Once You Have Hired A Car Accident Lawyer

Legal

HOW TO FIND THE BEST CAR ACCIDENT LAWYER

The attorney that you choose for your auto case can be the difference between winning a great settlement and receiving nothing at all.  But how do you choose?

With so many lawyers advertising on billboards and television, it is difficult to decide which lawyer or law firm is best suited for your case.

Find a lawyer that specializes in car accident cases.

Many attorneys do a little bit of everything and are willing to take on your auto case.  However, the laws for handling auto cases are complex and confusing and you need a lawyer who handles these cases every day.  Make sure that firm that you choose is 100% devoted to personal injury and accident cases and does not just dabble in these areas of law.

Make sure that the law firm is AV Rated by Martindale-Hubbell.

Martindale Hubbell is the most respected rating service for attorneys and law firms and has been for a long time.  An AV rating means that the lawyer or firm has the highest possible rating for Skill and Integrity. This is the type of lawyer that you want on your side.

Check out the awards and recognition.

There are many legal groups and organizations that award attorneys for their excellence in the profession.  You want a lawyer that has been named to “Best Attorneys in America,” Top 100 Trial Lawyers,” “Super Lawyers,” and others.  Being recognized by others in the profession is a great sign that a lawyer is qualified for your case.

How Do I Find A Good Car Accident Lawyer?

You’ve been injured in a car accident and believe you have a right to compensation for your damages. You might be wondering how you can find a good car accident lawyer to help you with your case. The right lawyer can make a huge difference in the outcome of your claim, and those who work with a legal professional tend to win higher settlements.

When you begin searching for the right car accident lawyer, there are several factors you should look for. You want an attorney who clearly has the background and experience required to handle a car accident case like yours.

Specializes in Personal Injury Cases

Personal injury cases are complex, and they require the expertise of an experienced lawyer. Some lawyers will say they take on personal injury cases, but it’s not their specialty. This is risky because it means they may not be up-to-date on the most recent laws and techniques.

Has Been in Practice Many Years

Besides specializing in personal injury and car accident cases, you should seek a lawyer who has many years of experiencing practicing in these areas.

Has a Proven History of Success

You will want to be confident your lawyer can deliver the settlement or verdict you deserve, especially if your car accident case is large and involves serious damages. When you have a consultation with a lawyer, ask about past settlements and verdicts they have had, including how many how cases they have won

How To Choose Car Accident Lawyer

Ideally, anyone involved in a car accident would be made whole again, as if the accident never happened. Unfortunately, we don’t live in a perfect world or even a fair world. And that’s a major reason why we have car crash lawyers

If you get into a car accident, there are three primary reasons you’ll need an attorney to represent you.

First, you’ve been hurt and/or suffered damages to your vehicle and another driver is responsible. laws in the rest of the country in that individuals who are at fault for harming others should be held legally responsible. In most situations, this means the payment of money.

In many accidents, this takes place, often with the help of the at-fault driver’s car insurance company. But oftentimes, this driver will deny any wrongdoing. When this happens, you’ll probably need an attorney to obtain a recovery in court.

Second, someone else has accused you of causing an accident where they were hurt or suffered damages. And in addition to placing the blame on you, they have sued you in court to recover damages they believe you should have to pay.

Third, a car insurance company doesn’t do what it should. Sometimes it’s your own car insurance company. Other times, it’s the other driver’s car insurance company

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST LAWYER FOR A CAR ACCIDENT INJURY CLAIM

An average of six million car accidents occurs in the country every year. These accidents cause about 3 million injuries annually. 2 million drivers even develop permanent injuries as a result of their crash.

Those injuries can lead to expensive medical bills or cause you to miss work. If you were in a car accident, you can make a claim and get the compensation you deserve. An experienced accident claim lawyer can maximize your claim. That way, you can cover your medical expenses or missed workdays.

Ask Around for Referrals

The first step for finding the best lawyer for your car accident injury claim is to ask around. Do you have a friend, family member, or coworker who went through the process before? They might have a recommendation you can use to start your search.

Narrow Down Your Search

Once you have a list, it is time to narrow it down. First, consider your expectations from the lawyer. For example, did you lose a loved one as a result of the accident? Are you missing work due to an injury? How much compensation are you hoping to gain? Make a list of your expectations. You can also list the qualities you are looking for in a lawyer or law firm. For example, does the law firm specialize in car accident cases? Do they have a dedicated team of car accident compensation lawyers?

Check Their Standing

Once you have a list of lawyers, check their bar association standing. Make sure they are a member of your local bar association. If not, you might want to cross them off your list

Car Accident Lawyer

An automobile accident can happen to anyone. You could be a safe driver with an impeccable driving record, but you have no control over another vehicle that might recklessly rear-end you, causing injuries to you or other occupants.

However, what you can control is the decisions you choose to make after a car crash. These decisions will have an impact on your recovery – physical, emotional, and financial. Choosing the right car accident attorney is one of the most crucial decisions you may have to make.

Distracted Driving

The incidence of distracted driving in Bend has risen in recent years with a growing number of drivers using their mobile devices while driving to send or receive text messages, making phone calls, or using social media.

Speeding

Speeding could take place either when a driver is exceeding the legal speed limit, or driving too fast in hazardous road or weather conditions. A crash with a vehicle at high speed increases the impact and often leads to severe injuries such as spinal cord injury or traumatic brain injury.

Defective Vehicle

A defect in the vehicle design or a part, or negligence in maintenance such as a poor braking system or broken headlight increases the risk of an accident.

Constructing Flat Roof For Residential Homes

Roofing

Why Choose A GRP Flat Roof?

A GRP flat roof, or fiberglass roof as it’s also known, is one of the most popular flat roofing solutions in the UK. GRP stands for Glass Reinforced Polyester, a composite material formed by strengthening plastic with fine fibres made of glass.

This single ply laminate has been used as a reliable means of covering and waterproofing roofs for over 60 years, although it’s popularity has soared in recent years thanks to new systems such as Cromar PROGRP. As well as commercial and domestic buildings, GRP has been used on a wide array of other applications, from boats and lorries to water tanks and ponds.

The installation of a GRP roofing system is highly regarded for its simplicity and safety, while the finished product it produces is recognised as having a lifespan that easily betters that of a felt roof.

How Much Does a Fibreglass Roof Cost?

Needless to say, the overall cost of any GRP roofing system will depend on whether a new roof is being constructed or an existing roof is being repaired/altered. The latter will of course be vastly cheaper.

What About a Fibreglass Roof Repair?

Repairs are not something you’d associate with a GRP flat roof. As long as the original job was carried out correctly on suitable decking with properly installed trims and flashing, your GRP roofing system need little cause for concern

Choosing the best flat roof

If you’re planning a new extension, garden project or just looking to replace a tiring roof, then there’s a good possibility that you’ve got flat-roofing issues on your mind.

Chances are you’re also feeling a bit lost about where to start!

Where once upon a time the options for flat-roofing covering were quite limited, there now seems to be a multitude of options to choose from – and a range of accompanying price tags.

Performance – the main goal of a flat-roof is surely to create an impenetrable barrier to water so the number one thing to look out for has got to be how well the material performs in terms of leak-proofing.

Durability – once installed, your flat-roof has got to withstand the brunt of the British weather so the durability of material is an important factor.

Cost – we know that no-one really wants to spend a fortune on a roof but it’s wise to be realistic about your budget, get a few quotes from different roofing specialists and bear in mind the quality/ cost ratio when making a decision

Why a Flat Roof is Perfect for Commercial Buildings

Flat roofs are common on commercial buildings because they are less expensive to install, easy to maintain and they allow the more efficient use of space both inside and outside.

Maintenance costs less for flat roofs because they are easier to get to and walk around on than a pitched roof. That also makes it easier to spot leaks or other problems. When it’s time to repair or replace a flat roof, the project often can be completed in a day, depending, of course, on the size.

Strategic business owners who choose a roof with a flat design have opportunities to lower operating costs in multiple ways. For example, since this roof’s foundation isn’t sloped, air conditioning units can be placed above a property instead of on the ground. This installation strategy for AC units can prevent vandalism and accidents in risky neighborhoods and communities. If a commercial roof is large enough,

To appreciate all the maintenance and functional benefits that a flat roof offers, you must select a proper roofing solution that suits your needs and situation. Flat roofs made with traditional materials last anywhere from 10 to 20 years. Roofs made with newer – although more expensive materials – can last up to 25 years

A traditional built-up roof is made from layers of hot tar and gravel. Gravel is fire-resistant, and the gravel is more attractive when seen from nearby windows.

Problems with a Flat Roof House

If you’re in the market for a new roof, you’re probably pinning loads of inspiration. You see a super modern house and wonder if you can you pull that off. Flat roofs are definitely an acquired taste. Also called low-slope roofs, these are an uncommon sight for more reasons than one. We’ll explain the problems that come with a flat roof house and why you can’t go wrong with a classic pitch.

Flat Roof Houses: Worth It?

You’re a shrewd customer, so you know it’s not all bad when it comes to a flat roof house. For one, because there isn’t the same heavy-lifting required, the labor costs less. And since it’s walkable, you can potentially use the roof as an outdoor space. We can admit that that’s pretty cool. But there are some problems you may not have thought about when it comes to this unique style

Drainage Issues

Your roof is the hardest working part of your house. It protects you from wind, rain, hot and cold – year in and year out. It can certainly take a beating. When choosing a roof, you want something that’s practical. Flat roofs are peculiar in terms of engineering, which makes them a problematic choice.

Fewer Options for Materials

One of the most exciting things about a remodel is choosing from all your options: material, color, style, and finish. A project involving a flat roof limits your options in terms of looks and functionality. This is because a flat roofing system supports fewer materials than a pitched roof.

Insulation Issues

The unique design of a flat roof adds another challenge to weatherproofing your house. Pitched roofs offer a layer of protection in the form of the attic or loft area. A flat roof still needs a place for the underlayment and insulating sheath to go, but the options aren’t too good. If you place the insulation under the roof deck it can cause condensation

Understanding Flat Roof Types for Commercial Buildings

As we’ve often talked about in our commercial roofing-focused blog posts, it’s possible for your commercial building to have the wrong type of roofing system

In buildings with flat roof structures (as opposed to low-slope or steep-slope structures), a “bad roof” can sometimes be installed. Most of the time, this is because inexperienced roofing contractors and novice building owners aren’t aware of all the decision factors that go into choosing the right roofing from the long list of possible options

WHAT TYPE OF FLAT ROOF IS THE BEST?

In short, this question can be difficult—maybe even impossible—to answer in broad terms. While there are plenty of commercial buildings of nearly identical construction located in areas with similar climate conditions, the business being conducted inside the building itself will often dictate what roofing system is best. (And, of course, additional factors such as an owner’s budget will influence the ultimate determination, too.)

BUILT-UP ROOFING (BUR)

One of the oldest commercial roofing types that still has merit in some new installation scenarios today is built-up roofing. BUR systems feature a continuous and semi-flexible membrane made of felt or fabric layers (called plies). The plies are alternated with layers of other asphalt-based materials like tar/bitumen and aggregate, which is the reason we sometimes refer to BUR as “tar and gravel” roofs.

THERMOPLASTIC SINGLE-PLY MEMBRANE ROOFING (PVC & TPO)

As we talked about in-depth in our recent blog post about single-ply membrane roofing, PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin) roofs offer the big benefits of reflectivity. These roofs are often white in color and offer high chemical resistance.

How To Be A Pro Event Videographer

Events

Reasons Why Your Corporate Event Needs a Videographer

If you’ve got a corporate event coming up, you’ll want to capture it with a corporate event video, there’s no question about that. Event video coverage is a great way to build brand awareness for your company and get people interested in and excited about what you do.

After looking at event videography rates, you might be tempted to try to figure out how to film an event yourself. Videography is like photography, writing and other pursuits, in that everybody can do it, but it takes specialized skill to do it well.

A Professional Corporate Event Video Reflects on Your Company

People who are watching your corporate event video aren’t just learning about who your company is and what your company does. They’re also learning about your commitment to quality.

A Professional Videographer Stays Out of the Way

A professional videographer knows how to film (by film people might think we are actually using film instead of digital 4k for the event) an event unobtrusively, allowing activities to continue uninterrupted.

A Professional Videographer Knows How to Edit

Videoing your corporate event is about more than just filming, it’s knowing how to cut the event together, how to mix the shots and the sound, and add music and any subtle effects or graphics that will make the video really shine without appearing overproduced.

How to choose the perfect videographer for your wedding

Your wedding photographs form an important memento of your big day – pictures that you’ll cherish for an entire lifetime. As time moves on, though, so does technology. With increasing regularity, happy couples are turning to professional videographers to capture the finest essence of their special in the sun.

A memento that will last generations

The days of videographers struggling under the weight of an enormous camera, in an effort to gain grainy, low-quality footage of your big day are all but over. Technology marches ever forward, and today, miniature, high-quality digital cameras are the norm.

Not only will you receive a shimmering, technicolour keepsake of your wedding, it’ll arrive on DVD, meaning that it’ll last well over 100 years. Therefore, your great-great-great grandchildren will be able to watch their ancestors’ wedding in crisp quality, unlike if you’d used videotape, which has a maximum lifetime of 15 years (less if you watch it over and over, which you surely will!).

How to choose a great videographer

Sometimes, choosing a videographer gets pushed right down the list of many things you need to sort out, but try and book one in as soon as possible. This way, you’ll have a broader range to choose from, ensuring that you aren’t forced to go with someone who lacks the necessary experience and knowhow when it comes to making films. Here are four things to consider.

Check his or her previous examples

Just as you would with your photographer, examining your potential videographer’s portfolio is an absolute priority. Try and watch a broad range of their work, as this may help you find a certain style to go for. What’s more, don’t be tempted to skip scenes or fast-forward – you need to discover if your director will capture the whole event, and not one narrow part of it. You can even ask for a reference from previously filmed weddings if you want to delve a little deeper.

How to Choose a Wedding Videographer

Choosing a videographer is just as important as your photographer. It’s really a movie capturing all the special elements and magic of your big day in living colour, from the wedding day preparations through to the dancefloor antics!!

And thanks to advancements in digital technology, the quality of videos today has improved dramatically over the years. Instead of using the large, obtrusive cameras that were standard 10 years ago, most videographers now shoot with small discreet digital video cameras.

A video is a very personal thing, some couples love to have it and it’s a must, whilst others choose not. It has its pros and I would recommend one, it’s lovely to look back on, even my kids now look at our wedding video! For those who have passed on since it’s nice to look back on those special moments

There are some ideas I have here when choosing a videographer and questions you need to know.

Get recommendations from friends & family

Check dates first to see if they are available for your wedding.

Check out their websites where you can view sample reels. If a videographer does not have a website or it’s poorly designed, take it as a sign that they are not technologically up to speed

When you start to meet with them, ask to see an example of an entire, edited tape from one wedding rather than a demo

What is their standard coverage, decide how long you wish them to record and what is most important for you both.

Budget for your video also: some can start in the bride’s house, church, reception, first dance, up until Midnight – choose which package you would like. Videographers can range anything from €1500.00-€2500.00, depending on your preferred package & style.

Experience: make sure you are choosing someone with a lot of experience, it pays at the end of the day!

Check if they have a wireless transmission of sound for the vows and speeches

Personality: make sure you get on with the person you have booked, you will know this when you first meet to discuss everything. Have a good rapport, feel you can say what you wish to have, discuss everything and have no regrets. They should also get on well with your photographer.

Be sure to specify the music you want to be included in the soundtrack.

Are video messages included in your package – maybe this is something you would like or not

Get 2/3 copies of your video in Blu-Ray or DVD

Tip of the week:

Ask your videographer how long the turnaround is and when would you expect to have your DVD in your hand, some take 3 months and I have heard of others can take longer. Also, ensure you have a lifetime back up – just in case your DVD gets destroyed in fire or anything, you can get another copy.

GET THE BEST EVENT VIDEOGRAPHY

Why choose our videographer?

When it comes to finding cheap wedding videography – or any event video production for that matter – many companies compromise on the quality of their creation in order to offer affordability. But here at PPM, we make sure to give you a value for money service that goes above and beyond everything you’ve ever wanted. Not only are our professionals friendly and experienced, but they will edit your video to perfection before giving it to you via USB or Dropbox. It’s the perfect way to remember the most special days of your life – without breaking the bank.

Your event captured the way you need it captured – whether you want our videographer at your complete disposal, or if you want to just let us do our thing. It’s up to you!

Get in Touch – We’re FriendlyEnquire with us, and discuss the details of your event with no obligation – we will always have a solution for your requirements

Post Production EditingWe take great pride in our post production editing process. Our videos are edited with our professional video editing software, exported digitally for online use.

Receive Your Video!We will send you your album via medium of your choice – whether you want a USB or CD shipped to you, or through online file share website Dropbox

Videography

A High Definition Experience

Capture every moment of your special day (and even the ones you missed) with professional videographers. We can provide videographers for your meeting or special event to help capture the moments to remember. We work with only the most talented and creative videographers and we can save you the time required to research and hire a great video company.

From corporate videography to full length documentary video production, we offers you a true “one stop shop” solution when your only requirement is that it must be the best! From concept to completion, our talented network of videographers will handle your video production with the skill and dedication it deserves. In every step of video production from the initial concept, through the entire production process to completion, our highly trained videographers can do it all. Our goal is to exceed your expectations. Please contact us at any time to experience life in HD!

Things You Must Know Before Hiring A Residential Painting

Painter

Identifying Paint Problems

You’ll need to clean and prep the surface, decide what type of paint to use, and apply the paint. The best time to paint is in late spring or early fall on a dry day that is not too sunny. Temperatures below 40 degrees F and direct hot sun can ruin paint jobs. Inspect your house thoroughly before you paint, and take corrective action to prevent the root causes of paint failure. Following are tips on dealing with various paint problems.

Peeling

Peeling is often the result of painting over wet wood. It can also result from moisture within the house pushing its way out. If you cannot control the moisture with exhaust fans, use latex primer and latex paint. Latex allows some moisture to pass right through the paint.

Another cause of peeling is a dirty or a glossy surface. To undo the damage, all loose paint flakes must be scraped off with a wire brush and the surface must be sanded to smooth sharp edges. Bare spots should be primed before painting.

Alligatoring

This problem looks just like its name suggests: the hide of an alligator. Paint shrinks into individual islands, exposing the previous surface, usually because the top coat is not adhering to the paint below. Perhaps the paints are not compatible or the second coat was applied before the first coat had dried. To get rid of this problem, scrape off the old paint and then sand, prime, and repaint the surface.

CRACKING / FLAKING

The splitting of a dry paint film through at least one coat as a result of aging, which ultimately will lead to complete failure of the paint. In its early stages, the problem appears as hairline cracks; in its later stages, flaking occurs.

POSSIBLE CAUSES:
Use of lower quality paint that has inadequate adhesion and flexibility.Overthinning or overspreading the paint.Inadequate surface preparation, or applying the paint to bare wood without first applying a primer. Excessive hardening and embrittlement of alkyd paint as the paint job ages.

FOAMING / CRATERING

Formation of bubbles (foaming) and resulting small, round concave depressions (cratering) when bubbles break in a paint film, during paint application and drying.

FRAMING

Appearance of a denser colour or increased gloss where wet and dry layers overlap during paint application.

POSSIBLE CAUSES:

Failure to maintain a “wet edge” when painting. Use of a low solids “economy” paint.

Efflorescence

A problem of painted masonry construction, efflorescence is identified by crusty white salt deposits bubbling through the paint film from an underlying masonry structure. It is caused by salts in the brick or concrete dissolving with water and then leaching to the surface as the water evaporates.

Possible Causes

  • Surface preparation was poor; prior efflorescence was not entirely removed and washed before the surface was repainted.
  • Heavy moisture migrated through exterior masonry walls from inside the home.
  • Inadequately waterproofed basement walls allowed groundwater penetration.
  • Masonry was painted before the concrete or mortar had adequately cured and dried out.
  • Cracks in the masonry wall or poor tuckpointing have allowed water to get behind masonry wall.

Sagging or Running

This paint failure is easily identified as paint film with a droopy, dripping appearance. 

Possible Causes

  • Application of a coat of paint was too heavy or overloaded.
  • Paint was thinned too much at the time of application.
  • The paint was applied in poor environmental conditions, such as when temperatures were too cool or when humidity was too high.
  • The paint was applied to a high-gloss surface that was not first primed. This prevents the paint substrate from having the “tooth” necessary for the finish coat to adhere.
  • Painted surface was not clean or properly prepared at the time of application.

Rust Discoloration

This problem is characterized by rust-colored, reddish-brown to black stains on the paint surface.

Possible Causes

  • Non-corrosion-resistant nails were used to attach siding, rather than galvanized zinc-plated or stainless steel nails.
  • Steel nails have come into contact with the air.
  • Steel nails have popped up from below the surface.
  • Excessive weathering or sanding has worn away galvanized coating on nail heads.
  • Tannic acid from moist wood (e.g., oak) has reacted with steel nails, creating a black stain.

Cleaning Mildew and Chalk from Exterior Surfaces for Painting

Preparing your home’s exterior before you paint is essential. Most of the time, cleaning is straightforward, but some circumstances, like mold and mildew and chalky residue, might require some special treatment. Here are tips for battling mildew stains and ridding your home of the chalky dust.

A brown, gray, or black stain on siding or trim may be simple grime, or it may be mildew. To test whether a stain is grime or mildew, try washing the stain away with water and a detergent like Spic and Span. If the stain doesn’t wash away with water and detergent, it’s probably mildew.

Because mildew is a fungus growth, it thrives on moisture and dirt, so keep the siding open to the sun and air. Don’t store firewood or other materials close to the house. Prune tree branches that shade the house. If you have recurring mildew problems, power-wash the house’s exterior once a year and apply a mildewcide solution every two to three years.

How to Fix Dried Out Paint in a Can

You may be disappointed to open an old can of paint only to find that the paint has dried in the can. While some people may be quick to simply set the paint can out on the curb with the rest of the trash, you may surprised to know that you can fix the dried paint if it is an oil-based paint. The resulting paint won’t be the same quality as the original paint, but it will work well for touch-ups or for covering if you apply several coats. Dried latex paints cannot be fixed so they should be discarded.

Step 1

Place the open paint can on a plastic sheet to protect your work surface from paint stains.

Step 2

Pour 1 oz. of paint thinner into the paint can. Use more or less depending on the amount of paint in the can, but it is best to start with a smaller amount and work up to your desired result.

Step 3

Stir the paint thinner into the dried paint with a paint stirrer or clean stick until the paint is too thick to stir.

Step 4

Add a 1/2-oz. to 1 oz. more of the paint thinner and stir the paint well.

Step 5

Continue to add more paint thinner a 1/2-oz. at a time until you have thinned all the dried paint and achieved the desired consistency.

Guide To Choosing The Best Outdoor Electrical Lighting

Electricians

The 3 Most Common Outdoor Lighting Problems & What You Can Do About Them

You want your home to look as perfect from the outside as it does on the inside, and landscape lighting is a great way to achieve perfection. Well-designed outdoor lighting will highlight the beauty of your home and landscape, increasing your curb appeal and your property value. But as perfect as your exterior lighting looks, it can have problems from time to time. So what do you do when your perfect outdoor lighting stops being perfect?

1 . Burnt Out Bulbs

Burnt out bulbs are the number one most common problem we see with landscape lighting systems. You may be thinking, that’s not a big issue—just change the bulbs—but it can actually be a big issue. The bulbs used for outdoor lighting systems are designed to last a long time, so if they’re burning out sooner than expected, it could be an indicator of deeper issues, like faulty wiring or improper installation. Make sure you have All Wet change the burnt out bulbs and inspect your system for deeper issues.

2. Connection Issues

The second most common problem we see with landscape lighting systems here in New Jersey is is malfunctioning connections. 99% of the time, a connection malfunctions because water has gotten into it. This can be due to improper installation (like using electrical tape to cover a connection rather than using an actual connector) or because the wrong type of connector was used. Improper connections not only put your lighting at risk of shorting out, it also poses a major shock risk that’s dangerous to you. Your exterior lighting is outdoors, so your connectors should be waterproof; if your landscape lighting was installed by All Wet everything is waterproof, but if it was installed by another contractor it may not be waterproof. All Wet can make sure you have the right connections to prevent problems.

3. Corroded Wires & Sockets

We rarely get calls for wire and socket corrosion; usually, we discover corroded wires and sockets while already there to address a problem with burnt out bulbs or faulty connections. This is because corrosion is caused by exposure to water, and water rarely gets into your sockets and wires without there being a pre-existing problem with your outdoor lighting. For example, if a bulb has burned out, it won’t produce the heat needed to burn away condensation, and the wetness of the condensate corrodes the socket. Avoid wire and socket corrosion by having burnt out bulbs and faulty connections fixed as soon as you notice a problem.

Everything You Need to Know About Outdoor Lighting

From dusk to dawn, outdoor lighting is your garden’s secret weapon. A well-placed uplight can focus attention on a specimen tree (and away from that problem area where you store the trash cans.) Strategically sited pathway lights will make a garden feel expansive. And the golden glow of a porch light will welcome you home. From design ideas (place pathway fixtures from 10 to 15 feet apart to create pools of guiding light) to energy-saving tips (use low-watt bulbs for a soft uplighting effect), we cover the basics.

Uplights

Mounted below or at ground level to focus attention upward, uplighting includes wash lights, floodlights, well lights, and spotlights.

Wall Lights

Able to mount on virtually any vertical surface, outdoor wall lights are one of the most versatile types of landscape lighting, perfect for use on decks, patios, stairways, and pathways (with walls).

Tip: Place lighting at or near tripping hazards such as stair risers or low walls.

Smart Outdoor Lights

Outdoor lights for entryways, porches, and landscapes that you can control using an app installed on your mobile device give you more control over how you light a landscape.

Stairway Lights

Riser lights, under-tread lights, recessed wall fixtures, and pathway lights all can be used to illuminate outdoor stairways. By day, the best stairway lighting is barely noticeable. After the sun goes down, well chosen lights can transform staircases to glowing jewel boxes

Porch Lights

A covered porch offers protection from the elements. Be sure to get a light rated for damp conditions but consider this an opportunity to add personality and curb appeal to your home. For more porch light ideas

Outdoor Light Fixture Repair

Outdoor light fixtures will often at some point need repairs or need to be replaced. Globes can get broken, wiring can come loose and the fixture can become so weathered that there’s no hope of repair. Outdoor lights are often found on front and back porches, back patios, garage entrances or on the gable end above the garage entrance. If you cannot afford replacement, paint or new globes can often give these fixtures a face-lift without replacing them.

Shut Off Power

If you’ve replaced your light bulbs with known working bulbs and your fixture still does not work, it’s possible that the wiring has come loose in the fixture. Turn off the power at the junction box to the light fixture. You’ll be able to tell if the power is off to that fixture by using an outlet tester on the same wall that the fixture is attached to. On the interior side of the wall, plug the ends of the outlet tester into an electrical outlet to see if any power is registering; if not, you should be fine.

Check Wiring

Remove the retaining covers holding the light to the exterior wall. Slide the light off of the anchor screws—this will expose the wiring. Look to see if either the black hot wires or the white neutral wires have come apart. If this has happened, you’ll need to put them back together. Place the end of the wire on the light next to the end of the wire in the wall; slide the wire nut over both wire ends and twist the wire nut. Make sure that you only connect same-color wires. Always remember: black on black and white on white.

Light Switch

Check your light switch for loose wires or replace it. Once you’ve checked the bulbs and the wiring on the light and the fixture still doesn’t work, it’s most likely a faulty light switch. Turn the power back off and remove the switch-plate cover.

Remove the retaining screws for the switch and pull it out of the wall. There will be a black wire and a red or white wire. Each wire is attached to a separate screw on each side of the switch.

Use a voltage tester to make sure that there’s no power going to either wire before you touch the screws with a screwdriver. Take note of which screw the wires are on. If the black wire is attached to the left screw, that’s where it will be attached to a new switch. The red or white wire will attach to the opposite screw. Hook each wire to the appropriate screw and tighten with your screwdriver. Set the switch back in place.

Globes

If your exterior light fixture has a broken globe, it can easily be replaced. Remove what’s left of the old globe and measure the threaded portion or top of the globe. This is the size that you need the threaded portion of the new globe to be. One size does not fit all.

Paint

Metal light fixtures can be painted to look new again. Use steel wool to sand off rusted areas and wipe off all sanding dust. Use a high-quality, oil-based exterior primer for metal; allow to dry the recommended amount of time for the product. Apply two coats of high-quality, oil-based exterior paint for metal.

Types of Landscape Lighting Fixtures

Cylinder, Box Shape and Bullet Shape

These designs help focus and direct the light beams. Some also cut off glare and protect the lamp and socket from debris and moisture.

Spread and Diffused

These low-level units are designed to cast illumination in a broader pattern for; flower beds, perimeter plantings, driveways, steps and paths.

In-ground or Well Light

Burying these fixtures flush with the ground conceals the light source. Use for uplighting trees and shrubs, and grazing textured walls.

Spot or Accent

Versatile/adjustable fixtures used for uplighting, crosslighting, accenting and grazing; when mounted high up provide focused downlighting and moonlighting.

Wall Bracket, Ceiling Close-up, Chain Lantern

Mounted at entry doors, over garages and on porches, these chain-hung lantern style units cast light outward—either direct or diffused.

Home has High Voltage

There may be an issue of too much electricity entering your house if you own many fixtures which burn out light bulbs in only a couple months. Although we have been taught an even 120 volts is what steadily enters our homes, this does not always happen.

There are times when houses might be overpowered. If you suspect this is the issue, you can buy a voltage tester and find out what your homes voltage is.

Even though it is normal to have fluctuation, if your voltage hovers over 125, most likely this is you problem. In many case the fix is simple, swap your lightbulbs for 130 volt light bulbs. However, if several of your homes LED flood light fixtures are burning out light bulbs, a longer lasting and better solution would be to call a Rockwall electrician to help correct your voltage issue.

How To Deter Scorpions Naturally

Pest Control

HOW TO KEEP A SCORPION AS A PET

A scorpion is a pet you can never hold. He won’t learn to recognize or interact with you, but he will make up for his lack of cuddliness by providing your with hours of fascinating observation. Scorpions are either jungle species or desert species. Since the habitat and care differ for the two types, it’s crucial to know which type of scorpion you have. For beginners, the Amateur Entomologists’ Society recommends large, jungle species such as emperor scorpions (Pandinus imperator), Thai black scorpions (Heterometrus spinifer) and Javanese Jungle scorpions (H. javanensis).

Place a 2- to 4-inch layer of substrate in the bottom of the aquarium. Use clean, chemical-free sand for desert species. Use a finely ground organic substrate covered with a thin layer of coarse bark for jungle species. Mist organic substrates with a fine spray of water until they are moist but not wet.

Add a flat rock or ceramic ornament to give your scorpion a place to hide. Other ornaments aren’t necessary for the scorpion but may add to your enjoyment.

Place a shallow water dish in one corner of the aquarium and keep it full for jungle species. Remove the dish with tongs and wash it thoroughly with soap and water every few days. For desert species, provide a damp piece of natural sponge in the corner of the aquarium. Some species can get all the moisture they need from the air, but if you aren’t sure about your scorpion, it’s best to give him a sponge.

Attach a heat mat to the side of the aquarium with tape. A heat mat designed for use with reptiles is ideal.

Place the container that holds the scorpion inside the aquarium and cover the aquarium with a tight-fitting habitat lid. Secure the lid in place with aquarium lid clips. Remove the container with tongs once the scorpion moves out into the environment.

Mist the substrate in jungle habitats daily. Desert habitats rarely need misting.

Feed the scorpion once or twice a week, at night. Feed small scorpions small crickets, or pinheads. A large scorpion will eat three to five adult crickets per week. Remove uneaten crickets after a few hours. Be aware that uneaten food may indicate illness or improper habitat, so consult your specialist.

Top Scorpion Species Suitable as Pets

Emperor Scorpion

For beginners, the most universally recommended scorpion species to keep as a pet is the emperor scorpion. This scorpion is fairly docile, and the venom of its sting only causes a mild, localized reaction in most people. Some say this scorpion is more likely to try to pinch you with its claws than sting you, but it typically won’t become aggressive unless it feels threatened.

Tanzanian Red-Clawed Scorpion

The Tanzanian red-clawed scorpion is from the same genus as the emperor scorpion, though it is smaller than its popular cousin. It also tends to be more aggressive and willing to sting than the emperor scorpion, so it is not recommended for beginners. But its venom is mild like a bee sting. Red claws can live for around eight years in captivity.

Malaysian Black Scorpion

The Malaysian black scorpion is a large, rainforest-dwelling species that is harder to find as a pet than the emperor scorpion. It also is more aggressive than the emperor scorpion and not ideal for beginners. It’s prone to using its claws rather than stinging for protection. Its venom is mild, just causing localized pain and inflammation in most cases, which is why people still choose to keep it as a pet.

Javanese Jungle Scorpion 

Native to rainforests of Indonesia, the Javanese jungle scorpion can live for five to eight years in captivity. But it is fairly aggressive and territorial. These scorpions are most likely to protect themselves with their strong claws, and they also feature a stinger with mild venom. Unlike many other scorpion species, they can be kept in groups, though some might end up fighting.

Food & Diet

Feeding scorpions in captivity is simple. A healthy scorpion will eat almost anything small enough for it to grab.

Gut loaded crickets and mealworms are an ideal source of food. They are readily available at pet stores and online and are inexpensive. Gut loading is the process of keeping the insects well fed so they pass along additional nutrients to your pet.

You should feed your pet every few days to a week. If you have a communal tank make sure you provide enough prey for everyone to eat. If everyone is happy and well fed the chances of fighting or cannibalism is reduced.

The amount of food in the scorpion’s diet should be monitored to ensure a healthy pet. A healthy scorpion is not too skinny or overly fat.

The age of the animal is also a factor in how much it will eat. Young scorpions will eat almost continuously, since they are growing rapidly.

Sometimes a pet will refuse to eat for long periods of time. Do not be alarmed. Healthy adult males have been known to take long fasts lasting months.

A shallow, sturdy water dish should be provided. If you have a communal colony it is a good idea to provide more than one water dish. The dish should be no more than half an inch deep. Fresh water should be provided daily and the bowl cleaned regularly.

Species not recommended for the novice

Hadrurus sp: Hairy Scorpions. A large scorpion (10cm) which does well in the desert setup described above and requires no water (getting all it needs from the atmosphere) – they dislike being misted. They are also considerably more aggressive than Emperor Scorpions with a more potent sting.

Scorpions from the Genus Androctonus are relatively large scorpions from Africa and the Middle East. They are extremely dangerous and care should be taken as some of the larger species (particularly A. bicolor) have a passing resemblance to the Emperor Scorpion – make sure you are confident that your dealer knows exactly what they are selling. Androctonus bicolor have more slender pedipalps (commonly called pincers or claws) than Pandinus imperator and a much thicker tail. Note: Narrow pedipalps on a scorpion often indicate a potent sting.

Bark Scorpions (eg Centruroides and Tityus) should also be avoided by those new to keeping scorpions. Bark scorpions can be recognised as they carry their tail curled to the side of the body rather than arching over the top (ie. the traditional image of scorpions).

What a scorpion habitat requires

Scorpions don’t require a huge amount of space. A ten gallon terrarium should do it. They are fairly small after all, and prefer to spend much of their time burrowed in substrate. You should be aware, however, that these arachnids can squeeze through tiny spaces, climb walls, and lift lids. In other words, your scorpion habitat needs to be secure.

Scorpions are generally safe to keep in groups, but it is possible for a member of the group to be bullied or eaten. If you’re going to keep more than two scorpions, you’ll need a slightly larger terrarium.

Unlike many exotic pets, scorpions do not require UV lighting, but it’s a good idea to put a heat pad under one side of the tank to provide temperature variation. This allows your pet to select the area where the temperature is most comfortable, as well as helping them to regulate their body temperature. Scorpions are most comfortable in an environment around 75 to 90 degrees F. That goes for both desert and jungle species.

The big difference between the two types of scorpions is their substrate requirements. Jungle scorpions require damp substrate and more humidity in their tank (about 80 percent humidity). A glass terrarium makes it easy to maintain the right humidity levels. And peat moss or potting soil are recommended substrates.

Desert scorpions, on the other hand, are fine with dry play sand. For either type of scorpion, you should provide a hide area (or multiple hides if you have multiple scorpions in a habitat).

A Thorough House Inspection Includes Checking For Sign Of Bats

Pest Control

How to Get Rid of Bats in the Attic

Know Your Neighbors

There are hundreds of types of bats in the world, but if you live in New England and you’ve got bats in your attic, they are almost certainly brown bats. Little brown bats (Myotis lucifugus) have a wingspan of approximately 8 inches and weigh less than half an ounce. Big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus) can grow to be twice the size of little brown bats. Males typically roost individually, but female brown bats of both sizes form colonies in attics or barns when they are preparing to give birth (typically in June). Once the young have been born, little brown bats leave the buildings behind, preferring to hibernate in caves during the winter. Big brown bats, however, often hibernate right in homes — so if you’ve got winter houseguests, they’re probably of the big brown variety.

Why Are There Bats in My House?

Female bats are attracted to small sections of homes for nesting purposes. The most common areas to find bats include the walls, attic, and chimney.  Covered porches also provide the shelter bats are looking for in nesting sites.

A warm attic with low light is the perfect area for a bat to nurse her young. Unfortunately for the humans, bat feces and bat urine can accumulate and lead to foul smells and health issues.  Did you know that histomplasmosis is a dangerous disease associated with bat guano?

Bats enter homes through small gaps. A bat only needs a half-inch crack in a structure’s mortar to enter the area. The animals most often access homes through gaps between the soffit overhang and exterior siding.

On rare occasions, a bat could fly into your home through an open window. This is unlikely, and if it occurs, homeowners see the animal immediately. When bats sneak in through cracks, it can take years for people to notice.  Oftentimes, the first sign of a long-standing bat infestation is the overpowering smell of bat guano and bat urine.

5 Effective Home Remedies To Get Rid of Bats

1. Moth balls

The moth balls are also referred as naphthalene balls. They are among the best solutions to get rid of bats. They not only chase away the bats from your houses but also make sure that they do not re-enter your home ever again. These moth balls are readily available at pest control stores and shops. The method of using these moth balls is quite easy; you just need to tie them in a fine hardware cloth and hang that fabric in the house. The efficiency and effectiveness of this moth ball depend on the ventilation of the moth ball. If the moth ball is placed where the ventilation is poor, the results will be poor as well. The balls should frequently be placed for better results. The moth balls must be used very carefully because if it is employed in large quantities, it can cause health risks.

2. Sealants

If you have enough netting material and sealants, you have the way to get the bats out of your house. You just have to look for the residing areas of the bat and observe their entry and exit timing. Once you get to know that the bat has left the place in search of food or for roaming you need to clear the area at once.

3. Phenol

Phenol is the best one to make the bats leave your place. This repels very annoying and bad odor to repel the bats. It makes the place very unpleasant and unbearable for them to reside in. The place starts irritating them.  It encourages them to leave the place and find a more clean and peaceful place to live in. The best one recommended is the white phenol. You can use it in a water spraying bottle and spritz it all over the place where the bats reside. The best way is to keep spraying it until the odor gets so strong that the home bats leave. It is a unique method to drive the bats quickly.

4. Aerosol

You can easily get the per aerosol repellents in your pest control stores nearby your houses. You simply need to buy these repellents and spray them where the bats reside. Soon they will go and find a peaceful place to live in. It does not physically harm the bats. If you see bats at the roosting spot avoid spraying

5. Mylar balls

It is the most creative way to chase away the bats residing nearby. Once you see that the bats have left their place immediately hang these Mylar balloons. These balloons are filled with helium.  You should keep the balloons in motion. These Mylar balloons are mainly kept in motion to scare the bats away. You should go for the Mylar balloon that shines the most. Hang the ball move near the bat’s nest. Once they get, the scared chances are that they will never return. One thing is that you have to make sure to fill the balloon with helium regularly.

Smells That Can Repel Nuisance Bats

A simple, safe, and humane method to consider for bat prevention: sprinkle certain spices or scents around your home that bats hate! That’s right! Just like humans, bats don’t like certain smells either, particularly strong or pungent ones. Some smells bats hate so much, they’ll stay away from them like Superman does Kryptonite! Continue reading to learn three common smells to use around the exterior of your home as a safe and humane means of bat control.

Mothballs

Have you noticed bats are never caught lingering old coat closets? That’s because mothballs are so pungent, bats cannot stand the smell of them. Although they are not safer household pets or children, mothballs can be used as an effective preventative maintenance against bats and other nuisance wildlife. Play 15 mothballs inside a bowl, and place them around the exterior of your home where bat activity has been noticed. But be careful where you put these, and monitor them regularly to ensure the safety of others.

Menthol

Just like mothballs, menthol has a very strong odor. In bats do not like strong smells. Now you don’t want to go breaking up menthol cigarettes and sprinkling the tobacco all over the place, as this could be toxic to pets and hazardous to children. But you can purchase menthol extract or rub, and then place a tablespoon of it in a bowl with water for a non-toxic, fresh-smelling bat repellent. Place the bowl outside of your home where you know bats have been active and replenish as needed.

Mint

Another strong-smelling scent that repels nuisance bats is mint. You can purchase mint vapor rub, spearmint extract, peppermint extract, or mint leaves. Then simply mix it (grind mint leaves) with water, and place it in a bowl outside of your home where you have spotted bats. You may even so cotton balls and mint extract and place those in a bowl outside of your home as well. This is a bit stronger, and may be more effective for large colonies of bats. You can also do this with menthol extract.

Signs of Bats in the Attic

Their droppings carry disease too. This is why having bats in the attic of a house can be extremely dangerous to humans and other animals. You should regularly check your attic to ensure that bats haven’t taken up residence there. Look out for these bat signals that might mean it’s time to contact a humane animal removal company.

1. Bats at sunrise or sunset

Bats are nocturnal animals, so you won’t see them during the day. But if you see one flying around early in the morning or at night, there might be more living in your attic.

2. Bat droppings

If your attic is infested, you’re likely to encounter the droppings, or guano, outside your home, particularly near any entry points. It’s also possible to come across the droppings on decks, porches, windowsills and in the attic.If you can’t see them, you might smell them. Guano produces a strong, toxic odor similar to that of ammonia.

3. Chirping sounds

Generally, bats communicate by making chirping sounds, which also helps them navigate through specific paths at night and locate food. Listen for these sounds in the evening, at night or before dawn.

4. Scratches on the walls

Scratches or scurrying in the walls of your house might point to a colony of bats in your attic.

5. Stains at entry points and exits

A bat has a layer of grease on its coat. It leaves a greasy spot when it enters your home. Look out for these spots around holes in your house, on the walls and even on your roof. If you see these stains, be sure to clean and sterilize the area to prevent the spread of fatal diseases.

Hospital Visits Involving Dog Bite Lawyer

Legal

Choosing the Right Lawyer After a Dog Bite or Animal Attack

A dog bite can be a painful and terrifying experience. Many animal attacks cause serious injuries, including permanent disabilities, scarring or disfigurement, along with long-term or lifelong psychological injury. Tragically, these injuries, and even the risk of death, are greatly magnified when a child is the victim. Unlike auto accidents, a slip and fall, or a defective product injury, however, the law surrounding dog bites can be quite complicated and confusing, making it difficult for a non-lawyer to recover compensation for the resulting injuries. If you or a loved one has been injured by a dog bite

Dog Bite Laws Vary from State to State

Some states follow a basic negligence standard, holding dog owners liable when their negligent behavior allows their dog to bite to another. Other states have adopted a strict liability standard, holding owners liable any time their pet bites another person, without any consideration of negligence and regardless of whether the owner was exercising care in keeping or handling the animal at the time or not. Still another popular approach only holds owners liable if they previously knew that their animal had a dangerous or vicious propensity to bite or attack. This doctrine is often called the “one free bite” rule, because an owner may not be liable the first time their animal attacks a person, but after that incident they are on notice and responsible for future attacks.

Of course, many states take another approach, incorporating elements of all three different theories of liability. In New York, for instance, animal owners are strictly liable for medical costs when their animal attacks a person, but they are liable for other legal damages only if they knew or should have known of the animal’s dangerous propensities. In California, dog owners are liable if the attack took place in a public place or on the owner’s private property, if the victim was lawfully on the property at the time. In Georgia, a dog owner can be liable for injury caused by careless management or allowing the animal to go at liberty if either the animal was vicious or dangerous, or if the person violated an ordinance requiring the animal to be kept at heel or on a leash. (e.g. Georgia leash law.)

The Right Animal Attack Attorney Can Help

Dog bites can cause serious injuries, including compound fractures, facial lacerations and puncture wounds, internal injuries, nerve damage, scarring and disfigurement, rabies, and emotional trauma. Victims sometimes come away from a vicious animal attack with permanent physical disabilities as well as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, or a lifelong fear of dogs or open places. Death from an animal attack is a very real possibility as well, especially when the victim is a small child

Proving the extent of damages is not the only hurdle an injury victim must face. Pet owners have several defenses to liability, including claiming that the victim provoked the animal or otherwise assumed the risk of being bitten, or caused or contributed to the incident. Also, dog bite victims may be reluctant to bring legal action against the owner, either because they do not know the law or are a friend, neighbor or family member of the owner who does not want the owner, or the dog, to get in trouble. However, in many cases, insurance is available to cover the costs of some or all of the medical treatment and other financial injuries caused by the attack. And this is exactly what insurance is designed to do

How To Choose An Indianapolis Dog Bite Attorney

Finding the Right Attorney

You or your child has been seriously injured in a dog attack. You are struggling with medical bills, insurance companies, and the owner of the dog that caused the attack. You think you have a dog bite case, and you know you deserve compensation from the dog’s owner, but you feel overwhelmed and don’t know where to start. You look up Indianapolis dog bite attorneys, but there are many.

How To Choose an Indiana Dog Bite Attorney That Is Right for You

Choose a dog bite lawyer with a history of success. Look on the attorney’s website for past case results. Also check to see how long the attorney has been handling dog bite cases at his firm.

Choose a dog bite lawyer who has happy clients. Many quality lawyer web pages will have a page for past client testimonials and law firm reviews. See what other dog bite victims had to say about their experience with their lawyer.

Choose a dog bite lawyer who knows the state laws. The more experience your attorney has and the longer they have worked in the state, the more familiar they will be with the specific dog bite laws of Indiana.

Choose a dog bite lawyer that you are comfortable working with. Some people want a more personable attorney, while others might want an aggressive lawyer, and others might want an exceptionally available attorney. Pick the person who you feel most comfortable working with.

Choosing a Dog Bite Attorney

A dog bite or attack can be a dramatic experience and can develop into a serious situation. Some victims require immediate medical attention and even multiple surgeries. An animal attack can result in time away from work and permanent injuries. This can turn into financial trouble that you aren’t prepared to handle.

In the state of Connecticut, if you are bitten by a dog then the owner of that dog is liable for your injuries. Victims’ injuries should be covered by the dog owner’s homeowners or renters insurance. You will often want an experienced Connecticut dog bite attorney on your side, who is familiar with the laws in New Haven and the entire state.

Choosing the right dog bite attorneys to represent you is critical to recovering compensation. You want to make sure you are choosing the right attorney for your case.

Factors to consider when choosing your dog bite attorney include:

They should have extensive experience with dog bite cases

Have a deep understanding of laws associated with personal injury

Be dedicated to pursuing the compensation you need for your injury

Know the up-front costs

Feel like your attorney understands your needs

HOW TO CHOOSE A DEDICATED AND EXPERIENCED DOG BITE ATTORNEY

Pain…permanent disfigurement…emotional trauma…fear of dogs: all of these can result from a traumatic dog bite. Whether it happened to you or your child, a dog bite is no doubt a terrifying and painful experience. Many animal attacks have the potential to cause severe injuries, from puncture wounds to broken bones to facial scars.

If a dog bite has impacted your life, you understandably want justice. The owner of the dog should be held responsible. But it’s not that simple. You need the direction and legal expertise of a dog bite lawyer in Los Angeles to help you get the best and full compensation the law allows.

Conduct an Internal Search

This is one of the biggest factors you should consider when searching for a personal injury lawyer. When conducting your research, stick to your local area to find the lawyer with the most targeted expertise in LA. Ask for recommendations from people you know and take a look at various lawyers’ websites to determine how they have handled dog bite cases in the past.

Look at Experience

It’s not enough to hire a great personal injury lawyer. There are several subsets of personal injury law. An attorney known for auto accident injury law may not be the best fit for your dog bite case. Look for those who focus on dog bites for the best chance of a successful outcome. Targeted expertise: this is what you want when selecting dog bite attorneys. They know the effects of dog bite injuries, the associated costs, and the ongoing medical needs these types of injuries present.

Consider Access to Resources

When hiring a dog bite lawyer, you are in actuality hiring a whole team of people who will be contributing to your case. This group may be comprised of a lead attorney, a paralegal who does all the research, and investigators who will help collect evidence for your case. If you ever wonder if you should handle the case on your own, just remember that it takes an entire team of experts to successfully handle your case. Your lawyer brings many years of experience to the table and can move the process along seamlessly. You can seriously compromise the stability of your case if you decide to proceed on your own

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT DOG BITE INJURY LAWYER

Dog bites can happen at literally any time or any place. When they do, you need the services of an experienced dog bite lawyer who knows your rights. Whether you are bitten by a dog that belongs to someone you know or by a stray, you need to understand the potential outcomes and the process for getting compensation to cover your financial consequences. The choice in legal representation is one of the most important decisions you will make. It shouldn’t be taken lightly or an attorney chosen randomly. Instead, learn what it takes to make one attorney preferable over the rest.

When people are sick, they don’t go looking for the youngest, most inexperienced doctor to take care of them. Unfortunately, the same isn’t always true when they are choosing legal representation after they have been bitten. In many ways, navigating the legal system is a lot like performing intricate surgery. It requires an in-depth knowledge of the subject matter and a lot of practice to ensure the best possible outcome is achieved.

Laws differ from opens in a new windowstate-to-state and they make a difference in how you address every step of the legal process. An attorney who has practiced in the area for a long time knows the local court system, the laws that apply to their area of specialty, and the best approach for getting the desired result.

Never dismiss your case as one that doesn’t require a lot of expertise. A dog bite is no simple matter and can lead to extensive treatments and additional issues. Even a minor wound can end up getting infected which can result in damage to the muscles and nerves. The steps you take to report the details of the attack and to pursue your claim will make a difference in how successful you and your attorney will be at getting fair compensation.

CHOOSE AN ATTORNEY WITH A SPECIALTY IN THE RIGHT AREA

There is a lot to learn when you choose law as your profession. It takes a lot of time and dedication to gain a legal education and pass the bar. All this effort is what it takes just to earn the title of attorney. It would be virtually impossible for every attorney who reached this milestone to learn everything there is to know about every possible area of the law. That’s why attorneys specialize in certain areas of law. By focusing on a single area of law, they can become experts capable of helping clients whose legal issues fall within their area of specialty.

Reasons To Have A Photo Booth At Your Wedding

Events

Choosing the Right Photo Booth Style

Choosing the Right Photo Booth Style?

With a range of different photo booths, choosing the right photo booth style for you can be tricky. You may have used one at a weddings, birthday or corporate event, and sure it was easily to use but maybe not so much easy to choose.

What is it?

This is where it all began, a small box! We call ours a “Traditional Enclosed Photo Booth”. Nowadays enclosed photo booths come in a number of different styles and sizes. Generally with the enclosed photo booth they normally have a hard sturdy wall or a curtain (or an inflatable shell, but we will talk more about that later).

Why choose it?

If you’re having an event in a public place or venue where everyone (including people who aren’t apart of the event) can see you, then this is a great choice for privacy. Unlike some enclosed photo booths, our booth allows more than 2 or 3 people in it. You can fit 12 people in our photo booth! You can also choose from our range of different curtains.

Rather than having a curtain or wall that boxes you in and make you feel claustrophobic (unless you like to be close to other people), this booth has more space. Hence why it’s call “open air” photo booth. Some people also refer to them as a kiosk photo booth.

Open air photo booths have more options when it comes to backdrops. You could go with one the photo booth company can provide, which are normally a curtain or print design on a portable stand. There is also the option of using the venue’s wall or creating your own backdrop. Lastly you could use the beautiful view outdoors or from inside.

How To Choose The Best Photo Booth Rental

Choosing a photo booth rental company for your event is exciting but with so many companies out there, how do you decide on which one to book? Well, there’s some things you should look for so that you’re choosing the best photo booth rental for your needs

Budget

The amount of money you want to spend is always important because you don’t want to go over the allocated budget you have for your event. Pick a dollar amount you feel comfortable with before choosing your photo booth rental company but keep in mind that a low budget will likely prevent you from finding top quality photo booth rental companies to hire. Also, remember that sales tax will usually be added to the base price.

Type of Photo Booth – Not all photo booth rentals are created equal. There are enclosed photo booth rentals where guests step into a box. These photo booth rentals are very compact but don’t allow the best lighting since the light is so close to the guests. Also, typically these photo booth rentals have small light sources which means harsher shadows. Open air photo booth rentals don’t have walls but instead have a photo booth control station that houses the equipment and the background is set up separately. This allows more room for guests and allows the use of larger light sources and better depth for light distribution.

Prints – On-the-spot prints are awesome but not all prints have the same quality. A big problem with many photo booth rentals is that the color accuracy and/or brightness is bad. What this means is when a guest uses a photo booth rental with bad color accuracy settings, the photo may look fine on the screen, but the prints come out looking pale, dark, or too bright. Higher quality photo booth rental companies know how to color match prints to the screen so that what you’re seeing on the screen when using the photo booth, will be close to what you see on the actual prints

Lighting – Photography is all about light and not knowing the proper way to set up lighting can mean that your photos will come out too dark or overly bright. Not only that, but the light modifiers help make photos look even better with softer shadows and more even distribution of light. Higher quality photo booth rental companies know how to properly set up lighting for amazing looking photos

Tips for Choosing a Good Photobooth

Photobooths are used during events or parties. Events organizers should choose booths that are fit their budgets and requirements. Many companies are specialized in offering these services. This has allowed both old and young guests to engage with the machine and enjoy their time

You can hire one to give your guests an opportunity of having some informal and relaxed fun by hiring one. It is the best tool for making memories and capturing special moments. Event’s organizers in Melbourne can get good booths by hiring from reliable companies

Type of Booth

There are different styles and types of photo booths that you can choose from. This will help you in choosing the best tool for the next party

Enclosed Photo Booth-This tool can help you in getting and experiencing the feeling of an old school. An enclosed tool is obtained by drawing the curtains you can make this tool by drawing shut the curtain and letting it loose. This means that you will have nothing to worry about since people will not be looking at you.

GIF Booth-This tool has made it easier to take photos and create animated images, which can be distributed easily. It has become one of the popular alternatives for parties.

Insta Booth-People uses this machine to take selfies on their phones, creating hashtags and orienting photos for their parties.

Open Air Photo Booth –Open-air booths don’t have secrets. It is the best place where people can have fun.

Digital or Hard Copies

This is a tough decision that you need to make. You should try as much as possible to minimize wastage when it comes to printing. Any backlog in printing can lead to wastage of ink or paper. This is an issue that can be avoided by using digital photo booths. These are tools that allow the guests to email their photos directly. This has significantly eliminated the need for carrying prints around during the events.

Tips for Creating an Awesome Photo Booth

Photo booths are fun. Photo booths at parties are extra fun. Whether you’re stepping back in time to sit in a vintage “two-seater” with someone you love or standing in front of a sparkly backdrop with several friends at a wedding reception, chances are you’ve enjoyed the printed results—so much so that you’ve decided to make your own photo booth for your upcoming holiday party or your own wedding reception. Whether you’re working with an iPad and natural lighting or a more elaborate setup with a DSLR camera and lights, here are a few tips and ideas to make your photo booth a success, regardless the size of your system

Tailor your backdrop to your event. For a crisp, clean background of your choosing, Savage offers rolls of seamless paper in a variety of colors. While white, gray, and black are more traditional photo booth backgrounds, consider a color that matches your event. Tech Green seamless paper can even be utilized for green screen photography, allowing you to mix it up and explore a variety of images and backgrounds. For a more rugged background, consider an Infinity Vinyl Background. Much like seamless paper, this vinyl background hangs straight but allows for quick cleanup if a guest accidentally spills their drink or desert while they take a quick picture.

Alternatively, you can add dimension to a wall in your home or event space with rows of balloons or something even more unique, like decorated plates lined up in a row. Removable wall paper or sticker decals can also quickly transform your background without the residue. Metallic fringe designed for a doorway, or party streamers draped over a background support system could provide a unique and fun look to your photo booth without breaking the bank. For outdoor venues, add a string of lights to the foliage, drape fabric, or hang lanterns over lower hanging tree branches.

If your photo booth isn’t a traditional “booth,” and it doesn’t have anyone supervising image capture, clearly mark off the area with gaffer tape and write out instructions that even your youngest guest can follow easily and walk away with an instant print. Adding a rug to the area your photo booth occupies can help set the mood and can provide something of an escape from your event. Adding a seat or two in front of the backdrop can not only help frame the area in focus, but provide a welcome relief where older guests can take a load off.

If you don’t already have a photography prop box, now is the perfect opportunity to put one together. Grab an old crate or basket and fill it with oversized glasses, stick-on mustaches, cowboy hats, feather boas, whiteboard or chalkboard conversation bubbles, and more. The more props in your box, the more likely your guests will pose for multiple pictures, experimenting with different looks and different groups of friends or family members.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT PHOTO BOOTH

Photo booths have quickly coming to be a need for any event lately. If you are thinking of having a photo booth at your wedding event or event, there are some things that you must consider before you decide which one is best for you. There are many photo booths available

Layout– Exactly what type of layout are you trying to find with the prints? Do you want picture strips with several little photos, a 4 × 6 with 3 pics and a logo design, or one huge 4 × 6 design photo? Can you include you own individual touch like a logo, quote, a photo of the mountains where you are having your wedding event, or color that matches your wedding/event? If you are going the photo strip path, does the printer cut the strip for you and will it make a straight cut? Very few printers have the capability to slice the image strips and just the best of the very best can do it straight. Too many booth companies end up having an attendant cut the strips with scissors– slowing the service and providing a less than professional technique to the product.

Props– Are the props enjoyable and appropriate for your party? How will they be displayed? Will they be thrown on a table haphazardly or will they be arranged in a wardrobe or nicely on expert display screen racks? Can you request specific themed props like mustaches, or sports stuff? Exists an extra expense for props or are they consisted of?

Staffed by an attendant– Will there be somebody onsite to help your guests, keep the props in order, deal with any technical booth problems, and most notably be the entertainment concierge to make sure the enjoyable is being enjoyed by everyone?

Referrals and online presence– Any business worth hiring has reviews and a strong online existence. If a business’s site looks inadequately designed, what does that inform you about the pride they take in themselves? If a company can not stand happy and look excellent online, how can they look good at your event? An excellent looking site with testimonials and pictures of recent setups at events states a lot that words alone can not. You wish to see photos!

The Newest Way to Locate Sewer Inspection

Plumbing

Tips on choosing a Sewer Inspection Camera

Sewer inspection cameras are widely used by plumbers, contractors, engineers, home inspectors, municipal workers and other professionals for inspecting areas that are typically difficult to see, that is pipeline interiors, spaces behind walls, inside a drain and other hard-to-reach places. So, if you are thinking of purchasing a sewer inspection camera, first, you need to consider what it is you are going to use it for. Should it be water- and chemicals-proof? How much light will you need? How long should the insertion probe be? etc.

Insertion probe:

Length. It should be long enough to go from one manhole to another. The length of the probes varies from 20 to 120 meters (65.6′ – 394′). In case you need a more extended probe, you may need a reel with a stand to roll the probe, for additional comfort.

Material. Simple PVC covered probes are sturdy enough for most of the works but can be worn out and damaged during routine, heavy duty inspections. Some of our professional sewer inspection cameras have Kevlar braided probes. Kevlar is five times stronger than steel (used in body armor, e.g.) what makes such insertion probes considerably more durable.

If the push rod with attached cam is water- and chemicals- proof and is capable of withstanding 1-6 bar pressure – this will also provide the longevity to your device.

Camera:

Illumination. Since you are planning to inspect hard-to-see areas, you will need enough light to explore it. The brighter the light source, the better is the image. Search for sewer inspection cameras with adjustable, bright LED lights.

Material. Just as the insertion probe, the camera should be at least water-proof to last you long enough. Stainless steel housing is preferable.

Type of head: standard, self-leveling, pan/tilt. While standard heads are cheaper, self-leveling and pan/tilt cameras allow you to see the sides of a pipeline, or behind the wall, go around corners and still provide you with a clear picture.

Monitor hub:

Screen. The screen should give you a clear picture of the area you are inspecting. Than wider screen and higher resolution than better. Pro models are equipped with a Daylight Readable Monitor.

Image capturing and saving. Modern sewer inspection cameras can capture different types of files with different resolution. You can save the footage either as a JPEG file or a video in MPEG, or AVI format. Being able to record images on your computer is a convenient tool since first, you don’t need to use a pen to write everything down or try to remember it. And secondly, you can always go back to the file should you, or your client, need to verify some information.

Additional features. Some modern inspection cameras are equipped with keyboards (may be splash proof on the PRO models) that allow you to type useful information during inspections

General characteristics:

Weight and handle. The sewer inspection camera should be lightweight and have a comfortable grip, especially if you are planning to use it for long periods.

Radio transmitter will be an excellent addition to the camera. It is generally located behind the camera in the tip of the probe and operates on 512 Hz frequency mode. It is a great tool to locate your camera or find blockages. Make sure you have an accurate locator to trace it.

Questions to Consider When Choosing a Pipe Inspection System

Pipe Inspection and location systems represent a significant investment for most small businesses. In return, they offer unique diagnostic and marketing potential that can either save or earn a tremendous amount of money for your company.  Choosing the right system for your needs is a task that should be taken with serious attention to detail in order to avoid a costly mistake

What size pipes/drains/sewers are you likely to be inspecting?

The great divide in pipe inspection systems is between push rod and tractor pull style systems. Which style do you need? Tractor pull systems are generally for large, municipal style drain pipes (10 inch and larger) and pull themselves down the line. They tend to be controlled with a joystick and computer system by an operator sitting in a specially made truck or van. Prices begin in the high 30 thousands and go up from there. They are outfitted with additional lighting and swivel heads to look left, right, up and down. They are usually purchased by municipalities and larger companies.

Micro-systems, designed for 1 1/2 to 3-inch pipes. Due to the flexibility required for this size pipe, these push rods are very thin and weak. (Keep in mind that there is an inverse relationship between strength and flexibility.) If used in larger pipes, the probability of damage to the structure of the push rod is very high. They seldom have a built-in locator beacon, and may or may not have a built-in recording device.

Mini-systems, designed for 2 to 4-inch pipes. These systems are used for indoor work in the small and medium-sized pipes that connect bathrooms, sinks and toilets within a building. The push rod used in these units is stronger and less flexible than a micro unit, but the emphasis is still on flexibility, not strength. If used in larger pipes, these systems are at greater risk of kinking and damage. They usually have built-in locator beacons and often have the option of a built-in recording system.

Main line systems, designed for 3 to 12-inch lines. These systems are designed for use in outdoor pipes. While flexible enough to negotiate a house trap, the emphasis is on strength rather than flexibility. These systems generally have the same features as Mini-Systems

Do you need a built-in recording device?

Do you need to provide proof of performance? If so, having a built-in recording device can save you time and money. Do you want to use the camera system as a marketing tool in addition to being a diagnostic tool? Is your primary focus the drain cleaning job, or are you actually in the pipe replacement/relining business? If you only need to take a ‘look-see,’ you don’t need a built-in recording device. For those rare instances when you need a recording, there are add-on recording devices available from most electronic retailers that are more economical and will work with any video device.

HELPFUL TIPS ON CHOOSING THE BEST PLUMBING AND SEWER EXCAVATION COMPANY

A septic system can last up to 25 years, though this depends on how well it’s maintained as well as its design. Even so, there are times when major issues happen leaving one with no choice but to call plumbing experts. Some of these problems are so serious that it becomes necessary to inspect sewer pipe lining underground.

Deep disruptions call for working on pipes connecting your house to the municipality’s main water supply or sewer. Thanks to technology such as camera inspections, locating the source of a problem in a sewer lining isn’t much difficult. In fact, the use of cameras during sewer line inspection saves on time, and thus spares your hard-earned money too. But what problems warrant a water line excavation?

WATER LINE EXCAVATION

Water and sewer lines get damaged whenever soil expands and consequently causes pipes to shift. Tree and plant roots are yet another cause of trouble that makes water line excavations necessary. After a while, the roots invade main water pipes and cause breaks and cracks in the process. The pipes in your home then start draining slower, and this tells you that it’s time to seek professional help. Ignoring will only make the problem worse and you might end up paying a fortune.

CERTIFICATION

Truth be told, excavation work isn’t for every Tom, Dick, and Harry, and that’s why you need to check for certification. Serious players in this line of work will always have their documentation in order. With proper certification, you can be sure that you are dealing with people trained to handle jobs like water line excavation.

EXPERIENCE

A lot could go wrong when going about tasks such as water line excavation. The slightest mistake could set in motion other issues that could be pricey to fix. However, an experienced company knows all the dos and don’ts to ensure the job is done correctly from the beginning to the end.

Why a Sewer Inspection Is Critical Before Buying a House

Most home buyers today wouldn’t think about closing their purchase without getting a general house inspection. That’s particularly so with older homes, but many also elect to have new buildings examined by an independent third party. Inspections are excellent insurance for discovering existing and potential problems. Unfortunately, most home inspectors fail to examine the sewer lines, which can turn out to be a critical and costly mistake

Home inspectors generally report on current home system conditions. They also estimate the life expectancy of major components. Types of home inspections include the overall framing or structure, roof, building envelope, electrical, mechanical and plumbing systems. Inspection reports identify issues that often establish repair or replacement price adjustments during negotiations. However, while a home inspector may note a dripping faucet, they rarely catch the underlying cause of the problem.

Why Inspectors Overlook Sewer Systems

Inspectors might overlook the sewer system for two reasons. One is that the vast majority of a sewer system is underground. It’s out of sight and out of mind. The second reason is that most home inspectors don’t have the specialized equipment or knowledge necessary to do a proper sewer line inspection.

This isn’t a slam against house inspectors. Far from it. Many inspectors are extremely competent and have a vast amount of general building knowledge. It’s tough to be an overall expert when you consider just how many pieces there are in a home’s systems. Just the plumbing system alone is extensive, and good inspectors know what plumbing features to check before buying a home.

Sewer Repairs Can Be Extremely Expensive

You might wonder, “Do I need a sewer line inspection before buying a house?” The answer is yes. A sewer inspection should be a mandatory part of your house inspection checklist. When considering what inspections to get when buying a house, do not overlook the sewer line. In fact, getting a sewer inspection is one of the most important home inspection tips for first-time buyers. Sewer line inspections are cheap, but sewer repairs can be extremely expensive. Why spend the money on a repair when you could have avoided with a simple inspection?

Sewer Camera Inspection: What It Can and Can’t Find

A sewer camera is a valuable tool to help determine if there’s a problem with your home’s sewer system. Maybe you noticed a nasty sewer gas odor. Or maybe your water isn’t draining as fast as it use to. Or worse, you’ve got an overflowing toilet.

What is a Sewer Camera Inspection?

First, let’s cover what a sewer camera inspection is. Typically sewer lines are installed under the foundation of your house. There’s the concrete slab which is about 4 or 5 five inches thick and then about 2 feet or so of dirt above the pipe.

What a Sewer Camera Inspection Can’t Do

Despite what many in the plumbing industry think, there are limitations to what a sewer camera sees inside your sewer lines. But there is one thing a sewer camera absolutely cannot see.

Locate Leaks

A sewer camera alone cannot determine if you have a leak or to locate a leak or leaks in your sewer lines. In fact, this is so important, it bears repeating.

Reasons Why a Sewer Camera Can’t Locate a Leak

A leak is water escaping the pipe through a hole, break, or crack. Since the camera is inside the pipe, it cannot see the outside of the pipe. Meaning, it can’t see if something is leaking OUT of the pipe. It can only show what is going on INSIDE the pipe.

The plumber is looking at a monitor displaying what the camera “sees.” So the plumber has to interpret, or guess, what he’s seeing. He might think he see something that looks like a hole, break, or crack in the pipe. But keep in mind, this is your sewer system we’re talking about. This is where your waste flushes and runs through. Trust us when we say it does not look good. And all that gunk and waste makes it hard to tell if something is a leak based solely on what can be seen on the monitor.

Sewer pipes are usually one of two types: cast iron or PVC, both thick-walled pipes. So something very possibly might look like a hole or a crack or a break. But because the walls of the pipe are so thick, it’s possible what the plumber is seeing does not go all the way through the pipe so no water is leaking out at all. The result: no leak.

Particularly with cast iron, but this could also be true for PVC, there are years of buildup on the walls of the pipe. Calcium, soap scum, grease, debris… you name it, builds up on the walls of your sewer pipes. So any cracks or holes the plumber sees could very well be in the buildup and not the actual pipe.