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Securities Litigation Attorney Pursues Compensation for Investor Losses in GPB Holdings

Wolper Law Firm P.A.

Fort Lauderdale, FL (Law Firm Newswire) June 19, 2019 - The Wolper Law Firm is currently investigating potential claims against various brokerage firms that received a total of $100 million in commissions by recommending their clients invest in private placement securities issued by GPB Capital Holdings.

GPB Capital Holdings, LLC is a New York based alternative asset management firm that started in 2013. Initially, the company accepted investments from 4,000 investors, receiving hundreds of millions of dollars in capital. In addition, GPB Capital Holdings encouraged brokerage houses to recommend its products by offering lucrative commissions, up to nearly 8 percent of the investment amount. In total, GPB Capital Holdings took in $1.5 billion. It is believed that brokerage firms Royal Alliance Associates, Inc., Sagepoint Financial, Inc., FSC Securities Corp., Woodbury Financial Services, Inc., Newbridge Securities, Ladenburg Thalmann, and Hightower Securities also sold GPB Capital Holdings Funds.

GPB Capital Holdings invested through a variety of different private placements, including the following:

· GPB Automotive Portfolio, LP
· GPB Cold Storage, LP
· GPB Eurobond Finance PLC
· GPB Holdings II, LP
· GPB Holdings, III, LP
· GPB Holdings Qualified, LP
· GPB Holdings, LP
· GPB NYC Development
· GPB Scientific, LLC
· GPB Waste Management, LP formerly: GPB Waste Management Fund, LP.

In 2017, GPB Capital Holdings was involved in a dispute with a former partner, who allegedly reneged on an agreement to sell several car dealerships. GPB Capital Holdings filed several claims against the former partner, among them a claim for $42 million. In the course of litigation, the former partner explained that GPB Capital Holdings is nothing more than a “very complicated and manipulative Ponzi scheme.”

In 2018, GPB Capital Holdings failed to file necessary financial reports with the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC). Shortly after that, the company announced that it was no longer accepting new investments and that it was “straightening out” the accounting for two of its larger funds – GPB Holdings II and GPB Automotive Portfolio. Amidst this uncertainty, the company’s auditor resigned, citing perceived risks.

These issues prompted several regulatory authorities, including the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) and the SEC, to look into GPB Capital Holdings. In addition, an investigation is pending into the 63 broker-dealers that sold private placements by GPB Capital Holdings. As a result of these investigations, investors stand to lose significant capital, including their principle investment. The brokerage firms that recommended private placement securities that were issued by GPB Capital Holdings may not have conducted the necessary due diligence before recommending these products and may be liable for investors’ losses.

The Wolper Law Firm represents investors nationwide in securities litigation on a contingency fee basis. Matt Wolper, the Managing Principal of the Wolper Law Firm, is a veteran trial lawyer who has handled hundreds of securities cases during his career. The Wolper Law Firm can be reached at 800.931.8452 or at https://wolperlawfirm.com/

Contact:
Wolper Law Firm, P.A.
Matt Wolper
Main Office
Fort Lauderdale, FL
1250 S. Pine Island Road
Suite 325
Plantation, FL 33324
Toll-Free: 800.931.8452
mwolper@wolperlawfirm.com

Additional Office Locations (*by appointment only)
Atlanta—Dallas—Denver—Indianapolis—Irvine—Naperville—New York City—Portland—Seattle

MyPhillyLawyer Justice Scholarship Winner Is Amirah Syders

Adrian Moody Litigation Assistant at MyPhillyLawyer & Amirah Syders

Philadelphia, PA (Law Firm Newswire) June 19, 2019 - MyPhillyLawyer is pleased to announce that Amirah Syders is the recipient of the 2019 MyPhillyLawyer Justice Scholarship. The scholarship is $2,000 annually with the recipient receiving $2,000 each year, for a period of four years.

Amirah, a senior at Central High School of Philadelphia, applied for the scholarship and was successfully interviewed as the 2019 recipient. She obtained a 3.94 GPA in addition to extensively participating in a wide range of extracurricular events such as: Joi’s Back-to-School Donation Drive, the Greater Philadelphia Urban Affairs Coalition and school track and field.

Her track and field accomplishments are significant and showcase Amirah attaining the title of Public League Track and Field Champion on three occasions, 2018 District 12 Track and Field Champion and Central High School’s 4x100m record holder.

Syders also served in the position of Judicial Intern at the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, interning with Joel Michel, Esq. Her responsibilities included organizing a Transition Case List for future clerks, observing courtroom proceedings, delivering documents to the Clerk’s office and creating Court Orders and Rule 16 Memorandums for the Honorable Judge Petrese B. Tucker.
Syders plans to attend Drexel University as a first-generation college student to prepare for law school with plans to become a civil rights attorney in Philadelphia. A first-generation college student is one who is the first in their family to attend a four-year college/university to attain a bachelor's degree.

MyPhillyLawyer looks forward to having Syders join them next summer as the first scholarship recipient summer intern. She will learn firsthand what legal advocacy is while at MyPhillyLawyer.

Contact information:
MyPhillyLawyer
Dean Weitzman
Two Penn Center Plaza
1500 John F Kennedy Blvd #1410
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102
Phone: 215.227.2727
Fax: 215.563.6617
Toll Free: 866.907.2231

New Jersey Woman Awarded 1.6 Million Dollars for Spinal Surgery Caused by Rear End Crash

Pennsauken, NJ (Law Firm Newswire) June 18, 2019 – A New Jersey woman has recently been awarded a $1.6 million jury verdict due to injuries she sustained in a rear end automobile accident. The collision occurred in 2013 when a negligent driver crashed into the rear of the plaintiff’s vehicle. Despite the relatively minor damage to the vehicles, the impact nonetheless caused the plaintiff significant injuries, requiring treatment for years and culminating in surgery to her cervical spine.

The plaintiff was represented by the attorneys at Petrillo & Goldberg Law, with offices throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Attorney Scott M. Goldberg, one of the partners at the firm and a certified civil trial attorney in New Jersey, was the lead attorney in the litigation. Attorney Goldberg stated, “Even what appear to be minor car accidents can still have a jarring impact on people inside the vehicle being struck. Our client was severely injured in her neck when she was struck hard from behind. She has suffered from these injuries for years. We took on the case to help her through this time and to get the compensation she deserved.”

After the crash, the plaintiff sought conservative, non-invasive treatment for over four years. This treatment included medications, physical restrictions on her movement and physical restrictions on her ability to work full time. It also included a significant amount of physical therapy as well as steroid injections in her cervical spine. When all of these treatment modalities did not work, her treating physicians suggested a cervical spine fusion where the damaged discs are removed from her cervical spine and the vertebrae are fused with bone, attempting to strengthen the area. After significant rehabilitation with physical therapy, the plaintiff recovered to the point where she could return to full time work without physical restrictions.

Attorney Goldberg stated that, “As with all our cases, this was a team effort. In the end we were gratified that the jury awarded such a tremendous verdict to our very deserving client.”

Ultimately, the plaintiff prevailed and was awarded $1.6 million to compensate her for the economic damages as well as the significant pain and suffering she endured. Attorney Goldberg wants the general public to understand that, “Even if the impact does not seem that significant, if you are injured in a car or truck crash, get treatment just in case your injuries are more serious than you realize.”

The attorneys and staff at Petrillo & Goldberg fight for their clients and win even difficult cases. They do not give up trying to make sure their injured clients are fully and fairly compensated for their injuries. Injured in a car or truck crash? Please contact the attorneys at Petrillo & Goldberg for a free consultation at (856) 486-4343.

Petrillo & Goldberg Law

6951 North Park Drive
Pennsauken, NJ 08109

19 South 21st Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103

70 South Broad Street
Woodbury, NJ 08096

Phone: 856-486-4343
Fax: 856:486-7979

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New York Governor Cuomo Signs New Red Flag Gun Control Law

New York, NY(Law Firm Newswire) June 17, 2019 – New York Governor Andrew Cuomo signed a new gun protection law that enables authorities, school officials or family members to seek a court order that would temporarily seize the firearms of people considered to be a threat to themselves or others.

The bill is called the Red Flag Law, also known as the Extreme Risk Protection Order law. Cuomo was joined by U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi at the bill signing on February 25 in New York City. The governor said he hoped the measure would limit school shootings by giving school officials the ability to ensure troubled students do not have access to guns. However, opponents of the law expressed concerns that it will make it all too easy for people to strip away owners’ guns.

“New York already has some of the strictest gun laws in the country. While this new measure may be well-intended, the reality is that gun laws are not always straightforward,” commented Peter Brill, a New York criminal defense attorney with Brill Legal Group. “Gun owners should make sure they are aware of their legal rights and understand the unique rules that apply to gun ownership where they live.”

Under the Red Flag Law, law enforcement officers, household members or school personnel will be able to petition a judge to issue a temporary order of protection to prevent an individual from purchasing or possessing a gun if there is clear evidence that they will “engage in conduct that would result in serious harm to himself, herself, or others.”

Judges will evaluate different factors when determining whether a person’s behavior is a “red flag,” such as whether they have substance abuse problems or have a history of threatening violence. The law states that if the court issues a temporary Extreme Risk Protection Order, a hearing will be held within three to six days to decide if a final order is necessary.

If the court grants the final order, the gun owner will have to give up their weapons to law enforcement for a year and have their firearm licenses suspended during that period. The owner can appeal a court’s decision and also request a hearing to reconsider the case. The petitioner can request for the order’s renewal within 60 days of its expiration date.

The new law is expected to take effect later this year. It adds New York to around a dozen states that have enacted similar measures to prevent individuals with mental illnesses from accessing guns. Pelosi noted that the law was meant as a lifesaving measure rather than a form of stigmatization of those with mental illnesses.

BRILL LEGAL GROUP, P.C.
Manhattan Office
306 5th Avenue, Penthouse
New York, NY 10038
Phone: 212-233-4141

Nassau County Office
64 Hilton Avenue
Hempstead, NY 11550
Phone: 516-206-2002

Suffolk County Office
150 Motor Parkway, Suite 401
Hauppauge, NY 11788
Phone: 631-237-1919

Toll Free: 888-309-8876

Man Takes Own Life While on Suicide Watch

Tampa, FL (Law Firm Newswire) June 17, 2019 - A man voluntarily sought help at the Centerstone facility in Bradenton, Florida. The center placed the man on suicide watch, which meant checkups every 15 minutes. A couple days later, he was found dead in a bathroom, at the facility.

The man's family filed a wrongful death lawsuit alleging the hospital failed to follow its own suicide watch protocol and did not remove all objects that could have been used for self-harm. Surveillance at the facility offers proof that the man was given medication at 9:36 p.m. and no one checked on him until the next morning.

The local County Sheriff’s Office found a “clear failure” by the Centerstone staff member who was supposed to monitor the man, but did not call it a crime. The investigative report also suggested the cause of the incident was either the failure of the hospital to follow their own policies or staff laziness.

The mental health technician in question inferred that suicide watch checks were not done for all patients and when they came on shift they were given a verbal report on who to check and who could be left to sleep. The technician claimed they were told the man did not need continuous observation. The lawsuit alleges that, that information was at odds with written orders on the medical chart which stated “suicide continuous observation.”

If someone dies as the result of negligence by another, the victim’s survivors may sue for wrongful death. A wrongful death lawsuit typically seeks compensation for the survivors’ loss, such as funeral and burial expenses, loss of income, loss of benefits, survivor’s pain and suffering, child care, and in some cases punitive damages.

“Wrongful death cases are difficult for everyone involved, and in this instance, the family wants to make sure that they send a clear message with their lawsuit that this should never happen again to anyone else,” said Robert Joyce, a Tampa wrongful death attorney with Joyce & Reyes, not involved in the case. Joyce & Reyes are well known and respected attorneys in Tampa, Florida.

To learn more about filing a wrongful death suit please visit the Joyce & Reyes website.

Joyce and Reyes Law Firm, P.A.
307 S Hyde Park Ave
Tampa, FL 33606
Call: 813.251.2007


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Defense of Dwelling Results in “Not Guilty” Verdict

Attorney Marc Lopez, Esq.

Indianapolis, IN (Law Firm Newswire) June 15, 2019 - An Indianapolis man was recently charged with two felony counts of criminal recklessness with a deadly weapon. The weapon in question had been a BB gun, and the only reason the defendant had brought it with him onto his front porch was because he’d observed a stranger reaching onto his property and laying hands on his dog.

The defendant eventually learned that a utility company employee had come to shut the defendant’s water off and had been frightened by his dog. The skittish utility company worker had then called animal control, and it had been an animal control employee who’d been trying to restrain the defendant’s dog. Neither the utility worker nor the animal control employee had announced their presence or intentions.

Once everyone’s respective identities and motivations were straightened out, the defendant realized his error and offered apologies, but this wasn’t enough for the Lawrence Police Department. The defendant was arrested and jailed for seven days. Even though the State adopted an aggressively confrontational posture, the defendant was cooperative, providing police with footage of the incident from his home security cameras. Despite his initial misunderstanding and subsequent cooperation, the State decided to come after the defendant with felony charges.

Following a day-long jury trial, justice was served, and the defendant—whose great crime had been rushing to protect his dog—was found NOT GUILTY on all counts. The defendant's attorney, Marc Lopez, in response to the verdict, stated, "Indiana recognizes a person’s right to defend themselves, their dwelling, and their property. Even where a mistake is involved, you can still claim self-defense as long as you reasonably believed it to be necessary."

Contact:

Marc Lopez, Esq.
120 E. Market St., Suite 710
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Cell: 317.489.9611
Phone: 317.632.3642
Fax: 317.588.3591
mlopez@mlopezlaw.com

USCIS Reminds Naturalization Applicants Controlled Substance Use a Bar to Naturalization

Dallas immigration lawyers

Dallas immigration lawyers - Rabinowitz & Rabinowitz, P.C.

Dallas, TX (Law Firm Newswire) June 14, 2019 – U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a guidance on April 19, 2019, advising lawful permanent residents that controlled substance use remains illegal under federal law and can negatively impact the outcome of a naturalization application. Violations of federal controlled substance laws, including for marijuana use or possession, are generally a basis for denying U.S. citizenship.

The new USCIS policy alert reminds naturalization applicants that they could be found to lack good moral character for participating in marijuana-related activities including possession, cultivation, manufacturing, dispensing or distribution. The rule applies even when the activity in question would not be an offense under the laws of the applicant’s state of residence such as Colorado or California.

Possession, use or distribution of marijuana is illegal under federal law under the Controlled Substances Act, which classifies marijuana as a Schedule I substance that is prohibited and has no accepted medical use.

“In an era of liberalization of state controlled substance laws legalizing the sale of marijuana in many states, federal law still punishes what state law now permits: the sale of medical and personal use marijuana,” said Stewart Rabinowitz of the Dallas and Frisco law firm of Rabinowitz & Rabinowitz, P.C. “Perhaps one day federal law will catch up with those states which have elected to decriminalize. Until then, lawful permanent residents who seek to naturalize are on notice that federal drug violations can be fatal to becoming a U.S. citizen.”

The USCIS policy alert highlights inconsistencies between state and federal laws regarding marijuana. A majority of states have legalized the drug in full or in part. There are currently 10 U.S. states, as well as the District of Columbia, that have enacted laws permitting marijuana use for recreational purposes. About two-thirds of the states have legalized medical marijuana.

Demonstrating good moral character is a key requirement for establishing eligibility for U.S. citizenship through naturalization. USCIS will generally deny naturalization to applicants who have been convicted of violating federal or state laws related to controlled substances during a five-year period prior to filing to naturalize. No conviction is necessary to establish a violation under federal immigration laws. Simply admitting to engaging in marijuana-related activities could lead to a denial of naturalization.

By Appointment Only
Three Galleria Tower
13155 Noel Road, Suite 900
Dallas, TX 75240
http://www.rabinowitzrabinowitz.com

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Wolper Law Firm, P.A. Investigates Brokerage Firm Buckman, Buckman & Reid For Unlawful Sales Practices

Wolper Law Firm P.A.

Fort Lauderdale, FL (Law Firm Newswire) June 14, 2019 - Wolper Law Firm, P.A. announces that it is investigating brokerage firm Buckman, Buckman & Reid regarding its investment sales practices with retail customers.

Buckman, Buckman & Reid is a brokerage firm founded in 1988 by H. John Buckman and John Reid. It is based in New Jersey but has branch offices nationwide. Since becoming a registered broker-dealer and member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”), Buckman, Buckman & Reid has had sixteen (16) regulatory disclosures reported on its permanent record maintained by the Central Registration Depository (“CRD”).

Among the regulatory events include the following:

* In April 2019, Buckman, Buckman & Reid entered into a Letter of Acceptance, Waiver and Consent with FINRA and was ordered to pay a fine of $205,554, plus interest. The FINRA sanction related to “supervision of excessive trading and unsuitable concentration levels and supervision of registered representatives with disciplinary histories…”

* In July 2018, the Florida Office of Financial Regulation entered a cease and desist order after it “failed to have a schedule for the inspection of non-branch locations and criteria for the frequency of the inspections in the firm’s supervisory procedures."

* In November 2015, Buckman, Buckman & Reid entered into a Letter of Acceptance, Waiver and Consent with FINRA and was ordered to pay a fine of $27,500. The FINRA sanction referenced that “the firm consented to the sanctions and to the entry of findings that…the firm executed portions of the customer orders at inferior prices."

* In January 2015, Buckman, Buckman & Reid entered into a Letter of Acceptance, Waiver and Consent with FINRA and was ordered to pay a fine of $200,000. The FINRA sanction referenced that “the firm consented to the sanctions and to the entry of findings that it participated in the unlawful distributions of the shares of two issuers whose securities were not registered and were not subject to an applicable registration exemption.”

* In a recent arbitration filed by the Wolper Law Firm against Buckman, Buckman and Reid, it is alleged that its registered representative recommended the sale of a “low priced, thinly traded stock—CTX Virtual Trading Technologies (CTX).” The Buckman, Buckman and Reid Financial Advisor touted the CTX investment as an excellent growth opportunity with very little downside risk. When the price of CTX began to decline, it is alleged that the customer sought to sell CTX but Buckman, Buckman and Reid failed to facilitate the sale in accordance with the client’s instructions. The customer experienced substantial financial losses.

What Should I Do If I Experienced Investment Losses With Buckman, Buckman & Reid?

The sole purpose of this release is to investigate the sales practices of Buckman, Buckman & Reid. Current and former clients of Buckman, Buckman & Reid who have experienced investment loses due to misconduct on the part of the brokerage firm are encouraged to call the Wolper Law Firm at 800.931.8452 or contact us by email at mwolper@wolperlawfirm.com. The Wolper Law Firm represents investors nationwide in securities litigation and arbitration.

Matt Wolper, the Managing Principal of the Wolper Law Firm, is a trial lawyer who has handled hundreds of securities cases during his career involving a wide range of products, strategies and securities. Prior to representing investors, he was a partner with a national law firm, where he represented some of the largest banks and brokerage firms in the world in securities matters.

Contact:
Wolper Law Firm, P.A.
Matt Wolper
Main Office
Fort Lauderdale, FL
1250 S. Pine Island Road
Suite 325
Plantation, FL 33324
Toll-Free: 800.931.8452
mwolper@wolperlawfirm.com

Additional Office Locations (*by appointment only)
Atlanta—Dallas—Denver—Indianapolis—Irvine—Naperville—New York City—Portland—Seattle

Xenon Gas May Help Prevent Cognitive Damage in Traumatic Brain Injury Cases

Brooks Schuelke, Esq.
Schuelke Law PLLC

Austin, TX (Law Firm Newswire) June 13, 2019 – Traumatic brain injury researchers are constantly searching for new ways to help treat brain damage. Yet another discovery may help TBI victims – Xenon gas, a human anesthetic with few side effects.

A new study has shown promising results for preventing cognitive damage after a traumatic brain injury (TBI). While the study involves mice, it may well have significant ramifications for humans. Xenon gas, an anesthetic drug, apparently prevents long-term cognitive impairment, protects against brain tissue degeneration and increases life expectancy in the wake of a TBI in mice.

In fact, almost two years after a TBI, the animals were still performing well, an indicator that the gas may improve the human survival rate and help cognitive decline in humans. According to the study, the gas stopped the loss of brain cells in the hippocampus and reduced brain inflammation. The hippocampus is a small, curved brain formation that forms new memories and is associated with learning and emotions. Due to the fact that the human brain is lateralized and symmetrical, it actually has two hippocampi.

Statistically, the leading cause of disability and death in those under the age of 45 is attributed to TBIs. When someone sustains a primary brain injury, it is often followed by a secondary injury leading to physical and mental disabilities. TBI survivors also tend to have a shorter life expectancy and a higher risk of other forms of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s.

What makes Xenon gas work? While there is no definitive answer to that question yet, it appears that animal studies have resulted in the gas protecting and restoring the brain in the wake of lack of blood flow to the brain and areas of TBIs. It is speculated that Xenon works by limiting the stimulation of glutamate receptors.

“In order to see if the working scientific theory is valid, researchers need to replicate the studies with Xenon gas in humans. If those investigations turn out to be successful, the world of medicine may have another alternative to help those with TBI cope and get well,” said Austin traumatic brain injury attorney, Brooks Schuelke. “If you have sustained a TBI, talk to me and find out what your legal options are to recover compensation.”

Schuelke Law PLLC
3011 N. Lamar Blvd
Ste. 200
Austin, TX 78705
Call (512) 476-4944


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    VA Expands Mental Health Coverage, Other-Than-Honorable Discharges Potentially Eligible

    Legal Help for Veterans is a law firm helping veterans get the benefits they deserve.

    Northville, MI (Law Firm Newswire) June 12, 2019 - A new law has expanded mental health coverage to other-than-honorably discharged veterans through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

    The VA has been accused of mishandling the implementation of the change and failing to effectively notify potentially eligible veterans. The new law is an expansion of a 2017 program which granted some other-than-honorable discharges access to acute mental health care services during a crisis. Eligible vets can now receive ongoing mental health care outside of a crisis situation. The VA had 180 days after the law went into effect in March 2018, but it did not do so until January 2019 when it sent letters to some veterans who were potentially eligible.

    “Veterans who have an other-than-honorable discharge from the military are particularly at risk for mental health issues and suicide,” says James G. Fausone, lead attorney at Legal Help for Veterans in Northville, Michigan. “They can face significant barriers to getting care.”

    An other-than-honorable discharge is issued when a service member is released from military service for misconduct. This leaves them unable to collect any VA benefits except in a few cases, such as when the misconduct was caused by PTSD or other service-related trauma. The new law will not entitle them to other VA healthcare or disability compensation.

    There are an estimated 500,000 veterans with an other-than-honorable discharge status and the VA estimates it has treated less than one percent of them in each of the last two years — 2,850 in 2018 and 940 in 2017. Seventy percent of this care was for mental health issues.

    Given the VA’s failure to effectively notify eligible vets of the new law, veterans may qualify for this coverage and not know it. It is important to check for eligibility.

    James G. Fausone is a military veteran with years of experience in the legal field.

    Legal Help for Veterans, PLLC
    41700 West Six Mile Road, Suite 101
    Northville, MI 48168
    Toll Free Phone: 800.693.4800

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      Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the most common injuries sustained by veterans and it can have a profound effect on their daily lives. Around 384,000 service members and veterans have suffered a TBI and a third of them are left with a disability. Some require regular care from a loved one. A new […]