Have you ever asked yourself “is Judge Judy a real judge?” Chances are you have seen an episode of Judge Judy on TV, starting with the unforgettable “All rise for the honorable Judge Judy!” Her role as it appears on TV is a small claims court judge that happens to be televising her proceedings. So this brings us to the question, “is Judge Judy a real judge?” Although Judge Judy has served as a real judge in a New York court, her television show is actually arbitration. Arbitration can be defined as two parties coming to a legal expert mediator, and signing on an agreement that states what arbitrator decides on the matter is final. This kind of resolution is only used for small legal matters like domestic disputes and small sums of money under $5,000. Another difference from real court to TV court is that most of the time the defendants and plaintiffs don’t actually have to pay anything to the other party. The television show producers would pay if Judge Judy ruled in the plaintiff’s favor, not the defendant. If she ruled in the defendant’s favor, both parties still get an appearance payment, as well as free travel and board. So when asking, “is Judge Judy a real judge?” the answer could be yes since she has served as a real judge, but her TV show is not a real courtroom as her role in the show is an arbitrator, not a judge. The last factor when considering, “is Judge Judy a real judge?” is whether or not her decisions can be overruled. The answer to that is simple, yes. Although it is common practice to not appeal or overturn an arbitrator’s decision, if the case falls outside of arbitration jurisdiction then it can be considered invalid. An example of this would be when Judge Jeffrey, a Brooklyn court judge, ruled that a television judge such as Judge Judy does not have jurisdiction to rule on a case that involved child custody and child support payments. When everything is accumulated the answer to, “is Judge Judy a real judge?” is no, she is not a real judge, and her TV show is not a real courtroom.
Wayne Cohen, DC car accident lawyer
Cohen & Cohen, P.C.
202-600-9627
Thursday, November 5, 2015
Friday, October 16, 2015
About Wayne Cohen, Trial Attorney
As a trial lawyer ,Wayne Cohen is constantly going to bat for his
clients in the courtroom. Whether it is a personal injury, wrongful death, or
medical malpractice, he knows what needs to be done in order to win a case. Lawyer Wayne Cohen’s years of experience as a trial lawyer gives him an
edge that helps his clients recognize that they can rest easy knowing that he
is dedicated to their case. For more than twenty years he has taught trial law
at the George Washington University School Of Law, with a dedication to the
education of his students that will promote them to be the best trial lawyers in the
country. It has been his privilege to be
recognized by media channels such as The New York Times and the Washington
Post, among many others, for his accomplishments throughout his career and his
fervency to being a successful trial lawyer. Attorney
Wayne Cohen has been asked to participate in TV shows as a credible and
sought-after trial lawyer
with much knowledge in field of trail law and class action suites.
As a founder of his law firm, Cohen
and Cohen, he have carefully partnered with some of the most vivacious and talented
lawyers in the country. Wayne Cohen is a lawyer that can stand by everyone on his team, knowing they
will fight for their clients as he has and will continue to do. His background as
an amateur boxer has given him the drive and discipline to lead his clients to
a successful outcome no matter the circumstances. His clients concerns and
goals are of the upmost importance, making me a trustworthy and responsible trial lawyer. He is proud
to say that he has done right by his clients, successfully accruing millions on
their behalf to compensate pain and suffering as well as damages to property
and loss of income.
Attorney Wayne Cohen’s high success rate and personal
dedication to his clients has given him designations such as one of the Top
Washington Trial Lawyers, one of Washington’s Best Lawyers, Top 40 Lawyers
Under 40, and the one of the most feared lawyers in the D.C. area. With titles
and honors set aside, his countless satisfied clients are the ones that can
attest to his perseverance and enthusiasm when representing his clients and
their needs. He has a passion for servicing the D.C. area, as it has been a
home base for him for many years. Whether it is a car or bicycle accident,
personal injury, medical malpractice, or any other wrongdoings, Wayne Cohen is a lawyer
who will work hard to be the trial
lawyer you can recommend to your family and friends.
Monday, October 7, 2013
Wayne Cohen, lawyer, attorney: How Does A Contingency Fee Work?
Wayne Cohen, lawyer, attorney: How Does A Contingency Fee Work?
Many states have different rules and regulations regarding contingency fees. For purposes of this blog entry, I’ll speak to generally what occurs in the District of Columbia since I am a personal injury attorney in Washington, DC. Contingency fees are often used in personal injury cases, and some other types of litigation disputes. The overall structure of the fee is that the personal injury lawyer is paid a percentage of the recover. If the lawyer wins the case on behalf of the client, then the lawyer is able to recover a fee. On the other hand, if the lawyer does not win the case, then there is no fee. Expenses are usually handled differently, with the client often being responsible for the personal injury attorney’s expenses regardless of what occurs with the fee.
Contingency fees have pros and cons. First, let me start with the pros. The biggest advantage of a contingency fee is that it puts the lawyer and the client in the same situation. For example, if the case pertains to an automobile accident, and the personal injury lawyer is working on a contingency basis, then the lawyer will not receive a fee unless the client wins the case. The lawyer has an additional incentive to win the case because the greater the recovery, the bigger the fee. Another advantage is if the client loses the case, there are no fees that are owed to the lawyer. This places a great amount of risk on the case upon the lawyer.
Now let me go into the cons. One con of a contingency fee is that they rarely can be used if the client is a defendant in a case. A defendant means that the client is being sued. In this case the contingency arrangement is generally one that will not be accepted by a lawyer.
Contingency fees in injury cases usually range between 33 1/3% and 40%. Many top personal injury attorneys charge 33 1/3 % of the recovery if the matter does not proceed to litigation, and 40% of the fee if the matter proceeds to litigation.
Wayne Cohen
1220 19th Street, NW
Suite 510
Washington, DC 20036
202-955-4529
www.cohenandcohen.net
Many states have different rules and regulations regarding contingency fees. For purposes of this blog entry, I’ll speak to generally what occurs in the District of Columbia since I am a personal injury attorney in Washington, DC. Contingency fees are often used in personal injury cases, and some other types of litigation disputes. The overall structure of the fee is that the personal injury lawyer is paid a percentage of the recover. If the lawyer wins the case on behalf of the client, then the lawyer is able to recover a fee. On the other hand, if the lawyer does not win the case, then there is no fee. Expenses are usually handled differently, with the client often being responsible for the personal injury attorney’s expenses regardless of what occurs with the fee.
Contingency fees have pros and cons. First, let me start with the pros. The biggest advantage of a contingency fee is that it puts the lawyer and the client in the same situation. For example, if the case pertains to an automobile accident, and the personal injury lawyer is working on a contingency basis, then the lawyer will not receive a fee unless the client wins the case. The lawyer has an additional incentive to win the case because the greater the recovery, the bigger the fee. Another advantage is if the client loses the case, there are no fees that are owed to the lawyer. This places a great amount of risk on the case upon the lawyer.
Now let me go into the cons. One con of a contingency fee is that they rarely can be used if the client is a defendant in a case. A defendant means that the client is being sued. In this case the contingency arrangement is generally one that will not be accepted by a lawyer.
Contingency fees in injury cases usually range between 33 1/3% and 40%. Many top personal injury attorneys charge 33 1/3 % of the recovery if the matter does not proceed to litigation, and 40% of the fee if the matter proceeds to litigation.
Wayne Cohen
1220 19th Street, NW
Suite 510
Washington, DC 20036
202-955-4529
www.cohenandcohen.net
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
How To Select A Personal Injury Lawyer - Washington D.C.
By: Personal Injury Lawyer Wayne Cohen, Cohen & Cohen
If you are in need of a personal injury lawyer, then it is important for you place a lot of effort into making sure you hire the right lawyer. Here are 5 tips that may be of help to you when looking for a personal injury lawyer.
First, make sure that the lawyer or law firm is licensed in the state where the case occurred. For example, if you are involved in a car accident lawyer in the District of Columbia, but you live in Michigan, it would be prudent to retain counsel in Washington, D.C. and not Michigan. The D.C. personal injury lawyer may have a better chance of getting you a good result.
Second, ask questions to determine the lawyer's past performance. Has the lawyer handled this type of injury case before? What is the lawyer's track record? What is the lawyer's philosophy on handling this type of case?
Third, what is the lawyer's education background. For example, did the lawyer attend an accredited law school? While at law school, was the lawyer a member of the law review? These questions can help give you some background on the lawyer.
Fourth, has the lawyer ever been interviewed by the media? Quite often, skilled lawyers will be interviewed by various members of the press who may recognize the lawyer as an "expert" in a particular field.
Fifth, determine the lawyer's policies and procedures for staying in contact with you during the case. Will the lawyer accept emails from you? How often will you be discussing the case with the lawyer?
Ultimately, no one factor makes a good lawyer. But together in aggregate, finding the answers to these questions can help you make a smart decision when hiring a personal injury lawyer or a lawyer in a another specialty.
Thursday, July 25, 2013
Cohen and Cohen: Are Lost Wages Taxable Currently?
For legal help and a complimentary consultation with Wayne Cohen, please visit his main site at CohenAndCohen.net
Wayne Cohen, lawyer/attorney, of Cohen & Cohen, P.C. knows that the question are lost wages taxable always arises. When a victim of a negligence case prevails in a settlement or in a trial, sometimes that victim is awarded compensation for wages that were lost. If the person had been working and received the money, then certainly that income would be taxable. However, if the award is made as a result of an injury, the law generally provides that money for lost wages is not taxable. Of course, you should check with your accountant and legal advisors to determine what the law is in your state.
Wayne Cohen, lawyer/attorney, of Cohen & Cohen, P.C. knows that the question are lost wages taxable always arises. When a victim of a negligence case prevails in a settlement or in a trial, sometimes that victim is awarded compensation for wages that were lost. If the person had been working and received the money, then certainly that income would be taxable. However, if the award is made as a result of an injury, the law generally provides that money for lost wages is not taxable. Of course, you should check with your accountant and legal advisors to determine what the law is in your state.
If you are in need of a personal injury lawyer in Washington DC, Maryland, or Virginia, you should call our office for a free consultation today. The law firm of Cohen and Cohen has been called one of the best personal injury law firms in Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia. The law firm’s managing partner, Wayne Cohen, handles all different types of personal injury cases, including car accidents, medical mistakes, and product defects.
Cohen and Cohen Explains What “Full Coverage” Really Means?
For legal help and a complimentary consultation with Wayne Cohen, please visit his main site at CohenAndCohen.net
Cohen and Cohen, P.C. often hears people say that they have “full” coverage, without truly understanding what that means. Having insurance coverage is very important if you are in an automobile accident or collision. Full coverage means that you have liability and collision coverage, and possible medical pay coverage. First, liability coverage means you are protected if you cause an accident, and the person you injured decides to sue you. It is important to have a very high liability limit. Second, collision coverage means that your automobile is protected. For example, if you cause an accident and your car is badly damaged, your collision coverage will help ensure that you either get a new vehicle or get your vehicle repaired. Third, medical pay coverage will help you get your medical bills paid for.
Cohen and Cohen, P.C. often hears people say that they have “full” coverage, without truly understanding what that means. Having insurance coverage is very important if you are in an automobile accident or collision. Full coverage means that you have liability and collision coverage, and possible medical pay coverage. First, liability coverage means you are protected if you cause an accident, and the person you injured decides to sue you. It is important to have a very high liability limit. Second, collision coverage means that your automobile is protected. For example, if you cause an accident and your car is badly damaged, your collision coverage will help ensure that you either get a new vehicle or get your vehicle repaired. Third, medical pay coverage will help you get your medical bills paid for.
If you want to make sure you truly have “full” coverage on your automobile policy, have Cohen & Cohen review your policy. At Cohen & Cohen, P.C., our personal injury lawyers in Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia, will review your automobile policy for free! Contact us today.
Cohen and Cohen asks: Do You Understand Your Auto Policy? by Wayne Cohen
For legal help and a complimentary consultation with Wayne Cohen, please visit his main site at CohenAndCohen.net
Cohen & Cohen realizes that understanding your car insurance policy can be difficult. As a result, people often end up with policies that do not provide the right protection. Here is some basic information which you may not know. First, it is critical that you contain the right amount of coverage. Wayne Cohen, the founder and managing partner of Cohen and Cohen, P.C.,suggestion is that you carry the maximum amount of “liability” coverage. This will protect you in case you happen to cause an accident.
Second, make sure that you have “uninsured motorists protection.” This insurance provides protection if you are struck by a driver who does not have insurance, or by a hit and run driver. Most states require that your insurance company provide you with this protection.
Third, a good insurance policy will also contain “under insured motorists protection.” This type of insurance provides protection if you are struck by a driver who has only limited insurance. For example, if you suffer a serious injury by a driver who has only a $25,000 policy, but you have a $300,000 policy, you are eligible for $25,000 from the other driver and $275,000 from your policy (i.e., this equals $300,000).
Fourth, “personal injury protection benefits” coverage (PIP) provides protection for medical bills and, sometimes, a portion of your wages, even if you are at fault in an accident. In some jurisdictions such as District of Columbia there are limitations on whether a person can make a PIP claim and pursue a claim for compensation.
Fifth, many companies offer “gap coverage.” This type of policy provides protection on your financed vehicle. Essentially, if you financed $20,000 on your car and have an accident, but the value of the car at the time of the accident is only $18,000, “gap” coverage may apply and help make sure you are whole.
Sixth, it is imperative that you carry collision coverage. Collision coverage provides protection when your car is damaged. Keep in mind that having collision coverage in the amount of $250 as opposed to $500 or $1000 may increase the amount of your insurance, especially if you are not inclined to make a damage claim for an amount which is less than $1000. You may want to get different quotes from your broker. The attorneys at Cohen & Cohen, P.C. can help you pick the right one!
Cohen & Cohen realizes that understanding your car insurance policy can be difficult. As a result, people often end up with policies that do not provide the right protection. Here is some basic information which you may not know. First, it is critical that you contain the right amount of coverage. Wayne Cohen, the founder and managing partner of Cohen and Cohen, P.C.,suggestion is that you carry the maximum amount of “liability” coverage. This will protect you in case you happen to cause an accident.
Second, make sure that you have “uninsured motorists protection.” This insurance provides protection if you are struck by a driver who does not have insurance, or by a hit and run driver. Most states require that your insurance company provide you with this protection.
Third, a good insurance policy will also contain “under insured motorists protection.” This type of insurance provides protection if you are struck by a driver who has only limited insurance. For example, if you suffer a serious injury by a driver who has only a $25,000 policy, but you have a $300,000 policy, you are eligible for $25,000 from the other driver and $275,000 from your policy (i.e., this equals $300,000).
Fourth, “personal injury protection benefits” coverage (PIP) provides protection for medical bills and, sometimes, a portion of your wages, even if you are at fault in an accident. In some jurisdictions such as District of Columbia there are limitations on whether a person can make a PIP claim and pursue a claim for compensation.
Fifth, many companies offer “gap coverage.” This type of policy provides protection on your financed vehicle. Essentially, if you financed $20,000 on your car and have an accident, but the value of the car at the time of the accident is only $18,000, “gap” coverage may apply and help make sure you are whole.
Sixth, it is imperative that you carry collision coverage. Collision coverage provides protection when your car is damaged. Keep in mind that having collision coverage in the amount of $250 as opposed to $500 or $1000 may increase the amount of your insurance, especially if you are not inclined to make a damage claim for an amount which is less than $1000. You may want to get different quotes from your broker. The attorneys at Cohen & Cohen, P.C. can help you pick the right one!
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