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  • #73 AVIATION ACCIDENT LAWYERS Buyer Checklist You Need To Know Before You Spend Your Money. 25 Buyer-Beware Intelligence Points.

    Legal Information Notice: This checklist provides general educational information only. It is not legal advice, does not create an attorney-client relationship, and may not apply to your jurisdiction or circumstances. Laws and deadlines vary. Do not rely on this checklist for a specific legal decision or deadline; consult a qualified attorney licensed in the relevant jurisdiction.

    “An aviation accident can involve multiple investigations, jurisdictions, defendants and legal theories.”

    25 Buyer-Beware Warnings

    1. ☐ Preserve travel records.
    2. ☐ Preserve boarding documents.
    3. ☐ Record flight information.
    4. ☐ Identify aircraft/operator.
    5. ☐ Identify where the incident occurred.
    6. ☐ Document injuries immediately.
    7. ☐ Preserve medical records.
    8. ☐ Preserve photographs.
    9. ☐ Identify witnesses.
    10. ☐ Don’t speculate about cause.
    11. ☐ Preserve communications with the carrier.
    12. ☐ Preserve damaged property.
    13. ☐ Determine whether an investigation exists.
    14. ☐ Identify potential governmental involvement.
    15. ☐ Determine applicable jurisdiction.
    16. ☐ Ask about international-law issues where relevant.
    17. ☐ Verify aviation litigation experience.
    18. ☐ Ask about expert requirements.
    19. ☐ Understand litigation costs.
    20. ☐ Ask about defendants beyond the airline.
    21. ☐ Identify aircraft/manufacturer issues.
    22. ☐ Identify airport/operator issues.
    23. ☐ Track potential deadlines.
    24. ☐ Don’t sign releases prematurely.
    25. ☐ Preserve evidence before it disappears.

    Premium Checklist

    Incident → Passenger/Worker Status → Operator → Aircraft → Location → Investigation → Evidence → Defendants → Deadlines

  • #72 PRODUCT RECALL LAWYERS Buyer Checklist You Need To Know Before You Spend Your Money. 40 Buyer-Beware Intelligence Points.

    Legal Information Notice: This checklist provides general educational information only. It is not legal advice, does not create an attorney-client relationship, and may not apply to your jurisdiction or circumstances. Laws and deadlines vary. Do not rely on this checklist for a specific legal decision or deadline; consult a qualified attorney licensed in the relevant jurisdiction.

    “A product recall tells you there is a safety problem. It doesn’t automatically tell you what your legal options are.”

    CPSC maintains a continuously updated recall database and says recall notices identify remedies such as repair, replacement or refund.

    25 Buyer-Beware Warnings

    1. ☐ Check the official recall database.
    2. ☐ Verify the exact model.
    3. ☐ Verify serial/lot numbers.
    4. ☐ Check manufacturing dates.
    5. ☐ Read the complete recall notice.
    6. ☐ Follow immediate safety instructions.
    7. ☐ Preserve the product where safe and appropriate.
    8. ☐ Photograph the product.
    9. ☐ Preserve purchase records.
    10. ☐ Preserve packaging.
    11. ☐ Preserve warranty information.
    12. ☐ Document injuries.
    13. ☐ Document medical treatment.
    14. ☐ Preserve photographs of damage.
    15. ☐ Don’t modify potentially relevant evidence.
    16. ☐ Don’t throw away evidence without considering preservation needs.
    17. ☐ Identify the manufacturer.
    18. ☐ Identify the seller.
    19. ☐ Identify other responsible parties.
    20. ☐ Record when you discovered the defect.
    21. ☐ Record when the incident occurred.
    22. ☐ Determine whether others experienced the same problem.
    23. ☐ Ask whether a lawyer handles product-liability matters.
    24. ☐ Understand potential time limitations.
    25. ☐ Don’t assume receiving a recall remedy resolves every possible issue.

    Premium Checklist

    Product Identification

    ☐ Manufacturer.
    ☐ Model.
    ☐ Serial number.
    ☐ Lot/batch.
    ☐ Purchase date.
    ☐ Seller.

    Recall Verification

    ☐ Official recall found.
    ☐ Hazard identified.
    ☐ Remedy identified.
    ☐ Recall instructions followed.

    Incident Evidence

    ☐ Product.
    ☐ Photos.
    ☐ Videos.
    ☐ Receipts.
    ☐ Medical records.
    ☐ Witnesses.

    Legal Evaluation

    ☐ Defect type.
    ☐ Injury/damage.
    ☐ Causation evidence.
    ☐ Responsible parties.
    ☐ Applicable jurisdiction.

  • #71 SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY LAWYERS Buyer Checklist You Need To Know Before You Spend Your Money. 40 Buyer-Beware Intelligence Points.

    Legal Information Notice: This checklist provides general educational information only. It is not legal advice, does not create an attorney-client relationship, and may not apply to your jurisdiction or circumstances. Laws and deadlines vary. Do not rely on this checklist for a specific legal decision or deadline; consult a qualified attorney licensed in the relevant jurisdiction.

    “The most expensive disability mistake may be missing the next deadline.”

    SSA states that disability claimants generally have 60 days to appeal an unfavorable determination or decision, with the appeal process proceeding through reconsideration, hearing, Appeals Council review, and potentially federal court.

    25 Buyer-Beware Warnings

    1. ☐ Don’t ignore a denial letter.
    2. ☐ Record the date on the notice.
    3. ☐ Determine the applicable appeal deadline.
    4. ☐ Don’t assume the first denial is final.
    5. ☐ Identify the precise reason for denial.
    6. ☐ Separate medical from non-medical issues.
    7. ☐ Preserve every SSA notice.
    8. ☐ Preserve medical records.
    9. ☐ Preserve work history.
    10. ☐ Document functional limitations.
    11. ☐ Identify treating providers.
    12. ☐ Don’t submit contradictory information.
    13. ☐ Keep copies of everything submitted.
    14. ☐ Obtain confirmation of submissions.
    15. ☐ Understand which appeal stage you’re entering.
    16. ☐ Verify attorney experience.
    17. ☐ Ask how the attorney is compensated.
    18. ☐ Ask who actually handles the case.
    19. ☐ Understand what evidence the lawyer needs.
    20. ☐ Don’t rely on generic internet deadline calculators.
    21. ☐ Track deadlines independently.
    22. ☐ Update the attorney about medical changes.
    23. ☐ Preserve employment evidence.
    24. ☐ Ask what happens after each stage.
    25. ☐ Never allow an appeal deadline to disappear unnoticed.

    Premium Checklist

    1. Claim Identification

    ☐ SSDI.
    ☐ SSI.
    ☐ Initial claim.
    ☐ Reconsideration.
    ☐ Hearing.
    ☐ Appeals Council.
    ☐ Federal court.

    2. Denial Analysis

    ☐ Exact denial reason.
    ☐ Evidence considered.
    ☐ Evidence missing.
    ☐ Medical issues.
    ☐ Work-related issues.

    3. Evidence

    ☐ Medical records.
    ☐ Physician information.
    ☐ Medication history.
    ☐ Functional limitations.
    ☐ Employment history.

    4. Deadline Control

    ☐ Decision date.
    ☐ Appeal deadline.
    ☐ Submission date.
    ☐ Confirmation number/documentation.
    ☐ Next deadline.

  • #70 DISABILITY CLAIM LAWYERS Buyer Checklist You Need To Know Before You Spend Your Money. 40 Buyer-Beware Intelligence Points.

    Legal Information Notice: This checklist provides general educational information only. It is not legal advice, does not create an attorney-client relationship, and may not apply to your jurisdiction or circumstances. Laws and deadlines vary. Do not rely on this checklist for a specific legal decision or deadline; consult a qualified attorney licensed in the relevant jurisdiction.

    “A disability denial is a decision—not necessarily the end of the process.”

    For Social Security disability, SSA provides an appeals process with reconsideration, hearing, Appeals Council review and federal-court review; SSA also states that disability appeals generally must be requested within 60 days.

    Private disability policies can involve different contractual terms and procedures, so the site must distinguish Social Security disability from private/employer-sponsored disability insurance.

    25 Buyer-Beware Warnings

    1. ☐ Identify the disability program.
    2. ☐ Determine whether it is Social Security or private insurance.
    3. ☐ Obtain the denial letter.
    4. ☐ Obtain the governing policy.
    5. ☐ Identify the exact reason for denial.
    6. ☐ Record the date of the decision.
    7. ☐ Check the applicable appeal deadline.
    8. ☐ Preserve medical records.
    9. ☐ Preserve employment records.
    10. ☐ Preserve earnings information.
    11. ☐ Document functional limitations.
    12. ☐ Identify treating providers.
    13. ☐ Obtain relevant medical opinions.
    14. ☐ Preserve correspondence.
    15. ☐ Don’t miss appeal deadlines.
    16. ☐ Don’t assume one denial ends the process.
    17. ☐ Don’t submit inconsistent information.
    18. ☐ Review the definition of disability.
    19. ☐ Review exclusions.
    20. ☐ Review offsets.
    21. ☐ Review benefit duration.
    22. ☐ Verify attorney experience with the specific program.
    23. ☐ Understand representation fees.
    24. ☐ Keep copies of every submission.
    25. ☐ Track every deadline independently.

    Premium Checklist

    1. Identify the Claim

    ☐ Social Security Disability.
    ☐ SSI.
    ☐ Employer-sponsored disability.
    ☐ Individual disability policy.

    2. Denial Analysis

    ☐ Medical reason.
    ☐ Non-medical reason.
    ☐ Definition-of-disability issue.
    ☐ Evidence issue.
    ☐ Procedural issue.

    3. Evidence

    ☐ Medical records.
    ☐ Physician statements.
    ☐ Functional limitations.
    ☐ Work history.
    ☐ Earnings.
    ☐ Job requirements.

    4. Deadline Control

    ☐ Record decision date.
    ☐ Calculate applicable deadline.
    ☐ Submit appeal.
    ☐ Obtain confirmation.
    ☐ Track next stage.

    SSA specifically states that a disability reconsideration request generally must be submitted within 60 days after receiving the decision.

    5. Lawyer Evaluation

    ☐ Relevant disability experience.
    ☐ Experience with the specific program.
    ☐ Fee arrangement.
    ☐ Who handles the case.
    ☐ Expected process.
    ☐ Communication system.

  • #69 BAD FAITH INSURANCE LAWYERS Buyer Checklist You Need To Know Before You Spend Your Money. 30 Buyer-Beware Intelligence Points.

    Legal Information Notice: This checklist provides general educational information only. It is not legal advice, does not create an attorney-client relationship, and may not apply to your jurisdiction or circumstances. Laws and deadlines vary. Do not rely on this checklist for a specific legal decision or deadline; consult a qualified attorney licensed in the relevant jurisdiction.

    “A delayed or denied claim is not automatically bad faith—but patterns in how the claim was handled can matter.”

    This is a particularly jurisdiction-sensitive category. The site should therefore avoid presenting a generic “bad faith test” as universal law.

    25 Buyer-Beware Warnings

    1. ☐ Don’t assume every denial is bad faith.
    2. ☐ Don’t assume every delay is bad faith.
    3. ☐ Identify the governing state law.
    4. ☐ Preserve the entire claim file.
    5. ☐ Preserve insurer communications.
    6. ☐ Request written explanations.
    7. ☐ Document claim inspections.
    8. ☐ Document adjuster statements.
    9. ☐ Preserve estimates.
    10. ☐ Preserve expert reports.
    11. ☐ Track requests for information.
    12. ☐ Track your responses.
    13. ☐ Track unexplained delays.
    14. ☐ Identify inconsistent explanations.
    15. ☐ Identify policy provisions relied upon.
    16. ☐ Compare conduct against applicable law.
    17. ☐ Don’t exaggerate facts.
    18. ☐ Don’t destroy evidence.
    19. ☐ Don’t sign broad releases casually.
    20. ☐ Check complaint procedures.
    21. ☐ Check applicable limitation periods.
    22. ☐ Verify attorney experience.
    23. ☐ Understand contingency-fee terms.
    24. ☐ Calculate potential recovery.
    25. ☐ Have jurisdiction-specific counsel evaluate the facts.

    Premium Checklist

    Evidence Timeline

    Loss → Notice → Investigation → Requests → Responses → Decision → Appeal → Current Status

    Conduct Review

    ☐ Delay documented.
    ☐ Communications preserved.
    ☐ Coverage explanation preserved.
    ☐ Investigation steps documented.
    ☐ Contradictions identified.

    Economic Review

    ☐ Claim value.
    ☐ Unpaid amount.
    ☐ Additional damages.
    ☐ Attorney costs.
    ☐ Litigation risk.

  • #68 INSURANCE CLAIM LAWYERS Buyer Checklist You Need To Know Before You Spend Your Money. 40 Buyer-Beware Intelligence Points.

    Legal Information Notice: This checklist provides general educational information only. It is not legal advice, does not create an attorney-client relationship, and may not apply to your jurisdiction or circumstances. Laws and deadlines vary. Do not rely on this checklist for a specific legal decision or deadline; consult a qualified attorney licensed in the relevant jurisdiction.

    A claim being denied does not necessarily mean the story is over—but the next step matters.”

    The NAIC says consumers with insurance disputes should first attempt to resolve the issue with the insurer and may then contact their state insurance department; documentation and communication records are important.

    25 Buyer-Beware Warnings

    1. ☐ Don’t rely on a verbal denial.
    2. ☐ Request the denial in writing.
    3. ☐ Obtain the policy.
    4. ☐ Identify the exact provision cited.
    5. ☐ Preserve photographs.
    6. ☐ Preserve receipts.
    7. ☐ Preserve estimates.
    8. ☐ Preserve correspondence.
    9. ☐ Track every phone call.
    10. ☐ Record dates.
    11. ☐ Ask what evidence is missing.
    12. ☐ Check policy deadlines.
    13. ☐ Check appeal procedures.
    14. ☐ Don’t destroy damaged property prematurely.
    15. ☐ Don’t exaggerate a claim.
    16. ☐ Don’t sign releases without understanding them.
    17. ☐ Compare the denial against the policy language.
    18. ☐ Determine whether coverage issues are factual or contractual.
    19. ☐ Identify potential valuation disputes.
    20. ☐ Identify causation disputes.
    21. ☐ Check state complaint options.
    22. ☐ Verify attorney specialization.
    23. ☐ Understand fee arrangements.
    24. ☐ Calculate the economic value of pursuing the claim.
    25. ☐ Preserve evidence before it disappears.

    Premium Checklist

    Claim File

    ☐ Policy.
    ☐ Declarations.
    ☐ Endorsements.
    ☐ Denial.
    ☐ Photos.
    ☐ Estimates.
    ☐ Receipts.
    ☐ Communications.

    Coverage Analysis

    ☐ Coverage grant.
    ☐ Exclusions.
    ☐ Conditions.
    ☐ Limits.
    ☐ Deductibles.
    ☐ Endorsements.

    Escalation

    ☐ Internal appeal.
    ☐ Insurer complaint.
    ☐ State DOI.
    ☐ Attorney review.

  • #67 CONSTRUCTION LAWYERS Buyer Checklist You Need To Know Before You Spend Your Money. 25 Buyer-Beware Intelligence Points.

    Legal Information Notice: This checklist provides general educational information only. It is not legal advice, does not create an attorney-client relationship, and may not apply to your jurisdiction or circumstances. Laws and deadlines vary. Do not rely on this checklist for a specific legal decision or deadline; consult a qualified attorney licensed in the relevant jurisdiction.

    “A construction contract can look simple until something goes wrong.”

    Construction projects can involve contracts, subcontractors, payment disputes, safety obligations, change orders, delays, liens, insurance and regulatory requirements. OSHA’s construction standards impose requirements on contractors and subcontractors on covered projects.

    1. ☐ Don’t start without a written contract.
    2. ☐ Verify contractor licensing where applicable.
    3. ☐ Verify insurance.
    4. ☐ Define scope.
    5. ☐ Define materials.
    6. ☐ Define completion standards.
    7. ☐ Define payment schedule.
    8. ☐ Define retainage where applicable.
    9. ☐ Define change-order procedures.
    10. ☐ Define delay provisions.
    11. ☐ Define dispute procedures.
    12. ☐ Review indemnity provisions.
    13. ☐ Review warranty provisions.
    14. ☐ Review termination rights.
    15. ☐ Verify subcontractor relationships.
    16. ☐ Understand lien exposure.
    17. ☐ Document changes.
    18. ☐ Photograph progress.
    19. ☐ Keep invoices.
    20. ☐ Maintain communications.
    21. ☐ Verify inspections.
    22. ☐ Track deadlines.
    23. ☐ Don’t make undocumented verbal agreements.
    24. ☐ Review final payment conditions.
    25. ☐ Preserve closeout documents.

    Premium Checklist

    Scope → Contract → Contractor → Insurance → Payment → Change Orders → Performance → Dispute → Closeout

  • #66 REAL ESTATE LAWYERS Buyer Checklist You Need To Know Before You Spend Your Money. 40 Buyer-Beware Intelligence Points.

    Legal Information Notice: This checklist provides general educational information only. It is not legal advice, does not create an attorney-client relationship, and may not apply to your jurisdiction or circumstances. Laws and deadlines vary. Do not rely on this checklist for a specific legal decision or deadline; consult a qualified attorney licensed in the relevant jurisdiction.

    “The price of the property isn’t the same thing as the cost or legal risk of owning it.”

    The CFPB recommends carefully reviewing closing documents and notes that buyers may want their own attorney to review documents depending on circumstances.

    1. ☐ Verify who owns the property.
    2. ☐ Review title.
    3. ☐ Review liens.
    4. ☐ Review easements.
    5. ☐ Review restrictions.
    6. ☐ Review zoning.
    7. ☐ Review permitted use.
    8. ☐ Review the purchase contract.
    9. ☐ Understand contingencies.
    10. ☐ Verify inspection rights.
    11. ☐ Review survey issues.
    12. ☐ Review title insurance.
    13. ☐ Understand closing costs.
    14. ☐ Review financing terms.
    15. ☐ Review environmental concerns.
    16. ☐ Verify property taxes.
    17. ☐ Review HOA restrictions.
    18. ☐ Review leases for investment property.
    19. ☐ Review tenant obligations.
    20. ☐ Verify representations.
    21. ☐ Document negotiated repairs.
    22. ☐ Review closing documents.
    23. ☐ Verify wiring instructions independently.
    24. ☐ Don’t sign documents you don’t understand.
    25. ☐ Preserve every transaction document.

    The CFPB specifically warns consumers about last-minute mortgage closing scams involving fraudulent wiring instructions.

    Premium Checklist

    Property → Title → Contract → Financing → Inspection → Restrictions → Closing → Ownership

  • #65 ASSET PROTECTION LAWYERS Buyer Checklist You Need To Know Before You Spend Your Money. 40 Buyer-Beware Intelligence Points.

    Legal Information Notice: This checklist provides general educational information only. It is not legal advice, does not create an attorney-client relationship, and may not apply to your jurisdiction or circumstances. Laws and deadlines vary. Do not rely on this checklist for a specific legal decision or deadline; consult a qualified attorney licensed in the relevant jurisdiction.

    “Asset protection usually works best before the threat appears—not after.”

    1. ☐ Don’t wait until litigation begins.
    2. ☐ Don’t transfer assets casually.
    3. ☐ Don’t assume an LLC automatically protects everything.
    4. ☐ Understand entity separateness.
    5. ☐ Maintain proper records.
    6. ☐ Identify personal exposure.
    7. ☐ Identify business exposure.
    8. ☐ Identify real-estate exposure.
    9. ☐ Identify guarantees.
    10. ☐ Identify insurance gaps.
    11. ☐ Review ownership structures.
    12. ☐ Review trusts where appropriate.
    13. ☐ Understand fraudulent-transfer risks.
    14. ☐ Understand jurisdiction.
    15. ☐ Ask about timing.
    16. ☐ Ask about tax consequences.
    17. ☐ Don’t confuse privacy with protection.
    18. ☐ Don’t assume offshore means protected.
    19. ☐ Understand compliance obligations.
    20. ☐ Document legitimate business purposes.
    21. ☐ Keep personal and business finances separate.
    22. ☐ Review existing creditor claims.
    23. ☐ Ask about professional conflicts.
    24. ☐ Understand ongoing maintenance.
    25. ☐ Don’t treat an asset-protection structure as a magic shield.

    Premium Checklist

    Exposure Map

    ☐ Personal assets.
    ☐ Business assets.
    ☐ Real estate.
    ☐ Investments.
    ☐ Guarantees.
    ☐ Professional liability.

    Structural Review

    ☐ Entities.
    ☐ Ownership.
    ☐ Insurance.
    ☐ Trusts.
    ☐ Contracts.

    Timing Test

    ☐ Is there pending litigation?
    ☐ Is there an existing creditor?
    ☐ Are transactions ordinary and legitimate?
    ☐ Has specialized counsel reviewed timing?

  • #64 TRUST ATTORNEYS Buyer Checklist You Need To Know Before You Spend Your Money. 30 Buyer-Beware Intelligence Points.

    Legal Information Notice: This checklist provides general educational information only. It is not legal advice, does not create an attorney-client relationship, and may not apply to your jurisdiction or circumstances. Laws and deadlines vary. Do not rely on this checklist for a specific legal decision or deadline; consult a qualified attorney licensed in the relevant jurisdiction.

    1. ☐ Don’t create a trust without understanding its purpose.
    2. ☐ Identify the trust type.
    3. ☐ Understand who controls it.
    4. ☐ Understand who benefits.
    5. ☐ Understand revocable vs. irrevocable structure.
    6. ☐ Understand trustee duties.
    7. ☐ Ask about successor trustees.
    8. ☐ Determine which assets belong in the trust.
    9. ☐ Don’t assume signing the document funds the trust.
    10. ☐ Review real-estate transfers.
    11. ☐ Review account titling.
    12. ☐ Review beneficiary designations.
    13. ☐ Understand tax consequences.
    14. ☐ Understand administration costs.
    15. ☐ Ask about trustee compensation.
    16. ☐ Ask about annual compliance.
    17. ☐ Understand amendment rules.
    18. ☐ Understand distribution rules.
    19. ☐ Identify potential conflicts.
    20. ☐ Ask how the trust interacts with the will.
    21. ☐ Ask how it interacts with business interests.
    22. ☐ Obtain funding instructions.
    23. ☐ Store documents securely.
    24. ☐ Review after major life changes.
    25. ☐ Confirm that the trust actually accomplishes its stated purpose.

    Premium Checklist

    Purpose → Structure → Trustee → Beneficiaries → Assets → Funding → Tax → Administration → Review

    Critical Funding Audit

    ☐ Bank accounts reviewed.
    ☐ Brokerage accounts reviewed.
    ☐ Real estate reviewed.
    ☐ Business interests reviewed.
    ☐ Insurance/beneficiary designations reviewed.