As consumers, we put our trust and our hard-earned money into companies every single day in the hopes that the product or service we’re paying for will contribute to our lives in a positive way. In reality, it almost always works out. Unfortunately, there are plenty of cases where that trust is broken and consumers are left injured by the very products they placed their trust and hopes in. Product liability or Read More
Oklahoma Condemnation Part 2: Fighting Back to Protect Your Property
Government entities and public utility companies are given significant leeway to lay claims upon private property in order to complete major projects of public interest. While this may be a necessary part of improving our communities, it does put Oklahoma landowners at risk of losing great value in the property they worked so hard to acquire and care for. In the first part of our two-part series on condemnation, we Read More
Oklahoma Condemnation Part 1: Procedures, Rights, and Considerations
Condemnation is a legal process where a government entity or public utility company attempts to claim land from a landowner for public use. This starts with the entity asserting eminent domain over the property to initiate the condemnation process. For many Oklahoma landowners, this can be a shocking and unsettling experience. However, it's important to remember that there is value owed to you in this process—and you Read More
Deadline to Replace Paper Tags Significantly Shortened in Oklahoma
Paper tags in place of a traditional metal license plate will soon no longer be such a common site in our Oklahoma communities thanks to a recent law. Paper tags will no longer be permitted on vehicles for two months. Governor Kevin Stitt signed SB 2035, also known as the Mason Treat Act, into law in late April. The bill is named after Senate leader Greg Treat’s son Mason who was severely injured while pulled over Read More
What is Bad Faith in Insurance?
People rarely rave about dealing with their insurance company. You’re dealing with an often life-changing circumstance and are forced to go through numerous applications and communications with your insurer to get reimbursed for your troubles. It can feel like you’re jumping through hoops and just hoping for a positive outcome, but those positive outcomes are often derailed by what is known as “bad faith” in the Read More
Four Common Ways Oklahoma Auto Dealerships Commit Fraud
Most consumers rightfully approach buying a car with a healthy amount of skepticism, especially with the car market being inconsistent in recent years. Car salespeople have a job to sell, but some Oklahoma car dealerships, unfortunately, have a reputation for pulling shady tricks and even committing consumer auto fraud in order to squeeze as much money out of buyers as possible. The vast majority are honest and Read More
Thorough Documentation is a Key To Dispute Resolution
Disagreements are an inevitable aspect of many businesses. Managing these disputes is what will significantly influence your company's success and peace of mind long-term, however. An often-underestimated tool in the arsenal for resolving disputes proactively is the practice of thorough documentation. While it may seem straightforward, maintaining detailed records prevents misunderstandings and expedites problem Read More
Title Washing Scams & Used Cars
The average cost of a new car in 2023 was around $48,000, leading many people to turn to used cars to find a vehicle that fits their budget. However, the reality is that the used car market can be complex. One significant concern is title-washing scams. Before you decide to buy a used car, you must understand how people are trying to deceive car buyers. They are attempting to profit off of tactics that hide the car’s Read More
The Importance of Fair Vendor and Supplier Agreements
Good relationships with vendors and suppliers are a fundamental prerequisite for being successful. Contracts define these relationships, and because of this, small business owners must understand the importance of fair vendor and supplier agreements. This will ensure their business runs smoothly and avoid potential legal issues. Protecting Yourself & Your Business Vendor and supplier agreements are not just Read More
Playing It Safe Online in 2024: Dodging Fraud in the Age of AI
In an era where digital and phone scams are skyrocketing, the advent of advanced artificial intelligence signals even more trouble for consumer fraud and abuse. For the people of Oklahoma, the need for proactive defense against these predatory practices, which jeopardize their financial stability and personal information, has never been more critical. With AI's growing ability to fabricate scripts, voices, and Read More