Blog

Posts tagged ‘The Firm’

GHAR’s Pam Steele is ‘Kickin Cancer’ in the Relay for Life

Posted on April 17th, 2012 by The Firm

We’re proud of our own Pam Steele, who is participating in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life – a life-changing event that gives everyone in communities across the globe a chance to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against the disease.

At Relay for Life, teams of people camp out at a local school, park, or fairground and take turns walking or running around a track or path. Each team is asked to have a representative on the track at all times during the event. Because cancer never sleeps, Relays are overnight events that last up to 24 hours.

You can join Pam’s team, or make a donation to help the American Cancer Society create a world with less cancer and more birthdays. Together, we can help make sure that cancer never steals another year of anyone’s life!

Pam will be participating at the Relay for life in Collinsville, IL on Friday, May 18, 2012. Opening Ceremony begins at 6pm at Dorris Intermediate School.
Support Pam’s team, ‘Kickin Cancer’ here.

Every day, the American Cancer Society helps us stay well by preventing cancer or finding it at its earliest, most treatable stages. They assist families in finding the best resources to help their friend or loved one deal with a diagnosis and their journey to get well. The American Cancer Society is also rallying communities through events like Relay For Life, to fight back and find cures for this disease.

GHAR helps SOAR support local students

Posted on March 5th, 2012 by The Firm

Goldenberg Heller Antognoli & Rowland is proud to once again be a sponsor of the Steelworkers Organization of Active Retirees (SOAR) Chapter 34-7-2, helping to benefit their scholarship fund at their annual Awards Banquet on June 16, 2012.

This year, the SOAR scholarship will be open to area high school seniors, who will compete for a $1,000 grant to fund the aid in the support of their studies.

SOAR will also recognize a “Friend of SOAR” at the Awards Banquet who has led the charge for the working and retired workers. They will also recognize the most active members and other volunteers in the community who are making the organization strong and effective.

The Banquet will be held at the Neighborhood Social Club in Pontoon Beach, IL. This casual event will feature a catered dinner, prizes, and raffles. Tickets are $20/single or $35/couple in advance and $25/40 at the door; a table for 6 is $115. You can also make a direct contribution to SOAR. Visit http://www.soar7-34-2.org/ or call 618-452-1130.

GHAR Sponsors Price of Freedom Gala to aid wounded military members

Posted on February 13th, 2012 by The Firm

GHAR is once again proud to sponsor the Joshua Chamberlain Society in its second annual Price of Freedom Gala on February 18, 2012. Held at the Renaissance Grand Hotel in St. Louis, the Price Of Freedom Gala is a military-inspired evening at a Marine Mess Night to benefit the Joshua Chamberlain Society’s efforts of providing aid for severely wounded military service members and the families of killed-in-action members of our military.

The evening will honor current JCS heroes as it raises funds to support additional heroes. The formal evening will include silent and live auctions, a seated dinner and a premium open bar.

For more information on the Price of Freedom Event visit http://www.priceoffreedomgala.org/

Please visit the Joshua Chamberlain Society at http://www.chamberlainsociety.org/ to learn more about this extraordinary organization and to help donate to aid severely wounded military service members and the families of killed-in-action members of our military who sacrificed all in our service.

View the 2012 event program here:
jcs2012programfinal

Competition, Mud, and Speed on Two Wheels

Posted on January 18th, 2012 by The Firm

Congratulations to GHAR’s own Elizabeth Heller, who took second place in the UCI Master’s World Championships this past Sunday in Louisville, KY, and third place in the USA Cycling Cyclo-cross National Championships, held in Verona, WI, earlier this month.

Cyclo-cross isn’t a typical bike race. It’s a fast course on pavement, wooded trails, grass, steep hills and obstacles requiring the rider to quickly dismount, carry the bike while navigating the obstructions and remount. And since races are usually held during the Fall and Winter, rain, wind, snow – and mud – is common. Competitors often change bicycles mid-race so mud can continually be power-washed washed off in the pit area. Falls are common in cyclo-cross, and so are broken bones.

“It was four inches of frozen, muddy ruts, but it was a great course,” Heller said of the 1.5-mile, 50 minute race on Jan. 14. “I hope to win next year.”

Elizabeth began competing in triathlons after graduating from Beloit College in 1980. A natural-born competitor, she decided to switch to cycling, and has continued to pursue it as a passion over the years.

She started with triathlons, but soon put all her training toward cycling, which served her well. She was the Missouri State Road Race Champion 10 years in a row (1988-1996) and the Missouri State Mountain Bike Champion for five consecutive years (1990-1995). She is also a five-time Missouri State Criterium Champion, five-time Missouri State 40-K Time Trial Champion and has four U.S.C.F. National Masters Championship titles to her name (1989 and 1990). In 1992, she and a blind male partner won silver medals in the Paralympics Tandem Road Race in Barcelona, Spain.

After joining Goldenberg Heller Antognoli & Rowland in 1991, she continued to cycle competitively in the 1990s. In 1999 she was named Cyclist of the Decade by the St. Louis Cycling Club. Then, after a 15 year break, she returned to competitive racing in the form of cyclo-cross.

“It’s no walk in the park. When you’re 54 you’re as old as your mother used to be. I think I’m crazy, but then I see others out here who are just as crazy as I am,” Elizabeth says. “I’ll keep doing it as long as I can.”

“Bad Faith” claims: A weapon against unreasonable insurance companies

Posted on June 13th, 2011 by The Firm

It is bad enough that you have suffered a loss or damage to your property, but what do you do when your insurance company goes from a neighbor to adversary? This is precisely what happens when your insurance company denies or delays payment for an otherwise valid claim.

For example, if a business loses a property in a fire and its insurance company denies its claim for no valid reason under the Policy, the business may sue the insurance company to recover the amount of its claim. Where the insurance company has unreasonably delayed or denied the claim, the facts may warrant relief under Section 155 of the Illinois Insurance Code: 215 ILCS 5/155 (2011). It’s a significant weapon against insurance companies trying to get out of paying valid insurance claims.

Section 155 allows for recovery of attorney fees and a monetary penalty when an insurance company’s actions in denying a claim or delay in settling a claim are “vexatious and unreasonable.” It is sometimes termed as an insurance company engaging in “bad faith”. In those situations, the Court may tax the insurance company reasonable attorney fees plus an amount not to exceed any one of the following amounts:

(1) 60% of the court or jury’s award against the insurance company; or

(2) $60,000; or

(3) an amount which equals the difference between what the insurance company offered to pay in settlement of the claim prior to the action and the court or jury’s award, i.e. ABC Insurance Company offers $20,000 to settle before trial, jury returns a verdict of $60,000, Court could award $40,000 on top of the jury’s verdict pursuant to Section 155.

In deciding whether an insurer is liable under Section 155, a trial court will consider the totality of the circumstances, including the insurer’s attitude. Buais v. Safeway Ins. Co., 275 Ill.App.3d 587, 591, 656 N.E.2d 61, 64 (1st Dist. 1995); see also Norman v. Am. Nat’l Fire Ins. Co., 198 Ill.App.3d 269, 304-05, 555 N.E.2d 1087 (5th Dist. 1990). When the attitude of an insurance company toward its insured is “not only vexatious, but irritating, exasperating, and provoking,” a request for relief under Section 155 is proper. Buais, 275 Ill.App.3d at 592-93 citing to Deverman v. Country Mut. Ins. Co., 56 Ill.App.3d 122, 124, 371 N.E.2d 1147 (4th Dist. 1978). However, attorney fees and penalties will not be awarded simply because the insurer refuses to settle or was unsuccessful in litigation. Keller v. State Farm Ins., 180 Ill.App.3d 539, 555, 536 N.E.2d 194, 204 (5th Dist. 1989). If there is a bond fide dispute as to coverage, an insurer’s delay in settling a claim may not violate Section 155. Id.

But where there has been an unreasonable denial of an otherwise valid insurance claim, Section 155 allows insureds to recover their attorney fees with a successful suit against the insurer. Section 155 is a mechanism designed to protect insured’s from their insurance company taking advantage of their unawareness of their rights and limited means to pursue recovery. After all, to an insurance company, an insured is just a policy number.

If you have a question or would like to discuss your business or commercial law issue, please contact us today.

“Should I become a lawyer?” Two lawyers tell their stories.

Posted on June 1st, 2011 by The Firm

For some students, deciding whether or not to study law can be a difficult decision. For others, it’s easy. Goldenberg Heller Antognoli & Rowland attorneys Katie Hubbard and Teri Havron actually grew up together, have known each other since kindergarten, and even ended up studying law at St. Louis University together. But their paths to law school each started from different mindsets. Here’s how they ultimately became lawyers at GHAR, and what they feel it takes to become successful.

RECOGNIZE THAT INTERESTS CAN COME FROM ANYWHERE
Katie didn’t know she wanted to be a lawyer when she was younger, but found herself interested in government and law in school. Teri, on the other hand, grew up with a father who was a Human Resources director. He’d bring his work home, and she’d sit with him at the table and go through contracts and agreements, which helped sparked her interest in law at a young age.

ASK QUESTIONS & WORK HARD – REALLY HARD
Katie and Teri both agree that diligence and hard work is the best route to take to law school. Knowing she wanted to be a lawyer back in high school, Teri went so far as to shadow a lawyer to really get a feel for the work. Katie believes shadowing lawyers and talking to teachers who know a good amount about law is very helpful. Ultimately, with the amount of social networking available today, it’s not hard to find and meet an attorney and ask them questions about what you’d like to know when deciding whether law is right for you.

HIGH SCHOOL TIPS
What can a high school student can do to familiarize themselves with law before entering college? Katie believes the key is reading. Read the newspaper, read journals, read everything online. Keep yourself as informed as possible. You should also volunteer in different areas of the community. Volunteering is a great resource and can help you focus in the specific field of law you’re interested in. And never forget to ask questions!

UNDERGRAD TIPS
How can you best prepare for a law career while an undergrad? For Katie, she knew that law schools didn’t require a specific major from their applicants, so she chose to major in Psychology. It was a subject she was always interested in and felt it would be valuable along with a law degree.

MAKING THE LAW SCHOOL DECISION
Teri’s advice for future law students? Know yourself and everything else that goes into a law degree. Make sure it’s something that you want to do and are going to continue to want to do as you get older.

GET READY FOR REALITY
Katie and Teri agree: When it comes to the reality of being a lawyer, the more research you can do, the better. The more you understand about law firms and how they actually work and what the job really entails, the more informed decision you can make.

THE QUALITIES OF A SUCCESSFUL LAWYER
Katie believes they are: organization, attention to detail, and work ethic. Teri believes a lawyer doesn’t have to be any one specific thing or type of lawyer. Most lawyers are depicted as loud and outgoing, whereas in reality most attorneys are more quiet and thoughtful in their work.

Teri Havron concentrates her practice in the areas of business and commercial law, class action litigation, estate planning & probate, and real estate. Contact her here.

Katie Hubbard concentrates her practice in the areas of worker’s compensation and personal injury. Contact her here.

“Thank you” from the family of a mesothelioma client

Posted on May 9th, 2011 by The Firm

We often receive “thank yous” from our clients – and some are powerful enough to share, to show how the connection between asbestos/mesothelioma client and their attorney goes far beyond the case. Client names have been removed.

On behalf of myself and the girls, we are so appreciative of all the hard work you and your attorneys have done for us.

When we filed this claim, little did we know how much time and effort you would put into helping our family. We think of the several trips you people made to ______.

We realize you are a big Attorneys at Law, and to help ____ like you folks did, and are doing so, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

We cry a lot, and with spring being here, there’s so many things that we wish we could have Daddy here to do them. He was always here to tell us how to handle them. ____ probably would have had another 10 years to live if it hadn’t been for asbestos.

We thank you so kindly.

If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos, please contact us to discuss your potential case.

GHAR partner Robert D. Rowland nominated to TouchPoint Board

Posted on March 24th, 2011 by The Firm

GHAR is very proud to announce that partner Robert D. Rowland has been nominated and confirmed as the newest member to the TouchPoint Board. TouchPoint’s mission is to make a real difference in the quality of life for children, adults and their families dealing with autism, wherever they may live.

Since 1970, TouchPoint Autism Services has provided excellent training for professionals, parents and families with children with autism, gaining them an excellent and well deserved reputation. TouchPoint provides residential services, employment support services, family support, recreational programs and respite care.

TouchPoint has more than 500 employees, a $15 million budget, 30 residential homes and seven locations across the state of Missouri – annually serving more than 2,700 people with autism spectrum disorders and their families.

1 in 100 babies born every day are diagnosed with autism. Visit http://www.touchpointautism.org today to see how you can get involved and help make a difference for individuals across the spectrum, throughout every stage of their lives.

More than a testimonial: Powerful words from a mesothelioma client

Posted on March 15th, 2011 by The Firm

Receiving “thank you’s” – sincere appreciation from our clients – is common when you work as closely as we do with the victims of mesothelioma and their loved ones. But I wanted to share with you a recent letter we received, written by a wife whose husband was diagnosed with mesothelioma. When you read her words, you’ll understand just how important the relationship between attorney and client can be. Client names have been removed.

Dear Elizabeth,

I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for all of the hard work that you have done for me and my family. You might have spoken with my husband _____ when he was alive, perhaps not. Nevertheless, I have thought of you often and wanted to put pen to paper to let you know that we have a lot to that you for. Starting with your hard work and hours working away for _____, ______ and my financial future.

I know that this case involves money but for us it involves so much more. From the start we have felt God sent us you folks for my husband’s representation. It was by no accident that your information came up when researching Mesothelioma Cancer and no accident that when we contacted you folks you were quick to respond when others were not.

Our initial contact was with [Aaron] Dickey. He was kind, incredibly informed, professional and I could feel his sincerity and the fact that he truly cared about ____ and wanted to help him. [Aaron] quickly became a friend and confidant.

We them met Dave Butler and were impressed too by his professionalism, his knowledge and compassion. Later we got to know Jenny Bullen who was kind enough to call me the day after my husband passed away. She shared with me how she had gotten to know ____ via the phone calls discussing the details of his case. It warmed my heart to hear her describe him by saying that he was always so polite and nice. I shared this with friends and family at his memorial service. In speaking with Jenny on various occasions she has always gone out of her way to be informative, caring and supportive. She is so smart, it amazes me and makes me proud as a female that there are such smart women out there making a difference in this world. It is so nice to have the care and compassion from the people at your law firm. I consider them friends.

Then there is you, Elizabeth who has fought for us to make sure that we are very well taken care of. Thank you for fighting for us. Thank you for remembering us when you are working so hard to help us. Everyone at the form has treated us so wonderfully and worked so hard in helping _____, ______ and I and I know that the work goes on. I just wanted to take the time to tell you that we appreciate all of you and the hard work that you do. Thanks for remembering ______, _______ and I for helping us.

Thank you so much for getting money to us at the early part of this year when we were struggling. Those settlements helped us to take two marvelous vacations. The first one was in March and we drove up the coast of California along the beach all the way to Monterey. ______ loved the ocean and got to visit some places that he had not seen since the ‘80s.

The final vacation was to Hawaii at the end of June. We stayed at the Hilton Hawaiian Village and had the time of our lives. We went to a luau, of course, we went on a dinner cruise and watched the sun set. We even toured the USS Arizona Memorial and made a day of sightseeing on a bus on the “Home of the Brave” tour. We went in the ocean, watched fireworks and ______ got baptized on July 4th in Waikiki Beach. The last three days, ______ was feeling too sick and nauseated to do anything so ______ and I would hang out at the pool while he slept. He also had a really difficult time breathing so he couldn’t walk very far. For the last three days God sent a pigeon everyday to visit _____ as he was lying in bed looking out the sliding glass door at the beautiful view of the ocean. The pigeon would sit on the patio railing 31 stories up which you know is unusual for pigeons to be that high up. One day the pigeon even tried coming into our room but _____ stopped him.

Back home a few weeks later I came home from work and walked into our bedroom to check on ____ and he said he had dreamed about Hawaii that day and I could see the joy on his face. I know that in his times of discomfort and distress these memories sustained him on his sick bed strengthening him while giving him peace and joy. It was during this time that he began to decline quickly.

Thank you so much for helping us to have great memories. Thank you for treating my husband kindly and making sure he was treated as a person and not as just some name on a piece of paper.

No amount of money could ever compensate for losing _____ and even as I write this letter I am crying just thinking about him because I love him dearly and miss him greatly. It does help to know that finances will not be one of the struggles we will be facing in our future. You know my husband did a great job on his depositions and I am so proud of him. Even as he battled cancer he displayed confidence, strength, courage and faith to the end. I’ve never seen someone as strong as him. They don’t make men like _____ anymore. He’s right up there with The Duke John Wayne and the likes. I an honored to have known him, loved him and share our lovely daughter with him. I am very proud to have his name.

Please remember us as you move forward with the work that is still left to do and know that we are grateful for all that you do for us and that we do not take your commitment to us lightly. We are so fortunate to have you representing us. You’re the best, not just in what you do for us professionally but your care and compassion as well. You see for us it’s not just about settlements, it’s about a man that we treasure forever in our hearts and minds. I will always be grateful for the kindness, dedication and professionalism that you have shown us. I hope that one day ____ and I will have the privilege of shaking your hands and thanking you all in person.

Sincerely,
__________

If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos, please contact us to discuss your potential case.

Sears Washing Machine Class Action

Posted on May 20th, 2010 by The Firm

The Record (www.madisonrecord.com and/or www.stclairerecord.com) recently posted an article featuring a class action suit filed by Mark Goldenberg against Sears for alleged violations of the Illinois Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act, fraudulent concealment and nondisclosure, breach of express warranty, breach of implied warranty and unjust enrichment.

To read this article, please visit The Record.

For more information, contact Mark Goldenberg.