A recent Alabama Supreme Court decision has delivered a powerful reminder to Alabama drivers about the critical importance of understanding the fine print in their insurance policies, particularly when those policies cross state lines. The June 20, 2025, ruling in favor of State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company illustrates how contractual language can supersede expectations…
Alabama faces a mounting crisis as communities across the state grapple with widespread contamination of drinking water by toxic “forever chemicals” known as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). Recent lawsuits highlight the severity of this environmental disaster and the human toll it has taken on residents who unknowingly consumed contaminated water for years. The Scope…
Nearly 95% of civil lawsuits settle before reaching trial, with the majority of settlement agreements occurring in the crucial weeks and months following the discovery phase. After months of depositions, document exchanges, and witness interviews, the discovery period’s conclusion marks a pivotal turning point where cases either resolve through negotiation or advance toward courtroom battles. …
At exactly 11:59 PM on the night before their 19th birthday, Alabama teenagers remain legal minors under their parents’ control. One minute later, at midnight, they become legal adults with full rights and responsibilities. Unlike most states where the majority begins at 18, Alabama joins Mississippi and Nebraska as one of only three states setting…
Every year, more than 400 Americans die from unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning, while an additional 4,000 require hospitalization for CO exposure. This silent killer earns its deadly reputation by being completely colorless, odorless, and tasteless, making detection impossible without proper equipment. Alabama residents face particular risks during winter months when heating systems work overtime and…
While 12 states impose inheritance taxes on beneficiaries receiving assets from deceased relatives, Alabama stands apart by completely eliminating this financial burden for inheritors. The Heart of Dixie abolished its inheritance tax decades ago, positioning Alabama families in a uniquely advantageous situation compared to states like Pennsylvania, where inheritance tax rates can reach 15% for…
Pharmacy operations in Alabama face multiple regulatory layers that create both operational boundaries and potential legal exposures. The Alabama Board of Pharmacy oversees state-level compliance requirements, while federal agencies impose additional standards that pharmacy owners must navigate carefully. Understanding the specific limits and liabilities to a pharmacy in Alabama becomes essential for maintaining successful practice…
When family members find themselves questioning the validity of a loved one’s final wishes, the stakes extend far beyond monetary inheritance—trust, family relationships, and the decedent’s true intentions all hang in the balance. Will disputes can turn what should be a time of family healing into courtroom battles that stretch for years and consume significant…
A Cautionary Tale of AI Misuse in Legal Practice In a case that underscores the growing challenges artificial intelligence poses to legal practice, U.S. District Judge Anna Manasco is considering sanctions against Butler Snow, a major law firm defending Alabama’s prison system, after attorney Matthew Reeves used ChatGPT to generate false legal citations in court…
The Challenge of Finding Impartial Jurors On Tuesday, June 17, 2025, Jefferson County District Judge Shanta Owens set an April 2026 trial date for 22-year-old Damien McDaniel, who faces murder charges related to 18 deaths in Birmingham, Alabama. The case, which includes charges for eight people killed in two separate mass shootings in July and…