http://www.articletrader.com/ Articles at ArticleTrader en-us http://www.articletrader.com/legal/personal-injury/conquering-personal-injury-cases-in-beverly-hills.html http://www.articletrader.com/legal/personal-injury/conquering-personal-injury-cases-in-beverly-hills.html Thu, 05 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0500
The luxurious and extravagant living however, does not exclude Beverly Hills residents and visitors from accidents. Just like in any other place in Los Angeles, injury-causing accidents still happen in this place.

Accidents and misfortunes can occur at any place. It happens irrespective of a person’s social standing or class.

To ensure that you get the justice you deserve, you should consult Beverly Hills personal injury attorneys. Most especially if the injuries are caused by the negligent act of other parties.

How Personal Injury Attorney can Help

An ordinary person may be clueless of what a personal injury really is. He/She may think that pursuing a legal action on this case is easy and uncomplicated. But the thing is, laws on this area can sometimes be confusing and complex.

If injury or harm is caused by the negligent act of another, it entitles the victim to a personal injury claim. Consequently, he needs someone who is equipped with knowledge and experience to pursue his claim.

Generally, the purpose of a personal injury claim is to determine who was at fault and to oblige the responsible party to reimburse the aggrieved person for the losses sustained.

Personal injury attorneys make sure that their clients obtain the proper compensation for damages provided them under the law. Some of the claims for which injured parties are legally entitled include, but not limited to, the following:

• compensation for lost wages

• past and future hospitalization bills

• reparation for both physical and emotional pain or injury

• claim for damages for any deformity

Occasionally, a family member of the injured person, such as his/her spouse, may also be entitled to damages known as loss of consortium damages. This is intended to compensate the loved one for the loss of the injured or deceased person's services, companionship or affection.

The injured party may also be entitled to hedonic damages, which are given to compensate the victim for the loss of enjoyment of activities that he/she once engaged in but can no longer participate due to the injuries suffered.

Additionally, punitive damages may also be awarded if the offender’s conduct was specifically disturbing and the court or jury determined that he/she should pay an amount higher than the victim’s actual damages.

Legal Considerations to Take in Case of Injury

The following tips are helpful if you or loved one or someone you know have been injured by the negligent actions of another:

Before filing a claim, consult a Beverly Hills personal injury lawyer to discuss your case in detail. A good legal counsel will do exhaustive research of what legal option suits you best.

He/She makes sure that you have given essential facts about the accident that caused the injury to build the case and ensure that it is filed within the statute of limitations.

Before trial, your attorney should have a specific plan of attack and important proof of both the extent of your injury and the fault or negligence of the defendant.

At this stage, it may be helpful that you give your medical records and any evidence to your attorney for safekeeping and assessment.

In case of unfavorable trial outcome, your attorney can file an appeal to determine if the court committed any errors.

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Our Beverly Hills lawyers can provide expert advice and representation to victims of personal injury. For more information, log on to our website and fill out our free case evaluation form.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/legal/understanding-the-intricacies-of-employment-law-in-woodland-hills.html http://www.articletrader.com/legal/understanding-the-intricacies-of-employment-law-in-woodland-hills.html Thu, 05 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0500
He/She has several options: settle the dispute by mediation or conciliation or bring the matter to the court. In either case, the participation of a lawyer is inevitable.

If this happens in Woodland Hills, the place has several employment law attorneys to whom you can consult or seek legal advice.

Necessity of Employment Law Attorneys

Employment Law is often confusing especially to ordinary employees who have limited knowledge on it. Workers need sound guidance in their plight against powerful and influential employers.

They need legal assistance in all aspects of state and federal employment law issues such as:

• Discrimination
• Sexual Harassment
• Injunctions
• Defamation
• Family Medical Leave and Pregnancy Leave
• Wrongful Termination of Employment
• Retaliation
• Unpaid Wages
• Employee Rights
• Overtime Compensation
• Employment Laws
• Severance Agreements
• Trade Secret Agreements
• Non-Competition Agreements
• Whistleblower Claims
• Administrative Law

Managing Employment Problems

Disputes on employment do not necessarily result to lawsuits. One way of preventing this is by alternate dispute resolution.

Alternate dispute resolution includes a variety of procedures in resolving employment disputes. The parties may decide to utilize arbitration, mediation or conciliation. All of which are reasonable and efficient means to resolve a conflict. In fact, it is widely recommended under the Americans with Disabilities Act to settle disagreements.

Even at this stage, the presence of someone who is knowledgeable with the law is necessary. His/Her absence will not assure you of the best possible bargaining settlement. That is why, it is best to hire an employment attorney.

Intricacies of Employment Law

Employment law is often a frustrating area of law as it covers all areas of the employer-employee relationship. In fact, the existence of such relationship must be alleged and clearly shown.

Mind you, the determination alone of whether an employee-employer relationship exists demands time and effort. Much more with the other intricate area of employment like wrongful termination, whistle blowing, discrimination, workers compensation, harassment, and other unfair practices by the employer.

Of course, the determination of what is the applicable law poses a lot of challenge. Like in many areas in California, particularly in Woodland Hills, many of these issues are administered by applicable federal and state laws that are very complicated.

For instance, federal laws addressing discrimination in the workplace primarily are set forth under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII).

California's Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), however, provides greater protection for employees than that provided by Title VII. FEHA also prohibits discrimination based on marital status. Furthermore, Title VII only covers employers who employ 15 or more employees, while FEHA generally applies to employers with only five or more employees.

These laws and their applicability may be too complicated enough for an employee to understand.

Undeniably, hiring a Woodland Hills employment law attorney will definitely make your case easy to navigate. Hence, if you think you have a case to file, act immediately and seek for the right attorney to handle your legal problem.

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For credible assistance on your Employment Law concerns, log on to our website and consult our team of expert Woodland Hills attorneys. We also impart free case evaluation for our clients.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/legal/los-angeles-lawyers-at-its-finest.html http://www.articletrader.com/legal/los-angeles-lawyers-at-its-finest.html Thu, 05 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0500
As the most populous and most diverse county in the United States, it has one of the world’s most prominent centers of culture, technology, media, business, international trade. It also heads the world in producing popular entertainment — such as motion picture, television, video, games and recorded music — which forms the base of its international fame and global status.

Given the diverse culture of its people and fast-paced economy, misunderstandings will usually occur. Problems on the job, business establishments and company set-ups or construction sites will normally ensue as well as liabilities on personal injuries, products and medical practice.

When any of these liabilities is pursued, Los Angeles has the finest and skilled lawyers on any of said fields. Los Angeles lawyers are among the top caliber lawyers in the world.

Los Angeles Social Security Lawyers

Los Angeles has its Social Security lawyers who can evaluate your claim under the program.

Reaching a good decision in your every retirement dilemma or disability claim pursuit is best addressed when a Social Security lawyer is at your side. He/She will provide you of the itemized information about the benefits provided under Social Security. He/She will emphasize important points that may be beneficial for you in the future.

Los Angeles Personal Injury Lawyers

Los Angeles has one of the busiest major streets and highways, airways and waters. Every day innocent motorists, bystanders and passengers are injured or killed by negligent or hostile drivers or defective machineries. In fact, an alarming percentage of accidents results in personal injuries. These also include medical malpractice cases.

The rate of accident causing injury in California is highly prevalent due to its growing population. In case of personal injuries, the place prides itself of effective lawyers who can assist you in your claim against the offending party.

Los Angeles Employment Lawyers

Being one of the centers of businesses in the world, employment suits will exist. The claims range from pre-employment, harassment, underpayment, overtime, discrimination, minimum wage, holiday pay and other employment related claims.

Discrimination is one of the most common employment claim against an employer. Los Angeles has competent discrimination lawyers to help you in your situation.

Los Angeles Corporate Lawyers

Corporate lawyers in Los Angeles will guide you through the complex maze of securities rules and regulations as promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission and help you navigate complex compliance issues.

They are the ones who can fully understand corporate laws designed to protect shareholders and investors.

They will help you prepare quarterly, yearly and other filings and provide expert counsel in matters relating general corporate governance and establishment.

Whatever problem you faced in Los Angeles, the place has expert professionals who are more than willing to help you with your situation. Rest assured that they are equipped with the necessary knowledge to assist you in your legal battles.




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Our Los Angeles law firm has a team of fine lawyers who can handle your legal problem. To get free evaluation on your case, log on to our website now.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/legal/la-county-short-term-disability-plan.html http://www.articletrader.com/legal/la-county-short-term-disability-plan.html Thu, 05 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0500
Usually, employee’s time off have three levels, namely:

• sick leave for the person needing a few days off
• short term disability (STD) for brief periods of disability for one or more weeks
• long-term disability (LTD) for extended periods of disability

The County of Los Angeles provides STD Plan that offers income replacement to ill, injured or pregnant County employees. In case a dispute ensues under the plan, Short Term disability lawyers must be consulted.

According to the latest US Census, about 12% of the working age population of Los Angeles had some type of disability. Approximately 42% of those reporting disabilities are employed compared to 74% of those without a disability.

Short Term Disability Defined

Disability, under STD, means that the condition prevents an individual to perform regular and customary job duties, or modified job duties, as a County employee. This definition considers the following factors:

1. The severity of medical condition
2. The kind of work performed
3. The duration of disability
4. The type of work capable of performing

Short Term Disability Benefits

Employers pay a portion of their employees’ salary between the time sick leave is exhausted and long-term disability starts.

The typical benefit is between 50% and 75% of salary. Some larger employers will pay 100% of the salary based on length of service before reducing the benefit to a lesser percentage.

The payment is usually a percentage of gross weekly salary without bonuses, commissions or overtime that will be specified in the plan document.

How to Receive STD Benefits

To reap the benefits under the STD Plan, one must be enrolled to it. During enrollment, the prospective employees must choose between the two benefits, namely:

• Core benefit which is a 14-day waiting period followed by 70% income replacement; or
• Additional benefit which is a 7-day waiting period followed by 100% income replacement for 21 days, then 80% income replacement for the remainder of the approved STD period.

If you select the STD additional benefit, the 100% - 80% STD income replacement is not payable under California workers’ compensation laws.

In case of an industrial injury or illness, a maximum of 70% STD income replacement will be due to an individual. The STD waiting period will stay equal to the amount of waiting period days you elected in either the core or additional benefit.

Waiting Period Defined

Most Short Term Disability plans do not start paying until the employee has been absent for one week or until the sick leave has expired – whichever comes first.

The waiting period begins on the “first day of disability, as certified by your health care practitioner, and ends the date you are entitled to receive STD payments”.

A “day” for purposes of the waiting period, is considered a “calendar day”. This includes weekends, holidays, and any other regular day off.

You are not entitled to STD payments during the waiting period.

Duration of Benefits

If approved by the Third Party Administrator (TPA), STD benefits may carry on for up to 182 calendar days from the first day of disability without any work pay.

The duration of a disability depends on the circumstances as determined by the TPA, based on medical information received from your health care practitioner.

STD Payments in Los Angeles County

STD payments are paid by the County of Los Angeles, not the TPA.

Under the Plan, STD benefits are never paid for the following:

• Injuries sustained upon commission of a felony;
• War Injuries;
• Injuries inflicted upon oneself; or
• When a disability is not acceptable by prevailing medical facts and medication, as determined by the TPA

Residents of LA County may now enjoy benefits whenever a short-term injury occurs. Just consult your short-term disability lawyer for guidance and you are ready to file your claim.

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To get the best legal services and representation for your disability claim, log on to website and seek assistance from our expert Los Angeles Social Security attorneys

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/legal/social-security-number-a-key-to-identity-fraud.html http://www.articletrader.com/legal/social-security-number-a-key-to-identity-fraud.html Thu, 05 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0500
The program provides several protections such as:

• progressive benefit formula

• comprehensive insurance benefits that include disability

• survivors and retirement benefits

• spouses’ benefits

• a cost of living adjustment

• coverage until death

These protections will be placed at risk if fraud related claims continue to spoil Social Security.

Identity theft using the Social Security numbers (SSNs) is one of the common Social Security frauds that have been weakening the program.

History on the Use of Social Security Numbers

SSNs were first issued in 1936. The federal government assured the public that the use of the numbers would be restricted to Social Security programs such as calculating retirement benefits.

Today, however, SSN has become the de facto general identifier.

Government agencies and private businesses use SSNs even for a wide range of non-Social Security purposes. These purposes include:

• employee files

• medical records

• health insurance accounts

• credit and banking accounts,

• university ID cards

• utility accounts

The use of SSNs as both an identifier and an authenticator makes these numbers highly desirable to fraudulent acts, such as identity theft.

Social Security Fraud by Using SSN

Identity fraud is not all about money. The persistent use of SSNs as an identification mechanism gives the thieves many options.

Identity thieves seek SSNs so they can use these numbers to assume the identity of another person and commit fraud.

A thief can fraudulently use your SSN to assume your identity and gain access not only to your Social Security information but also to your bank accounts, credit accounts, utilities records, and other sources of personal information.

They can also establish new credit and bank accounts in your name, use your SSN for employment purposes or obtain medical care.

How to Prevent Identity Theft

Official efforts are under way to restrict use of SSNs. For instance, the Social Security Administration shortens SSNs on the benefit statements it mails each year.

While essential information can be acquired in credit card, bank accounts and other documents, SSNs are the most common way of getting personal information.

In California, for instance, a birth certificate (or many other types of documents) and a valid SSN are required to get driver's license or identification card.

The following steps are essential in reducing identity theft using SSNs:

• Protect your SSN. Provide it only when necessary such as in tax forms, employment records, most banking, stock and property transactions. The SSN is the key to your credit and banking accounts and is the prime target of thieves.

• If business or establishment requests your SSN, ask if you can use another number instead.

• Do not have your SSN printed on your checks. Do not let merchants write the SSN onto your checks because of the risk of fraud.

• Do not utter your SSN aloud when you are in a public place. Speak softly or write it down on a piece of paper instead. Be sure to retrieve and shred that paper after use.

• Check your Social Security Personal Earnings and Benefits Estimate Statement each year to check for fraud.

• Do not carry your SSN card in your wallet except for emergencies.

• Do not carry wallet cards that display the SSN such as insurance cards, except when needed to receive healthcare services.

Theft identity entails a lot of damage. If you are a victim of it, consult a Social Security fraud attorney to help you in your tedious legal battle ahead.

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If you have been a victim of Social Security fraud cases, do not hesitate to consult our responsible Los Angeles attorneys. Just visit our website and we will teach you how to protect your Social Security Number.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/legal/personal-injury/vitality-of-legal-services-on-personal-injury-cases.html http://www.articletrader.com/legal/personal-injury/vitality-of-legal-services-on-personal-injury-cases.html Tue, 27 May 2008 00:00:00 -0500
The sad truth is that many people will not take responsibility for their actions and insurance companies profit from under compensating injury victims or from not paying at all. This reason alone should necessitate the hiring of personal injury lawyers.

Personal Injury Lawyers

The need for injury lawyers have become a part of people’s daily lives. This is because more and more individual have been negligent of their acts and irresponsible for its outcome.

An experienced personal injury lawyers are knowledgeable on how to make your case, how to settle your claim with an insurance company and, if necessary, how to defend your case in court. They are in a good position to assist you in obtaining a favorable settlement.

While negotiating your claim with an insurance company can be done all by yourself, these companies will typically do everything to take advantage of you, to defeat your claim or to effect the lowest possible settlement. This simply means one thing: you are not able to exhaust all that is due you.

How to Spot a Good Personal Injury Lawyer

In choosing a good personal injury lawyer, you should bear in mind that most of them do not practice medical malpractice law nor handle workers' compensation cases. They are like doctors who provide a special type of medical care.

In addition, there are certain firms or lawyers who provide various types of personal injury legal services depending on the particular kind of injury or cause of action. There are those who focus more on bodily injuries such as burn, brain, spinal cord or injury caused by animal attacks or bites.

There are also firms which or lawyers who concentrate mainly on vehicular accidents, construction accidents or litigation over defective products.

It will be beneficial if you ask whether a lawyer you consult has experience with your type of injury before you engage his or her services.

What to Prove in Personal Injury Cases

Engaging the legal services of an injury lawyer will give them the responsibility of proving negligence and liability. This is a condition precedent before a victim can collect an award.

In order to prove liability, a lawyer must establish negligence. If the offending party fails to exercise reasonable care to prevent injury or damage, then there may be negligence.

When liability and negligence are found to exist in the case, the victim may be awarded money to compensate for medical bills, lost wages and lost future earnings as well as for pain and suffering.

In sum, personal injury legal services include consulting a lawyer, entering into a compensation scheme, building up your case, proving the existence of negligence and making the other party liable, settling your case and battling your case out in court. All of these can be better dealt with when you seek professional help.


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If you are seeking for the right attorney services for your personal injury claim, log on to our website and seek the aid of our legal team.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/legal/law-on-wrongful-termination-in-california.html http://www.articletrader.com/legal/law-on-wrongful-termination-in-california.html Tue, 27 May 2008 00:00:00 -0500
If you have been wrongfully terminated, it will be an unwise idea to deal with your employer alone and agree on something without any legal aid.

Remember that your employer has on its side expert termination attorneys who will make everything possible to defeat your claim or give you less. At this stage, you need a termination laws attorney.

Laws on wrongful termination vary on every state. The appreciation of the facts and circumstances of each case also differ. Like the laws of California on wrongful termination is different from that of New York or Alaska.

Wrongful Termination under California Law

Wrongful termination means at its broadest, as any illegal termination under state or federal law. In its narrowest use, it means that which violates California’s “public policy”. It also means that which courts have ruled as based on illegal grounds.

The California courts have expanded the above definition to include termination that is caused by:

1. refusal to do something illegal;

2. doing something which the California or federal law gives you the right to do;

3. complaints on work related matters;

4. complaints to a third party about your employer;

5. reasons that just do not “feel” right; or

6. reasons used to “cover up” another reason

In California, wrongful termination is often difficult to prove. Unless and until an employee is hired pursuant to a union contract or an individual employment contract, the employer-employee relationship is considered to be "at will."

However, the "at will" relationship can be modified either verbally or through custom or practice.

These modifications can be made through assurances for continued employment made by employer. It can also be modified if the company did not follow its policy on progressive discipline contained in the employment handbook. Their existence means that the employment relationship has been modified so that an employer could be required to establish "good cause" prior to terminating an employee.

As the individual facts and circumstances are considered in a termination claims, it is important that the employee keep copies of any appointing letters, employee handbooks or manuals and performance review so that the assessing attorney can better evaluate the facts surrounding your case.

Two Branches of Wrongful Termination Law

1. Wrongful termination in violation of public policy

This aspect of law provides the terminated individual with a cause of action against the employer based on strong public policy. Examples of this include:

• Anti-discrimination laws

• Whistle-blower protection laws

• Miscellaneous laws

The first two categories are self-explanatory. On the other hand, miscellaneous laws include, but not limited to, the following:

• California Family Rights Act which provides time off for serious health condition of the employee or a family member

• Pregnancy Discrimination Act which provides for time off for childbirth, and

• Other Labor Code sections that provide for time off for jury duty, for breast-feeding infants, for parents to visit their children’s schools.

Wrongful termination for “breach of implied contract”

The “at will” employee, in using this ground, must prove several factors such as employer’s consistent practice of progressive discipline and termination only “for cause”; length of employment; history of steady promotions and raises and employer’s violation of its own internal rules and procedures.

In terminating employees, employers in California must observe the substantial as well as procedural aspects of the law. Otherwise, it will result to wrongful termination.


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Our California attorneys are reliable in providing expert advice and representation for those employees who experience wrongful termination. For more information, do log on to our website and seek the assistance of our legal staff.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/legal/personal-injury/safety-measures-on-preventing-bike-accident-injury.html http://www.articletrader.com/legal/personal-injury/safety-measures-on-preventing-bike-accident-injury.html Tue, 27 May 2008 00:00:00 -0500
The dangers of bike riding are very apparent. Its frame and physical make up alone will give you an idea of the harm a biker will suffer once he or she meets an accident.

Not to be hit must be a drivers’ primordial consideration. This must also be primary goal of a biker as he or she is exposed to various risks.

Helmet and kneepads are the only protective gears that a biker can provide for himself or herself. However, these gears are no match for safety devices installed in other vehicles that are design for driver’s maximum protection. For these reasons, bike accident injury often results.

Biker’s Safety Precautions

Helmets are not enough protections for riders. They must do other safety measures to protect themselves fully.

• Be visible especially during the night

Get a headlight. Use front light if you are riding at night. Do this not only because it is required by law but also because you want other drivers to see you. Your bike must also be equipped with a daylight flashing light that can make you more visible to motorists during the day.

You can also wear a reflective vest or a safety triangle to increase visibility during the night.

• Get a loud horn

Honk whenever you see a vehicle approaching ahead, crossing to your left or right or before making any maneuvers. This will alert other drivers of your existence. Drivers of other huge vehicles may not see you.

• Slow down

Always slow down especially when approaching busy intersections. It is better to do so rather than being hit.

• Remain in the bike lane

Do not attempt to use other lanes. By doing so, it will increase our chance of being hit. Do not ride on the sidewalk or any other place if practicable.

• Ride to the left

Riding to the left will prevent you from being slammed into an open car door that is suddenly opened.

• Do not stop in the blind spot

Stopping at the right side of a vehicle instead of stopping behind will make you invisible to traffic on all sides. The driver of the car will surely see you if you are parked in front of him.

• Do not swerve in and out of the parking lane

Dipping in and out of the traffic will put you at risk for being nailed from behind. Ride a steady and straight line in the traffic lane.

• Use a mirror

A mirror installed in your bike will help you monitor traffic without constantly having to look behind you.

• Choose slow streets

Slow streets are often found by going through the neighborhoods. Slow streets will force the drivers to slow their cars too. By doing so, the more time the driver has to see you.

The above safety measures, if properly observed, will minimize bikers from sustaining injuries. Being hit should never be your option.

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For a maximum recovery on your bike accident injury claim, hire the expert services of our Los Angeles lawyers. Just log on to our website and seek the assistance of our legal staff.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/legal/disability-benefit-programs-in-california.html http://www.articletrader.com/legal/disability-benefit-programs-in-california.html Tue, 27 May 2008 00:00:00 -0500
Knowing the available disability programs before you need them is an advantage to reap the benefits right away. For instance, disability benefits might commence on the date you file your claim, not on the date your disability began. Further, waiting period may be taken into consideration before disability benefits begin.

Employer Disability Insurance Benefits

Many employers offer disability insurance benefits to attract and retain employees in addition to health care, dental and life insurance benefits. Usually, these employers provide both short-term and long-term disability insurance benefits.

These benefits may be given in various ways such as:

• Paying 100 % of disability insurance premiums and providing benefits to all qualified employees

• Offering disability insurance benefits at discounted group rates and giving eligible employees the option to choose coverage.

• Offering short-term disability insurance free and giving entitled employees the option to elect long-term disability insurance at discounted group rates.

State Disability Insurance Benefits

A few states including California offer disability insurance benefit programs. If you do not have private or employer-provided disability insurance benefits, you might be covered by your state's program.

Normally, state disability insurance benefits are administered by the same agency that administers unemployment insurance. In fact, you might be entitled to state disability insurance even if you are unemployed at the start of your disability.

Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits

Benefits under the Social Security Disability Insurance may be collected at any age unlike retirement benefits provided that:

• Social Security taxes are paid.

• Serious physical or mental impairment as determined by doctors and with the agreement of the Social Security Administration's doctors are sustained. Such impairment prevents the ding of a substantial work for a year or more.

This benefit includes:

• monthly pay

• Medicare health insurance

• Vocational Rehabilitation, if your disability permits

• other employment-support programs that help you go back to work.

You might also be qualified to receive Supplemental Security Income even if you have not paid Social Security taxes.

Social Security Disability Insurance does not cover partial or short-term disabilities.

Workers' Compensation Disability Insurance Benefits

Usually, several states require employers from private sector and state government to carry Workers' Compensation Insurance.

Most of the other disability insurance programs cover injuries incurred off the job or illness unrelated to the job. Workers' Compensation Insurance, on the other hand, covers job related injury or illness.

Veterans' Disability Insurance Benefits

The U.S. Veterans Benefits Administration is a branch of the Department of Veterans Affairs that offers two disability benefits programs.

Disability Compensation – a monthly monetary amount to qualified service members and veterans who are at least 10 % disabled because of military service. It includes physical injuries, physical and mental diseases and posttraumatic stress disorder from sexual trauma.

Disability Pension - an annual monetary pension spread equally over 12 months given to qualified wartime veterans who have limited income and unable to work or who are 65 or older.

The above discussion will enlighten you of the various benefits that a disable or an unemployed Californian may enjoy.

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If you are having any difficulties in pursuing your disability welfare benefits, trust in the capabilities of our professional Los Angeles attorneys. Log on to our website now and experience the best legal assistance that you deserve.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/legal/personal-injury/essentials-of-attorney-on-sci-claims.html http://www.articletrader.com/legal/personal-injury/essentials-of-attorney-on-sci-claims.html Tue, 27 May 2008 00:00:00 -0500
When the spinal cord is damaged, the most apparent effect is the loss of sensation or movement below the level of injury. As the body is unable to repair this path of communication, the consequences are permanent. The body can no longer make intricate responses to sensations as well as an awareness of the outer and inner environments.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is different from other body injuries. A broken bone will eventually mend. A new skin may re-grow in case of a burn injury. In a spinal cord injury, the effects are devastating and permanent.
Falling on the neck or back or having the spinal cord moved or disrupted in another way such as those caused by accidents can bring about spinal cord injuries.

If the injury occurred in California and it is caused by some one else, the wisest move is to consult a spinal cord injury attorneys. Making the offending party liable is the least that the victim can do for himself or herself.

Statistics on Spinal Cord Injury

Spinal cord injuries or dysfunctions happen to approximately 12,000 to 15,000 people per year in the U.S. Approximately, 10,000 of them are permanently paralyzed or eventually died because of their injuries.

Most spinal cord trauma occurs to young and healthy individuals.

The National Spinal Cord Injury Association Resource Center made the following findings:

 Spinal Cord Injury Causes

• Motor vehicle accidents – 44%

• Acts of violence – 24%

• Fall – 22%

• Sports – 8%

• Others – 2%

 Spinal Cord Injury Demographics

• The injury commonly happen to males, about 82% while 18% for female.

• The highest rate of injury occurs between ages 16-30

• The average age at injury is between the ages of 26 and 33.

• The most frequent age at injury is 19.

Effects of Spinal Cord Injuries

SCI can have a devastating and life long consequences. This includes Paraplegia and Quadriplegia.

Paraplegia is a damage to the motor and/or sensory function of the lower extremities. On the other hand, quadriplegia is the symptom of having to experience paralysis of all four limbs.

The extent of injury depends on the following:

• Place of the injury

• Quality of medical treatment right after the accident

• Gravity of the injury to the spinal cord

Spinal Cord Injury Claims

As SCI can result in widely different levels of paralysis, the precise evaluation and presentation of your case depends largely on the retention of the proper experts such as an attorney.

Engaging professional help can spell a lot of difference whenever you are faced with this kind of injury. It can help you determine your entitlement to compensation for your injuries and, if so, the extent and amount of compensation.

If you are properly represented, you may be entitled to the maximum benefits allowed by law. This can include compensation for loss wages, past and present medical treatment and rehabilitation, damages and payment for the injury itself.


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Our expert attorneys are adept in the laws that cover spinal cord injury in California. For professional legal advice and representation, log on to our website and consult our legal team.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]>