| Volume 53 Number 4 |
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The People’s Lawyer’s Tip of the Day
Are you responsible for damage caused by your children? In most cases a parent is not automatically liable for things done by a child. Generally, for the parent to be responsible, it is necessary to show the parent negligently supervised the child, and that is why the damage occurred. Kids will be kids and when something goes wrong, parents are usually not responsible. Click here for more.
Health Care: Changes in Open Enrollment
Earlier this year, Congress passed health care reform. Although most consumers haven't noticed any changes yet, they will soon. For some employer-sponsored insurance plans, open enrollment may have some dramatic changes. For example, although your employer should cover the cost of preventative care, you may still be liable for these expenses. When you receive your open enrollment materials, check to see if your benefits are "grandfathered," and exempt from portions of the new law. Although being "grandfathered" may maintain important benefits, it also prevents consumers from enjoying some of the more generous portions of the new law. For example, consumers with "grandfathered" policies will not enjoy free preventative care, unrestricted doctor choice, stable charges for emergency services, and dependent coverage until 26. Read your policy carefully and pay close attention during open enrollment! Click here for more.
Lowest Paying College Degrees
College degrees are expensive and tuition rates continue to jump. As the price increases, it becomes that much more important that students plan ahead and understand where they want to end up. Although many students are aware that business and engineering degrees can generate higher salaries, other students still find rewarding careers helping those in poverty, training athletes, or creating art at lower salaries. What are the nine lowest paying college degrees? Click here for more.
Athletic Clubs & Spreading Disease
A recent report by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association details how consumers can contract bacterial, fungal, and viral diseases at their local gym. The report cautions consumers to "assume that individuals are carriers of pathogenic microorganisms." The astonishing list of common diseases include athlete’s foot, jock itch, staph infections, impetigo, herpes simplex, and ringworm. What steps can you take to prevent infection? Click here for more.
Your Money
Will driving to a cheaper gas station actually save you money? Click here for more.
For the Lawyers
Credit card solicitation violates Truth In Lending Act. The Ninth Circuit held that a direct-mail credit card solicitation violated federal consumer protection law because it misled card users regarding the circumstances under which their interest rates could be raised. Click here for more.