$10 Million Lawsuit Filed by This Law Firm Against Nightclub Owners Alleging Service to Obviously Intoxicated Minor who Claims Rape By an Owner

When is sex good? When does consensual sex cross the line to sexual battery? Can one consent to sex if she is too inebriated to understand the consequences of her actions and decisions? If the much older man caused the 19 year old young woman to become intoxicated for the express purpose of taking advantage of her sexually, then did so, is that sexual battery and/or rape since she did not have the ability to consent? And finally if the much older man owns and runs a nightclub business licensed by the state ABC, and if he commits those acts against an obviously intoxicated young woman under 21 years of age, has he violated Bus.& Prof. § 25602.1 (civil liability)?		Stephen Jamieson
A lawsuit we recently filed in Superior Court alleges these facts. As Stephen Jamieson points out: “It may seem like good common sense not to do these things but apparently good "sense" is not common to all ABC Licensees.”

Seven Essential Issues to Fire Claim Management

1. Know What Your Policy Provides: Read your policy thoroughly so you understand both your and the insurance companies obligations. Don’t trust the insurance company to accurately portray the provisions of the policy.

2. Document Your Loss Immediately And Thoroughly: As soon as possible, document loss with video and/or still pictures. Make a detailed list.

3. Take The Largest And All Advances Offered: The insurance company will probably never be more generous than in aftermath of fire, and you will probably need all you are given.

4. Request Compensation According To Policy Provisions: The same damage can be described in a variety of ways, some covered by the policy and some may not. Removal of a fallen tree might not be covered but debris removal may be so characterize it this way.

5. Get Everything In Writing: Spoken agreements with an adjuster are usually worth nothing.

6. Keep A Journal Of Your Claim:

7. Keep Out Of The Middle, Financially: Have as much as possible billed directly to the insurance company. Insurance companies are often slow in repaying and you may be stuck with the costs.

Dealing with Contractors

The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) reminds consumers of their rights and responsibilities when hiring building contractors. The CSLB has found that the most common complaints against contractors can be avoided when consumers:

• Do not pay excessive down payments to contractors
• Do not let payments on home improvement projects get ahead of the work
• Hire only licensed building contractors
• Get several bids from different contractors
• Check out the contractor's license status and history with the CSLB.