide coverage for organized sports activities.
Mental Health Disorders
StudentSecure Elite, Select and Budget provide benefi ts for mental health disorders including the treatment of substance abuse.  Drug and alcohol abuse are covered under the mental health disorders benefi t.  Treatment for mental health disorders is covered only if not obtained from a student health center.
Emergency Dental
The following emergency dental expenses are covered: emergency dental treatment and dental surgery necessary to restore or replace sound natural teeth lost or damaged in an accident which is covered under this insurance subject to a maximum of $250 per tooth and $500 certifi cate period maximum; and emergency dental treatment necessary to resolve acute, spontaneous and unexpected onset of pain subject to a maximum benefi t of $100 per certifi cate period.  Emergency Dental benefi ts are available on the Elite, Select and Budget plans only.
Emergency Medical Evacuation
Would you know what to do if you found yourself in a lifethreatening situation far from home? HCCMIS is experienced in arranging emergency medical evacuations. StudentSecure will cover the necessary expenses to transport you to the nearest medical facility qualifi ed to treat your life- threatening condition. We also understand the importance of family support in these diffi  cult situations. StudentSecure will also cover the transportation, lodging, and meal costs for a relative to join you after an emergency medical evacuation up to the lifetime limit.
Terrorism
In these turbulent times, the risk of a terrorist attack is a reality. If you are in the wrong place at the wrong time, StudentSecure off ers coverage for medical expenses resulting from these acts.
Repatriation of Remains
The death of a loved one is never easy, no matter the circumstances. In the unfortunate event of your death while traveling abroad, StudentSecure will arrange for and cover the costs associated with the repatriation of your remains.

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Best Insurance Companies In France

A guide to insurance in France

Compulsory insurance reaches across many sectors in France. Here's an essential guide to make sure you're properly insured while living in France.

The French have a more dirigiste approach to insurance than many new arrivals may be used to. Where liability is concerned for example, insurance is often obligatory. This guide is designed to make sure you are properly insured while living in France.

The French insurance market offers a wide choice of companies and policies to choose from. You may contact an insurer online, through a local agent or via a broker.

As in other spheres, you get what you pay for. A broker may be more expensive but his job is to get the best deal for you from the insurer and to be at your side throughout the life of your contract including whenever a claim occurs. Insurance has its own jargon and, in a foreign country, language may be an additional problem. Although some company sites carry an English-language page, most do not. 

Some local agents speak English and there are brokers who specialise in helping expatriates. Banks and supermarkets also offer insurance policies at attractive rates but they are not tailor made and the staff is not trained to the same degree as those who only transact insurance.

Insurance is a legal requirement

Insurance is a legal requirement for vehicle owners (assurance automobile), homes whether rented or owned (assurance habitation), for civil liability (assurance responsabilité civile or chef de famille), and for school-age children (assurance scolaire).

In addition to having a job or a private income, one of the requirements for residency in France is that you are covered by health insurance. If you are employed or self-employed, you have to pay into the state health coverage system (La Sécurite sociale). This will not cover you fully and most people take out top-up insurance commonly called a Mutuelle. 

If you are not employed and are not entitled to a European pension, you will have to take out private health insurance that covers you from the first euro of your healthcare expenses. For more information on health insurance see 'A guide to healthcare in France'.

You are legally required to insure your home

Whether you rent or own, you must have your policy in hand before moving in. All home insurance policies in France are comprehensive and they will cover any damage to your home and contents, such as fire, water damage, theft and vandalism. 

In addition, any risk of damage that an accident at your home might cause to someone else's residence will be included since this is obligatory. This will cover you if, for example, your apartment's bathtub leaks into the ceiling of the flat downstairs or a tile falls off of your roof onto someone’s head. 

Natural catastrophes are also automatically covered. Recent years have seen an alarming number of natural catastrophes in some regions, particularly forest fires and flooding in the south of the country, including in urban areas.

You will be asked questions about the property, including the number of square meters and the number of rooms, but most companies will not require a visit before offering terms. You will not be asked to value the building since this is dealt with by a national building index. 

Be sure you ask for adequate contents cover; some people try and reduce the premium by undervaluing their contents and rue the consequences on the day of a claim. Fire alarms are not required either by French law or most insurers. Certain theft protections may appear draconian such as the presence and use of an alarm (depending upon the value of your contents) and the closing of shutters at night or during long absences.

It is strongly advisable to make sure you understand the small print of any policy, especially regarding the excesses you will have to carry and your obligations to protect the property. 

All of the major companies are reputable, and the only significant difference in policies will probably be between rates. Some companies will offer discounts if you choose them for multiple policies such as home and car insurance.

Insurance required for school children

Some home insurance policies will automatically cover your liability for any damage or injury your child may cause at school; others will offer this as a separate cover at a nominal premium. In both cases, the insurer will give you a certificate or attestation that the school will ask you for at the beginning of the school year. While not strictly mandatory for school attendance, it is required for any activities outside the official curriculum including field trips of any kind as well as extracurricular sports.

Motor vehicles in France must be insured

All motor vehicles in France must be insured for collision liability, even if they are not in use, unless all four wheels are removed. Policies are either third party (tiers collision), third party fire & theft or comprehensive (tous risques).

Whenever you drive your vehicle, you are legally required to carry—along with your car registration papers(le certificat d’immatriculation) —a document, the attestation d’assurance, issued by the insurance company proving you are insured. Part of this, is a green certificat d'assurance testifying to the validity of your insurance. This must be fixed on your vehicle windscreen, so as to be clearly visible.

Don't leave these papers in the glove compartment; if your car is stolen and you cannot produce them, you will have difficulties in obtaining the police statement you need to make an insurance claim. You also help the thief pretend he is the rightful owner.

Your insurer will also issue you with an internationally standard form, le constat amiable, to fill in the event of an accident. It provides space to fill out insurance details, a written and graphic description of the accident and it must be completed and signed by both you and the other party involved. It is a carbon copy sheet, and both parties send their copy back to their respective insurer to establish responsibility.

Do not add anything to the form after completing and signing it with the other party as the two insurers may compare their copies in establishing who was at fault.

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California Asbestos Exposure Attorney

Seeking Justice For Hard Working People Exposed To A Deadly Substance

Asbestos is a durable, versatile material that was commonly used in many different industries before it was found that when it degrades and crumbles, tiny, pointed fragments can lodge in the lungs of those who are exposed to it and cause numerous health problems, including mesothelioma.

The companies that made asbestos were aware of this problem, yet they continued to sell it to be used in everything from building materials to fireproofing. Over the years, many people, especially those who worked in industrial or trade jobs and in the military, were exposed to asbestos at work and brought it home to their families on their clothing at night. If you or a family member is suffering from asbestos exposure, you should speak with a California lawyer experienced in handling these cases. At Vititoe Law Group, LLC, we are leaders in handling environmental exposure cases. Our founder, James W. Vititoe, was part of the law firm that successfully handled the water contamination case in Hinkley, California, made famous by the movie Erin Brockovich. Our attorneys have experience handling mesothelioma cases and will pursue full and fair compensation for you or your loved one.

A Lingering Problem

You may have been exposed to asbestos years ago while working on a construction project or in a certain industry. Every day, you breathed in these dangerous particles and may never have been aware of it. Worse yet, if you wore your work clothes home, you inadvertently exposed your family to the same dangers.

The diseases caused by asbestos exposure can take years to manifest and can include:

• Asbestosis
• Mesothelioma
• Lung cancer

If you or a loved one is suffering from one of these diseases, or any other asbestos related health problem, there is help. Our attorneys will review your work history and medical records to assess your situation so you and your family can get the compensation you deserve.

Vititoe Law Group associates with many of the top law firms throughout the United States that focus on mesothelioma cases. Exposure to asbestos fibers has been recognized as an occupational health hazard since the early 20th century. Most people who develop mesothelioma have worked in jobs where they inhaled or ingested asbestos fibers, or were exposed to airborne asbestos dust and fibers in other ways. Individuals suffering from mesothelioma have almost always had exposure to asbestos many years prior to being diagnosed with mesothelioma. Many times, it is a construction worker, railroad worker or mechanic that has been exposed to asbestos that develops mesothelioma. An additional pathway can be the exposure to building materials, which were used in both public and domestic premises prior to the banning of asbestos.

Cancer is always a difficult situation; sadly mesothelioma can be one of the most painful forms of cancer.

Three different types of mesothelioma have been identified, all of which are associated with asbestos exposure. They are Pleural Mesothelioma, Peritoneal Mesothelioma and Pericardial Mesothelioma.

Selecting the right legal team for a mesothelioma case is vital to protect the injured and their families.

Contact Our Los Angeles Mesothelioma Lawyers To Schedule Your Free Consultation

If you or a loved one suffers from mesothelioma, our Westlake Village lawyers can help you recover compensation for your medical expenses and other losses. Call 818-851-1886 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. We do not charge any fees unless we recover compensation on your behalf.

Mesothelioma attorneys who care about helping our clients through a difficult time.

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that most often occurs in the thin membrane lining of the lungs, chest, abdomen, and (rarely) heart. Virtually all cases of mesothelioma are linked with asbestos exposure. Asbestos is the only known cause of mesothelioma in humans. Smoking does not cause mesothelioma. An almost always fatal cancer, most mesothelioma victims diagnosed with the disease are given eight to twelve months to live. Even with early detection and the best treatment, the average five-year survival rate is only about 20 percent People who have worked with or around asbestos and asbestos-containing products, have an increased risk of mesothelioma. Even people who live with asbestos workers, near asbestos mining areas, near asbestos product factories or near shipyards where use of asbestos has produced large quantities of airborne asbestos fibers are susceptible to contracting the disease. Although mesothelioma is more common in men, increasing with age, it can appear in both men and women at any age.Unfortunately, there is no cure for mesothelioma. There are, however, a variety of experimental treatment options with new clinical trials being introduced on a regular basis by doctors and researchers trying to find a cure for mesothelioma. The treatment used is dependant upon a variety of factors, including the extent of the disease, the age and medical history of the patient, and the location and type of the mesothelioma, but some common treatments include:

• Surgery: where the tissue in the affected area is cut out. This may involve removing part of the organ depending on the size of the affected area;
• Radiation treatment: involving the use of radiation treatment to kill off the cancerous cells in the affected area; and
• Chemotherapy: using potent drugs in the body to kill off the cancerous cells.

Free Case Evaluation

If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos or have been diagnosed with any asbestos disease, including lung cancer and mesothelioma, Contact us. We can help you understand your rights and options, and see that you have the opportunity to seek compensation for your injuries.

Contact us for a free evaluation of your case and to discuss your rights under the law.

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California Mesothelioma Attorneys & Asbestos Lawyers

Mesothelioma lawsuits are different in California. Throughout Baron and Budd’s more than 30 year history of handling asbestos lawsuits, our mesothelioma attorneys have developed an in-depth understanding of the civil justice system in California and how to achieve maximum results for mesothelioma clients. Even today, the California mesothelioma lawyers at Baron and Budd continue to actively handle mesothelioma lawsuits instead of sending them to another law firm for the actual casework.

As leading California mesothelioma attorneys, Baron and Budd has:

• Represented some of the highest profile asbestos cases in the state of California
• Achieved some of the largest verdicts of their kind in California
• Successfully protected all their California verdicts on appeal
• Maintained a presence in northern and southern California, unlike many other firms
  

  Baron & Budd Significant California Mesothelioma Victories

  Read our full list of mesothelioma case results here.

  • $48 million verdict for Mr. Bobbie Izell and his wife against a number of asbestos companies, including Union Carbide, a subsidiary of Dow Chemical, Riverside Cement, CalPortland and others responsible for Mr. Izell’s mesothelioma. Mr. Izell came into contact with asbestos as a bystander through his work in the construction business. This is the largest mesothelioma verdict in the nation in 2012 to date.

• $20 million verdict for Ms. Joan Mahoney and her husband Mr. Daniel Mahoney. Ms. Mahoney was an entertainer for several years, and her career took her around the world, performing on United Service Organizations tours, but it was her work in the family remodeling business that brought her into contact with asbestos-containing joint compounds that later caused her mesothelioma.
• $10 million verdict for Mr. David Fowers and his family. Mr. Fowers spent much of his career as a machinist in the U.S. Navy, where he worked around asbestos-containing gaskets, pumps and other materials while repairing ship parts on a Naval repair barge.
• $3.9 million verdict for Mr. Joseph Norris, a U.S. Navy veteran, and his family. Mr. Norris passed in 2006 from mesothelioma after being exposed to asbestos as a bystander working aboard U.S. Navy ships. Mr. Norris was exposed to asbestos from his work with Crane Co. asbestos-containing valves.

How our mesothelioma attorneys give back.

As a law firm dedicated to mesothelioma patients, we know how important education, advocacy and research is for patients and caregivers. To help patients better understand this cancer and help in the battle against asbestos, Baron and Budd is proud to support the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) and others.

Learn more about how the California mesothelioma lawyers at Baron and Budd gives back here.

• Mesothelioma Doctors

• Mesothelioma Treatment Centers

• California Asbestos Exposure Sites

Alameda
AAA Shipyard
Alameda Naval Air Station
Bethlehem Steel Shipyard
Todd Shipyard

Alhambra
C.F. Braun Building

Anaheim
Goodyear Tire & Rubber Plant

Antioch
Fibreboard Paper Mill
Crown Zellerbach Paper Mill
Dupont Chemical Plant
Kaiser Gypsum Plant
Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) “Pittsburg” Steam Plant

Avon
ARCO
Monsanto
Phillips Petroleum Company
Tidewater Oil Refinery

Bakersfield
Standard Oil Refinery
Kern Power House

Bell
Norris Thermador Plant

Benicia
Exxon Oil Refinery

Berkley
Bay Area Rapid Transit Power
Sherwin Williams

Boron
Edwards Air Force Base
US Borax

Brea
Brea Chemical Plant

Burbank
Lockheed Martin Aircraft Terminal
Lockheed Martin Aircraft Service
Lockheed Martin Aeronautical

Camp Pendleton
Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base
U.S. Marine Base Field Medical School

Carlsbad
Carlsbad Power Plant

Carson
ARCO Refinery
Hancock Oil Refinery

Commerce
Container Corporation of America Paper Mill

Compton
Atlantic Richfield Oil Refinery

Dominguez
Shell Oil Refinery
Stauffer Chemical
Union Oil Pipeline

El Segundo
Standard Oil Refinery
Chevron
Department of Water & Power Plant (DWP)

Emeryville
Pabco Manufacturing Plant
Shell Research and Development Building

Etiwanda
Etiwanda Steam Plant

Eureka
Georgia Pacific Pulp

Florence
Turco Chemical Plant

Fontana
Kaiser Steel Mil

Fullerton
Beckman Industries Plant
Kimberly-Clark Paper Mill

Hercules
Hercules Powder Plant

Hollywood
Valley Electric Steam Plant·

Huntington Beach
Southern California Edison Power Plant
Huntington Beach Powerhouse
Southern California Light

King City
Union Carbide Mine

Lemoore
Naval Air Station (NAS)

Livermore
Lawrence Atomic Radiation Laboratory
Nuclear Research lab

Lompoc
Vandenberg Air Force Base

Long Beach
Douglas Oil Refinery
Long Beach Naval Station
Long Beach Naval Shipyard
Bethlehem Steel Shipyard
California Shipbuilding Company
Todd Shipyard
Atlantic Richfield Co. (ARCO) Refinery
Proctor & Gamble Plant
U.S.S. Cavalier
Richfield Oil Refinery
U.S. Naval Shipyard·

Los Angeles
Atlantic Richfield (ARCO) Refinery
ARCO Twin Towers
Dixon Chemical
Dow Chemical
Goodyear Tire & Rubber Plant
Los Angeles Department of Water & Power
Firestone Tire Store
Ford Assembly Plant
Gypsum Company
Western Pipe & Steel Company
U.S. Rubber Tire & Synthetic Rubber Plant
Union Pacific Switchyard
Western Pipe & Steel Plant

Lucerne Valley
Kaiser Cement Gypsum

Martinez
Shell Oil Refinery
Phillips 66
Standard Oil
Tosco Avon Refinery

Milpitas
Ford Motor Plant
Ford Paint Plant

Morro Bay
Morro Bay Powerhouse
Pacific Power & Light

Moss Landing
Moss Landing Powerhouse

Oakland
Ashland Chemical
Moore Drydock
Moore Shipyard
General Electric Plant
Hunt Canned Foods Plant
Kaiser Aluminum & Chemical
Oakland Naval Shipyard
Southern Pacific Railroad

Pasadena
Ralph M. Parsons Plant

Pittsburg
Columbia Steel
Pacific Gas & Electric Power Plant
U.S. Steel
Dow Chemical Plant

Red Bluff
Diamond National Paper Mill

Redondo Beach
South California Powerhouse
Redondo Beach Steam Plant

Richmond
Standard Oil Refinery
Chevron Refinery
Willamette Shipyard
Shell Oil Refinery
Richmond Kaiser Shipyards (#1- #4)

Riverside
Amex Aluminum Plant

Rodeo
Conoco Philips aka San Francisco Refinery (formerly owned by UNOCAL & TOSCO)

Sacramento
McClelland Air Force Base
Aerojet General Aerospace Plant
Proctor & Gamble Chemical Plant

Samoa
Georgia Pacific Paper Mill

San Bernardino
Norton Air Force Base

San Diego
San Diego Naval Shipyard
Naval Training Center (NTC)
San Diego Naval Base
Naval Air Station (NAS) North Island
Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Miramar
Naval Station (NAVSTA) 32nd Street
Campbell Shipyard
Consolidated Aircraft
Conair Aircraft Plant
U.S. Marine Base
San Diego Marine Base
General Dynamics Corp.
Point Loma Naval Submarine Base
U.S. Navy Troop Transport Ship
Southwest Marine Shipyard
Industrial Command U.S. Naval Repair Base
Camp Kearney
National Steel Shipbuilding (NASSCO) aka General Dynamics
Consolidated Aircraft Corp
San Diego Gas & Electric Building
Naval Supply Center
Naval Housing
Port Nimitz Naval Base
San Diego Power Plant
San Diego Military Station
San Diego Radio School
Silver Gate Power Plant
Silver Gate Power Plant
Valley Electric

San Francisco
Hunters Point Naval Shipyard
San Francisco Naval Shipyard
Bethlehem Steel Shipyard
Treasure Island Naval
Hunter Point Power Plant
Moore Drydock Shipyard
U.S. Naval Base
Pacific Power & Light Company
Pacific Gas & Electric (PG & E) Substation
Western Pipe & Steel Shipyard
Candlestick Park Office Building
Western Pipe & Steel
Southern Pacific Railroad Office Buildings A and B
U.S. Steel Shipyard

San Pedro
Todd Shipyard
Bethlehem Shipyard
Union Oil Refinery
Western Pipe & Steel Shipyard
Union 76 Refinery

Santa Clara
Owens-Corning Plant· Santa Fe Springs
Golden West Refinery

Sausalito
Marine Shipyard

South Gate
U.S. Gypsum

Sunnyvale
Moffett Field Naval Air Station

Terminal Island
Bethlehem Steel Shipyard
Long Beach Naval Shipyard aka Terminal Island Naval Shipyard
Harbor Boat Building Company
California Shipbuilding Yard aka Calship
Long Beach Naval Shipyard Steam Plant

Torrance
Mobil Oil Refinery
Shell Chemical Plant
Columbia Steel
Union Carbide Chemical Plant

Trona
American Potash & Chemical
Kerr McGee Chemical Plant

Vallejo
Southern Pacific Railroad
Mare Island Naval Shipyard
U.S. Naval Base
Treasure Island Shipyard

Vernon
Stauffer Chemical Plant

Victorville
Portland Cement Plant

Watson
Johns-Manville Plant

Wilmington
ARCO Refinery (Atlantic Richfield Co)
Consolidated Steel Shipyard
Texaco Refinery
Bethlehem Steel
Shell Refinery
Union Oil Refinery
ARCO Oil Company
UNOCAL Oil Refinery

Standard Oil

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What is a Structured Settlement Annuity?

What is a Structured Settlement Annuity?

A Structured Settlement Annuity (SSA) provides tax-free, periodic payments over a period of time, specifically designed to meet an injured party's needs. Specialized consultants facilitate the settlement process, as well as help design and negotiate the structure. 

Why choose a Structured Settlement?

Benefits for the injured party:

• Features customized design: Payments are specifically tailored to meet the injured party's particular financial needs over a defined period.
• Emphasizes stability: Payments are designed to help meet the claimant's current and future financial needs.
• Promotes security: Structured settlement provide the dependability of a highly rated financial institution.

Benefits for the defendant:

• Leads to faster settlements
• May reduce costs
• Avoids Jury trials
• May allow for tax deduction (self-insured)

Pacific Life is a member of the National Structured Settlement Trade Association

This material is not intended to be used, nor can it be used by any taxpayer, for the purpose of avoiding U.S. federal, state, or local tax penalties. This material is written to support the promotion or marketing of the transaction(s) or matter(s) addressed by this material. Pacific Life, its distributors, and respective representatives do not provide tax, accounting, or legal advice. Any taxpayer should seek advice based on the taxpayer's particular circumstances from an independent tax advisor or attorney.

Pacific Life refers to Pacific Life Insurance Company and its affiliates, including Pacific Life & Annuity Company. Insurance products are issued by Pacific Life Insurance Company in all states except New York and in New York by Pacific Life & Annuity Company. Product availability and features may vary by state. Each insurance company is solely responsible for the financial obligations accruing under the products it issues. Insurance product and guarantees, including annuity payout rates, are backed by the financial strength and claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company and do not protect the value of the variable investment options.

During the recession, many people were searching for cash and liquidity to stay afloat. Even as the economy improves, there are those who have a need for money and will turn to some unusual places to get it.

Selling annuities, structured settlements, scheduled lottery payoffs or other ongoing payments for cash became more popular during the recession. But for those still feeling a cash crunch, this tactic is seen as a potential option.

Unless the financial predicaments are dire, most financial advisers recommend against cashing in annuities or structured settlements. Selling off an annuity can trigger surrender charges as high as 10 percent, and those who sell before age 59 1/2 can also face federal taxes and penalties. Structured settlements are attractive because they generally provide tax-free income for life.

Yet, sometimes cashing in is the only option. That $500 monthly payment from an old accident may have helped with medical bills early on, but if the beneficiary lost his job and fell behind on some bills or had to make significant costly repairs to his home, a lump-sum payout of $50,000 may seem quite enticing.

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Local Asbestos Law Attorneys

If you suffer due to asbestos exposure and are considering taking legal action, you may wonder what the process would look like.

On this page, we will explore the framework of an asbestos lawsuit. For more information on your specific case, please contact Waddell Anderman today to speak with an experienced Baton Rouge asbestos lawsuit attorney. We handle asbestos claims in Baton Rouge, New Orleans, throughout Louisiana and nationwide.

The Framework of an Asbestos Lawsuit

Every case is different, but here is a general idea of what you can expect from the process of an asbestos lawsuit:

• Gathering information: From your very first consultation with us, we will begin gathering information about your case, including your medical condition, work history and other relevant factors.
• Filing the lawsuit: If we take your case, the first formal step we take is filing the complaint. This means we are letting the potentially liable parties know that we are filing a lawsuit against them. It also sets the legal process in motion.
• Discovery: Next, we will seek out all information that may be relevant to your case, a process known as discovery. This may include subpoenaing documents from your former employer or other parties. It may also involve talking to witnesses such as former coworkers or family members.
• Preparing for trial: We prepare every case as if it is going to trial. We will seek as early a court date as possible, because we know time is precious to our clients. In many cases, we are able to reach favorable out-of-court settlements before the cases go to trial. If trial is necessary, however, we are always prepared.
• Resolution: You choose whether to settle your case or go to trial. Visit our verdicts and settlements page to find out how we have helped clients in the past.

The process of filing an asbestos lawsuit may seem daunting, but we do everything we can to make it as stress free as possible for our clients. Our lawyers will handle all of the legal details and seek maximum compensation for the losses you have suffered.

Contact an Asbestos Litigation Lawyer

If you have questions about asbestos lawsuits, we are here to stand up for your rights. Contact us today to speak with a knowledgeable Baton Rouge, Monroe, Lake Charles or New Orleans asbestos lawsuit attorney. We offer free initial consultations, and we get paid on a contingent fee basis — you won't owe us a thing unless we win results for you.

You don't have to look far to find an attorney advertising for mesothelioma lawsuits. You may have seen such ads on television or in magazines. The problem is, when you call one of these law firms, do you really know who you are talking to?

Many of these firms are located far from Louisiana and are simply looking to refer your case to another law firm that may be located in California, New York or some other state. This brings serious questions to mind:

• Are these firms really going to be invested in your case, or are they simply looking for a referral fee?
• Do they know how an asbestos case works in Louisiana? Are they familiar with the courts? Have they practiced in front of the judges who will oversee your case?
• Do they live in Louisiana, and are they familiar with the area and the people who will decide your case?
• How much will an out-of-state attorney's travel time and expenses affect your potential award or settlement?

At Waddell Anderman Law Firm, we make sure our clients do not have to be troubled by any of these questions. We know that local is a very good thing when it comes to asbestos litigation. If you or a loved one suffers from mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, we are committed to helping you obtain the compensation you need and deserve.

Contact us today to speak with an experienced Baton Rouge asbestos attorney. Call us at 225-283-8650.

Local Asbestos Law Attorneys You Can Trust

For a serious legal matter such as an asbestos lawsuit, it is very important to have faith in the law firm that represents your interests. Our lawyers know asbestos law and how it works in Louisiana.

We have worked on asbestos cases in Louisiana for years. We have conducted extensive research into the causes of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. We are knowledgeable about the local industries that have given rise to numerous asbestos lawsuits.

Furthermore, we know how asbestos law works in Louisiana. The timelines, processes and procedures in our state are different from every other state. While an out-of-state attorney may have to spend many hours learning about how asbestos litigation works in Louisiana, we won't.

Contact a Louisiana Mesothelioma Lawyer

If you have suffered due to asbestos exposure in Louisiana, we are here to stand up for your rights. Contact us today to speak with an experienced asbestos attorney. We offer free initial consultations, and we get paid on a contingent fee basis — you won't owe us a thing unless we win results for you. Call us at 225-283-8650.

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