Law Office of Michael D. Waks

A Lawyer You Can Trust

No Fee Unless You Win

Call888.394.1174

Available 24/7

Welcome to the Michael Waks Blog

Can Minor Car Accidents Cause Brain Injuries in California?

June 25, 2026 by

Many people assume that only high-speed collisions can cause serious injuries. However, even minor car accidents such as rear-end collisions, parking lot crashes, or minor side-impact incidents can result in significant physical harm, including traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). The absence of visible vehicle damage does not necessarily mean that occupants escaped injury. Traumatic brain injuries can occur when the force of a collision causes the brain to move within the skull, leading to … [Read more...]

Can You Sue for a Store Injury in Lakewood, CA?

June 24, 2026 by

Lakewood, California, is home to some of the most heavily trafficked retail corridors in Los Angeles County, from the Lakewood Center Mall to big-box retailers, grocery chains, home improvement stores, and dozens of neighborhood shops spread across the city. Millions of shopping trips happen here every year, and for the vast majority, nothing goes wrong. But when a retail accident does occur, a slip on a wet floor, a falling shelf, or a poorly maintained parking lot, the results can be serious … [Read more...]

How Are Injury Bills Calculated in SoCal Settlements?

June 18, 2026 by

One of the first questions injury victims ask after an accident in Southern California is a completely natural one: "How much is my case worth?" It is also one of the most difficult to answer without knowing the full picture because personal injury settlements in California are not calculated using a single formula. They reflect a complex interplay of economic losses, non-economic harm, fault allocation, insurance coverage, and the strength of the evidence supporting the claim. What most … [Read more...]

How Are Theme Park Injury Claims Handled in California?

June 17, 2026 by

California is home to some of the most visited theme parks in the world, from Disneyland and Knott's Berry Farm in Orange County to Universal Studios and Six Flags Magic Mountain in the greater Los Angeles area. Millions of visitors flock to these parks every year in search of thrills, family memories, and a break from daily life. But behind the magic and the excitement, theme parks carry real and serious injury risks, and when something goes wrong, injured guests often find themselves facing a … [Read more...]

What Mistakes Cause Insurance Denials in Southern CA?

June 11, 2026 by

You were injured through no fault of your own. You filed an insurance claim, gathered your documents, and waited only to receive a denial letter. For many injury victims in Southern California, an insurance claim denial feels like a gut punch on top of an already painful ordeal. What most people do not realize is this: insurance companies count on claim denials. They are in the business of collecting premiums and minimizing payouts, and a denial, whether justified or not, is often the opening … [Read more...]

What Are the Signs of a Concussion After a Car Crash in CA?

June 10, 2026 by

After a car accident in California, the shock and adrenaline of the moment can make it nearly impossible to accurately gauge whether you've been seriously injured. You may walk away from a collision feeling shaken but otherwise fine, only to develop troubling symptoms hours or days later that you struggle to connect back to the crash. Recognizing concussion symptoms after a car accident early and getting proper medical documentation is essential for both your health and your personal injury … [Read more...]

Who Is Liable for Near Drownings in Huntington Beach?

June 4, 2026 by

Huntington Beach is one of Southern California's most beloved destinations, a stretch of coastline synonymous with surf culture, warm weather, and year-round outdoor recreation. But for all its beauty, the water poses serious, sometimes fatal dangers. Near drownings and drowning incidents occur not just in the Pacific Ocean, but in hotel pools, private backyards, apartment complex swimming pools, water parks, and public aquatic facilities across the Huntington Beach area. When a near-drowning … [Read more...]

What Should SoCal Parents Know About Playground Injuries?

June 3, 2026 by

Playgrounds are meant to be places of joy, imagination, and play. But across Southern California, from neighborhood parks and school yards to apartment complexes and fast-food play areas, playgrounds can also be sites of serious, preventable injuries. When a child is hurt because of poorly maintained equipment, inadequate supervision, or a dangerously designed play structure, parents often don't realize that they may have legal recourse. A playground injury claim is not just about covering … [Read more...]

Do You Need a Lawyer After a Motorcycle Head Injury in CA?

May 28, 2026 by

Of all the injuries a person can sustain in a motorcycle accident, a head injury is the most feared, and for good reason. Motorcycle head injuries, including traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), skull fractures, and concussions, can alter the course of a person's life in ways that no other injury quite matches. Cognitive changes, memory loss, personality shifts, chronic headaches, seizures, and permanent disability are all possible outcomes of a serious motorcycle head injury in California. Yet … [Read more...]

What Proof Is Needed for Wet Floor Claims in Torrance?

May 27, 2026 by

A wet floor accident can happen anywhere, a Torrance grocery store, a restaurant bathroom, a shopping mall, a hotel lobby, or even a workplace. In the blink of an eye, a puddle left without a warning sign can send someone to the emergency room with serious, life-altering injuries. But here is the challenge: a wet floor accident claim is only as strong as the evidence behind it. California premises liability law requires injured victims to prove that the property owner knew, or should have … [Read more...]