California Personal Injury Legal Questions

Obviously, your problems with his father are not limited to this one incident. Most people would be happy to have someone co-sign as to a recurring debt they have. The rental company should have told him it was unnecessary since they had already rented to you and should not have given him any personal information. There is nothing you can really do about it except to tell him not to interfere.... Read More

The people who took part in the fight are liable; if the homeowner or person throwing the party could reasonably know it would occur, they probably would also be liable. The police should be told as much information as possible, especially by the person beaten up, so that they can determine if they can find the people involved.... Read More

The insurance co for the other driver has (no doubt) paid for the repairs, and will probably try to get reimbursement from you. They will probably refer the case to a subjugation lawyer, who will try to collect, and eventually will probably file suit against you. A judgment is good for ten years, and can be renewed. The result may be that if you try to buy a home years from now, you will find that you may have to pay the judgment, with interest at the rate of 10% per year. You should talk to the insurance co rep, and explain that you have no money and don't expect to have any. Maybe they?ll just accept the $5,000. The lesson for you and anyone reading this: Minimum coverage is sometimes inadequate. It only costs a few dollars more to increase the coverage.... Read More

You do not give us enough information. If you sent communications to another person it is public and they can post it unless perhaps you told them to keep it secret. If everything is true or none of its states a alleged fact as opposed to an opinion ["I think she is an idiot' is an opinion and can not be the basis of a defamation action].... Read More

An actual physical assault such as that would not be covered under the Workers' Comp. exclusive remedy, but if you sue your manager you would get little in compensation and somehow they would find a way to fire you. If she normally is okay, what is the point in complaining? If you get another supervisor, she may be worse. ?many incidents are not worth suing over.... Read More

First, what a horrible story and I am so sorry for your mother.  I hope she has a speedy recovery and can soon forget this incident. Second, she probably does have a claim against the grocery store.  It will depend a lot on the facts (specifically what sory of notice did the grocery store have that this sort of situation could develop and therefore what - if any - measures "should" the store have taken to prevent this sort of danger.    ... Read More

From a wed site on the topic. In California, the filing of a civil claim of sexual abuse must be made within 8 years of the age of majority (meaning before your 26th birthday). However, California is one of 28 states that have?adopted an extension of the statute of limitations based on the "discovery" of child sexual abuse or its effects. While nearly every state has a basic suspension of the statute of limitations?while someone is a minor, many states have recently adopted these new "discovery" extensions specifically?designed for cases of sexual child abuse. The discovery rule allows for civil lawsuits to go forward when they are? "within three years of the date the plaintiff discovers or reasonably should have discovered that psychological injury or illness occurring after the age of majority was caused by the sexual abuse. This rule was designed to counter the problem of prosecuting molesters who's victims had repressed the memories for decades, long after the statute of limitations expired. Now, upon "discovery" of the memories of abuse (often through therapy), a person has 3 years to file a claim. After the Catholic Church abuse scandals, California also enacted a law that allows for lawsuits against people whom were aware of the unlawful sexual conduct by their "employee, volunteer, representative, or agent", and failed to take "reasonable steps" to prevent it. Upon his discovery of this person or entity, a plaintiff has one year to sue.... Read More

Your insurance does not cover willful acts. You need to file a police complaint against the other driver and ask your auto insurance company to inform his of the accident and seek recovery of the damages. The normal assumption in a rear end collision is that the car behind is at fault. You do need to speak to a local criminal law attorney who can call up the DA and try to get the charges dropped and the arrest erased from your record. Most criminal defense attorney require a large retainer and want a flat fee amount, but since it might only take less than an hour of work you should refuse such an agreement. If you find a nice attorney, they might even make the call to the DA without charge.... Read More

Your insurance carrier will provide a lawyer at no charge and will try to settle the case for up to the insurance policy limits. I assume that the $500,000 figure is what their attorney says in the Complaint. For a variety of reasons, those figures in personal injury cases are greatly exaggerated. ?It is a very different situation if they have already incurred $500,000 in medical bills and you will need your own attorney. The insurance company might be willing to hire him and pay his charges until their policy coverage is exhausted. Speak to the insurance attorney and see what they think as to potential damages; if needed, you can transfer your assets to another person, but that has to be for a reasonable consideration or it technically a fraud [although often done].... Read More

Typically, in such situations, the claimant?s lawyer will settle for the policy limits. It's just too easy for people in your shoes to hide assets, or declare bankruptcy, so most lawyers are not interested in chasing personal assets. However, an aggressive lawyer might ask you to make a personal contribution. Your ins. co. will defend you; let them handle it. They may send you a letter telling you of your right to have your own lawyer if the other side asks for a contribution. That will be up to you, should that occur.... Read More

If you are shown as owner, you could be liable for up to $15,000 for one claimant or $30,000 for more than one. If you are not an owner of his car, you are not liable. The driver's policy is usually considered primary, so if son is insured you are covered. If you trust your son to keep his insurance in effect, you can drop yours, or you an transfer title to him. There seems to be no point in maintaining two policies.... Read More