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.
Do I Need a Construction Accident Lawyer?
Construction work is one of the more dangerous professions in the United States. If you work in construction, you or someone you know has probably experienced a construction site accident. If an accident resulted in injuries, you might be wondering what your legal options are and if you need a lawyer. Dealing with the aftermath of a workplace injury can be complicated. If legal action is involved, things can get even more complex. Speaking with an experienced construction accident attorney can …
Hiring a Construction Accident Attorney
Even with robust workplace safety regulations, construction sites can be hazardous areas. The construction industry tends to have more fatalities each year than other industries, often due to falls and falling objects. So, if you are a construction worker, you or a colleague may have experienced some accident on the job site. Construction site accidents can result in serious injury, large medical bills, and extended time away from work. If you have experienced a construction site injury, you …
Joint Tenancy vs. Tenants in Common: What's the Difference?
There are many situations in which you could own property with someone else. Common examples include a couple buying their first house together, friends purchasing a piece of real estate to share for recreation or business purposes, and inheriting a piece of property with siblings. Each of these arrangements raises legal questions for the co-owners. What ownership interests do you have as a co-owner? What share of the property is yours? Can you use the entire property even if you aren’t the …
Legitimate Reasons You Can Sue Your Landlord (And Win)
If you’re renting a house or apartment, you want your tenancy to be free of problems and conflicts. When issues come up, you want them solved quickly. If problems do arise with your landlord, it's essential to understand what you can do and when legal action may be necessary. Knowing your options is key to restoring peace as quickly as possible. For legal advice, reach out to a local landlord-tenant law attorney. Can You Sue Your Landlord? The short answer to this question is: Yes, you can. …
How To Legally Resolve Parking Disputes with Neighbors
You’ve just commuted home from work after a busy day. You live in a neighborhood with street parking, and today, your next-door neighbor has managed to take up all the parking in front of your house. And this isn’t the first time. Because of how your neighbor has parked, you have to drive a couple of blocks and spend valuable time searching before you can find a spot. This is an example of one of the many parking issues that can arise between neighbors. While parking-related problems are …
How Long Does It Take To Evict a Tenant From an Apartment or House?
The amount of time it takes for an eviction ranges from about three weeks to three months or longer, depending on local laws. The eviction timeline generally includes a notice period, a court hearing process, and issuing a writ of possession before the sheriff can lock out the holdover tenant. After getting a notice to cure or quit, the landlord files the case in court, with a summons of service, giving the tenant time to file an answer. After the court issues judgment for possession, the …
Can I Sue My Neighbor for Excessive Noise?
It’s the middle of the week, and you have a busy workday tomorrow. You’re tired and want to get a good night’s rest. You get in bed early, but then around midnight, your neighbor starts playing loud music that jolts you awake. Your night’s rest is ruined, and you are even more frazzled than before. Excessive noise is not just a nuisance — it can also be a health problem. Noise nuisances can cause stress and anxiety and even pack enough decibels to damage your hearing. If your neighbor …
What Can You Legally Do About Neighbor Disputes Over Trees?
Trees can be a wonderful feature of your landscape. They provide shade, improve the health of your yard and local ecosystem, and increase the beauty of your property. However, trees can also be the root of neighbor disputes. Tree disputes can arise in many situations. If not maintained, trees can become an eyesore or even a hazard. Tree branches hanging over your property line can cause property damage by dropping debris, clogging gutters, or brushing against your house. If a neighbor removes …
Can You Sue a Neighbor for Mental or Verbal Harassment?
No one ever wants to deal with neighbor disputes. We want our homes to be safe and peaceful places. However, conflicts with neighbors do arise and sometimes can devolve into neighbor harassment. The good news in such a stressful situation is that you have tools to stop the harassment, many of which don’t involve a civil lawsuit or criminal charges. If legal action becomes necessary, however, it’s important to understand your legal rights and options. For legal advice on neighbor issues …
What Is Defamation Law?
Defamation law is the legal framework regulating false statements that cause reputational damage. A private individual can sue for damages when someone negligently makes a false statement of fact that causes harm. There is a qualified privilege for defamation against public figures unless it is made with actual malice. Libel is defamation in published content; slander is spoken defamation. Defendants have a truth defense or opinion defense in litigation. Plaintiffs can seek a retraction request …
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