Personal Injury Blog | Law Offices of Scott D. Hughes

Posted By SCOTT D. HUGHES 7-Dec-2022

Top 10 Most Common Personal Injury Cases and How to Handle Them

If you are injured in any kind of accident, it's important to know your rights and how to deal with them. If you get hurt because of someone else's negligence, you can recover compensation for your damages. In addition to medical bills and ...

Posted By SCOTT D. HUGHES 16-Nov-2022

Do Medical Practice Lawyers work on a Contingency Fee in California?

Medical malpractice attorneys in California can charge contingency fees. This means that if they don’t win any money for their client, they don’t get paid at all! California Business & Professions Code section 6146 provides that any ...

Posted By SCOTT D. HUGHES 14-Nov-2022

Am I litigious For Filing a Personal Injury Claim?

I've heard a lot of talk lately about being litigious. We represent injured people in lawsuits against the people responsible. If the people responsible had only fairly compensated my clients for their wrongdoing, a lawsuit or trial would not be ...

Posted By SCOTT D. HUGHES 11-Nov-2022

Pain and Suffering Damages Are Real

Your physical injuries may be visible or internal. In fact, some injuries can take years to fully recover—and in the meantime, the pain and suffering you experience can be just as real as your visible injuries. Pain and suffering damages are a ...

Posted By SCOTT D. HUGHES 9-Nov-2022

How Much Is My Auto Accident Personal Injury Worth?

In the wake of an auto accident, you might be feeling pain, fear, and stress. You may also be wondering what exactly your injuries are worth in terms of financial compensation. I want to help you find out how much your injury claim is worth so you ...

Posted By SCOTT D. HUGHES 4-Nov-2022

How Can I Afford an Attorney for my Car Accident Lawsuit?

Introduction If you've been injured in a car accident, it's normal to be overwhelmed with questions. How can I afford an attorney for my car accident case? How much will it cost? While hiring a personal injury lawyer doesn't have to be ...

Posted By SCOTT D. HUGHES 3-Nov-2022

The 3 Most Common Causes of Car Accidents in Orange County

If you live in Orange County, chances are you've been in a car accident. In fact, according to data from the California Office of Traffic Safety, there were over 23,000 car accidents in Orange County in 2016 alone. That's an average of 63 ...

Posted By SCOTT D. HUGHES 27-Oct-2022

Proving Fault of Rearend Traffic Collisions

Introduction Rear-end collisions are some of the most common car accidents. They can happen for a variety of reasons, but one thing is certain: drivers cause rear-end collisions. If you were involved in an accident that left you injured and want to ...

Posted By SCOTT D. HUGHES 18-Oct-2022

Auto Accident Lawyer Orange County

Auto Accident Lawyer Orange County Introduction Auto accidents are a very common occurrence, but some of them can be more serious than others. Many types of injuries can occur in an auto accident, and the severity depends on many factors including ...

Posted By SCOTT D. HUGHES 4-Feb-2021

Pedestrian Claims Against Drivers for Personal Injury Auto Accidents

A driver has a duty to use care toward pedestrians because the act of driving involves an instrumentality capable of inflicting injury or death. A driver must exercise a higher degree of care toward child pedestrians than adult pedestrians because of ...

Posted By SCOTT D. HUGHES 21-Dec-2020

Auto Accidents Caused by Contractors in Construction Zones

A highway contractor controlling traffic on a public highway owes a duty of care to motorists based on the general duty of care owed by a highway contractor to the public. That general duty is that a highway contractor has “a duty to protect ...

Posted By SCOTT D. HUGHES 14-Dec-2020

Passengers Who Are Injured in Auto Accidents Can Assert Their Own Personal Injury Claims

In California, a driver owes a duty of care toward pedestrians and persons in other vehicles, as well as toward any passengers in his or her vehicle. In order for the driver to be found liable for negligence if there is an auto accident caused by the ...

Posted By SCOTT D. HUGHES 1-Dec-2020

California Medical Malpractice Attorney-Client Checklist

Obtain your medical records from your medical providers using an appropriate release form. If submitted by an attorney, the form must comply with California Civil Code, § 56.11. Determine who the potential defendant doctors and entities are: ...

Posted By Scott D. Hughes 23-Nov-2020

How to Prove Pain and Suffering in California

The victim or injured plaintiff, himself or herself, may be the best person to testify in a case about their own level of pain and suffering. However, due to certain biases of defense counsel and others, a smart Plaintiffs’ California Personal ...

Posted By SCOTT D. HUGHES 16-Nov-2020

7 Types of Compensatory Damages in California Personal Injury Cases

California Personal Injury damages include both general and economic damages. 1. Medical Expenses: Plaintiffs in California are entitled to recover the reasonable value of all medical expenses that have been incurred, and that are reasonably certain ...

Posted By SCOTT D. HUGHES 12-Nov-2020

What Are the Differences Between California Wrongful Death and Survival Claims

A California Wrongful Death claim is a cause of action for the death of a person caused by the wrongful act or neglect of another. A California Wrongful Death claim may be asserted by the decedent's spouse, domestic partner, children, and other ...

Posted By SCOTT D. HUGHES 9-Nov-2020

California Automobile Accident Attorney-Client Checklist

If you or someone you know was injured in an auto accident in California, you will need to understand the insurance coverage of both the other driver and your own. You will want to share with your counsel the basic facts concerning the automobile ...

Posted By SCOTT D. HUGHES 2-Nov-2020

Common Questions Clients Have When Hiring A California Personal Injury Lawyer

How to choose a personal injury lawyer? Whenever we advise clients on how to choose the best personal injury lawyer, we always say pick someone you trust. You should be able to get an almost immediate free consultation with a California personal ...

Posted By Scott Hughes 14-Aug-2017

5 Hazards on California Roads and How to Deal with Them

Driving in Los Angeles and Orange County can be extremely dangerous. In 2014 in Los Angeles alone, over 35,000 people were injured or killed in a car accident. While the hazards of driving are innumerable, below are a few of the more common ...

Posted By Scott D. Hughes 7-Aug-2017

Tired Driving is a significant risk for a California Auto Accident

Did you know that 60 percent of Americans have admitted to driving while sleepy, and that 37 percent confessed to having falling asleep at the wheel? Each year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, these fatigued or drowsy ...

Posted By Law Offices of Scott D. Hughes 20-Jun-2017

What to Do if You're in an Auto Accident in Orange County

If you've been in a car accident in Orange County, you understand how frightening it can be. Car accidents can injure you not only physically, but also emotionally, mentally, and financially. Given the high number of vehicle accidents on California ...

Posted By Thien Nguyen 15-Jun-2017

It May Not Be Too Late to Sue if You Were Molested as a Child

School or Church Sexual Abuse People who were sexually abused or molested as a child at school, church, or in a sports group may be able to sue later as an adult. Sometimes children are too afraid to tell that they were abused or molested. Sometimes, ...

Posted By Law Offices of Scott D. Hughes 13-Feb-2017

Los Angeles Metro Bus Injury Lawyer

Thousands of people every day rely on the Los Angeles Metro Bus System for transportation. It is a great public service. Unfortunately, a cost of this service is that sometimes bus accidents happen. In most cases, an accident is at least partially ...

Posted By Law Offices of Scott D. Hughes 6-Feb-2017

United States Border Patrol Shooting Lawyer

Dozens of border patrol shootings have happened over the past several years. A March 2016 report in The New York Times detailed the 2012 death of 16-year-old Jose Antonio Elena Rodriguez, who was shot 10 times in the back by Border Patrol agents ...

Posted By Law Offices of Scott D. Hughes 30-Jan-2017

OCTA Bus Injuries

On December 27, 2016, the 60-year old driver of an Avalon sedan suddenly crossed over the center line on Harbor Boulevard in Anaheim. The driver seemed to have suffered a medical crisis, causing him to lose control of the car, which then collided ...

Posted By Scott Hughes 5-Dec-2016

Palm Springs Bus Accident Leaves Victims Without Adequate Compensation

Palm Springs Bus Crash Leaves Victims Without Adequate Compensation On October 23, 2016, a tourist bus traveling roughly 65 miles per hour slammed into a slow-moving tractor-trailer on Interstate 10 near Palm Springs. The crash injured 32 people and ...

Posted By Scott Hughes 16-Nov-2016

Products Liability for Marijuana Injury

Products Liability for Marijuana Injury California is on the verge of legalizing marijuana for recreational use. When this happens, a booming marijuana industry is sure to thrive in the state, but like any industry that sells products to consumers, ...

Posted By Scott Hughes 9-Nov-2016

Types of Medical Malpractice Cases in California

Types of Medical Malpractice Cases in CA When a healthcare provider’s negligence harms a California patient during the course of treatment, that victim can file a medical malpractice claim. These can be filed when a healthcare provider fails to ...

Posted By Law Offices of Scott D. Hughes 2-Aug-2016

Orange County Medical Malpractice Claims Explained

Orange County Medical Malpractice Claims Explained When a healthcare provider's negligence causes a patient harm, the victim can bring a California medical malpractice claim. All professional healthcare providers have a duty to carry out their ...

Posted By Law Offices of Scott D. Hughes 26-Jul-2016

Pokemon Go Risks

Pokemon Go Risks The Pokemon Go craze has created some legal risks that players should be aware of. In the first few weeks since the game's release, there have been Pokemon Go-related car accidents, robberies, personal injuries, and security ...

Posted By Scott D. Hughes 22-Jul-2016

Dangers of Restraint Asphyxia Highlighted in "Orange is the New Black" Season Finale (Warning: Spoilers)

Those who watched the final two episodes of “ Orange is the New Black” last season witnessed the death of beloved character Poussey Washington. Her death was a tragic accident—the result of a guard’s misuse of force called ...

Posted By Law Offices of Scott D. Hughes 30-Jun-2016

California Auto Accident Law

Traffic accidents can raise complex issues of fact and law. California is a "fault-state," meaning the party at-fault in an auto accident is on the hook to pay for the expenses of the other party. In some cases it is clear who the party at ...

Posted By Law Offices of Scott D. Hughes 27-Jun-2016

Auto-Bicycle Accident Law in California

There are hundreds of thousands of accidents between automobiles and bicycles each year in the United States. These accidents often have severe consequences for the cyclists involved (and sometimes for the motorists too), so it is crucial for each ...

Posted By Scott D. Hughes 22-Jun-2016

California Distracted Driving Accidents

To send one text message while driving, the average person takes her or his eyes off of the road for five seconds. When driving at 55 mph, this is like driving the distance of a football field – blindfolded. Distracted driving, or driving while ...

Posted By Law Offices of Scott D. Hughes 13-Jun-2016

Passenger Injury Claims: Who Do I Sue If I'm Injured In A Car Accident?

Sustaining injuries as a passenger in a car accident can be traumatic. Depending on the severity of your injuries you may have racked up a high medical bill, lost wages, and perhaps even suffered a decrease in your quality of life. After the debris ...

Posted By Scott Hughes 20-May-2016

Mass Tort Litigation: Mirena IUD

Thousands of lawsuits have been filed in state and federal courts against Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceuticals, manufacturer of the Mirena intrauterine device (IUD), a popular method of birth control. Bayer is alleged to have inadequately tested the ...

Posted By Scott Hughes 26-Apr-2016

Orange County Police Abuse Lawyer

Orange County Police Abuse Lawyer Police officers have a duty to protect and serve the public. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. When police officers abuse their authority, whether willfully or negligently, the victims of their abuse ...

Posted By Scott Hughes 21-Apr-2016

Orange County Police Shooting Lawyer

Orange County Police Shooting Attorney My law office is dedicated to pursuing justice for our clients. Police shootings occur all too frequently, and we believe the victims of unjustified police violence deserve justive and compensation. We hold ...

Posted By Scott Hughes 6-Apr-2016

DUI Auto Accidents in California

Approximately one out of every three traffic deaths involves an intoxicated driver. This past year in California, there was a total of 867 drunk-driving fatalities – a 4.6% increase from the previous year. Car accidents caused by drunk driving ...

Posted By Scott Hughes 6-Apr-2016

Long Beach Police Shooting Lawyer

Long Beach Police Shooting Attorney It seems like there has been an epidemic of police shootings in the United States over the past few years. Thousands of people are fatally shot each year, including nearly 300 already in the year 2016. Many others ...

Posted By Scott Hughes 29-Mar-2016

Police Excessive Force and Restraint Asphyxia

One of the duties of law enforcement officers is to protect the lives of those they serve. Occasionally, police officers fail to fulfill this responsibility and instead endanger the lives of their fellow citizens through the use of unnecessary, ...

Posted By Scott Hughes 11-Jan-2016

Los Angeles Police Shooting Lawyer

Los Angeles Police Shooting Lawyer Scott D. Hughes makes government tort claims and files Federal and State Lawsuits on behalf of people injured in a police shooting. Scott D. Hughes doesn't charge any fees up front to take a Los Angeles Police ...

Posted By Scott Hughes 21-Dec-2015

Orange County Police Shooting Lawyer

ORANGE COUNTY POLICE SHOOTING ATTORNEY Deadly force may be used only to stop a subject who poses an imminent threat of injury or death to an officer or others and is attempting to evade capture. Cases involving the use of deadly force by police ...

Posted By Scott Hughes 10-Dec-2015

School District's can be Sued for Child Sexual Abuse by Teachers

In California, If a child is sexually abused by a teacher at a public school, the school district can be financially liable to pay the damages to the child for the sexual abuse of the teacher. Typical Causes of Action against the Teacher and School ...

Posted By Scott Hughes 8-Dec-2015

Orange County Traumatic Brain Injury Cases

What Happens to Your Body During a Traumatic Brain Injury Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are a leading cause of permanent disability and even death following tragic car accidents in Orange County. When you're cruising on the 405 or driving over ...

Posted By Scott Hughes 30-Nov-2015

Recent Breakthroughs in Orange County Spinal Cord Accident Injury Research

Recent Breakthroughs in Orange County Spinal Cord Accident Injury Research Spinal cord injuries are some of the most devastating, painful, and common injuries that occur during an accident. Minor spine injuries cause discomfort and pain when sitting ...

Posted By Scott Hughes 23-Nov-2015

Orange County Auto Accident Case Overview

Orange County Auto Accident Case Overview You're not a lawyer and you've likely never been a plaintiff in a serious civil lawsuit, so you shouldn't be embarrassed that you don't know exactly what will happen during your Orange County ...

Posted By Scott Hughes 17-Nov-2015

U.S. Supreme Court Tightens Restrictions on Suing Los Angeles Police Department Officers for Excessive Force

U.S. Supreme Court Tightens Restrictions on Suing Los Angeles Police Department Officers for Excessive Force In order to sue a Los Angeles Police Department officer for using deadly force against a loved one, you must now show that the force was ...

Posted By Scott Hughes 20-Jan-2015

California Mirena Injury Lawyer

Mirena is an IUD that was approved in January 2000 for contraception and later in 2009 was approved for control of menstruation. Mirena is regulated as a device by the FDA because of the medications it releases and is approved under the food drug and ...

Posted By Scott Hughes 18-Jan-2015

Orange County Sexual Abuse Victim Lawyer

Sexual molestation and assault of students by caretakes such as teachers, priests, and ministers are the most eggregious violations of trust a person can violate. Lately, victims of these types of offenses have been coming forward and complaining and ...

Posted By Scott Hughes 31-Mar-2014

Drivers Taking 'Selfies' Pose New Distraction for Orange County Motorists

Young drivers taking self-portraits with camera phones —“selfies”—are putting themselves and other motorists at risk of auto accidents. The American Automobile Association has expressed concerns about the new form of ...

Posted By Scott Hughes 24-Feb-2014

California Medical Malpractice Statute of Limitations Tolling

The California Court of Appeal in Maher v. County of Almeda, recently held that health care providers' act of leaving a biliary stent in a patient's body for years after it lost any effectiveness and should have been explanted triggered the ...

Posted By Scott Hughes 18-Jun-2013

Orange County Car Accident Lawsuit Damages

The following is a list of some of the types of damages that can be awarded in an Orange County Auto Accident lawsuit: Compensatory Damages A person damaged through another's negligence may recover such amount as will compensate him for all ...

Posted By Scott Hughes 25-Apr-2013

Orange County Personal Injury Evaluation

Personal Injury Evaluation Orange County It is important to know that Orange County Personal Injury Attorney, Scott Hughes, does not settle a case until the exact nature of the client's medical condition has been determined. It may take several ...

Posted By Scott Hughes 12-Apr-2013

Orange County Personal Injury Lawyer Evaluation of Liability

Evaluating liability of potential defendant The all-important issue for your Orange County Personal Injury Lawyer is whether the potential defendant's liability is clear or whether there is a substantial likelihood of a finding of comparative ...

Posted By Scott Hughes 11-Apr-2013

Orange County Police Abuse Lawyer

Orange County Police Abuse and Excessive Force Lawyer A civil action may be filed in state or federal court, or both, against a police officer or the officer's employer to recover damages for personal injuries or wrongful death sustained during ...

Posted By Scott Hughes 1-Apr-2013

Child Victims of Medical Malpractice in Orange County

Children who are victims of medical malpractice in Orange County often suffer significant injury or death during birth. Birth injuries include cerebral palsy, shoulder dystocia, Erb's palsy, and other injuries that arise during pregnancy or at ...

Posted By Scott Hughes 31-Mar-2013

Orange County Mesothelioma Lawyer

Orange County Mesothelioma and asbestos-related injury victims deserve justice. Orange County Mesothelioma lawyer Scott D. Hughes works tirelessly for justice for mesothelioma victims. If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with mesothilioma, ...

Posted By Scott Hughes 30-Mar-2013

Orange County YAZ Lawsuits

Yaz Injury Claims Many healthy young women have suffered serious injuries from taking birth control pills such as YAZ. Women have reported dangerous blood clots, heart attacks, strokes and other serious health problems that can be traced to their use ...

Posted By Scott Hughes 11-Feb-2013

Hit by a Drunk Driver in Orange County

Have you or someone you know been hit by a drunk driver in Orange County? If you or someone you know or love has been hit by a drunk driver in Orange County, you may be entitled to compensation. Along with criminal prosecution, a person can be sued ...

Posted By Scott Hughes 24-Nov-2012

Hit by a car while crossing the street in Orange County

If you or a loved one was walking or on a bicycle and was hit by a car, truck or bus, while crossing the street, you may have a claim against the driver for your injuries. Your claim may include payment for your medical bills and pain and suffering. ...

Posted By Scott Hughes 17-Nov-2012

Need an Attorney for Brain Injury for baby Children's Hospital

A brain injury can occur during delivery in which the skull, brain or spine are injured as a result of the negligence of the doctors and nurses treating the patient. Traumatic injuries of skull, brain, or spine are injured can lead to death or ...

Posted By Scott Hughes 12-Oct-2012

Orange County Car Accident Lawyer

Orange County Car Accident Attorney If you have been injured in a car accident in Orange County you may be concerned about how to prove the other person is at fault or how your're going to pay your medical bills or recovey your lost wages. Orange ...

Posted By Scott Hughes 22-Sep-2012

Orange County Alcohol-Related Accident Injury Lawyer

Alcohol related accident injury Attorney, Orange County If you or your loved one has been injured by the negligence of a driver under the influence of alcohol or drugs or both, you may have a claim for negligence and punitive damages. Punitive ...

Posted By Scott Hughes 14-Jul-2012

Orange County Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Walking While Distracted - Distracted or Negligent Driving Can Cause Pedestrian Accident! Walking while distracted can be dangerous. There was a report that a 20-year-old student was killed by a bus in Orange County recently while jogging and ...

Posted By Scott Hughes 10-Jul-2012

Orange County Uninsured/ Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Orange County Uninsured/ Underinsured Motorist Coverage Over one third of drivers lack insurance statewide according to the California Department of Insurance. Every automobile insurance policy must include uninsured motorist coverage unless the ...

Posted By Scott Hughes 19-Jun-2012

Federal Tort Claims Act Cases

Federal Tort Claims Act Cases If you have been injured by the negligence of employees acting on behalf of the United States, you may file a civil suit against the Federal Government claiming damages for the alleged personal injury, pursuant to the ...

Posted By Scott Hughes 16-Jun-2012

How to File an Orange County Government Claim

How to File an Orange County Government Claim California Tort Claims Act governs personal injury claims against the State of California, public entity, county or local governmental entity and its employees under California Government (Gov’t) ...

Posted By Scott Hughes 12-Jun-2012

Orange County Bus Passenger's Injury Claims

All road accidents are unfortunate, accidents involving buses or common carriers are more so, because of the greater number of casualties a single accident can cause. Injury while travelling as a passenger on a bus or other form of public transport ...

Posted By Scott Hughes 9-Jun-2012

Orange County Work Related Injuries

Work Related Injuries in Orange County Work related accidents may sometimes cause serious injuries. Work injuries involve injuries sustained by an employee arising out of and in the course of their employment. Work related injuries can be caused due ...

Posted By Scott Hughes 10-May-2012

Negotiating an Auto Accident Settlement

Negotiating an auto accident settlement with an auto insurance company is very common because each year approximately 2 million Americans are injured in automobile accidents of which 20,000 accidents are fatal. California is a fault liability state ...

Posted By Scott Hughes 4-May-2012

Injured on Defective Exercise Equipment in Orange County

Being injured on exercise equipment is quite common because Fitness and sports centers are very popular in Orange County and Los Angeles County. According to U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), defective sports and exercise equipment ...

Posted By Scott Hughes 30-Mar-2012

Orange County Dog Bite Cases

According to a recent Press Enterprise news article dated March 14, 2012, Animal Control officers seized a Pit Bull dog in Cathedral City, California and euthanized it for rabies after it attacked a 3-year-old girl and bit her on the face. There was ...

Posted By Scott Hughes 20-Feb-2012

Texting while Driving is more Dangerous than driving at a .08 BAC

Texting while driving has been illegal since July, 1, 2011 and is now one of the most dangerous things to do while driving, even more dangerous than drunk driving. Although no research has been published on this point yet, I am sure the data will ...

Posted By Scott Hughes 30-Jun-2011

What happens if I am in a Car Accident and Someone Sues Me?

The first thing you should do is to contact your insurance company or insurance agent immediately and forward and documents you received. The insurance company has lawyers that will be assigned to your case and they will defend you against any ...

Posted By Scott Hughes 9-Apr-2011

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month!

April 1st, 2011, marked the first day of the nation’s first Distracted Driving Awareness Month. Congress designated the month to increase awareness of efforts to target distracted driving. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) has announced a ...

Posted By Scott Hughes 25-Feb-2011

Products Liability: An Overview and What to Do If You Have Been Injured by a Product

As consumers, we purchase products with the belief that whoever made them for our use did so with our safety and well being in mind. Even if that is the case, sometimes mistakes occur and our safety becomes compromised. If you have been injured by a ...

Posted By Scott Hughes 11-Feb-2011

Is Susceptibility to Future Injury or Harm Compensable in a Personal Injury Case?

Is Susceptibility to Future Injury or Harm Compensable? After treatment for most injuries, symptoms disappear and the patient might be feeling better. However, injured areas such as the neck and back may be left more susceptible to reinjury, a new ...

Posted By Scott Hughes 1-Feb-2011

Why Should I get Uninsured Motorist Insurance Coverage?

If you obtain uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage and an uninsured or underinsured motorist hits you causing personal injury, you will be able to obtain coverage for up to the limits that you purchased. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage ...

Posted By Scott Hughes 11-Jan-2011

5 things you should do after an Auto Accident

1. STOP : If you are involved in an automobile accident, you are required by law to stop. If you fail to stop, you could be charged with a hit and run or leaving the scene of an accident and be subject to criminal prosecution. Pull over to a safe ...

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