Has Your Vehicle Been Damaged in a Collision? Do You Know the California Auto Body Repair Consumer Bill of Rights?

November 8, 2012 By

You’ve just been in an accident and your vehicle is damaged. You need to get it repaired and you need a rental car. What are your rights?

In this podcast, Mitch explains 6 important things you need to know to protect your rights under California property damage law. We also share info and contact information about the California Department of Consumer Affairs  (Bureau of Automotive Repair) and the California Department of Insurance (Consumer Services Division).

Please feel free to share this information with your family and friends. Click here to listen to the podcast…

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

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Our 6 Most Frequently Asked Questions and Answers…

November 6, 2012 By

Questions about your Orange County Personal Injury or Wrongful Death CaseHere are the 6 most popular questions we’re asked each week by potential clients. Click on the link to see our detailed answers…

When new clients call our firm, we really try to take time and answer all their questions. Some callers ask the questions, “how much will this cost me?” or “what is a contingency fee?”. Others ask for help with their small claim matters.

These are very good questions but without a doubt, the most common 6 questions we’re asked each and every week are as follows:

(1) Do I really need a lawyer?

(2) How do I find a good lawyer?

(3) Now that I’ve found a lawyer who I think is good, what questions should I ask him or her?

(4) I’ve been in an accident. What should I do next?

(5) If I hire you, what will you do for me?

(6) What damages am I entitled to for my injury?

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For more details, information and tips with finding, interviewing and hiring a lawyer, get our FREE 97+ page ebook entitled, “The Truth About Your California Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Case”

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DO AS I SAY, NOT AS I SUE: Exposing the Lawsuit-Happy Hypocrites of U.S. Chamber’s Institute for Legal Reform

April 18, 2012 By

consumer rights and lawsuit abuseThe Institute for Legal Reform (ILR), an arm of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, has the sole mission of restricting the ability of individuals harmed by negligent corporations to access the civil justice system. According to the multinational corporations that finance ILR, American businesses are hindered by too many lawsuits. Yet these same corporations show no hesitation in liberally using the courthouse themselves. Here are the facts in this very interesting 19 page report…

 

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24 Things You May Have Missed From Jackson and Wilson in 2011…

December 30, 2011 By

24 new updates from Orange County attorneys Jackson and Wilson
New free services: “Telephone Tuesdays”, “Webinar Wednesdays”, “Twitter Thursdays” and “Facebook Fridays”

 

Please join Jackson & Wilson on YoutubeNew videos on our updated Youtube Channel!

 

Webinars- Free Wednesday Webinars for people who need legal help

 

New ebooks and reports including our brand new and extremely popular ebook entitled, “The Truth About Your California Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Case”

 

Social media links for Jackson & WilsonUpdated social media links: Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin and Google Plus

 

Facebook- Updated Jackson and Wilson Facebook Page. Are you one of our 10,700 “friends”?

 

Twitter- Updated Twitter page- 11K followers get daily updates. Do you?

 

Videos and Lawyers ABA Journal interview of Jon Mitchell JacksonAmerican Bar Association Magazine article featuring senior partner, Mitch Jackson and entitled, Lights, Camera, New Business: Video Shows Human Side of Practice

 

Testimonials- Dozens of new testimonials from satisfied clients and distinguished lawyers

 

MyVideoLawyer.com- New free video service at MyVideoLawyer.com allows you to meet with our senior partners from the comfort of your own home

 

2011 articles, interviews and commentary by Mitch JacksonLawyers.com interviews and commentary

Family Settles with Exterminator Whose Poisons Killed Their Children

How Facebook Could Ruin Your Case

Juror Use of Social Media, Blogs Compromises Cases

 

Have a legal question? Why not ask Mitch?AskMitchJackson.com- New free service for lawyers- Get your litigation and trial questions answered for free.

 

New J&W smart phone app- New free app gives you 24/7 legal protection in the palm of your hand!

 

New list “100+ Things We Do For Our Clients”

 

New “connect tool” allows you to contact us via the web from almost anywhere in the world!

 

Mitch Jackson interview showing you how to find and hire a good Orange County California personal injury or wrongful death lawyerLive Interview: “Three Good Ways to Find an Excellent Lawyer and Nine Questions You Need to Ask When You Interview Him or Her

 

Trial tips for trial lawyersNew ebook entitled, “The Five Most Common Mistakes We See Lawyers Make at Trial”

 

VeriSign- Jackson and Wilson web site “approved” by respected company VeriSign

 

“Hot Coffee” movie (The truth about the McDonalds case) finally available to consumers

 

2011 settlements and verdicts

 

Orange County lawyer award for Jackson and Wilson2011 lawyer awards, rankings and ratings (Southern California Super Lawyer, AV Rating 10 year anniversary, nominated trial lawyer of the year…)

 

2011 videos to help educate consumers about their important legal rights (subscribe to our Youtube Channel!)

 

Updated “Attorney to Attorney” referral program- Learn how to generate an additional income without taking on any new clients or cases!

 

New free email newsletters. 7,500+ readers can’t be wrong!

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Three Good Ways to Find a GREAT Lawyer

December 8, 2011 By

3 Good Ways to Find an Excellent LawyerFinding the “right” lawyer to help you with your case can and will make a HUGE difference in how happy you are with the final outcome.

Selecting a lawyer who has the ability and expertise to help you with your case will maximize your chances of a successful outcome. In personal injury and wrongful death cases, choosing an experienced lawyer who has an excellent reputation will make the other side’s insurance company and defense attorney think twice about how they handle your claim and case. Getting the right lawyer to protect your legal interest will help you maximize the value of your case and get the results you are also entitled to.

In personal injury cases, injured consumers need an experienced attorney who has a strong passion for your case, your legal rights, and who specializes in representing people and families involved in personal injury and wrongful death cases. This means the attorney who is good at what he or she does and is passionate about helping victims. We’re talking about a trial attorney who enjoys practicing law and enjoys taking cases to trial.

Why is this so important? Because skill, ability and reputation for trying cases are all important when it comes to investigating, litigating, settling or trying a personal injury case. Successful trial attorneys carefully balance and implement focus, expertise, perseverance, native ability and an affinity for negotiation and litigation that frankly, not every lawyer can muster.

It’s important to understand that the lawyer you eventually hire to handle your case is actually working for you… not the other way around. Your best interest should always come first.

So, What’s The Best Way To Find A Good Lawyer? Well, here are our favorite 3 ways…

 

Approach No. 1- Personal Referrals From Qualified Sources

First of all, keep in mind that the right lawyer for you is someone who not only can provide you with the correct answers to all 9 questions outlined in our popular FREE ebook (instant online access or download) entitled, “The Truth About Your California Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Case”, but is also someone you are comfortable with and who you can trust. If the attorney has made a good first impression with you, there’s a pretty good chance that he or she will also make a good first impression with the other side (insurance companies and defense attorneys) and if necessary, also to a judge and jury. But how do you find this attorney? What resources are available?

The first thing we recommend that you do is look for an attorney who is recognized as being one of the “experts” in your town or area. Someone who meets all of the qualifications described in this book, and then some.

If you have friends or family who you respect and who were very satisfied with experiences they had with a personal injury attorney, you may want to start there. If you know a good lawyer who handles other types of legal matters (for example, estate planning or criminal defense), ask him or her for the names and numbers of the top 2 or 3 lawyers in town who handle the type of law that you need help with. In personal injury and wrongful death cases, good lawyers know who they would hire if they needed the “best” personal injury lawyer in their area and most lawyers would be happy to share these names with you.

Friends at work and even company supervisors or bosses may also be able to provide you with one or more names. Personal referrals are a great way to go. We have an excellent database with the names of highly rated personal injury attorneys all across the United States. Feel free to contact us if you would like the names of a couple of lawyers in your area to interview.

 

Approach No. 2- Martindale-Hubbell and AAJ

If you are unable to get a personal referral from a trusted friend or professional acquaintance, go to the Martindale-Hubbell (martindale.com), American Association for Justice (justice.org), The National Trial Lawyers (thenationaltriallawyers.com) or AVVO (avvo.com) web sites and do a search for the type of lawyer you need. The above sites primarily are focused on personal injury and wrongful death lawyers and cases. Hint- at the Martindale site, limit your search to “AV” rated lawyers. As mentioned below, a top “AV” rating is a good indicator of the lawyer’s ability, reputation and ethics. It identifies a lawyer and firm as having (1) very high to preeminent legal ability and (2) the highest level of expertise, experience, integrity and overall professional excellence.

Did someone you trust in Approach No. 1 give you a couple of names? If so, then you may also want to use the above web sites to research each lawyer and find out what their ratings are.

 

Approach No. 3- Contact Your Local Attorney Organization (Bar)

Another good way to find an experienced lawyer is to contact your local bar association (your local lawyer organization) and ask them for the names and numbers of the past two presidents of that organization. Next, contact the law offices of these individuals and ask the question, “Do you handle personal injury cases (or whatever type of legal matter you need help with)?” If not ask, “Who would you hire to represent your family in a personal injury case?”

These lawyers are extremely busy. While you may not be able to speak with the attorney directly, his or her secretary or assistant should be able to share the names and numbers of outstanding personal injury lawyers with you who practice in your home town.

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TIPS

1. Just because someone “knows” and shares the name of a lawyer with you doesn’t mean that lawyer is any good at practicing law or trying cases. Use the above steps to investigate further.

2. Regardless of who is recommended to you, make sure you are comfortable with the lawyer and able to “connect” with him or her. Some lawyers have dynamic personalities and are exciting to be around. Others have the personality of a wet dish rag. Following these tips to make sure you find the right lawyer to help you with your unique case.

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More tips about finding and interviewing a lawyer entitled, here…

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Jackson and Wilson Partner Featured in American Bar Association Journal (December)

December 1, 2011 By

American Bar Association Mitch Jackson article about lawyers using videosIn a recent American Bar Association Journal article entitled, “Lights, Camera, New Business: Video Shows Human Side of Practice”, Senior Partner, Jon Mitchell Jackson was interview about how his firm is using video to help educate injured consumers.

According to Mitch, “We’ve enjoyed putting videos together to help victims of personal injury and wrongful death understand what their legal rights are and what needs to be done to take on big insurance. Obviously we have a long ways to go before our videos will be compared to the work of Steven Spielberg but hey, that’s not our focus.”

It’s all about helping people make informed decisions. With all the 24/7 hype big insurance is feeding consumers on television and over the radio, most injury victims don’t really know what they’re up against after a serious accident.

Mitch adds, “The fact of the matter is that I can’t tell you how many times someone has called to thank us for the information they watched in one of our videos. For the average injured consumer who needs help and is searching the internet at 2 in the morning for a good lawyer, the last thing on his or her mind is video quality or sound. It’s all about the content. Bottom line, we’re glad that our videos help.”

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To watch videos about our cases or things you should know and do to protect your legal rights, click here…

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Join Us For Our Next FREE Wednesday Evening Webinar

November 30, 2011 By

 

Our FREE Wednesday Evening Webinar…

 

We became lawyers more than a quarter of a century ago because we like to help people. Nothing is more gratifying than making sure the important rights of personal injury and wrongful death victims are protected from wrongdoers and their insurance companies.

When people ask what we do, we tell them “We stop bad things from happening to good people.”

 

Here’s the problem we’ve observed over the past 25+ years…

Most personal injury victims and families experiencing a wrongful death are simply not aware how difficult it can be to legally recover compensation for the harm and devastating loss. They don’t realize that in most cases, victims and their families are forced to take on highly trained claims adjusters and defense attorneys hired by multibillion dollar insurance companies.

Victims and their families fail to appreciate the fact that trying to handle their own personal injury or wrongful death case without a lawyer is like putting a baby bunny rabbit into a cage with a hungry, full grown lion. The outcome is not only predictable but painful (especially if you’re the bunny)!

 

Insurance is a Big “Profit Oriented” Business

Insurance companies are in business to make money. Each year the major companies earn billions of dollars in profits and their claims adjusters earn huge end-of-year bonuses for minimizing what they pay out in claims and maximizing how much money they help the company executives put in their pockets.

Insurance claims adjusters are highly trained professionals. Their job is to do what’s best for their company, not what’s best for you. Now, in all fairness and as with any profession, you get the good with the bad. The tough part is that it’s difficult, if not impossible, for most people to tell the difference.

And that’s why we are making this FREE Wednesday evening Webinar available to all injured consumers (insurance defense attorneys and insurance claims adjusters are not invited).

 

Don’t Be Denied Justice

Too many victims simply don’t know how to protect their legal rights. Because of this, they are denied justice.

Well, it doesn’t have to be this way. In fact, with good information and the right lawyer, you can protect your rights and receive fair and reasonable compensation. As a matter of fact, in serious injury and life changing cases, selecting and being represented by the right lawyer may be one of the most important decisions you ever make.

The problem we’ve watched people make over and over is that too many people make the wrong decisions at the beginning of their cases that forever prevent them from obtaining justice. To make matters worse, most of these people never even know they did something wrong.

 

THE SOLUTION…

To help solve this problem, we decided to share everything we know with victims of personal injury and families who have experienced a tragic wrongful death. We’re talking about more than two decades of tips, tools and information. To do this, we believe the most effective way is via this free webinar.

You see, there are very good lawyers willing to help you with your case. The challenge for most people is that they simply don’t know how to find, interview and then hire these lawyers.

Until now!

During our free Wednesday evening webinar, we show good people exactly how to find, interview and eventually hire the perfect lawyer for them.

We explain 3 very good ways to find an experienced and top-rated personal injury or wrongful death lawyer in their town. We also reveal 9 important questions (together with detailed answers) that you need to ask EVERY single lawyer you interview. When it’s all said and done, the point of our webinar is to simply help protect your legal rights and show you how to MAXIMIZE the settlement or jury verdict in your case.

Twitter Tip: Use #JWLaw during the event to participate in our real time twitter feed.
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VERY IMPORTANT TIP! You only have one chance to settle your case or take it to trial. Once you sign the settlement documents or get a jury verdict, your case is over.

Because of this fact, we recommend that you listen to and watch our free webinar BEFORE you talk to a lawyer and BEFORE you talk to a representative of an insurance company.

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How to Win Your Small Claims Case

November 10, 2011 By

Orange County Small Claims CourtMost California Superior Court cases can take 1-2 years before they are resolved. The process is expensive and in our opinion, without a lawyer representing your legal interest, you have little chance of winning your case.

On the other hand, small claims court is a very cost-effective and time saving option to resolve your legal dispute. A properly handled small claims case can be completed in 30-40 days.

Do you really need a lawyer to help you with your dispute?

Most people who contact our office are not aware of the fact that in California, an individual can sue in small claims for up to $7,500. Most businesses and corporations are limited to an amount of up to $5,000. Both individuals and companies are limited to filing 2 small claims cases each year for $2,500 or more. Because of the dollar amounts and, the short period of time it takes to file a case, small claims court can make a great deal of sense to California consumers. You probably do not need a lawyer if the value of your case falls in this range.

So where do you start? What are the steps you need to take to file your small claims case?

The California State Bar provides and excellent pamphlet explaining all the details and steps you need to take to win your small claims court case. We’ve included an easy access link to this pamphlet and recommend that you read this information carefully to give yourself the very best chance of winning in small claims court. You can use this link to read this pamphlet online or to download it and read it later. You may even print it out if you like.

The California Department of Consumer Affairs also has a very good web site describing almost everything you need to know to prepare and successfully prosecute or defend your small claims case.

On their web site, they offer a first-rate book entitled, “The Small Claims Court- A guide to its practical use”. Here’s a link allowing you to read, download or print the book…

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We hope your find this information useful. Visit our online library for more good legal information. Please feel free to contact us with any questions.

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Is Your Insurance Company on This List?

November 3, 2011 By

According to the American Association for Justice, these 10 insurance companies have the worst track record for denying claims and causing unjust harm to consumers. Read this free report and decide for yourself…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Related blog post…

“How Insurance Companies Put Their Best Interest Before Your Own”

“The Ten Worst Insurance Companies”

Radio Interview- “How to Find, Interview and Find the Perfect Lawyer for You”

New eBook entitled, “The Truth About Your California Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Case”

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

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Protect Your Legal Rights. Get this FREE eBook Today…

November 2, 2011 By

Information is power. Being informed when dealing with insurance companies and lawyers is critically important to your success.

Read our brand new and free 90+ page ebook before talking to a lawyer and before talking to an insurance company.  Click here to download your FREE copy today!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Related links…

“The Ugly Truth About How Insurance Companies Settle Cases”

Rabbits and Lions

Who Can You Trust?

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New eBook entitled, “The Truth About Your California Personal Injury or Wrongful Death Case”

October 10, 2011 By

Orange County Personal Injury Attorneys and LawyersInjury Victims Need to Know Their Rights. Our brand new 90+ page eBook entitled, “The Truth About Your California Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Case” tells it like it is.

We hold nothing back and make it a point to share 25 years of insider tips and suggestions to help every victim of personal injury and wrongful death make smart decisions and protect their legal rights. We’re talking about things like…

– Learn 3 good ways to find the perfect lawyer (Chapter 2)

– Find out 9 critical questions you need to ask every lawyer you meet (Chapter 3)

– Read and use the “New Client Checklist” to protect your rights (Chapter 13)

– Get answers to dozens of the most frequently asked questions (Chapter 15)

To keep things fast and simple, no registration is required for the download nor do you need to share your email address. Just visit http://JacksonandWilson.com/books and read this new book online. Or, to read later, simply right click the link to download the book to your computer, iPad or smartphone.

When it’s all said and done, the point of this book is to give injured consumers the tools they need to protect their legal rights and help MAXIMIZE the settlement or jury verdict in their California personal injury or wrongful death case.

TIP- Please share this link with your family and friends and make sure to get your copy today! http://JacksonandWilson.com/books

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Download Our FREE Smartphone App! Get 24/7 legal protection in the palm of your hand!

September 28, 2011 By

App for California Lawyers

It’s important for you and your family members to have immediate access to good legal advice when it’s needed! After all, emergencies don’t generally happen between 9 and 5.

Take time while the family is together over the Thanksgiving Holidays and make sure everybody downloads our FREE smartphone app. Put aside about 60 seconds and make sure everyone has instant access to legal help 24/7.

Although there are actually more than 50 reasons to download the J&W app, here are the 10 most popular…

  • Emergency Numbers
  • Answers to FAQs
  • Legal Checklists
  • “One Click” Phone, Email and Text Connect
  • Directions and Maps
  • Free Advice
  • Live Blog Feeds and Legal News Updates
  • Social Media Links to Facebook, Twitter and Youtube
  • Free Updates
  • New Tools, Services, Updates and More…

All you have to do is search your Apple or Android App store for “California Lawyers” and download your FREE app. (Hint- look for the golden scales of justice)

Orange County Lawyers and Attorneys- Top rated with 25 years experienceImportant Tip- Parents should make sure all teenage children have this easy to use app on the cell phone. You never know when they’ll need access to emergency numbers like police, fire, poison control, criminal defense lawyers, bail bondsman…

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Sara Rose, Kid Lawyer

August 29, 2011 By

lawyers doing good things- lawyers to the rescueDo you have a teenager who loves to argue? Do you have a child who doesn’t mind “presenting” her side of an issue with passion and until she turns blue in the face? Well, if you’re lucky, you may have a future lawyer in the family!

Meet Sara Rose, a tenacious fourth grader who likes to argue. One day, she finds herself representing her class in front of the entire school board. Along the way, Sara learns what lawyers really do and what she’ll have to do to become a real lawyer when she grows up.

If you have a future lawyer in your family or know of someone who may enjoy this book, get it today. It just might be all your child needs to help jump start his or her legal career!

Please note that the proceeds from the sale of this book go to “Lawyers to the Rescue”, a non-profit humanitarian organization created by lawyers to help those in need in times of crisis.

Visit sararosekidlawyer.com or call 305-491-1499 to get your copy today. More info about “Lawyers to the Rescue” can be found at LawyersToTheRescue.org

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California Supreme Court Disappoints Consumers

August 23, 2011 By

Howell case harms consumers

 

High Court Sided Against Consumer Rights in Deciding Howell Case

 

SACRAMENTO (Aug. 18, 2011) – Consumer Attorneys of California President John Montevideo expressed disappointment today over the state Supreme Court’s decision impacting the long-standing legal practice of allowing injury victims to collect damages for the full value of their medical care instead of seeing an award slashed because they carry health insurance.

The court’s decision in Howell v. Hamilton Meats & Provisions Inc. redefines what has been a standard of law in California since the 19th Century and remains the benchmark in nearly every other state.

“This is a setback for consumer rights in California,” Montevideo said. “It favors big business and big insurance over regular people.” The losers are the thousands of auto accident and other injury victims in California. The major beneficiaries are those defendants and liability insurance companies.

The fight came to a head with the case of Rebecca Howell. A former school teacher and professional surfer, Howell was struck by a Hamilton Meats truck after its driver made an illegal U-turn. The accident caused a severe back injury that left Howell unable to work.

After two spinal surgeries, Howell’s medical bills totaled nearly $190,000. Like every patient, Howell was legally responsible for the full cost of her care under California law. Howell was fortunate in having medical insurance that paid for her care.

Hamilton Meats’ insurance attorney convinced a San Diego County Superior Court judge to cut the medical damages portion of the award to less than $60,000 after arguing that the hospitals that had treated Howell had received only that actual cash amount. The rest of the bills were offset by contractual credits negotiated between the hospitals and insurance company that covered Howell.

As a result, Hamilton Meats’ liability insurance company saw the cost of the case reduced by roughly $130,000.

Montevideo said CAOC will continue to access the Supreme Court’s 45-page decision in a search for ways to counter any fallout for consumers.

“Bottom line, we will continue to fight for the rights of victims,” Montevideo said. “Setbacks like Howell, whether perceived or real, only strengthen our resolve.”


Click here to read the Howell case…

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Consumer Attorneys of California is a professional organization for nearly 3,000 plaintiffs’ attorneys representing consumers who utilize the civil justice system to seek accountability against wrongdoers in cases involving personal injury, product liability, environmental degradation and other causes.

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Watch This Video To Learn 5 Ways To Protect Your Legal Rights

July 13, 2011 By

In this short video, Mitch explains 5 things you need to know and do in almost every personal injury and wrongful death case.

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50 Years of Protecting Consumer Rights…

April 27, 2011 By

Consumer Attorneys of California- 50 Years of protecting consumer rights

Orange County consumer attorneys50 years ago the California Trial Lawyers Association was born. Over time, the organization grew and ultimately became the Consumer Attorneys of California.

We’ve been active and proud members of the CAOC for at least two decades and maybe longer (time sure does fly). It’s an organization of more than 3,000 attorneys who represent plaintiffs/consumers and who seek responsibility from wrongdoers…

  • Consumers injured or killed by defective products or drugs;
  • People who suffer discrimination because of age, gender, disability or race;
  • Those injured or killed because of another’s negligent acts;
  • Citizens whose civil rights have been violated;
  • Workers who have been fired unjustly or injured on the job;
  • Investors and others wronged by financial institutions (including failed savings and loans);
  • Insureds whose lives fall apart when an insurance company acts in bad faith and in violation of its own contract;
  • Patients who have been damaged personally and financially by negligent professionals.

We believe that injured consumers need to know that in most instances, the person the CAOC member represents faces an opponent with far more power and access to resources: polluters, governments, big corporations, insurance companies, automobile manufacturers, and banks. CAOC members take cases they view as worthy, invest their own resources in developing and taking such cases to court, often over a several year period, and are paid only from those cases which are successful.

Here’s what CAOC has done for California consumers over the past 50 years…

1. Statute of limitations increased from one year to two.
2. 75 days instead of 28 for notice of a motion for summary judgment.
3. The ability to make 998 offers with pre-judgment interest.
4. The applicability of 998 offers to arbitration proceedings.
5. The Homeowner’s Bill of Insurance Rights.
6. Clarified that anti-SLAPP statute does not apply to big defendants seeking protection.
7. The delayed discovery statute for toxic tortes.
8. Employer liability for non-employee harassment.
9. Ethics and disclosure standards for arbitrators.
10. Prohibition on secret settlements in elder abuse cases.
11. Codification of the peculiar risk doctrine.
12. The right to sue an HMO.
13. The right to sue for age discrimination, overturning Marks v. Loral.
14. Attorney advertising standards.
15. An extension of the statute of limitations for Dalkon Shield claims.
16. The exclusion of the fraudulent failure to disclose policy limits from the litigation privilege, overturning California Dredging.
17. Court authorization procedures for special needs trusts.
18. The Trial Court Delay Reduction Act.
19. A special statute of limitations for asbestos cases.
20. The revival of a cause of action brought for childhood sexual abuse.
21. Three words: Expedited jury trials.
22. Three more words: Standardized electronic discovery.
23. Improved consumer protections for structured settlement purchases.
24. Nation’s first rules requiring reporting on medical radiation overexposure.
25. The social host absolute immunity is now a qualified immunity.
26. The delay reduction rules no longer require severance of unnamed Does prior to conclusion of the introduction of evidence at trial.
27. Amendments to the Welfare and Institutions Code to provide equitable guideposts for resolving Medi-Cal liens.
28. Procedures to address disability access claims.
29. Prevented extension of $250,000 MICRA medical malpractice damages cap to non-economic damages in all personal injury cases.
30. Defeated no-fault auto insurance.
31. Defeated initiatives to limit contingency fees.
32. Defeated initiatives to limit punitive damages.
33. Defeated initiatives to limit class actions.
34. Defeated initiatives limiting right to sue over construction defects.
35. Defeated initiatives to restrict disability access claims
36. Defeated proposals to impose “loser pay” provisions in California.
37. CAOC bills in 2011 would delete off-sets for drivers who purchase uninsured motorist coverage.
38. Change the standard of proof in elder abuse cases to a preponderance of the evidence.
39. Address pre-dispute binding arbitration agreements by changing the standard after a successful motion to compel.
40. Address arbitrary judicial limits on voire dire.
41. Ongoing efforts to ensure the courts are open and justice can be served.
42. Work to elect legislators who see the impact MICRA has on patients who have been injured by medical negligence.
43. Interview and assess each primary candidate in each legislative district.
44. Make strategic decisions as to which candidates to support.
45. Provide financial backing for candidates who believe in consumers and not corporations.
46. Legislative candidates we backed won 19 out of 20 elections in 2010.
47. Helped reduce the number of “Business Democrats” serving in the Legislature.
48. An unmatched record of electoral success, even when opponents spend up to four times as much.
49. Continually a thorn in the side of CJAC, CALA and other capitol tort “reform” vigilantes.
50. Offer terrific on-going education, membership benefits, communications and other services to members.

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Orange County accident and injury lawyers helping accident victims for 25 years

Have a question?  Need help with a personal injury or wrongful death case?  Need a good trial lawyer?  We’re standing by to help. Give us a call today!

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The “No B.S. Insider Legal Tips” Newsletter…

March 22, 2011 By

Orange County accident lawyers newsletter: "No B.S. Insider Legal Tips"
Have you read our latest newsletter?

Thousands of past and present clients, and friends, enjoy our online “No B.S. Insider Legal Tips”.  Do you?

If you’re not on our list, please use the quick and easy box to your right or, at the end of this post. Either way, we’ll make sure you get the next edition!

Click here to read our most recent “No B.S. Insider Legal Tips”

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Past selected issues include…

March 23, 2011

In it we share several concerns and solutions when dealing with insurance companies and, we also formally introduce our new web site which was completely updated and redesigned for 2011!  Click here to read the March 23, 2011 edition right now!

You’ll find an article about “connecting” with us on social media sites such as Facebook, Linkedin, and Twitter and we’ve also included a new video explaining California personal injury law.

Lisa’s recent recognition as one of of the “Top 100 Trial Lawyers” in California is also highlighted together with links to her bio, case results, and other past recognitions.

If you’re not on the free newsletter list, please join us by using the form below. Remember, your privacy is will always be respected and protected.  Your information will not be used for any other purpose other than to share our popular “No B.S. Insider Legal Tips” newsletter with you!

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The Movie, “Hot Coffee”, Will Make Your Blood Boil…

February 22, 2011 By

For many Americans, the famous McDonald’s coffee case has become emblematic of the frivolous lawsuits that clog our courts and stall our justice system.   Or is that exactly what Big Corporate America, Insurance Companies, and McDonald’s wants us to think?

Enter intrepid filmmaker Susan Saladoff. Using the now-infamous legal battle over a spilled cup of coffee as a springboard into investigating our civil-justice system, Saladoff exposes the way corporations have spent millions distorting this case to promote tort reform.   Her film, Hot Coffee, is entered as a documentary in the 2011 Sundance Film Festival.

Big business has brewed an insidious concoction of manipulation and lies to protect its interests, and media lapdogs have stirred the cup.   Following four people whose lives have been devastated by their inability to access the courts, this searing documentary unearths the sad truth that most of our beliefs about the civil-justice system have been shaped or bought by corporate America. Informative, entertaining, and a stirring call to action, Hot Coffee will make your blood boil.

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And speaking about the McDonald’s case, here’s what the talk show pundits and columnists neglected to mention…

79 year old Stella Liebeck suffered third degree burns on her groin and inner thighs while trying to add sugar to her coffee at a McDonalds drive through. Third degree burns are the most serious kind of burn.

McDonalds knew it had a problem.  There were at least 700 previous cases of scalding coffee incidents at McDonalds before Liebeck’s case.  McDonalds had settled many claim before but refused Liebeck’s request for $20,000 compensation, forcing the case into court.

Lawyers found that McDonalds makes its coffee 30-50 degrees hotter than other restaurants, about 190 degrees.  Doctors testified that it only takes 2-7 seconds to cause a third degree burn at 190 degrees.  McDonalds knew its coffee was exceptionally hot but testified that they had never consulted with burn specialist.

The Shriner Burn Institute had previously warned McDonalds not to serve coffee above 130 degrees.  And so the jury came back with a decision- $160,000 for compensatory damages.  But because McDonalds was guilty of “willful, reckless, malicious or wanton conduct” punitive damages were also applied.  The jury set the award at $2.7 million.

The judge then reduced the fine to less than half a million.  Ms. Liebeck then settled with McDonalds for a sum reported to be much less than a half million dollars.  McDonald’s coffee is now sold at the same temperature as most other restaurants.

In our opinion, and based upon the facts, the system works and it works very well.

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Why You Can Trust Us…

January 1, 2011 By

Trust these Orange County California wrongful death and personal injury lawyersTrust doesn’t just happen.  It’s something that is earned over a long period of time.

We first opened our doors 25 years ago. We understood then, as we do now, that the most important four qualities a lawyer and law firm can have are ability, expertise, reputation, and trust. Now, a quarter of a century later, our daily efforts to earn a client’s trust are well documented for you to review and independently analyze.

Please keep in mind that the following reviews and ratings cannot be paid for. In almost every instance, we were not even aware that an award, review or rating was taking place until after it was made.

Having said that, the favorable comments, awards and ratings our clients, other lawyers, and third party rating services have been kind enough to share truly do mean the world to us. We will continue to work hard each day to live up to these honors and to continue to gain the sincere and authentic trust of our clients.

After all, when it’s all said and done, we believe that without trust, you have nothing at all.

Here is some good independent information you may want to take a close look at…

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Testimonials

testimonials of orange county wrongful death attorneysSee what past clients have to say…

See what other lawyers have to say…

 

Recognitions, Ratings, and Awards by Independent Third Party Organizations

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Martindale-Hubbell Top AV RatingTop “AV” Rated by Martindale-Hubbell

Each partner at Jackson & Wilson is a top “AV” rated trial lawyer. An “AV” rating identifies a lawyer and firm with very high to preeminent legal ability and is the highest reflection of expertise, experience, integrity and overall professional excellence. Martindale-Hubbell ratings are established by attorneys for attorneys and as it states, “clearly indicates a demonstration of the highest professional and ethical standards.”

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Bar Register of Preeminent LawyersListed in the Prestigious Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers

The Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers certifies that Jackson & Wilson has once again been recognized for high professional legal standards and ethics in the latest Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers.

The Martindale-Hubbell Bar Register™ is limited to only the most distinguished law practices; those that have achieved the AV® rating in the Martindale-Hubbell® Law Directory. The “A” signifies the highest level of legal ability, while the “V” denotes “very high” adherence to the professional standards of conduct, ethics, reliability and diligence.

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Trial Lawyer of the Year Award in 20092009 “Top Gun” Trial Lawyer of the Year

Each year the Orange County Trial Lawyers Association (OCTLA) recognizes one or more trial lawyers for their work, trial skills, legal ethics and significant accomplishments. In 2009, OCTLA awarded, Jon Mitchell “Mitch” Jackson, as one of Orange County’s 2009 “TOP GUN” Trial Lawyers of the Year for his accomplishments in governmental entity litigation and trial work (wrongful death case).

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Top-rated Orange County trial lawyers handling personal injury and wrongful deathThe National Trial Lawyers

This “invitation only” organization is composed of The Top 100 Trial Lawyers from each state. Membership is obtained through special invitation and is extended only to those attorneys who exemplify superior qualifications of leadership, reputation, influence, stature, and profile as civil plaintiff or criminal defense trial lawyers. It is the mission of The National Trial Lawyers to promote excellence in the legal profession through practical educational programs, networking opportunities, and legal publications that deal with current issues facing The National Trial Lawyer.

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Orange County- Million Dollar Advocates ForumMillion Dollar Advocates Forum (multiple time members)

Established in 1993, the Million Dollar Advocates Forum (which includes the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum) is a prestigious group of trial lawyers in the United States. Membership is limited to attorneys who have won million and multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements. Fewer than 1% of U.S. lawyers are members. Our senior partners are multiple time members.

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Perfect AVVO ratingAvvo Rating- “Superb” 10.0 out of 10.0

The Avvo Rating represents an independent, third party evaluation of a lawyer’s ability, reputation and general background experience. The rating is calculated using a mathematical model developed by Avvo which considers the information shown in a lawyer’s profile, including a lawyer’s years in practice, disciplinary history, professional achievements and industry recognition – all factors that, in Avvo’s opinion, are relevant to assessing a lawyer’s qualifications.

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Orange County personal injury and wrongful death lawyersSouthern California Super Lawyer

Year after year, one or more partners are consistently named a “Southern California Super Lawyer”. In selecting attorneys for Super Lawyers, Law & Politics employs a rigorous, multiphase process. Peer nominations and evaluations are combined with third party research. Each candidate is evaluated on 12 indicators of peer recognition and professional achievement. Selections are made on an annual, state-by-state basis.

The objective is to create a credible, comprehensive and diverse listing of outstanding attorneys that can be used as a resource for attorneys and consumers searching for legal counsel. Since Super Lawyers is intended to be used as an aid in the selection of a lawyer, we limit the list to attorneys who can be hired and retained by the public, i.e., lawyers in private practice and Legal Aid attorneys.

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Legal and Business Success- Rotarian of the Year NominationNominated for 2010 “Business Rotarian of the Year” Award!

Monarch Beach Sunrise Rotary Club has nominated Charter Member and Past President, Jon Mitchell Jackson, for the distinguished Rotary District 5320 “2010 Business Rotarian of the Year” Award.

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There’s Good Reason Why 5,378 Past Clients, Lawyers, Judges, and Friends Follow Us Via our Free Email Newsletter.

Maybe you should too? Click here to get this outstanding free legal update…
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“The Truth About Your California Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Case”

Attorneys in Orange County California- Wrongful Death and Personal Injury lawThere’s a very important reason why we took the time to write this FREE book and share 25+ years of know-how and experience to show you exactly what you need to know and do to protect your important rights. Frankly, too many injured consumers simply don’t know where to start or what to do after a serious personal injury or tragic wrongful death. Our book now gives then access to all the answers 24/7.

If they need a lawyer, they’ll now know how to find a good one.  When they meet with a lawyer, they’ll now know what 9 questions they need to ask.  The answers, checklist and more are only a click away…

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”Trust men and they will be true to you; treat them greatly, and they will show themselves great.”

–Ralph Waldo Emerson

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Potential New Clients

January 1, 2011 By

Orange County personal injury or wrongful death new client intake formDear Potential Client:

Thank you so much for contacting Jackson & Wilson, Inc. Since 1986 we’ve enjoyed successfully helping thousands of people and their families who have experienced a catastrophic personal injury or wrongful death. Hopefully we can help you too.

To get started, please complete our Potential New Client Confidential Questionnaire. We recommend that you take advantage of the easy to use “online web form” found at the bottom of this page. If you like, you can also download and print out the questionnaire by right clicking on the form to your right or via this link (right click to download to your computer)

Tip: When completing either version of our form, it’s very important that you take your time and share as much information as possible. The more detailed information you provide the better we can evaluate your potential case and answer your questions. Please note that we’re contacted by many new potential clients each week. People who take the time and effort to complete and return the questionnaire will receive our top priority and usually are the first to hear back from us.

Hint- If you use the “online web form” below, your answers will be emailed to us and we’ll be in touch as soon as possible. Normally within hours.

For those of you downloading the form to your computer, please return the completed questionnaire to our Orange County office. Our fax number is 949-315-3687 and our email address is help@jacksonwilson.com. You may also mail your questionnaire to Jackson & Wilson, Inc., 23161 Mill Creek Drive, Ste 150, Laguna Hills, CA 92653. Upon our receipt we will review your information and contact you with our opinions and feedback.

New Client Forms
General Authorization
Retainer Agreement

If you’d like review our General Authorization and Contingency Fee Retainer Agreement, you may do so using the convenient links to your right!

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What to do next…

Attorneys in Orange County California- Wrongful Death and Personal Injury law

If you have not already done so, we strongly recommend that you read our free ebook entitled, “The Truth About Your California Personal Injury or Wrongful Death Case”.

You may want to pay particularly close attention to the chapters entitled, “Why You Need a Good Lawyer- Rabbits and Lions”, “Three Ways to Find a Great Lawyer”, and “Nine Questions to Ask Every Lawyer You Interview”.

We also invite you to spend time at this web site. We share videos about real case results and blog posts and links explaining detailed steps about what you need to do to protect your rights. The main links on top will take you to client and lawyer testimonials, case results, books and reports, videos, audios, our experience (awards and recognitions), FAQs, contact information and more.

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Need Help With a Small Claims Case?

Here are several excellent free publications to help you with your small claims case

How Do I Use The Small Claims Court?

Small Claims Court- A guide to its practical use

Until you’ve made a final decision about hiring an experienced lawyer, you may also want to review the following tips for injured consumers.

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Nine Things To Keep In Mind To Protect Your Rights…

1. Contact Information- Inform your attorney immediately of any change of personal or business contact information such as address, telephone number and email address.

2. Refer To Attorney- Use the phrase, “Please contact my attorney with any questions or comments. Here is his/her phone number”

3. Evidence- Provide your attorney with originals of all documents, items and things that may have any relevance to your case.

4. Honest and Forthright- To protect your legal interest, it is critical that you be honest and forthright with your attorney as to all information.

5. Keep Attorney Updated- Contact your attorney immediately with any new information, new developments, evidence, changes in physical or mental condition, witness information…

6. Keep Things Confidential- Do not discuss your legal matter with anyone without first getting your attorney’s approval. This includes your spouse, family, friends, neighbors, employees or news media. The only communications (oral, written and electronic) which are protected from disclosure are those which take place between an attorney and his or her client.

7. Statements- Do not give any statements, written, recorded, or oral, to anyone, including ANY insurance company, concerning your legal matter without first getting the approval of your attorney.

8. Documents and Communications- Do not sign documents, send letters, initiate/ receive telephone calls or electronic communications (email, text message…) concerning your legal matter without first getting the approval of your attorney.

9. Document Creation- Do not compile information or create documents concerning your legal matter without first getting the approval of your attorney.

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Confidential Potential New Client Questionnaire…

Thank you for seeking our help. The more information you share, the better we will be able to serve you. Simply put “N/A” for not applicable if any of the questions do not apply to you. Thanks!

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