Representing Military Families in Personal Injury Cases
Did you know that almost half of military service members experience at least one injury annually with musculoskeletal injuries accounting for most of the injuries? (1) Additionally, Orange County’s military families face unique challenges when injured. The Law Office of William Bruzzo is dedicated to representing military families in personal injury cases, ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve. Whether it is a traumatic brain injury, a spinal cord injury, or any other type of serious harm, our office is here to help. An Orange County military injury attorney can make sure your rights are protected if you become injured.
Potential Cases for Military Family Personal Injury Representation
Deployment Injuries
Injuries sustained during military deployment, including exposure to hazardous materials, require highly technical knowledge to effectively represent military families. These cases involve unique legal and logistical challenges that require an Orange County military lawyer with experience in this area to ensure the best possible outcome for the injured service member and their family. Generally, it is not possible to sue the military for being wounded in action, but if you were injured outside of active combat due to the negligence of the military, it may be possible.
Accidents On-Base
Accidents such as slip and falls, vehicle crashes, and training accidents that occur on military installations can result in serious injuries for military service members and their families. When representing military families in personal injury cases, be sure to hire someone with extensive experience in handling on-base accidents, who understands the unique legal considerations that arise in these situations. Navigating military protocol and the federal government’s bureaucracy is not for the faint of heart!
Accidents Off-Base
Injuries occurring in civilian communities due to negligence, like car accidents or product liability cases, are another potential area where an Orange County military family personal injury lawyer can make a world of difference. A lawyer with experience in both personal injury law and military law can help ensure that the rights of military families are protected.
Medical Malpractice
Negligent medical treatment received at a military hospital or clinic can have severe consequences for service members and their families. Since 2019, military members have filed 597 medical malpractice claims and just 20 (three percent) of them were approved. When representing military families in personal injury cases involving medical malpractice, it is essential to have a deep understanding of medical laws and regulations specific to the military.
Ways to Best Represent Military Families
Negotiating a Settlement, If Feasible
Exploring settlement options with the military claims office is an important strategy for local military families in personal injury cases. As your Orange County military injury lawyer, our office is prepared to negotiate for a fair settlement amount that properly compensates you and your family. Having a skilled negotiator on your side can make a world of difference in reaching a favorable outcome.
Understanding Deployment Hurdles
Representing military families in personal injury cases requires consideration of potential deployment schedules and the associated disruptions to the legal process. Active-duty service members may be deployed at any time, which can significantly affect the timelines and proceedings of a personal injury case. Your Orange County military injury lawyer should be well-versed in handling these unique circumstances to ensure the smooth progress of the case.
Consult with Potential Expert Witnesses
Expert witnesses can come from various fields, including medical professionals, accident reconstruction specialists, military occupational experts, or mental health professionals. Their role is to objectively evaluate the circumstances surrounding your case and provide their professional opinion based on their expertise. This can be instrumental in establishing liability and causation, as well as quantifying damages.
By involving expert witnesses, your Orange County military injury lawyer can enhance the credibility of your case and increase your chances of a favorable outcome. Their testimonies can help establish the link between the accident and your injuries, proving that the negligence of the military directly caused your injury. They can also help determine the full extent of your injuries, including their long-term impact on your physical and emotional well-being.
Why It’s Important to Work with an Orange County Attorney Who Knows Military Cases
Generally speaking, it is not possible for military service members to sue the federal government. Even if the military is negligent, there are a variety of hurdles and red tape to maneuver. As an Orange County military injury lawyer, here are just a few considerations that make military cases different than civilian ones:
Jurisdiction Concerns
It is important to understand the jurisdictional issues that can arise in personal injury cases involving military families. Depending on the nature of the injury and the circumstances surrounding your case, there exists the potential for federal court involvement. Again, it is critical to have a lawyer who is knowledgeable in working in federal court because it is a different animal.
Military Benefits Impact
Something that can be overlooked by non-military lawyers when representing military families in personal injury cases is how the injury claim can interact with existing military benefits. Military service members and their families are eligible for various benefits, such as medical treatment, disability ratings, and retirement pay. Sadly, these benefits may be impacted by filing a personal injury claim. To ensure maximum compensation is obtained, choose your lawyer wisely!
Military Claims Act
When representing military families in personal injury cases, knowledge of the Military Claims Act is essential. This act governs most claims against the U.S. military and includes important information regarding deadlines, filing requirements, and potential limitations on recovery. If your personal injury lawyer is not well-versed on this legislation, we really recommend finding someone else to handle your case.
Your Trusted Orange County Military Injury Attorney
If you or a loved one on active duty in Orange County has been injured, the Law Office of William Bruzzo is here to provide the support and advocacy that your family deserves. Our experienced, talented, and caring legal team understands the unique hurdles faced by military families dealing with personal injury cases. Let us fight for your rights and help you secure the compensation you are legally entitled to. To speak to an Orange County military injury lawyer today, contact our office to set up a free case review and get some legal advice.
