Recent Blog Posts

NYC Contractors Pay $7.5 Million for Fraud

Houston Business Lawyer — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 16:23:00 GMT

New York City contractors are poised to pay $7.5 million to finally put their fraud charges to bed. This was involving a building project that would connect two commuter rails across the city, the East Side Access Project. When completed, the tunnel will connect the Long Island Railroad to Grand Central Station. So where do the charges come into play? Allegedly the contractors were required to hire "disadvantaged businesses" to help with this job but they did not comply.

The Metropolitan Transit Authority gave permission for the project with the stipulation that disadvantaged workers would be hired when in fact they were not. The contracting company now has to pay $7.5 million in a settlement to both the government and the Metropolitan Transit Authority. This is a perfect example of how big businesses can commit fraud that hurts individuals and smaller businesses. If you were the victim of fraud then speak with a Houston business lawyer from Arnold & Itkin. Contact a Houston fraud attorney from our firm for help getting you the justice you were cheated out of.

New Findings on the Safety of Hydraulic Fracturing

Property Contamination Attorney — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 17:16:00 GMT

In a move that many people will find surprising, U.S. environmentalists and energy officials say they are almost ready to declare hydraulic fracturing (fracking) to be a safe process. Fracking inserts pressurized fluid (usually water mixed with various chemicals) into shale formations to create fractures which allow oil and natural gas to rise to the surface for collection.

The gesture towards declaring fracking safe does not ignore the fact that groundwater contamination has increased in locations where fracking occurs. Instead, officials say that it is not fracking, but poor well construction, that leads to the escape of chemicals into water sources, injuring people, animals and the land. For oil and gas companies involved in fracking, the distinction is crucial. Wells can be designed and constructed with more care; as long as the fracking process itself isn't dangerous, they can continue to collect oil and gas using this very successful retrieval method.

For residents living in areas where fracking takes place (in Texas, the Eagle Ford shale region has seen a huge increase in fracking activity), worries still remain that the latest findings are financially and politically motivated. Fracking is crucial to increasing the domestic supply of oil and gas, thereby lowering prices at the pump and limiting American dependence on foreign oil sources. It is no surprise, then, that American officials are looking for ways to allow fracking to continue in the U.S. without completely ignoring the environmental impact. In Europe, by contrast, the European Union (EU) has commissioned a detailed survey of the laws governing fracking in all member states, to ensure the purity of their groundwater supply and the safety of their citizens.

All individuals have the right to a safe and secure supply of drinking water, regardless of whether the land they live on contains oil or natural gas sources. If you or your property has been adversely affected by negligent fracking practices, you may be entitled to compensation. At Arnold & Itkin, we have extensive experience in helping landowners recover damages from oil and gas companies for harm to their property or injury to their person. A commercial litigation attorney from our firm can assist you in receiving financial compensation; we can also help force the oil and gas companies to restore the contaminated property to an acceptable condition and take action to protect the region from future harm. Contact a property contamination attorney from Arnold & Itkin today for a free consultation.

Are Diamond Beach Developers Hiding Something?

Houston Business Lawyer — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 19:39:00 GMT

Diamond Beach is a luxury resort located in Galveston. They are currently being accused by the International Bank of Commerce for hiding assets. The case is moving toward arbitration soon. The Houston Chronicle reported that the case surfaced after bank claims that the resort's developers are hiding assets so as to evade repayment on their loan- their $40 million loan to be exact. Bank developers touted back with a vehement "no" and continue to be optimistic about the future of their resort. According to the bank, the Diamond Beach resort owner's defaulted on their loan back in October.

Fraud and misrepresentation can drastically damage a business. This is why at Arnold & Itkin, we are prepared to help clients recover fraud damages. If you have become a victim of business or commercial fraud because of a dishonest company, speak with a Houston business lawyer from our firm today. If we evaluate your case and determine that you have a claim, we will fight to see that you get back every penny that you deserve, so contact a Houston business attorney from Arnold & Itkin today.

Nationwide Arrests over Visa Fraud

Houston Business Lawyer — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 19:36:00 GMT

The history of the H-1B visa program has been highly controversial, and recent arrests have continued that trend. Federal agents have detained 13 people from Iowa, California, Massachusetts, Texas, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, and New Jersey accused of representing either themselves or their workers fraudulently when it comes to immigration documents.

The H1-B visa program was put in place for non-citizens who, because of their specialty skills, were granted a special visa so that they could work here. If the employer decides to let that employee go, they must apply for citizenship, find another employer, or leave the United States. Another requirement is that the worker must possess a minimum of a bachelor's degree or license to practice in that particular field.

Vision Systems Group has also been indicted on conspiracy and mail fraud charges. It is alleged that they used fraudulent documents in order to obtain workers into the U.S. under the H-1B visa. These recent allegations have brought the entire H-1B program under scrutiny. An especially concerning fact is that the H-1B visa program continues to be in place even with the rise of unemployment. Many are angry that we are hiring non-citizens when we could be hiring our own citizens.

If you have been accused of fraud, a Houston business lawyer from Arnold & Itkin LLP may be able to help you. Our business law attorneys are aggressive, and offer clients the expertise they need to get the most compensation. When you need experienced legal help regarding a business or commercial litigation case, contact a Houston securities fraud lawyer from our firm today.

2011 in Review: Fracking Disputes in the U.S.

Houston Business Law Attorney — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 01:11:00 GMT

As the hunt for oil and gas independence for the United States continues, 2011 was a year in which fracking, or hydraulic fracturing, was a highly discussed topic. Fracking is known as the process of fracturing the layers of rock deep below the surface by means of high pressured fluid to reach large natural gas reservoirs. Many oil and gas companies throughout the United States participate in fracking as a method of reaching these natural reservoirs deep underneath areas such as the Haynesville Shale and the Barnett Shale. Studies performed have suggested that the natural reservoirs below the surface of the United States will reveal 100 years worth of natural gas for our country. In the year 2011, many individuals began supporting the natural gas quest in hopes of someday reaching independence from foreign oil.

A heated debate was raised just last month in December, however, suggesting a link between hydraulic fracturing and contaminated groundwater nearby. After many others got wind of this EPA study, questions were raised and new regulations for fracturing wastewater disposal may be in the near future. If you currently own land above a natural gas reservoir and you are concerned about your mineral rights or possible property damage due to fracking, please talk to a Houston business lawyer from Arnold & Itkin LLP. Our law firm handles all types of oil and gas cases and can help you understand your rights when a surveyor comes to your door. We can help to make sure that your rights are protected if your land is being disrupted by a company's search for natural gas; if your rights are being violated, we can fight for you in court, if necessary. To learn more about the options you have, contact an oil and gas lawyer from our office today.

Illinois Sued Over Alleged Unfair Hiring Practices

Houston Business Lawyer — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 18:00:00 GMT

A group that represents minority workers in Illinois has sued the transportation department in the state for $650 million. They claim that the state has not done enough to hire these underrepresented workers.

The case was filed by Metro East Black Contactors Organization, Inc. and included disputes for projects such as a new bridge being built over the Mississippi River in St Louis. Even the mayor of East St Louis had threatened to shut down work on the bridge over the issue in hiring disputes.

If you believe that you have been the victim of an unfair practice by a business, please contact a business law attorney from Arnold & Itkin LLP. The team at our law firm can help you understand your rights and determine if they have been breached due to an unfair or biased hiring.

Our law firm truly believes in justice and will stand up to defend your rights. Call us today for a free consultation of your case.

Hearing to be Held Nov. 15 to Review Many Insurance Claims

Arnold & Itkin LLP — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 01:00:00 GMT

After two large storms hit the residents of Connecticut, and much of the East Coast and Gulf Coast states, many are left without compensation and with large deductibles.

As a result, state lawmakers and other members of the community are coming together for a public hearing on Tuesday, November 15^th to learn more about how the insurance industry has responded to these natural disasters.

The committee will review how the insurance companies responded to claims for damage to homes, vehicles and businesses to make a decision whether this was done in a fair manner.

As homeowners, business owners or vehicle owners, many of us purchase insurance to cover the expenses of repairs in an event such as a natural disaster. We pay into this insurance fund, and we expect to get this money if damage has been done.

Unfortunately, many individuals are left without the money they need due to "loopholes" and other reasons that an insurance company has found to make sure that they do not have to pay the claim.

While it is unfair, many people will simply believe their insurance company or meet the unreasonably priced deductible they are asking for. It is important to talk to an insurance lawyer as soon as possible if this has happened to you.

Despite your location in the United States, you deserve to get the money you have been promised by your insurance company. An insurance attorney from Arnold & Itkin LLP can help you recover the damages you are seeking.

From property damage to damage to your business, our law firm has seen it all. We have seen the devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina, Hurricane Ike and Hurricane Irene, and we are prepared to help you through this difficult time.

Contact a hurricane insurance claim attorney from the Houston-based law firm of Arnold & Itkin LLP today for a free consultation of your case.

Energy Company Business Dispute

Texas Business Dispute Lawyer — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 20:59:00 GMT

Most of the electricity in Texas is generated using natural gas. When a Texas electric company buys your energy, they are actually buying this natural gas. In 2008, Texas electric provider Riverway Power started selling electricity at prices far below the market price of most Texas energy providers. It was discovered that Riverway was not hedging their investment and instead, was selling electricity that they bought on the MCPE market as a fixed rate. When the market had a downturn, Riverway was forced to eat the loss and they filed for bankruptcy.

As a result, Riverway Power started raising fixed energy rates and even cancelling electricity contracts with their customers, leaving many Texas residents without a power company. Many of these residents filed electric customer consumer violation complaints because they were left without electricity in the heat of summer. As a residential electric customer, you have consumer protection rights through the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) that protect your household from this kind of situation.

If you feel that you have been wronged by your electric power company or sold a bait-and-switch contract, we can help you file a formal complaint. A Texas business dispute lawyer at our office is ready to represent your case. If you have questions on electrical defects or contract laws, we may have the answers you need to move forward in seeking compensation for your troubles. Contact a Texas business dispute lawyer today to schedule your complimentary consultation.

Welcome to our Texas Business Law Blog

Texas Business Lawyer — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 18:40:00 GMT

We are pleased to announce the launch of our Texas Business Law Blog.