KNOWLEDGE BASE
Resource Center
Sections
- Overview
- Auto Accidents
- Uber Accidents
- Lyft Accidents
- Slip and Fall
- Catastrophic Injury
- Dog Bite
- Wrongful Death
Personal Injury
Overview
If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, you have rights. Our attorneys are here to help you understand your options, protect your interests, and fight for the compensation you deserve — at no upfront cost to you.
Common Questions
If someone else’s negligence caused your injury, there is a good chance you have a case. The best way to find out is to speak with an attorney. At Block Law, we offer free consultations and will give you an honest assessment of your situation with no pressure and no obligation.
In California, most personal injury claims have a two-year statute of limitations, meaning you generally have two years from the date of your injury to file. There are exceptions that can shorten or extend that window, so if you are unsure, do not wait. Contact us as soon as possible and we will let you know exactly where you stand.
Nothing upfront. Block Law works on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our fee comes as a percentage of your settlement or verdict, so there is no financial risk to you for getting the representation you deserve.
Every case is different, so there is no one-size-fits-all answer. A straightforward claim that settles out of court can resolve in a few months, while cases that involve serious injuries, disputed liability, or litigation can take a year or more. At Block Law, we move as efficiently as possible without ever rushing a settlement that does not truly serve you. We keep you informed throughout the entire process so you always know where your case stands and what to expect next.
Personal Injury
Auto Accidents
Whether you were rear-ended, hit by a distracted driver, or injured in a multi-car collision, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The most important thing you can do right now is act quickly. Evidence disappears, memories fade, and insurance companies move fast to protect themselves rather than you.
Common Questions
First, make sure you and anyone else involved are safe and call 911 if needed. Then, document everything you can: photos of the scene, damage, and any visible injuries. Get the other party’s information, speak to any witnesses, and seek medical attention even if you feel fine. Finally, contact an attorney before speaking with any insurance companies.
Yes. California follows a pure comparative fault rule, which means you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault. Your recovery is simply reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were found 20% at fault, you can still recover 80% of your damages. Do not assume shared fault means you have no case.
In most cases, the at-fault driver’s insurance is responsible for covering your medical expenses. In the meantime, your own health insurance or MedPay coverage may help cover costs while your claim is being resolved. Medical bills can add up fast, and part of our job at Block Law is making sure those expenses are fully accounted for in your settlement.
Personal Injury
Uber Accidents
Uber accident claims involve layered insurance policies that change depending on whether the driver was on a trip, waiting for a ride, or offline. At Block Law, we untangle the coverage and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Common Questions
It depends on the circumstances. Uber classifies its drivers as independent contractors, which it often uses to limit its own liability. However, California law provides strong protections for accident victims, and Uber is required to maintain significant insurance coverage when a driver is active on the app. In many cases, both the driver and Uber’s insurance policy may be involved. Sorting out who is responsible is exactly the kind of thing we handle so you do not have to.
It depends on what the Uber driver was doing at the time of the accident. California requires Uber to carry insurance that covers different stages of a trip, and the coverage available to you shifts based on whether the driver was actively transporting you, waiting for a ride request, or offline entirely.
The reality is that Uber’s insurance policies are layered and intentionally complicated, and the company is not going to volunteer the maximum coverage available to you. That is where we come in. At Block Law, we cut through the confusion, deal with the insurance companies on your behalf, and make sure every available dollar is on the table.
Reporting through Uber creates a record of the incident, which can be useful for your claim. However, keep in mind that anything you submit goes directly to Uber and its insurance team, and they are not on your side. The safest approach is to contact an attorney before taking any further steps with Uber or its insurance company.
Personal Injury
Lyft Accidents
Lyft accidents involve shared responsibility between drivers, Lyft’s insurance, and third parties. California law requires rideshare companies to carry liability coverage that varies depending on whether the driver was waiting for a ride request, en route to a passenger, or actively on a trip.
Common Questions
Lyft likes to argue that its drivers are independent contractors, not employees, which it uses to distance itself from liability. However, California law does not let rideshare companies off the hook that easily. When a driver is active on the Lyft app, Lyft is required to carry substantial liability coverage, and that coverage can apply to you whether you were a passenger, a pedestrian, or another driver. The short answer is that Lyft may very well be responsible, and an attorney can help you hold them accountable.
Yes, in many cases you can pursue claims against multiple parties. If the Lyft driver caused the accident, their personal insurance and Lyft’s policy may both come into play. If a third-party driver was at fault, their insurance would be the starting point, but Lyft’s coverage may still be available depending on the circumstances. California’s comparative fault system allows liability to be shared across multiple parties, which means more potential sources of compensation for you.
Lyft accidents are more complex because they involve multiple layers of insurance coverage that shift depending on what the driver was doing at the time of the crash. There are also additional legal questions around Lyft’s liability as a company and how California’s rideshare laws apply. These cases move fast and the paperwork can get complicated quickly. Having an attorney who knows how rideshare claims work can make a significant difference in what you ultimately recover.
Personal Injury
Slip and Fall Accidents
Property owners in California have a legal duty to maintain safe conditions. If a hazardous floor, uneven surface, or poor lighting caused your injury, we will hold the negligent owner accountable and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Common Questions
Report the accident to the property owner or manager and make sure an incident report is filed. Take photos of the exact spot where you fell, including whatever caused it, before anything gets cleaned up or fixed. Get the names of any witnesses and seek medical attention right away, even if you feel okay. Avoid giving a recorded statement to anyone representing the property owner or their insurance company before speaking with an attorney. What you do in the hours after a slip and fall can have a real impact on your case.
To win a slip and fall case in California, you generally need to show that the property owner knew or should have known about the dangerous condition and failed to fix it or warn you about it. Evidence like photos of the hazard, incident reports, surveillance footage, witness statements, and maintenance records can all play a role. Time matters here because evidence disappears quickly. The sooner you contact an attorney, the better your chances of preserving what you need to build a strong case.
In most cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in California. However, if your fall happened on government-owned property, such as a public sidewalk or a city building, you may have as little as six months to file a government claim. Missing these deadlines can bar you from recovering anything at all, so do not wait to get legal advice.
Personal Injury
Catastrophic Injury
Catastrophic injuries such as spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, and severe burns, permanently change lives. At Block Law, we build aggressive cases that account for lifetime medical costs, lost earning capacity, and long-term care needs.
Common Questions
California does not have a single legal definition of catastrophic injury, but the term generally refers to injuries that are severe, permanent, and life-altering. This includes spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, severe burns, amputations, paralysis, and injuries that result in long-term disability or the inability to work. If your injury has fundamentally changed the way you live, work, or care for yourself, it likely falls into this category and deserves to be treated as such when pursuing compensation.
The stakes are much higher. A catastrophic injury claim has to account for not just your current medical bills, but the full cost of living with a serious injury for the rest of your life. That means projecting future medical expenses, long-term care needs, lost earning capacity, and the profound impact on your quality of life. These cases require expert testimony, detailed life care planning, and attorneys who understand how to fight for the full value of what you have lost, not just what has already happened.
Calculating future damages is one of the most important and complex parts of a catastrophic injury case. We work with medical experts, economists, and life care planners to build a detailed picture of what your injury will cost you over a lifetime. This includes projected surgeries, rehabilitation, in-home care, assistive equipment, and the income you would have earned had you not been injured. Insurance companies will fight hard to minimize these numbers, which is exactly why having experienced attorneys on your side makes such a significant difference.
Personal Injury
Dog Bite Accidents
California holds dog owners strictly liable for bites which means you don’t have to prove the dog had a history of aggression. You may be owed for your injuries, scarring, and the emotional toll a dog attack takes.
Common Questions
Not in California. Unlike some states, California has a strict liability law when it comes to dog bites, which means the owner is responsible even if the dog had no history of aggression and even if the owner had no reason to believe the dog was dangerous. You do not need to prove the owner did anything wrong. If their dog bit you, they are liable.
You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, including emergency care, surgery, and any ongoing treatment, as well as lost wages if your injuries kept you from working. You can also recover for scarring and disfigurement, emotional distress, and pain and suffering. Dog attacks can leave lasting physical and psychological effects, and your compensation should reflect the full impact of what you went through.
Not having insurance does not automatically mean you have no options. You can still pursue a claim directly against the dog owner, and there may be other sources of coverage worth exploring, such as a landlord’s policy if the attack happened at a rental property.
Every situation is different, and the best way to understand your options is to speak with an attorney. At Block Law, consultations are free and you pay nothing unless we win.
Personal Injury
Wrongful Death
When someone’s negligence or wrongful act causes a death, surviving family members may be entitled to compensation for their loss. At Block Law, we handle wrongful death cases with the compassion and relentless advocacy grieving families deserve.
Common Questions
In California, the right to file a wrongful death claim is generally limited to close family members. This includes a spouse or domestic partner, children, and in some cases grandchildren if the deceased’s children are also deceased. Other individuals who were financially dependent on the person, such as a domestic partner or a stepchild, may also have standing to file. Because these rules can be nuanced, it is worth speaking with an attorney to understand exactly where you stand and whether you have a claim.
A criminal case is brought by the government and is focused on punishing the person responsible. A wrongful death claim is a separate civil case brought by the surviving family, and its purpose is to recover financial compensation for your loss. The two cases have different standards of proof, which means someone can be found not guilty in a criminal court and still be held liable in a civil wrongful death case. You do not need a criminal conviction to pursue a wrongful death claim.
California law allows surviving family members to recover compensation for a range of losses including funeral and burial expenses, the financial support the deceased would have provided, the value of household services they contributed, and the loss of love, companionship, and guidance. These cases involve both economic and deeply personal losses, and we approach every one of them with the care and seriousness your family deserves. No amount of money can undo what happened, but holding the responsible party accountable can bring a measure of justice and financial stability when you need it most.
Sections
Tenant Rights
Overview
Every tenant in California has the legal right to a safe, clean, and livable home. When a landlord fails to maintain that standard — whether through mold, infestations, or other unsafe conditions — they are violating the law. You shouldn’t have to choose between your health and your housing. We hold negligent landlords accountable and fight to get you the compensation you deserve — at no upfront cost to you.
Common Questions
If your claim is based on breach of the lease or the condition of your rental, you generally have up to four years to file. If your claim involves personal injury caused by uninhabitable conditions — such as illness from mold or a pest infestation — the deadline is typically two years from the date of the injury. If the property is owned or managed by a government entity, that window can shrink to six months.
Under California law, every rental property must meet basic standards of habitability — meaning it must be safe, sanitary, and fit for human occupation. Landlords are legally required to provide working plumbing and heating, weatherproofing, adequate lighting, and a property free from mold, pests, and other health hazards. If your landlord fails to maintain these conditions after being notified of the problem, you may have the right to withhold rent, repair and deduct, pursue legal action, or in serious cases, break your lease without penalty.
California law prohibits landlords from retaliating against tenants who report habitability issues, request repairs, or exercise their legal rights. This protection is known as retaliatory eviction and it is taken seriously under California law. If your landlord attempts to evict you, raise your rent, reduce services, or harass you within 180 days of you reporting a habitability issue or contacting a government agency, the law presumes the action is retaliatory.
Sections
Working With Us
Overview
Hiring an attorney is a big decision — and we don’t take that trust lightly. At Block Law, we believe every client deserves clear communication, honest guidance, and an attorney who genuinely fights for them. From your very first call to the resolution of your case, we’re with you every step of the way.
Common Questions
Because we treat your case like it matters, because it does. Block Law was built on the belief that injured people deserve more than just legal representation. They deserve an attorney who is honest with them, keeps them informed, and genuinely fights for the best possible outcome. We are a lean, focused team which means you are not just another file on a crowded desk. When you work with us, you get real attention, real communication, and real advocacy from start to finish.
Yes. At Block Law, we offer consultations and legal services in English, Spanish, and Armenian. We believe everyone deserves to fully understand their rights and feel comfortable throughout the legal process, and that starts with being able to communicate in the language you are most confident in. No matter where you are from, language will never be a barrier to getting the help you need.
We make it a point to keep you in the loop at every stage of your case. You will never have to wonder what is going on or chase someone down for an update. When there is a development, we reach out. When you have a question, we respond. We know that waiting on news about something this important is stressful, and we do everything we can to make sure you always feel informed and confident about where things stand.
Sections
Your Case
Overview
Whether you were rear-ended, hit by a distracted driver, or injured in a multi-car collision, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The most important thing you can do right now is act quickly. Evidence disappears, memories fade, and insurance companies move fast to protect themselves rather than you.
Common Questions
If you were injured because of someone else’s negligence, there is a good chance you have a case. The best way to find out is to speak with an attorney. At Block Law, we offer free consultations and will give you an honest assessment of your situation with no pressure and no obligation. You do not need to have everything figured out before you call us.
Cases involving multiple parties are more complex, but they are also fairly common, and having more than one responsible party can actually mean more potential sources of compensation for you. California’s comparative fault system allows liability to be distributed across multiple parties, and we know how to navigate those situations. The more complicated the case, the more important it is to have an experienced attorney handling it.
You have the right to handle your own claim, but it rarely works in your favor. Insurance companies have teams of adjusters and attorneys whose job is to minimize what they pay out. Without legal representation, most people settle for far less than their case is actually worth, and sometimes they do not realize it until it is too late. Having an attorney levels the playing field and sends a clear message that you know your rights and intend to protect them.
Your Case
Timeline
No two cases resolve on the same schedule, but every case moves through a similar set of stages — from your initial consultation to investigation, negotiation, and resolution. Knowing what’s ahead helps you stay informed, patient, and prepared every step of the way.
Common Questions
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Lorem Ipsum has been the industry’s standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book.
Lorem Ipsum has been the industry’s standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book.
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