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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 types … [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...]

Who Might Be Liable for a Defective Product Injury?

April 24, 2019 by

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 … [Read more...]

What Evidence Might Contribute to My Truck Accident Claim?

April 17, 2019 by

Strong evidence is the bedrock of any successful truck accident claim. Without it, the insurance company might find opportunities to dispute liability, causation, or damages. This not only could draw out the proceedings, but it may also threaten the outcome of your case. Much of the evidence needed to support your claim could be time-sensitive, so it’s important that your attorney is able to conduct an immediate investigation. A seasoned truck accident lawyer can also file subpoenas to obtain … [Read more...]

What Should I Bring to My Consultation with a Personal Injury Lawyer?

April 8, 2019 by

After a serious accident, one of the smartest steps you can take to protect your claim is to speak with an attorney. Most personal injury lawyers offer free initial consultations, so you won’t have to pay anything to get answers to your questions and the guidance you need to make informed decisions. This first meeting is also an opportunity to find out if the prospective attorney has the experience and credentials to handle your case. There are certain documents you should bring to the initial … [Read more...]

What’s the Difference Between a Tort Claim and a Lawsuit?

April 5, 2019 by

If you’re planning to take legal action after a serious injury or wrongful death in the family, you probably have a lot of questions. The more you understand about the proceedings and what to expect, the less stressful the experience will likely be on you and your loved ones. One common question asked by personal injury victims is, “What’s the difference between a tort claim and a lawsuit?” We’ll provide the answer in this article. The Relationship Between Tort Claims and Civil Lawsuits There … [Read more...]