Famous People Can Be Personally Injured

As Los Angeles personal injury attorneys the presence of celebrities looming heavily in the daily legal news is pretty inevitable. While we don't represent a lot of extremely well known people, the cases they get involved with -- and don't get involved with -- can lead to some pretty interesting discussion. Just today, there are two cases in the news that we can't help thinking about.

The first involves Sylvester Stallone. In the midst of a recent comeback for the 66 year-old movie star, it was revealed that, decades ago, the actor and screenwriter had agreed to give his half-sister $2 million, along with a monthly stipend of $16,666.66, as well as yearly $50,000.00 contribution to a fund for psychiatric and medical expenses. Though there were abuse allegations, we don't know if any personal injury lawyer was involved on the side of the sister, who passed away from lung cancer earlier this year. The case is being widely described as, essentially, Stallone paying off blackmail to his allegedly drug-addicted late half-sister.

The second is the wave of "swattings" -- in which pranksters who have somehow obtained celebrity's addresses call 911 and report false emergencies. The most recent incident happened at the home of Chris Brown on Monday night.

As personal injury attorneys in Los Angeles, we have to wonder if there aren't more ways for celebrities to fight back, if they wish to. We suppose their publicists are warning them to wrap up cases quickly to avoid too much negative attention, but we think it's possible they at least in theory could counter these attacks with strong civil action. Certainly the pranksters in the "swatting" cases are guilty of the worst kind of harassment, a type of personal injury -- though we also understand that, first, they have to be caught. As for celebrities in Stallone's predicament, we imagine that either harassment or perhaps defamation charges could perhaps discourage a would-be blackmailer, perhaps even one in your own immediate family. Both cases make us just a little glad that we're not quite as famous as Mr. Stallone or Mr. Brown.

Guidelines for Obtaining Medial Care for your Injury

As leading vehicle accident lawyers, the Law Offices of Burg & Brock resolve to obtain medical treatment for the individual injured in an auto or motorcycle accident. However, it is important for the injured party to keep these tips in mind when visiting the doctor for the personal injury. Insurance companies and those working with the defendant look to find inconsistencies in the information reported by the claimant to the healthcare provider, hoping to apply these irregularities to the claim. Here are some guidelines for receiving treatment for your injuries, while personal injury attorney Cameron Brock pursues full settlement of your medical expenses. 

Recieve medical care as soon as possible. While you might be in panic as a result of the accident, it is very important to see the doctor immediately and to follow up with recommended visits and any referrals. Receiving medical attention lends credibility to your situation and provides for your ultimate rehabilitation. The opposing side looks for inconsistent treatment to prove your injury isn't serious, so follow all of your doctor’s recommendations.

·         Don’t be afraid to be repetitive in the information you provide the doctor. While you don’t need to tell the doctor you have a personal injury claim in progress, please tell him directly that your pain is a result of the accident. Your comments will be documented.

·         Hold on to copies of all receipts, treatment statements, etc. It is important to build your own paper trail, and as distressing as your injuries are, having these documents in your possession helps keep your head in the case.

·         Speak to doctors regarding payment arrangements. In the case that you don't have health insurance or treatment funds, attempt to schedule smaller payments over the course of time with the medical provider. You should not be dissuaded from receiving the attention you require.    

While these general strategies are helpful, Brock and his associates will provide the client with specific information relating to his or her case. If you have suffered as the result of an automobile or motorcycle accident, contact the personal injury law firm of Burg & Brock today.

An Idea Whose Time May Have Come Come

The national debate over guns and guns laws had reignited in the weeks since the horrific tragedy in Sandy Hook, Connecticut  this last December. While there has been a lot of unproductive rhetoric to emerge from the various arguments, there is one idea that's come out that, as personal injury lawyers, we think is worth exploring. Indeed, while the proposal is currently being floated in just one state, we think there's a good chance it could gain traction nationwide.

Some members of the Massachusetts legislator are proposing mandated liability insurance for gun owners, much in the way car owners are now required to carry insurance here in California. While, as a  personal injury law firm, we're not constitutional lawyers and can't be sure whether or not this kind of law would pass muster with current or future Supreme Courts, it does strikes us as a possibly very productive step.

First of all, it would help the victims of the kinds of tragic gun accidents we often read about -- and perhaps some crime victims as well -- by providing funding for compensation. Moreover, one thing the insurance companies have proven themselves to be quite effective at is attempting to reduce their own costs and maximize profits. This kind of insurance would place insurers in a position where they would be motivated to use their considerable fiscal and corporate wherewithal to reducing gun deaths and injuries nationwide through safety programs and generally helping gun owners to prevent accidents and other tragedies. It would also, of course, mean more business for the insurance companies. We know some will disagree, but this strikes us as the very definition of a "win-win." Whether you're in the insurance business, a personal injury lawyer, a gun owner, or a non-gun owner.

The Common Sense Deficit

A news story caught our attention this week relating to a topic that's all too familiar to any personal injury attorney. That was deaths and injuries from traffic accidents. Specifically, the story was noting an increase over last year in Los Angeles area traffic fatalities over the New Year's holiday.

Personal injury lawyers know more than most people how unbearably tragic such accidents really are. However, what caught our eye in this particular story was that a notable number of the deaths and serious injuries in our very large city were the result of people failing to use seat belts.

You would think, by now, that the message would have gone out to the vast majority of us. Still, despite plenty of expert evidence indicating just how effective seat belts really are in making the difference between walking away from an accident or a permanently disabling injury or death, people don't listen. Despite common sense -- we're not birds and clearly not made to fly through the air safely without assistance -- people don't seem to listen. I guess it's no surprise then, that if fear of death or disability isn't enough to make people wear seat belts, then laws mandating their use and relatively modest fines aren't going to get people to use them. (DUIs, on the other hand, are dropping -- no doubt partially due to appropriately huge cash penalties.)

For all the talk about the financial deficit in Washington, D.C., we're personally a bit more concerned about the common sense deficit around the world. On the other hand, this same deficit probably ensures that any personal injury lawyer doesn't have to worry about ever being without plenty of work, so there's that. Still, we'd rather people be safe. In other words: please, wear your seat belts, okay?

Avoid Personal Injury on the Roads this New Year's Eve

Now that Christmas has passed, we begin to focus on our plans for New Year's Eve and New Year’s Day. This time next week, 2013 will be underway. The personal injury attorneys at Burg & Brock would like to take the opportunity to remind the community to be extra watchful while on the road the night of December 31st. AAA sent out a notification this week that New Year's Eve is the deadliest night for highway fatalities. Many Southern Californians are all too aware of the perils of the road during this time of year. While you can't control the choices of others, you can take the proper roadway precautions to avoid inflicting a personal injury.

Do not accept a ride from anyone who has alcohol in his or her system. If you cannot find a designated driver, pool some money with friends and call a cab for drop-off/pickup at the party, bar, etc. In the case that you are involved in even a minor auto accident, hone in on the situation. Pay close attention to what the offender says, such as admitting fault. Take the statements of any witnesses and call your insurance company at your first opportunity. If you suffer personal damages as a result of the accident, put in a call to Burg & Brock. A successful vehicle accident lawyer must be obtained so the injured party has the best chance of claiming reparations. Needing a personal injury law firm might not seem like the ideal way to start the New Year, but the unpredictable does happen. In the case that you suffer a personal injury from an auto accident, make sure there is someone in your corner who will work aggressively in your best interests.

Let's Say Some Nice Things About All the Lawyers

This may be a shocker to some of you -- no, actually it won't shock anyone -- but you might have noticed that we personal injury lawyers are not terribly popular in certain quarters. Oddly enough, most of those quarters tends to be allied with the most wealthy and powerful members of society. Now, we have lawyers and clients at the Law Offices at Burg and Brock that are across the political spectrum, so this is not a left-right issue in our view. However, right now the old "tort reform" drum is being banged around the issue of asbestos.

While we understand that there's no more tempting target for a Wall Street Journal editorial than a personal injury law firm, we can't help but point out that the reason for the high settlements around asbestos is not because lawyers are greedy; it's because asbestos really is very dangerous and its worst effects can take decades to become apparent. As blogger Sergio Munoz puts it, the allegations of "double dipping" are unfair and the allegations of a "scam" are outrageous because it is entirely within the law to sue multiple parties if, in fact, more than one party is responsible for the injury. It's not some nefarious act of legal legerdemain, it's plain common sense.

The constant bashing of the personal injury lawyer is, in our view, nothing more or less than a simple attempt at saving money by large companies. All companies make mistakes and, inevitably, sometimes those mistakes can cause people very real injury. Instead of simply accepting their responsibilities as good corporate citizens and compensating the victims of their mistake, they prefer to hold on to their cash and avoid responsibility. So, tell me again why personal injury lawyers have worse reputations than corporate CEOs who refuse to pay for the injuries they cause?

Motorcycle Accidents: The Open Road is Not Always Paved with Good Intentions

Living in Los Angeles or the San Fernando Valley, Southern Californians forget that there are rural parts of the Sunshine State that are absolutely beautiful. Some city-dwelling Californians choose to take a break from the urban areas by way of a motorcycle, experiencing the natural beauty of California as they ride. State law requires that the biker take the necessary steps for safe riding. This includes wearing a protective helmet and utilizing a bike that meets certain standards. A motorcyclist with proper experience can confidently operate the vehicle, proceeding with caution as he takes to the road. However, there are certain aspects the motorcyclist has no control over. When the biker suffers an accident as a result of poor conditions that should be seen to by an outside party, the injured should speak with a competent personal injury attorney at Burg & Brock.

Poor road design does not allow the motorcyclist the reaction time to safely proceed. Inhibiting factors may include landscaping that obstructs the rider's sight, insufficient lighting, uncovered drainage pits, or a lack of signs that would provide fair warning. These are not suggestions, but requirements for various areas such as roads surrounding construction sites. When certain settings lack these provisions, the damage to the motorcyclist's bike and person can be critical. In these cases, there are certain local municipalities at fault. The personal injury lawyers at Burg & Brock will suss out the responsible entities and work to compensate you for the fallout of your motorbike accident.

If you have suffered damages from a motorcycle accident that occurred on a dangerous roadway,  contact trusted personal injury lawyer Cameron Yadidi Brock at the Law Offices of Burg & Brock. The practice has a 97% success rate and will aggressively work for you to reach settlement.