February, 13 2015 

After a half century of dedicated service Schwarz & Schwarz is entering the electronic age. For more than 50 years we have strived to maintain our reputation of client-centered service and our newest efforts will help us remain connected. We recognize that each individual we represent is entrusting us with his or her most serious problems. In turn, we make it our primary responsibility to provide the best possible legal services, results and client care. 
 
Schwarz & Schwarz is excited to be able to remain in touch with our past and present clients on a quarterly basis. Each of our publications will focus on important legal information and updates in our client community.

Sincerely,
Stan and Danny

IAM's Obie O'Brien Honored for Lifetime of Unionism

 
In January of 2015, The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers honored long-time leader, mentor and friend; Obie O'Brien. The well-deserved honor brought recognition to O'Brien's lifetime dedication and commitment to the labor movement. To show their appreciation, the union applied for a change in the bylaws of the charter in order to allow for a name change to the local lodge. The former Liberty Bell Lodge is now proudly named the Obie O'Brien Liberty Bell Lodge 1776.

Obie began his career with Eastern Airlines in the late 1950s where he quickly made a name for himself. In 1967, He was elected recording secretary of the Liberty Bell Lodge, a position he retained for an unprecedented forty-three years. He currently serves as the Vice-President of the Philadelphia AFL-CIO and President of the State Machinists.

In addition to his labor duties, Obie is involved in the local politics of his hometown in Monroe Township, New Jersey. He is the Chairman of the Gloucester County Democratic Club and has been elected to his local planning board for over twenty years.

Local 1776 President, Rich Howell, presented O'Brien with the honor and placed a beautifully engraved plaque with Obie's name, photo and partial accomplishments in a prominent location at the Union's headquarters. His wife Charlotte and children were present for the ceremony. Schwarz and Schwarz congratulates Obie O'Brien, his family and the entire Local Lodge 1776.
Congratulations
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What You Should Know About UM/UIM Coverage

Approximately 10% of all drivers in the tri-state area do not have motor vehicle insurance to protect not only themselves, but also you, should they be involved in an accident. In order for you to make more informed choices when choosing your own level of insurance coverage, understand the basics so that you may best protect yourself and your family: 

What is Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage?
Insurance to protect you against motor vehicle operators who do not have their own motor vehicle insurance coverage.

What is Underinsured Motorist (UIM) Coverage?
Insurance to protect you against motor vehicle operators who have minimal amounts of motor vehicle insurance coverage.

Is UM/UIM Coverage Mandatory?
No, but the cost is relatively low compared to the benefits the coverage provides. Schwarz & Schwarz highly recommends adding UM/UIM coverage to your motor vehicle policy.

In What Situation Would UM/UIM Coverage Matter?
Example: While stopped at a red light, you're rear-ended by the driver behind you. You are severely injured and the other driver has minimal or expired insurance. If you failed to have UM/UIM coverage, you may be out of luck in obtaining any monetary damages for pain and suffering or for excess medical costs or loss of wages.

What Happens if I DO Have UM/UIM Coverage?
Generally, you are protected for damages such as lost wages, medical expenses, as well as, pain and suffering equal to the amount of insurance coverage you have selected for your policy.

What Happens if I DON'T Have UM/UIM Coverage?
Without UM/UIM Coverage you and your family may not be entitled to damages for meaningful and significant harm or losses sustained if a driver has minimal or no insurance protection.

Does UM/UIM Coverage Come Standard With My Car Insurance?
Although UM/UIM Coverage is not standard for motor vehicle insurance, it is a coverage option available in all motor vehicle policies.

Rule of Thumb
Your UM/UIM Coverage amount should be equal to the amount of insurance coverage you would have to protect perfect strangers from harm.

How Do I Know if I Have UM/UIM Coverage?
Review the declarations pages of your motor vehicle insurance policy. Look for "Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists" accompanied by a policy amount. If you can't find it listed, contact your insurance provider to discuss adding this reasonably affordable option.

If you have any questions regarding your motor vehicle insurance coverage don't hesitate to call Schwarz & Schwarz.

Winter Is Here...Who Is Responsible For Your Property?
Waking up to a fresh snowfall might bring glee to many young faces. But for home and business owners or tenants, they know it's not all fun and games; it's time to start shoveling. If you are wondering just what the rules are on when and how to clear snow around your home or business, you've come to the right place. These sidewalk snow-clearing guidelines provide some insight into what your responsibilities are.

Owners, agents and tenants of any building or premise should:
  • Clear a path of not less than 36" in width on all sidewalks abutting a building. If there's only 3' from property line to curb then 12" cleared path is required

  • Clear areas within 6 hours after the snow has ceased to fall
     
  • Not dump the removed snow into the street
     
  • Keep snow clear of fire hydrants and storm drains
If you don't remove the snow from your property in a timely fashion, you could become the defendant in a personal injury, premises liability lawsuit. Don't just keep your home and property safe for your family; remember to keep it safe for pedestrians and visitors as well.

**ALL INFORMATION SHOULD BE USED AS A GUIDELINE AND LOCAL RULES SHOULD BE VERIFIED FOR EACH INDIVIDUAL'S COUNTY**
Schwarz & Schwarz, P.C.     |      1650 Market Street, 51st Floor    |    Philadelphia, PA 19103
215-925-1200   |    [email protected]    |    www.schwarzlegal.com