• Lawyer for Lost Wages in Riverside, CA

    Have You Lost Wages as a Result of an Accident?

    An injury can result in time missed from work, which in turn, leads to lost wages. Even if you have savings built up, this can mean weeks or even months of lost money, which can severely impact your ability to pay bills or even purchase essentials. If you’ve been injured as the result of someone else’s negligence, you may be eligible for lost wage compensation. Our Riverside, CA lawyer for lost wages at the Law Offices of Harlan B. Kistler is here to explain what to do and how to get the compensation you deserve.

    Lost Compensation Attorneys in Riverside, CA

    What Are Lost Wages?

    Lost wages refer to the income that you’re unable to earn due to injury, illness or another incident that prevents you from working. They include not just your regular salary or hourly wages, but also overtime, bonuses, and benefits that you would have received if you had been able to work.

    How To Prove Lost Wages?

    Proving lost wages typically involves providing pay stubs, tax returns, or employment contracts that show your usual earnings. In some cases, a letter from your employer detailing your pay rate, hours worked, and time lost due to injury may also be used.

    Compensation as a Result of Losing Wages

    If you’ve lost wages because of an injury you sustained as a result of someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. Workers’ comp can cover lost wages, but you may also be able to pursue a personal injury claim. Compensation can be based on both past losses and future losses:

    • Past Losses: Past losses refer to the damages a victim has already incurred at the time of the claim or lawsuit. These can include medical expenses, lost wages, property damages, and any other costs related to the injury that have occurred from the time of the injury up to the present.
    • Future Losses: Future losses are the expenses that a victim will need to pay after their legal claim or lawsuit has been filed. These can include future medical expenses, future loss of earnings or earning capacity, ongoing rehabilitation costs, and any long-term care needed due to the injury.

    Lost Compensation Attorneys in Riverside, CA

    Necessary Attributes To File a Wage Loss Claim

    In order to file a claim for lost wages in Riverside, you’ll need to ensure you have a few attributes. They include:

    • Liability Bodily Injury Coverage: Injuries you got in a car accident that resulted from another driver’s negligence may be eligible for a lost wage claim. Your claim would be submitted under the at-fault driver’s insurance.
    • Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: If the at-fault driver does not have insurance or their insurance doesn’t cover your costs, you may be able to get your expenses covered under your uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage.
    • Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Coverage: PIP insurance covers injuries you got in an accident and lost wages up to the limits of your individual policy.

    How To Document Lost Wages?

    When pursuing a lost wages claim, you’ll need several pieces of evidence to prove that you are losing money. To properly document your lost wages, you’ll need:

    • Physician’s letter: A letter from the doctor treating your injuries, with information about the type of injury and how it keeps you from working.
    • Treatments and prescriptions: You will need to offer information about the treatments you’re trying and prescriptions you are taking to recover from your injury.
    • Medical expenses: Keep track of any medical expenses, including co-pays, treatment costs, prescription charges, and more. Keep your official bills and receipts as proof – it won’t be enough to just list them on a spreadsheet or on a piece of paper.
    • Employer’s letter: This letter must confirm that you have missed work. If you don’t work a full-time, salaried position, you may need to share your tax return information.

    Lost Wages Attorney in Riverside, CA

    How To Calculate Lost Wages?

    To calculate lost wages, you will take the amount of time you missed and compare it to your pay. For example, an hourly employee would multiply the number of work hours missed due to injury by their hourly wage. A salaried employee could try dividing their yearly salary by the number of hours or by month.

    How To Calculate Lost Wages if You Don’t Work on Salary

    If you work irregular hours or do not work on salary, you can still calculate your lost wages. The process includes showing evidence that you missed certain appointments or obligations because of your injury. You can also use the previous year’s tax return to show how much you would have made this year.

    Contact Our Lawyer for Lost Wages in Riverside Today!

    If you are wondering ‘how much does workers’ comp pay for lost wages?’ or ‘When does workers’ comp start paying lost wages?’, you’re in the right place. At the Law Offices of Harlan B. Kistler, our lawyer for lost wages is committed to helping you recover the compensation you need to live your normal lifestyle. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation!

  • Burn Injury Lawyer in Riverside, CA

    Compensation for Your Burn Injuries

    An accident that results in burns of any degree can have a significant impact on your life, career, and health. At the Law Offices of Harlan B. Kistler, our burn injury lawyer understands how overwhelming a burn injury can be, and we’re here to help you get the compensation you need to get your life back on track. Read on to find out how you could be compensated for your burn injuries in Riverside, CA.

    Burn Injuries Attorney in Riverside, CA

    Why Do You Need a Riverside Burn Injury Attorney?

    A Riverside burn injury attorney is essential if you are pursuing a personal injury claim. They specialize in the nuances and complexities of burn injury cases, which often require different expertise than general personal injury cases. The attorney’s role involves identifying responsible parties; assessing the full extent of physical, emotional, and financial damage; and pursuing just compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and potentially long-term care costs.

    Causes of Burn Injuries in Riverside

    Some of the most common causes of burn injuries in Riverside include:

    • Auto accidents
    • Workplace accidents
    • Building fires
    • Chemical exposure
    • Scalding water
    • Hot surfaces

    Where Can I Go in Riverside To Treat a Burn Injury?

    If you have been burned, you should immediately go to the nearest hospital emergency room. Prompt treatment is essential to minimize scarring and other complications. Once you’ve been evaluated at the hospital, you may need to be referred to a specialized burn center.

    Burn Injuries Attorney in Riverside, CA

    Degrees of Burn Injury

    The phases of burn injuries are determined using a system of degrees. There are four main degrees of burn injury, and which degree your burns fall under will dictate what kind of treatment you need and even what kind of compensation you can pursue. The degrees are:

    • First-degree: First-degree burns are only limited to the outer layer of skin, also known as the epidermis. The symptoms can include moistening or redness. Minor burns or even sunburns can be classified as first-degree burns, and they often heal quickly.
    • Second-degree: Second-degree burns can be either superficial or deep. They will eliminate the outer layer of skin and penetrate the second layer, also known as the dermis. A superficial second-degree burn can have a permanent effect on your skin color or pigmentation, and you may need skin grafts if you suffer from deep second-degree burns.
    • Third-degree: Third-degree burns not only destroy the epidermis, but they also eliminate the dermis and can damage the tissue beneath. Skin that suffers from a third-degree burn will become leathery and discolored. Any nerve endings in the skin affected by third-degree burns are destroyed, which is why the victim may feel no pain. Skin grafts are almost always required, as third-degree burns can have major disfiguring effects.
    • Fourth-degree: Fourth-degree burns are the most serious. They penetrate below the fat level and even damage or eliminate muscle and bone tissue. Fourth-degree burns can often lead to death or amputation.

    Scarring and Disfigurement

    Depending on the degree of your burn injuries, you may experience scarring or disfigurement. An individual is considered disfigured if they have suffered from a permanent physical change that affects their appearance. Burn scars often lead to lower self-esteem in victims of all ages. This type of mental anguish is often considered when pursuing a burn injury settlement.

    How To File a Burn Injury Claim

    To file a burn injury claim, first seek immediate medical treatment and document the incident comprehensively. Speak with a burn injury attorney in Riverside, who will notify the responsible parties of your claim, compile evidence, including medical bills and proof of negligence, and negotiate with the insurance companies. If a fair settlement isn’t reached, your attorney will proceed to file a lawsuit in court.

    Is There a Time Limit on Filing a Burn Injury Claim?

    You have two years from the date of your injury to pursue your burn injury claim. It’s important to note that after this date has passed, you will not be able to pursue compensation, so it’s essential to contact a burn injury law firm right away.

    Burn Injuries Attorney in Riverside, CA

    How Is Liability Assigned in Burn Injury Cases?

    Liability in burn injury cases is determined by proving negligence. This involves establishing that the defendant had a duty of care, breached that duty, and as a result, the plaintiff suffered injuries. Evidence – such as accident reports, witness testimonies, and expert opinions – can help establish liability.

    What Kind of Damages Are Recoverable in Burn Injury Cases?

    Recoverable damages in burn injury cases typically include economic damages, such as current and future medical expenses, lost wages, and loss of earning capacity, and non-economic damages, like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.

    What Does a Burn Injury Lawyer Do?

     A burn injury lawyer specializes in handling cases involving burn injuries. They identify liable parties, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary. Their primary goal is to secure the maximum compensation possible for your injuries, lost wages, and other damages you may have suffered due to someone else’s negligence.

    Why Choose Our Burn Injury Lawyer

    Harlan B. Kistler has been serving the community of Riverside since 1989. He offers an aggressive representation of victims who have been wrongfully injured and are now experiencing a lower quality of life. He has represented over 2,000 victims with successful results, and he is dedicated to fighting for you with the same level of professionalism and compassion.

    Contact Our Burn Injury Law Firm in Riverside Today!

    If you’ve been burned and injured as a result of someone else’s actions, you deserve the best possible representation from an attorney that will fight for your rights. Contact the Law Offices of Harlan B. Kistler today for a free consultation!

  • The Benefits of Obamacare for Personal Injury in Riverside

    Obamacare Attorney in Riverside, CA

    If you require special medical care or treatment because of an injury, you may be wondering how you can cover the costs. Under Obamacare, also known as the Affordable Care Act (ACA), there are several policies in place that can make it easy for you to get the coverage or treatment that you need. Our team at the Law Offices of Harlan B. Kistler reveals how Obamacare health insurance can benefit you during a personal injury case in Riverside, CA.

    Benefits of Obamacare in Riverside, CA

    Things To Know About Obamacare

    There are a few things you should know about Obamacare health care, Obamacare open enrollment, and more. This piece of legislation was extremely long and complex, which can make it difficult for the average person to figure out what information is relevant and what is not.

    Whether You Must Get Health Insurance or Not

    First off, as a resident of California, you must have some form of health insurance by law. If you do not have health insurance and do not qualify for an approved exemption, you will be required to pay a fine when you file your 2023 taxes. There is no requirement for what type of health insurance you have, but you must have it in some capacity.

    What The Available Plans Cover

    Obamacare health insurance has several tiers and categories to suit your needs. Certain plans will cover things that others do not, making it essential to review all the options available to you. However, in general, most plans will cover things like preventative care, prescription coverage, inpatient and outpatient services, and mental health services in some capacity.

    Benefits of Obamacare in Riverside, CA

    How Much Will Coverage Cost?

    Obamacare costs can vary based on your income and the type of coverage you get. The costs of Obamacare will depend on which coverage tier you get. The tiers are:

    • Platinum: covers about 90% of costs
    • Gold: covers about 80% of costs
    • Silver: covers about 70% of costs
    • Bronze: covers about 60% of costs

    You may also be able to qualify for a government subsidy to lower the cost of your premiums.

    How To Sign Up for A Plan

    To sign up for Obamacare, you must enroll during the enrollment period. This typically occurs towards the end of the year. For example, if you wanted coverage for 2023, you would have needed to sign up between the enrollment period of November 1, 2022, to January 31, 2023. If you qualify for special enrollment, you may be able to sign up at another point throughout the year.

    How To Get Help If You Need It?

    Wondering which plan is best for you, or how to even get started in the first place? If you need help signing up, you can contact an enrollment counselor through Covered California. They can explain your choices, answer questions, and help you sign up, but they cannot provide personalized recommendations. If you would like personalized advice, you will need to contact a private insurance broker.

    Health Benefits of Obamacare in Riverside, CA

    Why You Should Choose Obamacare for Personal Injury

    Prior to Obamacare, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) allowed health insurance companies to recover any money they paid out for a claim if the injured person later got a settlement from a lawsuit that covered their expenses. Now, under Obamacare, you can get an individual plan through the healthcare exchange. Obamacare does not allow insurance companies to get their money back if a victim receives a legal settlement.

    How Obamacare Can Benefit You

    Obamacare plans can benefit you if you are involved in a personal injury case. As we mentioned, under the ACA, your insurance company cannot try to recover medical costs they paid out if you receive monetary compensation from a lawsuit. This means, even if your insurance covered the cost of your care, any money you later receive from a lawsuit cannot be touched.

    Contact Our Personal Injury Attorney in Riverside Today!

    If you’ve been the victim of a personal injury and are wondering how Obamacare can help, contact the Law Offices of Harlan B. Kistler. We can discuss your options with you and help you decide if pursuing a personal injury case is the right choice for you.

  • Defensive Driving Tips to Help You Avoid a Car Accident

    Car Accident Attorney in Riverside, CA

    Thousands of car crashes occur every day across the United States. These accidents can lead to severe injuries and have huge impacts on the victim’s quality of life. While some accidents are unavoidable, there are several steps you can take to prevent them. Our legal team at the Law Offices of Harlan B. Kistler is here to share the top tips for defensive driving in Riverside, CA, and how they can help you avoid a car accident.

    Car Accidents Attorney in Riverside, CA

    Be Alert

    It’s easy to zone out while driving down a long stretch of highway. Unfortunately, this means your attention is compromised, and you’ll be less likely to react quickly enough if a problem occurs. For example, if you’re not alert and the driver in front of you slams their brakes, you’re much more likely to rear-end them due to your delayed reaction time.

    Make Sure Safety Is Your Priority

    Safety should always be your priority when driving defensively, even if you’re running late or trying to look for your destination. Our car accident attorney understands that situations like that can be stressful, but even small mistakes can pose major safety risks on the road.

    Assume the Worst from Other Drivers

    Even if you like to give people the benefit of the doubt, that shouldn’t apply on the road. Unfortunately, you can’t always rely on other drivers to operate their vehicles as safely as you are, and just one case of not assuming the worst from another driver can lead to an accident.

    Do Not Drive While Preoccupied

    Being preoccupied doesn’t necessarily mean being on your phone – it can mean eating, drinking, daydreaming, or worrying about something. All these activities can distract you from the road, even if you’re not actively looking at something else.

    Car Accidents Attorney in Riverside, CA

    Follow at a Safe Distance

    Tailgating is one of the main causes of rear-end accidents. When driving defensively, you should always follow the car in front of you at a safe distance – one that will give you enough time to stop if the leading vehicle brakes suddenly.

    Always Have an Escape Route

    You should always know how to escape a situation with heavy traffic or other stressful conditions. This can mean staying in the right lane so you can get off at the nearest exit or knowing where you can pull over safely.

    Master the Art of Defensive Driving

    Just like any skill, defensive driving requires practice and should be mastered for optimal safety on the road. Keep all our tips in mind whenever you get behind the wheel, and consciously practice your defensive driving skills on every trip you take.

    Stay Within the Speed Limit

    Speeding is, without question, one of the top causes of vehicle accidents. While it’s tempting to drive faster, especially if you’re running late, the consequences aren’t worth it. In addition to a higher chance of getting in an accident, the penalties from law enforcement are severe.

    Keep to the Right

    The left lane should be used for passing only. Staying to the right of the road in a multi-lane system can help you avoid reckless drivers and stick to the speed limit.

    Car Accidents Attorney in Riverside, CA

    Be Careful When Turning and Passing Other Vehicles

    When driving safely and defensively, you should always exercise caution and care when turning or passing another vehicle. You never know if that driver isn’t paying attention or if they are not following the rules of the road.

    When Driving in Bad Weather, Avoid Utilizing Cruise Control

    Cruise control is handy in certain situations but should never be used during inclement weather. It can make it harder to quickly adjust your speed, if necessary, as well as make it more difficult to stop.

    Stock Your Car with the Essentials

    If you do get in an accident, it’s essential to be prepared. Always have an emergency kit in your car that contains a first aid kit, road flares, water, food, jumper cables, and other useful items.

    What To Do in Case of Compromised Visibility

    The best thing to do when driving with compromised visibility is to avoid getting behind the wheel at all. However, there are times when this may not be possible. If you absolutely must keep driving, always keep your headlights on. Be sure to turn off your bright lights if another car is approaching.

    Cut Out Distractions

    Distracted driving can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Those who drive defensively keep anything that could potentially distract them out of reach. This includes phones, tablets, computers, snacks, et cetera.

    Contact Our Car Accident Lawyer in Riverside Today!

    If you were injured in an accident due to the actions of another driver, you may be entitled to compensation. Our Riverside car accident attorneys at the Law Offices of Harlan B. Kistler understand how a car accident can affect your life, and we’re here to help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation!

  • What Is Tort Law? How Does It Impact Your Personal Injury Case?

    Defining Tort Law for Our Riverside, CA Clients & Their Families

    Many people are familiar with the term tort law, but most need help understanding tort law meaning. They also need to know what impact tort law has on personal injury cases. Below, the Law Offices of Harlan B. Kistler defines tort law for our Riverside, CA clients. Should you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact our law firm for a free case review. We’re here to assist with your case!

    What Is Tort in Law? A Tort Law Definition You Can Understand

    Tort law refers to civil cases of wrongdoing committed by one person against another, which can usually be made right by having the responsible party pay compensation for the damages. A tort is a civil wrong causing harm or loss to another that’s not merely a breach of contract. Tort law attempts to compensate injured parties and sets a precedent for future cases to deter further wrongdoing. Certain torts could see the responsible parties facing jail time, but most seek to compensate the injured parties financially. Examples of wrongdoing could include things that cause physical or economic injury to another, cause pain or suffering, damage a person’s reputation, or violate their constitutional rights or privacy.

    Tort Law in Riverside, CA

    How Do Tort Law Cases Work? What Are Tort Law Examples?

    Tort law cases typically see an individual filing a lawsuit seeking financial compensation for property damages, medical expenses, economic losses, and/or noneconomic losses such as pain and suffering or loss of enjoyment of life. In the event of a wrongful death, the deceased’s loved ones will file a lawsuit. To have a tort law case, you must prove the injured party’s harm or loss was directly caused by another’s breach of their reasonable duty of care. The most common civil tort law cases involve:

    • Negligence
    • Product liability
    • Civil assault or battery
    • Invasion of privacy
    • Trespass (to land, real property, personal property, etc.)
    • Intentional infliction of emotional or mental distress
    • Defamation
    • False imprisonment

    Are There Different Types of Torts in Law?

    Tort laws may differ from state to state, so it’s essential to consult a personal injury attorney familiar with your state’s specific tort laws. However, most of them fall under one of three main categories:

    • Intentional Tort – Tort law cases involving intentional tort include ones in which the responsible party knew or should have known their conduct would result in harm.
    • Negligent Tort – Negligent tort cases involve circumstances in which the responsible party doesn’t take the proper precaution to keep others safe, and their actions result in harm.
    • Strict Responsibility – Strict responsibility often refers to tort law cases involving corporations selling faulty products that cause harm.

    What Is Tort Law in Riverside, CA

    What Are Some Common Tort Law Cases?

    Many civil tort lawsuits involve negligence. Negligence claims must prove the defendant owed the plaintiff a duty of care that was breached and caused harm or injury to the plaintiff. Negligence in tort law often involves personal injury claims. Injuries do not always have to be physical. While physical injuries to organs, limbs, and other body parts often occur, mental health injuries (emotional pain and suffering) are also considered. Common tort cases involving negligence and personal injury include:

    How Is California Tort Law Unique?

    California tort law differs from federal tort and other states’ personal injury laws. Under the California Tort Claims Act, individuals must file tort claims against government entities within six months of their personal injury. California has also adopted the concept of comparative negligence, allowing juries to divide blame between defendants and plaintiffs. It’s important to note that plaintiffs may still receive compensation even if they’re more than 50% responsible for their harm. California tort reform is often in the news, as ongoing disputes contend with which acts constitute torts, who can file a lawsuit over these acts, and what financial compensation may be awarded for cases involving these torts.

    Why Choose the Law Offices of Harlan B. Kistler?

    If you’ve suffered a personal injury, recovery should be your primary concern, not worrying about piling medical bills or missed wages. Hiring an experienced personal injury law firm, such as the Law Offices of Harlan B. Kistler, can help reduce stress and anxiety during recovery. We can help you seek financial compensation for injuries caused by others’ negligence. Harlan B. Kistler has been practicing law since 1989, and our firm has handled the personal injury cases of thousands of clients over the past 30+ years. Browse client testimonials to see why we have many satisfied former clients in the Riverside area.

    Discuss the Meaning of Tort Law with Our Law Firm

    Do you still have questions regarding the meaning of tort law? The Law Offices of Harlan B. Kistler are experienced with tort law cases and can help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to request a free consultation with our personal injury attorney in Riverside, CA. We’ll work tirelessly on your behalf to ensure your side of the story is told, and you achieve the best possible case outcome.

  • Are You Suffering from an Impacted Fracture?

    How the Law Offices of Harlan B. Kistler Can Help

    From slip-and-falls to car accidents, broken bones are often caused by circumstances beyond our control. While broken bones aren’t usually life-threatening, they can cause significant pain and discomfort during healing. Impacted bone fractures are one of the most severe types, causing sharp, intense pain and an inability to move the affected bone. If you’ve sustained an impacted fracture in Riverside, CA due to someone else’s negligence, you could be entitled to compensation for medical bills, missed wages, and more. The Law Offices of Harlan B. Kistler is a personal injury law firm experienced with cases involving impacted fractures. Read on to learn more about an impacted fracture definition, causes, and symptoms before giving us a call to schedule your free initial consultation.

    What’s an Impacted Fracture? What Causes an Impacted Fracture?

    A broken bone, or fracture, may be partial or complete. Fractures may also be categorized as simple or impacted. Impacted fractures occur when a brutal force (such as that from a car accident) causes a bone to not only break but shatter. These fragmented pieces of bone are then driven into each other, leading to further injury. Impacted fractures are commonly caused by car accidents or fall from significant heights because they require extreme force or trauma. Minor falls are not usually among impacted fracture causes. Human bones are resilient, but they weaken with age, making people more susceptible to bone fractures as they age. Common impacted fractures include impacted wrist fractures, impacted radial neck fractures, impacted distal radius fractures, impacted radial head fractures, and impacted hip fractures, which may require a full hip replacement.

    Impacted Fracture Law in Riverside, CA

    What Are the Symptoms of an Impacted Bone Fracture?

    While minor bone fractures may fly under the radar and go undetected at first, impacted bone fractures are typically noticed or felt immediately. Impacted fracture x-rays, CT scans, and MRIs can diagnose the type, severity, and location of your broken bones. Seek urgent medical care if you notice any of these common impacted bone fracture symptoms after an accident:

    • Sharp, intense pain
    • Swelling, bruising, redness, or warmth
    • Tenderness to the touch
    • Tingling and numbness
    • Difficulty or inability to move the affected bone/area
    • Difficulty or inability to put weight on the affected area
    • Fragments of bone poking through the skin
    • Bleeding (if it’s an open fracture)
    • Dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness

    What Are the Most Common Impacted Fracture Treatments?

    Most bone fractures heal naturally with time and care. Many fractures require wearing a plaster cast or splint while the broken bones realign and heal themselves. Complications may occur if a bone heals in the wrong position or is disrupted during healing. You run the risk of bone deformity, bone or bone marrow infection, or bone death without proper treatment. A person’s age, health, and medical history may impact their ability to heal from an impacted bone fracture.

    Impacted fracture treatment may be based on the extent of the injury, the patient’s tolerance, and the patient’s or doctor’s preferences. Because impacted fractures are more complex than regular fractures, surgery may be needed to separate the bone fragments. Pins, rods, and other surgical hardware are often used to help support broken bones while they’re immobilized during the healing process. Physical therapy may be recommended to help the patient regain mobility and strength in the fractured area. If the impacted bone fracture is near a joint, permanent stiffness or arthritis may occur.
    Impacted Fracture Law in Riverside, CA

    Why You Need an Injury Attorney for a Broken Bone Case

    If another person’s negligence caused your impacted fracture, you should speak with a personal injury attorney to see what your case is worth. Often, insurance companies may deny claims or attempt to unfairly reduce your compensation when you try to settle without legal representation. Types of bone fracture cases that our skilled personal injury attorney may handle include:

    How Much Compensation Will I Receive for an Impacted Fracture?

    The amount of compensation you may be eligible to receive from an impacted fracture will vary based on the severity of your injury and your total losses. You may be entitled to seek past and future medical expenses, missed wages, loss of future earnings, and permanent disability, as well as compensation for general pain and suffering and lost enjoyment of life. The Law Offices of Harlan B. Kistler is adept at getting the financial compensation our clients deserve. View our client testimonials to see why Riverside residents highly recommend us.

    What Is the Filing Deadline for a Personal Injury Claim?

    In the state of California, you have two years to file a personal injury claim or lawsuit in civil court. Failure to file a claim within that timeframe may result in case ineligibility. If you accept an insurance settlement, you may also be ineligible to file a claim. Please note – different deadlines apply to personal injury claims involving government liability or negligence. You only have six months or 180 days from your impacted bone fracture injury date to file your claim. Cases involving professional negligence from a healthcare provider must be filed within three years of your personal injury date.

    Contact Us to Schedule a No-Cost, No-Obligation Consultation

    If you’ve been injured with an impacted fracture and someone else is at fault, the Law Offices of Harlan B. Kistler can help you fight for the financial compensation you deserve. Our personal injury law firm in Riverside, CA operates on a “No recovery – no fee policy.” Reach out today to request a no-cost, no-obligation case evaluation from an experienced legal team you can trust. We’re here for you!

  • A Look at Negligence in Slip and Fall Cases

    If you are injured after slipping and falling, who should be responsible for your medical costs? A slip and fall attorney in Riverside who takes your case will consider the issue of negligence when determining what kind of damages you should pursue. Negligence is the critical factor that determines who is at fault when someone is injured during a fall.

    Watch this video to learn more about the role of negligence in slip and fall cases. Your personal injury lawyer will evaluate whether the owner of the property on which you fell took all reasonable precautions to prevent a fall. Similarly, he or she will also consider if you were negligent in any way that contributed to the fall. If you were partially responsible for the fall, you may still receive compensation, but the amount you get may be reduced to account for your actions.

  • FAQs and Answers About Wrongful Death at the Hands of Police Officers

    When a loved one dies due to the negligence or unlawful actions of a police officer, it can be difficult to know where to turn. During this confusing time, it is essential to get the assistance of an accident and injury attorney in Riverside with experience in government liability cases . If you suspect that your loved one’s death was the result of wrongful actions by police officers, here are the answers to some questions that may be on your mind.

    How do I know if my loved one’s death qualified as a wrongful death?

    The best way to understand your loved one’s case is to review the details with an experienced attorney, who can investigate the facts and help you decide how to proceed. There are several factors that can contribute to wrongful death, from actions that deprived your loved one of his or her civil rights to negligent behavior on the part of the police that contributed to the death. For instance, using excessive force and denying medical care may both fall into the category of wrongful death. Inadequate training by the police department is another issue that can arise. Your attorney will look at all of the circumstances involved in the case to help you decide if you should file a lawsuit.

    Are these cases filed in state or federal court? Government Liability Cases at Law Offices of Harlan B. Kistler

    Wrongful death cases involving police officers can be tried in both state and federal court, depending on the nature of the complaint. If you claim that the officer violated your loved one’s civil rights, then the case will be held in federal court. A case involving improper training may be heard in state court. Your attorney will help you determine the right venue for filing the case.

    What kinds of damages are likely to be paid?

    This amount varies dramatically depending on the details of the case and whether it goes to trial or is settled outside of court. It also depends on the jurisdiction and if there are any local immunity laws for police officers and departments.

  • What Are Private Nuisance Lawsuits?

    You are entitled to the right to use your private property without interference, or nuisance. Private nuisance lawsuits deal with this right to use your own space without any unreasonable obstructions. If you believe that a person or entity is interfering with your enjoyment of your property, an attorney in Riverside can help you file a private nuisance complaint.

    Private nuisance lawsuits may arise between neighbors when one neighbor claims that the other neighbor’s actions are preventing him or her from getting the full enjoyment of his or her home. For example, if a neighbor installs a bright light that shines in your bedroom all night and refuses to make any adjustments, your lawyer may recommend that you file a private nuisance case. Other actions, such as pollution of your property, excessive sound, or extreme and ongoing foul odors, can also fall into the category of private nuisances. Discuss your situation with an attorney to determine if your circumstances meet the criteria for filing a private nuisance lawsuit.

    Private Nuisance Lawsuits in Riverside, CA

  • Cat Bite Injuries 101

    Cat bites can cause serious injuries and infections. As with dog bites, the owner of the cat may be liable for your injury, and you may be eligible to receive damages in a personal injury lawsuit. If you are the victim of a cat bite, consult with a personal injury attorney in Riverside to determine if you could be eligible for compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Here is what you need to know.

    Cat bites are serious.

    Although cat bites may seem less significant on the surface than dog bites, they should still be taken seriously. Cats’ teeth are extremely sharp, which means that they can pierce deep layers of tissue, and the bacteria in their mouths can cause infections. The bacteria that you may be exposed to during a cat bite can lead to septicemia, or blood poisoning, which is a serious medical condition that usually requires hospitalization. If you are bitten by a cat, you should clean the wound and seek medical care as soon as possible. Without treatment, you could develop an infection within as few as 24 hours.

    Cat bites and personal injury lawsuits

    The cat’s owner may be responsible for your expenses.

    After a cat bite, consult with a personal injury attorney to discuss your case and understand your options. If the cat owner was negligent in preventing the bite from occurring, he or she could be held responsible. Depending on where you live, the owner may be responsible regardless of the cat’s history of behavior, or you may need to demonstrate that the owner should have known that the cat was aggressive based on the animal’s actions in the past.

    You should document the injury.

    If you plan to contact a personal injury attorney, document the circumstances of the bite and the injury as soon as possible. Visit a doctor and get a copy of the medical records for your lawyer to review. The more proof and information you can provide your attorney, the easier it will be for him or her to make your case.