About Andra DelMonico, J.D.
Graduating from Stetson University College of Law with a J.D., Andra brings a straightforward approach to legal writing. With over a decade of freelance writing experience, she has a wealth of experience in writing about a broad range of legal topics. She has ghostwritten for individual attorneys, law firms, and businesses. When not writing, Andra spends her time boating and motorcycle riding with her family in sunny Florida.
Articles written by Andra DelMonico, J.D.
Lump Sum vs. Structured Settlement: Which Should You Take?
A personal injury settlement doesn't always mean someone hands you a check for the full amount and sends you on your way. Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to choose between a lump-sum payment and a structured settlement. A lump sum gives you immediate access to your recovery and the freedom to decide how to use or invest it. A structured settlement spreads payments over time, providing predictable income and helping protect the settlement from being spent too quickly. The right …
Is My Personal Injury Settlement Taxable?
A personal injury settlement is generally not taxable if you received it because of a physical injury or illness. Federal law generally excludes those compensatory damages from your taxable income. But before you assume every dollar of your settlement is tax-free, look at what the payment covers. Punitive damages, interest, and certain damages for emotional distress can be taxable. Use the Super Lawyers directory to find a tax lawyer who can help you understand your legal options and the …
What To Do After a Personal Injury: The First 7 Days
The first seven days after a personal injury are about caring for yourself while protecting your claim. Get medical attention, document your injuries and what happened, preserve physical evidence, obtain any police or incident reports, track your expenses, and be careful what you say to insurance companies. You don't need to have your entire case figured out in the first week, but the steps you take now can affect what evidence is available and how your claim develops. Use the Super Lawyers …
Are There Content Restrictions on Vanity License Plates?
Yes, vanity license plates can have content restrictions. Each state sets rules for personalized plates, and those rules can prohibit certain words, phrases, or messages. But there is a First Amendment wrinkle here. When you choose the letters and numbers on your plate, you may be expressing your own message, which can limit how far the government can go in deciding what you are allowed to say. For legal help involving a vanity plate, you can speak with a civil rights attorney through the Super …
What To Do When a Franchisee Breaches the Agreement: Legal Options
When a franchisee breaches a franchise agreement, the franchisor may have several legal options, including giving the franchisee an opportunity to cure the breach, seeking damages, pursuing injunctive relief, or terminating the franchise relationship. The right option depends on the franchise agreement's terms, the type of breach, and any applicable federal or state laws. For legal help with a franchise dispute, connect with a business litigation attorney through the Super Lawyers directory. …
Is a Competitor Harassing Your Business? Legal Actions You Can Take
A business competitor can make life difficult without breaking the law. But when competition involves false statements, interference with customers or contracts, misuse of confidential information, trademark violations, or other wrongful conduct, your business may have legal options. The right response depends on exactly what the competitor is doing, what harm it has caused, and which federal or state laws apply. For legal help with a business competitor dispute, use the Super Lawyers directory …
Resolving Business Disputes With a Subcontractor
A dispute with a subcontractor can involve unpaid work, defective construction, missed deadlines, change orders, or disagreements over what the subcontract requires. Before filing a lawsuit, review the contract, gather the project records, follow any required notice or dispute-resolution procedures, and try to resolve the problem through negotiation, mediation, or arbitration when appropriate. If those efforts fail, you may need to litigate to recover damages or enforce your rights. For legal …
Commercial Lease Dispute? Step-by-Step Guide for Business Tenants
When your commercial landlord and your business disagree, start with the lease. Read the provisions covering rent, repairs, maintenance, alterations, defaults, notice, and termination. Then document what happened and follow any procedures the lease requires before you decide to withhold rent, make repairs yourself, modify the property, or take other action. A decision that seems reasonable from a business standpoint can still create a lease violation if you skip the fine print. For legal help, …
SEC and Commodity Whistleblower Programs: How Financial Industry Insiders Report Fraud
If you have inside information about securities fraud, market manipulation, accounting misconduct, or other financial wrongdoing, you may be able to report it to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and potentially receive a financial award. Both agencies have whistleblower programs that can reward eligible individuals with 10% to 30% of qualifying monetary sanctions. They also offer important protections for insiders concerned …
What Is a Qui Tam Whistleblower Case?
A qui tam whistleblower case lets a private person sue on behalf of the federal government when they have information about fraud involving government funds. Most cases arise under the federal False Claims Act and follow a specific process. The whistleblower, known as a relator, files the case under seal while the government investigates and decides whether to take over the lawsuit. If the case results in a recovery, the whistleblower may be entitled to a portion of the money recovered. If you …
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