Keeping Cool About the Heat

As we write this, we're looking at weekend with temperatures ranging from the mid-80s in our usually cool coastal areas and going up into the hundreds in the Valley areas. While this is slightly unusual for this time of the year -- L.A.'s most intense heat usually seems to come in late August and well into September and beyond -- high temperatures like this are a part of life in the sunbelt. Even so, incidences of heat exhaustion and it's more serious cousin, heat stroke, happen every year and sometimes may even end up in the offices of a personal injury lawyer.

The important thing, of course, is to avoid any instances of a heat related illness from happening to you or anyone around you, whether you're working outdoors or participating in other outdoor activities. The first step is simply to be aware that the risk is very real and, yes, people do die from excessive heat. The second is to ensure that you and others are probably protected from direct sunlight -- hats, light clothing, and sunblock are all important tools for preventing serious problems. Staying properly hydrated is also essential. Experts suggest that people subjected to high temperatures for long periods should drink water every quarter of an hour, even if they are not feeling thirsty.

Another important step is watch out for a number of symptoms of serious problems. Confusion, high body temperatures, excessive sweating and more dramatic signs like fainting and seizures simply can't be ignored and require immediate medical attention. Also pay special attention to children, older people, and even healthy adults who may not be used to spending time outside on a hot day. If you think someone might be at risk of becoming overheated, get them to drink some water and take them to a cooler place immediately. Older people and others who may be living without air conditioning should consider taking advantage of one of the cooling centers that are operated by the city and county and public libraries and other locations. (Locations below, you can also dial 211 or 311 for further information.)

Of course, as Los Angeles personal injury attorneys, we're fortunate in the sense that we work in air conditioned offices most of the time. Still, being unused to the heat is also considered a risk factor for heat exhaustion. That's why Cameron Yadidi Brock and the rest of us ask that everyone do their part to keep themselves and others safe and cool as we hit the real dog days of summers.

Miracles of Technology and their Downsides

You might have read earlier today about how NTSB investigators are citing a minor carburetor problem which they think contributed to the plane crash in which 73 year-old actor Harrison Ford was injured last March. While the fact that Mr. Ford's injuries in the vintage World War II era plane turned out to be relatively minor was a relief to everyone -- not just for Mr. Ford's friends and family, but for fans worried about his reappearance in upcoming sequels to science fiction classics "Star Wars" and "Blade Runner" -- it does point up one of the ironies of modern life. As the pilot of something of an antique, it's arguable that Ford was taking somewhat more of a risk flying it than some more recent airplane model. It's definitely true that small planes tend to be far more risky than highly advanced commercial airliners. Flying is amazing, but the potential danger is obvious.

You don't have to be a busy LA accident lawyer to understand that, whether we're talking about the advances that led to the early "horseless carriages" (i.e., cars) or the seeming miracle of modern flight, every advance seems to bring with it new dangers. It gets even more ironic when even advances aimed specifically at improving safety, such as the currently in-development driverless cars may turn out to have some potential complications with personal injury implications of their own.

Comedian Louis C.K. in his now famous routine pokes fun at how unappreciative we all are of the technological miracles we experience every day, including cross-country commercial flights that have become almost absurdly speedy and safe when compared to earlier forms of travel. At the same time, of course, when a company or individual provides a service, it's their duty to make it as safe as possible. Cars might have been almost miraculous at one point, but auto manufacturers had to be pressured to make cars less dangerous with improvements like seat belts and airbags. They knew for a fact that these modifications would save lives, but they had to be convinced that it was worth spending the money by an angry public and hard driving lawyers threatening costly lawsuits.

Our own Cameron Yadidi Brock is proud to be a part of a legal tradition that has made today's highly advanced technology safer. It's good to appreciate modern technology, but it's even better to be safe while doing so!

Your Recovery is Priority Number One

One of the biggest reasons why accident victims fail to file a lawsuit against the party responsible for the accident in the days and weeks immediately following the negligent act is that victims need time to themselves to focus on recover. At the Law Offices of Burg & Brock, we understand how important this time is for a successful recovery, and we do everything we can to carry the entire burden of the personal injury court case so that you can focus on what is most important. While winning cases is surely important, we believe that it is the duty of a personal injury lawyer to look after the client in all regards.

Also important is achieving the sense of emotional closure that is vital for moving on from an injury. While it is often impossible to be made entirely whole again after a traumatic or debilitating injury, knowing that your expenses and needs will be met with compensation can be a huge weight off of your shoulders. Also, the sense of justice that plaintiffs gain when a court decision or settlement goes in their favor is a tremendous benefit that can help victims move on past some of the emotional damage the accident caused. With the Law Offices of Burg & Brock, you can rest assured that you have an experienced attorney in Los Angeles  fighting for you while you fight to recover.

Standing Up to Insurance Companies

Often, when the negligent party involved in an accident has umbrella insurance coverage, the litigation happens between the plaintiff, and the lawyers of the insurance companies. Because these companies have so much at stake, the often hire the most expensive and seasoned lawyers to defend their money. Whether injured parties are looking simply for a settlement, or a larger victory in court, they need to turn to an experienced personal injury lawyer who can show the insurance companies that they mean business.

For settlements, a feared and respected name is very important. The insurance companies know that our head litigator, Cameron Yadidi Brock, is incredibly capable in court and has an incredibly high rate of success for his clients. Knowing that it may be incredibly difficult to defeat Mr. Brock in court, these companies will often settle to avoid a higher amount down the line.

Yet, unlike some Los Angeles personal injury attorneys who will only take cases that they will eventually settle, Mr. Brock is willing to do whatever it takes to get clients the results that they deserve.

Not all Cases Are Created Equal

Earlier in the year the NHL joined the list of sports leagues (NFL, WWE) that currently have pending litigation involving concussions in their prospective sports. Recently, it looked as though FIFA was set to join the list, as some U.S. soccer players and parents of young players had filed a lawsuit against the league. Yet, a federal judge has dismissed the lawsuit before it could pick up any steam, leaving the future of the concussion personal injury question (as it pertains to soccer) up in the air.

This is an important reminder that, while lawyers often rely on precedents and past examples to shape their cases, this shows that every case can truly be different. A talented LA accident lawyer needs to use their skill and legal experience to approach every case in whatever unique and innovative way will produce a positive outcome for their client.

At the Law Offices of Burg & Brock, our litigation team led by Cameron Yadidi Brock has years of experience fighting for all types of personal injury client, from motorcycle accident victims to burn victims.

When the Law is on Your Side, But the Insurance Companies Are Not

In many personal injury cases, depending on the nature of the accident and the insurance coverage that the negligent party has, it is the insurance company and not the individual who is liable to pay damages to the victim of an accident. This means that a winning case requires a lawyer strong enough to stand up to the insurance company lawyers and prove, in or out of court, that their client deserves just compensation.

For years, our head litigator, Cameron Yadidi Brock, has been proving that he has the skill, the compassion, and the legal knowledge necessary to bring about successful outcomes for his clients. His is a name that insurance companies have come to fear, so many of them will be more than amenable to settle a case. Yet, Mr. Brock always strives to do what is best for each individual client, including going to court if the settlement amount is not sufficient.

When looking for an LA accident lawyer, make sure you go with a firm that will not simply settle for the path of least resistance when resolving a case. Turn to the firm with over 90 years of collective legal experience and a 97 percent successful trial record that speaks for itself.

Legal Guidance from Start to Finish

For many personal injury accident victims, the hardest step in seeking justice is in making the initial decision to pursue legal action in the first place. Many people, still reeling from the physical injuries of the accident, do not want to add to the current stress that they are experiencing by dealing with a court case. This is where a compassionate and talented personal injury lawyer like Cameron Yadidi Brock can help. By taking on the legal burden of representing his clients in court, Mr. Brock is able to be the voice for those who must focus their strength and energy on themselves and their family during this difficult time in their life.

Some people also struggle to make the initial first step to pursue legal action because they do not feel completely entitled to the large payouts that these cases often bring. Mr. Brock assures his clients that, in cases of negligence, having to pay victims compensation is often the only deterrent for future negligent behavior. In addition, a sum greater than basic medical expenses is necessary to deal with the possible long term repercussions of an injury. There are often physical and mental injuries that may lay dormant in the immediate aftermath of an accident that need to be accounted for appropriately with a court decision. By a personal injury lawyer calling the Law Offices of Burg & Brock today you can take the necessary first step in securing justice for your loved ones or yourself.