Wrongful death claims
Under California law, wrongful death claims which occur due to the wrongful act of another may be brought by the surviving heirs, the personal representative, and others who may have been dependent on the decedent for support, pursuant to CCP section 377.60. A wrongful death claim differs from a “survival” action under CCP section 377.30, where an existing claim may pass from a decedent to his or her successor-in-interest after death. The distinction is critical and the remedies are different for each. We have handled a significant number of both types of actions and are familiar with how to maximize your recovery in each instance.
motor vehicle accidents
We have resolved over a thousand motor vehicle accident claims on behalf of injured individuals and their family members over the past 37 years. While safety advancements continue to make vehicles safer, operator error and negligence is still the primary cause of most collisions. Our firm will do what it takes to get your case resolved via settlement, mediation, or by verdict at trial. We have a working knowledge of the vehicle code, and the medical background you need to successfully pursue your claim. We have successfully handled a broad range of motor vehicle accident claims throughout Northern California, including:
- Automobile Accidents
- Truck Accidents
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Bus and Metro Transit accidents
- Bicycle and Pedestrian accidents
uninsured motorist actions
Uninsured motorist actions are governed by Insurance Code section 11580.2. This type of coverage pays for your damages if you are injured by a driver with no insurance, or by a driver with insurance limits which are less than yours. This coverage is optional for consumers, but considering that over four million drivers in California are uninsured, it is critically important that you carry adequate Uninsured Motorist Coverage as part of your automobile insurance policy to protect you and your family. The uninsured motorist law is complicated, and you need a knowledgeable and experienced attorney in your corner to see your claim through to a just conclusion.
trip & fall / premises liability
A trip and fall injury is a serious occurrence. Many victims suffer serious, life-altering injuries from a variety of causes such as unlit stairwells, wet floors, and construction site defects that often have catastrophic results. Property owners have an obligation to keep their property in a safe condition for those coming onto the property. Where a property owner knew or should have known about a dangerous condition, and failed to protect against it, you may recover compensation for your injuries. As a guest in a business or home, you have a right to expect that the property is safe and well maintained. Unfortunately, when building codes are not followed and regular maintenance is avoided, dangerous conditions can develop. We have successful prosecuted hundreds of premises liability cases, including those against large municipalities and retail store owners such as Wal-Mart, Home Depot, Costco, and the like.
animals / dog bites
We have represented mail carriers, children, elders, and other victims in dog bite and dog attack cases throughout California. We know the immediate and future consequences a dog attack can have on a victim. Recently, insurance carriers have been attempting to exclude certain dog breeds from coverage and it is critical to examine the language of the subject policy.
Government Tort Claims
Governmental entities are responsible for injuries caused by their wrongful acts under Government Code section 900 et seq. We have successfully maintained negligence and dangerous condition cases against the State of California, the City of Sacramento, (1.2 million settlement for falling tree limb in City Park), Sacramento Regional Transit, and others.
Our elder population is one of the more vulnerable segments of our society and find themselves victims of frequent abuse, both financial and physical. Nursing home residents have a legal right to receive the care necessary to ensure they do not suffer preventable injury or deterioration in their condition; and to be free from abuse or neglect. When preventable injuries occur in a nursing home or assisted living facility, the law holds the facility and its owners accountable and Provides enhanced remedies under EADACPA, The Elder Abuse and Dependent Adult Consumer Protection Act.
Family members who require care in a nursing home are more susceptible to abuse or neglect because they are often unable to speak up for themselves. If an elder member of your family has experienced an injury, or preventable deterioration of their condition in a nursing home, we can help you recognize the signs of abuse and neglect and help hold the nursing home accountable for any injuries they have caused.
elder abuse & neglect
Burn Injuries can be severe and life altering, often resulting in death to the burn victim. There are significant legal issues that must be addressed in a burn case. Timely investigation and preservation of evidence must be performed as soon as possible after an incident which may prove to be invaluable to the case in the later stages of litigation.