Injured? We Fight for What You Deserve
The injury is just the start. What comes after is the real battle. It's difficult to deal with doctors, argue back and forth with adjusters, and try to keep your daily life together while you heal. It can feel like you're fighting everywhere at once without backup. My Lawyer Manwel has been through this with many San Fernando residents on injury claims, and we know an accident can spiral into a legal maze quickly. A personal injury attorney in San Fernando can help you with truck accidents and premises liability cases, along with other claims where multiple parties may share responsibility. Read more if you want to learn what makes commercial vehicle accidents different and when property owners can be held liable.
A collision with a commercial truck creates a paper trail that spans multiple companies and insurance policies. The driver might work for a trucking company that leases the rig from a separate owner. A third-party maintenance shop may have serviced the brakes last month. The cargo loader might have stacked pallets in a way that shifted the weight mid-trip. Each of these entities has its own liability coverage, and each will hire attorneys to deflect blame onto someone else. Your personal injury lawyer in San Fernando must identify every responsible party before the statute of limitations runs out. Investigators pull electronic logging device data, weigh station records, and driver qualification files from the carrier. They also examine the truck's black box to see what speed the rig was traveling seconds before impact. Insurance companies representing trucking firms deploy rapid response teams within hours of a crash. These teams photograph the scene, interview witnesses, and build a defense quickly. A personal injury law firm with commercial vehicle experience knows how to counter these tactics. We send preservation letters immediately to prevent carriers from destroying any evidence. We also coordinate with accident reconstruction professionals who can testify about brake failure or driver fatigue. Without this groundwork, victims lose leverage and usually settle for an amount that barely covers their medical bills.
Property owners owe visitors a duty of care, and it changes based on why those visitors came onto the premises. A grocery store invites customers inside, so they have to inspect aisles for spills, loose floor mats, and broken tiles. A landlord renting apartments has to fix broken stair railings within a reasonable time after receiving notice about them. When they fail to act, that opens the door to a premises liability claim. Evidence collection matters here more than almost anywhere else. Surveillance footage from nearby cameras disappears after 30 days on most systems. Incident reports filed by store managers vanish into corporate filing cabinets, and witnesses can forget details fast. Personal injury attorneys in San Fernando move quickly to subpoena this material before it evaporates. A picture of a cracked sidewalk with a measuring tape next to the gap carries more weight than testimony alone. Under California law, plaintiffs have to prove the owner knew or should have known about the danger. So we look at maintenance logs, prior complaints, and inspection schedules, looking for proof. A single email from a tenant warning about a broken handrail six months before your fall can shift the entire case in your favor.
Mediation puts both sides in the same building with a neutral third party who tries to broker a settlement. Unlike a judge, the mediator can't force anyone to accept an offer. The process relies on negotiation, compromise, and a shared desire to avoid the expense of trial. Sessions typically last one full day. Each side presents an opening statement. Then the mediator separates the parties into different rooms and shuttles between them with offers and counteroffers. Your personal injury lawyer in San Fernando prepares a mediation brief that outlines your injuries, your medical expenses, your lost wages, and your demand. This document sets the tone for the entire day. Insurance adjusters read it before arriving, so clarity and organization matter. Mediation works best when both parties have realistic expectations. If the defense lowballs you and refuses to budge, walking away protects your right to pursue a trial verdict. If the offer lands within a reasonable range, you avoid the uncertainty of a jury. Most mediations end with a signed settlement agreement that same afternoon. The defendant's insurer then issues payment within 30 to 45 days.
A deposition puts you under oath in a conference room with the opposing attorney, a court reporter, and sometimes a videographer. Every answer you give becomes part of the official record. Defense lawyers use depositions to lock you into a version of events they can attack later at trial. Preparation starts with reviewing your own documents. Read your medical records, accident report, and any written statements you gave to insurance companies. Know the dates of your treatments and the names of your doctors. A personal injury law firm will schedule a prep session before your deposition date. During that meeting, your attorney walks you through likely questions and teaches you how to respond without volunteering extra information. Short answers help. "Yes," "no," and "I don't recall" are complete sentences, and guessing hurts your credibility. If you speculate about something you don't actually remember, the defense will use that guess against you. Dress professionally on deposition day. Arrive on time and speak clearly so the court reporter captures every word. Your personal injury attorneys in San Fernando will sit beside you and object when necessary. Those objections preserve your rights for trial. The deposition transcript becomes a tool both sides use to prepare their cases, so treat every question as if a jury is listening.
Waiting too long to act can void your claim. California imposes strict deadlines on personal injury cases, and evidence degrades with every week that passes. My Lawyer Manwel handles truck accidents, premises liability disputes, and complex claims requiring aggressive investigation. Call our office and schedule a consultation with a personal injury attorney in San Fernando who will review your case and walk you through your options.
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.