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Invitees, Licensees & Trespassers: What’s the Difference?

June 14, 2019 by

Property owners and possessors owe a duty of care to everyone who enters their premises. The specific duty of care, however, varies depending on whether the entrant is an invitee, licensee, or trespasser. If you or a member of your family was injured on someone else’s premises because the property owner, possessor, or one of their employees breached the duty of care, you may be entitled to damages. Read on to learn the key differences between invitees, licensees, and trespassers: What Is … [Read more...]

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Bus Accident?

June 12, 2019 by

After most car accidents, the insurance company of the at-fault motorist would cover the medical bills, lost wages, and property repairs incurred by the other parties involved, up to the policy limits. But after a bus accident, it’s common for someone other than a driver to be held liable for damages. If you’ve been injured in a collision involving a bus, you might have grounds for a claim against: The bus driver’s employer; The bus driver; The company that was hired to maintain the … [Read more...]

How Soon Should I Visit a Doctor After Suffering a Personal Injury?

June 7, 2019 by

There’s always a lot to do after sustaining a sudden injury. If you’re involved in a car accident, for example, you might have to find alternative transportation, get a coworker to cover your shift, and arrange child care. With so much on your plate, it’s tempting to put off your medical evaluation, especially if your symptoms seem manageable. Unfortunately, choosing to delay your doctor’s visit could put both your health and your personal injury claim in jeopardy. Some injuries, such as … [Read more...]

How Do I Prove the Other Driver Was Texting?

June 5, 2019 by

Texting while behind the wheel can be just as dangerous as drunk driving. But unlike alcohol-related accidents, there’s no test that can be conducted at the scene to prove a motorist was texting. As such, attorneys must resort to other forms of evidence to prove negligence, much of which can be difficult to obtain without applying legal pressure. If you turn to a well-credentialed law firm, you won’t have to worry about filing subpoenas and navigating complicated legal proceedings on your own. … [Read more...]

When Are Family Members Entitled to Emotional Distress Damages?

May 24, 2019 by

In the state of California, personal injury victims have the right to pursue compensation for any economic and non-economic damages they incur. Under some circumstances, a person who witnessed a serious accident also has the right to seek compensation for the negligent infliction of emotional distress—even if he or she wasn’t physically injured. Until 1968, courts typically dismissed emotional distress claims unless the plaintiff could prove the defendant’s conduct placed him or her in harm’s … [Read more...]

Will My Personal Injury Case Go to Trial?

May 22, 2019 by

Most Americans would fall behind on essential bills if they miss just one paycheck. If your financial security is in jeopardy after a serious personal injury, you might be tempted to accept the first settlement offer from the insurance company. But if that settlement doesn’t include future medical bills, lost earning capacity, or other damages you’re reasonably certain to incur, accepting it might put you on the path to overwhelming debt. Fortunately, more than 9 in 10 personal injury cases are … [Read more...]

What Can I Do to Strengthen My Personal Injury Claim?

May 17, 2019 by

If you’re planning to file a personal injury claim, there are steps you can take starting on day one that may increase your chances of recovering a fair settlement. Those steps include: Documenting the scene of the accident; Starting a personal injury journal; Deactivating your social media accounts; Recording all the expenses you incur; Seeking medical care; and Directing all relevant correspondence to your personal injury lawyer. Let’s explore these steps in depth so you know … [Read more...]

How to Prove Loss of Consortium

May 8, 2019 by

A serious accident can have devastating consequences not only for victims but also for their loved ones. When a person suffers a debilitating injury, family members often endure tremendous emotional and psychological trauma due to loss of companionship, affection, and intimacy. In the state of California, the spouses and registered domestic partners of accident victims may be able to recover compensation for loss of consortium. Read on to learn the definition of loss of consortium and the … [Read more...]

6 Qualities to Look for in a Personal Injury Lawyer

April 29, 2019 by

Filing a personal injury claim is a complicated process that’s riddled with legal hurdles. A single mistake could be all it takes to jeopardize your entire case. A personal injury lawyer not only can help you avoid costly errors but can also handle the logistics of your claim—from gathering evidence to negotiating with the insurance company to litigating your case if a settlement cannot be reached. Unfortunately, not all attorneys have the experience, skills, or resources to provide effective … [Read more...]

What Questions Will My Attorney Ask During the Initial Consultation?

April 26, 2019 by

Chances are you’ve never had to hire a personal injury attorney before, so you might not know what to expect during the initial consultation. This first meeting is a chance for you to assess the prospective lawyer’s credentials and experience, and to find out if you feel comfortable working with him or her. It’s also an opportunity for you to get answers to your questions and learn what might happen over the coming weeks and months. Your attorney will ask a series of questions to determine if … [Read more...]