Personal Injury Lawyer in San Diego - an interview with Samuel E. Spital
Q. Tell us about yourself and your practice.
A. As a personal injury attorney, I bring 38 years of integrity, dependability and good judgment, which are the most important attributes of an attorney. My law firm formulates a plan of action with each client's goals and expectations as the primary consideration. We strive to provide each client with a thorough understanding of the legal issues, economic realities and alternatives. As to my background, I began my legal career as a Deputy Attorney General for the California Department of Justice (serving from 1970 - 1978 in both the Criminal and Civil Law Divisions). As a Deputy Attorney General, I handled over 50 criminal appeals in all State and Federal Courts. Additionally, I represented nearly every State Agency, California Board and Bureau and prosecuted several hundred businesses and professionals licensed by the State for unprofessional conduct violations of criminal statutes, gross negligence, consumer fraud, white-collar crimes and other misdeeds (cases included fraud, breach of contract, construction defects, negligence malpractice, health care unprofessional conduct and unfair business practices). In 1978 Sam Spital started his own Law Firm, eventually becoming Managing Attorney,supervising seven offices throughout California, a team of 10 lawyers and nearly 50 employees handling over 10, 000 cases. At one point I served as a Deputy Probation Officer for the County of San Diego (2001-2002) in the Adult Field Services section at the Hall of Justice in Downtown, San Diego. My relentless focus on our clients and their respective needs and desires continues to be the paradigm for my law firm. Our motto, when you retain Spital and Associates as your San Diego Lawyers is " A Law Firm that Cares!"
Q. Does your office offer paralegal services for simple forms and filings?
A. We only employ licensed attorneys.
Q. Do you offer free initial consultations?
A. All initial consultations are free.
Q. If a mom asked you to tell us what does personal injury mean what would you say?
A. Firstly, personal injuries covers a wide spectrum of harm or damage caused to another including Neck and Back Injuries, Fractures and Dislocations, Head and Brain Damage, Severe Lacerations and Bite Wounds, Whiplash/Soft Tissue Injuries, Serious Burns and Skin Damage and Other Severe Permanent and Crippling Injuries, including death. Secondly, they can arise from Auto Accidents, Business Torts, Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect, Product Liability / Defective Products etc
Q. What is the process to file a personal injury lawsuit?
A. In California One files a ” Complaint” in Superior Court. In some cases one must first file a ” claim” (eg. case against a governmental entity).
Q. What separates a simple accident and one where a person has to seek your services?
A. Since we handle all types of accidents and have the knowledge and experience to deal with insurance companies, who are the ones that represent the at fault individual (in most cases), we recommend anyone involved in an injury at least to obtain a free consultation to obtain the proper legal advice on their case.
Q. What are the factors that determine the amount of compensation one can receive?
A. There are far too many factors that come into consideration to evaluate the amount of compensation to which one is entitled, to list them at this stage. However, some of the factors are lost wages, nature and degree of injury, length of time of disability.
Q. If a damage is caused by using a certain product what are the steps one should take?
A. One should save the product, so that it will be in the identical condition it was, when it caused an injury, Photos should also be taken of the product. All invoices reflecting purchase, if applicable, flyers, brochures and materials printed by the manufacturer, distributor and dealer or store should also be retained. Obviously, the necessary care and treatment should be considered and that may include going to the Emergency Room, an Urgent care facility or one's medical doctor without delay. As soon as practical one should consult with a lawyer, who handles product liability cases.
Q. What if an individual is partly at fault for the accident?
A. One should review their insurance policy and discuss " coverage" for the accident with their insurance agent. Additionally, the at fault person should consult with attorneys who represent both plaintiffs and defendants (but does not represent insurance companies).
