Your Car is Sinking: Now What?
February 11, 2010 | John T. BuchmanThe tragedy of the 35W bridge and the floods in southeast Minnesota remind us all of unexpected dangers we face. Many of us have wondered, at one time or another, what would we do if our car ended up under water. While it is relatively rare, experts indicate that 300 people die each year in this country when their cars end up under water. I have checked a number of sources and, while experts differ, the most consistent advice was as follows: 1. Don’t panic. I know this is easy to say when someone is sitting behind a desk coming up with advice and much harder when you are the one in the car that is sinking. However, it is absolutely essential to have a plan in mind and keep your head clear. 2. Roll down your windows as soon as you can. While many people are afraid to allow more water in, and open window is the easiest way to get out of a car. Most power windows will work until the car has been in the water for several seconds. 3. Do not try to open the doors right away. The surrounding water pressure is greater than the pressure inside the vehicle and you will only waste energy and air and…
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January 21, 2010 | Barna, Guzy & Steffen, Ltd.FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 2, 2009 Barna Guzy & Steffen announces Personal Injury/Criminal Attorney Adriel Villarreal was named a 2010 “Minnesota Rising Star” by Minnesota Law and Politics magazine. In 1998, the publishers of Law & Politics and Super Lawyers launched Rising Stars in Minnesota to recognize the top up-and-coming attorneys in the state — those who are 40 years old or younger, or who have been practicing for 10 years or less. Adriel joined Barna, Guzy & Steffen in 2004 as a Law Clerk. He became an attorney with the firm following his graduation from University of St. Thomas School of Law and admission to the bar in 2006. His practice now includes Personal Injury and Criminal Law. He is bilingual and able to assist both English and Spanish speaking clients. This enables him to offer assistance to the growing Hispanic population in the north metro suburbs of Minneapolis where BGS is located. Adriel has been an integral part of BGS’ expansion to serve our growing and changing community. BGS has been dedicated to serving the community for more than 70 years and the community is growing and changing in population. Due in equal parts to this philosophy and to the hard work of attorney Adriel B. Villarreal, our local community has…
Read MoreProper Use And Benefits Of The Commercial Unlawful Detainer
December 20, 2009 | Barna, Guzy & Steffen, Ltd.Proper Use And Benefits Of The Commercial Unlawful Detainer The legal action of “unlawful detainer” is brought for the purpose of removing a tenant who is in breach of a lease agreement. The breach can be the nonpayment of rent and operating expenses, or could be any breach of a lease such as a tenant who is using and improperly disposing of hazardous chemicals or due to a prohibited use of the space. The unlawful detainer entitles the landlord to a “writ of restitution” or return of the property. Self-help eviction of a tenant without an unlawful detainer is not allowed in Minnesota. The unlawful detainer only entitles the landlord to remove a tenant and retake possession of the rental property. The unlawful detainer court does not have authority to enter a judgment against the tenant and in favor of the landlord for the past due rent and operating expenses. That must be brought in a separate legal action in collection. Barna, Guzy & Steffen represents many commercial property managers and property owners for their unlawful detainers and collection needs. Most often we can file an unlawful detainer for our clients within 24 to 48 hours after we obtain the information we need to do the Complaint in unlawful detainer. We require: The…
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