Civil Rights, Government & Administrative Law
Browse published legal information questions related to Civil Rights, Government & Administrative Law.
What are my rights if my renters insurance claim is denied for water damage from a burst pipe?
If your renters insurance claim is denied for water damage from a burst pipe, you usually have the right to ask the insurer for a clear explanation of the denial and a copy of the policy language it relied on. In general...
What are my rights if someone on TikTok falsely accused me of abusing my dog?
If someone on TikTok falsely accused you of abusing your dog, you may have several possible rights under general Illinois law, depending on what was said, how it was shared, and whether it caused harm. In many situations...
Do I have to pay my own emergency room bill after someone else’s dog bit me?
In general, yes, you may have to pay the emergency room bill first, even if someone else’s dog bit you. Hospitals usually bill the patient who received treatment, and your own health insurance, if you have it, may be the...
What are my rights if my school closed after I transferred credits to another college?
If your school closed after you transferred credits to another college, your rights usually depend on several separate issues: whether the closed school was your original school, whether you had already withdrawn, whethe...
Is it legal for an insurer to reduce my settlement because I had a prior back injury?
In general, an insurer may try to reduce the value of a settlement if it believes part of your current back condition was already present before the accident or event at issue. That does not automatically mean the reduct...
My Neighbor’s Security Camera Points Into My Bedroom — Is That Legal?
In Florida, a neighbor’s security camera pointing into your bedroom may raise serious privacy concerns, but the answer usually depends on the camera’s placement, what it captures, and the facts surrounding the recording....
Can I file an antiharassment order against a neighbor who bangs on my walls every night and screams threats?
In Washington, you may be able to ask a court for an antiharassment order if a neighbor’s conduct fits the legal definition of harassment. In general, that kind of order is used to address a course of conduct that seriou...
Can an internet company send me to collections for equipment I returned with a tracking number?
In general, an internet company may still try to send an account balance to collections even if you returned the equipment, if the company’s records do not show the return, if the return was processed incorrectly, or if...
Can I Get Medical Bills, Lost Wages, and Pain and Suffering From a Defective Bike Claim?
In Pennsylvania, a defective bike claim may sometimes allow an injured person to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering, but the available damages usually depend on the facts, the type of...
What happens if someone posted a false accusation in a Discord server with 300 members?
If someone posted a false accusation in a Discord server with 300 members, the main legal issue is often whether the statement can be treated as defamation under Wisconsin law. In general, a false statement shared with o...
Is it legal for a private lender to sue me for a student loan from 12 years ago?
In general, a private lender may be able to sue over an unpaid student loan, even if the loan is old, but whether the lawsuit is legally allowed depends on several facts. The most important issue is usually the statute o...
How do I handle a dog bite claim when the owner says the dog belongs to someone else?
In general, a dog owner saying “that dog belongs to someone else” does not necessarily end a dog bite claim. In Vermont, as in many states, liability can depend on who had control of the dog, who kept or cared for it, wh...
What are my rights if my landlord gave me an eviction notice after I reported code violations?
If you are in Maryland and your landlord gave you an eviction notice after you reported code violations, you may have protections against retaliatory eviction. In general, landlords cannot legally punish tenants just for...
How do I prove someone recorded me without permission during a private phone call?
If you think someone recorded a private phone call without permission in Massachusetts, the first step is usually to gather any evidence that suggests a recording actually happened. That may include text messages, emails...
Do I have to pay a debt collector if the debt was already settled?
If a debt was already settled, you generally may not owe the full amount the collector is asking for. In many situations, a settlement means the creditor agreed to accept a reduced amount or a specific payment plan as fu...