Law Office of Michael D. Waks

Being the victim of assault or battery can be a traumatic experience. Beyond the immediate physical and emotional impact, victims often face confusion about what steps to take next. In California, there are multiple legal avenues available to those harmed by violent actions. Knowing your rights and options is critical to securing justice and obtaining compensation for your injuries. Defining Assault and Battery Under California Law Before exploring legal options, it is important to … [Read more...]

The Law Office of Michael D. Waks recently achieved a substantial settlement for a client injured in a serious rear-end collision on the northbound 605 Freeway in Los Angeles. The case, Flores vs CDS Trucking Equipment, Inc., resolved on July 10, 2025, with a $1,500,000 settlement. On January 12, 2023, Tito Flores, a concrete inspector, was driving his pick-up truck on the freeway when defendant rear-ended him, Hakim Hassan Stenson, who was operating his truck while in the course and scope of … [Read more...]

Car accidents can happen for many reasons, ranging from driver error to mechanical failure. One factor that is often overlooked is the condition of the road itself. In California, where traffic is heavy and weather can vary dramatically across regions, defective or poorly maintained roads play a significant role in vehicle collisions. Understanding how these conditions contribute to accidents is essential for both prevention and legal recourse. What Counts as Defective Road … [Read more...]

When someone is injured because of another person’s negligence, they have the right to seek compensation for their losses. However, many injury victims worry that having a pre-existing medical condition will harm their ability to recover damages. In California, the law recognizes that people are often more vulnerable because of prior injuries or health issues. While insurance companies may try to use these conditions against you, the presence of a pre-existing condition does not automatically … [Read more...]

After a serious accident, most people focus on their physical injuries and getting the medical treatment they need. But once the dust settles, financial stress often follows. Hospital bills, missed work, and pain that lingers can leave victims wondering how they’ll get back on their feet. In California, personal injury law gives injured people the right to seek compensation from those responsible. That compensation usually falls into two broad categories: economic and non-economic damages. … [Read more...]

Workplace safety is not just about regulations and checklists. It’s about protecting people. When employers in California fail to maintain safe working environments, the consequences can be serious. Injuries on the job don’t just result in time away from work—they often leave workers with medical bills, lasting pain, and uncertainty about the future. While most on-the-job injuries are handled through workers’ compensation, not every situation ends there. If safety violations played a role, … [Read more...]

Injuries can happen anywhere, including on property owned or managed by the government. Whether you slip on a wet floor in a post office, trip on a broken sidewalk near a public school, or get hurt in a city park, your legal rights are different when a government agency is involved. In California, personal injury claims against government entities follow a specific process that sets them apart from standard claims against private individuals or businesses. Understanding how the rules work—and … [Read more...]

Dog bites happen more often than most people think. A quick walk through a neighborhood or a visit to a friend’s house can take a painful turn if a dog gets aggressive. In California, dog bite victims have legal protections that allow them to seek compensation without having to prove the dog’s history or the owner's prior knowledge. If you’ve been bitten, or someone you love has, it’s important to understand how the law works and what steps to take. California Holds Dog Owners Strictly … [Read more...]

If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s actions, filing a personal injury claim is a way to seek compensation for what you’ve lost. But even if the facts seem clear, you can expect the other side to push back. Defendants and their insurance companies often raise legal defenses to limit or avoid financial responsibility. Understanding the strategies they might use can help you prepare for what lies ahead. In California, several common defenses show up across many types of injury cases, … [Read more...]

When you’ve been injured in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, proving what happened becomes one of the most important parts of your personal injury claim. You may have medical records, photos, and police reports. But sometimes, what really tips the scales in your favor is a clear and credible witness statement. In California, where fault must be established to recover compensation, witness accounts can make a real difference. A statement from someone who saw the accident can … [Read more...]