Personal injury cases are based on the premise that someone was injured by the act of another person or entity. If you find yourself in this unfortunate situation, you should seek out a top personal injury attorney who can fight for you and your rights. Since these cases are not necessarily clear cut, it is rarely advisable for you to go this alone.

When pursuing your personal injury case, the first thing on your list should be finding a good attorney. Even after you have narrowed down your choices, you still need to do a little research in order to make sure that he or she will be the right fit for you. This means looking for reviews from other clients, complaints, and even pending lawsuits that may have been filed. The Better Business Bureau is a great place to find this kind of information.

The Face to Face Meeting

You will next want to set a meeting with your attorney. Here, you will discuss the details of your case to determine if you do, in fact, have a viable claim. This is when your attorney will instruct you on what can be expected through each step of the process. This is also the time that your attorney will instruct you as to what will be expected of you. This will include any information you may have, the facts of your case, contacts who can help to verify your case, and any other information pertinent to your claim. The defendant’s attorney will also be contacting your attorney to swap information material to the case.

It is quite possible that your case will never go to trial. Many cases are settled out of court. Motions are filed to end the proceeding before it ever makes it to a judge or jury. This can be good news for you since settlements are often reached during this time. If your case does go to trial, the process can be quite lengthy depending on how much testimony takes place and how aggressive the defense becomes.

Even if you win the case and are awarded a settlement, it doesn’t always mean that all the work is behind you. Being awarded compensation and actually collecting it are often two different things. Defendants will sometimes go to great lengths to keep from paying out. One such tactic is to file an appeal. This is where your attorney will need to step in to speed up the process.

The Time Factor

One thing to keep in mind is the statute of limitations on such cases, which can differ from state to state. In California, the statute of limitations for a personal injury case runs for a period of two years, either from the date of the injury or when the origin of the injury is established. But the two-year rule is not set in stone. There are sometimes extenuating circumstances that can allow a case to proceed even after the two-year time limit has expired. Do not endanger your case by putting off initiating your claim. Contact an attorney as soon as possible after your injury.

Anyone who has been injured through no fault of their own deserves the right to proper legal representation. It is in your best interest, and that of your family, to hire the right California personal injury lawyer who can get you the compensation that you are entitled to. This will afford you the best opportunity for a full recovery and the ability to restore your life.

Give Us the Opportunity to Help

The Mandell Law Firm, in Northridge, is an aggressive personal injury and wrongful death law firm serving clients throughout the San Fernando Valley, the Greater Los Angeles area, and Southern California. Experienced and reputable, our attorneys provide hands-on care and sincere commitment to victims of accidents. Contact Mara Burnett for a free consultation at 818.866.6600.

Personal injury law encompasses a broad array of circumstances. These may include, but are not limited to, injury in an auto accident or some mode of public transportation, slip and fall on property owned by someone else, injury from dog bite or other animal that does not belong to you. These, and more, all fall under the umbrella of personal injury and the severity of your injury may have a big impact on exactly how your claim is processed. There may be occasions when you could handle a claim on your own, either through an insurance company or small claims court. In other situations, you would be well advised to seek the counsel of a qualified legal professional. This will depend on the seriousness of your injury, and your comfort level in dealing with bureaucratic red tape.

When Is It Smart To Do It Yourself?

Auto accidents are by far one of the most common causes of personal injury, even for good, careful drivers. If you’re rear-ended by another driver and injuries to you and your passengers are slight, and the damage to your car is minor, you may feel comfortable simply filing a claim with your insurance, or the other driver’s insurance. If you feel that compensation is sufficient to cover repairs to your vehicle and any medical treatment received, and you are satisfied with the timeliness and professionalism of the service, then this would constitute a good outcome for you.

If, on the other hand, you’re not comfortable or not willing to negotiate with insurance adjusters to reach what you consider to be fair compensation for your loss, then you should turn this task over to someone who is skilled and professional and who can represent your best interests. Waiting until you’ve tried and failed to arrive at a fair settlement, and then seeking the advice of a personal injury lawyer can complicate your claim process. If you’re unsure about how to handle your personal injury claim, contact an attorney immediately and explain the details of your case. Most will offer a free consultation, and most will inform you if their services are not really required for your particular situation.

Resist The Temptation to Become an Instant Expert

The internet is brimming with information on every topic, including the law. The problem is, not all of if is accurate and some of it can even be damaging to your case. Don’t try to become a legal expert through the internet. Insurance companies all have teams of lawyers who fight for them. Their only job is to protect the financial interests of the insurance company by keeping settlement payments low. If your claim is not moving forward, and especially if it seems you may have to go to small claims court, rest assured that the other side will be represented by legal counsel.

The “Upside” to Engaging Legal Counsel

Based on a study by the Insurance Research Council, the average settlement is over three times larger with legal counsel than without. This can mean a huge difference in your personal injury claim. The law, as it applies to your case, may not be as simple as you suppose. Don’t settle for less than you’re rightfully entitled to. Don’t disadvantage yourself by standing alone. Be armed with a professional who understands the complexities of the law and the details of your particular case.

If your injury was caused by someone who refuses to take responsibility, or if their insurance company uses delay and intimidation, or simply refuses to settle with you, do not hesitate to engage professional legal counsel to take over for you. Negotiating with difficult people is what they’re trained for and ready to do on your behalf. And they will see to it that your legal rights are protected.

Schedule a Consultation with Aslin Tutuyan

Aslin Tutuyan is a personal injury attorney with The Mandell Law Firm in Northridge. Mandell Law is an aggressive personal injury and wrongful death law firm serving clients throughout the San Fernando Valley, the Greater Los Angeles area, and Southern California. Experienced and reputable, our attorneys provide hands-on care and sincere commitment to victims of accidents of all kinds. Contact Aslin Tutuyan for a free consultation at 818.866.6600.

One thousand Americans arrive in emergency rooms every day having suffered injury from a dog bite. Approximately one third of all American households own a dog. While most dogs are considered docile and obedient, without proper socialization any dog can be provoked into biting by loud noises, aggressive movement, or threatening situations. It is the responsibility of a dog’s owner to seek proper obedience training and take all necessary measures to ensure that the dog will not attack. If a dog is overly aggressive, and prone to attacking people, it’s the owner’s responsibility to surrender it to an animal shelter.

An attack can happen to anyone, however research shows that children are most at risk. Close to half of those suffering a dog bite injury are children. Dog bite injuries often leave victims physically and emotionally scarred. More serious cases of dog attack have even resulted in death. Medical costs for reconstructive surgery and psychological recovery can be exorbitant, and often beyond the financial means of the victim. That’s when the law steps in.

If You Are Bitten

It’s extremely important to identify the animal that bit you. If for some reason this is impossible, you face the probability of having to submit to painful treatment for rabies. Additionally, if you were attacked by a dog, or any animal being kept by a person, you are almost certainly entitled to compensation from its owner. Depending on the severity of your injury, that compensation may well be needed to pay the medical costs of reconstructive surgery, reimburse you for lost income, and help you overcome psychological trauma from your injuries. Next, seek medical attention as quickly as possible. If your face is wounded, insist on being treated by a cosmetic surgeon, as appearance will matter to you and emergency room personnel aren’t always trained in this specialty.

“Dog Bite” Law in California

Those who own, harbor, or keep a dog may be held liable for payment or compensation if it harms a person, a domestic animal, a farm animal, or even causes damage to property. California is a strict liability state. This means that a dog owner is liable for injuries inflicted by his dog upon a human being, even if the owner was not negligent and the dog had never bitten anyone prior. Therefore, the dog owner is almost automatically liable. Generally, in the United States, civil laws provide monetary compensation for the victim, criminal laws may impose punishment on the dog owner, and administrative laws provide for remedy against the dog itself.

Assigning Responsibility

Damages arising from harm caused by a dog bite or attack are often covered by homeowner’s insurance, renter’s insurance, motor home owner’s insurance, condominium owner’s insurance, landlord’s insurance, or another form of insurance provided by the dog owner. However, if insurance is inadequate or does not exist on either side, the dog owner is usually held responsible for paying damages out of pocket.

On the other side, the typical defenses against dog bite claims are that the victim may have provoked the dog or was illegally on the property. It may be alleged that the victim was in some way negligent, or even willfully assumed the risk. Or, that the victim was an experienced canine professional and is deemed to have consciously assumed the risk. When the victim is a child, a parent may be held to have been negligent and failed to properly supervise the child, therefore causing the accident.

Seek Legal Advice from a Personal Injury Attorney

The Mandell Law Firm, in Northridge, is an aggressive personal injury and wrongful death law firm serving clients throughout the San Fernando Valley, the Greater Los Angeles area, and Southern California. Experienced and reputable, our attorneys provide hands-on care and sincere commitment to victims of accidents, including dog bites and other animal attacks. If you or a loved one has suffered from a dog bite or animal attack, contact Laurence Mandell for a free consultation at 818.866.6600.

If you are with someone who has been bitten by a dog, there are some procedures you should follow for treating the bite, according to the National Institutes of Health. First, calm the person down. Before working on the wound put on latex gloves or wash your hands. Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and running water for three to five minutes. If the dog bite injury is bleeding, apply pressure with a clean, dry cloth until it stops. Cover the bite with antibiotic ointment and a clean dressing. Watch for signs of infection and call the doctor if it becomes infected.

For serious wounds, call 911 or go to the emergency room immediately after a dog bite attack. Some examples of serious wounds are if the wound is bleeding significantly and won’t stop; if the animal was wild or unknown; if the bite is on the face, neck, or hands; if the wound needs stitches; or if the individual hasn’t had a tetanus shot within the past five years.

People who are bitten by dogs can recover compensation from the dog’s owner for any damage caused by the dog under certain situations. If you have been bitten by a dog, call the San Fernando Valley dog bite attorneys at the Mandell Law Firm at 818-886-6600 today for a free consultation.

The rate of dog bite injuries is highest among children ages 5 to 9. So how can you keep your children from suffering a serious dog bite? First, you need to do some research before bringing a dog into your household. Carefully choose the breed, being sure to avoid aggressive breeds or breeds that do not interact well with children. Spend time with the dog before finalizing the adoption, making sure to observe your child interacting with the dog. Never leave your child alone with a new dog or even a dog that your child is familiar with.

In order to lessen the chance of your child being bitten by a stranger’s dog, there are several steps you can take. First of all, children should never approach a stranger’s dog. Do not pet a dog without allowing the dog to sniff and see your child first. If an unfamiliar dog approaches, remain motionless. If a dog is sleeping, eating or nursing puppies, the dog should not be disturbed. If a dog knocks a child over, the child should roll into a ball and lay still.

Dog bites in California can cause serious injuries and even be life threatening in some instances. If you or a loved one has been attacked and believe that the dog owner’s negligence contributed to the bite injury taking place, contact the skilled San Fernando Valley dog bite lawyers at the Mandell Law Firm. Our experienced injury lawyers are dedicated to helping dog bite victims get the compensation they deserve. Contact us today at 818-886-6600 for a free consultation.

The lawyer for the man said, “It was a business decision,” and added, “We did not make any admissions that this dog was vicious. It was clear this dog did not have any vicious propensities.”

Each year approximately 4.7 million people are bitten by dogs in the United States. It is estimated that 1,000 people in America visit the emergency room each day due to dog bite injuries.

Most of us are aware of the many joys having a pet can provide a person; however, pets, such as dogs, can also pose the threat of serious injury when they are improperly contained, taken care of, or trained. Unfortunately, on too many occasions dog owners believe their dogs are friendly and leave them untied or unsupervised.

If you have been bitten by a dog in Northridge, you have the right to ask for compensation for your medical bills, suffering, and any potential monetary loss if the owner did not take proper precautions to ensure that their dog would not harm innocent people. The experienced Northridge dog bite lawyers at the Mandell Law Firm can help you with your case. Considering that our firm obtained nearly $10 million in settlements and verdicts in 2001, you can rest assured that we will utilize our extensive legal knowledge and skills to reach a successful outcome in your case. Contact the Mandell Law Firm today for your free consultation by calling 1-818-886-6600.

Source:http://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/article/20090906/NEWS05/909060345

The owner said, “That’s my family, I’m entitled to my dog.”

Ignatius Carroll, Miami Fire Rescue Lieutenant reported that the dog had jumped at the mail carrier. “She was able to push the dog away from her face, and it lunged at her and bit her in the chest area and also bit her on the hand. She got some significant bites.”

Each year approximately 4.7 million people are bitten by dogs in the United States. It is estimated that 1,000 people in America visit the emergency room each day due to dog bite injuries.

Dog attacks are an all too familiar occurrence in crowded cities like Northridge and many other areas of the vast San Fernando Valley. Many dog owners are under the assumption that their dogs are friendly and leave them untied and even worse, unsupervised. If you have been bitten by a dog in Northridge, you have the right to ask for compensation for your medical bills, pain and suffering, and even loss of wages. The experienced Northridge dog bite accident lawyers at the Mandell Law Firm can assist you with your case. For your free animal bite injury consultation, please call 1-818-886-6600 today.

Source:http://cbs4.com/pets/Dog.bite.dog.2.1117429.html