WRONGFUL DEATH

The unexpected death of a loved one as a result of an accident or defective product – like a car accident, construction accident or medical malpractice – is one of the worst situations a family can face.

If you are a surviving spouse, parent or child of a loved one who was killed through the fault or negligence of another person, a business entity or an agency, Rika Bird & Associates may be able to help.

We are experienced in wrongful death cases involving a wide range of accidents, including but not limited to the following:

• Automobile accidents
• Catastrophic injuries
• Construction accidents
• Criminal assault and negligent security
• Cruise ship accidents

We understand the terrible emotional and financial impact that a wrongful death can have on a family. The loss of a primary or supporting breadwinner may mean that the family no longer has the money to meet daily living expenses, or plan for a child’s upbringing and education.

CONSTRUCTION ACCIDENTS

If you've been in an accident at a construction site, you have probably already run into medical and financial disputes. In the midst of the commotion, you may be questioning, "Do I need an attorney?" The answer, of course, depends on your situation, but most likely the answer is yes. Here are some things you should think about in considering hiring a construction accident attorney:

How Would a Construction Accident Attorney Help?

Having a competent construction accident attorney in your corner can help by understanding how to file a civil suit and under what legal concepts to bring to the case, as well as help you with a workers' compensation claim, if pertinent. A capable construction accident attorney can help you recover losses resulting from your accident on the job and diminish the amount of paperwork and aggravation related to your possible insurance, as well as legal claims. Hiring a lawyer can mean the difference between an honorably resolved case and losing money caring for your injuries from your accident.

When to Hire a Construction Accident Lawyer

The ideal scenario is to hire a competent lawyer early in the process to avoid costly errors. The deadline to file your accident claims may vary with insurers. Because you may need to pay for medical bills and cover any lost wages, you should not hesitate to contact an attorney right away. Typically, the time span that an injured worker should contact an attorney after the accident occurs should be immediate. If a representative of your employer or an insurance company offers you a settlement plea, do not be so quick to sign on the dotted line until you have an opportunity to speak with an attorney. The settlement may not be in your best interest, particularly if you have more injuries or financial losses that are not accounted for in the settlement.

Here is a list of the most common causes of construction accidents:

• Construction vehicles (bulldozer, backhoe, crane, tractor, truck)
• Electrical injuries or shock
• Excavations
• Falls
• Road work zones
• Ladder/scaffolding failure
• Signs, signals and barricades
• Walking-working surfaces
• Welding

Begin with contacting Rika Bird & Associates.

AUTO ACCIDENTS

Every day accidents not involving personal injury do not necessitate a car accident attorney.

Nonetheless, if your accident comprises injury, medical costs, pain and suffering, emotional repercussions, and any other type of suffering, obtaining a personal injury lawyer may be necessary for the success of your overall recovery.

What comprises accident negligence cases?

Examples of accident negligence cases include all types of vehicular accidents that were caused by an individual's negligence while driving.

Auto accidents can be a result of simple failure to stop or yield at traffic signals, possibly as a consequence of talking and/or texting on a cell phone while driving; or by more complex road conditions, such as improper grading or insufficient signage; or as a direct result of equipment failure, driver fatigue or error, inadequate loading, driving under the influence of alcohol, or poor maintenance. When these accidents happen, the magnitude of potentially disastrous physical injuries, vehicle damage and even wrongful death are traumatic for the families involved.

Motorcycle accidents are also another factor that plays a role in the increase of cause of death or injury on the road.

If you are involved in a car, truck, train, or motorcycle accident contact Rika Bird & Associates, we are here to help.

CATASTROPHIC INJURY

Each day devastating accidents are caused by cars, trucks, boats, construction equipment, medical malpractice or unsafe premises to name a few. These accidents can be life altering for the victims and their families.

What is considered a catastrophic injury?

Catastrophic or serious injuries can transpire in virtually any circumstance. They can occur while driving on a highway, crossing the street, or while doing household chores. Catastrophic injuries can include the following:

• Head or brain injuries that end in the loss of hearing or sight, difficulties with motor skills, or diminished cognitive functions
• Neck or spinal cord injuries that result in partial or total paralysis
• Serious burn injuries
• Damage to internal organs, such as the heart, kidneys, or lungs
• Dismembered, amputated, or broken arms, legs, hands, feet, fingers, or toes
• Catastrophic brain injuries
• Paralysis
• Spinal cord injury

As a result of a catastrophic injury, victims' lives can be drastically altered, never being able to work or lead a normal life again. Often they face a lifetime of costly medical and rehabilitative treatment.

Our primary goal at the law firm of Rika Bird & Associates is to vigorously fight for victims and their family members, so they can collect the financial compensation to which they are entitled from the parties at fault. From the very beginning, we will take the time to conduct a complete investigation of the catastrophic injury to identify all of the underwriting aspects and the parties involved.

As a client here's what you can expect from our firm:

• Honest legal representation
• Practical and tailored solutions
• Accessibility to the attorney managing your case
• An extensive network of industry experts in applicable fields