PROFESSIONAL LEGAL SERVICES AND AREAS OF PRACTICE

Civil Disputes

Mari C. Bush LLC focuses on “civil” matters. Ms. Bush practices in the civil—not criminal—courts. In particular, she assists families, children and women with civil claims against individuals, corporations and insurance companies. Mari C. Bush LLC does not take on criminal or family law (divorce, custody) matters.

Ms. Bush’s civil law experience has been in a wide variety of forums, including homeowners association meetings (representing a wonderful canine client), student disciplinary matters, state and federal trial courts in Colorado, Wyoming, Utah and New Mexico, the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, state and federal appellate courts and the Supreme Court of the United States.  

Vaccine Injuries (National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program) 

Mari Bush has been representing individuals and families under this federal program since 1990. Over the years, Ms. Bush has successfully settled and tried cases brought by children and adults who have suffered specified injuries as a result of covered vaccines. Ms. Bush’s clients have suffered vaccine-related injuries, ranging from Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration (SIRVA), hearing loss, Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS), seizure disorders and death. Ms. Bush’s case prevailed in a rare 9-0 decision by the Supreme Court of the United States, beating back several appellate challenges brought by the Department of Health and Human Services.  

The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program is administered by the U.S. Court of Federal Claims in Washington, D.C. Unlike many personal injury/death cases, the attorney fees and costs are ultimately paid through a special fund and not out of the injured party’s pocket. 

Please contact Mari Bush concerning injuries that may be covered by the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, especially SIRVA and neurological cases. Ms. Bush does not handle autism claims under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program.

Long Term Disability Insurance Applications and Appeals

When it comes to Long Term Disability Insurance benefits, each step of the process requires thoughtful attention. Mari Bush has many years of experience in representing individuals through the challenges of securing private Long Term Disability insurance benefits (LTD benefits).

Each claim for Long Term Disability Benefits presents its own specific issues. Some individuals need advice concerning whether they may be eligible for LTD benefits. Others want assistance in applying for LTD benefits. There are other clients who need guidance in maintaining their eligibility for Long Term Disability benefits. Then other individuals need to file an administrative appeal of a denial or termination of their LTD benefits. 

Many LTD insurance policies are governed by a federal statute, ERISA. ERISA-governed disability claims present particular concerns and regulations. Those Long Term Disability insurance policies not governed by ERISA—such as those provided via employment by the government or religious organizations—have their own considerations.

Long Term Disability Insurance is not Social Security Disability, although there is an interplay between the two benefit schemes. Unfortunately, Mari C. Bush LLC does not handle Social Security Disability claims.

Communication (Legal Writing, Editing and Social Media)

Strong communication skills are a hallmark of Mari Bush. She has a thesaurus and she is not afraid to use it! She loves words and their power to shape thoughts and arguments.

Mari Bush has always been the “go-to” person to create or edit briefs, important correspondence and articles. Since 1999, she has served as the Editor-in-Chief of Trial Talk®, the bimonthly publication of the Colorado Trial Lawyers Association. Colleagues rely on her ability to “access” the rules of grammar and create a logical and readable flow in legal documents. She prides herself on an ability to structure the words, paragraphs and concepts in a way that enhances the impact of a communication.

In recent years, Ms. Bush has been a blogger for a colleague’s international immigration law practice based in the United Kingdom. In her blogs, she has anticipated the interests of the intended audience and chosen pertinent topics, ranging from important federal court decisions to provisions of the U.S. Constitution and unique tourist sites in the United States. 

Ms. Bush also served as the content person and blogger for her former firm, Kaye and Bush, LLC. 

As part of her professional portfolio, Ms. Bush is delighted to offer her communication services. Feel free to contact Mari Bush to discuss writing projects. She would be glad to assist with legal briefs, work on editing and review or contribute to your online presence. 

In addition to the written word, Ms. Bush is available to brainstorm public speaking engagements. Her humor and timing will give you and your prospective audience food for thought!

Mediation, Arbitration and Alternative Dispute Resolution

Let’s face it: the legal system is imperfect. Litigation—while sometimes inevitable—is inefficient and costly. Since the start of her legal career, Mari Bush has represented her clients in mediations, settlement conferences and specialty administrative processes. This representation has included settlement conferences resulting in million-dollar + settlements, pro bono claim presentations to the State of Colorado for victims of the Lower North Fork Fire, specialized resolution mechanisms for women injured by Dalkon Shield IUDS and a student injured in the Columbine High School Massacre.

In other words, Mari Bush recognizes the value of other tools to resolve conflict. Wherever possible, she considers the meaningful application of alternative approaches to legal problem solving. To that end, Ms. Bush completed received certification through the 40-hour Mediation Program of the Colorado Bar Association. In addition, Mari Bush has spent countless hours as a public arbitrator in the FINRA (formerly NASD) Arbitration Program. She would be pleased to bring these skills to clients and parties seeking an alternative approach to standard civil litigation.

Helping Attorneys and Firms

Lawyers and firms benefit from the flexibility of access to experienced help on projects and particular cases. Mari C. Bush LLC is more than happy to discuss assisting her colleagues on an “as needed” basis.