Dissolution of Marriage: Before the 20th century, divorce was an infrequent event. The Colony of Massachusetts Bay, pre-1776, created a judicial tribunal that granted divorces because of bigamy, desertion, adultery, and even impotence. Even though laws were in place, the colonies in the south did all they could to prevent divorce.

As of 1776, divorce laws were less restrictive but women, not recognized as a person, could not easily claim ownership of land and money until The Married Women’s Property Act in 1848. By the end of the 18th century, a person could get a divorce in states such as the Dakotas, Indiana, and Utah.

In the 50s, divorce required a court appearance and proving fault like adultery. In the 1970s, divorce law changed to no-fault divorces.

Industrialization’s move to machines increased the number and severity of injuries among workers. Thus, workers began to sue employers for injuries and deaths. The 1913 National Safety Council was tasked to study injury-related problems and reduce the number of accidents.

The most famous personal injury case was in 1992 when an elderly lady spilled McDonald’s very hot coffee on her lap. While many conversations today make light of her $20,000 lawsuit, the woman suffered from third-degree burns and more than a week's stay in the hospital. Her injury compensation lawyer helped her win the personal injury lawsuit. She was awarded almost $3,000,000.

Contrary to pop culture’s complaints about personal injury lawyers, today the specialization seeks to protect individuals, keep them safe, and provide for them while they recover from their injuries.

When you need representation in a personal injury matter, Experience Matters! Contact Wes Hatcher, personal injury lawyer, at The Hatcher Law Firm in Panama, Florida to set up a consultation by calling (850) 724-4901.

The term “domestic violence” did not exist before the 20th century. Before this time United State laws turned a blind eye to a husband’s violence against his wife. In the 1950s, police did intervene in domestic situations, but the abuser rarely was charged and convicted. In the 1970s the Women’s Movement demanded change. In the past domestic abuse was thought to be the man in the relationship abusing the female, but these definitions have expanded to include any type of abuse and any person. Abuse also includes sexual, financial, and emotional.

If you find yourself a victim of domestic violence, your first call should be to the authorities. Then, after you are safe and when you need representation, Experience Matters! Contact Wes Hatcher, domestic violence victim attorney, at the Hatcher Law Firm in Panama City, Florida by calling (850) 724-4901.