Divorce Lawyer

If you and your spouse have ultimately come to the difficult agreement that it is in each other’s best interest to seek a divorce, then you should contact a trusted divorce lawyer. It’s an emotionally overbearing process no matter how amicable the separation is, and working with a lawyer, such as one of the lawyers at Kempen & Company, can relieve you of the potential legal and financial stress through this journey. The best legal approach to the divorce will depend on the nature of the separation and how much you and your spouse agree to go about the proceeding. Regardless of how good-natured the divorce may be, there are some universal communication tips to consider. We’ve compiled a number of communication factors to consider as you and your spouse move forward with the divorce.

Stay Professional

Though this is a sensitive, life-altering event for each of you, keep in mind that your marriage was a legal contract. With that in mind, you must focus on making practical decisions, no matter how hard it may be at first. In terms of communication, remaining professional and respectful towards your spouse will always be in your best interest. If you do begin to cause strife and be the initiator of strenuous conflict, such as fighting, shouting, or even verbally abusing, this will give your spouse a lot of leverage in the legal proceeding. To achieve the best form of fairness, do not pursue any form of retaliation against your spouse.

Consider A Mediator 

If you and your spouse are in a heated situation and cannot find it productive to speak to each other directly, it could be in your best interest to use a trustful mediator. This mediator should feel like a third party and not create a bias towards either side of the divorce. You want to be able to look back on this process in the future and know you handled this transition in the most respectful manner.

Establish Your Own Boundaries 

Because this is a matter of business, you want to be specific and intentional in how you communicate and work with your spouse as you divide your assets. Setting boundaries is significant to your mental health and also your family’s. To protect your children, it is advised that you do not discuss your divorce matters in front of them, and you especially do not want to stir any type of heated argument in front of them either. Decide which way is the best way for you and your spouse to communicate. This will be unique to the nature of your relationship – you want to establish if you are going to communicate via text, phone call, and/or email. Additionally, set a boundary for how much and how often you talk to your spouse. And be aware of what you put in writing to them.

Focus On What Needs To Get Done

While the divorce is in progress, it is ideal to just stay focused on the practical issues at hand. Topics like discussing present and future finances and what’s best for your children are far more productive than getting wrapped up in what may be a continuous argument between each of you. In other words, stay on track with the legal and financial matters until the divorce is final.

When you are looking for a motorcycle accident lawyer, it is important to choose the right one. A good motorcycle accident lawyer will have experience with motorcycle accident cases and know what to expect from the process. They also need to be able to help you get the compensation that you deserve.

Experience

Choosing a motorcycle accident lawyer with experience is important because it means they have handled many cases like yours before. They will know what to expect and how to handle the situation. This can make all the difference when it comes to getting compensation from an insurance company or reaching a favorable settlement in court.

Knowledge of the Law

The laws governing motorcycle accidents vary from state to state, so it’s important that your lawyer has knowledge of the law in your state. If your motorcycle accident lawyer attorney in Tulsa doesn’t know all there is to know about motorcycle accidents, they may not be able to represent you properly or effectively. It’s also important that they have experience representing clients who have been hurt in motorcycle accidents. 

You a Tulsa motorcycle accident lawyer who knows what they’re doing when it comes to getting compensation for injuries sustained due to someone else’s negligence and failure to follow safety rules while operating their vehicle on public roads or highways.

Strong Work Ethic

Another thing to look for is whether their work ethic is strong enough to handle your case. Some lawyers may be good at what they do but lack certain character traits that are needed to succeed in this kind of case. 

You don’t want someone who is going to give up on your case because it’s hard or because it’s taking too much time away from something else. This will only hurt your chances of getting what you deserve out of the situation because they simply aren’t motivated by money as some people might be in this field.

Reputation

You also want someone who has a reputation for getting things done. This means that they have a history of successfully representing their clients and winning cases for them. You can find out about this by asking around or doing some online research on them. It’s important to know whether the lawyer has a reputation for being honest, ethical, and hardworking.

Consider if They Have Enough Time for You

The first thing that you should look for when choosing a motorcycle accident lawyer is whether they have enough time to devote to your case. Also, you need to know whether or not they can meet with you as soon as possible after your injury occurs so that they can begin working on it right away instead of having to wait until later on down the road. By choosing the right Tulsa motorcycle accident lawyer from Wandres Law, P.C., you are giving yourself the best chance of a successful outcome.

Part of life means coming to terms with the fact that we are only here temporarily, and what we have built over a lifetime must be distributed to future generations. But in order to do that, we have to establish an estate plan and then choose beneficiaries who will inherit our assets and continue our legacy. As an estate planning attorney explains, if you have ever wondered who you can pick as beneficiaries, here are some examples of who you can choose.

Family
Most people choose their family members as beneficiaries for an estate plan, but this is by no means required, since who you want to have your assets will depend on your life circumstances and your relationships. Choosing a beneficiary is a personal decision that can only be made by the person writing it. You will know in your heart who is the right person to essentially give a portion of your legacy to. Family members that you may choose to have assets after you have passed on can include your spouse, children, immediate family members, extended family members, aunts, uncles, cousins, and any other relatives that you are close to.

Friends
It isn’t uncommon for people to leave some form of asset to their closest friends. After all, friends can even become more like family than our biological relatives can be. As they say, we choose our family, and your family may very well be your friends. By law, friends are not automatically considered as candidates for inheritance, so you will need to write an estate plan and clearly state who you want to receive certain assets after your death. If you pass away without a will, then the court will decide who and how much of your assets are distributed based on state intestacy law, which is not likely to include people who are just your friends, since the law does not extend to these individuals.

Charity Organizations
If there is a charity organization that means something to you, then you may want to include them in your estate plan as a beneficiary. You may want to reach out to this charity organization to let them know about your plans, so that when you pass away, they can anticipate receiving the assets and can help make sure that they are distributed properly. Perhaps you feel connected to a charity that rescues animals, a women’s shelter group, or food drive organization, among many others. For help with choosing your beneficiaries, consider talking with a lawyer who can offer further guidance, similar to the team at Silverman Law Office, PLLC.

Choosing your beneficiaries is perhaps one of the most important tasks that you will face when writing your estate plan. This is because these individuals or organizations are going to receive what you have built over the course of your life. But if you don’t take steps now to devise an estate plan, then you risk your assets being given to those that you would not want to have them.

If you have recently decided that you need an estate plan, congratulations! You are one step closer to preserving the financial future of your family. However, it is important to understand that, when it comes to estate plans, one size does not always fit all. In fact, there are many situations that may require special consideration. The following are a couple of common issues that families need to address in their estate plans. For more detailed information about your situation, contact a wills lawyer.

Special Needs Children

Children who have special needs are often entitled to government benefits to help ensure their medical and daily care needs are met. Unfortunately, when parents, siblings, or other family members leave them behind an improperly planned inheritance, their benefits can be placed at risk.

Without a qualified special needs trust, should a special needs person receive resources greater than two thousand dollars or have income that exceeds three times the federal poverty limit, they would lose their eligibility for SSI and Medicaid. Furthermore, requalification would necessitate that the individual depletes their financial resources in order to be able to eligible for reinstatement of those public benefits.

Rather than enhance their lives, the inheritance ends up being spent on their daily needs. Parents and loved ones can avoid this risk by taking the time to speak with an attorney about the child’s specific needs.

Blended Families

Today’s modern family often includes children from previous marriages or stepchildren. Unfortunately, what a lot of parents and stepparents do not know is that assets do not automatically go to step-children or to children from previous marriages. Instead, they go to the surviving spouse. And, unless a surviving spouse has made provisions for their stepchildren, those assets will go only to the surviving spouse’s biological children or heirs. The only exceptions to this rule are when a stepparent has either adopted the children as their own, or provisions have been made for the children in either or both of their parents’ wills.

There are a number of ways that parents can provide for stepchildren or natural children left behind with a stepparent. They can set up a special trust, or they can simply ensure that both wills include provisions for the children. An attorney can help you decide which options may be most appropriate for your family’s situation.

Contact an Estate Planning Law Firm

Wills are just one part of an estate plan. Many people also set up trusts, draft power of attorneys, and more. If you would like to find out what type of estate planning tools would be beneficial for your family, a wills lawyer can help. For help with your estate plan, contact a skilled attorney, like a wills lawyer from the Law Firm of Iowa. Take the steps to make sure your family is protected when you are no longer here.

If you or a loved one are in need of counsel regarding an upcoming divorce, contact a ​​divorce lawyer clients trust. Divorce can be a messy, confusing, and emotional time for those involved. Thankfully, you do not have to navigate this process alone. An experienced divorce lawyer can help you every step of the way, ensuring you fight for what you deserve. The following are two myths regarding divorce. Hopefully these debunked myths with clear up any confusion surrounding divorce, and help clients ensure their divorce process goes as smoothly as possible.

Social media can be a helpful tool to help clients vent about their divorce and spouse, and a means to air out all their dirty laundry without consequence. This myth could not be farther from the truth, as divorce lawyers actually advise their clients to do the exact opposite. Social media can drastically change the outcome of a divorce. Once something is posted onto the internet, it remains there, and anyone can have access to it. For example, if a client posts a negative comment about their spouse on social media, those comments could be used in a trial to sway the judge of the misconduct of the client. Child custody can be greatly affected if a client chooses to bash their spouse on social media or involve the kids in the divorce in any way. Coercing children to side with one parent or the other will not help a custody battle, but will ultimately harm it. Wise divorce attorneys such as those from the Law Office of Daniel E. Stuart, P.A. encourage their clients to stay away from social media throughout the whole divorce process. Clients would benefit from listening to their divorce lawyer’s counsel as they only want their client’s best interest and understand the complexities of divorce, trials, and what a judge will look for.  

Divorce lawyers only take their client’s money without really helping them. This statement is false on two accounts. Yes, divorce lawyers do cost money, but they can also save their clients financially, emotionally, and mentally. Imagine if clients tried to divorce without the wise counsel of their attorney, they could settle with their spouse without fully understanding what they rightfully deserve and should financially fight for in the distribution of the assets. Divorce lawyers do more than just provide wise legal counsel to their clients, they also explain the client’s legal rights, evaluate their assets, handle paperwork, maintain state and federal laws, determine fair divorce settlement, create a plan for debt payment, aid in child and spousal support, and represent their clients in court. A divorce lawyer communicates to the client’s spouse and their attorney on behalf of their client, shielding their client from potential emotional distress. Unfortunately, divorce tends to bring out the worst side of people, causing them to say hurtful, and often untrue statements. By allowing your divorce attorney to represent you, and speak on your behalf, you shield yourself from those hurtful comments. Don’t go through a divorce on your own, but allow a divorce attorney to ensure you are well protected and fought for. 

En el lugar de trabajo es donde permanecemos la mayor parte de nuestro dia, alguna veces inclusive más que en nuestro propio hogar, por consecuencia es probable que pudiéramos accidentarnos si no tomamos ciertas precauciones, si usted, un compañero de trabajo o un familiar ha sufrido un accidente en el trabajo, en necesario se asesore legalmente con un experto Abogado de accidentes.

Entre los accidentes laborales más comunes se encuentran:

1. Caídas y Resbalones. Las caídas y resbalones es uno de los accidentes más frecuentes en la industria laboral, la prisa, el trasladarse de un lugar a otro y tener en mente actividades que realizar, distrae al individuo de su entorno y este puede tropezar, resbalar y caer. Estos accidentes pueden ser evitados asegurando que el área por la cual se transita esté libre de objetos, materiales, etc que pueden provocar un accidente, así como líquidos derramados, piso muy pulido o de material inadecuado.Las caídas pueden suceder al mismo nivel del piso que son las menos graves a caídas desde altura que podrían ser fatales.

2. Golpes en la cabeza. Los golpes en la cabeza son comunes dentro del área de trabajo, estos accidentes ocurren cuando existe desorden dentro del área de trabajo, el individuo no pone atención al momento de levantarse e impacta la cabeza contra un objeto denso, otra de las situaciones ocurre cuando es impacto de altura, por lo general, alguien está trabajando en las alturas y algún objeto se desprende y cae sobre la víctima. Los golpes en la cabeza son accidentes que pueden ocasionar lesiones leves o fatales.

3. Heridas o lesiones en extremidades superiores e inferiores. Las lesiones en brazos, manos, piernas y pies ocurren en el área laboral frecuentemente por el uso inapropiado de herramientas, también, por accidentes de compresión o aplastamiento, en los dos casos puede generar heridas de leves a graves desde moretones hasta pérdida del miembro. Los brazos y piernas son fundamentales al momento de realizar cualquier actividad.

Estos accidentes se pueden disminuir siguiendo reglas, procedimientos y políticas internas de seguridad e higiene dentro del área laboral. Es responsabilidad del empleador otorgar capacitación y todo el equipo de protección personal necesario para realizar una operación por más sencilla que esta sea.

 Recomendaciones para evitar Accidentes Laborales

En el área laboral es importante tomar estas recomendaciones para evitar accidentes.

Las caídas y resbalones. Se puede evitar colocando superficies antiderrapantes en areas de trafico, delimitando áreas de tráfico de maquinaria y peatonales en el área de trabajo (sobre todo si es en area industrial), colocar letrero de superficie húmeda o mojada si se encuentra líquido derramado o se acaba de realizar limpieza de pisos, no derramar líquidos o aceite, promover áreas iluminadas para evitar caer por tropezones, cada cosas en su lugar espacios libres. En las actividades laborales en alturas es necesario que el empleado siempre se coloque arnés y línea de vida.

Golpes en la cabeza. Es conveniente dependiendo del área laboral, sobre todo en la industria maquiladora y en la construcción que el empleado porte un casco de seguridad con el cual evitará lesionarse de gravedad.

Heridas en extremidades. Es necesario que el empleado se encuentre capacitado para realizar cualquier tipo de operación y cuente con las herramientas adecuadas y con previo mantenimiento para realizar sus actividades laborales.

Si usted, familiar o compañero laboral ha sido víctima de un accidente de trabajo es necesario se comunique con uno de los abogados de la firma de Unidos Legales, ellos le ayudarán con su caso para que usted obtenga la compensación que merece.

Dog Bite Injuries in Houston Texas TX.

The idea of a dog bite may not seem like a big deal to many. It’s likely that those people have never actually experienced the repercussions of such an injury. A Houston, TX dog bite lawyer has seen firsthand the impact that a dog bite can have on a victim. While dogs may seem harmless, they can be unpredictable. An attack by a dog can lead to a number of injuries, including:

• Bacterial Infections
• Rabies
• Puncture Wounds
• Broken Bones
• Nerve Damage
• +More

While in some cases it may be evident that medical care is needed, in other situations you may not realize how severe the injury actually is at first glance. However, it’s important to be aware that your physical well being should come first and foremost. A dog bite injury attorney Houston trusts wants you to know that care from a medical professional can ensure that you receive the right treatment for your injuries. Additionally, medical care can also help to link your injuries to your case which may prove essential for your legal claim. 

Proving Your Legal Case

It will be important that you gather the proper evidence to support your legal claim. While each case is certain to be unique, our skilled legal team will carefully review your case to determine whether you have the ability to take action. We will look to identify the following key elements and assist you in gathering key evidence in efforts to build a strong case:

1. Duty of Care
2. Breach of Duty of Care
3. Damages
4. Causation

While laws regarding liability can certainly vary based on the state you live, we are well versed in Texas state laws. Allow for us to provide you with the proper guidance and legal help you need. 

Get the Help You Deserve

Following a dog bite accident, legal help may be necessary to recoup the damages you have experienced. This is a primary reason to contact our reputable Houston, Texas dog bite injury attorney. We can prove to be essential in giving you the best opportunity at reaching a successful resolution to your legal claim. Our lawyers are dedicated to:

• Helping you to understand the legal process
• Strategizing your legal case
• Providing you with timely case updates
• Assisting you in completing all paperwork
• Negotiating with insurance companies

Don’t delay in contacting John K. Zaid & Associates. Facing injuries can lead to a variety of uncertainties. We know that managing physical injuries and the financial cost that is sure to follow can be an incredibly stressful time. Hiring a lawyer with knowledge in this area of practice can not only provide you with the legal support you can rely on, but a professional who can weather the storm with you. We are dedicated to providing your case with the attention it deserves so that you can obtain the best outcome possible for your case. Call us today to speak with a dog bite injury attorney in Houston, Texas!

Dog Bites And Custody Arrangements

When a child experiences serious physical injury as a result of a dog bite, the consequences may not only be painful but also lifelong. It can be excruciating for parents who have supported their child through a dog attack to watch their child experience such incredible pain. It can also be financially challenging to manage a child’s care in the aftermath of a serious bite. Parents often choose to take legal action in the wake of an attack, partially because doing so may allow them to receive compensation for their child’s medical bills. 

If your child has been harmed as a result of a bite and you share custody of your child with another person, you may wonder how your child custody arrangement may ultimately impact the way you approach your legal options concerning your child’s injuries. Every case is unique, so it is important to consult with an experienced dog bite lawyer Houston, TX residents trust before making any assumptions about your unique situation. The experienced Houston, Texas dog bite injury law firm of John K. Zaid & Associates is here to answer your questions and advise you of your legal options so that you can make informed decisions moving forward. 

Which parent will be able to take legal action on behalf of their child?

Children under the age of 18 have the right to compensation for the damages they have suffered. However, a minor is unable to collect compensation on their own. As a result, they will require a legal guardian to take action on their behalf. A parent has the ability to negotiate for their children with the help of a Houston, TX dog bite injury law firm. Any parent who has legal custody holds the right to take legal action in the name of their child. When two parents share legal custody, they may choose to work together to pursue legal action. In other situations, exes may determine that only one of you will manage to pursue a settlement. 

When a personal injury settlement is obtained, who manages the settlement?

When a settlement award is obtained for a child, it’s likely that they may not be able to access it until they reach the age of 18. However, it’s important to be aware that some of this money may be required to help provide medical care for the injuries the child has experienced. When a settlement is over a certain amount, the court will likely determine who will be permitted to manage the settlement. An experienced Houston, TX dog bite injury law firm can clarify what may happen in your situation after our team learns about your unique circumstances. Contact us today for a no-obligation consultation. We look forward to speaking with you. 

Why You Need A Dog Bite Injury Lawyer‎

Insurance companies make money by denying claims or settling for as little as possible. Therefore, if you filed a dog bite claim without an attorney, an insurance company could very well just reject the claim outright. And even if you do get an offer, it is likely to be far lower than what your claim is actually worth. By some estimates, an insurance adjuster might offer to settle for 10 to 20 percent of what you might expect to receive with the help of an attorney.

You Have More Legal Options with an Attorney

In the scenario mentioned above, you’ll notice that litigation wasn’t even discussed. You have the option of hiring an attorney just to help with insurance matters. Even with attorney fees, you would likely recover more money than you would have on your own.

When necessary, a lawyer can also help you pursue litigation, which could either settle out of court or go to trial. The majority of cases settle out of court, and often for much more money than would be offered in an insurance claim negotiation. But if the settlement amount offered isn’t fair or appropriate, we will not hesitate to take your case to trial.

If you’ve been injured as a result of a dog attack, it’s important to connect with an experienced dog bite injury lawyer Houston, Texas residents trust. As soon as you connect with the team at John K. Zaid & Associates, we can begin advising you of your legal options, lending our support, and advocating on behalf of your interests. Being attacked by a dog is traumatic. Know that you don’t have to face this challenging reality alone.

There are many benefits to owning a pet like a dog or a cat. But as wonderful as pets can be, it is important to remember that they are descended from wild animals, and domestication only goes so far. Many dogs respond to perceived threats by biting, and those bites can be highly injurious or even fatal.

Statistics show that about 4.7 million people are bitten by dogs each year in the United States. Most of these bites aren’t serious enough to require outside help. But approximately 800,000 victims have injuries bad enough that they need to seek medical attention. If you were attacked by a dog owned by someone else, you can seek appropriate compensation for your medical costs, lost wages from missing work, pain and suffering, and more.

Most of the time, dog bite claims are paid out by the dog owner’s home insurance policy. You have the option of speaking with the dog owner and filing a claim through their insurer. But in order to truly maximize your chances of success and maximize recovery, you would do well to speak with an experienced dog bite lawyer Houston, TX residents trust.

Have More Questions? Contact Us for Answers.  

Our firm is proud to represent victims of personal injury, including dog-bite victims. Whether you want to take your case to trial or simply get a better settlement, we can help. Contact us to take advantage of a free initial consultation with an experienced Houston, Texas dog bite injury lawyer today. We look forward to speaking with you. 

What Types Of Injuries Are Caused By Dog Bites

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that more than 4.5 million dog bites occur each year throughout the U.S. Injuries that can occur as the result of a dog bite or attack include:

• Severe cuts and puncture wounds
• Crushing injuries and broken bones
• Amputations and torn muscles or tendons
• Head and facial injuries
• Psychological trauma, as the result of the attack

Even in situations where injuries appear minor, victims should get treatment to assess the risk of rabies and to prevent infection. The CDC reports that roughly one out of every five dog bite victims suffer infections that have the potential to be severe and even life-threatening. When you suffer injuries from a dog attack, contact a Houston, TX dog bite lawyer to understand what compensation you may be eligible for.

What should I do if a dog bite occurs?

If you or someone you care about suffers a dog bite injury, it is important to take the following steps:

• Notify local law enforcement so an accident report can be filed
• Attempt to identify the dog’s owner and get their personal contact information
• Seek medical care for your injuries, regardless of their severity
• Inform animal control services in the municipality the attack occurred in, so the dog can be isolated and assessed.

Dog owners can be held liable for any injuries their animal causes, particularly if they were unleashed or roaming neighborhood streets unattended. Most dog bites happen in homes and among dogs, the victim is familiar with. In these situations, the homeowner’s insurance policy may cover any damages you suffer.

What types of damages can a dog bite victim recover?

In addition to medical expenses, you may also be entitled to receive financial compensation for lost wages if you were unable to work because of the injury, pain, suffering, emotional anguish, scarring, or disfigurement. Depending on the severity of the bite, you may need future medical treatments and it is not uncommon for victims of severe attacks to need mental health therapy to help deal with the trauma of the event.

Dogs enjoy the reputation for being our best friends, providing companionship along with protection against intruders. Many people think of their four-legged pal as a member of their family, but the fact is that even the most mild-mannered dog can turn aggressive. Dog bite injuries are a serious concern in Texas, and it is not only large breeds that can cause major damage. Even a smaller dog’s bite can cause permanent scarring, in addition to exposing the victim to the risk of infection. A dog bite lawyer in Houston, TX can help victims of dog bites get the compensation they deserve.

Call Our Office Today

If you or a loved one has been bitten or attacked by a dog, contact John K. Zaid & Associates to meet with a seasoned Houston, TX dog bite lawyer and find out what legal options you may have.

What Steps A Truck Accident Victim Should Take After Injury

The first thing a victim should do is seek out medical attention, even if they do not think they have any injuries. Injury symptoms often take a day or two, sometimes longer, before they appear and that delay in treatment could cause issues later on in the personal injury claim or lawsuit. Unfortunately, many truck accidents end up in serious to catastrophic injuries for victims, so most victims end up being transported to the hospital by emergency responders.

The victim should not speak with the other driver’s insurance company until they speak to their own Houston, TX truck accident lawyer. The goal of the insurance company is to try to minimize – if not reject completely – any damages they have to pay out and will do everything they can to get the victim to say things that could be used against them.

What are some of the types of damages that a victim can be financially compensated for?

There are two types of damages a victim can receive – economic and non-economic. Economic damages are those that can be financially quantified. For example, medical bills have an actual dollar amount and are, therefore, economic damage. Non-economic damage is one that does not have a dollar amount and needs to be calculated in a different way. Pain and suffering is one example of non-economic damage.

Medical expenses, such as doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, diagnostic testing, physical therapy, mental health therapy, occupational therapy, prescription and over-the-counter medication, medical equipment, and more

• Lost wages, including employee benefits and overtime
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional anguish
• Emotional trauma
• Physical disability
• Mental disability
• Disfigurement
• Scarring
• Loss of life enjoyment

Expenses the victim has incurred because the injury prevents them from doing them. This can include transportation costs, childcare costs, house cleaning service costs, landscaping costs, snow removal costs, and more

In some cases, a victim may also be awarded punitive damages, which serve as a way to punish the at-fault party and send a message to society that the actions of the at-fault party that caused the injury to occur will not be tolerated. For example, if the truck driver was drunk at the time of the accident, the victim may receive punitive damages.

When a victim has suffered an injury in a truck accident, Texas law allows that victim to pursue legal action against the at-fault parties to obtain financial compensation for the losses their injuries have caused them. A truck accident lawyer in Houston, TX can help that victim, ensuring they receive the amount of compensation they are legally entitled to. Although the law does not require a victim to retain a lawyer in order to file a claim or lawsuit, it is important to note that truck accident cases are usually very complex, often with more than one liable party (i.e., the truck driver, the trucking company, etc.). A victim fighting the trucking company and their large insurance company – while still trying to recover from their injuries – can end up with far less than they deserve or have their claim denied entirely.

Call Our Office Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, contact John K. Zaid & Associates to meet with a seasoned Houston, TX truck accident lawyer and find out what legal options you may have.

Why Truck Accident Cases Tend to Be Complex

There are two primary reasons why truck accident cases tend to be so complex. First, it is often very difficult to discern what caused a truck accident at first glance. There may be many “invisible” factors at play that may only be revealed through an investigation. For example, the truck driver involved may have been inadequately trained. The trucking company that employs the trucker may have pressured the employee to drive while they were extraordinarily fatigued. There may have been something wrong with the brakes that the manufacturer could be held liable for.

Second, as has already been vaguely alluded to, there are often multiple defendants named in a truck accident lawsuit. It is rare that a single actor (or factor) is the sole reason why a truck crashes. Far more often, manufacturers of auto parts, trucking companies, truck drivers, others involved in the accident, and even government agencies tasked with road maintenance are named in lawsuits. When more than one defendant is named in a case, a strong case must be built up in re: that party in order for the plaintiff to succeed on all of their claims.  

If you have been recently injured in an accident involving a large commercial truck, it is critically important that you connect with a reputable personal injury attorney as quickly as you possibly can. Why? Truck accident cases are notoriously complex. Waiting to connect with the reputable and dedicated legal team at John K. Zaid & Associates may lead to the loss or compromise of evidence that could prove to be critical to the outcome of your case. Additionally, speaking with insurance representatives on your own could unintentionally lead to the devaluation of your case.

Truck Accident Lawyer – Houston, TX

As our Houston, TX truck accident lawyer can explain in greater detail during a risk-free consultation, the speed with which truck accident victims seek legal guidance can often make a great difference in the ultimate outcome of their quest for rightful compensation. Gathering evidence, speaking with insurance representatives in informed (and—when necessary—insistent) ways, and building a legal case requires time, care, and persistence. Meeting with our team as soon as you can help to ensure that your rights are protected and your legal options are preserved as well as they can possibly be if/until you decide to act upon them.

Legal Assistance Is Available

If you have not yet called or reached out online to schedule a risk-free consultation with the experienced Texas legal team at John K. Zaid & Associates, please do so now. Although the law technically gives injured workers a few weeks and injury victims generally a few years to file claims, the sooner you connect with our team, the greater your chances of securing maximum compensation will be. There are so many complexities and time-sensitive realities associated with truck accidents. Place yourself in the best possible position to navigate them by connecting with our firm today. We look forward to speaking with you.

What Are The Types Of Injuries That Could Have Delayed Symptoms

Some of the symptoms to watch for that could indicate that there is an injury that needs to be treated include:

• Abdominal pain: This could indicate internal bleeding.
• Back pain: This could indicate an injury to ligaments, spinal cord injury, or whiplash.
• Bruising or numbness: This could indicate an injury to the spinal cord or a herniated disc.
• Emotional distress: This could indicate a brain injury, concussion, or PTSD.
• Headaches: This could indicate a blood clot, brain injury, concussion, or whiplash.
• Shoulder or neck pain: This could indicate a spinal cord injury or whiplash.

If a victim is suffering from any of these injuries, they should immediately contact their physician, even if they had already been checked out after the crash. These are symptoms of potentially serious injuries and if these symptoms are ignored, the victim could suffer even more catastrophic – if not fatal – injuries.

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If you have been injured in a car accident, contact John K. Zaid & Associates to meet with a seasoned Houston, TX car accident lawyer and find out what legal options you may have.

One of the reasons why a victim may not immediately realize they have been physically injured in a crash is because of the emotional impact the crash has. Car accidents are traumatic experiences and when they occur, the human body immediately goes into fight or flight mode. This is a biochemical response to a perceived danger or threat.

When the body reacts in fight or flight mode, it releases cortisol and adrenaline. These two hormones speed up the heart rate, deviate the flow of blood to groups of major muscles, slow digestion, as well as alter other autonomic functions. This gives the body a boost in its strength and energy level. When the threat is gone, the body goes back into normal functioning mode.

It is this fight or flight mode which can mask the pain that the victim would normally feel when hurt. Instead, in this state, the victim does not feel the pain and instead focuses on what needs to be addressed immediately after the crash – moving into a safe place away from oncoming traffic, checking on other potential victims, etc.

A Houston, TX car accident lawyer, John K. Zaid & Associates knows it can take a few hours for the effects of the fight or flight mode to wear off. This is when the victim may begin to feel some of the symptoms of potential injuries. In some cases, it can take days or even longer. This is why it is so important for anyone who has been in a crash to seek medical treatment immediately following the accident to make sure there are no injuries.

It is not uncommon for accident a Texas car accident victim to not realize right away that they have been injured. This can occur because there are many types of injuries that often have delayed symptoms. These injuries can take days, or even weeks, before symptoms began to show up and the victim realizes something is wrong. A car accident lawyer in Houston, TX knows that even minor accidents can result in a serious injury, such as a concussion or whiplash. In fact, this is one of the most common issues with injuries sustained in fender benders – these types of injuries often have delayed symptoms. Knowing what those symptoms are can mean the difference between a successful recovery or long-term physical issues from the injury.

What To Do If You Were Struck By A Drunk Driver

If your injuries were caused by a drunk driver, it is important to understand that any criminal case being brought against the intoxicated driver is separate from any civil claim that you may choose to file. Meaning, that you may be able to successfully pursue a personal injury award against the other driver regardless of whether they are facing criminal charges are not. The civil justice system imposes a different standard of proof than the criminal justice system does. As a result, it may be far easier for you to hold the driver accountable via a personal injury suit than it would be for a prosecutor to secure a criminal conviction. Our attorneys can explain this standard of proof in greater detail during a risk-free consultation.

If you have recently been injured in a car accident that was caused—either partially or totally—by another’s negligence, recklessness, or intentionally harmful conduct, you have rights and options available to you under the law. No two car accident cases ever unfold under exactly the same circumstances, though. This is one of the many reasons why it is important to speak with the experienced legal team at John K. Zaid & Associates before making any assumptions about how strong or weak your legal case may be. All too often, car accident victims dismiss the idea that they are entitled to compensation and, therefore, never pursue what they are owed. Once our team assesses your situation, you’ll be able to make informed choices about whether to file legal action against those who caused you harm.

Car Accident Lawyer – Houston, TX

Exploring your legal options related to filing a personal injury lawsuit is unquestionably important. But, one of the other primary reasons why you should consider connecting with a Houston, TX car accident lawyer at our firm as soon as you can is that we have extensive experience communicating with insurance providers. We can handle the communications concerning your case so that you can focus on healing. We can also use our combined decades of experience with car accident cases to better ensure that any insurance settlement you are offered is both fairly valued and provided to you without unnecessary delay.  

Legal Assistance Is Available

Connect with the experienced Texas legal team at John K. Zaid & Associates online or over the phone today to begin exploring your rights and options under the law. It is important to connect with an attorney quickly in the wake of an injurious accident. Waiting too long can lead to problems gathering critical evidence that may have been compromised or destroyed over time. Additionally, the law limits the amount of time that injury victims are permitted to pursue personal injury lawsuits, workers’ compensation benefits, and insurance claims. If you don’t act soon, your ability to receive the maximum amount of compensation that you are owed could be jeopardized. Connect with our firm today to learn more; we look forward to speaking with you.

How Much Of An Issue Is Distracted Driving

A significant drawback of our current culture is the large number of distractions that grab our attention throughout the day. Whether it be texts, emails, or social media accounts, the amount of constant information coming at a person makes it extremely difficult to concentrate on a single task, no matter how important. One area where this disconnect is particularly concerning is driving. However, driving in a reasonable and prudent manner generally avoids accidents in the vast majority of cases.

Driving responsibly – at a minimum – means keeping one’s eyes on the road and paying attention to the location and movement of cars and pedestrians in the area. Distracted driving has become a huge problem that cuts across generational lines, presenting a real danger to other commuters on the road.

Isn’t this type of activity illegal?

The majority of states have enacted laws that make using certain features of a smartphone illegal while driving. In some states, it is only a secondary offense, meaning that those caught will only receive a traffic citation and only if they are caught committing a primary offense, such as speeding. This makes enforcing these laws difficult; hence the number of drivers who still engage in these dangerous activities.

In Texas, engaging in distracted driving behavior is a primary offense, which means police can stop you for just that activity.

How does a lawyer prove liability?

Proving negligence will depend upon the facts of each case, but a few general rules provide a basic strategy a Houston, TX auto accident lawyer will use to prove liability. The first of these measures is to bring in an accident reconstruction expert to testify about the sequence of events that likely led to the accident, including whether texting or other driver distractions appear to have occurred.

In addition, gathering evidence from the accident scene itself is particularly useful in many cases. Taking pictures and/or videos of tire marks, damage, and placement of each vehicle, including the interior of the other driver’s car, often yields a lot of information. Police reports and private surveillance videos from nearby businesses are also potential sources of strong evidence that personal injury will look to incorporate into the evidence presented at trial. A victim’s attorney can also file a motion to access the at-fault driver’s cell phone records to show they were using their phone at the time of the crash.

Driving is an inherently dangerous activity and always presents the possibility of a car accident will occur. An auto accident lawyer in Houston, TX has represented many car accident victims who were injured because of a negligent or reckless driver. One of the most common causes of car crashes in Texas is distracted driving, and it is one cause that is becoming more and more frequent, despite the knows dangers.

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If you have been injured in a vehicle accident, contact John K. Zaid & Associates to meet with a seasoned Houston, TX auto accident lawyer and find out what legal options you may have.

What Makes A Personal Injury Claim Valid

In order for a personal injury claim to be valid, then there needs to be some measure of negligence or recklessness in the actions or behaviors of the alleged at-fault party to have engaged in. Some examples of negligent behavior include:

• A dog owner who let their dog run loose and the dog bit you
• A driver who was texting while driving and crashed into your vehicle
• A grocery store that failed to remove ice at the entrance of the building and you fell
• A doctor who was drunk while performing your surgery and nicked an organ

There are many other examples of negligent actions, and your Houston, TX personal injury lawyer will determine the act of negligence in your accident case.

What type of damages might I receive?

Because each accident victim is different, the losses they suffer will also be different. Each case has different damages and each one is worth varying amounts. There are some damages that every accident victim is entitled to, such as medical expenses and loss of income. 

The at-fault party is responsible for all the medical bills that are associated with treatment for the victim’s injuries, including all doctor visits, surgeries, medications, and medical equipment.

Victims who are unable to work because of the injuries are also entitled to receive those lost wages as part of their settlement. If they were forced to use vacation or personal time, then the value of those days can also be included in the settlement.

There are other types of losses victims can pursue, however, these damages do not have a definitive dollar amount attached to them and are subjective. These losses – referred to as non-economic damages – include:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Permanent disability
• Scarring
• Disfigurement
• Loss of companionship

How are non-economic losses calculated?

Your lawyer will calculate what those losses are worth in your particular case. There are several different ways to come up with this total and is usually based on how much the quantifiable damages (medical expenses and loss of income) totaled, as well as the severity of the injuries.

What about punitive damages?

In some accidents, the victim may also be awarded punitive damages. These damages are not meant to replace a loss the victim suffered but instead are meant to punish the at-fault party and send a message to society that this behavior will not be tolerated. A drunk driving accident is a good example of a case where punitive damages are often awarded to the victim. 

When a person is injured in an accident that is caused by the negligence of someone else, Texas law says the at-fault party is responsible for the losses the victim has suffered, including both economic and noneconomic losses. Each accident case is different, each with its own set of circumstances and factors that could play a part in how much of an injury settlement or award the victim could receive should they decide to pursue a case against the party who caused the accident. So what exactly are those factors and how much could your claim be worth? The best way to find that answer is to consult with a personal injury lawyer in Houston, TX who will be able to make that determination.

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If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident caused by another party, contact John K. Zaid & Associates to meet with a skilled Houston, TX truck personal injury lawyer and find out what legal options you may have.

What To Do If You’ve Been Injured By A Recalled Product

It is important to understand that you may have grounds upon which to file legal action regardless of whether the product that caused you harm has been recalled. A recall process is not initiated for every product that causes consumers harm. Therefore, you should not be deterred from exploring your legal options simply because neither the manufacturer of the harmful product nor the government has (yet) initiated a recall for it

Most of the time, consumers assume that they will need to be wary when using a product that is inherently dangerous, like a table saw or a gallon of bleach. Similarly, consumers generally assume that they will not need to take any special care when using products that aren’t inherently dangerous, provided that they are using the products in the ways in which they were intended to be used. Unfortunately, however, even when consumers are using any given product in the safest possible ways given the product’s purposes and potentially inherent risks, those products may cause significant injury.

It is important to understand that if you or a loved one has been harmed by a consumer or industrial product while using it for its intended purposes that you may be entitled to significant compensation at this time. The law attempts to safeguard consumers and workers from product-related harm to a significant degree. In the event that product-related harm occurs, the manufacturers or sellers of the product(s) in question may be held legally and financially liable for that harm. The experienced legal team at John K. Zaid & Associates can explain how the law applies to your situation after assessing your unique circumstances.

Personal Injury Lawyer – Houston, TX

Our Houston, TX personal injury lawyer team is proud to offer risk-free consultations to anyone who has been harmed by a product and is interested in learning more about their rights and options. You don’t need to know whether you have grounds upon which to file legal action to schedule a risk-free consultation with our team. Understanding the law is our job. Choosing to act or to refrain from acting once you’re in an informed position to make solid choices about your legal options is a decision that is entirely up to you.

Legal Assistance Is Available

The experienced Texas legal team at John K. Zaid & Associates is in the “business” of assisting those personal injury victims who desire to pursue insurance settlements and/or legal action. We are not in the business of selling our services. We will never place any pressure on you to pursue legal action—that decision needs to be yours and yours alone. During your risk-free consultation, we will simply assess your case, provide you with personalized legal guidance, and offer you support in the event that you desire further legal counsel. Connect with us today to learn more about our approach to representation. We look forward to speaking with you.

Auto Accident Lawyer Houston, TX

If you have recently been injured in a car accident, it is important to explore your legal options regardless of the circumstances that led to your injuries. In Texas, auto accident injury victims are entitled to pursue damages against certain other parties, provided that the injury victims themselves were no more than 49 percent responsible for the injurious circumstances that led to their harm. As the knowledgeable legal team at John K. Zaid & Associates can attest, it isn’t always easy to know exactly what caused any given accident until a thorough and objective investigation has been initiated.

Auto Accident Lawyer – Houston, TX

Our Houston, TX auto accident lawyer team encourages auto accident victims to avoid making assumptions about whether they have strong grounds upon which to pursue an insurance settlement, workers’ compensation benefits, and/or personal injury damages related to an accident until their case has been professionally evaluated. Why? Many auto accident injury victims believe that they either have no grounds for recourse or that the accident in question was their fault—and they harbor these beliefs erroneously.

Oftentimes, injury victims are very surprised to learn that an accident that they believe was their fault was actually caused by a number of circumstances and that they are, indeed, entitled to significant compensation as a result. Instead of making assumptions about your case, speak with our team about your circumstances so that we can help you to make informed decisions about your rights.

If You Were Struck by a Distracted Driver

If you either know or suspect that you were struck by a distracted driver, you are very likely entitled to compensation at this time. As noted above, Texas law allows injury victims to pursue personal injury compensation as a result of another’s negligence, recklessness, or intentionally dangerous conduct, provided that the victims themselves were no more than 49 percent at fault for their injurious circumstances. As the nature of distracted driving is almost always either negligent or reckless (depending upon the kind of distraction in play), the driver who struck you can probably be held both legally and financially accountable for the harm you have suffered. Connect with our team today to learn more.

Legal Assistance Is Available

If you have not yet scheduled a no-risk consultation with the experienced Texas legal team at John K. Zaid & Associates, please connect with our firm online or give our support staff a call today. As our consultation process is risk-free, you’ll receive personalized legal guidance – with no strings attached – in exchange for an hour or two of your time. Why do we offer this service? Our team genuinely believes that because anyone who has been injured has rights under the law, they should be able to understand what those rights are and how to exercise them, regardless of their financial situation. We look forward to speaking with you about your accident, any questions you may have, and our firm’s approach to representation.

4 Reasons to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer

Car accidents can be incredibly stressful, and the last thing you want is to have to navigate the ins and outs of insurance claims and the legal process by yourself. Fortunately, car accident lawyers are available to help you handle each of the things you might struggle to do on your own.

If you were in an accident recently, you might have found yourself wondering, who is the best car accident lawyer in Houston, TX? If that’s the case, here are a few reasons to give one a call.

Gather Evidence

Car accidents very often come down to a case of he-said-she-said. When that happens, it’s essential to have sufficient evidence to prove your case. Great car accident lawyers, such as those at Zaid Law, will be able to help you determine which pieces of evidence will best support your claim and the best way to present them in court.

File Your Court Case

Suppose your case can’t be settled outside the courtroom. In that case, a car accident lawyer will help you file all the necessary paperwork and ensure your case is heard fairly in court. Also, if you’re seeking a large sum, you should remember that it can be easy for insurance companies to avoid paying a victim if you don’t have proper representation.

Break It All Down

Car accidents can be scary and confusing. The paperwork and steps you need to take in order to properly navigate your case can often seem overwhelming. If you involve one of Zaid Law’s lawyers, he or she will be able to break down the confusion into simpler terms so you understand what damages you’re seeking, why you’re seeking them, and how.

Navigate Insurance

Insurance companies can often push back quite a bit if you’re seeking a large claim or damages. In that case, a car accident lawyer can go a long way in making life easier for you. In addition, any additional paperwork, evidence, or other information an insurance company might want will be easier to gather up with a lawyer helping you.

So, who is the best car accident lawyer in Houston, TX? The lawyers at Zaid Law are available to help you answer that question. Just remember that there will be a lot to track between medical expenses, repairs, and other costs. Whichever lawyer you choose will be able to balance it all and make it simpler for you to rest and recover, which is the most important thing.

The legal team at John K. Zaid & Associates is here to help.

When you are choosing a lawyer, you want to ensure that you pick a lawyer who is best for your needs. Whether that means you need a lawyer who is on a budget, you need a lawyer the can deal with complex cases.

If you have been in a car accident, you will be wondering who is the best car accident lawyer in Houston, TX. Dealing with the legal aspects of a car accident is not something you will want to do on your own. The knowledgeable legal team at John K. Zaid & Associates can help you during this time. Keep reading to learn about some of the damages you may be able to claim following your car wreck. 

Medical Expenses

If you were injured in the accident, you may be able to claim medical expenses. It is very important that you keep accurate, detailed records of any medical treatment you receive. These documents will be helpful in proving the medical expenses you claim. You may also be able to claim future medical expenses if your injuries result in a long-term disability. When researching who is the best car accident lawyer in Houston, TX, you will want to find an attorney who has success with car accident settlements. 

Lost Income 

A car accident can be a traumatic experience.  This is especially true if you sustained injuries from your accident. During your recovery, you may not be able to work. This will result in lost income. This lost income can often be claimed as damages in a car accident lawsuit. You will want to discuss the details of the lost time at work with a knowledgeable car accident lawyer in Houston, TX. 

Pain and Suffering 

If you decide to pursue a lawsuit following the wreck, the pain and suffering you endured could be claimed as damages as well.  It is imperative that you speak with a reputable car accident lawyer in Houston, TX to better understand how this will be determined. 

Vehicle Expenses

If your vehicle was damaged at the fault of another driver, you may be able to claim some expenses not covered by the insurance. Keep in mind that most insurance companies will attempt to get away with paying as little as possible on a claim. A lawyer can help you understand if the settlement being offered by the insurance company is fair or not. 

It is important that you do not agree to any type of settlement with an insurance company without legal advice. The only way to ensure that you are getting a fair settlement is to contact a car accident lawyer in Houston, TX. 

The Truck Size Accident Disparity

After a truck accident, you should get legal help from a truck accident lawyer in Houston, TX from John K. Zaid & Associates. Careening down the road, you may not ponder the dangers that surround you. You feel safe in your vehicle, and you operate it without distraction or recklessness. However, this does not mean you will always be shielded from the possibility of a crash with another vehicle. When this happens, you may get injured, and your vehicle may sustain damages that make it difficult to drive. What about if the crash occurs with a truck? A truck accident lawyer in Houston, TX relies on knowing the sharp differences in these collisions versus any other making it more likely to be a life-altering event in one way or another.

The Size Disparity 

A tractor-trailer is a beast of a vehicle. It is designed to haul everything from food to fuel, cars to heavy equipment, and everything in between. The size and weight make it quite the force on the road. When a passenger car comes into contact with one of these, the size difference alone makes a big difference. Even when not factoring in speed, the impact of the two colliding may mean more damage and a higher risk of casualty. This type of accident is when truck accident legal help from a lawyer Houston, TX trusts is of value. 

Crashes Often Involve More Vehicles 

Because of the size of a truck, likely, a crash does not remain between two vehicles. When a truck loses control, gets hit by another car, or has a mechanical failure, it can stretch across multiple lanes at one time. If the truck winds up sideways, it can mean head-on collisions for vehicles. A Houston lawyer offering truck accident legal help believes staying away from an out-of-control truck is often impossible. When more cars are impacted, there are more injuries.

Catastrophic Injuries Are More Common 

All of the above make for a highly lethal crash site. If a passenger car is impacted directly by a semi, the occupants may be lucky to escape with moderate injuries. Many semi-truck accidents are classified as catastrophic, meaning the risk of death is much higher. While death may not occur at the scene, although it can, the crash may result in injuries that are deemed catastrophic. Examples of some of these injuries are:

• Traumatic brain injury, which may lead to permanent impairment
• Spinal cord injury, which may cause paralysis
• Internal organ injuries, which may result in bleeding and organ loss
  

Get Truck Accident Legal Help from a Lawyer in Houston, TX!

Fortunate drivers may walk away from the scene with multiple fractures and contusions that eventually heal. However, those who may have taken the brunt of the collision may never walk again.

Truck accidents result in worst-case scenarios for many people, including truck drivers. Speak to a truck accident lawyer for legal help in Houston, TX from John K. Zaid & Associates to find out if there is any compensation you can receive for your injuries.

Why would the truck driver be liable?

When two cars are in an accident, there is usually one driver who is at fault because they behaved in a negligent or reckless manner. Under Texas law, the other driver can pursue a claim against that driver for financial compensation for any injuries and property damage they may have suffered in the crash. Although there is still that same theory of negligence in a truck accident, unlike a car accident, there is often more than one liable party that a victim can pursue damages against. The following are some of the possible liable parties and the reasons why a truck accident lawyer in Houston, TX would want to include them in your lawsuit.

Why would the truck driver be liable?

The truck driver is often liable for the crash due to negligent or reckless behavior. Some of the most common include:

•   Distracted driving
•   Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs
•   Fatigued driving
•   Speeding
•   Traffic law violations
•   Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration violations

Why would the trucking company be liable?

The truck company that employs the truck driver is usually liable for the actions of their employee. As a Houston, TX truck accident lawyer can explain, this is the legal principle of vicarious liability, which means that when an employee is negligent, this negligence is passed to their employer. Reasons why a truck company may be liable include:

•       The company failed to conduct a background check on the truck driver’s driving record
•       The company failed to properly train the truck driver on how to properly handle these massive vehicles
•       The company failed to monitor the actions of the truck driver
•       The company failed to conduct routine drug testing of their truck drivers
•       The company required the truck driver to work more hours than are allowed under federal regulations
•       The company failed to perform regular safety inspections and maintain the vehicle

Why would the cargo company be liable?

Typically, it is a third-party cargo company that loads the goods that the truck driver is transporting. If the cargo is improperly loaded, this can result in goods falling off the truck and hitting other vehicles, the load shifting causing the truck to tip over, or overloading the truck causing the truck driver to lose control of the truck and causing a crash.

Why would the truck maintenance company be liable?

If the trucking company uses a third-party company to maintain and repair their fleet and that company fails to repair a mechanical issue that causes the truck to crash, the maintenance company can be held liable for any losses that injured victims suffer.

Why would the truck manufacturer be liable?

Some truck accidents are caused by a defective truck part. There could be a flaw in the design, or the defect could have occurred during the manufacturing of the part. If this is what caused the crash, then the victim can pursue damages against the manufacturer. Some of the more common truck defects include:

•       Axles
•       Brakes
•       Steering column
•       Tires

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If you have been injured in a truck accident, contact John K. Zaid & Associates to speak with a skilled Houston, TX truck accident lawyer and find out what legal recourse you may have for your injuries.

What Are Complications in a Truck Accident Case

In many ways, truck accident cases are much more complicated to deal with than car accidents, as a truck accident lawyer in Houston, TX knows. With a trusted and experienced truck accident lawyer like one from John K. Zaid & Associates at your side though, your experience going through the claims process can be simplified so that you don’t have to be overwhelmed. 

What if I was partially at fault? 

The types of consequences that you may experience if you are partially at fault in a truck accident depend on where you live. Not all states have the same laws when it comes to dealing with negligence. For example, certain states have comparative negligence laws that dictate that fault is determined by the respective contributions made by each party involved in the accident. In other states, even if you have a minimal fault, you will not be able to recover compensation. Consult a lawyer to see what the negligence laws are in your particular state. 

What happens if multiple parties are at fault? 

A truck accident can quickly get complex if there are multiple parties at fault. However, since commercial trucks often are connected to a large chain of parties with their own responsibilities, such as contractors, carriers, drivers, manufacturers, and third-party vendors, liability can be applied to a number of parties. For example, if a truck is not deemed to be road safe due to faulty parts or falsities made during vehicle inspections, the carrier and manufacturer are some parties that can be held liable. 

What if the accident occurred in a different state? 

Some truck accidents occur in a state that is not the home state of the injured party. This often happens if an injured victim is on vacation or is traveling through a different state to reach their destination. However, the process to file a lawsuit is not as complicated as one might think. Truck accident victims who were injured in a different state are able to file a claim in the state where the accident occurred. However, some states allow for victims to file a claim in their home state as well when dealing with out-of-state accidents. 

What if the trucking company denies fault or blames me? 

It is not uncommon for the trucking company or driver to shift the blame onto the victim. They may go to whatever lengths necessary to ensure that they are not at fault so they won’t have to pay damages. If this happens to you, don’t accept it no matter how forceful they try to be. Allow a lawyer to handle your case so that they can aggressively fight for you. 

What if the insurance company offers a low settlement amount? 

Insurance companies will do whatever it takes to preserve their profits. For this reason, don’t expect them to give you an easy time if you need to notify them of an accident. They will probably offer you a lower settlement amount to trick you into thinking an offer is better than nothing. However, always first allow a lawyer to evaluate any kind of settlement offer for you to determine if you are getting a fair deal. 

For more information, contact a lawyer like one from John K. Zaid & Associates now to receive urgent legal support. 

Can you determine who was at fault in a Wrongful Accident?

When you are trying to recover from a close loved one’s wrongful death, it can help to have a top Wrongful Death lawyer Houston, TX families rely on John K. Zaid & Associates to support you along the way. You may be wondering if there is anything you can do to help you get through the emotional pain as well as any of the financial burden that you incurred upon their death. Especially for those who are close to the victim of wrongful death, you should not have to deal with the financial burden of wrongful death as well.

Our wrongful death attorneys are compassionate and sympathetic with what it is you need when you have experienced wrongful death and know that taking legal action is the only way that compensation can be recouped. Instead of trying to do this on your own, you can rely on a dedicated legal professional from John K. Zaid & Associates to help you through this difficult time. 

Can you determine who was at fault? 

We must determine what happened constitutes a wrongful death. The death of a loved one is tragic for anyone involved. However, when something happened to your loved one because someone else was acting in a way that was negligent, you want to know that you are not left simply to pick up the pieces of your loved one’s life emotionally and financially. If you and your attorney can determine that there was another person involved who acted in such a way that was careless, negligent, or reckless, it is likely you could have a wrongful death case on your hands. 

How do I know when someone else was being negligent?

Determining negligence with a wrongful death is one of the first steps a top wrongful death lawyer in Houston, TX clients depend on will take. We look at all of the evidence to see what transpired in the hours and moments leading up to your loved one’s death. If your loved one died in a car accident because another person was driving distracted (texting and driving, not paying attention to the road in some way and driving) and then hit and killed your loved one, this is a common example of negligence that can cause wrongful death. 

What are the different things I could be compensated for?

Many of our clients wish to know what they can be compensated for when it comes to wrongful death claims. There are large financial burdens that many people get because of the passing of their loved one. Some of the types of compensation you could receive are:

• Funeral and burial costs
• Medical expenses leading up to their death
• Lost future wages from a spouse
• Mental and emotional pain
• Loss of love

While there are others, we will need to go over the details of the circumstances and see if there are more potential ways that you or your loved ones could be compensated. For more information on a wrongful death lawsuit, please contact Houston’s top Wrongful Death Settlement lawyers in TX at John K. Zaid & Associates now. 

Action Steps for Wrongful Death Cases

Wrongful death cases are often the result of the sudden passing of a loved one at the hands of a negligent or reckless party. Losing someone that you love is devastating. When the loss comes as a result of another’s misconduct, it can be incredibly tragic. This is especially true because in most cases, your loved one’s passing has occurred most unexpectedly. When someone has passed away at the hands of another, it’s not uncommon for families to consider whether they have the ability to take legal action. A top wrongful death lawyer in Houston TX will have the ability to assist families in taking key steps toward resolving a wrongful death case. 

Contact an Attorney from the Onset

For family considering a wrongful death suit, often the best place to initiate the process is with a wrongful death attorney. Utilizing an attorney who has experience in this area of practice is important when working towards securing compensation for your losses. It will be vital to first determine if you are eligible to file for wrongful death. In most cases, only eligible beneficiaries are able to do so. Although there can be variations depending upon state laws, in most cases, eligible parties include immediate family members. It’s not uncommon for the person appointed as the estate executor to be responsible for pursuing the wrongful death suit. 

Investigate and Gather Evidence

With the help of an attorney, it will be key to gather as much evidence as possible to support the wrongful death claim. Evidence is important in that it helps to prove that the defendant is liable and that damages occurred as a result. Examples of evidence for wrongful death cases can include:

• Accident Reports
• Police Reports
• Photographs
• Video
• Death Certificates
• Medical Documentation
• Eyewitness Statements
• Financial Information

Additionally, an attorney may also simultaneously conduct an investigation. This will occur in an effort to identify the negligent parties responsible for the passing of your loved one. They will also work to gather details regarding the events surrounding the accident to help prove negligence to build a strong case against liable parties. 

Determine Whether to Pursue an Insurance Settlement or Lawsuit

One key step is determining the most appropriate way to pursue the wrongful death case. Depending upon the circumstances, one may be the better option. An attorney can help in identifying whether a settlement with the defendant’s insurance company or a lawsuit is in the best interest of the case. In some cases, an aggressive wrongful death attorney may be able to procure a settlement through the negotiation process. In some cases, this may allow the victim’s family to avoid a lawsuit altogether. While this may be an attractive option, it may not always yield the higher level of compensation descendants may be entitled to for their losses. In other situations, the insurance company may be difficult to reach an agreement with. When this occurs, pursuing a lawsuit may be the most appropriate next step. 

Grief-stricken family members of a loved one who has passed away are often left to pick up the pieces. The impact can be significant. Not only can losing someone take an emotional toll, but facing financial losses may be another factor family is left to contend with. Take action by contacting an attorney with the dedication and compassion to guide you through the road that lies ahead. Contact John K. Zaid & Associates to learn more today!

Are Wrongful Death Settlements Taxable

When someone you love or care about has died because somebody else was reckless, careless, and negligent, you are probably preparing to file a wrongful death lawsuit. The top wrongful death lawyer in Houston, TX is available to help you with your wrongful death claim. John K. Zaid & Associates our experience in dealing with wrongful death cases and they are going to be able to help you understand that when you file a wrongful death claim and you win a settlement, that’s not the end of it.

People who have never fired a wrongful death claim are often going to wonder if wrongful death settlements are affected by the IRS code, and whether the settlements are taxable.

However Wrongful Death Settlements Determined? 

Wrongful death lawsuits include three types of awards typically all three of these awards fall into two categories: pecuniary and non-pecuniary. When you have received a pecuniary loss as part of your settlement, and you are receiving damages that are quantified — such as the decedent’s earning capacity. Non Pecuniary losses are not as tangible such as pain and suffering, loss of affection, and more.

However, oftentimes you will hear the types of losses that you may receive as compensation called economic, non-economic, and punitive.

Economic damages are awarded to compensate for if you have lost a household income, you lost your inheritance, neural expenses, medical cost, and more. Noneconomic damages are mental anguish, emotional support loss, companionship loss, and more. Essentially some of it is literal tangible things that can be pulled up and looked at or have received value and non-tangible is things that are specific to you only.

However punitive damages are specifically designed to punish the defendant for the actions that they did to cause the death of a loved one. Punitive damages are often seen as not only punishment but it’s a way to force defendants to change how they are acting and ensure they understand that their actions have consequences.

Do you pay taxes on a wrongful death lawsuit?

No matter whether your wrongful death compensation is going to be the maximum value or not, and it’s not going to matter whether you earned it through a settlement pretrial or you went to trial or earlier compensation, wrongful death compensation is not going to be considered in, it is not going to be taxable.

However wrongful death lawsuits in Texas can include damages awarded for economic and non-economic damages as well as punitive damages, I need to talk to your top wrongful death lawyer in Houston to be asked about why the IRS is differentiating between the two and how tax law affects both things differently.

There are some important notes about personal injury case taxation that can help your wrongful death lawyer structure your case. Compensation for claims that have an origin and physical injury or sickness such as recovery for lost wages or future earning capacity, is not going to be considered gross income and is therefore tax-free. However, punitive damages are taxable to the full amount in Texas. Any portion of the award that is an accrued interest on the award is going to be taxable and this can affect some cases with rather long appeal processes. Furthermore, out-of-pocket medical expenses that were previously claimed as tax deductions are not going to be considered taxable because you did claim them as tax deductions previously. Recovery awards are going to be taxable before any legal fees and attorney fees are deducted, and attorney fees are not tax-deductible.

Talk to your lawyer about recent changes to the tax code in Texas that have made it more difficult for people receiving wrongful death lawsuit compensation to keep their full amount.

The following is a list of general damages that most states consider appropriate for compensation in wrongful death cases. A top wrongful death lawyer in Houston, TX from John K. Zaid & Associates can give a better idea of damages specific to each family’s case:

•         Lost wages- this may include lost wages until the time of reasonable retirement of the deceased.
•         Medical bills
•         Funeral and burial expenses
•         Pain and suffering- in the case of the deceased surviving the incident only to die later, pain and suffering may be awarded. Additionally, the family members’ pain and suffering at the loss may warrant monetary compensation.

What is the timeframe for filing a wrongful death lawsuit?

Each state has its own statute of limitations. Some allow one year from the time of the incident while others allow two years. It is advised that any family who has suffered the loss of a loved one should seek guidance from top wrongful death lawyer, like those at John K. Zaid & Associates, as soon as possible.

Ultimately, this is a difficult time for the family. In contacting John K. Zaid & Associates for a consultation, your family will feel a sense of relief. Relief in knowing that you have a knowledgeable team helping you navigate through the fog of sadness and trauma. We will guide you in the process and fight for justice in memory of your loved one. Call our office today to set up a free and confidential consultation with a top wrongful death lawyer Houston, TX families recommend. 

The aftermath of a tragic accident can be overwhelming and emotional. In fact, many family members who have suffered the loss of a loved one, feel desperate and confused about the next step. They may even have mixed emotions about seeking compensation for their loss. The truth of it is, when it comes to wrongful death cases, seeking compensation is often the logical response. John K. Zaid & Associates understands the emotional turmoil that a death in the family can cause. Each top wrongful death attorney at our Houston, Texas firm is compassionate and patient when it comes to the family members and the terrible situation they are in during this time. John K. Zaid & Associates is also thorough and tough when it comes to developing and fighting for each and every case. Our attorneys are available for a consultation which is often the first step to healing.

What constitutes wrongful death?

Wrongful death is a term that is used when an individual’s death is caused by another person’s action (intentional harm) or inaction (negligence). This type of lawsuit is pursued in civil court.

What are some examples of wrongful death?

Unfortunately, fatal accidents happen every day in the United States. The following is a list of some more common examples of wrongful death. It is in no way a comprehensive list, as there are numerous diverse cases on record:

•         Vehicle accidents including pedestrians being struck by vehicles
•         Medical malpractice
•         Slip and fall incidents
•         Product malfunctions

Who can pursue wrongful death compensation?

All states agree that immediate family members may pursue wrongful death compensation for loved ones. Immediate family members include spouses, children and parents of minors or unmarried children. In some cases, the executor of the will may pursue a wrongful death lawsuit. A wrongful death lawyer Houston, TX can determine if a person has a valid legal claim to a wrongful death lawsuit. 

Getting hurt in an accident can raise many concerns for people, as a personal injury lawyer in the Houston, TX area knows. A serious personal injury accident can have life-changing consequences. If the injuries sustained are severe enough, it can impact a person’s daily life forever. Even minor injuries can be a detriment to an accident victim’s life however, since it can force them to miss work or affect their ability to care for themselves or their family. If you need legal assistance to help you recover compensation, a personal injury lawyer like one from John K. Zaid & Associates can assist you.

What qualifies as a personal injury case?

You may have a personal injury case if you have suffered an injury that was caused by a negligent individual or an individual who caused you deliberate harm. These types of cases can involve injuries sustained due to car accidents, workplace accidents or pedestrian accidents. The more evidence you have for your case to show that you were not at fault, the more compelling your case will be.

What damages can I recover?

You may be eligible to recover many types of damages for your personal injury case. These damages include medical expenses, property damage, pain and suffering, and others. You can also include expenses for future treatment and medical care that you may need for your injuries. Listing your full damages can be hard without a lawyer, and you do not want to make mistakes which can cause you to miss out on money you may be entitled to. Meet with a lawyer to understand what damages you may be eligible to receive.

What types of personal injury cases can you help me with?

Because personal injury is a broad practice, a lawyer works on many types of cases. Car accidents, slip and falls, construction accidents, dog bites, and truck accidents are common cases that a trusted and experienced personal injury lawyer in Houston, Texas commonly handles. Many accidents are caused by negligence, such as dangerous driving or failure to follow safety policies or laws. If you believe that you may have a valid personal injury case, you are encouraged to talk to a lawyer to discuss your rights.

What benefits does hiring a personal injury lawyer have?

If you have a lawyer handling your case, you can have a much stronger case. A lawyer will aggressively fight so that you can receive the compensation that you deserve. They can help you with every aspect of your case, from gathering evidence to determining which legal strategies will best serve you. You will not have to worry about figuring out what to do in case of an issue or sudden obstacle. A personal injury lawyer will take care of the most difficult aspects of your case so that you can fully focus on your recovery.

Don’t wait to find out more about your legal options and seek help from a lawyer like one at John K. Zaid & Associates. Learn more about steps to file a claim by meeting with a highly qualified and competent personal injury lawyer in the Houston, TX area now.

Under Texas law, if someone has caused you to suffer a personal injury due to their negligent or reckless actions or behavior, you may have the right to seek the remedy of a financial compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. In order to be successful, the victim must prove this negligence. In the eyes of the law, the victim is the one who has the burden of proof in demonstrating the alleged at-fault party was negligent. A personal injury lawyer in Houston, TX knows the steps and evidence necessary to show proof and be successful.

What does burden of proof mean?

The American legal system is adversarial. In any civil action, when a person is accused of an act that harms someone else, it is up to the injured person to demonstrate a wrong has been committed by the person they are accusing, and that wrongful act resulted in circumstances that caused their injuries.

In a criminal case, the burden of proof falls to the government – federal, state, or local – that is prosecuting the alleged offender.

In both types of cases, the party who has the burden of proof must produce evidence that proves their case.

What are the degrees of proof?

Although in both a civil and criminal case, it is either the victim or the prosecutor who has the burden of proof, the degrees of proof in these types of cases are different.

In criminal cases, the prosecutor must prove their case “beyond a reasonable doubt.” This means there must be no doubt in the jury’s mind that the person who has been accused of the crime is the one who committed it.

But as a Houston, TX personal injury lawyer can explain, the degrees of proof in a civil case are different. The victim only has to prove their case by a “preponderance of the evidence.” This means the victim only has to prove to the jury that there is a greater than 50 percent chance that what they are accusing the other party of is true. Put simply, it means the victim has more evidence in their favor than the at-fault party does, even if it is just by the smallest degree.

Do I have a provable personal injury case?

The primary mistake most victims make regarding the potential of a personal injury case is not checking with a lawyer as to the viability of a possible lawsuit. They may think there is not enough evidence to win the case or that they cannot afford a lawyer to help them.

Both of these are often misconceptions. To find out what kind of case you may have, call John K. Zaid & Associates to meet with a dedicated Houston, TX personal injury lawyer for a free case evaluation.

If you are seeking a personal injury lawyer to help you recover monetary compensation for losses that you have suffered, there is limited time to do so, as a personal injury lawyer in Houston, TX can tell you. Many accident victims wait too long to take legal action for a number of reasons. They may not think they have a valid case or think that they will not be successful. However, a personal injury lawyer like one from John K. Zaid & Associates is available to answer all of your pressing questions regarding the claims process. 

What is my claim worth? 

The value of your claim depends on several factors, such as the classification of your injuries, the type of damages you can recover, and the number of parties at fault. The best way to find out the most accurate calculation for the value of your case is to seek the assistance of a personal injury lawyer. They will evaluate your case and do the complete calculations so that you can be fully compensated for what you are entitled to. 

How can I increase my compensation amount? 

Not many clients know that there are ways that they can increase their compensation amount for their claim. Providing various types of evidence can help to bolster the strength of your personal injury claim. With a lawyer there to support you, they can help determine which pieces of evidence you have that are the most useful and compelling for your claim. 

Can I recover compensation if I contributed to the accident? 

If you are at partial fault in an accident, you may still be able to recover financial compensation. However, it depends on the type of personal injury accident as well as the state’s laws. For instance, car accidents in states are subject to different negligence laws. In states that have a contributory negligence law, a victim will not be able to recover any type of compensation even if they were minimally at fault. 

Can I file a personal injury claim for a workplace accident? 

You may be able to file a personal injury claim if you have suffered an injury at work. Unlike a worker’s compensation claim, you will need to show that the employer or another party was at fault. If the employer or other person acted negligently, and their actions resulted in your injury, you may be able to successfully file a personal injury claim against them to cover your losses. If you are not sure what type of claim you should apply for, reach out to a skilled personal injury lawyer to understand your options.

Personal injury cases can be incredibly complex, so hiring a lawyer like one from John K. Zaid & Associates can make it much easier to go through the process. You likely have many questions about your next steps and full legal options, so don’t wait to contact a trusted and qualified lawyer right away. Call a skilled personal injury lawyer in Houston, TX now to receive the legal information that you need to know.  

Throughout the Houston community, injured bikers come to John K. Zaid & Associates to consult our motorcycle accident lawyer in Houston, Texas about recovering damages from negligent drivers. Though it might seem as if the claims process should be straightforward, the at-fault party’s insurance company may not be willing to pay full compensation. Far too many are more concerned about their profits and dividends than about the victims who were injured through no fault of their own. If you suffered terrible injuries in a motorcycle accident, you may be best served by hiring an experienced lawyer who knows how to get full compensation from a reluctant insurance company.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

 As a leading motorcycle accident lawyer in Houston, TX, we have handled a wide range of cases. Though a motorcycle crash can happen any number of ways, some causes are more common than others. Regardless of how the other driver caused the accident, contact our motorcycle accident lawyer for a complimentary consultation. Here are some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents:

•         The driver of the passenger vehicle (or truck) did not adequately check traffic around them before changing lanes, and because they did not see the motorcyclist beside them, they ran into them.
•         A passenger vehicle driver turned left at an intersection before seeing an oncoming motorcyclist, and subsequently crashed into the motorcyclist.
•         A motorcyclist is waiting at a stop light or a stop sign, and a vehicle comes up behind. Not seeing the motorcyclist, the vehicle driver rear ends the bike.

Common Injuries from Motorcycle Accidents

Our seasoned motorcycle accident lawyers in Houston, Texas represents those who have suffered severe or life-threatening injuries because of another’s negligence. If you are a family member of someone who was killed in a motorcycle accident, you may be eligible to seek compensation on behalf of their estate. Contact us at John K. Zaid & Associates to learn more about this. Any injury could potentially be serious and require long term medical treatment and the possibility of a permanent condition. Some of the most common injuries sustained by motorcyclists include the following:

•         Brain or closed head injuries.
•         Loss of limbs.
•         Broken or fractured ribs, collarbone, or other bones.
•         Internal bleeding.
•         Deep lacerations.
•         Severe bruising.
•         Soft tissue damage.
•         Broken or dislocated knees.
•         Road rash.
•         Abdominal bruising or internal bleeding. 

Recover Your Damages in Full with Our Help

One injury can also lead to another. For instance, a broken rib could cause a punctured lung, particularly if the individual did not seek immediate medical treatment to stabilize the ribs. However, because in this example the two injuries occurred as a direct result of the accident, the at-fault driver can be held liable for both of them as well as any other damages. Our motorcycle accident lawyers in Houston, Texas have significant experience in identifying and valuing all damages when submitting a claim for a client. Many times the accident victim does not realize the full extent of compensable damages and stands to lose out on thousands of dollars if they proceed on their own. Call our office to discuss your case with our Houston, Texas motorcycle accident lawyer from John K. Zaid & Associates.

Being involved in a motorcycle accident is a traumatic and frustrating experience made even worse when you suffer injuries as a result of your collision. To help you recover damages for your suffering, a Houston motorcycle accident lawyer can guide you through the complex personal injury claims process.

What damages can I seek?

Recovering damages after you suffer a motorcycle accident injury is more complicated than simply filing a personal injury claim. Collecting damages requires experience and understanding of the law.When you work with the experienced team at John K. Zaid & Associates, we’ll work hard to try and get you compensation for:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Scarring
• Disfigurement
• Lost wages
• Lost earning potential
• Loss of life enjoyment
• Loss of companionship
• Medical bills
• Rehabilitation costs

All of these possible compensation avenues require evidence. It also requires skill in negotiating with insurance companies. Our Houston, Texas motorcycle lawyer team is ready to show you how we can help.

Are settlement offers always the best move?

Not necessarily. Your interests and the interests of the insurance company are not the same. You want to maximize your financial recovery so you don’t have to pay out of pocket for medical expenses related to a motorcycle accident you did not cause. The insurance company wants to keep that money in their pocket and pay you as little as possible. So what does the insurance company do? They offer you a quick settlement hoping you will take it without thinking about all of your bills. Your injuries, even if they are minor, may require medical attention. We know that does not come cheap. It is therefore important to avoid accepting a settlement offer until you’ve spoken with a motorcycle accident lawyer Houston, TX residents trust. 

We can help you create an accurate estimate of your future medical needs. We do this so we can assess the true value of your personal injury claim. Our goal is to use this estimate in negotiations with the insurance company to help maximize your financial recovery. 

Do I really need a lawyer?

Depending on the facts surrounding your motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to substantial compensation. But filing a personal injury claim is not easy. It requires evidence, meeting strict deadlines, and working alongside insurance companies whose interests are different than yours. A Houston motorcycle accident lawyer can handle all communications with the insurance company and work with experts who will investigate your motorcycle accident to determine who was at fault. Our firm’s goal is to maximize your financial recovery so you don’t have to worry about how you pay your medical expenses. Contact a Houston motorcycle accident lawyer today to get started.

If you’re at the park and suddenly your dog starts growling at a child or another person for any reason, with no history of a hostile attitude, you should think that you should be able to get your dog under control. However a dog is still an animal that you cannot fully control. No matter your commands, Sparky is going to pounce that child or that person and they’re going to bite. But what you might be wondering about is, your dogs are but somebody! What happens to them now?

So let’s walk through the dog bite basics of Houston Texas, and if you have any more questions you should reach out to a dog bite lawyer in Houston TX such as the ones available at John K Zaid & Associates.

You may be wondering what steps to take after your dog has bitten somebody, or otherwise asking yourself, what do I do now?

You’re worried about your dog, and that’s okay because the dog is part of your family. Let’s talk about a few things here. After your dog has seen somebody, you should check the victim’s injury to see if it is serious and if it is serious you need to seek medical attention right away. But if it is not serious, wash the wound and then consult a doctor just to be safe. The person that was bitten should get a tetanus shot just to be safe, and then you’re going to combine your animal in a pet carrier if you are able.

If you cannot contain the animal, you should find the owner of the animal, unless that is you, and then contact an animal control officer to help you get the animal under control. This animal control officer is going to be investigating the animal that bit someone. If you believe an animal has rabies should contact Houston’s rabies suspect investigations, but all dog bites have a different line that they can be reported to.

What about the one bite rule? You’ve heard it, it’s big in other states, so what about Texas?

Unlike some states Texas does not have a statute that focuses on dog bites, instead they have something called the one bite rule. This establishes that the victim can recover compensation from whoever was in charge of the dog whether it was the owner, keeper or just a dog walker, if the dog previously bit somebody or acted as if it would like to bite someone, and if the person was in charge of the dog at time was aware of the dog’s previous conduct.

Tendency for a dog to injure humans is called vicious inclination, but if these two conditions are not met and the victim is not going to be able to recover under the one bite rule. So essentially all dogs in Texas get one bite, before the owner is going to be held liable.

Reach out to a dog bite lawyer in Houston TX if you have any questions about your dog bite case and want to know more about the dog bite basics of Texas.

Dog bites happen to many unsuspecting adults and children each year. A serious dog bite can result in devastating physical injuries as well as emotional and psychological harm, like post-traumatic stress disorder. If you have been bitten by a dog and suffered an injury, you may be entitled to damages. The following questions are ones that a dog bite lawyer in Houston, TX like one at John K. Zaid & Associates can answer during your consultation.

What should I do if I’m bitten by a dog?

If you are bitten by a dog, you should seek medical help right away. Even if you have not been seriously injured or don’t see much bleeding, you should go to a doctor immediately anway. If you are bit by a stray dog or another person’s pet, you don’t know if the dog has diseases or is up to date on its vaccinations.

What are common dog bite injuries?

Dog bites can be painful and cause serious bodily damage. Dogs have a strong bite force, regardless of their size or breed. They can cause injuries like cuts, puncture wounds, torn flesh, fractures, broken bones, disfigurement and scars.  In addition to the physical wound, bites can result in infections if the dog is not vaccinated against deadly diseases such as rabies. This is why it’s important that you are able to get medical treatment right away if you are bitten by a dog. A dog bite can result in emotional trauma and cause conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder, especially in children.

Can the owner be held criminally responsible?

A dangerous dog is a dog that cannot be rehabilitated or is aggressive around people or animals, and owners are responsible for ensuring that they are restrained and leashed properly.

Owners can be held liable if their dog bites a person or animal. Dogs and other pets are considered property, so the owner can face criminal charges or a civil lawsuit can be brought against them.

What damages can I claim?

If you are filing a dog bite claim, you may be able to recover compensation for damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, emotional trauma, pain and suffering and more. A dog bite can force you to miss weeks or months of work. If you have been disfigured by a dog, you may also be able to receive compensation for lost future wages as well. This is often awarded for dog bite victims who have been seriously permanently injured and are unable to work again.

Do not wait to seek legal assistance and find out what your full legal options are. You may be entitled to more compensation than you think if you have suffered a dog bite injury. You can receive legal assistance with help from a lawyer like one at John K. Zaid & Associates. They will provide you with the legal assistance that you need so that you can get the best possible case results. Reach out to a qualified lawyer today so that you begin working on your claim.

If you or your pet were recently bitten by a dog that is not yours while in the Houston area, it is important to consider your legal options. No matter the level of severity, an experienced Houston, TX dog bite lawyer can advocate for you and work to obtain compensation for your losses, including medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. If you believe the bite was due to the negligence of the owner of the dog who bit you, consider contacting John K. Zaid & Associates to request a free case evaluation as soon as possible.

The “one bite” rule

The principle of strict liability says that owners are liable if their dog (sometimes other pet species are included) bites or attacks another person or pet. In the state of Texas, the state does not utilize the principle of strict liability with regards to dog or other animal bites. 

Instead, Texas follows the “one-bite” rule. The rule states that it must be proved that the attacking dog has a propensity for violent behavior. Likewise, it must be proved that the owner of the violent dog was aware of the dog’s aggressive nature, but neglected to take proper precautions to prevent unwanted contact with passersby or neighbors. 

These qualities pose particularly difficult challenges in collection of evidence proving the dog to be aggressive and the owner to be negligent. An attorney that has expertise representing victims of dog bites will be able to evaluate your unique situation and help create a plan for taking action.

Proving a Dog is Aggressive 

It is notoriously difficult to prove a dog is aggressive, but there are several promising methods of obtaining evidence through these methods:

Interview neighbors 

Authorities and legal professionals can collect information about an animal that is suspected to have bitten someone from neighbors. By interviewing the people who frequent the area and asking them questions regarding the behavior of the dog, we may be able to form a picture of the likelihood of the animal attacking another person or animal. Through this process, we may hear about other incidents that were not reported that are telling of the aggressive behaviors of the dog.

Veterinarian

Authorities can request medical records regarding the accused animal which may contain notes or information about the behavioral tendencies of the animal. By speaking with a veterinarian that has examined or treated the dog, we can further develop a behavioral profile. They may have documented past incidents from previous or current owners that the owner has not disclosed.

Warning signs 

The property where the dog resides may have posted signs warning visitors and passersby of the animal. Dog warning signs may imply that the dog has aggressive tendencies. For example, if the animal has become free from the enclosure due the negligence of the residing dog owner, this may help further the likelihood of the success of your case.

Free-roaming dogs 

When a pet dog is allowed to roam freely, there is a risk of incidents happening where a person or another pet animal is bitten. Whether the animal has a history of aggression or not, if it can be concluded that it was knowingly allowed to roam freely in an area with pedestrian traffic, this may further prove negligence of the owner. 

Despite the challenges of proving aggression of a pet dog posed by dog bite cases, there are proven methods for finding the necessary evidence. Our firm has experience in the area of Dog Bite and can help provide you with clarity and direction throughout your recovery. The sooner you know your rights, the sooner one of our experienced attorneys can begin investigating the best course of action for your unique situation and work to protect them. Contact the offices of John K. Zaid & Associates today to request a free case evaluation.

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the construction industry is one of the most dangerous to work in both here in Texas and across the country. This is because of the high percentage of workers who are killed in construction accidents. Even workers who survive their injuries are often left with catastrophic and permanent disabilities. If you or a loved one has been injured in a construction accident, it is critical to have a skilled construction accident lawyer in Houston, TX advocating for you and making sure you get the financial compensation you deserve.

The following are some of the most common types of construction accidents the lawyers at our personal injury firm handle.

Electrocutions

Every phase of remodeling a structure or building a new one takes time. From ironworkers putting up steel beams to drywallers installing sheetrock for the walls, and everyone in between. Each of these phases takes time. One important phase is the installation of the structure’s electrical system. This installation, which often takes time, means that there is the risk of being injured by exposure of live wiring and other electrical system components.

Equipment

Many construction sites have large and heavy pieces of equipment in operation that are used to lift and move building materials. If a worker makes a mistake while operating one of these machines or there is some breakdown or malfunction of the equipment, this could result in injuries to any other workers or bystanders.

Falls and Falling Objects

Construction workers rely on scaffolding and ladders to get to building roofs and other areas of height. A Houston, TX construction accident lawyer knows that one common cause of injury is workers dropping tools, material, or other objects they are holding onto while at these heights.

There is also the great risk of the worker themselves falling from these heights or having scaffolding collapse or a ladder fall.

Ground Collapse

Due to the excavation that often occurs at a construction site, the ground around the structure is typically unstable during the building process. There are often trenches and holes dug by workers that also contribute to this instability. This can cause a collapse of the ground or parts of the building, resulting in injury or death to anyone in the area when the accident occurs.

Contact Our Office Today

There are many different scenarios that can play out in a construction accident. Although in many of these cases, the injured worker may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, there are also a great many number of construction accidents where the victim may be able to file a third-party claim, depending on the circumstances.

There are also private citizens who may be walking or driving by a construction site who are seriously injured because of activity or negligence of the construction company.

No matter what the circumstances of your injury, call John K. Zaid & Associates today to meet with a seasoned Houston, TX construction accident lawyer and find out what legal options you may have.

If you have been injured in a Texas construction accident, you may be overwhelmed with high medical bills and the financial stress of not being able to work while you recover. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, victims of construction accidents may qualify for compensation for their medical expenses, lost wages, and disability. In some cases, victims may also be compensated for pain and suffering and loss of quality of life. A construction accident lawyer in Houston, TX can evaluate your situation and determine what type of case you may have.

Who is liable in a construction accident?

It is no secret how dangerous a construction site is. In fact, the federal government (OSHA) has deemed jobs in the construction industry to have one of the highest risks of injury and death to workers. Some of the more frequent construction site accidents include fall injuries, trench collapses, and equipment/machinery accidents.

Regardless of what type of incident it was, a Houston, TX construction accident lawyer understands just how life-changing these accidents can be. When a victim is injured, they may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits to cover the medical expenses and loss of income, regardless of what party was at fault for the accident.

However, if the accident occurred due to the negligence of a property owner, contractor, subcontractor, or equipment manufacturer, the victim may be eligible to file what is referred to as a third-party lawsuit.

What is the difference between a workers’ compensation claim and a third-party lawsuit?

Workers’ compensation benefits cover the victim’s medical expenses and a percentage of their weekly pay. It does not cover 100 percent of the victim’s salary. A third-party lawsuit will cover past, present, and future medical expenses and all of the lost wages. The victim may also recover compensation for any loss of future earning capacity if they have been left permanently disabled. The victim may also be awarded compensation for pain and suffering, permanent disability, scarring, and more.

How will my lawyer determine liability and what type of legal action I should file?

Determining liability for construction site accidents can be complex. Your attorney will investigate the accident, gathering evidence that will reveal who is liable. This can include using incident reports, witness statements, video from security cameras, and other evidence.

Once your lawyer has determined all liable parties, he or she will discuss with you what the best course of action is in order to obtain the best financial results.

Have You Been Injured in a Construction Accident?

If you are dealing with injuries you sustained on a construction site, contact a Houston, TX construction accident lawyer for legal assistance. Call John K. Zaid & Associates today to schedule a free and confidential consultation.

1. Move your vehicle(s) out of oncoming traffic, preferably a safe spot such as the shoulder or nearby parking lot, as soon as possible. More injury and damage can occur if you and your vehicle are still in harm’s way.
2. Check on the other drivers and passengers.
3. CALL 911. It’s important for police officers and first responders to be on scene after your accident, especially if there have been injuries. If you or anyone else has been injured, seek medical attention as your top priority. Everything else can wait.
4. Take photos of the accident. Alternatively, contact Houston, TX car accident lawyers and we will come out to document the scene if doing so is possible.
5. Do not refuse medical attention. It is absolutely essential that you get yourself looked at by the on-scene medical professional. It is also important to have your own medical professional review your injuries and provide their own diagnosis.
6. Follow your doctor’s instructions thoroughly, including taking any prescription, time away from work, etc.
7. Speak with Houston, TX car accident lawyers. It’s crucial to get legal representation as soon as possible following your auto accident. Our firm will be able to give you detailed next steps and will be able to help you explore your legal options.

One of the most painful – and dangerous – injuries an accident victim can suffer is a burn injury. It is estimated that there are more than one million people who suffer burn injuries each year. Almost 50,000 of those victims suffer burns so severe that they need to be hospitalized. A burn injury lawyer in Houston, TX knows that there are a number of different types of accidents caused by the negligence of others that can result in burn injuries, including defective products, car accidents, and electric shock.

Burn injuries cause both a significant amount of pain, as well as deep scarring, depending on the severity of the burn. However, burn injury victims are also vulnerable to complications that can arise because of the injury. These complications can lead to serious health issues and can be fatal.

Infection

A frequent complication that burn injury victims deal with is infection. The main job of our skin is to act as a shield for our body, protecting it from bacteria. When the skin is damaged due to a burn injury, it is unable to protect and prevent these contaminants from entering.

A Houston burn injury lawyer knows one of the most dangerous of these infections is sepsis. This infection quickly spreads through the victim’s bloodstream throughout the entire body, attacking the organs. If sepsis is not caught in time, the victim will die. Victims who do survive sepsis are sometimes left with permanent organ damage.

Blood Clots

A victim who has suffered serious to severe burn injuries is usually confined to a bed while they recover. But this can have an impact on their body’s circulation system, putting the victim at risk of developing blood clots in the arms and legs. These clots can quickly travel to major organs and be fatal.

Low Blood Volume

The more serious the burn, the deeper through the skin’s layers it damages. If the burn is severe enough, the damage can go all the way through and cause damage to surrounding blood vessels. This leaves the body unable to maintain the blood flow it needs and leaves the heart unable to pump enough blood.

Scars and Mobility Limitations

Even a minor burn can leave a victim with scarring. The more severe, the more scarring and disfigurement they suffer. This can also have an impact on the victim’s mobility.

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No matter what type of accident resulted in your burn injury, a burn injury lawyer can help you get the financial compensation you deserve if the incident that caused your injuries were the result of negligence or recklessness of another party. You may be entitled to damages for all of your medical expenses – both present and future – as well as lost income if you were unable to work while you recovered from your injuries. If your injuries have left you unable to return to work, you may be entitled to loss of future income. Other damages may include pain and suffering, emotional anguish, disfigurement, scarring, and permanent disability.

If you lost a loved one due to burn injuries, our legal team can help you pursue a wrongful death claim against those parties responsible.

To learn more, call John K. Zaid & Associates to schedule a free and confidential case evaluation with a dedicated Houston, TX burn injury lawyer

At John K. Zaid & Associates, we’ve assisted victims with all different types of burn injuries, including injuries from pressure cookers. If you own a pressure cooker, you know that using it can save you substantial meal preparation time. What you may not know until it’s too late, however, is that these specially constructed cookers are extremely dangerous and are known to cause extremely serious injuries. Read on to learn more about what you should do next.

Over the years, hundreds of pressure cookers have unexpectedly exploded while in use, causing such horrific injuries as extensive burns, blindness, amputations and even death. These injuries have not been limited to the person preparing food, but also have injured nearby bystanders, including toddlers and young children. Other pressure cookers have caused electrocutions.

Recalled Pressure Cookers

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and manufacturers themselves have recalled many brands of pressure cookers, including the following, due to faulty seals and other defects:

• 3-Squares Tim3 Machin3 Cookers
• Alcan Pressure Cookers
• Double Insight Instant Pot Pressure Cooker
• Fagor America Cookers
• HSN Bella Cucina Zip Cookers
• HSN Ultrex-brand Pressure Cookers
• Manttra Pressure Cookers
• Maxi-Matic Cookers
• Maxi-Matic Pressure Cookers
• Power Pressure Cooker XL
• Tabletops Unlimited Cookers
• Tristar Products—Power Pressure Cooker XL
• Welbilt Electronic Pressure Cookers
• Wolfgang Puck Worldwide Cookers

Unfortunately, however, many consumers who own these defective pressure cookers never received a recall notice. Consequently, you may still be unwittingly using a recalled pressure cooker and subjecting yourself to risk of catastrophic injury. If you discover you own a recalled brand, dispose of it immediately and you may want to consider contacting a burn injury lawyer in Houston, TX.

Class Action Lawsuits

Numerous class action lawsuits have been filed across the country on behalf of people whose pressure cooker injured them or their loved ones against these and other pressure cooker manufacturers, including the following:

• Conair Corporation d/b/a Cuisinart (Cuisinart)
• Costway.com, Inc. (Costway)
• Fenca America. Inc (previously operating as Fagor America, Inc.) (Fagor EZ Lock)
• GROUPE SEB USA, INC. (Mirro)
• Instant Brands, Inc. (Instant Pot)
• MAXI-MATIC U.S.A., INC. (Elite Bistro)
• National Presto Industries, Inc. (Presto)
• Nuwave, LLC (NuWave)
• Sunbeam Products, Inc. (Crock Pot)
• Tabletops Unlimited, Inc. (Phillipe Richards)
• TTK Prestige Limited (Prestige Rise ‘n’ Time)
• Wolfgang Puck Enterprises, Inc. (Wolfgang Puck)

These lawsuits allege one or more of the following:

• Breach of express warranty
• Breach of implied warranty of fitness for a particular purpose
• Breach of implied warranty of merchantability
• Negligent products liability
• Strict products liability

If your pressure cooker unexpectedly exploded or otherwise caused injury to you or a family member, contact us at John K. Zaid & Associates to explore the possibility of joining one of these class action lawsuits or filing a lawsuit yourself against the manufacturer of your particular pressure cooker.

A Houston, TX burn injury lawyer knows that there are many different types of accidents that can leave a victim with burn injuries. For example, if a vehicle involved in a crash catches fire or explodes, any victims in the vehicle can be burned.

There are also many workplace accidents where victims suffer burns from chemicals or other hazardous substances.

Other types of scenarios that can result in serious burn injuries include:

• Boiling liquids
• Boiling steam
• Chemicals
• Electrical shock
• Explosion
• Fire
• Hot glass
• Hot metals
• Radiation

What are some of the complications victims can suffer from burn injuries?

Even with proper medical care, burn injury victims are still at risk of developing some of the following dangerous complications:

• Infections that can enter the blood (sepsis)
• Fluid loss
• Low blood volume
• Low body temperature
• Breathing issues
• Scars
• Bone and joint issues from scar tissue interference

One of the most painful injuries involves burns to the skin. Burn injuries can range from minor to severe, with many victims unable to survive. According to national statistics, about 180,000 burn victims die each year due to their injuries. In Texas, if a victim suffers burns due to the negligence of another party, they can pursue a personal injury lawsuit against that party for financial compensation for the losses the injuries have caused. A burn injury lawyer in Houston, TX can help.

What are the degrees of a burn injury?

As mentioned above, even a minor burn injury can cause discomfort. The symptoms that go along with a burn injury can vary, depending on how severe the damage to the skin is. It is not uncommon for these signs to take a couple of days before they appear. To get a better idea of this, think about a sunburn. If you have ever had one, you may remember that the first day or so, you may have just thought you got some color at the beach, but by the next day or two, the pain emanating from your skin told a different story.

Burns are classified by degrees:

• First-degree: This is considered a minor burn, affecting only the outer layer of the skin. Symptoms include redness and discomfort.
• Second-degree: This burn goes down to the second layer of skin and can result in severe pain. Victims often have red and white spots on the skin and blisters often develop.
• Third-degree: The most severe and painful, this burn goes through all the layers of the skin, and often causes damage to nerves, leaving the victim suffering from numbness. The areas of the burn are usually brown or black in color.

Contact Our Office for Legal Help

If you have suffered burn injuries in an accident caused by the negligence of another party, a Houston, TX burn injury lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve. Call John K. Zaid & Associates today to schedule a free and confidential case evaluation.

One of the most debilitating accident injuries a victim can suffer is a brain injury. Unfortunately, many victims do not realize they have suffered an injury right away. It can be hours or even days after the incident before symptoms begin appearing and even then the victim may not be aware of what is happening to them. Unfortunately, this can leave the victim at a high risk of permanent damage or even death. This is why a brain injury lawyer in Houston, TX recommends that even victims of minor accidents should be checked by a medical professional right away.

The following are some of the more common signs of a brain injury and an indicator that the victim should seek medical attention immediately.

Changes in Their Mood

If an accident victim exhibits changes in their normal mood, such as showing signs of anxiety, aggressiveness, or depression, there may be a brain injury. If the victim has a history of any mood disorder, such as depression, an exasperation of those moods could be a warning something is wrong.

Changes in Sleep Habits

Any change in sleep patterns or habits should initiate a call to the victim’s doctor. This includes sleeping too much or not being able to fall asleep or stay asleep.

Confusion or Disorientation

Being involved in an accident can leave anyone shaken up, however, if the victim shows symptoms of being confused, disorientated, or dazed hours after the accident occurred, this could be a sign that they have sustained a brain injury.

Loss of Consciousness

A Houston, TX brain injury lawyer knows that any time an accident victim loses consciousness, emergency medical attention should be sought immediately, even if just for a few seconds. A loss of consciousness is a significant sign that there has been some kind of injury to the victim’s brain.

Sensitivity to Stimuli

If the victim has an unusual sensitivity to sound, light, or other stimuli, they should consult with their doctor to make sure they have not suffered a brain injury since this is also an indicator.

Other Symptoms

There are a myriad of other symptoms that accident victims should also watch out for, including:

• Vision issues
• Headaches
• Nausea or vomiting
• Loss of balance
• Slurred speech
• Weakness in arms, legs, or face
• Seizures

Contact Our Office Today

Brain injuries are one of the most serious and financially burdensome injuries and accident victims can suffer. There is often long-term or permanent damage done that requires all kinds of changes in the victim’s lifestyle. The financial costs and the inability to work for a victim who has suffered a serious brain injury can be overwhelming to both the victim and their family.

If you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury, contact a Houston, TX brain injury lawyer from John K. Zaid & Associates to find out what kind of legal recourse you may have.

Victims who suffer brain injuries in accidents are often left dealing with a future that has many unknown issues. This can be both frustrating and frightening. There are often high medical bills, loss of income, and other significant impacts on the victim’s life. If the accident was caused by the negligence of another party, Texas law allows the victim to file an injury claim against them. A brain injury lawyer in Houston, TX can help.

What are some of the symptoms of a traumatic brain injury?

Whether the injury occurs from a vehicle accident, act of violence, or slip and fall incident, the symptoms of brain injuries are all similar and can be very dangerous. Any kind of blow to the head should be checked out by a medical professional, even if no symptoms are present. However, if any of the following occur, the victim should be taken to the hospital immediately:

• Agitation
• Confusion
• Loss of consciousness
• Nausea
• Painful headaches
• Problems with vision
• Seizures
• Slurred speech

What type of compensation can a brain injury victim collect in a personal injury claim?

A Houston, TX brain injury lawyer can help victims file a personal injury claim against the negligent party or parties who were responsible for the incident that caused the brain injury. For example, the at-fault driver in a car accident or the property owner in a slip and fall incident would be potential parties to any kind of brain injury lawsuit.

In order to determine what type of damages a victim is entitled to, their lawyer will evaluate their case and see what type of impact the injury has had on the victim’s overall quality of life, including any cognitive issues, their ability to provide for themselves and/or their family, pain level, and other issues.

There are a myriad of damages a brain injury victim may be entitled to, depending on the severity of the injury. These include the following:

• Current medical expenses
• Rehabilitation stays and services
• Future medical expenses if the injury will require long-term or life-long care
• Lost wages while the victim recovers
• Loss of future income if the victim is unable to work because they have been left disabled
• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Permanent disability
• Loss of life enjoyment or quality of life

Contact Our Personal Injury Law Firm Today

If you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury due to the negligence or recklessness of someone else, do not try to pursue damages on your own. These cases can be complicated and often require the legal knowledge and experience of a Houston, TX brain injury lawyer. Victims should concentrate on healing and let their lawyers deal with the stress of negotiating fair settlements or litigating their lawsuits. Call John K. Zaid & Associates to schedule a free consultation and find out how we can help.

The birth of a baby is supposed to be a joyous time in every parent’s life. But when something goes wrong during labor or delivery, that joy can quickly become fear of not knowing what is wrong with your baby and what kind of future they will have. The majority of birth injuries are almost always preventable medical errors by doctors, nurses, or other medical professionals. If your child has suffered a birth injury, contact a birth injury lawyer in Houston, TX to find out what legal recourse you may have.

The following are the most common medical conditions caused by birth injuries.

Cerebral Palsy (CP)

Cerebral palsy is usually a result of oxygen deprivation during the birthing process. There are cases where the issue occurs because of unknown reasons, however, in the majority of cases, the lack of oxygen to the infant is due to a medical error either during the mother’s prenatal care or during labor and delivery.

According to national statistics, approximately two out of every 1,000 births result in cerebral palsy. The condition is not always recognized right away but is usually diagnosed during early childhood, often because the baby is not developing at the same pace as other children their age. While symptoms may appear shortly after birth, the diagnosis often doesn’t occur for a couple of years.

Brachial Plexus Injury

This condition is usually connected to shoulder dystocia, which occurs when the baby’s shoulder is blocked by the mother’s pelvic bone as he or she passes through the birth canal. This can cause the nerves which are connected to the baby’s arm and hand to become stretched. This damage can result in the baby being unable to rotate or flex the arm. If there is tearing of the nerve, this can mean permanent damage.

Hypoxic Brain Injury

If the baby is not getting enough oxygen during labor, there can be a severe injury. When there is prolonged deprivation of oxygen, the baby can suffer neurological disorders and brain damage. A Houston, TX birth lawyer has successfully represented a number of families who have faced this devastating situation. 

Facial Paralysis

Sometimes, during a difficult delivery, the doctor will use forceps to help guide the baby out of the birth canal. However, if the doctor does not use the forceps properly, this can cause pressure on the baby’s seventh cranial nerve – which is a facial nerve – and this can cause permanent paralysis.

Call Our Office for Legal Assistance

It can be devastating to discover that your child has suffered a birth injury that can affect them for the rest of their lives. Contact John K. Zaid & Associates to schedule a free and confidential consultation with an experienced Houston, TX birth lawyer. We will fight to get you and your family the financial justice you deserve. Call our office today.

Our birth injury lawyers in Houston, TX understand that having a baby is incredibly special. It’s a moment that’s never forgotten. However, babies are highly vulnerable when being born. Many things can go wrong, resulting in damage that can last for the rest of your child’s life. Therefore, it is critical that you use a reputable obstetrician. Here at John K. Zaid & Associates, we’ve compiled a list of a few common maladies that can occur, some of which may be triggered by medical malpractice.

Brain Damage

The extent of harm to your baby’s brain depends on various factors, including the length of the trauma and what part of the head is affected. Causes of brain damage include a loss of oxygen, blunt force trauma, and infections. Your bundle of joy may make a full recovery or face long-term consequences. 

Cerebral Palsy

This condition limits a person’s muscle control and is often accompanied by speech problems and developmental delays. While there is no cure for this condition, many adults with cerebral palsy live totally independent and fulfilling lives. 

Erb’s Palsy

Individuals with Erb’s palsy experience paralysis of the arm, shoulder, or hand. It is caused by injury to the brachial plexus nerves during labor. Pulling on the baby’s neck or feet can cause this, as does the infant getting stuck underneath the pelvic bone. Although it is possible for children to make a full recovery even without treatment, others never gain mobility of their affected limb. You may want to discuss what can aid your child’s life with a birth injury lawyer in Houston, Texas.

Intrauterine Fetal Demise

More commonly known as stillbirth, an infant may expire for various reasons, including genetics or complications arising from simultaneously birthing more than one baby. Umbilical cord prolapse and poor maternal health are other contributing factors. This situation affects 1% of American women. If you have experienced this particular birth injury, it’s best to talk to an experienced birth injury lawyer today.

Newborn Jaundice

Upon birth, an infant’s skin may appear yellow. This could be a sign of high levels of bilirubin, a pigment that the body develops when it needs to replace blood cells. Most often, this condition clears up within 14 days. However, if the bilirubin is particularly high, permanent neurological damage can result. It’s best to consult your infant’s doctor for immediate care.

Spinal Cord Injuries

If a doctor is too rough with a baby when it’s entering the world, the spine can be damaged. The results are often catastrophic, from loss of movement within an arm or leg to complete paralysis. While spinal complications cannot be repaired, treatment is able to limit the fallout.

No matter what the condition of your baby’s health, your child is precious. Our birth injury lawyers at John K. Zaid & Associates have the best interests of your child at the center of our approach to each case. If malpractice caused your newborn to be harmed, you deserve compensation. Hire a birth injury lawyer in Houston, TX to litigate your case.

Birth injuries can quickly turn what should be an exciting and beautiful time for a family into a nightmare. They may leave children with severe and lifelong disabilities and trauma, whereas the parents may face financial struggles. When a doctor, midwife, or hospital is responsible for these injuries, you should consider hiring a birth injury lawyer in Houston, TX. John K. Zaid & Associates may be able to help you receive compensation for your birth-related losses. To give you the best chance at compensation, here are four things you should look for when selecting a birth injury lawyer. 

1. Demonstrates Experience

Finding a birth injury lawyer in Houston, TX, with experience in birth injury and other medical claims will help your odds of winning your case. Make sure you hire a lawyer that not only works with birth injury claims but also has a good track record with them. You want to feel confident that they understand the system and cases similar to yours. 

2. Offers Free Evaluation

A good birth injury lawyer in Houston, TX, will offer a free case evaluation to help you decide if they are the right fit for you. At John K. Zaid & Associates, we will evaluate your case to determine if you have enough evidence for a malpractice claim. You can also ask any questions you have at that time, and we will do our best to help you feel confident and comfortable before moving forward. 

3. Has Community Recognition

Community-wide recognition is an important aspect of any law firm. Before choosing a birth injury lawyer in Houston, TX, check their testimonials, online reviews, and look for any public awards and ratings. Doing this research will increase your confidence in them and give you an idea of how likely they are to win your case. 

4. Provides Resources

A well-established law firm will have plenty of resources to help you along your journey. An extensive legal team, legal assistants, and nurse consultants can all be used to help you win your case. Providing these resources and making them easily available to you is a good sign that you are in the right hands. 

Dealing with a birth injury claim can be stressful, but the right lawyer can help you find closure and understanding in your story. At John K. Zaid & Associates, we are confident in our ability to help you navigate this difficult time. 

Contact Us Today

Let us help bring joy back into your life if you’ve had a child that’s suffered a birth injury. We’ll work with you, answer any questions that you have, and we’ll help you to get answers. Our prerogative is you and your family receiving the help you deserve. Mr. Zaid has dedicated his life to helping clients who experience injuries to their person, and he’s very active in the legal community in Texas—from the Texas Trial Lawyers Association to the American Association for Justice.

A birth injury lawyer in Houston, TX can help you determine whether your child’s birth injury was negligence, or unavoidable. John K. Zaid & Associates will take great care with handling your case, to ensure that we look at every possibility and determine who, if anyone, was at fault and how much compensation the family is entitled to. Reach out to a birth injury lawyer in Houston, TX, such as John K Zaid & Associates.

Additional Medical Expenses 

Following a birth injury, your child may need to undergo additional medical treatments. The expenses from these treatments could be submitted as part of a birth injury lawsuit. If you believe that your child’s medical conditions are a result of a birth injury, you will want to contact a birth injury lawyer in Houston, TX. John K. Zaid & Associates will be able to review the additional medical expenses you have incurred and help you determine if these expenses could be part of your case. 

Lost Income 

When a child is sick or injured, parents will often be required to miss work in order to care for them. Birth injuries often result in parents missing extended periods of time from work. If you plan to pursue a birth injury lawsuit, you will want to keep careful records of missed work and how that missed work translated into lost income. A birth injury lawyer in Houston, TX will evaluate this information to see how it could be a viable part of your lawsuit. 

Medical Supplies 

Depending on the severity of the child’s birth injury, it may prove necessary for your baby to go home with additional medical supplies. The cost of these supplies can put a strain on finances and should be considered an expense incurred from the birth injury. You will want to talk to a lawyer about which expenses can be considered as part of your case. 

Future Medical Expenses 

If the child sustained injuries that will cause long-term or lifelong disability, you may be able to claim future medical expenses. You will want to discuss this with both your doctor as well as your lawyer in order to fairly establish what types of future medical expenses could be expected. 

Pain and Suffering of Your Child

The pain and suffering of your child can also be considered as damage in this type of case. Your lawyer will help you better understand how this is determined. 

Lost Earning Potential of the Child

If your child’s injuries will result in a life-long disability, you may be able to claim the lost earning potential of the child as well. This is an important aspect of your case considering that your settlement would go toward the care of the child for years to come. 

If you believe your baby was a victim of a birth injury, you will need a birth injury lawyer in Houston, TX to navigate the legal aspects of this situation. John K. Zaid & Associates can help. 

A birth injury lawyer in Houston, TX knows that when you have a child, you should be happy and excited. But sometimes, there are risk factors or negligence when a baby is being born that can lead to birth injuries with long-term damage.

John K. Zaid & Associates has experience in many fields of law, with a philosophy that keeps us working hard for our clients and being transparent and truthful. There’s no lying about fees or costs, and we’re upfront about our expectations and what you should expect too. Let us help you grieve this injury, and we’ll help you figure out what happened—to process it—and demand compensation and that the medical staff or hospital correct their errors.

But what is a birth injury? This is an injury that’s usually physical and occurs when the child is born. Not every single birth injury is avoidable, but many are. We’ll help you determine if you have a case, we’ll make sense of the medical phrasing that’ll be used in your child’s medical documents.

What does my lawyer have to prove a lawsuit for a birth injury case?

Your birth injury lawyer in Houston, Texas is going to have to prove that your healthcare team was medically negligent. By doing this they will prove that the medical team and their negligence was directly responsible for the child’s birth injury. To do as your lawyer is going to gather several forms of evidence to support this claim, as in an exact timeline of events as they followed during childbirth, medical records and documents that prove medical professionals committed medical and practice. 

Who can be sued for a birth injury that’s caused by medical malpractice?

Generally more often than not the defendants in a birth injury law case are going to be the medical staff that help to deliver your baby. This medical staff could consist of your obstetrician, nurse or any other medical personnel who can be deemed negligent with the care of your child during their delivery. Sometimes you may actually sue the hospital where your child was delivered.

What is the statute of limitations for a birth injury case?

Every case has a statute of limitations. And in general you should file as soon as you realize there’s an issue and you have a case. With the birth injury lawsuit filing sooner rather than later is going to be best. The statute of limitation is going to limit how much time you had to file your lawsuit from when the child sustained the birth injury and if you wait too long to decide to file past that time limit you may not be able to sue. Statutes of limitations for birth injury lawsuits are going to vary by each state and you should talk to your birth injury lawyer in Houston, Texas about limitations.

What is the difference between a settlement and trial?

Most birth injury lawsuits are going to resolve out-of-court with assignment. Birth injury settlements are going to allow the case to come to a quicker conclusion and turn to your family receiving compensation faster than in court. The amount of compensation that you are awarded is going to be different for each case, each case is going to vary in severity and your child’s type of birth injury. The estimated amount of their lifetime costs and other factors are going to play into this. Some birth injury cases will go to trial and a judge and jury will hear arguments from both legal teams, and decide who wins. The trial process may add a lot of time to your lawsuit and if your side loses you may not receive any money at all.

Reach out to your birth injury lawyer in Houston, Texas for all of your other questions. Knowing about birth injuries is the first step to suing for your birth injury. Keeping your child safe and knowing why they are born a certain way when they were supposed to be born perfect is important, even if you can’t use the money you earn, settlement to change your child’s outcome. It can make you financially stable and more able to take care of your child and their special needs.

What Are Risk Factors?

Understanding the risk factors that can cause birth injuries can help you to better understand what may have gone wrong.

•         If the baby is large, there may be issues with having a natural birth.
•         The baby is feet-first in the birth canal.
•         The baby is born too early or prematurely.
•         The size of the mother’s pelvis and birth canal can make it difficult to have a natural birth.
•         The labor is difficult or long.
•         The mother is overweight.
•         The mother opts for or requires a Cesarean delivery.
•         Devices such as vacuums or forceps are used to deliver the baby.

But what are some of the most common types of birth injuries?

•         Swelling of the head.
•         Bruising of the head.
•         Bleeding underneath a cranial bone.
•         Breakage of blood vessels in the infant’s eyes.
•         Facial nerve injuries caused by pressure to the child’s face.
•         Injury to the child’s brachial plexus nerves.
•         Fracture of the clavicle or collarbone.

What Will a Birth Injury Lawyer Do? 

The birth injury lawyers in Texas from John K. Zaid & Associates are experienced in dealing with lawsuits involving injuries at birth. Whether you or your baby were injured, we want to help you get the compensation you deserve. This should be a happy time for you and your family, and you certainly should not be responsible for additional medical care due to the negligence of someone else. Your doctor, nurse, the hospital, the pharmacist, or all of the above should be held responsible for their actions. We will seek compensation not only for the medical bills you have been forced to pay, but also for additional future bills we suspect you will have, as well as potential pain and suffering compensation for all of the trouble you have been put through. If applicable, we may also seek damages for lost wages due to missed work from the injuries sustained. Finally, some birth injuries affect a child for the rest of their lives. If this is the case, you deserve to be fairly compensated for this devastating fact. Money can’t bring back health, but it can take care of the bills that are sure to come along in the future. It can also help make things easier on your family, so we will seek as much compensation for you that we think is necessary. 

Since birth injuries are particularly devastating personal injury cases, you should be sure to file for extra damages for pain and suffering, loss of companionship, loss of enjoyment of life, and even costs associated with therapy for you and your child. You may also need extra care in your home to assist with a disabled child, which should also be covered in the damages. Since we are seasoned birth injury lawyers, we know what to ask for in a case, and will be happy to help guide you throughout the entire process to get the compensation you deserve.  

How Do You Prove Negligence in a Birth Injury Case? 

Proving negligence in a birth injury can sometimes be difficult. This is why it is important to have a birth injury lawyer in Texas who has a lot of experience in the field. We know what kind of expert witnesses will be necessary to have, how to research the specifics of your case, and how to read the medical records to spot important issues to note in court. We will also investigate further if anything seems suspicious about your records and hire outside help if necessary. Negligence in a birth injury can sometimes be hard to prove, but we have a great track record and will be happy to discuss this with you further at our consultation. During a consultation, we will figure out if you might have a case and if we would be a good fit to work with one another. This way we can move forward quickly and with confidence to ensure you get compensation for everything you have been through.  

Should You File a Medical Malpractice Claim? 

When you are still reeling from your traumatic child birthing experience and know that your precious baby suffered from birth injuries, you are likely wondering whether you can file a medical malpractice claim. Medical malpractice and childbirth injuries are difficult because these injuries that can leave your child permanently injured could have been prevented. That said, medical malpractice is not necessarily as simple as other types of personal injury cases and you will need to work with different medical experts to show that the injuries inflicted on your child could have been prevented if it was not for the medical professional’s negligence. 

Does that mean any unintended outcome is malpractice? 

Not necessarily. Like any other medical procedure, childbirth can result in an outcome you were not hoping for, whether it is an injury to the mother or the child. In some cases, an injury is the only likely scenario. However, if the medical professional who was giving you and your baby care during the birthing process acted negligently or below the medical standard of care, this is when medical malpractice comes into play. A birth injury could be:

• Uncontrolled bleeding
• Bruising or lacerations
• Brain damage
• Leaving a medical instrument inside the mother
• Birth defects

These are only a few possibilities, but birth injuries can affect the child and/or the mother. 

When does a birth injury happen? 

Birth injuries can occur when a doctor fails to diagnose a problem or potential problem while the mother is pregnant or it can happen as the mother is giving birth. So, while your pregnancy may have been very healthy, the doctor may make a mistake right before or during delivery. For example, a baby could be cut with a surgical instrument during a cesarean section or they could be injured by tools the doctor uses during vaginal birth. 

Who is responsible for bringing this case forward? 

Although the victim in a personal injury or medical malpractice case is usually responsible for bringing a case forward, when the victim is a minor, the parents can bring it to a lawyer and proceed with the case. If you believe your child’s injuries during birth or in the womb were preventable, it is important you seek legal help from a trusted birth injury lawyer. They can help you gather evidence from your experience and speak with medical experts who can testify regarding what a competent doctor would do. 

• Nerve damage
• Fractures and broken bones
• Brain damage
• Erb’s Palsy
• Cerebral Palsy
• Fetal Lacerations
• Oxygen Deprivation
• Seizures
• Death

If you want to file a personal injury claim for a truck accident, but are not sure about the steps or the process involved, then contact a Big Rig crash lawyer in Houston, TX from John K. Zaid & Associates. There are at least eight steps to the process, three of which happen before even filing a lawsuit with the court.

1. Consultation

First, it is always recommended that you speak with a Big Rigs accident lawyer in Houston, Texas regarding legal matters. Many personal injury attorneys provide one-time free consultations for prospective clients, including us! During this initial meet and greet, we will ask questions about your claim and discuss its merits.

2. Investigation and Research

If the case is a good fit for a Texas Big Rigs accident lawyer at John K. Zaid & Associates, then we will offer to represent you. If you agree, then our law office will begin investigating the incident and researching legal precedent and strategy right away.

3. Presentation of a Demand Letter

Once a Houston Big Rigs accident lawyer in TX has a good idea of your injury and the liability of the accused, we can help you craft a demand letter. This letter will express what you want from the at-fault party and why you believe you deserve it, based on the evidence. Once the letter is submitted, the defendant will have an opportunity to reply.

4. Filing a Lawsuit

If the demand letter did not spark mediation and settlement, then you may have no choice but to go to court to seek restitution. If you decide you want to continue legal action, then a truck accident lawyer in Houston, TX will help you file your lawsuit.

5. Distribution of Evidence

Once the suit is filed, both parties will gain access to the evidence and arguments of either side. This portion of the lawsuit is called discovery.

6. Settlement Negotiations

After the discovery phase, most personal injury lawsuits will go to mediation, where both sides will attempt to negotiate a settlement. Many cases end during this phase of the suit. However, some claims continue on to trial. It is important that you have help from a Big Rigs accident lawyer in Houston during the negotiation, and that you speak with us before accepting any offer.

7. Trial

If the parties cannot come to an agreement, then they will need to appear before a judge for a trial. During the trial, a jury will hear the facts, determine fault and make a determination about damages and restitution.

8. Possible Appeal

The end of a trial does not necessarily signal the end of the lawsuit. Either party is allowed to appeal the final verdict, but that process can be complicated.

If you are considering filing a personal injury lawsuit, then do yourself a favor and hire an experienced attorney from our law firm. While personal injury claims are civil matters, they still require significant legal expertise to argue. Contact a Houston, TX Big Rigs accident lawyer today from John K. Zaid & Associates for strategic support. 

So you’ve been in a car accident, maybe you’re confused and have questions about what comes next, maybe you’re angry and upset and you know what comes next. No matter what way you feel after an accident, you should still reach out to an auto accident lawyer in Houston TX such as the ones available at John K. Zaid & Associates. They are going to be able to best direct you and ensure that no matter how you are feeling after a car accident, you are not feeling overwhelmed due to trying to handle your legal issues by yourself.

Your honor accident lawyer in Houston TX is going to be able to help you answer questions, they are going to be able to move forward with legal action against the person that caused you to have an accident.

Can I still seek damages if the car accident was partially my fault?

Yes, even if you are considered to be at fault in any way for the car accident, depending upon your states laws and regulations you should be able to still recover some compensation. You should never implicate yourself, or further incriminate yourself after an accident when you are speaking with the other people on the scene. Doing so can affect your ability to receive compensation, and affect how much compensation you might receive, and can even make it harder for you to file an insurance claim on this accident.

Even if you feel you did something wrong you are not going to be able to know all of the details, because every accident has more than one factor, driver error is just one thing. Other factors that could be involved in an accident are a vehicle defect, traffic signal malfunction, the other person could have been distracted or avoiding an accident, and much more. Until the accident has been fully investigated by the police and your auto accident lawyer in Houston TX, you should make no statements about who is at fault.

And again even if you are found to be partially at fault you should still be eligible to receive damages however the amount will be determined based on what percentage you are to blame for the accident. The exception… If you are found to be 51% or more at fault or the damages, you will not be able to recover any damages.

What happens if I’m hit by an uninsured driver?

If you are hit by an uninsured driver, you’re going to have to rely on your insurance coverage to help you repair your car. While Texas law requires that everyone has auto insurance, there are still many uninsured drivers in Texas, and of course people driving through Texas but are not residents of Texas. Insurance companies generally offer UIM or UIM coverage, and these coverages are going to provide coverage for a motorist whose insurance does not have the coverage to pay your damages or if a motorist is uninsured entirely when they hit you.

You can talk to your auto accident lawyer in Houston TX to see if you are eligible to file a lawsuit against the uninsured driver in the situation to recover any costs that your uninsured motorist or UIM coverage does not cover.

Reach out to your auto accident lawyer in Houston TX today.

As an auto accident lawyer in Houston, TX can explain to you, making even small mistakes can jeopardize the strength of your personal injury claim. After an accident, knowing what to do right away can help you begin building your claim. This can help avoid potential issues such as the insurance company not believing your statement. Basic steps that you should remember to do if you have been injured in a car accident include:

• Reporting the accident to local police
• Seeking medical treatment for your injuries
• Exchanging your contact and insurance information with the other driver
• Documenting evidence at the accident scene
• Talking to any witnesses who can provide details
• Obtaining the police report when it is available
• Notifying your insurance company 
• Scheduling a consultation with a lawyer 

Information to Give to a Lawyer 

Dealing with an auto accident claim can be overwhelming. You may not know what to expect or what steps to take to get started. One of the things that you can begin thinking about in regards to your claim is the type of information you can present to a lawyer during your consultation. The more information that you can provide, the better. It will help a lawyer understand your case better if they have the basic facts of your case. Information that you should provide to a lawyer includes the following:

• Your account of the case
• The driver’s contact and insurance information
• Medical records and bills
• Bills for vehicle repairs and property damage
• Paystubs to calculate your missed wages
• List of witnesses
• Photos of the accident 

Schedule a Consultation 

Moving on after a serious auto accident can come with challenges, especially when you are still recovering from your physical and emotional trauma. However, if you have recently suffered an injury in an auto accident, you are encouraged to obtain legal services from a qualified lawyer like one from John K. Zaid & Associates. To learn more about how you can receive legal assistance, schedule a consultation now. 

If you are in need of a skilled auto accident lawyer in Houston, TX that you can rely on, you should not wait to seek legal attention that you can trust. A qualified legal team like one from John K. Zaid & Associates understands what it takes to obtain the best possible legal results for clients who have been involved in serious auto accidents. With a lawyer’s help, you have a higher chance of obtaining the compensation that you may be entitled to. 

Auto Accident Lawyer in Houston, TX 

For years, the team at John K. Zaid & Associates have been assisting clients with their unique personal injury cases, conducting careful case assessments to achieve the most suitable outcomes. They know what strategies would be most effective in recovering the maximum compensation amount for clients. 

Causes of Auto Accidents

An auto accident can have many causes. Unfortunately, many auto accidents happen because of negligence. Sometimes drivers do not have their full attention on the road or fail to observe the traffic laws where they are driving. Other reasons that accidents happen is because drivers are reckless on the road, such as drunk drivers and street racers. Some frequent types of auto accident causes that many lawyers often see include:

• Speeding
• Distracted driving
• Driving under the influence
• Negligent driving
• Hit and run accidents
• Poor weather conditions

An animal bite lawyer in Houston, TX will tell you animal bite attacks can be emotionally and physically traumatizing. They can also be deadly. In 2018 alone, 36 people in the U.S. lost their lives after a dog attacked them. Every day, around 1,000 people across the country must undergo emergency medical treatment as a result of animal bites. Every year, around 14,025 people must be hospitalized because of their dog bite attack injuries. The medical treatment required for animal bite injuries can be painful in and of itself, and the treatment is not cheap. Thankfully, when an animal bite occurs as a result of someone else’s negligence, recklessness, and or intentional behavior, they can be held legally responsible for their harmful conduct. The firm of John K. Zaid & Associates represents victims of serious animal bite attacks and helps them to obtain the settlement they deserve. If you live in Texas and have suffered harm as a result of an animal bite, contact a dog bite lawyer Houston, TX residents trust to learn how we might be able to assist you in filing an injury claim against the negligent owner and/or other responsible parties. 

The Seriousness of a Dog Bite Injury

Despite the domestication of the species, a dog’s teeth are still capable of tearing into the flesh and bone of other animals, including humans. This is true whether the dog is a Pekingese or a pit bull. A dog’s jaws have a bite force of up to 4,610.75 PSI which may result in tremendous damage to a bite victim.

Most dog bite victims are children. The theory is that children can seem unpredictable and have a high degree of explosive energy, two things which can scare a dog and cause it to act more aggressively than with adults. Another fact is that most dog bite injuries result in injuries to the face and head. Because most victims are children, their heads are at approximately the same height as the average dog’s jaws. Among other injuries that the child (or adult) might sustain in the attack, damage to the jaw, teeth, or gums has a high probability. The good news is that children may suffer less long-term physical damage to their mouth and teeth as compared to adults because their skin is more pliable and tooth injuries may be limited to baby teeth. 

However, it should be mentioned that the emotional injuries to the child could very well last their entire lifetime and cause a lifelong fear of dogs. This type of damage can also be recovered by an injury claim and can be explained in more detail by an experienced animal bite lawyer in Houston, TX.

In addition to the initial injury to the mouth area, the victim may develop a serious or life-threatening infection of the mouth, teeth, or gums due to the high percentage of bacteria contained in a dog’s mouth. As a result, the total cost for medical treatment may be far higher than originally thought at the time of the dog bite attack. This is why it is so important to connect with an experienced animal bite lawyer in Houston, TX as soon as possible following an attack. If the insurance provider for the responsible party reaches out with a settlement offer and you accept it before understanding the full extent of the injuries caused by a dog or other animal attack, you risk receiving far less compensation than you deserve. Please, don’t wait. Connect with an animal bite lawyer Houston, TX residents recommend from our firm today to learn more about your rights and options in the wake of an attack.

If someone’s dog bit you and caused a serious injury, you have the legal right to hire a Houston, TX animal bite lawyer to hold the owner responsible for your medical bills and other damages. John K. Zaid & Associates is a law firm that focuses on personal injury cases. Our animal bite lawyer represents clients in the Houston, TX area who were severely injured by someone else’s dog. We also represent parents of children who were injured in this way. Dog bites are often serious, sometimes fatal, and always require some degree of medical attention. When our dog bite lawyer in Houston, TX takes on a new client, one of the first concerns is making sure that all of their injury related damages are considered for compensation. This usually includes all related medical bills and possibly cosmetic surgery as well. It may even include counseling. Every case is different so a careful review is in order. You can begin this process by calling our Houston, TX office to schedule a free consultation with our animal bite lawyer.

Examples of Compensable Dog Bite Damages

Children compromise the largest number of dog attack victims. The resulting damage is typically catastrophic. If the attack is not fatal, the child may be subject to such severe injuries that they may never fully recover. Dog attacks on adults can be just as severe. Our dog bite lawyer is familiar with all manner of attacks throughout the Houston, TX area. The resulting damages can be so significant that without legal representation, victims and their families may not recover the full portion of their losses. Some of the many types of damages that the victim may suffer include the following:

•         Deep cuts to the face, neck, and chest.
•         Puncture wounds where the dog made contact with the victim.
•         Life-threatening infection from the dog bite wounds.
•         Broken hip or other bones resulting from the victim being abruptly forced to the ground by the dog.
•         One or more cosmetic surgeries.
•         Pain and suffering.
•         Post-traumatic stress disorder and the need for counseling to treat it.
•         Loss of income while recovering from the injuries.
•         Artificial limb in cases where the dog attack severed a limb or the damage was so significant that it had to be surgically removed.
•         One or more surgical procedures.
•         Medical equipment such as a wheelchair, shower bench, addition of a wheelchair ramp to the family home, modifications to the victim’s vehicle to enable them to operate it.

The One Bite Rule in Texas

Your animal bite lawyer in Houston, TX can provide you with more specifics as they apply in your particular case, but Texas law follows what is known as the “one bite rule.” This has to do with what is referred to as strict liability in legal terms. What it means is that if a dog has already bit someone, or attempted to bite someone, and the owner is aware of this, then they can be held strictly liable for all of the current dog bite victim’s damages.

Learn how our animal bite lawyer in Houston, TX can help you recover from horrible tragedy by calling us today.

At a trial in a civil case, one common question jurors have is, “what kind of record does the defendant have in dealing with the problem at issue in this case?” 

The question of whether the parties will be able to discuss the prior history of the defendant can be complicated, and to a large degree, it will depend heavily on the trial judge’s discretion in determining if other similar incidents (OSIs) will be admissible at trial. Our friends from The Babcock Law Firm, P.C. has provided some insight on OSI evidence in your case.

First of all, a plaintiff has to gather such evidence in the discovery process.  One method may be through informal discovery and open records requests or Freedom of Information Requests to government agencies.  Using the formal discovery process in litigation, a plaintiff can expect the defense may stonewall them and resist turning over such evidence willingly.  That is because it can be very damaging evidence, at worst showing a pattern of ignoring a problem where people are getting hurt or killed, with the company doing little or nothing to correct the problem.  If the defense won’t produce this evidence willingly, the plaintiff will have to ask the court to order the production of such evidence with a motion to compel.  The court should order the production of such evidence, as discoverability and admissibility are separate concepts and should not be conflated (as the defense may try to do).

Once you get the evidence, what do you do with it?  It depends on the case, but consider interviewing and deposing law enforcement about the OSIs, deposing corporate representatives about them, and think about whether the evidence may affect the opinions of the experts in your case.

When can such evidence actually be considered by the jury at trial?   It can be admitted when it goes to issues of notice, foreseeability, a duty to fix or otherwise address the problems at issue, or warn of the danger.

What if the similar incidents post-date the injury at issue in your trial?  The issue can be more fraught.  In some cases, that evidence can come in to show feasibility of a repair, causation, control or ownership, or for impeachment purposes.

In seeking the admissibility of OSI evidence, expect a hard fight and a skeptical judge.  A trial lawyer should be prepared to show the court substantial similarity between your case and the OSIs, and be prepared to go on the offensive to get the Court to consider the issue well in advance of trial.  This is not an issue that you are going to want to raise in the middle of trial, or expect to do so effectively in most cases.  Instead, well before the trial date, ask for an evidentiary hearing on the admissibility of OSI evidence.  Keep in mind that the evidence does not have to be identical, but it is going to need to be “substantially similar.”  And it will be up to the trial court to determine what comes into trial and what will not, and just how similar the evidence will need to be.  

Personal Injury Lawyer

Personal injury cases are frequent occurrences in the United States. Typically, these cases involve civil wrongs or damages caused by another person or organization’s negligence. Some examples of a personal injury case include slip and falls, animal attacks, car accidents, motorcycle accidents, wrongful death, and medical malpractice.

You may have several questions regarding what steps to take after following your accident, which can include how to find the right personal injury lawyer for you. If you aren’t sure how to find the right lawyer for you, then read on and see our helpful lists of tips.

3 Things to Look for When Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer 

Even though each personal injury case is unique, there are qualities that each personal injury lawyer should have to help you through your case. Here are the top traits that every personal injury lawyer should have: 

Knowledge of The Law

Personal injury lawyers have to be highly knowledgeable about tort law and typically specialize in the specific type of accident injury. This means that you have to find a personal injury lawyer who understands your specific needs for your case. For instance, a lawyer who handles medical malpractice cases probably wouldn’t be the best to hire if you’re going through a car accident case.

They should also be up-to-date on all legal changes when it comes to their specialty. Focused practices are a good sign that your lawyer will be able to fully concentrate on your case and give you the most favorable outcome possible.

Understanding of Medical Concepts 

Not all personal injury lawyers specialize in medically related cases, but they should have at least some basic familiarity with the jargon that comes along with different types of injuries. While they may not be qualified to give you proper medical advice, they can inform me about things like injuries prognosis, diagnostic criteria, and estimated cost. Some lawyers can refer you to healthcare providers if you don’t have one.

Experience 

When you hire a personal injury lawyer, you need to know that they have experience. You also need somebody that has experience taking cases to trial. Many lawyers who do not have experience taking a case to trial will instinctively try to reach a quick settlement and don’t consider other options. Typically, insurance companies can often distinguish between a lawyer that is comfortable in a trial setting and one who isn’t. This means you need to choose your representation carefully and make sure the lawyer you choose is not only comfortable in a court setting has a good track record when it comes to it.

If you or a loved one have been involved in a personal injury accident reaching out to a personal injury lawyer like our friends at Saavedra Law Firm, PLC, then reaching out is often a great first step to seeing how you can get the compensation you deserve. 

The legal team at John K. Zaid & Associates believes that pedestrians deserve to feel safe from harm as they go about their travels. Unfortunately, all too often careless drivers cause pedestrian accidents as a result of their negligent behavior. If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, our Houston, Texas car accident lawyer team will fight relentlessly to get you the compensation you deserve from insurance companies and those responsible for the harm you have suffered. We understand that during this time you may be in severe physical pain, as well as mental anguish and financial hardship. We will do what is within our power to protect you from further loss, and see to it that justice is served. 

Evidence After the Accident 

If you were recently struck by a vehicle, chances are you were immediately in a profound amount of pain in the moments after your collision. Depending on the extent of your injuries, you may or may not have been able to get up and gather evidence at the scene before being shuttled away in an ambulance. If you didn’t have the opportunity to gather proof at the scene, here are some things you can do to preserve your legal options as soon as possible:

• Photograph your physical injuries, with a ruler to show the dimensions and from the direction of impact.
• Put away your shoes that you wore during the accident, as these may be used later as evidence. Gravel, oil, blood, or other debri may be analyzed during your case by an expert. 
• Write down how the accident happened in your mind, through your perspective. Include any details regardless of how relevant you think they are now. There may have been other factors that contributed to the accident which you are not aware of yet. 
• Get in touch with witnesses, either bystanders or the people who were with you at the time of the incident. Your Houston, TX car accident lawyer can interview them for an official statement.

Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Rarely does a person walking on two feet actually cause a pedestrian accident. In today’s world, car drivers are often rushing to and from where they need to be, with little concern for others. If you’ve been struck by a negligent driver, you’re not alone. Examples of accident victims our Houston, TX car accident lawyer team is equipped to represent include (but are not limited to):

• Pedestrian victims of hit and run accidents
• Pedestrian victims of being hit by a bus, truck, or other vehicle
• Pedestrian victims of drivers having lost control and mounted the sidewalk
• Pedestrian victims who were struck because the car driver violated the rules of the road (such as running a red light, failing to stop at crossings, speeding, not looking for pedestrians before yielding, etc.) 

As the victim of a pedestrian accident, please know that you are not alone in this. Let us help you by calling today to speak directly with a Houston, TX car accident lawyer about how we can be of assistance during this time. Call John K. Zaid & Associates today.

At  John K. Zaid & Associates, we understand that being involved in any kind of car accident can be traumatic and life-changing. A number of injuries could arise including those that are mild to moderate, severe, life-threatening, or fatal. Mounting medical bills might provoke enormous amounts of stress which eventually slow down your recovery. Being told you are unable to work, while at the same time, losing out on precious time with your family because of chronic pain can add to an already difficult situation. Couple in the fact that your accident may not have been your fault, and you might feel angry and confused. Reducing Injuries in Car Accidents

Would it comfort you in knowing that when negligence is a factor in car accidents, you may be able to recover monetary compensation for all of these losses (and more)? If you have suffered harm from an auto collision, and believe negligence was the cause, you should consult a Houston, TX car accident lawyer to learn about your legal rights and options.

Steps You Should Take After a Car Accident

Following a Houston, TX car accident, seeking the expertise of a car accident lawyer should be one of the first steps you choose to take. As you prepare for a free and confidential consultation with John K. Zaid & Associates, you might also want to consider the following steps:

1. Get Medical Attention: Regardless of how mild the pain might be, or even when you feel no pain, medical treatment should be sought. How a doctor diagnosis’s you will have a critical role in the outcome of your claim.
2. Tell Your Insurance Company: Most likely under the policy agreement you signed, you will need to let your insurance company know about the accident. Only basic facts should be given, and you should avoid claiming any portion of fault. If a settlement is offered immediately, it may be in your best interest to politely decline.
3. Get a Copy of the Police Report: A police report is a valuable piece of evidence and provides details about the incident which can help your car accident lawyer to build a case. You can visit the police station for a copy or may be able to order one online.
4. Keep Your Bills, Records, and Evidence: It is essential that you keep any bills, invoices, receipts, and any other expenses related to your accident. Photos, video imagery, witness contact information, or other potential pieces of evidence should be gathered and handed over to a lawyer.
5. Write Down What Happened: As soon as possible, take some time to write down everything you can recall.
6. Avoid Posting Details on Social Media: A car accident lawyer would recommend you to avoid making any posts on social media about the accident. Anything you say could be used by the insurance company or the defense.

Get Legal Assistance from John K. Zaid & Associates

As soon as you are ready and able to, you should consult a car accident lawyer. Generally speaking, there are strict statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim. If the accident happened on the job, filing for workers compensation will also require you to meet specific deadlines. Insurance companies will begin their investigation within two to three days of the accident. Letting them get too far ahead is not advisable.

Call John K. Zaid & Associates to schedule a comprehensive free case review with an honest and experienced car accident lawyer Houston, TX clients recommend.

A reputable car accident lawyer who serves the Houston, Texas community knows that victims who go through car accidents have a difficult road that lies ahead of them. The recovery period can be grueling and emotionally taxing. Along with physical injuries to heal from, they also have to deal with the mental toll that a car accident can cause. For victims who have been hurt because of the negligent actions of another person, scheduling a consultation with an experienced car accident lawyer like one from John K. Zaid & Associates is a recommended action to begin with. 

Car Accident Lawyer in Houston, TX

A car accident can happen any time when you least expect it. When you need urgent legal help, it is urgent that you find a lawyer that you can depend on. The team at John K. Zaid & Associates understand what it takes to get winning results. They will aggressively go after the person responsible for causing the accident that resulted in your injuries. You and your loved ones do not deserve to go through additional turmoil after an accident. 

Don’t wait to find out how you can get the legal help you can trust. The search for a reliable and skilled legal team can be tough, but you can count on us to get you through your case no matter how difficult or complex it may be. Call a top car accident lawyer now and discuss your case with us today. 

How Car Accidents Happen

Some of the most common causes of car accidents are due to distracted driving and reckless driving. No matter how careful or cautious a driver may be on the road, if they cross paths with a negligent driver, avoiding an accident can be extremely difficult. 

Types of accidents that a lawyer sees the most include T-bone collisions, front end collisions, rear-end collisions, wrong way driving, and drunk driving accidents. All of these can cause serious or even irreparable bodily harm to victims. If you have been a victim in a car accident, talk to a skilled car accident lawyer that the Houston, TX community looks to for timely assistance. 

Do’s and Don’ts After a Car Accident

It is crucial that you are aware of the do’s and don’ts if you are ever involved in a serious car accident, whether it is minor or life-threatening. Always make sure to report the accident right away and request medical attention so that you and others on the scene can be treated immediately. Gather evidence, speak to witnesses and exchange information with the driver. Remember to avoid mistakes like admitting fault, accepting blame, or fleeing the accident scene. All of these actions can jeopardize the strength of your case. 

Speak to a Top Lawyer For Legal Help

Taking the right actions after a car accident can help you recover compensation and hold the fault party responsible under the law. For more information, talk to a reliable car accident lawyer from John K. Zaid & Associates based in the Houston, TX area now for immediate assistance. 

When a victim is injured in an accident caused by another party’s negligence, Texas law allows that victim to pursue damages against that negligence party. According to the law, negligence is defined as “the failure to behave with the level of care someone of ordinary prudence would have exercised under the same circumstances” In order to be successful in their lawsuit, the victim needs to prove that there was indeed negligence and that negligence resulted in the accident that caused their injuries. A car accident lawyer in Houston, TX can help you prove that negligence and get you the financial compensation you deserve.

What are the elements of proof my attorney must show?

In order to prove your case, there are certain elements that must exist that prove the other party’s negligence. These elements are:

•       The other party owed you a duty of care
•       The other party breached that duty of care
•       You sustained an injury as a result of that breach
•       That breach was the proximate cause (main cause) of your injury
•       Your injury has resulted in economic and non-economic losses for you

Keep in mind that even if the other driver was negligent and caused the crash, if you have not sustained any losses as a result, you have no damages and so there is no legal reason to pursue a car accident claim or lawsuit.

What is duty of care?

The precise duty of care the other party owed you will depend on the type of injury you sustained and the person or entity who owed it to you. A Houston, TX car accident lawyer knows that every driver has a duty of care when they get behind the wheel of their vehicle to every other driver, pedestrian, and any other type of commuter with who they will be sharing the road.

This means that drivers should be committed to obey all traffic laws, not engage in distracted driving behaviors, make sure their vehicle is properly maintained, and not drive if they are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

How can expert witnesses help?

One of the main reasons why you need an experienced car accident lawyer to represent you is that they will know how and when to obtain the services of expert witnesses to testify on your behalf. An expert witness is someone recognized as an authority in his or her field. For example, if the other driver’s insurance company is trying to blame the car accident on you, your lawyer can hire an accident reconstruction expert to do just that – reconstruct the accident to show just which driver was the one who was negligent.

Contact Our Personal Injury Law Firm

If you have been in a car accident caused by a negligent driver, call John K. Zaid & Associates to schedule a free consultation with a seasoned Houston, TX car accident lawyer and find out how we can help.

Car accidents can leave you with many issues, not just dealing with a physical injury, as a skilled car accident lawyer in Houston, TX knows. As a car accident lawyer who assists Houston, TX clients can explain, like one from John K. Zaid & Associates, many clients end up getting a lower compensation amount because of their inability to prove certain elements in their accident case. Don’t make this common mistake. Make sure to find out what documents and evidence you need to provide in order to strengthen your case and prevent it from getting thrown out. 

How do I prove that I wasn’t at fault?

If you hope to receive financial compensation to cover your losses after a serious car accident, you need to be able to prove that the other party was at fault. You can do this by providing evidence that details how the accident occurred and which parties were involved. Things you can present for your case include a police report, medical records, as well as photographs of your injury and accident site. 

What evidence do I need to show for my injuries? 

In order to show that you were actually injured, you need to provide medical records that describe the injuries that you sustained. A doctor will be able to record any emotional trauma as well. Without valid medical reports, the insurance company will not be inclined to take your word and they can use that as an excuse to dismiss your car accident claim. 

Can I prove pain and suffering in my list of damages? 

Pain and suffering refers to emotional and physical injuries that you sustained as a result of an accident. It can be highly challenging to prove because unlike economic damages, pain and suffering varies from person to person. The compensation amount for pain and suffering also varies depending on the types of injuries that you sustained or their severity. Evidence such as a police report, medical records, and witness testimony can support your claim of pain and suffering.  

What do I need to show for negligence? 

Negligence is a legal concept that demands four main elements to prove: duty of care, violation of duty, causation and damages. It can be difficult to prove that negligence occurred if your evidence is minimal or weak. In order to prove that another party is to blame for your injuries, you need to be able to argue that all of these elements are present in your case. Missing any of these important elements will not be enough to successfully argue that negligence occurred. 

A large amount of evidence is required to successfully recover monetary compensation that you’re entitled to if you have been a victim of a car accident. If you hope to include specific elements like negligence, you need to have especially compelling and concrete evidence. For more information about building a case for your claim, reach out to a skilled car accident lawyer in the Houston, TX area now, such as one from John K. Zaid & Associates. 

Car accidents are terrible and traumatic experiences, regardless of how minor they might be. The shock, the stress, and the injuries are all a part of a situation no one wants to be in. But even if your car accident is minor, you may not know what you’re dealing with right away. One of the most common injuries that occur because of a car accident is short-term memory loss.

You might think that you don’t need a car accident lawyer, especially if the accident was minor. However, even a small accident can cause serious injuries, and without legal representation, you might not be able to get the compensation you deserve. Car accident lawyers from Therman Law Offices, LTD have the experience and knowledge necessary to help you get the best possible outcome in your case. Contact a car accident lawyer today to learn more about how they can help you.

What is short-term memory loss?

Short-term memory loss, or STML, can be caused by many things but it is most often linked to some sort of head trauma. It occurs when the brain has been injured or damaged. This can be temporary or long-term, depending on how severe the injury is. The brain is very sensitive, so even a small bump can cause damage.

How does it happen?

A car accident can cause STML because there is typically a significant impact on the head during an accident. Car accidents involve all sorts of force being put on the body, including whiplash and forceful contact with airbags or windows. The impact from these forces can cause damage to the brain and lead to short-term memory loss.

Symptoms and Traumatic Brain Injury

The symptoms may not appear immediately after an accident, but when they do, they can be very frightening. Short-term memory loss is one of the most common types of memory loss associated with car accidents and other traumatic brain injuries.

If you’ve been in an accident and are suffering from short-term memory loss, it’s likely that you have a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Symptoms of TBIs vary from person to person; however, short-term memory loss is a very common symptom. Other symptoms include:

• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Confusion or disorientation
• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
• Nausea or vomiting
• Difficulty concentrating, thinking or creating thoughts
• Irritability or personality changes

If you have suffered short-term memory loss, and you don’t know why then it is time to get some help and find out what is going on. It can frustrate you when you keep forgetting things that you should know, so it is important to take action right away.

A car accident lawyer like 0ur friends at Therman Law Offices, LTD can help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries. They can handle all the paperwork and negotiations, so you don’t have to worry about a thing.

How to Help Short-Term Memory Loss

When something like this happens, the first person you want to talk to is your doctor. If they can’t figure out what is going on, then they might want to perform a few tests. These tests help them determine if there has been any physical damage done to the brain. If they find nothing, then they will usually send you to a psychologist or psychiatrist who specializes in treating people who have had this problem.

What Does a Lawyer Examine in a Car Accident

Car accidents account for thousands of injured victims yearly. From speeding, drunk driving, distracted driving, and more, a car accident can occur in many ways. If you have been injured in an accident that has changed your life, you are encouraged to reach out to a skilled car accident lawyer in the Houston, TX area like one from John K. Zaid & Associates so that they can provide quality legal services. You could be entitled to compensation that you deserve, which can go towards your expenses. To build your case, a lawyer will examine various forms of evidence. 

Medical Records

A medical report completed by a doctor, nurse or medical professional serves as a core piece of evidence in a car accident case. Immediately after an accident, you should get treated right away so that your injuries can be assessed. A lawyer will need to know what your injuries are so they can factor them into your damages. 

Police Report 

Police officers write up a report for every car accident. The report contains important facts and information about the accident, such as where it occurred, the parties involved, and how the accident happened. It also contains the contact information of the at-fault party or whether they have insurance. 

Photograph

In a car accident case, photographs are essential evidence. A car accident lawyer will need photographs of your injuries as well as the accident site and the damage that your car sustained. The more photographs you have to support your case, the more persuasive it will be which will increase your odds of obtaining financial compensation. 

Video Footage 

To find out more details about the accident, a car accident lawyer may reach out to businesses that may have video footage of the accident. It can show what direction the vehicle was coming from, what damage occurred, who contributed to the accident, and how fast the car was going. 

Witness Testimony

In many accident cases, there are often witnesses who saw a different view of the accident as it unfolded. Find any witnesses who may have been there at the accident scene and obtain their contact information. Get their account of the accident, which you can use in your case. 

Dealing with a car accident claim can be made easier with the help of a skilled lawyer who understands how to achieve the results you need. Consult with a seasoned car accident lawyer to obtain personalized legal advice and assistance with your claim. 

If you have suffered an injury as a result of a sudden accident, a personal injury lawyer in the Houston, TX area like John K. Zaid & Associates can be there to offer necessary legal support. Filing a claim could be your best chance at obtaining the compensation that you need. When you are a victim of an accident that was through no fault of your own, you could be eligible to recover compensation. Negotiating with the insurance company can be a frustrating challenge, but there are things you can do to increase your chances of getting the highest possible settlement amount.

File Your Claim as Soon as Possible

Time is precious when it comes to filing a personal injury claim. Claimants have limited time to take action and submit their claim. In most states, there is only two years to file a claim, so the sooner you are able to file one the better. Waiting until the last minute is a risky move because it may not be processed in time. 

Obtain Medical Reports

All victims of personal injury accidents are advised to seek medical treatment right away. Whether your injuries are minor or severe, you need to get treated because you may have symptoms or injuries that you may not notice. Some injuries don’t present themselves until days later. If you are treated by a doctor or medical personnel, they will be able to record what injuries you have sustained due to the accident. Having medical records as evidence can result in a much higher final compensation amount. 

Provide Detailed Photographs 

Photographic evidence is crucial in a personal injury case. Take photos of your injuries and the scene where the accident occurred. Capture evidence of any damage that occurred, such as vehicle damage or other property damage. The more photographs you can provide, the better. A lawyer can use your photos when they are calculating the list of damages for your claim.

Have a Lawyer Review All Settlement Offers

Insurance companies will try to do what they can to minimize what they have to pay to accident victims. They may extend a settlement offer that is much lower than what you actually deserve. If you are ever given an offer by an insurance company, don’t accept it right away. Have a lawyer evaluate all offers given to you so that they can determine if it is fair and equals the amount that you are entitled to. 

Handling the work involved in a personal injury claim can be hard to do on your own. If you are in need of legal assistance, contact a personal injury lawyer soon to get the help that you need.

If you get into a truck accident, you could face a number of problems that go beyond your injuries. It may take a long time to fully recover, forcing you to take time off work. As an accident victim, you are able to file a claim if you wish. There are a number of damages that you could be eligible to recover. However, if you take the wrong actions, you could damage the strength of your claim, as a truck accident lawyer in the Houston, TX area like one from John K. Zaid & Associates can explain. Here are some important errors that you should avoid when you are filing a truck accident claim. 

Not Getting Medical Treatment

After an accident, especially one that you plan to file a claim for, you should not refuse or postpone medical treatment. The doctor will fill out a report that you can use as evidence of your injuries. If you don’t get treated early, the insurance company may use it as an excuse to reject your claim. 

Exaggerating Your Claim

When you are providing an account of how the accident occurred, you should keep it concise. Don’t embellish details or make false statements in order to get a higher compensation amount. Stick to the basic facts when you are providing your account of the accident to authorities. 

Hiding Evidence 

If you are tempted to hide evidence because of certain reasons, such as if you were partially at fault, you should refrain from doing so. Trying to hide evidence will only make your situation worse and you can get in legal trouble. 

Discussing Your Case 

After your accident, you might want to share case details to your family and friends. However, be mindful about what details you share with anyone other than your lawyer. You should also reduce your social media presence while you have an ongoing case. 

Taking Blame 

Apologizing, admitting fault, or taking the blame for an accident are things you should never do. Your statements can be used against you, and you could suffer even worse consequences. If you are not sure what to say, don’t say anything at all until you get further guidance from a lawyer. 

You don’t have to deal with an accident claim on your own. For more information about how you can receive legal assistance with a truck accident claim, contact a skilled truck accident lawyer right away. 

How Do I File an Injury Claim After a Lyft Accident

More than 12.5 million people rode in a Lyft vehicle in 2020. Most Lyft rides are safe and uneventful, but sometimes accidents do occur. If you have been injured in a Lyft accident, you need to know how to file a claim.

Who Is Responsible for Paying for Your Injuries

In most cases, the at-fault driver is responsible for paying for injuries to a passenger in a vehicle. In a multi-car accident, if the other driver is at fault, their insurance may pay for your damages. However, in some states, both drivers may share a portion of the fault, so you may need to recover from both the other driver’s insurance and Lyft. If the Lyft driver is at fault, Lyft’s insurance will usually be primary.

What To Do After a Lyft Accident

Lyft has $1,000,000 per accident of liability coverage for passengers in its rideshare vehicles. Lyft’s insurance coverage is primary while a Lyft driver is picking up, transporting and dropping off rideshare passengers. However, if the driver has commercial or personal insurance that provides liability coverage for rideshares, that coverage may be primary and Lyft’s coverage will serve as excess.

Even though Lyft’s insurance may cover the accident, it is a good idea to get the driver’s insurance information, contact information, driver’s license number and license plate number. If the accident involved another driver, you should get this information for that driver as well. 

If there are any witnesses to the accident, get their contact information. Take photos of the scene and the vehicles involved. Get medical treatment for your injuries. Call the police and file a report. Get a copy of this report for your records and the insurance company. 

Reporting the Accident to Lyft

Lyft has an online reporting tool for vehicle collisions involving one of its drivers. Accidents can be reported any day and at any time. This tool connects you to the Lyft claims center. Avoid discussing the cause of the accident or the extent of your injuries until after you have spoken to an attorney, as a car accident lawyer based in Houston, TX like one from John K. Zaid & Associates can tell you. 

Consider contacting an attorney if you have been seriously injured in a Lyft accident. A lawyer can help you determine the value of your injury case and advise you on what you should and should not say to the insurance company. If you decide to hire an attorney, your attorney will deal with the insurance company on your behalf.

When you have suffered a personal injury, you are not only affected physically but emotionally and financially as well. As a personal injury lawyer area knows, like one from John K. Zaid & Associates, many personal injury victims experience struggles long after the date of their accident. They have to deal with the expenses for medical treatment and lost wages on top of their recovery. Hiring a personal injury lawyer can provide a number of benefits if you are dealing with a personal injury claim. 

Legal Advice and Support

You won’t have to deal with a personal injury claim on your own if you choose to hire a lawyer. They will be there to support you during every part of the claims process, so you have someone you can turn to if you have any questions regarding your rights, new case developments, and next steps in your case. Handling a claim can be a highly stressful process, but having a lawyer there for you at your side can give you peace of mind. 

You Can Focus on Recovery

When you handle a claim without professional help, it won’t take long to feel overwhelmed. Having a lawyer handle the difficult parts of the claim for you can allow you to spend more time focusing on your physical and mental recovery. You will be able to speed up the recovery process so that you can be in better health faster. 

Higher Settlement Amount

Due to their legal background and experience, a personal injury lawyer understands what tactics and strategies will achieve the most positive results. They know how to negotiate with insurance companies so that they can obtain the maximum compensation amount for you. Clients who have their own lawyers are much more likely to achieve a higher settlement compared to clients who represent themselves.  

Legal Representation 

If you choose to represent yourself in court, you are held to the same standards as someone who chooses to hire a lawyer. Without a lawyer, if you experience any issues or challenges that arise over the course of your case, you have to resolve them on your own. With a lawyer to represent you, your argument will be much more persuasive. 

There is not a lot of time to file a claim if you hope to recover compensation. Contact a personal injury lawyer if you are searching for legal assistance for a claim.