Personal Injury Lawyers in San Francisco
Attorneys of Brownstein Thomas representing Clients in Injury related Cases
If you have suffered an injury because of the negligence or intentional act of another, you may be entitled to recover several types of damages. In California, damages are either economic or non-economic. Economic damages include past and future lost wages, past and future medical expenses, and any incidental expenses incurred because of the injury. Non-economic damages include recovery for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. In certain cases, punitive damages may also be available.
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Automobile, car and motorcycle accidents are the most common causes of personal injuries. Under the California Vehicle Code, all drivers must be able to prove financial responsibility if an accident should occur. This can be through self-insurance or purchasing a traditional liability insurance policy. However, in catastrophic injury cases, liability insurance may not cover all of the damages a person suffers. Therefore, it is important to hire an experienced personal injury attorney who can ensure a victim is getting the maximum recovery to which he or she is entitled.
Wrongful Death
Wrongful death claims arise when a person dies because of another's negligence or intentional act, and can occur in any kind of personal injury incident. The California Code of Civil Procedure limits filing a wrongful death action to a deceased's individuals spouse, children, or issue. If the person had no spouse or issue, anyone entitled to property in the deceased's estate may file a claim. In California, the deceased's family cannot recover for loss or damage suffered before death. This includes any penalties or punitive damages for pain and suffering the deceased suffered before dying.
Premises Liability
In California, owners and possessors of land have a duty to keep the premises reasonably safe from obvious dangers and certain non-obvious dangers. The extent of the duty depends on several factors: the kind of danger, whether the owner knew the danger existed, and the reason the injured person was on the property. Common types of premises liability accidents include slipping and falling on a sidewalk or in a store.
Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect
Nursing home abuse and neglect is a common and widespread problem throughout California. Under the California Welfare and Institutions Code, elder abuse is "physical abuse, neglect, financial abuse, abandonment, isolation, [or] abduction" of anyone age 65 or older that leads to physical or emotional harm or suffering or the "deprivation by a care custodian of goods or services that are necessary to avoid physical harm or mental suffering." Abuse and neglect often goes unnoticed or unreported because of the physical and mental state of many elders and the fact that many elders have few visitors.
Products Liability
Products can be defective in three ways: design, manufacture, and instructions, packaging, or warnings. Injured plaintiffs can bring products liability claims against any member of the distribution chain of the product, including the manufacturer, distributor, and retailer. These cases are often complex and require expert testimony; it is therefore critical that victims of a product-related injury hire a San Francisco personal injury lawyer who understands the complexities surrounding this type of litigation.
Seek Experienced Legal Representation
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury or has died because of the negligent or intentional acts of another, it is important to hire experienced attorneys who will protect your rights and obtain the maximum recovery to which you are entitled. Contact Brownstein Thomas, LLP today so that we can begin preparing your case.
