News
Lives Derailed: The Concealed Crisis of Railroad Worker Safety
In the sweltering heat of a July afternoon in 2018, the tragic fate of Gregory West unfolded in the rugged terrain of northern Tennessee. West, a 57-year-old engineer, and his conductor found themselves in dire straits when their train stalled; at the end of their shift, they were still left stranded. Directed by rail company officials to reach a rendezvous point on foot, West embarked on an arduous hour-long trek across steep hills, burdened with two heavy bags, in the oppressive summer heat. Tragically,
From Gulf Shores to Global Shores: Galveston’s Ascendancy in the Cruise Industry
The coastal city of Galveston, Texas, is charting a course towards becoming a leading destination and debarkation site in the cruise industry. With the recent announcement by MSC Cruises, the world’s third-largest cruise operator, Galveston is poised to solidify its status as a key player on the maritime map. Starting in 2025, MSC Cruises will anchor its stunning MSC Seascape at the Texas port, marking a significant milestone in the city’s nautical history. As maritime attorneys who represent
Cruise Ship Injuries: Charting Your Course to Compensation
Going on a cruise is usually about fun and relaxation, but if you get hurt, it can quickly turn into a big headache. Dealing with a personal injury on a cruise ship isn’t just about healing; it’s also about understanding the many maritime laws that are different from what we’re used to on land. Filing a lawsuit under these laws can be like trying to find your way through a maze, where you need to know the right steps to take and the right people to talk to. Here at Herd Law Firm, we are experienced in
20 Essential Tips for a Successful Mediation
Mediation, a form of alternative dispute resolution, offers parties the opportunity to resolve their disputes without the need for litigation. In Texas, as with other jurisdictions, understanding the nuances and guidelines for successful mediation can be the key to achieving a favorable outcome for all involved. Below are 20 essential tips for an effective mediation.Be Prepared: As with any legal process, being well-prepared gives you a solid foundation. Know the facts, the applicable law, and the
Texas’ Troubling Trend: A Closer Look at the Lone Star State’s Drunk Driving Problem
Texas, with a population nearing 30 million, faces a critical issue concerning road safety. Recent findings from Forbes Advisor place the Lone Star State alarmingly high in rankings for drunken drivers involved in fatal crashes and the percentage of traffic deaths due to alcohol impairment. This concerning trend calls for a deeper examination of the underlying factors and the consequences for the state. The Disturbing Statistics Forbes Advisor’s comprehensive study compared all 50 states across six
Navigating the Seas of Justice: Understanding the Laws that Protect Merchant Mariners and Maritime Workers
The world of maritime work is as vast and complex as the oceans these workers navigate. From merchant mariners to offshore oil rig workers, these individuals face unique challenges and risks. It’s crucial, therefore, to understand the legal frameworks that exist to protect them, and how maritime lawyers (such as ourselves at Herd Law Firm!) play a pivotal role in upholding their rights. The Unique Legal Landscape of the Sea Maritime work does not generally fit neatly into standard labor laws. Instead,
Adobe Acrobat: Revolutionizing the Way Small and Local Companies Do Business
Adobe Acrobat is a versatile software suite that offers a wide range of benefits for small and local businesses. From document management to collaboration and security features, Acrobat is an indispensable tool for organizations of all sizes for many reasons: Efficient Document Management: Acrobat provides robust document management capabilities, allowing businesses to create, edit, organize, and archive documents seamlessly. With features like merging, splitting, and indexing PDFs, businesses can
How to Recession-Proof Your Small Business
According to the National Bureau of Economic Research, a recession is a significant decline in economic activity that spreads throughout the economy and lasts longer than a few months. Recessions are normal parts of business cycles. While they may be alarming, periods of recession can be weathered by many businesses if they prepare in advance. Take a look at these tips and resources to help you do just that. Go Digital with Adobe Acrobat Tools Recession-proofing a small business by going
Your Degree Is Not Your Destiny: How To Succeed in Business Without a College Education
It’s no secret that having a college degree can open up many career opportunities. But what if you don’t have a degree? Does that mean you can't follow your dreams and achieve your goals? Absolutely not. With the right knowledge and resources, you can become an entrepreneur without a college degree. The Greater Tomball Area Chamber of Commerce has put together a list of helpful tips to help you get started; let's take a look.Start with an LLC Designation One of the first steps to launching your own
Homesteaders Can Start A Thriving Hobby Farm Business Using This Guide
Hobby farming can be an extremely rewarding endeavor, whether you’re growing vegetables or raising bees, and it’s a great way to create a sustainable lifestyle. For many hobby farmers, part of that lifestyle includes monetizing the fruits of their labor. Starting a business by selling your products requires a strong strategy and some research, but the process is made simpler by the vast array of resources available these days to anyone who wants to be an entrepreneur. Think about what the basis of
Readying Your Tomball Small Business for a Successful Fourth Quarter
The fourth quarter is upon us, which means it's time to start wrapping up the year and preparing for the next one. For small businesses, this can be a hectic time. There are year-end goals to evaluate, new goals to set, holiday marketing to plan, inventory to stock up on, and taxes to prepare for. But don't worry—the Greater Tomball Area Chamber of Commerce has got you covered. Here's a quick rundown of what you need to do to get your small business ready for the fourth quarter. Evaluating