Do You Need an LA Personal Injury Lawyer? Here’s How to Know

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If someone harms you through their negligent actions, then you may need an injury lawyer. However, before you reach out to an injury attorney, you have to make sure that you have a valid case in Los Angeles. Remember, filing an injury claim can be a long and stressful process, and you shouldn’t waste your time. 

While determining if you have a valid injury claim may seem intimidating, this is far from true. All you need is a little knowledge and common sense beforehand. You can even contact an injury lawyer and describe the details of your case to them for further help. But before you do that, ask yourself the following questions about your situation.

Did Someone Cause You Harm, and Can You Prove It? 

Someone has to cause you harm before you can file an injury claim in Los Angeles. This means you have to demonstrate some sort of negative impact to your life from the incident—maybe a concussion, or emotional trauma, or damage to your vehicle. But if you can’t pinpoint at least some way that you are worse off because of the accident, you can’t move forward with a claim.

In addition, you can’t file an injury claim unless another party was responsible for your injuries. Even if you suffer from a broken leg in a public place, you cannot file an injury claim unless a person, company, or some other party was responsible for your damages. 

You also have to prove that the other party was responsible for your damages. Having witness statements, police reports, and more are great ways to prove this. Of course, an injury attorney can help you with showing the fault of the other party, as well.

Can You Recover Damages?

Before you can file an injury claim, you must also be able to recover some form of damages. Never forget that the point of an injury claim is to recover compensation for any losses resulting from the action of the other party. But what are some types of damages that allow recovering compensation? 

Medical bills are a common type of damage with an injury claim. When your medical bills are extremely high, you will need help paying for them. Luckily, you can file an injury claim against the other party responsible for your damages. 

Lost wages is another form of compensation you can obtain in your injury claim. When your injuries are severe, you may miss days, weeks, or months of work. Missing out on your hourly wages can severely impact your way of life and leave you in a stressful position. 

Emotional distress includes feelings of anxiety or depression following your injury. When your mental health suffers because of your injury, you may not enjoy life in the same way. As you can see, there are various forms of damages you can receive compensation for through winning your injury claim against the other party. 

Reach Out to an LA Injury Lawyer

Are you still uncertain about whether you need an LA injury lawyer? Do not hesitate to reach out to Custodio & Dubey, LLP. Speaking with one of our Los Angeles injury attorneys can help you determine if you have a valid case against the at-fault party. Don’t hesitate to contact us! 

If you need an injury attorney who can fight for your compensation, call 213-593-9095 or fill out the online contact form at the bottom of this page.

Suing for Passenger Injuries in a Rideshare Vehicle

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Rideshare services began as interesting experiments in public transportation that slowly grew into a multimillion-dollar industry. Now, hopping into a stranger’s vehicle isn’t seen as an odd concept within society. The normalization of rideshare transportation is astonishing, but like most amazing ideas, there’s always a downside.

While using rideshare services, you’re at the mercy of whatever available driver you have at the time. The amount of potential danger you may experience depends on the driving skills and attention to surroundings of your rideshare driver. However, what happens if you’re the victim of a rideshare accident that wasn’t your fault. Who is to blame for your injuries?

Who Pays for Your Damages in a Rideshare Accident? 

The world of rideshare insurance policies is complicated. Unlike regular car accident claims, in which fault for your accident falls entirely on the other driver and their insurance company, rideshare accidents feature a third party, as well. The insurance company representing the rideshare service will also involve be involved. 

But, whose insurance applies to your injuries? The answer to this question is relatively complicated. When your driver has a commercial insurance policy or personal car insurance policy with a special provision providing insurance coverage, you’ll have coverage from their insurance company.

However, it’s highly unlikely that most rideshare drivers will have these special situations during your car accident. Luckily, most major rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft feature $1 million injury policies for accidents that occur during rides. This policy starts the second you enter the rideshare vehicle and ends as soon as you exit the vehicle.

Is it Difficult to Sue Rideshare Companies?

Like many other major industry leaders, rideshare companies such as Uber and Lyft have made it increasingly more difficult to sue them directly. Most rideshare companies consider their workers as independent contract workers instead of traditional employees. 

When attempting to sue for your accident, these rideshare companies will deflect blame onto the driver—who is also required to carry auto insurance just like any other driver—to avoid responsibility for your damages. It’s an uphill battle when you’re going up against a rideshare company, but it’s not impossible to win your case, especially with the help of an experienced car accident lawyer.

Reach Out to an LA Rideshare Attorney 

Do you rely on rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft to get around Los Angeles? Have you spent countless dollars on various drivers? If your answer is yes and you’ve been the victim of a careless driver, you deserve better. We will not let rideshare services get away with not only giving you a poor service but also causing you suffering.

You have options, and no matter the policies of these companies, and Custodio & Dubey, LLP will fight for your right to compensation. No matter what the company may tell you, it’s not invincible from legal consequences because of obtuse policies. To contact one of our rideshare attorneys, call 213-593-9095 or fill out the form below to learn more.

LA Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit: Things to Know Before You File

LA Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit: Things to Know Before You File

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Motorcycles are liberating vehicles that have dominated U.S. cities since their introduction. Riding a motorcycle is a sign of freedom and adventure, and many motorists prefer traveling the open road on them.

However, motorcycles are also one of the most dangerous vehicle types you can choose to drive throughout California. Due to the nature of motorcycles, riders have far less protection than other vehicles.

For this reason, riders risk serious injuries such as traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). These serious injuries are sometimes the result of negligent drivers who risk the lives of other motorists.

When you’re riding a vulnerable vehicle such as a motorcycle, you don’t deserve to have your life put at risk because of irresponsible drivers. The following are essential things you should know before filing an injury claim. 

Who Is Liable In Your Motorcycle Accident? 

Before you seek compensation for your damages, you have to know who caused your accident. Liability in a motorcycle lawsuit can range from a variety of people and even organizations. If another motorcycle or vehicle caused your accident, that driver is liable for your damages. Your lawsuit will be filed against the other vehicle’s insurance company, and these represent a majority of motorcycle lawsuits.

Pedestrians can also be liable for your damages. Actions such as jumping in front of your motorcycle can have them accountable for the damages that are a result of their actions. If the city’s construction or obstacles cause your motorcycle accident, you have a right to seek compensation against the city.

Statute of Limitations for Motorcycle Accidents in LA

In the aftermath of your motorcycle accident, you may be confused about what you should do next. If you’re suffering from intense pain after your injury, this can make your situation worse.

Medical bills and property damage can make your situation feel dire. Your other responsibilities, such as a spouse, kids, and work only add to stress levels. Pursuing legal actions is probably the last thing on your mind.

However, the state of California employs a two-year statute of limitations for motorcycle accidents, which means you have two years from the accident date to file an injury claim. To avoid wasting your time or setting yourself up for disappointment, partner with a knowledgeable attorney who can file the necessary paperwork on time.

Speak with an LA Motorcycle Accident Lawyer 

Custodio & Dubey, LLP is here to help you through your motorcycle accident claim. The risk associated with motorcycle accidents is too great for you to forego compensation for your damages.

Our motorcycle accident attorneys have experience with bike accident cases just like yours and we’re eager to help you. You shouldn’t have your way of life disturbed because of someone’s negligent or careless behaviors. No matter your situation, call us at 213-593-9095 or complete the contact form below. 

How Does Comparative Negligence Work in California?

How Does Comparative Negligence Work in California?

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Sometimes, multiple people are partially responsible for the same accident. You can’t just blame one of those people and let the rest off the hook. This is the problem California personal injury law attempts to solve through the doctrine of comparative negligence.

Instead of one party being blamed for an accident, comparative negligence allows multiple parties to share a percentage of the blame. Even if you understand how comparative negligence works in California, you may not understand how it will affect your personal injury lawsuit.

Keep reading to find out.

The Basics of Comparative Negligence in CA

Comparative negligence allows the victim of a personal injury to receive compensation for their accident even if they’re partially responsible for the accident. However, the amount of compensation the injury victim receives will be reduced in accordance with the percentage of the blame the victim is found to hold.

That means the at-fault party and their attorney are going to do everything they can to make it look like you hold more of the blame than you actually hold. If they’re successful, they can reduce the compensation you receive, leaving you stuck paying for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages that you can’t afford.

The good news is that a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer at our firm can help you understand how comparative negligence works in California and fight to place the blame where it belongs—on the person who injured you.

Cases Comparative Negligence Can Apply To

Comparative negligence can apply in most types of California personal injury cases. The following are some injury case types comparative negligence can apply to:

For example, if you were going a few miles per hour over the speed limit on your motorcycle when a drunk driver hit you, you might hold a small percentage of the blame, but the other driver is going to hold the lion’s share. If you’re found to be 10 percent liable for your injuries and you are awarded $1 million in damages, you’ll receive only 90 percent of that—$900,000.

No matter what kind of personal injury claim you’re dealing with, our experienced attorneys can help you maximize the compensation you recover for your damages. 

Contact Our LA Personal Injury Law Firm

In California, comparative negligence can make or break your personal injury lawsuit. That’s why it’s so important to call an attorney who can help you navigate this complex legal topic.

Our team of experienced attorneys is here to assist you as you seek compensation for your injuries. Our combined twenty-five years of experience has earned us the trust of the LA community. No matter your situation, we’re here to help.

We will fight for a higher percentage of compensation on your behalf. With our client-friendly practices like free initial consultations, our law firm is eager to help you with your injury case. If you need a lawyer, call Custodio & Dubey, LLP at 213-593-9095 or fill out the online contact form at the bottom of the page.

Dockless Scooter Accident in Los Angeles: Can I Sue? 

Dockless Scooter Accident in Los Angeles: Can I Sue? 

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It’s now commonplace to see dockless scooters hanging around street corners. These scooters are waiting for you to come along and enjoy a ride. There are a lot of benefits to riding electric scooters around Los Angeles. For one thing, they allow you to avoid the heavily congested streets of LA. For another, they’re easy to use, easy to find, and cheap.

Although there are many more benefits to electric scooters, there are some drawbacks, as well. You aren’t well-protected when riding a scooter, which means you could be injured if you collide with a motor vehicle. Because you are crossing major intersections and riding alongside automobiles, you could be struck and injured in an accident.

What can you do if you’ve been struck? Are you allowed to sue the person responsible?

Figuring Out What Caused Your Scooter Accident and Who Is Liable

You can be struck and injured while riding a scooter or you could be hurt in other ways. If someone else’s actions caused your accident, you might have a case for personal injury. If you can prove that another person’s actions resulted in your injury, you could be awarded compensation through your claim.

Your claim will need to be submitted with the at-fault person’s insurance company. So, how do you figure out who to sue? First, you must figure out what caused your scooter accident. 

Was it a reckless driver who struck you? The driver could be to blame. Was your accident caused by a scooter malfunction? Perhaps the scooter manufacturer is to blame. Were you injured when falling into an uncovered manhole? Maybe the government is to blame.

Once you figure out the cause, you can submit your claim with that person’s insurer. But you will need to be able to prove what happened and demonstrate how the person’s actions were negligent and resulted in your injuries.

Compensation for an Electric Scooter Accident

Your dockless scooter accident probably left you with injuries. Your injuries probably caused you damages. Damages are negative ways the accident affected your life. For instance, if you were hurt and required medical treatment, you could be paying for medical treatment costs. Both your injuries and the costs associated with them are damages.

Your settlement could compensate you for all of your damages, including lost work wages, pain and suffering, cost of physical therapy, scarring, disfigurement, permanent injury, financial expenses, and lost life enjoyment.

Consider Working with a Dockless Scooter Accident Attorney

You’ve been hurt due to someone else’s behavior, and you have every right to seek justice and damages for what you’ve been through. E-scooter accidents could leave you in pain and struggling with medical bills. 

Contact a personal injury lawyer at Custodio & Dubey, LLP to learn more about your options for recovering compensation. Reach our firm through the case consultation form on this page or call us at 213-593-9095. You could receive a free case consultation when you get ahold of an attorney from our firm.

How Do Rideshare Accident Lawsuits Work in California? 

How Do Rideshare Accident Lawsuits Work in California? 

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Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft have revolutionized the transportation industry. It’s easier than ever to get a ride to where you need to go, and rideshare companies are the reason. As much as we all like rideshare services in general, there are some issues that ridesharing presents.

For starters, you are placing your life in a stranger’s hands every time you choose to get a ride from a Lyft or Uber driver. In general, these transportation services are likely safe enough, but not always. Sometimes, people are hurt in vehicle accidents involving a rideshare driver. If you are hurt, who do you submit a lawsuit against in California?

When the Rideshare Driver Is Responsible

In most cases, you will likely submit your rideshare accident claim against the person who caused the accident. If that person was the driver of an Uber or Lyft, then you will submit your claim against them. If a different person or party caused your rideshare accident, you would sue that person or party.

For instance, if you were riding in an Uber when the engine blew up and caused an accident, you might want to look into suing the manufacturer of the vehicle or a mechanic who recently worked on the car. 

When Is the Rideshare Company Liable?

The rideshare company is not liable for every accident involving one of their drivers. They won’t be liable for an accident that was not caused by their drivers, of course. In addition, if their driver did cause the accident, it will be the at-fault driver who is held liable for their actions in most cases. However, there are a few occasions when Uber or Lyft could be liable.

First, Uber and Lyft do have to follow the law, or they could be liable for an accident. If they broke the law, you could sue them if their actions resulted in your injuries. 

For example, if they partnered with a driver who had a poor driving history or wasn’t carrying insurance, you might be able to sue the rideshare company. That’s because there are laws that state rideshare companies must perform background checks and they must make certain that their drivers are insured.

Secondly, Uber and Lyft could be required to provide insurance coverage if your injuries leave you with damages that are more than the driver’s insurance coverage will pay. Uber and Lyft both carry insurance coverage that could act as secondary coverage.

Speak to a Rideshare Accident Attorney

When you’ve been hurt in a rideshare accident with Uber, Lyft, or another company, you want to receive financial compensation to pay for everything you’ve been through. Figuring out who to file your claim against is not always easy, which is why many people partner with a rideshare accident attorney.

Your lawyer can assist you with your claim or lawsuit. They will make every effort to see that your case is successful and you receive the financial compensation you’re entitled to. Contact Custodio & Dubey, LLP through the web submission form below, or call 213-593-9095 to reach our office. Get your free case review now.

Dangerous Intersections in Los Angeles, CA 

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When you think of what could cause a vehicle accident, you probably think of drunk driving, speeding, distracted driving, and other driver-involved causes. Sometimes, though, the cause of an accident is not related to driver error. Sometimes, issues with road design or intersection design can cause collisions.

Often an accident can be caused by a combination of factors, such as poor intersection design and reckless driving behaviors. If you live in Los Angeles, then you already know there are a lot of dangerous intersections where accidents are known to occur. You might take extra precautions when you approach these intersections, or you might avoid them altogether.

It’s important to know about the dangerous intersections in our city, because knowing can help you avoid an accident. Also, the community can become more aware of dangerous intersections, and the city could be urged to make changes. When the city makes intersections safer, a lot of accidents could be prevented.

Five Dangerous Intersections in L.A. That You Need to Know About

We’ve put together a list of five dangerous intersections in Los Angeles so that you might be able to avoid being in an accident at one of these locations.

Devonshire Street and Reseda Boulevard

Many different factors can make an intersection unsafe. For instance, faded lane markings can lead to driver confusion and accidents can happen. Take extra care when lanes are not clearly marked.

Imperial Highway and Vista Del Mar

Accidents often occur because of poorly timed lights. Drivers might think they have plenty of time and misjudge the distance, leading to crashes. You can avoid this by slowing down when approaching intersections, especially when you see a stale green light or a light that has just turned yellow.

Balboa Boulevard and Norhoff Street

Sometimes, poor sight lines at intersections cause crashes. In these contexts, drivers quite literally can’t see what’s coming. If you can’t see, it’s best to inch your way slowly until you have a clear line of sight before moving through an intersection or when turning right.

Hollywood and Highland

Pedestrians are often most at risk at dangerous intersections. Drivers should always watch out for pedestrians, but pedestrians must also take responsibility for their own safety. To help avoid pedestrian accidents, don’t cross streets in places where traffic is heavy and there is no crosswalk.

South Western Avenue and West Slauson Avenue

When approaching an intersection, always look before you move through the intersection. This is especially important when your light has just turned green, because there could be red light runners from the other direction.

Speak with a Los Angeles Car Accident Lawyer

If you’ve already been a victim of a dangerous intersection or you were hurt in an accident caused by another factor, you might be able to file a car accident claim against whoever was responsible for the crash in L.A. When you win a car crash claim, you could receive a settlement to pay for the losses associated with your crash.

To speak with a vehicle wreck lawyer in Los Angeles, call Custodio & Dubey, LLP at 213-593-9095 or fill out the internet submission form at the bottom of this web page. You can tell an attorney about your case in a free case evaluation.

Can I Sue for Injuries and Damages from a Wildfire?

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The recent wildfires in California have devastated families, injured and killed people, damaged the wilderness, and caused extensive property loss for residents of the affected areas. Following a disaster of this magnitude, you may be overwhelmed over what to do to piece your life back together.

One of the important things you can do following such a disaster is file an injury claim or lawsuit against whoever was responsible for causing the wildfire. That person or organization owes you monetary compensation for your property loss, injuries (including burns), or the loss of a family member.

Filing a lawsuit may seem like a challenge for you when you’re already dealing with so much. Fortunately, a lawyer can assist you in filing your wildfire-related case.

Who Could Be Liable for a California Wildfire?

When you think of a wildfire, you probably think that they are caused by lightning strikes. This is not always the case. Often, wildfires are caused by someone’s negligence.

There are many instances where companies cause wildfires through negligent practices. The damage wildfires cause can be catastrophic, so these companies should be held legally accountable for the destruction they brought about. Even if the company didn’t intend to set a wildfire, they can still be held liable if negligence is found to have played a role.

Receiving Financial Compensation for All That You’ve Been Through

One of the main reasons you are probably looking into filing a claim is because of the financial losses you’ve endured due to this wildfire. You could have lost your home; you could have been seriously injured; you could be facing expensive medical bills; you could have lost a beloved family member in the California wildfires.

Whatever the case may be, you need to receive financial reimbursement to get you back on your feet. While you may have insurance on your home that will account for some of your losses, this insurance doesn’t account for your pain and suffering, mental trauma, and other losses caused by a wildfire.

When you file an injury lawsuit, you have the potential to receive a settlement to pay for all the damages that you’ve suffered. Here are some common damages in wildfire injury lawsuits:

  • Lost income
  • Permanent disability
  • Scarring/disfigurement
  • Medical bills
  • Property damage
  • Loss of consortium (in wrongful death lawsuits)
  • Mental trauma/grief
  • Loss of life happiness

Partner Up with a Wildfire Injury Lawyer

You absolutely have the right to sue for the damages you suffered in a wildfire accident. You probably don’t know how to investigate these wildfires and prove fault, though—and that’s where your lawyer can help you. They will work to figure out who is responsible for the wildfire that harmed you and go after them through an injury lawsuit.

Call Custodio & Dubey, LLP to discuss your case in a free initial case evaluation. Our firm can be reached via the online contact form down below or by dialing 213-593-9095. Don’t delay in getting started on your case. You have only a limited amount of time to file a wildfire lawsuit.

How to Win a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit in California

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Doctors are held in high regard in our society, and we expect them to take the health of their patients very seriously. That’s why it can be shocking to discover that you’ve been injured by a doctor’s carelessness. No, doctors aren’t perfect people, and they can make mistakes. But they are expected to do everything possible to prevent harming those they are meant to help.

If you’ve been injured because of a medical practitioner’s negligence, you may be looking into the process of filing a medical injury claim. There are many steps to winning a case for medical malpractice, and these cases are typically more complex than other types of personal injury cases.

Nevertheless, you are owed monetary compensation when you can prove a doctor’s substandard medical treatment caused you harm. So how do you win a medical malpractice lawsuit?

Gathering Evidence and Proving Your Injuries

Like almost all personal injury cases, you will be expected to provide evidence of fault and damages. “Damages” is a legal word used to refer to the negative effects of your medical injury.

For instance, did the medical injury cause you to undergo addition medical care to correct a doctor’s mistake? Did the medical injury cause your health to be worsened? Did you miss work because your injury or illness was exacerbated by the poor healthcare you received?

If you suffered injuries and damages because of the doctor’s poor treatment, then you should have a case for medical negligence. How do you prove it? Gathering evidence in medical injury cases requires extensive documentation. You should collect all the medical evidence you can get your hands on, and then you will likely want to contact a lawyer.

To win your medical malpractice lawsuit, your attorney will need to put together all the evidence you have collected and argue your right to monetary compensation for what you’ve been through.

Part of winning a medical malpractice claim in California will likely include hiring medical experts to testify that your medical care was below the standard and that you were injured because of your doctor’s poor treatment.

When you prove your case, you can receive a settlement from an insurance company to pay for your damages. If your case should go to court, you could be awarded damages by the court.

Types of Damages You Can Receive When You Win a Medical Negligence Suit

You can be awarded damages, such as lost income, medical costs, physical therapy costs, transportation costs, caregiving expenses, mental trauma, permanent injury, disability, and loss of life enjoyment.

You don’t want to delay in bringing your case against a negligent practitioner, because you have only three years to bring your case in California or one year from the date you discovered your medical injury.

Get in Touch with a Medical Malpractice Attorney in California

You’ve been hurt by a careless medical provider, and you are owed justice for this experience. Reach out to Custodio & Dubey, LLP to discuss your malpractice case. A free case assessment can be yours when you dial 213-593-9095 or fill out the case assessment form down below.

How to Sue Uber for an Auto Accident

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It’s not uncommon for people who are injured in a vehicle accident to automatically believe the other involved driver was the one responsible for the crash. That can be true in a lot of cases, but in other cases, there are others who may be held liable for an accident. For instance, if a commercial driver injures you, the driver’s company may be held liable in addition to the driver themselves.

This is similar to the responsibility of the company of Uber when Uber drivers cause crashes, though it’s not exactly the same. Uber doesn’t directly employ their drivers. In other words, the drivers are contract workers, and so certain liability laws that apply to other businesses and employees don’t apply to Uber and wrecks caused by Uber drivers.

However, that doesn’t mean that Uber can never be held financially responsible for an accident their driver caused.

When Is Uber Liable for Their Driver’s Negligence?

Uber is required to follow certain laws with regard to allowing drivers to work for them. For instance, in most states, Uber is required to conduct background and driving record checks of their drivers. If they fail to follow these laws and they still allow a driver to become an Uber partner, they can be held liable if you are injured as a result.

For example, if the driver that Uber allowed to become a partner had a history of drinking and driving, but Uber failed to catch that in a background check, you could sue Uber if you can prove that Uber failed to perform a background check or made some other negligent mistakes.

Under most circumstances, the Uber driver is the one held legally responsible for Uber-involved crashes, not unlike any other accident that occurs. There are some exceptions, however.

If your injuries are particularly serious and your damages exceed the driver’s policy limits, Uber does maintain a $1 million insurance policy to act as secondary insurance to that of the driver’s insurance.

Why Would You Want to Sue for an Uber Wreck?

There are many reasons that people decide to go after Uber or the Uber driver. When you’ve been injured, you will likely be looking at huge financial losses. You could be dealing with medical bills you can’t afford, lost work wages, costs of treatment, and pain and suffering. For this reason, you may decide to sue for compensation.

You are owed justice and compensation anytime someone else has caused you to suffer injuries and damages. This goes for Uber drivers as well. While you won’t be able to sue the company of Uber in every case, there are some occasions when you can do so.

Get in Contact with an Uber Crash Attorney

Talking with an Uber crash lawyer is a good idea because they will know who you can sue and how much your crash case is worth. For more information, or to file a claim, reach out to Custodio & Dubey, LLP. You can reach our law firm using the internet form below or by calling 213-593-9095.