Top 10 Reasons to Hire a Pokémon Lawyer

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — The Pokémon Go craze is sweeping the world! Millions of people are playing the brand new Nintendo app, which allows users to roam the real world and collect the 150 Pokémon from the first generation of Pokémon Trading Cards launched in 1996.

The game uses a combination of live maps and real-time location via your phone’s GPS, plus a form of augmented reality (AR) technology. The result is a surreal experience with active gamers across the United States searching high and low for new creatures, items, and Poke-experiences.

Whether in your backyard, at the office, or on a family vacation to “catch ‘em all”, Lawyer.com (based in Basking Ridge) has some helpful advice on potential situations where you may need to hire a Pokémon Lawyer.

1. Accident & Injury – The app warns that you should always pay attention to your surroundings. If you slip & fall on the sidewalk, or take a stroll into a busy street and get hit by a car, hiring a personal injury lawyer could allow you to recoup some of your medical costs.
2. Misdemeanor – While Pokémon Go shows creatures popping up at all hours of the night, “Trying to find a Pikachu” is not a good excuse for climbing over a fence and sneaking into someone’s house. A criminal defense lawyer may help defend your trespassing charge.
3. Real Estate – Pokémon appear in populated areas, such as local parks, coffee shops, court houses, and other downtown establishments. If you can’t find any new Pokémon and are far away from a Poke Stop, it may be time to sell your house. A real estate lawyer will assist you in closing on a new home for you and all of your Pokémon.
4. Estate Planning – Let’s say you've caught over 100 Pokémon (very impressive!). What happens to them if you pass away? An estate lawyer can help you draft a will for your personal belongings, although you will have decide which one of your family members gets your favorite Bulbasaur.
5. Bankruptcy – Pokémon Go allows in app purchases. To advance to higher levels you can spend real money on special items like Poke Balls, Coins, Incense and Lures. Elite Pokémon Trainer status doesn’t come cheap. Too much spending in the world of Pokémon will leave you with an empty bank account in the real world. A bankruptcy lawyer will advise you on how to resolve your debts.
6. Insurance – Nintendo’s app features “Gyms”, where you can bring your top Pokémon to battle against others. While most battles are friendly and nobody (or Pokémon) get seriously injured, accidents can happen. Make sure to consult an insurance lawyer to get the proper coverage.
7. Immigration – What happens if you catch a rare Pokémon in Canada? France? Australia? Truthfully, we don’t know if there are any laws in place regarding Pokémon visas. An immigration law expert will allow you and your champion Squirtle to stick together as you battle your way across international borders.
8. Traffic Tickets – Points in Pokémon are called “XP”, or “experience”; however, these are VERY different from points on your driver’s license. While Lawyer.com always advises you to put your phone down and focus on the road, a traffic ticket lawyer would be the person to call if you get pulled over for catching Pokémon while driving.
9. Divorce – Maybe you love fire-type Pokémon, and your spouse prefers water-type (yes, there are different types). Unfortunately, some relationship problems are beyond resolving. If Pokémon Go is putting stress on your marriage, a divorce lawyer would be able to walk you through the separation process.
10. Worker’s Compensation – The average user plays the Pokémon app over 43 minutes a day, almost double that of Instagram or Snapchat, so there is a chance some of us are playing at the office. If trying to get the perfect angle on a wild Charmander caused you to sustain an injury, you may need a worker's compensation lawyer.

- By Lawyer.com