Legal News
Learn about your rights and how we approach cases here at Alvine Law Firm, LLP.
Navigating Child Injury Laws in South Dakota
In a world where childhood should be defined by carefree laughter and imaginative play, the shadow of injury can loom large, striking fear into the hearts of parents and guardians. South Dakota, with its sprawling landscapes and tight-knit communities, is no...
Your Rights at a DUI Checkpoint in Sioux Falls
Key Takeaways: You have the right to remain silent at a DUI stop in Sioux Falls. You can refuse to submit to a field sobriety test without facing arrest. Officers do not have the right to search your vehicle at a DUI stop without probable cause. You can be respectful...
What to Do When You Suspect Estate or Trust Fraud
Key Takeaways: South Dakota Codified Law protects rightful inheritors of estates and sets clear guidelines for trustees and executors. Estate or trust fraud is a crime punishable by law. Subtle warning signs of estate or trust fraud include unexplained changes to...
Understanding Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) in Workers’ Comp Cases
Key Takeaways: Reaching maximum medical improvement (MMI) does not mean you have fully recovered. You may be eligible to receive temporary or permanent disability benefits after reaching your MMI. You can dispute an MMI determination if you believe it is...
Recreational Vehicle Accidents: Legal Tips for South Dakota Enthusiasts
Key Takeaways: A recreational vehicle in South Dakota can be a motorhome, ATV/UTV, towing trailer, or other vehicle. RV operators are required to follow specific licensing and insurance requirements. You may be held liable for another person’s injuries if they...
Pool and Waterpark Injuries: Understanding Liability
Key Takeaways: Property management companies, waterpark maintenance teams, lifeguards, and attraction operators can be possible defendants in an injury or wrongful death lawsuit. It is important to establish a clear connection between your injury and another...
Medical Device Recalls and Personal Injury Claims
Key Takeaways: The FDA oversees recalls of medical devices and ranks them by classes (I, II, and III). Patients who are not alerted by their healthcare providers about recalls can take legal action against them and possibly the manufacturer for injuries. Defective...
Elevator and Escalator Injuries: Seeking Justice in South Dakota
Key Takeaways: You may be able to recover damages from an elevator or escalator accident, even if you had a pre-existing condition. There is a three-year statute of limitations on filing a personal injury claim in South Dakota. Potential defendants in elevator...
Navigating Disability Benefits in South Dakota: Temporary vs. Permanent
South Dakota’s worker’s compensation program provides both medical and disability benefits for work-related injuries or illnesses. If an employee becomes injured or ill due to their work, they may qualify for disability benefits that help cover lost wages. ...
South Dakota Bail and Bond: A Guide to Understanding Your Rights
Key Takeaways: Bail is not always guaranteed in South Dakota, and a judge determines the amount. Different types of bonds exist, each with its own set of requirements and processes. Failing to appear in court can lead to forfeiture of the bond and further legal...
Prevent Family Feuds: Why a Clear Estate Plan is Essential
Key Takeaways: A well-crafted estate plan provides clear instructions for the distribution of assets, minimizing the potential for disputes among beneficiaries. Estate planning goes beyond a simple will and can include trusts, healthcare directives, and powers of...
Pre-Existing Conditions and Workers’ Comp in South Dakota: What You Need to Know
Key Takeaways: Having a pre-existing condition doesn't automatically disqualify you from receiving workers' compensation benefits in South Dakota. It can, however, complicate your claim and make it more challenging to prove the extent to which your current condition...
Pre-Existing Conditions and Personal Injury Claims: What You Need to Know
Key Takeaways: Having a pre-existing condition doesn't automatically disqualify you from receiving compensation in a personal injury case. It can, however, complicate matters and make it more challenging to prove the extent to which your injuries were caused by the...
Injured on a South Dakota Construction Site? Understanding Your Rights and Options
Construction work carries significant occupational hazards, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have a right to seek compensation after a work-related injury. The team at Alvine Law Firm in Sioux Falls, SD, are here to help you understand your legal rights and options to...
Injured by a Defective Product in South Dakota? Know Your Rights!
Defective products caused nearly 29 million injuries to Americans in 2020, and each year, millions of people suffer personal injuries and property damage due to faulty products. Manufacturers, distributors, and retailers can be held liable for injuries sustained...
Independent Contractors in Sioux Falls: Are You Covered by Workers’ Compensation?
Key Takeaways: Independent contractors in Sioux Falls generally are not covered by workers' compensation in South Dakota. Understanding the distinction between employees and independent contractors is crucial for determining eligibility for benefits. Misclassifying...
Falsely Accused of Theft in Sioux Falls? Here’s What To Do
Have you been falsely accused of theft in Sioux Falls, but do not know how to protect yourself? While theft is a serious felony, that does not mean it happens all the time. It is possible to wrongly accuse someone for taking what is not theirs. One such victim...
Eyes on the Road: The Consequences of Distracted Driving in South Dakota
Key Takeaways Distracted driving is a serious and growing problem in South Dakota, leading to numerous accidents and injuries. Texting while driving is illegal in South Dakota and carries significant penalties. Other forms of distracted driving, even if not explicitly...
Don’t Delay: Why You Should Report Workplace Injuries Immediately
Key Takeaways: Reporting a workplace injury promptly is crucial for protecting your health, your rights, and your ability to receive compensation. Delayed reporting can raise doubts about the legitimacy of your claim and make it harder to obtain benefits. Employers...
Combating Undue Influence: Protecting Your Inheritance Rights
Key Takeaways: Undue influence occurs when someone manipulates or coerces another person into making decisions that benefit the influencer. This type of manipulation often occurs in estate planning, especially with vulnerable individuals. Recognizing the signs of...