Civil Rights, Government & Administrative Law
Browse published legal information questions related to Civil Rights, Government & Administrative Law.
Can I qualify for loan forgiveness if I worked part time at two qualifying nonprofits at the same time?
In general, you may be able to qualify for loan forgiveness if you worked part time at two qualifying nonprofits at the same time, but the answer depends heavily on the specific forgiveness program, the type of loans inv...
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...
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 happens if my PSLF application was denied because my job title did not sound public service related?
If your PSLF application was denied because your job title did not sound public service related, that denial usually does not end the inquiry. In general, PSLF eligibility is not based only on how a job title sounds. Wha...
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...
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...
Do I have to pay back Medicaid from my injury settlement?
In general, Medicaid may have a right to be repaid from part of an injury settlement if Medicaid paid for medical care related to the injury. This is often called Medicaid recovery or reimbursement. The exact rules can d...
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...
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...
Is it legal for my tax refund to be taken because of defaulted student loans?
In general, yes. A tax refund may be taken, or offset, to collect certain past-due debts, including defaulted federal student loans, depending on the facts and the type of debt involved. This is a common collection tool...
What are my rights if a rideshare company refuses to compensate for a driver’s misconduct?
If a rideshare company refuses to compensate you for a driver’s misconduct, your rights usually depend on what happened, what losses you suffered, and what legal duties may apply in Washington. In general, a company’s de...
How do I challenge a denial of total and permanent disability discharge?
A denial of a total and permanent disability discharge can often be challenged by first reading the denial notice closely and identifying the stated reason for the decision. In general, the most important first step is t...
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...
Can police use a statement I made voluntarily before they asked any questions?
In New Jersey, a statement you make voluntarily before police start asking questions may sometimes be used by law enforcement. Whether it can be used often depends on the circumstances, including whether the statement wa...
What are my rights if I was injured as a passenger in my friend’s car?
If you were injured as a passenger in your friend’s car, you may have rights to seek compensation for your injuries under North Dakota law, depending on who caused the crash and what insurance coverage is available. In g...