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Children With Concussions Are Four Times More Likely to Sustain a New Concussion

August 19, 2022 Brain Injuries

Sooner or later, children playing sports are likely to get hurt. Fortunately, most of these injuries are relatively minor, but

Doctor analyzing human skull x-ray

Sooner or later, children playing sports are likely to get hurt. Fortunately, most of these injuries are relatively minor, but a concussion can be very serious. According to the British Journal of Sports Medicine, children who previously suffered a concussion are four times as likely to sustain another. Researchers note this is an essential factor for doctors to consider when determining when a child can resume playing sports again. Further, girls are more likely to have concussions than boys.

If this has happened to your child, a serious injury lawyer at Salamati Law can help you receive the compensation you deserve so that your child may recover as fully as possible.

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What is a Concussion?

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury. The force of impact causes the brain to rock back and forth within the skull. While a concussion is generally considered a minor brain injury, some can have long-term consequences. The more concussions a person experiences, the more likely it will cause permanent damage. In addition, if the person sustains a concussion before the brain fully heals from the initial head injury, the result is usually fatal. This is known as a second-impact syndrome. Long-term effects of a concussion in young people may include cognitive and physical problems.

Concussion Causes

The main causes of concussion in children include:

  • Motor vehicle accidents
  • Falls
  • Sports injuries
  • Violence

When it comes to sports injuries, any underage athlete who hits their head should not return to the activity until cleared by a doctor. A healthcare provider should always evaluate the child.

Concussion Symptoms

Concussion symptoms include:

  • Brief loss of consciousness
  • Headache
  • Confusion
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Blurry vision
  • Memory loss
  • Ringing in the ears
  • Fatigue
  • Personality changes

Often, concussed children do not realize they are impaired. A family member or friend usually determines the child is not acting normally and needs medical attention.

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Traumatic Brain Injury Damages

Damages, or compensation, for a TBI, may include:

  • Medical expenses, current, and future
  • Rehabilitation expenses
  • Pain and suffering

Keep in mind there is no cap on damages for pain and suffering in California, with the exception of medical malpractice. Moreover, children receiving a blow to the head during a sports activity should not participate for the rest of the day. If a coach or another individual puts a child back into the game that same day, ignoring California protocols, the organization may prove liable for punitive damages. 

Contact a Los Angeles Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer

If your child has suffered a traumatic brain injury due to another party’s negligence or recklessness, you need the services of an experienced Los Angeles brain injury attorney at Salamati Law. Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. There is no fee unless you receive compensation.

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California Proposes to Ban the Sale of Gas-Powered Cars by 2035

July 6, 2022 Auto Accidents

Last September, Governor Gavin Newsom issued an executive order to end the sale of gas-powered vehicles by 2035. In response,

Last September, Governor Gavin Newsom issued an executive order to end the sale of gas-powered vehicles by 2035. In response, California regulators have introduced a proposal to ban the manufacture of new gas-powered cars. It is expected to be voted on in August. If approved, it would be enacted in different stages–35% of new passenger vehicle sales be powered by batteries or hydrogen by 2026, and 100% of sales to be net-zero emissions by 2035.

However, it is important to remember that this does not mean the end of gas-powered vehicles as the proposal wouldn’t apply to sales of used cars nor would it be illegal to own them.

Impact of Banning the Sale of Gas-Powered Cars

If approved, this measure would be the first of its kind in the country. It will have a considerable impact because California accounts for about 11% of all new passenger car sales, the highest for any state. In addition, the approval is expected to benefit the electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing industry. Ride-hailing companies that want to transition to the EV framework will also benefit. Environmental activists have also hailed the initiative as it will lead to a decrease in harmful emissions. This is particularly telling because gasoline and diesel fuel-powered vehicles are California’s most significant cause of greenhouse gasses and smog.

Overall, this should lead to a better and more sophisticated EV infrastructure with more charging stations all across the state. At the moment, California is lagging behind on that front. Currently, there are about 70,000 charging stations in California. However, nearly 1.2 million chargers will be needed by 2030.

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We work hard to stay current on California vehicle regulations so that we can provide experienced and skilled advocacy when you need it most.Contact our team of Los Angeles car accident attorneys to schedule a free case review if you’ve been hurt in a collision. We have the resources to thoroughly investigate your case so that you can recover the damages you need to rebuild your life. There are no upfront legal fees as we work on a contingency basis.

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California Regains the Legal Right to Regulate its Own Air Pollution

June 23, 2022 Auto Accidents

This March, the Biden administration restored California’s legal authority to set stringent auto pollution rules. California can once again implement its

This March, the Biden administration restored California’s legal authority to set stringent auto pollution rules. California can once again implement its own greenhouse gas emission standards to protect public health and slow the effects of climate change. Given that transportation is the largest source of greenhouse gases in the nation–accounting for almost 30 percent of total emissions–this reinstatement of power signifies an important milestone.

Environmental advocates have praised the EPA’s decision to restore the Clean Air Act Waiver to create a zero-emission world for California and the rest of the country.

California’s Clean Air Act Waiver reinstated

California Governor Gavin Newsom said this decision “comes at a pivotal moment underscoring the need to end our reliance on fossil fuels.” Since the 1960s, the Golden State has received multiple waivers allowing it to set stringent standards for tailpipe emissions. These regulations have significantly improved air quality in Los Angeles and other cities continually cloaked in smog. As the most populated state, California has exerted influence on the biggest automakers while setting a benchmark for the rest of the nation. 

President Biden is taking measures to reverse the actions taken by the previous administration, which took away California’s power to tighten emission standards. Biden is pushing to transition from gasoline-powered vehicles to electric cars that are not dependent on fossil fuels.

Pioneering standards to reduce air pollution and slow climate change

Electric cars account for a mere 4 percent of new vehicle sales in the United States, but this may change in the coming years. Some of the world’s largest automobile manufacturers are now espousing a healthier, more sustainable future based on electric vehicles. Many have pledged billions of dollars toward achieving this goal. Ford and General Motors have announced the goal of eliminating all gasoline-fueled vehicles by 2035.

The Committee on Energy and Commerce Chair Frank Pallone stated that the reinstatement of the Clean Air Act Waiver in California overturns one of Trump’s “most indefensible actions.” In 2019, Trump rolled back environmental legislation that was deemed burdensome for business.

The EPA has also withdrawn limitations of the Clean Air Act that would prohibit other states from following California’s fuel efficiency and Green House Gas emission standards.  Along those lines, at least twelve other states have adopted California’s directive to sell only zero-emission vehicles after 2035.

California vehicle regulations have always been progressive, whether dealing with the smog problem, tailpipe emissions, or improvements in environmentally friendly technology.

Car accident representation in Los Angeles

Salamati Law applauds any efforts that improve public health and combat climate change. Our attorneys have decades of experience helping Southern California residents get the compensation they deserve after being injured in motor vehicle accidents. Contact our Los Angeles office for a free consultation with a car accident lawyer who can protect your rights.

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California Gas Rebates May be Delayed Until Late Summer

June 23, 2022 Auto Accidents

If you are frustrated with California’s high gas prices, you are not alone. California has some of the highest gas

If you are frustrated with California’s high gas prices, you are not alone. California has some of the highest gas prices in the nation. Unfortunately, this crisis is not showing any signs of abating, as the city of Mendocino here in California has recently approached $9.60 per gallon. There is no telling when this crisis will end. Needless to say, this affects many people here, and across the nation.  

Fortunately, our state government is also concerned about this crisis. As a result, there might be some relief for you and other Californians. There are several states across the country that are proposing gas rebates to help their citizens in this time of need, and California is no exception.

Relief is coming

Under a proposal by Governor Gavin Newsom, registered vehicle owners would be eligible for rebates at $400 per vehicle, capped at $800 for two vehicles, totaling $9 billion in direct payments to millions of Californians. However, the state legislative leaders have proposed a different plan, under which taxpayers earning annual salaries of $125,000 or less would receive $200, and an additional $200 for each child or dependent. This is a point of contention between the Governor and the State Legislature. The next issue is–which state agency will oversee this program? The governor wants to hire a third party to distribute the checks in conjunction with the California Department of Motor Vehicles. In contrast, the state legislative leaders want the State Franchise Board to handle the process.

Meanwhile, thousands of Californians are still waiting for COVID relief checks. Therefore, it is still unclear when the gas rebate checks will be delivered. A clearer picture will arise when the state budget is finalized this month.

However, it is expected that these checks will probably go out at the end of the summer. Some are suggesting September as the time when these rebate checks will arrive in the mail. Regardless of which plan is finalized, most Californians can expect to receive some financial assistance to help them weather this storm.

Contact us for any questions

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If you have any questions regarding the proposed gas rebates or have been involved in a car accident, contact us at Salamati Law today. We are experienced and compassionate  Los Angeles car accident lawyers of choice for many Californians. Contact us today for a free consultation.

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Tesla Driver Jumps 50 feet in Echo Park Stunt

May 26, 2022 Auto Accidents

Just after midnight on a Sunday morning in March, the driver of a rented Tesla raced up a leafy stretch

Just after midnight on a Sunday morning in March, the driver of a rented Tesla raced up a leafy stretch of Baxter Street in Los Angeles’s Echo Park neighborhood. Hitting the crest of the hill propelled the car into the air for a few seconds, sending it an estimated 50 feet or more before crash landing on its front bumper and careening into two parked cars and several garbage cans. The driver and his passengers, including a cat, abandoned the 2018 Tesla S-BLM and fled the scene, said witnesses. One of them includes the owner of a Subaru damaged in the crash–who video-recorded the aftermath on his phone.

Although it’s been called a stunt by numerous commentators on Twitter and other social media platforms, it was a hit-and-run incident. Moreover, it will get the driver slapped with hit-and-run misdemeanor charges, the Los Angeles Police Department said.

California is an at-fault insurance state

California is an at-fault insurance state. The person found to be responsible for causing the wreck and their insurance provider must pay for the costs of any property damage and personal injuries caused by the accident. However, it’s still necessary for the plaintiffs’ car accident lawyers to prove the driver’s liability to be compensated for their losses.

In the Echo Park crash, video of the entire incident, including the speeding ascent of the hill, went viral. That, compounded by witnesses’ statements of seeing the driver and passengers in the rented Tesla flee the scene, should provide sufficient evidence to support negligence claims.

In addition, there was a coordinated meetup of Tesla drivers that the rental driver attended before the wreck. This was reported by the meetup’s host, car aficionado Alex Choi, in a video post to his own YouTube channel. If the meetup is found to have played a part in motivating the stunt, it could potentially drag Choi and others into the web of liability for the accident.

With negligence claims, a plaintiff’s lawyer needs to show:

•  The driver had a duty of care to operate their vehicle safely.

•  The other driver breached this duty of care.

•  The actions of the other driver caused the accident.

•  The accident directly caused injuries or financial losses.

Further, anyone who sustains injuries in a car crash has two years to file a personal injury claim. Owners of cars and other property damaged in an accident have three years to file a property damage lawsuit–to recover economic costs such as car repairs, car rental expenses, and other expenses.

Contact Us at Salamati Law for a Free Consultation

If you have been injured in an accident involving a rental car or have had your property damaged due to the reckless conduct of a rental car driver, the attorneys at Salamati Law can help you build your claim for compensation.

We have years of experience helping clients in Los Angeles County and Southern California determine liability issues around rental car accidents. Our team will help you recover the money you deserve to cover car repairs, medical bills, lost income, and other financial losses resulting from the accident. For a free consultation, contact our Los Angeles offices right away.

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How to Avoid Common Motorcycle Accidents

August 11, 2021 Motorcycle Accidents

For motorcyclists, knowing how to avoid common accidents can be a matter of life and death. Unfortunately, drivers often do

Motorcyclers riding down a wooded highway.

For motorcyclists, knowing how to avoid common accidents can be a matter of life and death. Unfortunately, drivers often do not see motorcyclists or realize how vulnerable they are, so it is up to riders to protect themselves as much as possible.  

Many motorcycle accident injuries are severe, causing long-term or permanent disability. A motorcycle accident attorney in Los Angeles at Salamati Law protects your rights while holding the party responsible for the crash liable.

Protect Yourself

It is crucial to gear up every time you ride. Motorcyclists should wear full-faced Department of Transportation helmets whenever riding and bright clothing to increase visibility. Wear pants, sleeves, and gloves made of leather or another sturdy material.

Reckless driving puts many motorcyclists at risk. Never drink before riding your motorcycle, and do not speed. Do not ride in bad weather unless necessary.

Motorcycle safety courses are not just for newbies. Even experienced riders should take refresher courses. Many of these are available online and are easy to access.

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Common Motorcycle Accident Causes

Here are the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in California and ways to avoid them:

  • Motorist failing to yield at an intersection–This usually occurs because the driver does not see the motorcyclist. Whenever you are riding, make sure drivers can see you and take extra care at intersections.
  • Roadway debris–A significant percentage of accidents are due to the cyclist running into roadway detritus. Always keep an eye out for obstacles and objects in the road, as well as potholes and other pavement defects.
  • Cars turning left at an intersection–This common accident is generally due to the driver not seeing the motorcycle. The rider has just a second to take evasive action before colliding with the vehicle.
  • Parked cars and opening doors–People getting out of parked cars on the street side are not thinking about motorcycles. They fling open their doors, and a motorcyclist gets clipped. When riding along streets with parked vehicles, always pay attention to people exiting their cars.
  • Lane changing–Many accidents result from drivers looking only for other cars before changing lanes and hitting a motorcyclist. Always remain aware of the driver’s blind spots. In California, lane-splitting by motorcyclists is legal, but can be dangerous.
  • Rear-end collisions–Tailgating or speeding drivers most often rear-end motorcycles at stop signs or traffic lights, but these accidents also happen in stop-and-go traffic. Tapping the brake lights as you begin to stop can catch a driver’s attention. So can moving to the part of the lane that best allows drivers to see you.

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Contact a Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one were seriously injured in a crash because of another motorist’s negligence or recklessness, contact Salamati Law and get the motorcycle accident settlement you deserve. If a family member was killed, we could discuss a wrongful death lawsuit.

Complete our online form or call or text 24/7 to schedule a free consultation. There is no fee unless you receive compensation.

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Here’s What Influences How You Are Compensated After a Motorcycle Accident

August 11, 2021 Motorcycle Accidents

How much is a motorcycle accident lawsuit worth—is a question that commonly arises at Salamati Law’s free personal injury consultations.

an image of an insurance policy contract on a desk with someone reading over it.

How much is a motorcycle accident lawsuit worth—is a question that commonly arises at Salamati Law’s free personal injury consultations. Sometimes people want to know the average motorcycle accident settlement or the typical motorcycle accident verdict.

In truth, much work goes into case valuation. Each one has its own particulars, but several general factors influence how much a person may be entitled to. Understanding these variables can help you make the most informed decision on whether to settle, negotiate, or hold out for a trial.   

Liability and Negligence

Your ability to collect any compensation hinges upon your law firm’s ability to establish liability. California is a fault-based insurance state. This means the at-fault driver must pay for all damages. If you were driving your motorcycle at top speed and crashed in a one-vehicle accident, you are not likely entitled to anything.

On the other hand, if another party contributed to your accident, they may be liable for damages. Certain parties have a built-in “standard duty of care”—meaning motorists must exercise “reasonable care” on the road. Motorcycle manufacturers must market safe products. Governments must reasonably maintain the roadways.

California abides by a comparative negligence standard, which allows shared responsibility. Even if you were partly to blame for causing the crash, you could still collect compensation, albeit a reduced amount. For instance, if the total case value is $100,000, but it is determined you were 25% to blame, you would collect $75,000. 

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Liability and negligence can also be established through:

  • Police reports
  • Accident reconstructionist reports
  • Vehicle repair estimates
  • Photographic evidence
  • Witness testimony
  • Expert opinions (contingent on your law firm’s resources and network)

The goal is to get the other party to assume 100% liability for causing the accident. This task could be easier if they were driving without a license, speeding, driving under the influence, driving recklessly, distracted driving, running a light, or otherwise breaking the law. Public perception may factor in here, as investigating police officers, insurers, judges, and juries tend to think of motorcyclists as daredevils who flout the laws. 

Monetary Expenses

The goal of civil litigation is to “make plaintiffs whole again.” Therefore, all related expenses can be claimed. You will need detailed records to ensure accurate compensation.

The bulk of economic damages involve medical expenses and lost wages. Other monetary expenses may include legal and court fees, property damage, and special damages like the amounts paid for household jobs you previously could do—such as cleaning, cooking, or driving.

Futuremedical expenses and lost wages are also provided for in a motorcycle accident settlement or verdict. It might take testimony from a vocational specialist or medical billing expert to help estimate these costs.

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Type of Injury, Impact, and Prognosis

Motorcycle accident injuries tend to be severe by nature, as the bike weighs little compared to a passenger vehicle and offers little protection. If your injuries involved invasive surgeries and treatments and result in lasting or permanent impairment, you can expect a higher settlement or award.  

Common injuries resulting in larger compensation amounts include:

  • Amputations
  • Broken bones
  • Burns or deep lacerations resulting in permanent scarring and disfigurement
  • Injuries that give rise to complications or result in multiple surgeries
  • Joint damage
  • Organ puncture
  • Paralysis
  • Spinal cord injury
  • Traumatic brain injury

The injuries caused by a motorcycle collision are not only physical but emotional as well. Anxiety, depression, loss of consortium, stress, and PTSD may not have a concrete dollar amount attached, but they are losses, nevertheless.

Compensation includes an estimated amount for all “pain and suffering” and losses in quality of life. To calculate non-economic damages, the courts may approve a daily per diem on the days spent in recovery or tally up the actual economic damages and multiply by 1-5x, depending on the severity.

Settlement or Trial

Whether a case settles or goes to trial can impact compensation amounts as well. Most cases resolve in a settlement, which is more cost-effective from a legal perspective. A fair settlement should at least cover all medical expenses, lost wages, property loss, long-term medical care, as well as an estimation of pain and suffering.

Insurance policy limits may determine the maximum compensation in some cases. In California, motorists must carry at least $15,000 in liability coverage. Carrying additional insurance, uninsured motorist coverage, or pursuing a personal injury lawsuit in court are potential ways to get a higher amount to cover your losses.

By comparison, a trial costs more but also typically results in greater compensation if successful. Your attorney will advise you on which option is right for your situation. 

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Contact Us at Salamati Law for Expert Legal Representation in Southern California

No attorney can tell you exactly how much your insurance settlement or court-ordered award will be. However, you should be able to get a fair estimate of the compensation you are entitled to seek. Working with an established personal injury firm like Salamati Law will give you access to all the resources you need to pursue maximum compensation for your injuries.

You only pay a legal fee upon the successful resolution of your claim, so contact us for a free consultation with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer in Los Angeles and get the motorcycle accident settlement you deserve.

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What Are the Most Common Causes of Staircase Slip and Fall Accidents?

February 17, 2021 Slip Trip and Fall

Slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere. However, they are particularly common on staircases for a number of reasons. From

Male Worker Lying On Staircase After Slip And Fall Accident

Slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere. However, they are particularly common on staircases for a number of reasons. From faulty construction to inadequate maintenance, there are many factors that could lead to a fall in a stairwell.

If you have fallen on a staircase, you could be entitled to monetary compensation. That does not mean building a winning injury claim will be easy. By seeking the guidance of a Los Angeles slip and fall lawyer, you can put yourself in the best position to recover compensation for your injuries.

Poor Lighting

One of the most common causes of a slip and fall on the stairs can have nothing to do with the stairs themselves. Dim or inadequate lighting could make it difficult for you to navigate down a staircase safely. Often, poor lighting combines with other dangerous hazards to increase the chances of a serious injury. Some people that already struggle with depth perception could find it especially challenging to navigate dimly-lit staircases.

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Lack of Handrails

Handrails are some of the most basic safety features on staircases. Handrails provide an individual with an option for steadying themselves as they ascend or descend. They also allow a person something to grab onto if they lose their balance. The lack of handrails is dangerous, as it removes one of the primary safety features available.

Poor Maintenance

Some staircases are not inherently dangerous. Instead, they become hazardous over time due to poor maintenance. Poor maintenance can manifest itself in many ways. One of the most common examples involves the accumulation of dirt, trash, or water. Thorough and regular cleaning can remove many of the most common risk factors for falls on a stairway.

Poor maintenance could also refer to the condition of the stairs themselves. Missing or broken steps pose a serious risk of injury. The same is true for loose or broken handrails. The failure to keep a staircase in a safe condition is a common cause for an injury claim after a fall.

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Inadequate Design

In some cases, the design of the stairwell itself is inherently flawed. Examples of this could include stairs that are too shallow, too tall, or a combination of both. The material used in a staircase could also play a role. If the builder relied on material that is naturally slippery, a fall could become more likely.

Seek Legal Counsel After a Fall on a Staircase

If you have suffered injuries in a fall in a staircase, it might not be immediately obvious what caused the accident. Your attorney can carefully review the facts of your case to develop a theory of liability for your claim.

In many cases, your attorney can uncover evidence establishing that the building owner failed to adequately maintain the stairway in a reasonably safe manner. Let the attorneys of Salamati Law review your case and advise you on your options. Call as soon as possible to schedule your free consultation.

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How COVID-19 May Impact Your Personal Injury Lawsuit

February 16, 2021 Personal Injury Lawsuits

Like most other aspects of our lives, personal injury lawsuits have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Lawyers, insurance companies,

Like most other aspects of our lives, personal injury lawsuits have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Lawyers, insurance companies, and courts have all had to adjust the way they operate, and some delays in the process may be inevitable. However, there is no reason to delay in reaching out to an attorney if you have been injured due to another person’s negligence, as personal injury cases are still moving forward, and the sooner you begin the process, the sooner you can obtain compensation for your losses. Furthermore, statutes of limitation (deadlines by which you much file an injury lawsuit) have not been suspended, so waiting to initiate your claim for damages could result in your having to forfeit your right to compensation.

The economic downturn and historic unemployment rates that have characterized the pandemic have had a definite impact on personal injury litigation. Traditionally, in times of financial hardship some people choose not to reach out to a personal injury lawyer because they are worried about the cost of attorney fees. This is an unnecessary concern, however, since most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency basis, meaning that plaintiffs pay no legal fees upfront and nothing out of pocket unless they recover money damages.

Additionally, insurance companies will try to take advantage of troubled financial times by being more aggressive in making low-ball settlement offers, believing that injury victims are so desperate for funds that they will jump at the first offer and be willing to accept less than their claim is truly worth. 

California personal injury lawyer Sean Salamati can help you navigate these and other challenges of personal injury litigation during COVID-19. Find out how much your injury case might be worth and what to expect on the road ahead during a free consultation. Meanwhile, here are some further ways that the pandemic is affecting personal injury cases.

Healthcare Might Be Put on Hold

Hospitals and doctors’ offices around the country are treating an unprecedented volume of patients. COVID-19 patients are skipping to the front of the line in some locations, delaying the treatment of non-critical care and rehabilitation appointments. It is important for you to follow your medical provider’s instructions, keep detailed notes about your own progress, and call in to a telehealth provider when needed. If you’re not able to receive follow-up appointments in a timely manner, it could take longer for you to reach “maximum medical improvement,” where we can get an accurate valuation of what your claim is worth.

You May Feel Greater Pressure to Settle

So many Americans are experiencing financial hardship now. As your medical bills pile up and you’re forced to take time off work, you may be in this camp of people. An attorney can work with you to find financial options you may have overlooked to help you get by while you wait for your personal injury settlement. Often, lawyers can put a temporary halt on communications from bill collectors at this time. You may worry that the insurance provider is going to play hardball at the negotiating table to put pressure on you to settle for less than your case is worth, or you may worry that the defendant’s finances are too strained to honor the payment agreement. The Salamati Firm will work hard for you to ensure you receive a fair settlement, paid in full.   

Court Procedures Will Look Different

When the Coronavirus pandemic broke out, the Los Angeles Superior Court closed its doors to trials and non-essential matters through June 10, 2020. In April, Emergency Rule 11 allowed depositions to be conducted remotely, with the court reporter and other parties in different locations using Zoom. In addition to remote depositions, we have always used tools like the electronic sharing of exhibits, remote mediations, extensive written discovery, and virtual focus groups. These processes have enabled cases to continue moving along, despite social distancing protocols.

Contact a Los Angeles Personal Injury Lawyer

Whether you’ve been in a car crash, a slip and fall accident, or sustained another type of personal injury, the Salamati Law Firm is standing by to help. Though it may be tempting to wait until the threat of COVID-19 subsides, the clock is still ticking on the statute of limitations. Failure to initiate your personal injury claim within two years of the accident date could forfeit your right to pursue compensation through the civil court system, so it is in your best interest to contact a lawyer as soon as possible, regardless of how the pandemic plays out.

Our experienced lawyers work on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing out-of-pocket for legal representation, and only owe a legal fee after we recover money on your behalf. Fortunately, we can handle nearly all personal injury matters over the phone or computer, so there is no reason to avoid seeking the compensation you deserve.

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How Social Media Can Harm Your Slip and Fall Case

February 10, 2021 Slip Trip and Fall

Social media posts, no matter how innocent or well-intentioned, can potentially hurt your slip and fall case if the opposing

Social media posts, no matter how innocent or well-intentioned, can potentially hurt your slip and fall case if the opposing side tries to use them to contradict your version of the accident, or to suggest that your injuries are not as serious as you claim. Despite being completely honest about your injury claim, and having evidence to prove it, if you post photos or other materials on social media that are open to misinterpretation, it could have the effect of creating doubt about your damages and undermining your case.

If you have been injured after slipping and falling, Los Angeles personal injury attorney Sean Salamati recommends that you proceed with caution when it comes to social media.

How Social Media Can Be Used Against You In a Lawsuit

Make no mistake, the defendant’s insurance company will assign someone to your case whose sole focus is minimizing the amount of your financial recovery for the injuries you sustained in a slip and fall accident. In general, the more severe and disabling your injuries are, the more your case will be worth. However, when slip and fall victims post updates, photos, or check-ins on social media that seem to contradict their claims or present themselves in a bad light, the value of their lawsuit may plummet if the defendant brings it to light. The defendant’s insurance company will find a way to monitor everything you post on social media and even posts by others that mention you or are shared with you, looking for the slightest bit of evidence they can use against you.

Examples of How Social Media Can Be Used to Undermine Your Case

If you are seeking damages for loss of enjoyment of life due to the injuries you have sustained in your accident, but then a photo pops up on social media that shows you out on the town having fun with your friends, it might call into question your credibility. Similarly, if you sustained a back injury in a slip and fall accident but your friend posts a video of the two of you running together, it might call into question the validity of your claim.

The Other Side May Have Access to Your Private Social Media Posts

To avoid these pitfalls, slip and fall plaintiffs may consider changing the settings on all their social media accounts to private, meaning only certain people will have access to their posts. While that is a wise step to take, savvy insurance companies and their investigators can still find a way to get access to your account. And if not, the defendant can always subpoena your social media posts, so the judge may order you to turn it all over to the opposition.

What Should You Do?

Perhaps the smartest and safest thing you can do while your slip and fall case is pending is to not post anything on social media and make sure that none of your loved ones share, mention, or tag you in any post. If you absolutely must post on social media, then be sure to avoid mentioning your case and limit your activity to liking other people’s posts and sharing links to news articles.

Given how much is at stake in your slip and fall case, it makes sense to work with an experienced personal injury lawyer at the Salamati Law Firm who knows the tactics that insurance company investigators will use to try to weaken your case, and can advise you how best to avoid any unnecessary social media pitfalls while your claim awaits resolution.

Choosing the right slip and fall lawyer in Los Angeles matters when it comes to getting the compensation you need to cover medical bills and other expenses and getting your life back on track after a serious injury. Don’t leave money on the table. Take on the deep-pocketed insurance company with a lawyer who has spent over two decades building a reputation for integrity and results in cases just like yours. Call anytime, 24/7, for a free case review.

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