Armstrong Law - October 2024

Why Some Baby Names Are Forbidden Naming No-Nos

I would like to start by apologizing to super fans of the 1995 crime drama “Se7en,” who thought they had their baby’s name all picked out. While it’s fine to include a number in a movie’s title, putting a number in a baby’s name is usually illegal. Depending on your state, some rules apply to the length, letters, and symbols that may be legally included in a name. Here are three specific restrictions some states impose for naming your child. Derogatory, Obscene, or Offensive Some of the most common naming rules are to prevent someone from giving their baby a particularly heinous name. A baby’s name cannot be offensive, obscene, or include derogatory terms. Additionally, some monikers, like “King,” “Queen,” and “Santa Claus,” might not seem offensive but are still considered illegal. Other banned

names include “Jesus Christ,” “Adolf Hitler,” “Messiah,” and “Nutella.” Say No to Math If you have ever wondered why you’ve never met someone from Canton or Cleveland named R2-D2 or 42069, there is a legal reason for that. Some states, including Ohio, New Jersey, and Virginia, forbid using numbers in baby names. However, this is not true across the board. States like Illinois, California, and Florida have no specific rules against including numbers in names. New York, however, forbids using numbers and mandates the maximum length of all first names to be 30 characters long or less. Symbols and Non-English Letters In 2020, Elon Musk made waves when he and his girlfriend Grimes named their

baby boy X Æ A-Xii. If you are struggling to pronounce that name, you are not alone. However, depending on the baby’s birth state, that name may run afoul of the law. In New York, for instance, symbols like hyphens, asterisks, and apostrophes are not allowed. California law prohibits pictographs and non-English characters. These rules are often due to the software used to keep records of people’s names and are common across many states. If you must name your baby something numerical or inappropriate, I recommend moving to Kentucky. It is one of the few states with no significant rules regarding naming children.

your injury, you can strengthen your case. Complete a workplace injury report and ensure you have a copy. Follow the doctor’s orders. It is vital to follow your medical provider’s instructions and not miss any appointments or essential deadlines. Not only is it important for your health to take your post-accident health care seriously, but it will also protect you if the insurance company gets involved. If you don’t follow your medical instructions, it could be used to make it appear as though your injuries weren’t as severe as you indicated. If your employer does not have workers’ comp, you may need to file a personal injury claim, and sticking to your medical plan shows you did everything right in the situation. Talk to a lawyer. An experienced workplace injury attorney in Texas can help you pursue proper legal action for your injury, especially if your employer is a non-subscriber or a company that does not have workers’ comp. The legal process can be more complicated in these cases, as non-subscribers aren’t protected by the same laws that typically limit liability. A skilled lawyer can guide you through the nuances of Texas law, help gather the necessary evidence, and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

HURT ON THE JOB?

After a workplace accident, knowing the next steps to take can make all the difference in ensuring you secure the help you need to recover. The process can be complex in Texas, the only state that doesn’t require employers to have workers’ compensation coverage. From reporting the incident to properly documenting everything, it’s important to take swift, informed action so you can focus on healing. Report the accident to your employer. Even if you don’t feel like you have severe injuries as a result of your workplace accident, you should report it to your employer immediately. You must file your report within 30 days of the accident to receive any compensation for your medical needs. You could lose financial compensation and additional benefits if you miss that window. Additionally, by informing your supervisor or boss about

If you have been hurt on the job, contact us today for a free initial consultation.

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