Settlement Alerts:

$9,250,000 Defamation Case Win Against The New York Times 8/26
$6,800,000 Wrongful Death 8/26
$81,000,000 Children Born Addicted (as part of the trial team)
$18,000,000 Product Liability 12/19
$13,000,000 Medical Malpractice – Sexual Assault 8/23
$225,000 Civil Litigation 7/26
$50,000 Motor Vehicle Accident 7/26
$30,000 Medical Malpractice 7/26
$25,000 Motor Vehicle Accident 7/26
$42,690 Motor Vehicle Accident 7/26
$2,759,223 Opioid Litigation 6/26
$70,000 Medical Malpractice 6/26
$25,000 Motor Vehicle Accident 6/26
$100,000 Motor Vehicle Accident 5/26
$25,000 Motor Vehicle Accident 5/26
$420,000 Jail Litigation 5/26
$25,000 Motor Vehicle Accident 5/26
$650,000 Jail Litigation 5/26
$46,937 Opioid Litigation 5/26
$150,000 Wrongful Death – Jail Litigation 5/26
$285,000 Medical Malpractice 4/26
$25,000 Motor Vehicle Accident 3/26
$50,000 Motor Vehicle Accident 3/26
$25,000 Motor Vehicle Accident 3/26
$25,000 Motor Vehicle Accident 3/26
$50,000 Motor Vehicle Accident 3/26
$50,000 Personal Injury 3/26
$40,000 Motor Vehicle Accident 2/26
$50,000 Motor Vehicle Accident 2/26
$32,500 Motor Vehicle Accident 2/26
$42,500 Motor Vehicle Accident 1/26
$30,000 Personal Injury 1/26
$50,000 Motor Vehicle Accident 12/25
$25,000 Motor Vehicle Accident 12/25
$25,000 Motor Vehicle Accident 11/25
$77,500 Motor Vehicle Accident 11/25
$25,000 Motor Vehicle Accident 11/25
$25,000 Motor Vehicle Accident 9/25
$25,000 Motor Vehicle Accident 9/25
$26,668 Personal Injury 9/25
$25,000 Personal Injury 9/25
$97,500 Personal Injury 9/25
$25,000 Motor Vehicle Accident 9/25
$100,000 Wrongful Death – Jail Litigation 8/25
$100,000 Wrongful Death 7/25
$45,000 Motor Vehicle Accident 7/25
$200,000 Wrongful Death 6/25
$1,200,000 Wrongful Death – Jail Litigation 6/25
$200,000 Slip & Fall 6/25
$26,000 Motor Vehicle Accident 5/25
$800,000 Jail Litigation 5/25
$925,000 Motor Vehicle Accident 5/25
$25,000 Motor Vehicle Accident 4/25
$125,000 Motor Vehicle Accident 4/25
$700,000 Jail Litigation 4/25
$25,000 Motor Vehicle Accident 4/25
$125,000 Personal Injury 4/25
$20,000 Motor Vehicle Accident 2/25
$1,300,000 Jail Litigation 2/25
$210,000 Slip & Fall 2/25
$100,000 Motor Vehicle Accident 2/25
$975,000 Medical Malpractice 1/25
$4,000,000 Jail Litigation 1/25

$9,250,000 Defamation & False Light 8/26
$6,800,000 Wrongful Death 8/26
$81,000,000 Children Born Addicted (as part of the trial team)
$18,000,000 Product Liability 12/19
$13,000,000 Medical Malpractice – Sexual Assault 8/23
$225,000 Civil Litigation 7/26
$50,000 Motor Vehicle Accident 7/26
$30,000 Medical Malpractice 7/26
$25,000 Motor Vehicle Accident 7/26
$42,690 Motor Vehicle Accident 7/26
$2,759,223 Opioid Litigation 6/26
$70,000 Medical Malpractice 6/26
$25,000 Motor Vehicle Accident 6/26
$100,000 Motor Vehicle Accident 5/26
$25,000 Motor Vehicle Accident 5/26
$420,000 Jail Litigation 5/26
$25,000 Motor Vehicle Accident 5/26
$650,000 Jail Litigation 5/26
$46,937 Opioid Litigation 5/26
$150,000 Wrongful Death – Jail Litigation 5/26
$285,000 Medical Malpractice 4/26
$25,000 Motor Vehicle Accident 3/26
$50,000 Motor Vehicle Accident 3/26
$25,000 Motor Vehicle Accident 3/26
$25,000 Motor Vehicle Accident 3/26
$50,000 Motor Vehicle Accident 3/26
$50,000 Personal Injury 3/26
$40,000 Motor Vehicle Accident 2/26
$50,000 Motor Vehicle Accident 2/26
$32,500 Motor Vehicle Accident 2/26
$42,500 Motor Vehicle Accident 1/26
$30,000 Personal Injury 1/26
$50,000 Motor Vehicle Accident 12/25
$25,000 Motor Vehicle Accident 12/25
$25,000 Motor Vehicle Accident 11/25
$77,500 Motor Vehicle Accident 11/25
$25,000 Motor Vehicle Accident 11/25
$25,000 Motor Vehicle Accident 9/25
$25,000 Motor Vehicle Accident 9/25
$26,668 Personal Injury 9/25
$25,000 Personal Injury 9/25
$97,500 Personal Injury 9/25
$25,000 Motor Vehicle Accident 9/25
$100,000 Wrongful Death – Jail Litigation 8/25
$100,000 Wrongful Death 7/25
$45,000 Motor Vehicle Accident 7/25
$200,000 Wrongful Death 6/25
$1,200,000 Wrongful Death – Jail Litigation 6/25
$200,000 Slip & Fall 6/25
$26,000 Motor Vehicle Accident 5/25
$800,000 Jail Litigation 5/25
$925,000 Motor Vehicle Accident 5/25
$25,000 Motor Vehicle Accident 4/25
$125,000 Motor Vehicle Accident 4/25
$700,000 Jail Litigation 4/25
$25,000 Motor Vehicle Accident 4/25
$125,000 Personal Injury 4/25
$20,000 Motor Vehicle Accident 2/25
$1,300,000 Jail Litigation 2/25
$210,000 Slip & Fall 2/25
$100,000 Motor Vehicle Accident 2/25
$975,000 Medical Malpractice 1/25
$4,000,000 Jail Litigation 1/25

CALL US NOW

5-Star Google Rating•BBB Rating: A+•West Virginia State Bar•The United States District Courts for the Northern and Southern Districts of West Virginia•The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals•The United States Supreme Court•American Association for Justice•Opioid Justice Team•Trial Lawyers Care•West Virginia Association for Justice•5-Star Google Rating•BBB Rating: A+•West Virginia State Bar•The United States District Courts for the Northern and Southern Districts of West Virginia•The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals•The United States Supreme Court•American Association for Justice•Opioid Justice Team•Trial Lawyers Care•West Virginia Association for Justice

Equipment Maintenance and Cleaning Lawyer in MacArthur

TENORM Safety and Claims

Guide to TENORM Equipment Maintenance and Cleaning Claims

When equipment used in maintenance and cleaning becomes contaminated with TENORM, property owners, contractors, and workers can face complicated legal and health challenges. At Stephen New & Associates in Beckley, West Virginia, people affected by TENORM incidents in MacArthur have sought guidance on liability, cleanup responsibilities, and compensation for harm. This guide explains the legal landscape around TENORM in maintenance settings, how responsibilities may be allocated between employers and third parties, and what steps to take after discovering contamination. Our goal is to help readers understand practical options for addressing cleanup, containment, and any injury-related claims that may follow.

TENORM contamination can arise during routine maintenance or cleaning of equipment that has accumulated naturally occurring radioactive materials through processes like mineral processing, oil and gas production, or waste handling. Recognizing contamination early and documenting the scene, equipment, and any exposures is important for preserving legal claims and facilitating remediation. This introduction outlines common sources of TENORM on equipment, indicators of contamination, and preliminary actions people should consider to protect health and legal rights. Understanding these basics helps individuals and businesses make informed decisions about cleanup and liability assertions in MacArthur and surrounding areas.

Why Legal Help Matters for TENORM Equipment Cleaning

Legal guidance can help clarify responsibilities when TENORM is discovered on maintenance or cleaning equipment, including who must fund decontamination and how injured parties may seek compensation. A lawyer can assist with documenting exposures, communicating with regulators and responsible parties, and pursuing claims when negligence or improper handling contributed to contamination. For businesses, legal advice can reduce liability risk by guiding compliance with cleanup standards and recordkeeping. For individuals, legal assistance helps preserve rights to compensation for medical monitoring, treatment, property devaluation, and other losses arising from TENORM-related incidents.

About Stephen New & Associates and Our Work with TENORM Cases

Stephen New & Associates, located in Beckley and serving MacArthur and Raleigh County, focuses on personal injury and related civil claims, including cases involving toxic exposures such as TENORM found on maintenance and cleaning equipment. Our team assists clients in assessing potential claims, communicating with insurers, and coordinating with environmental professionals when remediation is needed. We emphasize careful documentation and client-centered advocacy to pursue fair outcomes. If you suspect equipment contamination or have experienced injury associated with TENORM, we can review the circumstances, explain legal options, and help determine the best path forward for your situation.

Understanding Legal Issues with TENORM on Equipment

TENORM refers to naturally occurring radioactive materials that become concentrated through industrial or maintenance processes and adhere to surfaces or accumulate inside equipment. When contamination appears on cleaning or maintenance tools, the legal questions often center on how the contamination happened, who had responsibility for monitoring and decontamination, and whether negligence contributed to exposure or damage. Investigation typically involves reviewing safety procedures, maintenance records, and inspections, as well as obtaining testing results that quantify contamination levels. Legal claims may be grounded in negligence, premises liability, or statutory duties related to hazardous material handling and notification.

Addressing TENORM on equipment requires coordinated action between legal counsel, environmental technicians, and regulatory authorities to ensure safe remediation and protect health. Legal counsel can help clients understand reporting obligations to state or federal regulators and the potential for administrative enforcement or civil claims. Documentation of exposure, medical records, and photographs of contaminated equipment often plays a central role in any claim. Timely legal consultation helps preserve evidence and ensures communications with other parties, including employers and insurers, proceed in ways that protect legal rights while facilitating necessary cleanup and remediation efforts.

Need More Information?

Key Terms and Glossary for TENORM and Cleaning

TENORM Definition

TENORM stands for technologically enhanced naturally occurring radioactive material, which refers to natural radioactive substances that become concentrated or exposed through human processes such as equipment use, mineral processing, or waste handling. When TENORM accumulates on maintenance or cleaning equipment, it can pose contamination and regulatory concerns. Understanding what qualifies as TENORM, how it is measured, and what levels trigger regulatory or remediation responses is essential for both safety and legal claims. This definition helps frame subsequent discussions about testing, cleanup responsibilities, and potential liabilities related to contaminated equipment.

Contamination and Exposure

Contamination refers to the presence of radioactive material on surfaces, inside equipment, or in surrounding materials following operations that concentrate natural radioactivity. Exposure describes the potential for individuals to absorb radiation through inhalation, ingestion, or external contact during maintenance or cleaning activities. In legal contexts, proving contamination and exposure typically depends on environmental testing, chain of custody for samples, and records showing who had responsibility for maintenance. Clear definitions of contamination and exposure guide remediation obligations and help determine whether compensation for medical monitoring or other losses is appropriate.

Regulatory Standards

Regulatory standards for TENORM vary by agency and jurisdiction and dictate acceptable levels, reporting thresholds, and required cleanup procedures. These standards influence legal responsibilities for employers, contractors, and property owners when TENORM is detected on maintenance equipment. Legal matters often require aligning evidence with the applicable regulatory framework, including state health departments and federal guidance where relevant. Understanding which standards apply and how test results compare to those thresholds is an important step in assessing liability and planning remediation in a way that satisfies both safety and legal requirements.

Remediation and Decontamination

Remediation and decontamination encompass the procedures used to remove or contain TENORM from equipment, surfaces, and surrounding areas to reduce exposure risks. This process can involve specialized cleaning agents, containment, disposal of contaminated materials, and verification sampling to demonstrate cleanup effectiveness. Legally, who pays for remediation and how it is conducted can be a central dispute, requiring careful documentation of contamination levels, cleanup methods, and compliance with relevant standards. A clear understanding of remediation practices supports claims for costs and helps ensure safe return to normal operations.

PRO TIPS

Document and Preserve Evidence

If you suspect TENORM contamination on maintenance or cleaning equipment, immediately document the scene with photographs, detailed notes, and preservation of affected items where safe to do so. Keep records of maintenance logs, safety inspections, and communications with employers or contractors, because these materials may be important for establishing responsibility. Promptly seeking legal guidance can help ensure evidence is preserved and that next steps for testing and remediation are coordinated without compromising potential claims or safety protocols.

Arrange Professional Testing

Professional environmental testing is essential to confirm the presence and extent of TENORM on equipment and surrounding areas, and to quantify contamination levels against regulatory thresholds. Accredited laboratories and qualified field technicians can collect samples and provide chain of custody documentation that supports legal and remediation decisions. Results from reliable testing inform safe cleanup plans and may be vital evidence if pursuing claims for remediation costs, medical monitoring, or other losses tied to contamination.

Understand Reporting Obligations

Different federal and state agencies may require notification when TENORM above certain levels is discovered, and failure to report can affect regulatory and legal outcomes. Knowing who to notify and when helps avoid administrative penalties and encourages timely remediation actions that protect health and legal positions. Legal counsel can assist in identifying applicable reporting requirements and guiding communications with regulators while safeguarding client rights.

Comparing Legal Options for TENORM Cases

When a Broad Legal Response Is Appropriate:

Significant Contamination or Multiple Parties Involved

A comprehensive legal approach is appropriate when contamination affects multiple pieces of equipment, on-site areas, or when several contractors and owners may share responsibility. In those scenarios, coordinating testing, remediation, and claims across parties requires careful investigation and negotiation to allocate costs and responsibilities fairly. Complex contamination incidents often lead to multi-faceted claims that include cleanup costs, property loss, and potential health-related claims that benefit from coordinated legal action and collaboration with technical professionals.

Regulatory Enforcement or Litigation Likely

When regulatory agencies are involved or litigation is likely due to contested responsibility or substantial remediation needs, a comprehensive legal strategy helps navigate agency processes and courtroom procedures. That approach includes assembling technical evidence, preparing regulatory responses, and managing interactions with insurers or responsible parties. Comprehensive legal work aims to protect client rights, ensure regulatory compliance where needed, and pursue appropriate compensation for cleanup and any associated harms.

When a Targeted Legal Response Works:

Minor, Isolated Contamination

A limited approach may suffice when contamination is confined to a single item or small area and the responsible party accepts responsibility for prompt remediation. In these cases, focused legal assistance can help document the issue, confirm appropriate cleanup standards, and negotiate payment for remediation without pursuing full litigation. A targeted approach is efficient for resolving straightforward matters quickly while ensuring the cleanup meets regulatory and safety expectations.

Clear Contractual Responsibilities

When contracts or service agreements clearly assign responsibility for maintenance and decontamination, a limited legal response focused on enforcing those terms can be effective. Counsel can review contracts, demand remediation or payment, and assist with claims against insurers when appropriate. This streamlined approach focuses on contractual remedies and practical resolutions to restore equipment and address any related losses with minimal disruption.

Common Circumstances That Lead to TENORM on Equipment

Oil and Gas Maintenance

Maintenance on oil and gas production equipment can concentrate naturally occurring radioactive materials, resulting in TENORM buildup on tools and surfaces that require cleaning or decontamination. When such contamination is found, documenting maintenance history and workflows helps determine where responsibility for cleanup and any related claims should lie.

Mining and Mineral Processing

Activities in mining and mineral processing often mobilize naturally occurring radioactive elements that can adhere to machinery and cleaning gear, creating TENORM concerns that demand careful handling and testing. Identifying when contamination occurred and which parties controlled the equipment is central to resolving reimbursement and remediation issues.

Waste Handling and Transport

Equipment used to handle, store, or transport industrial wastes can accumulate TENORM deposits, exposing maintenance workers during cleaning tasks and raising questions about proper disposal and employer obligations. Clear records and testing results help establish cleanup needs and potential claims for affected parties.

TENORM Equipment Maintenance and Cleaning Services in MacArthur

Why Choose Stephen New & Associates for TENORM Matters

Residents and businesses in MacArthur and Raleigh County turn to Stephen New & Associates for assistance with personal injury and contamination matters, including TENORM on maintenance and cleaning equipment. Our team focuses on helping clients document contamination, understand reporting obligations, and pursue appropriate remedies for cleanup costs and other losses. We work to coordinate technical testing and regulatory communications while advising clients about how to protect their legal interests. Clients can contact our Beckley office for an initial review and guidance on next steps in responding to contamination incidents.

Our approach emphasizes clear communication, careful evidence preservation, and practical resolution of claims involving contaminated equipment. Whether negotiating payment for decontamination, seeking coverage from insurers, or preparing claims against responsible parties, we aim to help clients secure fair outcomes while minimizing disruption. If contamination raises concerns about health monitoring or property value, we help gather the necessary documentation and connect clients with appropriate technical resources. Call Stephen New & Associates in Beckley at 304-355-5565 to discuss your situation in MacArthur.

Contact Us About TENORM on Equipment

People Also Search For

TENORM equipment contamination MacArthur

TENORM cleanup legal help Beckley WV

equipment decontamination TENORM claims

TENORM exposure maintenance cleaning

TENORM testing and remediation Raleigh County

personal injury TENORM West Virginia

TENORM liability contractors equipment

TENORM cleanup cost recovery MacArthur

FAQS

What is TENORM and how can it affect maintenance equipment?

TENORM stands for technologically enhanced naturally occurring radioactive material that becomes concentrated through industrial activities, and it can adhere to surfaces or accumulate within equipment used in operations such as oil and gas, mining, and waste handling. When maintenance or cleaning activities disturb these deposits, the equipment and surrounding areas may become contaminated, which poses cleanup obligations and potential exposure concerns. Legal matters often arise around who must pay for testing and remediation, whether exposures occurred, and how to document any injuries or property losses. Determining whether contamination qualifies as TENORM requires professional testing and evaluation against applicable standards. The results guide cleanup methods, disposal of contaminated materials, and reporting obligations to regulators. Keeping detailed maintenance records, photographs, and communications helps establish timelines and responsibility, which can be important if pursuing claims for remediation or damages related to the contamination.

Who may be responsible for cleanup when TENORM is found on cleaning tools?

Responsibility for cleanup can rest with employers, contractors, equipment owners, or other parties depending on contractual arrangements, control of the equipment, and whether negligence contributed to contamination. Contracts and service agreements may assign decontamination duties, but liability can still be contested if procedures were not followed or hazards were not disclosed. Identifying responsible parties typically involves reviewing maintenance logs, inspection records, and relevant contractual language to determine who had duty and control at the time contamination occurred. When responsibility is unclear, coordinated testing and negotiation among the parties often resolves who will fund remediation. Legal counsel can help trace responsibilities, present demands for cleanup costs, and pursue recovery through insurance claims or litigation when voluntary remediation or payment is not forthcoming. Quick legal involvement preserves evidence and supports effective negotiations with other parties or insurers.

What steps should I take if I suspect TENORM on my equipment?

If you suspect TENORM on your equipment, prioritize safety and documentation while avoiding actions that might spread contamination. Take photographs, secure maintenance records, and preserve any affected items where safe; then arrange for professional environmental testing to confirm the presence and extent of TENORM. Testing should include chain of custody documentation to ensure results are admissible in legal or regulatory proceedings. Notify appropriate supervisors or property owners and consult with counsel about reporting obligations to regulators and communications with insurers. Legal guidance early in the process helps ensure evidence is protected, testing is conducted properly, and cleanup negotiations or claims proceed without jeopardizing your legal position or regulatory compliance. Timely steps improve the prospects for fair remediation and recovery of related costs.

How is TENORM contamination measured and documented?

TENORM contamination is measured through environmental sampling conducted by qualified technicians and analyzed by accredited laboratories. Sampling plans typically identify where to collect surface swabs, soil samples, or material from equipment, and results are compared to regulatory thresholds to determine the need for remediation. Proper chain of custody, field notes, and calibration records for instruments are important to ensure the integrity of measurements and their utility in legal and regulatory contexts. Documentation should include photographs, sampling logs, laboratory reports, and any correspondence about testing or cleanup plans. This combined record supports regulatory notifications, remediation verification, and any claims for compensation. Legal counsel can help interpret test results, advise on reporting obligations, and coordinate with technical professionals to prepare authoritative documentation for negotiations or litigation.

Can I recover costs for decontamination and lost use of equipment?

Costs for decontamination and loss of use of equipment may be recoverable from responsible parties or insurers when liability can be established through contracts, negligence, or regulatory requirements. Recovery typically depends on demonstrating the contamination, proving who was responsible for maintenance or control, and documenting actual remediation costs and economic losses tied to downtime or replacement of equipment. Collecting invoices, estimates, and receipts for cleanup work helps substantiate claims for reimbursement. In some cases, insurance coverage may apply for cleanup or property damage, but insurers may dispute coverage depending on policy language and the circumstances of contamination. Legal assistance can help pursue insurance claims, negotiate settlements with responsible parties, or bring civil actions to recover remediation costs and other losses incurred because of TENORM contamination.

Will regulatory agencies get involved in TENORM cases in MacArthur?

Regulatory agencies may be involved when TENORM exceeds reporting thresholds or presents a public health concern, and engagement can include inspections, mandated remediation, or enforcement actions. Which agencies are involved depends on local and federal rules; for incidents in MacArthur and Raleigh County, state environmental and public health authorities may play a central role in determining cleanup standards and required notifications. Understanding these potential involvements is important for managing legal and practical responses to contamination. Legal counsel can assist in communicating with regulators, preparing required filings, and responding to enforcement actions while protecting client interests. Coordinating legal and technical responses ensures compliance with regulatory obligations and supports efforts to resolve remediation and liability issues in a way that addresses both safety and legal outcomes.

What types of evidence are most important for a TENORM claim?

Important evidence for a TENORM claim includes environmental testing results, chain of custody records, maintenance logs, photographs of contamination, and communications between involved parties about equipment handling and cleanup. Medical records and documentation of any health complaints related to exposure are also relevant when claiming injuries or medical monitoring. Clear, contemporaneous records strengthen the ability to prove contamination, exposure pathways, and responsible parties for remediation costs. Contracts, service agreements, and insurance policies are also key documents when determining responsibility and coverage. Preserving records and obtaining professional testing early helps build a well-supported claim. Legal counsel can advise on what evidence to prioritize, how to collect it properly, and how to present it in negotiations or proceedings to support recovery of remediation and other damages.

How long do I have to bring a claim related to TENORM contamination?

Time limits for bringing claims involving contamination vary by the type of claim and jurisdiction. Statutes of limitation for property damage, negligence, or other civil actions may apply, and some deadlines are triggered by the date contamination was discovered rather than when it occurred. Understanding the applicable timelines in West Virginia and acting promptly helps preserve legal remedies and prevents claims from becoming time-barred. Because discovery of contamination can sometimes be delayed, legal doctrines like the discovery rule may extend deadlines in certain circumstances, but those extensions are fact-specific and require timely steps to protect rights. Consulting with counsel soon after discovering potential TENORM ensures you receive guidance on applicable time limits and what actions should be taken to maintain the ability to pursue claims for remediation and related losses.

Are there health monitoring options for people exposed to TENORM?

Medical monitoring may be advisable for individuals exposed to TENORM depending on the nature and extent of exposure, and this option can be part of a claim seeking coverage for future medical surveillance or treatment. Medical providers familiar with radiation exposure can recommend appropriate screenings and monitoring protocols tailored to the exposure scenario. Documenting any symptoms and keeping clear medical records is important if later seeking compensation related to health impacts of exposure. Legal counsel can help evaluate whether medical monitoring claims are appropriate based on testing results and exposure circumstances and assist in pursuing recovery for monitoring costs when responsibility for contamination is established. Working with medical professionals and attorneys together ensures monitoring plans are both medically appropriate and documented in a manner that supports potential claims.

How can Stephen New & Associates help with TENORM equipment cases?

Stephen New & Associates assists clients in MacArthur and Raleigh County with assessing TENORM contamination on maintenance and cleaning equipment, coordinating testing and remediation, and pursuing compensation for cleanup costs and related losses. Our role includes reviewing evidence, advising on regulatory obligations, negotiating with responsible parties or insurers, and, when necessary, pursuing litigation to recover remediation and other damages. We prioritize careful documentation, practical resolution, and clear client communication throughout the process. We also help connect clients with qualified environmental testing and remediation professionals to ensure cleanup meets applicable standards, and we work to preserve client rights while facilitating safe resolution of contamination issues. Contact our Beckley office at 304-355-5565 to discuss equipment contamination concerns in MacArthur and learn about available options for remediation and recovery.

All Services in

Explore our complete legal services