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

5 FAQs About Trips, Slips & Falls Caused by Uneven Floor Surfaces

October 2, 2019 by

There are all sorts of reasons why a person might slip, fall, and suffer an injury. Often these unfortunate events can be traced back to the negligence of the property owner, occupier, or one of their employees. In this scenario, the injured party (or their surviving family) may be able to recover compensation for various economic and non-economic damages. If you or someone you love tripped or slipped and fell due to an uneven floor surface, you may be wondering if you even have grounds for a … [Read more...]

How Much Is My Personal Injury Case Worth?

September 27, 2019 by

Most people cannot afford to miss a single paycheck, so when they’re sidelined from work with a serious injury, it doesn’t take long to fall behind on essential bills. This is especially true if they’re having to pay deductibles and copays for immediate medical care. If you’ve suffered a personal injury and are now facing the possibility of severe debt or even bankruptcy, you’re probably wondering how much your claim might be worth. Because every case is unique and settlement figures can vary … [Read more...]

3 FAQs About Truck Accident Wrongful Death Claims

September 25, 2019 by

The unexpected death of a family member is one of life’s most tragic events. There’s no remedy that could possibly undo the pain of such a loss. Your friends and relatives may say the wound will heal with time, but some scars are permanent. Though nothing can change the past, it may be possible for your family to maintain its financial security by bringing a wrongful death claim against the liable party. If you intend to pursue damages, one of the smartest steps you can take to protect your … [Read more...]

Types of Home & Auto Insurance Exclusions: Always Read the Fine Print

September 20, 2019 by

The denial of a home or auto insurance claim can be frustrating, disappointing, and costly. Unfortunately, many people don’t read through their insurance policies carefully, and when it comes time to file a claim, they find out that an exclusion applies to their particular circumstances. Despite the length of these contracts and the complicated legalese therein, you should always read your policies in their entirety so you know exactly what’s covered and what’s not. In this article, we will … [Read more...]

4 FAQs About Midblock Pedestrian Accident Claims

September 18, 2019 by

Jaywalking might seem like a fairly benign traffic violation, but if you are hit by a vehicle while breaking the law, you may face an uphill climb when it comes to pursuing damages. Depending on the circumstances, however, it might be possible for a pedestrian to recover compensation for 100 percent of their economic and non-economic damages even if they were jaywalking. Determining liability for a “midblock accident” can be complicated, and even if there is strong evidence of liability, the … [Read more...]

What Happens If You Leave the Scene of a Car Accident?

September 13, 2019 by

Fleeing the scene of a car accident in California is a serious criminal offense that can result in either misdemeanor or felony charges. Whether or not the crime is prosecuted as a misdemeanor or felony depends on whether the accident caused only property damage (misdemeanor) or a physical injury or death to another person (usually prosecuted as a felony). In this blog, we will discuss: The legal definition of misdemeanor hit and run in California, The penalties of misdemeanor hit and … [Read more...]

California Dive Boat Company Sues to Avoid Liability for 34 Deaths

September 11, 2019 by

The owners of a dive boat that caught fire on September 2 and killed 34 people off Southern California have filed a lawsuit to head off potentially costly litigation. Some observers have condemned the move, saying it is disrespectful to the families of the deceased. The lawsuit was filed in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles by Truth Aquatics Inc., the company that owned the Conception, under a 19th-century provision of maritime law that allows vessel owners to limit their liability. The law … [Read more...]

4 Essential Tips for Avoiding Bicycle Accidents

August 21, 2019 by

Riding a bike is fun, healthy, and environmentally conscious. That's probably not news if you've ever ridden one, but neither is the fact that cyclists are vulnerable to serious injury or death when bicycle accidents happen. While there’s always a chance that you’ll encounter a negligent driver while riding, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk and to mitigate the severity of injuries if you are involved in a crash. Read on to learn four key safety tips that all cyclists should … [Read more...]

Types of Witnesses in Personal Injury Cases

August 19, 2019 by

Sometimes the process of recovering a fair settlement after a personal injury is relatively straightforward. If all parties agree on the pertinent facts, the injuries aren’t that serious, and there’s strong evidence to prove liability, causation, and damages, the opposing party might pay a settlement without much contention. But when the damages are significant or there’s a dispute regarding fault or causation, it is often necessary to bring in various witnesses to provide deposition and … [Read more...]

Are Punitive Damages Recoverable After a Drunk Driving Accident?

August 16, 2019 by

If you were hurt in a car accident through no fault of your own, you may be entitled to both compensatory and punitive damages. Compensatory damages include hospital bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and other economic and non-economic damages stemming from the collision. Punitive damages are intended to punish the at-fault party and to deter similar transgressions in the future. While compensatory damages are awarded in any successful personal injury case, punitive damages are only … [Read more...]