Supplying the Teachers Who Nurture Kids’ Minds

Zanes Law’s Annual Teacher School Supply Giveaway, an Event Near and Dear to Our Hearts

By Doug Zanes

Nothing brings greater joy to the people of Zanes Law than hosting our Annual Teacher School Supply Giveaway. In August 2018, we hosted our 8th Annual Teacher School Supply Giveaway where we happily gifted 450 Tucson teachers with around $30,000 of free school supplies.

It was an honor to help these teachers who spend hundreds of dollars of their own money every year to buy supplies for their classrooms.

A group of friends and professional women volunteered for the 2018 school supply giveaway. The group’s spokesperson was thrilled to be there. “We are so excited to see hundreds of teachers go through the lines and play and dance and win more stuff and take the supplies back to their schools so they can do what they do best, which is teach our kids,” she said.

Teachers receive what they need, thanks to Zanes Law’s constant outreach via the private Facebook page the firm created for the Annual Teacher School Giveaway. Today, the group has 1,000 local school teacher members.

“We talk to them throughout the school year, connect with them to see what supplies are needed,” said Casey Hamm, of Zanes Law. “And we engage with them throughout the year until we get to see them at the Giveaway in August.

“It’s something we love doing each year,” Casey said.

A Brief History Lesson

Eight years ago, Zanes CEO Claudia Zanes, who happens to be my wife, recognized how desperately Tucson schools needed supplies. Due to a lack of school funding, teachers were emptying their personal wallets to buy paper and other supplies for their students. Many students were showing up to school without even the most basic supplies like pencils, notebooks, and glue.

Claudia and I deeply value education. We could not stand by idly and watch as our Tucson schoolchildren were denied of everything a school experience could be. That’s when we decided to launch an Annual Teacher School Giveaway. It was the best decision we ever made.

“People are extremely important to us,” Claudia said. “Connection is important to us. Being able to help and contribute to the community that we live in, play in, and do business in, is very important to us.”

The first School Supply Giveaway still warms the hearts of local teachers who recall the day.

“I was there!” local teacher Amanda Knutson posted on the Zanes Law Facebook page. “This day is still a great memory–the generosity and friendliness of the staff, the huge bags filled with individual and personal requested items, just an awesome experience.”

The first Giveaway launched with 100 teachers in attendance. “Every year, we get more applications,” Casey said.

Joining Forces to Double Our Community Impact by Helping a Local Shelter

We honor a tradition of partnering with a local organization every year so we can maximize our impact on the community. For our 2018 Annual Teacher School Supply Giveaway, we partnered with Casa Maria Catholic Worker Community, an organization devoted to acts of mercy, including feeding and clothing those in need.

We coordinated our efforts by asking every teacher who attended the Annual Teacher School Giveaway to bring one item to donate to Casa Maria Catholic Worker Community. By the end of the event, we had collected nearly 1,000 items.

Looking Forward to Our 2019 Annual Teacher School Supply Giveaway

It won’t be long before we start accepting registration forms for our 2019 Annual School Supply Giveaway. Stay tuned to our website or Facebook page for updates on when registration will open.

When we “open our doors” for applications, keep the following information in mind:

Qualification Criteria

• You must be present at the day of the giveaway and be able to pick up your own supplies.
• You must be a current Tucson elementary school teacher.*
• Applications are limited to one per teacher.
• Priority is given to elementary school teachers, but middle school and high school teachers will be permitted if space permits.

General Notes for Applying to Join Us at Our 2019 School Supply Giveaway

• Fill out the entire application.
• Double-check the spelling of your email address.
• Use a non-school email.
• Add chamm@zaneslaw.com to your address book.
• Spots are first come, first served.
• Applying does not secure you a place.
• Email Casey at chamm@zaneslaw.com with questions.
• Join our Facebook group to stay in the know.

*Exceptions:

• If you joined us at a previous Giveaway but have moved up a grade to middle or high school, you may apply, but elementary school teachers will be given priority)
• If you joined us at a previous Giveaway but have moved cities, you may apply, but priority will be given to Tucson applicants.

See you soon, Tucson teachers! Something tells me this year’s School Supply Giveaway is going to be better than ever!

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What’s the Difference Between a Class Action and Mass Tort Lawsuit?

What’s the Difference Between a Class Action and Mass Tort Lawsuit?

A mass tort lawsuit involves several to many individuals harmed by a company, product, or event. Likewise, a class action lawsuit involves several to many individuals harmed by a company, product, or event.

In those ways, mass tort and class action suits are similar. So, what’s the difference? At the simplest level, there are two dissimilarities.

1. Upon winning a judgment, monetary awards are distributed differently based on whether it’s a mass tort or class action suit.
2. The types of injuries under the mass tort or class action lawsuit umbrella differ because of how degrees of injuries, circumstances and events are considered person by person.

And while the difference between them may seem simple, the distinctions are important when it comes to procedural, litigious and equitable monetary outcome.

The Differences: A Further Explanation:

Mass Tort Lawsuit : Though included as one of many plaintiffs participating in a “group” legal compensatory action, a victim’s specific injuries will be considered individually on a person by person, case-by-case basis. In mass tort lawsuits, an injured party will be compensated in direct respect to the degree and severity of their injury.

To explain with an example, let’s imagine a plane crash victim endures a facial laceration. The cut will heal, and she may be left with a scar. She is awarded, for the sake of this hypothetical example, a few thousand dollars for her injury. In the same plane crash, a different passenger is permanently paralyzed. The compensation requirement for such a dramatic life-altering injury and resultant lifetime expenses because of it, of course, demands a higher monetary settlement.

In a successful mass tort judgment, the paralyzed victim would receive a settlement commensurate with the severity of his injury. While the facial laceration victim would receive a lesser settlement commensurate with her more minor injury. A mass tort claim allows the injured victim to seek compensation in direct relation to his or her actual damages.

So, when a mass tort case is won against the defendant, financial remuneration will vary based on the severity of each individual’s injury.

Class Action Lawsuit :

A class action lawsuit may also be initiated when many people have suffered injuries from the same product or event. When the injuries are minor but still concerning and unfair, the pursuit of monetary compensation as an individual may not be worth the litigation and attorney expenses. But when the suit has many people in its group, pursuing compensation and restoration through a class action may be the more feasible means to monetary recovery.

Unlike a plaintiff in a mass tort lawsuit, a group of injured people who have sustained different types or degrees of injury, any money awards will be distributed exactly equally among all the participants.

Examples of events that may necessitate a class action lawsuit may be either or both physical and emotional injuries. Physical injuries to a group of people, for instance, may be caused by a toxic spill, prescribed medicine, faulty products, vehicles and the like. Non-physical injuries may be included in a class action lawsuit for events such as employee racial discrimination, security and financial fraud, and predatory lending.

How Do You Decide Whether to Pursue Suit or Not? Zanes Law Firm’s attorneys have the resources, financial capital, experience and support staff to see mass tort and class action suits through to settlement. To help you decide whether it makes sense for you to either initiate a mass tort or class action lawsuit, or participate in an existing one, you need to meet with an attorney to discuss the feasibility of your case.

Here’s What Zanes Law Firm Will Do For You: Our no worry guarantee is that we cover all the discovery, research, administrative, travel, witness interview and court expenses whether you win or lose. Only when we win your case, will you pay a fee.

What You Should Do Next: Call or email now. Call us at 844.926.3752. or email us using our contact form. Then, let’s schedule an appointment so we can review your options.

Also, if you need help with any immigration-related issue, don’t hesitate to visit our site immigrationinformation.org.

Keeping Safe on the Road on Thanksgiving Eve

Keeping Safe on the Road on Thanksgiving Eve

On Thanksgiving Eve, millions of people across America joyfully take to their cars to celebrate the holiday with family and friends. But here’s a sobering fact: not everyone in the country will make it to the dinner table.

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Drowsy Driving: At What Point Does Sleep Deprivation Make Your Driving Suffer?

Drowsy Driving: At What Point Does Sleep Deprivation Make Your Driving Suffer?

 Few people would ever admit to drunk driving, but many would have no problem confessing to driving while drowsy. Make no mistake, though: drowsy driving is dangerous. Drowsy driving was responsible for approximately 72,000 crashes, 44,000 injuries and over 800 deaths in 2015, according to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. And those figures might be an underestimate. The Center for Disease Controlreports that drowsy driving may cause many as 6,000 fatal crashes every year.

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2018 Zanes Law School Supply Giveaway Recipients!

Hello Teachers!

Here is everything you need to know about the giveaway along with a list of all registered teachers!

Zanes Law’s 8th Annual School Supply Giveaway:

• Date: Saturday, August 4th
• Time: 8:30am-10:00am (you may arrive anytime between those times)
• WHERE: Our office! 3501 E. Speedway Blvd. Tucson, Arizona 85716 (parking lot).
• Please bring some form of ID with your name on it so our registration table can check you in promptly.
• You will be provided a large tote for your supplies. However, we recommend bringing another carrying case/bag to distribute the weight.

PLEASE BRING A DONATION! As always we partner with another local organization to maximize our efforts as a community! This year we are partnering with Casa Maria Catholic Worker Community!

This local Tucson organization helps those in DESPERATE need of food and hygiene products. Please, please, please take a minute to look through your kitchen or swing by the store before Saturday! Our goal is to collect 1,000 items! If everyone brings 2-3 items we will surpass this!! It can be as simple as ramen or mac-n-cheese! Everything counts! Needed items include: Non-Perishable food items, hygiene products, Used or new blankets, jackets, sweaters for the upcoming cold months!

• This will be my first year attending…. Is this real? What’s the catch? Yes, this is real! The morning of Saturday, August 4th, you will check-in, get in line, and pick up free school supplies! You are free to leave right after or stick around and play games for a chance to win additional school supplies! I guess the ONE CATCH we have is that we ask you to check-in at Zanes Law and tag Zanes Law on Facebook if you have one! Post a selfie with friends or let us know on Facebook that you are here. Our team LOVES to scroll through our Facebook page and see all of your comments and photos- especially the Monday after the event. We scroll all morning on the big screen and everyone’s heart is filled!
• Will there be enough supplies for everyone? Of course! We plan the amount of purchased supplies based off of our head count. Every teacher will receive the same amount of supplies unless they choose to participate in other activities where they can win additional items! This is why the RSVP process and headcount Is SO important!!
•  Can I bring friends and family to the event? Of course! However, as a courtesy to our registered teachers, your personal guests cannot collect school supplies unless they have submitted an application and are on the “registration list”.
• Do I need to bring anything? Yes, please bring any form of ID to check in and another carrying case such as a rolling cart or bag. You will be given a tote to collect your supplies, however, the bags do get heavy so having an extra carrying case to help distribute the weight is suggested!
  • **Note: we highly recommend leaving coffee, snacks, etc inside your car. You will be carrying a lot of supplies with your totes and juggling a coffee or smoothie makes it very difficult to carry everything! Don’t say I didn’t warn you! 😉
• Do I have to attend the event to collect my supplies? Yes, you must be present the day of the event to collect your supplies unless you send someone else to pick them up for you. All left over supplies will be donated to a local school and may not be picked up after the event.
• Uh oh! My friend had an emergency- can I collect supplies for a teacher friend who is on the list, but cannot make it? Yes, however, you must collect your items first and re-register under your friend’s name and get back in line. This means you will be going through the line twice.  As a courtesy to our teachers we want the line to move as quickly as possible. Collecting supplies for more than one person slows the line down. It’s hot outside and we have to keep the line moving!
• How long is the giveaway? You may attend anytime between 8:30am-10:00am. It should take no longer than 30 minutes to collect your supplies; however, many teachers stay longer to enjoy additional activities and win more supplies! Please note that at 10:00am we start packing up the supplies immediately so please do not arrive after 10:00am.
• Where should I park? There is a large parking lot where the event is held, however, we recommend carpooling because spots are limited. There is also street parking on the North and West side of the building. Please DO NOT park at the Crossfit gym next to our building.
• Water/bathrooms- There is a water fountain and bathrooms in the lobby of the main building. The lobby door will be propped open for teacher use.

We take RSVPs VERY SERIOUSLY! If you RSVPd and your name is on the list below, please plan on attending! We understand that emergencies happen, however, each year we have no-shows. If you simply do not show up that means a bag of supplies could have gone to another teacher in need. We have hundreds of teachers on the waitlist and appreciate your understanding!

If your name is NOT on the lis,  you will be unable to collect supplies (unless you are collecting for another teacher of course).

2018 Zanes Law School Supply Giveaway Recipients!

Social Host Liability When You Have a Party

Social Host Liability: Your Legal Responsibilities To Guests At Your Home

You cleaned the bathrooms and stocked the fridge for your guests. What else should you do in order to provide a safe environment and avoid social host liability? Have you inspected your home for potential hazards like slippery sidewalks? According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, even falling furniture threatens safety since around 11,076 children suffered injures from furniture tipovers between 2008 and 2010. Before hosting guests, understand your social host liability. Understand your legal responsibilities for your guests safety.

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Weatherproofing Your Car and Home for Winter (Yes, Even in Arizona)

In 2015, 143 people suffered injuries on snowy Arizona roads, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation. Additionally, the U.S. Fire Administration reported that 28 people died in residential fires. Prepare for these and other winter risks when you weatherproof your vehicle and home.

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The Most Common Injuries on College Campuses

College is a thrilling experience, but can be dangerous. Although it’s a time for young men and women to explore new intellectual terrain, discover latent passions, meet lifelong friends and experiment in a safe environment, all college students need to be aware of the injuries on college campuses that occur regularly.

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Why Do People Tailgate While Driving?

As A Phoenix Car Accident Lawyer I See Too Many Tailgating Car Accidents.

Tailgate parties at the big game are fun, but tailgating on the road is another story. When a driver follows another vehicle too closely, everyone on the road is at risk, and this practice is deadly. From 2012 to 2014, rear-end crashes killed 5,100 people, reports the National Transportation Safety Board. This report makes it clear that there are too many tailgating car accidents. To improve safety on the road, learn the reasons why people choose to tailgate and what you can do about it.

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FIVE TIPS TO KEEP YOU FROM BEING SCAMMED AFTER A NATURAL DISASTER

Natural Disaster Scams – FIVE TIPS FROM ZANES LAW

The charitable outpouring has been amazing and inspiring in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, but natural disaster scams are rampant after a natural disaster. It is important that we all know how to give without getting taken advantage of.  Typically, within hours of any natural disaster, natural disaster scams pretending to be charities get set up and begin looking for victims. To put this into perspective, in 2012 before Hurricane Sandy struck scammers had created donation websites so that they would be positioned to collect money immediately after the storm made landfall. The typical natural disaster scams begin in this way.

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