At Salpietro Law Office, we’ve spent decades working hard to protect the interests of people who are taken advantage of by large corporations. The Class Action is a way to hold big business accountable when companies think they can get away with cheating the customer because the amount involved is small or the customer is afraid to take on the multi-million-dollar entity.

 

Why do we have Class Actions?

Class actions sometimes get a bad rap. It may look frivolous on the surface to bring a claim for a seemingly small transgression, such as an overcharge of 53¢ or a weight difference of an ounce, but there is a logic to class actions.

Class actions actually protect both parties: the defendant and the plaintiff. In a typical class action, a plaintiff sues a defendant (or group of defendants) on behalf of a group (or class) that comprises other individuals who have also been affected by the same wrongful conduct.

 

How do Class Actions help the plaintiff?

No one in their right mind is going to spend thousands of dollars over 53¢ or an ounce. Yet if the defendant is actually guilty of overcharging or under-delivering, it may be profiting by hundreds of thousands of dollars. That defendant may even be counting on the fact that an individual would not fight over 53¢. Allowing all the wronged parties to band together ensures that there is a remedy to address seemingly small transgressions that can actually add up to a huge amounts.

 

How do Class Actions help the defendant?

Suppose the amount isn’t 53¢ but $53,000. Suddenly, it may be a little more worthwhile to bring suit. If 5000 people are impacted, that could be 5000 individuals suits against the defendant. The cost of defending against 5000 suits, as opposed to one could make or break a smaller company.

 

How do Class Actions protect the public?

In addition, class actions help to protect the public. For example, a class action suit against the major breast implant manufacturers, claiming women suffered autoimmune disease from their silicone breast implants, resulted in the switch to saline. Many of these women, and indeed perhaps the company producing the implants, may not have realized their health issues were related to their implants until the class action was filed.

 

Frank Salpietro has given hundreds of thousands of individuals and small businesses a seat at the table of justice. Whether you and others like you are wronged by a financial institution, retailer, service provider, or even an employer, Salpietro Law Office can thoroughly investigate and, if appropriate, prosecute a class action in state or federal court. Moreover, these lawsuits can usually be brought with no or minimal upfront cost to the class members, since the legal fees and expenses are generally paid at the end of the case, either from the proceeds of a recovery or from the other side, subject to court approval.

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If you believe you have a class action lawsuit, contact us online, email frank@salpietrolaw.com,  or call (412) 338-1185.

For more than 37 years, Frank Salpietro has fought to protect the rights of consumers and businesses alike. Frank and Salpietro Law Office work hard to favorably resolve business and personal commercial disputes for our clients, but litigation is sometimes inevitable. When the need to fight arises, it is good to know that you can depend on our attorneys to advocate your interests and assist you through the intimidating experience of the courtroom. We know that preparation, presentation, and thorough analysis are essential in court. We have fought for justice at all levels, including state and federal courts, administrative and regulatory agencies, and arbitration.

 

So whether you need help with a contract, a partnership dispute, an injunction to enforce a non-competition or trade secret, or any other consumer or commercial dispute, we are here to protect your rights. See Class Action Litigation above for more information of how we can fight for you.

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Commercial and business litigation experience includes both prosecution and defense of:
 

• Class actions

• Breach of contract actions

• Breach of warranty

• Promissory note and collections

• Unfair trade practices and consumer protection

• Wage payment

• Banking and financial

• Good faith and fair dealing

• Business and corporate dissolutions

• Partnership, shareholder and other owner disputes

• Breach of fiduciary obligations

• Trade secrets

• International contract disputes

• Gaming/horse racing licensing

• Real estate litigation

• Insurance coverage

• Business torts

• Commercial fraud and disparagement

• Constructive trusts

• Judgments

• Appointment of corporate receivers and custodians

• Bankruptcy adversary actions

• Director & Officer Litigation

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Contact us online, email frank@salpietrolaw.com, or
call (412) 338-1185.

Whether you need a simple will or a complex estate plan, our attorneys and Special Referral Counsel can develop a plan that fits the needs of you and your loved ones. We can also assist with administering estates in Pennsylvania, helping with tax planning, provide elder care law advice, and guide you through Orphans' Court.

 

Creating plans that reflect your individual needs is important.  No “cookie cutter plans” here. Our attorneys and Special Referral Counsel can help you to create an estate plan that accomplishes your goals with minimal taxes and administrative costs. We know that you want to be confident your family is well-cared for - the goal is to ensure that confidence.

 

Our Pittsburgh Estates & Trusts Lawyers also efficiently assist in the administration of the estates of loved ones with the objective of completing the administration on a timely basis.

 

Our Team can also assist with the formation and representation of charitable trusts, asset protection trusts, revocable trusts, and irrevocable trusts. This includes:

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• Estates of most sizes

• Special needs trusts

• Family limited partnerships

• Irrevocable life insurance trusts

• Formation of corporations, limited liability companies and tax-advantaged limited-partnerships for business and corporate entities

• Real estate transfers in connection with estate administration

• Preparation of gift tax, estate tax, and fiduciary tax returns

• Orphans' Court litigation

• Maintaining Orphans' Court accounting records for trusts and estates

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Estate Planning

 

Death comes to us all. We will encounter it many times in our lives with the final encounter being our own eventual demise. It is human nature to avoid the topic. No one wants to deal with his or her own mortality. Very often, the tendency is to put off estate planning to a later date.  We don’t want to deal with issues of death and the changes it brings until we must.  Unfortunately, by the time they are forced to deal with these events, our survivors are faced with choices and tasks that are made much more difficult than they would have been had we taken the time to plan for that day that we all must face.

 

It is our survivors, and not us, who must make the final decisions and who must go about the sometimes unpleasant, and often overwhelming task of handling our “final affairs.”  The administration of an estate can be difficult, but it does not need to be.  Proper planning and organization now, while you are living, will make it easier for your survivors. 

 

We believe estate planning is for everyone. Though thinking about what will happen after you pass away is not a pleasant experience, it is a necessary one to ensure that your loved ones will be taken care of according to your wishes.  Creating your Will, Power of Attorney, and Healthcare Power of Attorney or Advance Directive (typically called a Living Will) can be a quick and easy process that will provide reassurance to you during your life and comfort to your family and friends after you are gone.

 

We and our Special Referral Counsel work with you to create a plan that includes a Will or Trust, Power of Attorney and Healthcare Power of Attorney or Advance Directive/Living Will. Your plan will distribute your assets to the people you choose with the least possible tax consequences.

 

We focus on four objectives:

 

1. We work with you so your assets reach the individuals or organizations in the manner you choose.

2. We work to minimize the effect of federal and state taxes on the estate and beneficiaries.

3. We assist you in providing for your minor children and naming their guardians in the event that you pass away.

4. We counsel you regarding the selection of those who will act on your behalf.

 

Your estate plan will ensure the assets you have accumulated over your lifetime are passed on according to your wishes. We also understand that, beyond the technical aspects of an estate plan, there is a need to personalize the plan to meet the needs of you and your heirs. That is why we also provide succession planning and post-mortem planning to achieve family goals.

 

Estate Administration

 

You need guidance to administer estates in Pennsylvania, guide the executor through probate, and assisting with paying any outstanding debts, applicable taxes, and distributing assets. Of course, after the death of a loved one, there is more to do then just administer the estate.

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Contact us online, email wills@salpietrolaw.com, or
call (412) 338-1124.

Our Special Referral Counsel represents landowners and royalty owners not only in negotiating and drafting agreements, but also in oil and gas litigation and oil and gas estate matters in Pennsylvania.

 

When you need counsel on oil and gas leases, royalties, or litigation, contact us online or call our Oil & Gas Hotline at (412) 338-1124 to get experienced assistance with:

 

• Oil and gas litigation

• Reviewing and explaining oil and gas leases

• Negotiating and drafting oil and gas leases and addenda

• Negotiating and drafting agreements for the sale of oil and gas rights/mineral rights

• Negotiating and drafting right of way agreements

• Negotiating and drafting surface use agreements

• State and federal eminent domain matters involving pipelines

• Reviewing and negotiating seismic testing agreements

• Setting up family limited partnerships or other entities to own property and distribute royalties

• Handling estate matters for landowners and royalty owners

 

Our Special Referral Counsel are admitted to practice in Pennsylvania and are here to help you from your first contact with the oil and gas company through planning for you and your family's future.

 

Leases, Right of Way Agreements, and Surface Use Agreements for Landowners

 

Producers are leasing land across Pennsylvania. Oil and gas companies and pipeline companies are seeking easements. A landman or oil and gas company may contact you about your mineral rights. You need to understand the documents that you are being asked to sign. These leases, right of way agreements, and surface use agreements will affect your rights. Examples of what you  may need to understand before signing are: how your surface and mineral rights will be affected, how your royalties will be calculated, what the length of the primary term of the lease is, how the producer may extend that term, what the pooling and unitization provisions of the lease are and how they work, whether in addition to your oil and gas lease you should negotiate a separate right of way agreement and surface use agreement, whether you should warrant title and whether you should ask for an audit clause. There are other examples. Oil and gas documents are complex and rarely formulaic. Seeking an experienced oil and gas attorney before you sign them is a prudent decision.

 

Oil and Gas Litigation

 

Marcellus is a boon to our economy. With so much money involved, there will be disputes over mineral & gas rights, oil and gas lease terms, royalties and bonuses, property damage, environmental issues, etc. Is the oil and gas company complying with the lease? Are you receiving the right royalty? How do you check that your royalty check is correct? Our oil and gas attorneys have litigated numerous oil and gas matters for many landowners, royalty owners, and their families.

 

Oil and Gas Estate Issues

 

Our oil and gas Special Referral Counsel have deep experience in assisting individuals in transferring wealth from generation to generation at the lowest income and estate tax cost. Oil and gas bonus payments and royalties are no different.  Many clients want to know how to give oil and gas royalties to family members. Whether you own 10 acres or 10,000 acres, an experienced attorney can assist you in developing a plan to pass this wealth onto future generations and minimize the tax implications. Our seasoned Special Referral Counsel have represented numerous landowners and royalty owners.

 

Counsel is available to speak to your group, to address any issues or questions that you may have with regard to oil and gas rights, obligations and tax issues.

 

Contact us online, email oilandgas@salpietrolaw.com, or 
call (412) 338-1124.

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Workers' Compensation

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Salpietro Law Office's Workers’ Compensation lawyers have worked with people injured on the job in Pittsburgh and throughout Western Pennsylvania for several decades.  Employees are normally entitled to Workers’ Compensation benefits for any job related accident or illness, even if their own carelessness caused the accident or illness, and even if the employer was not at fault.

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What should I do if I'm hurt on the job?

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In an emergency, you should immediately visit the nearest emergency room. In a non-emergency, your employer should have a list of doctors available to treat you posted in a central place. If there is no list, you may see your own doctor. You should notify your employer of the time, nature and circumstances of your work injury. Then you may want to consult with a Workers’ Compensation lawyer, as there are rules to follow and deadlines to be met to ensure you do remain eligible for your Workers’ Compensation benefits. Good Workers’ Compensation lawyers will guide you  through the steps you must follow to protect your right to recover Workers’ Compensation benefits.

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Social Security Disability

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Salpietro Law Office's Social Security Disability Lawyers represent injured and disabled individuals and their families, helping them obtain Social Security Disability benefits. Our attorneys will counsel you from the initial application for benefits through any denial processes and preparation for hearing. Social Security Disability reviews can be nerve racking.

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What if I get a Disability Review Letter?

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You may get a letter that more information is needed for your disability review. You may get a notice Social Security wants to review your case. Does that mean you will no longer get Social Security disability? How long do you have to wait for results from your disability review? Our Social Security Disability lawyers will explain what to expect at a SSDI review; assist you if you receive a letter about your disability review; and help you prepare for a continuing disability review or “CDR."

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Will MAWD help me if I want to continue to work?

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For people with disabilities, finding a job or returning to work can be a challenge. The Medical Assistance for Workers with Disabilities (MAWD) program lets Pennsylvanians with disabilities take a job, earn more money, and continue to keep their full medical coverage.

Rothman Gordon’ Social Security Disability lawyers have been providing legal services to members of the Pittsburgh community and the surrounding areas including but not limited to Johnstown, Altoona, Erie, Allegheny county, Armstrong county, Beaver county, Blair county, Bedford county, Butler county, Cambria county, Fayette county, Greene county, Huntingdon county, Indiana county, Lawrence county, Washington county, and Westmoreland county for over 60 years.

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Contact us online, email workerscomp@salpietrolaw.com, or
call (412) 338-1124.

Frank Salpietro, Salpietro Law Office, and our Special Referral Counsel focus their business and corporate law practice on closely-held companies and family-owned businesses throughout Western Pennsylvania. Our clients rely upon us for pragmatic solutions to a wide variety of problems, from structuring complicated transactions to resolving internal disputes. Drawing upon our broad understanding business and corporate law, our lawyers have advised local, regional, national and international businesses through the entire business life cycle.

 

Closely-Held and Family Business

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At Salpietro Law Office, we understand that family and shareholder dynamics bring their own set of challenges. We represent not only companies, but families and individual shareholders, and work with you to help your business succeed. 

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Business Succession Planning

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We work with you to ensure your corporate documents facilitate succession planning and discuss what events you should anticipate and plan that may influence your succession plan. We know that passing a family business to the next generation can be tricky and work hard to create a personal plan for you and your business.

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Entity Formation

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We can assist you in evaluating opportunities in a business cycle, and your personal goals in order to optimize your business' growth potential and choose the right entity formation for you.

 

Salpietro Law Office and Special Referral Counsel assist their clients with all aspects of their business, including, but not limited to, the following:

 

• Formation. We assist clients in choosing the proper business structure so as to minimize personal liability, effect greater management efficiencies, and increase growth potential. Once this structure is chosen, we assist with actual formation and compliance with ongoing corporate governance and regulatory responsibilities.

 

• Negotiating and Drafting Commercial Agreements. We review existing contracts and draft and negotiate a variety of commercial agreements, including leases, franchise agreements, distribution agreements, employment agreements, independent contractor agreements, and many others.

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• Protection of Intellectual Property. We assist clients in identifying and protecting intellectual property and trade secrets and assist in developing short and long-term strategies to protect these assets. Additionally, we draft and negotiate non-competition agreements, non-solicitation agreements, non-disclosure agreements, non-use agreements and enforce these agreements through litigation. 

 

• Structuring and Negotiating Business Transactions. Our attorneys assist in structuring and negotiating various forms of business transactions. We also assist clients with the purchases and sales of assets, stock and various other types of transactions.

• Shareholder Disputes. Our attorneys represent corporate clients and individuals involved in shareholder disputes or other types of business conflicts and in developing creative and efficient solutions to these complex issues.

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Contact us online, email corporate@salpietrolaw.com, or
call (412) 338-1124.