About Canaan Suitt, J.D.
Canaan Suitt received his J.D. from William & Mary Law School. After serving as a senior editor for the law school’s comparative law blog, he was a staff member of the William & Mary Environmental Law and Policy Review (ELPR). As a legal intern at the National Center for State Courts, he assisted in international rule of law projects and policy review; as a research assistant, he studied political dynamics in the U.S. federal judiciary. His articles on law and philosophy have been published in the ELPR as well as the academic journal Dewey Studies. He loves using his background in research and writing to make legal information accessible. Canaan currently writes for SuperLawyers.com. In his free time, he enjoys reading, travel, and being a cat dad.
Articles written by Canaan Suitt, J.D.
Who Is Liable for a Dog Bite?
Treatment for dog bite injuries can result in significant medical bills and time away from work. If you've suffered injuries from a dog bite or other animal attack, you may be wondering if you can get compensation. Liability for dog bite injuries and your ability to recover compensation depend on several factors. Some states have strict liability laws for dog bite injuries, while others follow a common-law rule that can impose liability when an owner knew or should have known of the dog's …
How To Prove Wrongful Death
Wrongful death is when someone dies due to another party's negligence or intentional actions. The party responsible may be another person or company. Wrongful death claims are civil lawsuits, brought by the deceased person's surviving family members or estate, against the party responsible for the death. In a wrongful death lawsuit, the family members can recover compensation for losses caused by the untimely death. For legal advice after the death of your loved one caused by negligence, talk …
When Can I Sue for Brain Injuries?
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), tens of thousands of people suffer a brain-related injury every year. Many traumatic brain injuries result in disability or death. In addition to lifelong medical consequences, brain injuries can bring severe financial burdens due to medical expenses, lost wages, and lost earning potential. If you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury, it’s possible to get compensation. This article will give an overview of the …
Can I Get Compensation for a Dog Bite?
Dog bites can result in medical expenses, time away from work, and emotional distress. However, you can get compensation for these losses. Because animals are considered property in the eyes of the law, owners are responsible for injuries their pets cause. Often, the owner's insurance policy will cover the compensation. An attorney experienced in handling dog bite cases will be able to assess the strength of a potential claim and protect your rights and options. Gather Evidence of the Dog …
How Do I Adopt a Child?
Adopt a child by deciding on the adoption path and passing the home review, fingerprinting, background checks, references, financial disclosure, and post-placement visits. The adoption process depends on the adoption type and generally requires a home study, birth parent consent, and the finalization hearing for an adoption decree. Types of adoption include agency, private, foster, and stepparent adoption. Adopting a child in another state requires ICPC approval under interstate compacts. …
Do I Need a Lawyer for an Uncontested Adoption?
It is not uncommon for the birth parent of a minor child to remarry, and their new spouse wants to adopt that child as their own. Oftentimes, the other biological parent is no longer present or has no interest in contesting such a stepparent adoption. Does this mean the stepparent can proceed with an uncontested adoption without an adoption attorney? Strictly speaking, you do not have to hire an attorney to complete the adoption process. That does not make it a good idea. Even in the best-case …
How To Get Child Custody
To obtain child custody, you must file a custody petition in the family court jurisdiction and serve the summons on the other parent. Using legal representation, create a draft parenting plan, a visitation schedule, and demonstrate why you should have sole physical custody based on the child's best interests standards. The family court can issue a temporary custody order before an evidentiary hearing for a sole or joint legal custody, where the parents and a guardian ad litem can present …
Landlord Rights and Responsibilities
Landlords are individuals or businesses that rent property to tenants in exchange for payment. If you’re a landlord, you have several important rights and responsibilities towards your tenants. Whether you’re planning to be a landlord for the first time or already have experience renting real estate, it’s important to understand the landlord-tenant law governing your role. Knowing your rights and responsibilities as a landlord can help prevent legal issues with your tenant from …
Know Your Tenant Rights
If you rent an apartment or house, you have important basic rights. Landlord-tenant laws at the local, state, and federal levels protect tenants' rights and interests, including the right to a habitable living environment, protection from unfair eviction, and the return of security deposits. For advice on your legal rights and how to enforce them, speak with a local landlord-tenant attorney. Quiet Enjoyment As a tenant, you have the right to enjoy your property without obstruction or intrusion …
When and How To File for Bankruptcy
To initiate bankruptcy proceedings, you must file a bankruptcy petition and pay the filing fee in federal court. When you are facing insolvency, debt default, and need an automatic stay from creditors, bankruptcy provides discharge options, credit counseling, and debtor education. A means test determines whether you can file Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Chapter 7 asset liquidation bankruptcy appoints a trustee to sell off non-exempt property. Chapter 13 bankruptcy, with financial …
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