Los Angeles Personal Injury Attorney
Robert Mansell

• Medical bills
• Lost income, including overtime wages
• Pain & Suffering
• Physical Disability
• Disfigurement
• Emotional Trauma
• Mental Disability
• Property Damage

What is premises liability?
Premises liability generally refers to accidents that occur due to the negligent maintenance, or unsafe conditions upon property owned by someone other than the injured victim. The State of California requires landowners to maintain their property in a manner that does not cause injury to those that, for various reasons, visit the property. This law pertains to both business owners and homeowners. Crucial to a premises liability settlement is being able to show how long the defect or injury-inflicting element was there, how visible it was, and how much notice the owner had of the dangerous condition before the accident.

What should I do if I've been injured in a slip & fall accident?
Most businesses and homeowners carry liability insurance to protect them in the event that someone is injured while on their property. The owner or possessor of a residence, land, or place of business has the duty to exercise reasonable care for the protection of those individuals who are invited to come upon the premises, whether for business or pleasure. In such cases, the owner, company, or person must inspect the premises to discover any dangerous conditions and warn the invitee of dangers upon said premises. Those injured by a negligent owner or possessor of a premise may recover damages for their injuries, including loss of income, medical expenses, pain and suffering, etc.

Some instances in which the law might apply strict liability are those dealing with product liability, abnormally dangerous or ultra-hazardous activities, and animal owner's liability. For example, a plaintiff may be entitled to compensation after a defective product injures him or her regardless of whether the manufacturer was actually negligent.

Statutes of limitations differ not only from state to state, but also in regard to the kinds of lawsuits involved. In some states the statute of limitations for medical malpractice, suits against governmental agencies, and wrongful death actions is shorter than that for other types of personal injury cases. In general, however, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is from one to three years, and the time begins from the time of the accident. 

What is Wrongful Death?
Wrongful death occurs when a person's death was caused by the negligent, willful, or wrongful act, neglect, omission, or default of another, such as careless driving or a deliberate murder. In addition to injuring the person who died, people who depended upon the deceased for financial or emotional support may be entitled to compensation for the wrongful death. The State of California has enacted a statute permitting a lawsuit to be brought by the relatives of a person who died as a result of a wrongful act.

Under what circumstances can a wrongful death occur?
Wrongful Death Law provides financial compensation to the family of a person whose death was caused by the negligent, willful, or wrongful act of another. Wrongful death cases are filed as a result of a variety of situations, including:

• Medical malpractice resulting in a patient's death
• Neglect or abuse on the part of a nursing home that results in a patient's death
• Automobile, bus, train, airplane or other common carrier fatality accident
• Occupational exposure to hazardous conditions or substances (exposure to asbestos, etc.) resulting in death
• Death during a supervised activity (sports tournament, field trip, etc.)

Pecuniary (financial) injury is the main way damages in wrongful death cases are computed. Courts interpret "pecuniary injuries" as including the loss of support, services, lost prospect of inheritance, and medical and funeral expenses. Punitive damages may also be awarded in cases of serious or malicious wrongdoing to punish the wrongdoer, and/or deter others from behaving similarly.

How do I know if I need an attorney?
If you have been seriously injured, and are unsure about the outcome of your injury, consult with an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Make sure this is done before you give any official statements or sign papers of any kind. California laws require filing a lawsuit within a specific period of time. Depending upon the circumstances of your case, you may be prohibited from filing a lawsuit and obtaining any compensation for your injuries if you delay.