COLA or Cost of Living Adjustments are meant to keep benefits on track with inflation rates. The 2017 COLA adjustment is .3%. The tax rate is remaining unchanged, with employees still being taxed at 7.65% and self-employed persons being taxed at … [Read more...]
Damages for Personal Injury Under Texas Law
If you are injured because of the negligent acts or omissions of somebody else, perhaps a careless driver, a careless doctor or a careless dog owner you may be entitled to money damages to compensate you for your injuries. There are many ways in … [Read more...]
Supplemental Income Benefits : You received an Impairment rating 15% or Higher
When you have reached Maximum Medical Improvement and receive an impairment rating that is 15% or higher, you may be entitled to received Supplemental Income Benefits. SIBS are paid out monthly, which is calculated by using your Average Weekly Wage … [Read more...]
Wrongful Death Beneficiaries Under Texas Law
There are few things more painful than the death of a loved one. And when that death is the result of another’s negligence, most presume that the law will provide a remedy. But this was not always the case in Texas, and to this day Texas law places … [Read more...]
HAVE YOU GOT A GUY?
With apologies for the gender reference, you have probably heard the phrase. For plumbing, electrical work, auto repair, accounting, etc. The response is “I have a guy”. This means you are familiar with their work, they have done work for you or for … [Read more...]
MODIFYING CHILD CUSTODY AGREEMENTS
Earlier this week I read about a court in New York that denied a mother the right to move with a child seventeen miles based on an agreement incident to divorce the former couple had signed. Yes, the court denied the mother’s request to move with the … [Read more...]
TRUMP AND DACA UPDATE
On January 20, 2017, President Trump took the oath of office as the 45th President of the United States. He quickly began the work of signing Executive Orders affecting immigration. As of January 26, 2017, a highly anticipated decision regarding … [Read more...]
Stopped for DWI?
Do I Have to Take A Field Sobriety Test? Did you know that law enforcement cannot force you to submit to field sobriety tests. Police officers are trained to put you through three standard field sobriety tests if they believe you may be driving … [Read more...]
The Tax Man Cometh!! (Not Necessarily So) Eliminating Older Tax Debt in Bankruptcy
Often, I consult with individuals with tax debt, income tax debt owed to the IRS for past years, as much as 10 years in the past, and as recently as last year. Often, my clients are sustaining IRS agreements to pay back taxes in the tens of … [Read more...]
Bailey & Galyen Announcement
Bailey & Galyen is proud and excited to announce that Dana Manry has passed the exam to become Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization of the State Bar of Texas. The State Bar recognizes Board Certification as “a mark … [Read more...]
Can I Lose My Job While I Am Out on Workers’ Comp?
In most circumstances, yes. Your employer may lay you off, terminate your employment, or place you on FMLA while you are off on workers’ compensation. Texas is an at-will state, therefore an employer may release you from their employment at will... … [Read more...]
Changes to How SSA Examines Mental Disabilities
As of January 17, 2017, SSA is updating their criteria for determining whether or not someone is disabled due to a mental or emotional impairment. The new criteria have more specific examples and are better defined, helping claimants get … [Read more...]
