Personal Injury

Personal injury cases are civil cases usually brought by persons who are injured in falls, automobile accidents or non-work related mishaps. Persons who are injured are entitled to recover for lost property, medical treatment, lost income and damages due to pain and suffering. Permanent injuries from accidents can be compensated based upon several factors such as pain and suffering, loss of ability to enjoy life, or diminished life expectancy.

Our firm offers a free evaluation of you personal injury claim. We will analyze your case based upon the extent of injuries, loss of income and permanence of the injury. If we decide to take your case, we will represent you without payment of attorney's fees until the case is concluded. In many cases, we will pay for the costs of your case including experts and medical evaluations.

Slip/Trip and Fall Cases:

If you are injured in a store or on some else’s property due to a slip or fall, you could be entitled to compensation for injuries sustained in the fall.

The key issue that usually arises in these types of cases is whether the owner had actual or implied notice of the potential tripping or slippery surface. When a fall occurs in a grocery store, for instance, due to a piece of fruit falling on the ground, we look to see how the fruit is retained in the bins. If the bins are over filled or if the bins are not designed for the type of fruit being placed there, the store could be held liable for their negligence. This liability is implied even if the store was unaware of the fallen fruit.

We have been successful in suing stores for slips which occurred in bathrooms, produce areas and entry ways with tripping mats or uneven surfaces.

Motorcycle/Bicycle Accidents:

Accidents involving motorcyclists or bicyclists and motor vehicles are very common.

Unfortunately, these accidents can be very serious. Because cyclists are relatively unprotected when compared to automobiles, even low speed accidents can be very injurious. Also, cyclists are oftentimes not “seen” by automobile drivers because auto drivers are looking for other cars and tend to overlook the smaller vehicles when turning or proceeding through an intersection.

We have obtained good results when prosecuting motorcycle and bicycle claims. No one involved in a motorcycle accident should assume that because they were speeding or changing lanes when the accident occurred that they will lose their case.

Dog Bite Cases:

If you have been bitten by another person’s dog, you could be entitled to compensation.

Dogs which are notorious for attacking people are considered to be a legal “nuisance”. Different rules apply to cases which involve a nuisance. In some cases, the legal theory of “Strict Liability” can be applied. Under this legal theory, the plaintiff need only prove that the dog or object was a nuisance and his injuries suffered will be assumed to have been caused by the nuisance. Although, these cases are rare, the damages can be significant.

Also, if the dog is not found to be a nuisance, if the owner knows or should have known that his dog is a biter, he can be held liable for the bites caused by the dog.

Dog bite cases are often associated with significant psychological injuries and trauma as well. Persons bitten by a dog often have lifetime fears of other dogs.

Slander and Libel:

You can sue another person if they say false things about you which harm your reputation.

Because this is a complex area of the law, lawsuits for slander and libel are rare. But, be mindful of your reputation. Persons who are professionals should be aware of others who harm their reputations for personal gain. Women should also be aware of their rights to sue someone who imputes their lack of virtue. These suits are often used in conjunction with Wrongful Termination lawsuits.

Intentional Misconduct:

You can sue someone who assaults or batters you; cheats or steals from you; or, who maliciously inflicts emotional distress upon you.

All of these types of lawsuits can include an award of punitive damages. Punitive damages can be substantial. Punitive damages, in certain circumstances, are not avoidable by filing a bankruptcy.

We have been successful in obtaining punitive damages in Wrongful Termination cases and sexual harassment cases.