Hard working L&E members started the day with pre-Easter Brunch, while displaying their fabulous Easter bonnets!   We wish everyone a bright and shining Easter filled with family and friends!

Lancaster & Eure’s  1st Quarter Employee Spotlight Award Recipient is:  Louise Geers
Position: Bookkeeper
Louise joined Lancaster & Eure in July of 2015 and has been a dedicated member of the firm going on 4 years.
She is knowledgeable in bookkeeping practices and is reliable in timely completion of her duties, demonstrating that she is truly a dependable team member.
Lancaster & Eure recognizes Louise’s talent and today we honor her for the commitment she brings to her position!

What do you like most about your job?
I find law to be very fascinating.  I enjoy everything I do and like the way everyone works with one another as a team.   Whenever anyone needs something bookkeeping related, I am able to provide them the information as quickly as possible.
What aspect of your position gives you the most personal satisfaction?
Projects ~ I strive to complete them quickly and accurately for both attorneys and legal support staff members.  
Tell us something that might surprise us about you.
I started bookkeeping for my Dad’s business when I was 16. He had a very successful business with numerous employees.  After high school, I went to Cincinnati Technical College to study psychology. My goal was to be someone who could help others and make a difference in peoples’ lives.  However, I would always work in bookkeeping/accounting positions, having run an accounting business for over 7 years, working closely with CPAs.  My grandmother had mentioned our family ancestors were accountants.   Over the years, I have taken numerous accounting courses to improve my knowledge and skills.
How do you define success?
I evaluate success based on not only my work, but the work of the L&E team.   For me to be successful, the team needs to achieve both individual and team goals.   I define success based on outcomes.   I also believe success stems from a happy, healthy life at home with family, good friends and pets.
Who do you feel is the most influential person in your life… past or present?
My Grandmother. Her name was Bernice Vane Taylor. She was a very successful, well educated, religious woman who was well respected by all who met her. She instilled in all her grandchildren to be “Bright and Cheerful”!
Where is the best place you’ve traveled and why?
Maggie Valley, North Carolina, where I married and spent my honeymoon. The wedding took place early in the morning on top of a mountain with a few friends. We stayed in a beautiful log cabin and ventured out each day to see amazing caves and waterfalls.   It was very beautiful.
What is your favorite thing to do?
I love jet skiing on the Bay, taking long walks and enjoying the fresh air. I also enjoy bike riding and reading a good book.

Rain or Shine was the moto for this year’s Southeastern Guide Dogs Walkathon held at Nathan Benderson Park.  
Team Lancaster & Eure proudly participated in this valuable community event to raise funds to provide highly trained, elite guide or service dogs for community members who rely on their services. For a person who can’t wait to know the joy of independence, these guide dogs provide increased mobility, unconditional love, and freedom.
https://www.guidedogs.org/

If you have been granted disability benefits by the Social Security Administration, you are also eligible for other benefits from the US Government. This includes the “Access Pass”, which is a free, lifetime pass offering free admittance to more than 2,000 recreation sites throughout the US. Over 300 of these locations are in Florida, spanning from parks in Key West to the Panhandle. In addition to free admittance, the pass provides for free admittance to  up to 3 adults traveling in the same vehicle as the pass holder. Many locations also offer discounts to pass holders for their expanded amenity fees, such as camping, swimming, and guided tours.
There are multiple ways to apply for your access pass: you can apply online or via mail. Both of these options will also require a $10 application fee. However, you can apply in person for free at participating federal recreation sites or offices. You will need to bring identification and proof of your disability determination (such as your notice of award or favorable decision).
 
For more information, visit:
https://store.usgs.gov/faq#Access-Pass
 https://www.recreation.gov/

You should always report an on-the-job injury as soon as possible, but sometimes it is impossible to report an injury immediately. Under Florida Worker’s Compensation law, you are required to report the  injury within 30 days after the accident occurs. Be sure to make a note of the date, time, and the person to whom you reported your injury.
 Unlike many other types of injury cases, a Worker’s Compensation case has a statute of limitations that extends based upon your treatment. As long as you are examined by an authorized medical provider once every 365 days, your case remains open. It is important to see an authorized worker’s compensation medical provider more often, such as once every six months, so that your time does not expire.
Many other issues may also affect the statute of limitations on your worker’s compensation case. You should discuss the details of your case with and experienced attorney so that you know your rights and resources.
Call Lancaster & Eure at (941) 365-7575 to schedule a free consultation!
 

Attorneys and staff members at Lancaster & Eure are dedicated to assisting our clients and truly value their sincere appreciation:
 “I just wanted to say thank you to you and your phenomenal team. It's been a tough road and you all made it easier to bear with your knowledge and support.  I would happily recommend you and the company to the community without a second thought.
My family and just can’t say thank you enough for your dedication to my situation and case and am forever in your debt. Again thank you, thank you, thank you.”

SSA Not Affected by Potential Government Shutdown
We’re sure you’ve heard that the government may partially shut down on Friday, December 21. Because the Social Security Administration received its Fiscal Year 2019 appropriation in September 2018, any potential shutdown will not affect SSA. Your hearings will be conducted as scheduled, and all district and hearing offices will be open as usual, even if there is a government shutdown.
 
We also want to clarify that the prototype states that will be instituting reconsideration on January 1, 2019 are California (Los Angeles North and Los Angeles West), Colorado, Louisiana, New Hampshire and New York. This means that for any case in which an initial denial is issued on or after January 1, 2019 in those states, the next level of appeal is to file a request for reconsideration, not a request for an ALJ hearing. Reconsideration is scheduled to be reinstituted in Pennsylvania on April 1, 2019. Alabama and Michigan are scheduled to start reconsideration on October 1, 2019; Missouri on January 1, 2020; and Alaska on March 1, 2020.

Members of  Lancaster & Eure began this festive holiday season by participating in SPARCC’s (Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center) annual holiday gift  drive.   This valuable organization serves survivors of domestic and sexual violence as well as actively engages in promoting social change through community awareness and education in an effort to prevent violence in the future. 
L&E appreciates this opportunity to bring a bit of joy and happiness to those in our community facing a difficult period in their lives during the holidays.
 https://www.sparcc.net/get-involved/involved/

As 2018 comes to a close and 2019 approaches, it is important to be aware of changes in Social Security amounts that will come into effect in 2019.
For SSI, the 2019 monthly maximum benefit amount will be $771, an increase from $750 in 2018.  An eligible couple will have a monthly maximum amount of $1,157, up from the 2018 benefit limit.
How are these new amounts calculated? Social Security determines these amounts based on their determination of how the Cost of Living has increased from the prior year. The Social Security Administration has published their increase for 2019 is 2.8 percent. This is the largest annual increase since 2011.
For individuals applying for disability benefits, the Social Security Administration also states that an applicant must be unable to engage in “substantial gainful activity,” which is an annually set amount of monthly earnings calculated before taxes.   For non-blind individuals, in 2019 the SGA amount will increase to $1,220 per month. The SSA determines this amount based on the annual changes in the National Average Wage Index, which go into effect January 1, 2019.
The process of filing for Social Security disability benefits can be both complicated and confusing.   Call the offices of Lancaster & Eure today at 941-365-7575 for a free consultation regarding your potential disability case.
 

The days surrounding Thanksgiving is considered one of the busiest traffic times of the year. More people on the road means that there is a greater possibility for traffic accidents, and Lancaster & Eure recommends the following:

1. Drive defensively! Watch out for aggressive or distracted drivers to increase your chances of getting through the holiday weekend without an accident.
2. Be Safe! Make sure that you aren’t driving drowsy or after consuming alcohol.
3. Be prepared! Should the worst happen and you suffer an auto accident this weekend, it will help to have your insurance information and registration in a handy spot. Have your smartphone available to take pictures of the damage to your vehicle, and if you have a dashboard camera, make sure that it is ready to records while you drive.
4. Get help! If you are struck by another vehicle, be sure to call the police so that an accident report can be made.
5. Get representation! Call the law office of Lancaster & Eure to get representation and guidance to help you navigate the complicated insurance process after a vehicle accident. Our office can be contacted anytime, day or night at (941) 365-7575.

What do you like most about your job?
The Challenge!
What aspect of your position gives you the most personal satisfaction?
My efforts.  I try to do the best in everything I do, including my job.
Who do you feel is the most influential person in your life… past or present?
My parents.
Tell us something that might surprise us about you.
I love riding dirt bikes.
How do you define success?
Happiness.
Where is the best place you’ve traveled and why?
It’s a toss-up~ Redwoods in California for its serenity or Costa Maya, Mexico for its beauty!
What are your favorite things to do? Camping, Boating & Jet skiing.
 

The Social Security Administration offers two different programs for people who cannot work for at least one year because of their medical conditions. The two programs are Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). The programs have a variety of different requirements in order for someone to be eligible.
 
For both programs, you need to prove the following:

1. You have medical conditions that stop you from being able to work.
2. Because of those medical conditions, you will not be able to work for at least one year, if not longer.

 
The two programs have different requirements. For SSDI, you need to prove that you have worked and paid into the system for a sufficient amount of time depending upon your age. For SSI, you do not need a work history, but you must prove that your assets are low enough to qualify for assistance.
 
In most cases, your initial application for disability will be denied. This happens to many individuals who have qualifying medical conditions.

Speak with one of our experienced, professional attorneys today to determine if applying for disability is right for you. Call to schedule a free initial consultation at (941) 365-7575.

If you have been injured at work and have a workers’ compensation claim, your employer is legally entitled to choose which doctors treat you for your injuries. Your employer is also required to pay for these treatments, as well as the prescriptions or medical devices that your workers’ compensation doctor orders.
But what if the doctor is not treating you properly, or if you want a second opinion?
 
There is some good news: workers’ compensation law allows you the option to request a change in providers one single time during your case (Florida Statutes 440.13(2)(f)). But beware! There are limits to this option that you may not be aware of.
 
First, the employer still gets to choose who your new doctor will be, as long as they respond to the request in a timely manner.
 
Second, it is important to remember that this option is only available once in the entire pendency of your case. So it is important to wait until it is absolutely necessary before using your one-time change. Some workers’ compensation adjusters may offer you to request a new doctor if you didn’t like your initial appointment with an assigned medical provider. But you limit your ability to seek other providers as your case develops if that change is requested at the beginning of your treatment.
 
If you are not sure how to proceed with your medical treatment after an injury on the job, call the offices of Lancaster & Eure for a free consultation.  We will advise you of your rights and explain the specifics of your treatment options.
 

Lancaster & Eure's 3rd Quarter Employee Spotlight Recipient is:  Mary Jo Sheridan
Position: Word Processor
Mary Jo joined Lancaster & Eure in September, 2009 and has been an essential member of the firm for almost 9 years. 
 She is knowledgeable in all practice areas of law and readily accepts new assignments and challenges to her position.    Mary Jo is reliable in completing her duties in a timely manner, demonstrating that she is truly a conscientious team member.
 Lancaster & Eure recognizes Mary Jo’s talent and commitment to our team of professionals and we honor her today for the integrity she brings to her position!
 _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
What do you like most about your job?
The location of my office is removed from interruption so I can focus on work and generate more documents/efilings.
What motivates you to continue your career at Lancaster & Eure?
The realities of life… mortgage payments, car payments and ultimately, retirement.
What have been your major contributions to the firm this year in your job?
I have always taken on whatever work assignments are required of my position with the goal of making our firm’s work product professional, accurate and do whatever is necessary to never miss a deadline. I strive to never make mistakes, but being human, it happens …and when it does, I figure out what went wrong, correct it and not let it happen again. 
What part of your position gives you the most personal satisfaction?
Producing documents that are professional, accurate and in the end, help our clients.
Who do you feel is the most influential person in your life… past or present?
My Mom and Dad.
Tell us something that might surprise us about you.
In my younger days, spent a lot of time at Sears Point Raceway and got to drive on the track with the Owner.               
How do you define success?
Happiness.
Where is the best place you’ve traveled and why?
Peaceful Little Gasparilla Island.
What is your favorite thing to do?
Relaxing on Little Gasparilla Island!
 

​Adventurers at Lancaster & Eure set out on a relaxing, late day kayak tour gliding over the pristine waters of Sarasota’s protected bay.  Our tour included the majestic mangrove tunnels in search of wildlife and the relaxing sounds of nature.
Members of L&E are fortunate to enjoy the scenic beauty accessible in our coastal Sarasota and Manatee counties.

 
Lancaster & Eure members participated in Red Nose Day 2018, the national fundraising campaign to end child poverty. Since its launch in 2015, Red Nose Day has supported programs in all 50 U.S. states, Puerto Rico, and 34 countries internationally. It has helped to fund numerous programs to ensure that children in need are safe, healthy and educated, which includes providing more than 32 million meals for hungry American children.
We are proud of the commitment shown by L&E members involved in making this meaningful event a success!
​
 

​Members of Lancaster & Eure donned fancy hats for a pre-Kentucky Derby party in anticipation of the 144th running of the Kentucky Derby this weekend!  Congratulations go out to Dina for being chosen our favorite Derby hat contest winner!

Lancaster & Eure Administrative Professionals were honored at a luncheon hosted by Sarasota County Bar Association at the Sarasota Yacht Club, which provided amazing views of Sarasota Bay and a perfect setting for the event. L&E recognizes and honors the important role of our staff members in assisting our clients and in meeting our clients’ needs and for this we are grateful.