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 exactly what to do to ensure your personal injury claim has the best chance of success:1. Documenting the Scene of the AccidentMuch of the evidence needed to strengthen your claim may be time … [Read more...]
How to Prove Loss of Consortium
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 types of evidence needed to pursue these damages:Definition of Loss of Consortium Loss of consortium refers to the loss of love, companionship, comfort, care, assistance, protection, affection, … [Read more...]
6 Qualities to Look for in a Personal Injury Lawyer
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 representation. Some are overworked and don’t have enough time to devote to each client; others handle cases in many practice areas and don’t have an in-depth knowledge of the case law and statutes … [Read more...]
What Questions Will My Attorney Ask During the Initial Consultation?
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 your claim has merit and how to proceed with the subsequent investigation. These questions will also help your lawyer identify any potential weaknesses in your case, anticipate complications that might … [Read more...]
Who Might Be Liable for a Defective Product Injury?
If you or someone in your family has been injured by a defective product, there are several parties who might be liable for the resulting medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages. Depending on the circumstances, you might have grounds for a claim against the product designer, manufacturer, distributor, retailer, or any other party that played a role in the development or distribution of the product.Let’s take a closer look at the circumstances when each of these parties might be liable for injuries caused by a product defect:1. The Product DesignerThe designer of the product may be liable if one of the following is true: The risks posed by the design outweigh its … [Read more...]
