Injured? We Fight for What You Deserve
Medical bills pile up fast. Meanwhile, you're in pain and unsure how you're going to pay for everything. At My Lawyer Manwel, we've sat across the table from countless clients facing this exact situation. Finding the right personal injury attorney in Canoga Park means having someone who knows how to push back against insurance tactics and build a case that reflects what you've been through. Keep reading to find out how injury claims work, mistakes that can hurt your case, and what fair compensation looks like.
California gives you two years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. That sounds like plenty of time until you realize how much evidence disappears in those first few weeks. Surveillance footage from nearby businesses can get recorded over, and even your own memories become less precise as time passes. A personal injury law firm needs evidence to prove what happened and who caused it. When you wait too long to reach out, your attorney has fewer tools to work with. The insurance company knows this, too. Adjusters will drag their feet on purpose because every passing week works in their favor. Your medical records also tell a clearer story when you seek treatment immediately after the accident. Gaps in treatment give the insurance company an excuse to argue your injuries aren't that serious or that something else caused them. Cases are weakened because clients wait three weeks to see a doctor.
Your hospital bill is only one piece of the financial damage. Most people don't realize the full scope until they sit down and list everything out. Missing two weeks or two months of work takes a serious toll on your finances. And if your injury limits what jobs you can perform going forward, then future earning capacity becomes a factor, too. A construction worker with a permanent back injury faces a completely different career outlook than before their accident. Transportation costs add up as well when you need rides to physical therapy three times a week. Some clients need home modifications like grab bars or ramp access to get around safely. There's also pain and suffering, which covers the physical discomfort you experience daily and the emotional toll of living with limitations you didn't have before. Personal injury attorneys in Canoga Park document your losses through medical records, employment records, and testimony from family members who witnessed the impact. A thorough case file shows the insurance company exactly what they owe. Without documentation, adjusters will lowball you every time.
Building a strong case requires legwork that most people can't do while recovering from an injury. Our team starts by collecting every document that's connected to your accident. Police reports, medical records, insurance policies, and employment records form a strong foundation. Photos of the accident scene also help preserve physical evidence. In car accident cases, we may hire accident reconstruction experts who analyze vehicle damage, road conditions, and witness statements to determine how the collision occurred. Medical experts review your records and provide opinions about your prognosis, the treatment you'll need, and whether your injuries will cause permanent limitations. These expert opinions carry a lot of weight during settlement negotiations and at trial. A personal injury lawyer in Canoga Park also tracks your ongoing medical treatment and expenses. We maintain detailed records that show the full timeline of your recovery. This paper trail becomes ammunition when the insurance company tries to minimize your claim. We handle the subpoenas, phone calls, scheduling, and paperwork so you can focus on healing.
Insurance adjusters work for the insurance company, not for you. Their job is to close your claim for as little money as possible. They get training on tactics that pressure injured people into accepting quick settlements before they understand what their case is worth. One common approach involves calling you within days of the accident and offering a check. The offer almost never covers your full damages, especially when you haven't finished treatment and don't know the extent of your injuries. Anything you say during these conversations can be used against you later. Adjusters record calls and look for statements they can twist. Saying something like "I'm doing okay" becomes evidence that you aren't really hurt. A personal injury lawyer in Canoga Park handles all communication with the insurance company on your behalf. We know what information they're entitled to and what they're fishing for. We don't let them rush you into a decision. Our personal injury law firm negotiates from a position of strength because we've done the work to document your case properly. If the insurance company refuses to offer fair value, we file a lawsuit and let a jury decide. The threat of litigation changes the conversation. Insurance companies prefer settlements because trials cost them money and create unpredictable outcomes. Knowing we'll take your case to court gives you leverage during negotiations.
Every case is different, but fair compensation covers the full scope of your losses. Economic damages include medical bills, lost income, property damage, and other expenses you can attach a receipt to. Non-economic damages cover pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. In cases involving reckless or intentional conduct, punitive damages might also apply. California law allows injured people to recover the full value of their damages when someone else's negligence caused the harm. The insurance company will try to convince you that your case falls on the low end of the range. Personal injury attorneys in Canoga Park know what similar cases have settled for and what juries have awarded at trial.
If you've been injured, reach out to our team for a consultation. We'll review your case, explain your options, and answer your questions with no obligation. At My Lawyer Manwel, we've built our reputation on aggressive advocacy. Call us today to talk about what comes next.
At My Lawyer Manwel, we fight for your rights in personal injury and employment law. See what our clients say about working with us.
I contacted My Lawyer Manwel for help with an employment dispute, and I’m very pleased with the service I received. He was knowledgeable, honest, and supportive throughout the entire process. Manwel kept me informed and handled negotiations with confidence and professionalism. He made a difficult situation much easier to manage and achieved a positive resolution. I would not hesitate to recommend My Lawyer Manwel to anyone needing experienced and reliable legal representation.
My Lawyer Manwel was incredibly helpful during my personal injury case. After my accident, I felt stressed and unsure of what to expect. Manwel explained everything in simple terms and was always available to answer my questions. He handled the legal details with professionalism and care, allowing me to focus on recovery. The settlement he secured helped cover my medical expenses and eased my financial worries. I truly appreciate his dedication and highly recommend his services.
I had a great experience working with My Lawyer Manwel on an employment law matter. He listened carefully to my concerns and provided clear, honest advice. Manwel was always responsive and made sure I understood every step of the process. He handled my case professionally and worked hard to protect my rights. The outcome was fair and allowed me to move forward with confidence. I’m very grateful for his help and would recommend My Lawyer Manwel to anyone facing workplace legal issues.
My Lawyer Manwel provided excellent support during my personal injury case. From the beginning, he was professional, patient, and very knowledgeable. He took the time to explain my rights and the legal process clearly, which made me feel confident and informed. Manwel handled all communication with the insurance company and kept me updated throughout the case. His dedication and attention to detail truly stood out. Thanks to his hard work, my case had a positive outcome. I highly recommend My Lawyer Manwel to anyone needing a trustworthy personal injury attorney.
Don't sign without carefully reviewing all of the terms, including release of claims, non-disparagement clauses, and confidentiality provisions. You usually have the right to consult with an attorney who can negotiate better terms on your behalf.
Enforceability varies dramatically by state, with some banning them entirely and others enforcing them when reasonable in scope and duration. Recent legal trends have moved toward limiting these agreements. Having an attorney review your specific agreement is essential.
Most discrimination claims must first be filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or your state's equivalent agency before pursuing a lawsuit. Strict deadlines apply, often within one hundred eighty to three hundred days of the discriminatory act.
Misclassification occurs when employers label workers as contractors to avoid providing benefits owed to employees. The determination depends on factors like company control over your work, schedule flexibility, and who provides tools and equipment.
Numerous federal and state laws protect employees who report illegal activity, safety violations, or fraud from employer retaliation. Whistleblowers may be entitled to reinstatement, back pay, and other remedies if they face adverse employment actions.
Generally speaking, employers have some flexibility to modify duties and compensation, but they can't make any changes that violate contracts, discriminate, or constitute retaliation. Sudden changes following a complaint or protected activity may raise legal concerns.
A hostile work environment exists when unwelcome conduct based on a protected characteristic is pervasive or severe enough to create an intimidating or abusive workplace. This goes beyond occasional rudeness and must materially affect your ability to do your job.
Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, the majority of employees working more than forty hours per week must receive overtime pay at one and a half times their regular rate. However, certain exemptions apply based on salary level and job duties, which employers sometimes misapply.
Wrongful termination happens if an employee is fired in a way that violates federal or state laws, employment contracts, or public policy. Examples include being fired due to discrimination, retaliation for whistleblowing, or refusing to engage in illegal activities.
Federal and state law prohibit employers from retaliating against employees who report illegal conduct or file discrimination complaints. Retaliation can include termination, demotion, or creating a hostile environment. If you experience retaliation, you may have an additional legal claim.
Document every incident in detail. That includes dates, times, witnesses, and what occurred. Report the harassment through your company's internal complaint process and keep copies of all communications. If internal channels don't resolve the issue, consulting with an attorney is an important next step.
Workplace discrimination occurs when an employer treats someone unfavorably because of a protected characteristic like race, gender, age, religion, disability, or national origin. This can include hiring and firing decisions, promotions, pay, job assignments, and harassment.
If your health insurance paid for any treatment that's related to your injury, they may have a right to reimbursement from any settlement through a process called subrogation. Your attorney can often negotiate these liens down to maximize what you keep.
A settlement is an agreement that is reached outside of the court, where the at-fault party agrees to pay compensation in exchange for releasing liability. A verdict is a decision that's made by a judge or jury after a trial determines the outcome.
While you can represent yourself, insurance companies often take advantage of unrepresented claimants with lowball settlements. Studies show that injured individuals who hire attorneys recover significantly more compensation even after paying legal fees.
The timeline varies depending on the complexity of your case, the severity of injuries, and whether it settles or goes to trial. Simpler cases may resolve in a few months, while complex litigation can take several years.
You may still have options, including your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage if the incident involved a vehicle. An experienced attorney can identify all of the potential sources of compensation available to you.
Fault is normally established by examining evidence like police reports, medical records, witness statements, and expert testimony. Your attorney will investigate the circumstances to build a compelling case. In some states, you may still recover damages even if you were partially at fault.
First, get medical attention even if you feel okay, as some injuries don't show symptoms right away. Document everything, including photos of the scene and witness contact information, and avoid giving recorded statements to insurance companies before talking to an attorney.
Most personal injury cases are settled out of court via negotiations with insurance companies or the opposing party. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, taking your case to trial may be necessary to obtain the compensation you deserve.
Most personal injury cases are settled out of court via negotiations with insurance companies or the opposing party. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, taking your case to trial may be necessary to obtain the compensation you deserve.
Victims can recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, emotional distress, pain, and suffering or loss of enjoyment of life. In cases involving egregious conduct, punitive damages may also be available to punish the wrongdoer.
Every state has a statute of limitations that sets a deadline for filing personal injury lawsuits, typically ranging from one to four years depending on where you live. Missing this deadline almost always means losing your right to pursue compensation, so consult with an attorney as soon as possible after your injury.
A personal injury case is when someone suffers harm because another party was negligent, reckless, or engaged in intentional misconduct. A few examples include car accidents, slip and falls, medical malpractice, and workplace injuries. If someone else's actions led to your injury, you may have grounds for a claim.