Anchorage Legal Issues Blog

Workers' compensation and safety training are both necessary

On behalf of Kalamarides & Lambert posted in workers' compensation on Monday, January 20, 2020.

Working in the oil fields on the North Slope of Alaska comes with inherent risks as do many field jobs in the energy industry. Proper safety procedures and precautions can help reduce the risks and help ensure that workers get home safely. Energy companies across the state are introducing new training methods to try to improve the safety of workers. In the event of an accident, workers' compensation insurance requires that the accident be reported.

Even minor injuries are considered events that need to be reported to one's employer. This can include a broken finger or toe, chipped tooth or a cut that requires stitches. This is according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. While an injury may appear to be minor, there is a chance for infection or other complications if the issue is not promptly and properly addressed.

Workers' compensation can aid veterinary workers

On behalf of Kalamarides & Lambert posted in workers' compensation on Thursday, January 9, 2020.

A love of animals leads some to consider a career working with animals, perhaps as a veterinarian or a veterinarian's technician. Animals can be cute and cuddly but they can also be dangerous. An animal that is injured or ill may act aggressively in an unfamiliar setting. Anyone who is injured on the job may benefit from being familiar with worker's compensation laws in Alaska.

A technician who works in a veterinarian's office was recently injured by a small animal a customer brought in to be examined. The animal bit the technician while he was handling the animal. When the technician asked about the procedure for reporting and dealing with an injury, he was told to go see a doctor and have the bill sent to the vet's office.

Will you be helping your kids cope with divorce in 2020?

On behalf of Kalamarides & Lambert on Thursday, January 2, 2020.

A new year has begun and you might be among thousands of other people in Alaska who have certain goals in mind for 2020. If one of them happens to be filing for divorce, you might also have numerous concerns regarding your children's ability to cope. Divorce is never easy. It's a fact that it automatically prompts major changes in children's lives. However, it doesn't necessarily have to ruin them.

Being proactive is your best bet to helping your kids come to terms with your current circumstances. You may notice that their emotions, moods and demeanors fluctuate. A key to helping them adapt to a new lifestyle is letting them know that they are free to express their feelings with you at any time. It also helps if you and your ex can work as a team to create a co-parenting plan that keeps your children's best interests in mind.

Pet nup is a new term in family law

On behalf of Kalamarides & Lambert posted in family law on Thursday, December 26, 2019.

When one thinks of family, parents, children and grandparents often come to mind. Increasingly, that picture includes family pets as integral members of the familial unit in Alaska. As such, if a divorce is contemplated, not only may child custody become an issue, but pet custody as well. To help accommodate the issue, a new term is becoming familiar in family law.

People are mostly familiar with the idea of a pre-nuptial agreement that helps determine the distribution of property and assets in the event of a divorce. There is a new term that is gaining ground, known as a "pet-nup." It determines who retains custody of a family pet in the event of a divorce.

Get the support you need to get back to work after an accident

On behalf of Kalamarides & Lambert on Friday, December 20, 2019.

A work injury can change your life in many ways. In addition to the pain you may be experiencing, you may also find yourself dealing with financial hardship because of time you missed from work and your medical bills. It's not easy to get better and move forward after a work-related accident for many reasons.

One of the most difficult aspects of a work accident is getting back to work after a serious injury and lengthy recovery. You may need various types of support to return to your job, adjust to new limitations or find a new job. Thankfully, this type of support is available to you through a workers' compensation claim. Rehabilitation benefits are available to some people who need additional support during their recovery.

Gun crime suspect has right to criminal defense

On behalf of Kalamarides & Lambert posted in criminal defense on Wednesday, December 11, 2019.

Anchorage is no stranger to the increased gun violence that seems to be pervading Alaska and much of the rest of the country. A shooting at an area hotel resulted in the death of one person. Police are searching for two people in connection with the incident. A criminal defense attorney can offer assistance to anyone confronting such a situation.

Officers responded to a call at a hotel in the city on a recent afternoon. They were summoned to respond to a possible shooting at the Black Angus Inn in downtown Anchorage. Upon arrival, they encountered a man who appeared to have been shot. The man was transported to an area hospital where he later died as a result of his injuries.

What challenges will you face in divorce as a woman?

On behalf of Kalamarides & Lambert on Wednesday, December 4, 2019.

Even before you file the paperwork, you know as a woman that your divorce will come with challenges that will affect many areas of your life. The financial adjustments you will have to make can be significant and far-reaching, and it's in your best interests to ensure that you choices allow you to have a strong future. One way you can do this is by preparing well for what is ahead.

Statistics indicate that women often fare worse than men do in a divorce. The main challenges you will face are those pertaining to child custody, money and your living arrangements. Divorce is not an easy process, but with the right help, you can pursue a final outcome that is fair and reasonable.

Criminal defense can be a help in the face of drug charges

On behalf of Kalamarides & Lambert posted in criminal defense on Monday, November 25, 2019.

Alaska may be far removed from the lower 48 in the geographic sense, but it is not far removed from sharing many of the same problems. One of these problems involves the illegal drug trade. A recent case implicated a 71-year-old man in the illegal trafficking of heroin and methamphetamine. The accused has the right to a criminal defense.

An investigation reportedly began in Feb. 2019. Search warrants were served at the man's home in March. A large amount of illegal drugs and cash were reportedly found but the man was not arrested at that time and the reason given was attributed to the ongoing investigation. The man was arrested recently as he was preparing to board a flight to Kodiak.

Accused facing drug charges entitled to criminal defense

On behalf of Kalamarides & Lambert posted in criminal defense on Thursday, November 14, 2019.

While Alaska may be geographically removed from the lower 48 states of the country it does share some of the same problems. Among these is the ongoing struggle against illegal drugs. The police force in Alaska strives to maintain order and reduce the crime that can accompany the illegal drug trade. A couple in Anchorage were recently arrested and charged with drug related crimes. Anyone facing such charges is entitled to a criminal defense.

Following a lengthy investigation, the police executed a search warrant for the apartment of a couple who is affiliated with a local chapter of the Hell's Angels Motorcycle Club. The search reportedly uncovered 120 grams of methamphetamine. In addition, there was equipment that could be used in distribution including digital scales and packaging materials. Officers also reported finding a large amount of cash.

Can you keep your full 401k in your divorce?

On behalf of Kalamarides & Lambert posted in family law on Tuesday, November 5, 2019.

Your divorce proceedings in Anchorage are sure to be a challenge. Even if you and your soon-to-be ex-spouse go into them having gotten over any bitterness associated with your separation, there will almost certainly be points where the two of you disagree. Both of you being willing to make concessions is the key to ensuring that your proceedings move smoothly and avoid costly delays. Yet one area where you may not be prepared to concede anything is in the division of your 401k.

Contributions made to your 401k during your marriage come from marital income. Thus, while its full value may not be subject to property division, the total amount of those contributions is. Your ex-spouse can take their portion and roll it over into their own retirement account, or they can elect to cash it out and gain access to the funds right now (divorce is one of the few situations where this is allowed without incurring an early withdrawal penalty).