Law Office of Michael D. Waks

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...]

After an accident, it’s not uncommon to get a call from the at-fault party’s insurance company within days. They may ask for a statement or offer you a settlement right away. At first, this might feel like a relief—especially if you’re dealing with medical bills or missed work. But before you say yes to a fast settlement, it’s important to pause and fully understand what you’re agreeing to. Quick offers from insurance companies are not always in your best interest. In fact, they are often … [Read more...]

After an accident, the physical injuries are only part of the story. Many people also experience emotional distress, anxiety, ongoing discomfort, or loss of enjoyment in their everyday life. In California, the legal system recognizes these effects through something called pain and suffering damages. But unlike medical bills or lost wages, these damages don’t come with a receipt. That makes them more complicated to calculate. If you’ve been injured and are wondering how pain and suffering is … [Read more...]

When someone is hurt in an accident, the first question is often, “Who was at fault?” But what happens if more than one person shares responsibility? In California, the answer lies in a legal concept known as comparative negligence. This system plays a major role in how compensation is calculated after an injury and can impact the amount a victim is ultimately able to recover. Whether you're dealing with a car crash, slip and fall, or another type of personal injury, it’s important to understand … [Read more...]