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Helping Clients Navigate Injury Claims

We’re ready to help with a variety of case-types, here’s just a small example of how we can help:

Large Firm Results & Representation with Small Firm Personalized Attention & Care

Michael is determined to provide each of his clients with personal, one-on-one legal attention. With the Beliz Law Firm, you’re not a number. Each case is important to us, and we promise to treat our clients with respect. We firmly believe in providing you with a voice in your time of need. At the same time, our Long Beach Injury Lawyers focus on maximizing the value of your case - we’re ready to handle tough negotiations with the insurance company. Finally, we won’t hesitate to take your case to trial if that’s what’s needed.

I would highly recommend The Beliz Law Firm and should I need legal counsel or a personal injury lawyer in the future, Michael Beliz has become my new go-to guy.

- M.M.
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Long Beach Personal Injury Lawyer Michael Beliz

Small Firm Attention, Big Firm Results

Michael A. Beliz, Esq., established The Beliz Law Firm in the spring of 2011. Michael has been a practicing attorney since 2006 and worked for two of the most prominent plaintiff’s personal injury law firms in Southern California. He has extensive experience with personal injury claims and has worked on and handled hundreds of cases as an attorney in all types of accident and injury cases, including car accidents, pedestrian accidents and dog bites, and successfully recovered millions of dollars for his clients.

At the University of San Diego School of Law, Michael was a multiple-year recipient of the Delroy Richardson Endowed Law Scholarship and attained the high pass in Negotiation. In addition, he was a semi-finalist in the ATLA Intramural Mock Trial Competition. Prior to graduating from law school, Michael earned a master’s degree in economics from the University of California, Santa Barbara and his undergraduate degree from California State University, Long Beach where he was a member of the Omicron Delta Epsilon, the International Honor Society for Economics. Michael A. Beliz is admitted to the State Bar of California and United States District Court, Central District of California.

What to Expect from Our Long Beach Personal Injury Lawyer

At the Beliz Law Firm, we understand the wide range of emotions you experience after suffering injuries in an accident. It can be a scary time fueled by emotions of stress, anxiety, and anger. You may have many questions but no answers. Long Beach injury attorney Michael Beliz provides you with personal, one-on-one attention so you get the answers you need during the most difficult time in your life. At the Beliz Law Firm, each case is important to us, and we treat every client with the compassion and respect they deserve.

Client Testimonials

  • "I was referred to the Beliz Law Firm by a family friend and was not disappointed. I was a passenger in a vehicle that was hit by a drunk driver and when I needed the services of an attorney, Michael Beliz came to my work to discuss my options. He is very friendly and explains everything in effectively and in detail. He recommended a great chiropractor whom I then sought treatment from and who helped me recover from my injuries. Michael created an excellent report used in my case which allowed me to receive the maximum return in my settlement. I have already referred a family friend and recommended another long time friend to seek his services. God forbid I ever get in another serious accident, but if I do I will for sure contact Michael again to seek his help. He’s a great guy who does great work!"

    Y.R.

  • Long beach personal injury lawyer Michael Beliz represented my personal injury case this year and I’m glad I found them. In summation Michael Beliz came across as intelligent, effective, friendly, and genuine. An excellent people person and well versed attorney is a hard combination to find. Michael walked us through everything; spoke to me like a person and not a case number. He just pretty much made the whole ordeal so much easier. Michael was extremely helpful, patient and responsive with my family and me the entire time. Michael regularly checked in on me during my recovery and kept me up to date on the status of the case and conversations with the other parties’ insurance company. My case wasn’t large but he treated me as if I was one of his only cases. I would highly recommend the Beliz firm to family and friends as the highest recommendation I could offer.”

    M.G.

  • "No one wants to involve an attorney in an auto claim, but sometimes you have no choice. Michael made an unpleasant situation so much easier. He really took the time to understand everything that was going on and always gave me prompt and personal attention. He was involved immediately and took over all the interactions with the insurance companies. He became the only one I had to deal with and there were never any games with him, only sound advice. My only mistake was not calling Michael sooner. I now recommend an attorney anytime an injury is involved in an auto accident, if only so they can deal with the insurance companies’ games, and you would be hard pressed to find someone better than Michael Beliz."

    T.V.

Personal Injury Frequently Asked Questions

When Should I Speak with a Long Beach Personal Injury Lawyer?

How Do I Know If I Have a Valid Personal Injury Claim?

How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit in California?

Will My Personal Injury Case Go to Trial?

Why Do I Need an Attorney?

How Much Does a Long Beach Personal Injury Attorney Cost?

How Much is My Case Worth?

Can I Still Receive Compensation If I Am Partially at Fault for My Injury?

Who Can Be Liable for My Injuries?

What Should I Expect During the Free Consultation?

Recent Blog Posts

Attorney Portrait

What is the Average Settlement from a Slip and Fall Case in Long Beach?

| Read Time: 4 minutes

A slip-and-fall accident can leave you with severe life-altering injuries. The ramifications may leave you unable to work and participate in daily activities, forcing you to consider legal action. Often, accident victims ask us, What is the average settlement for a slip and fall case? While it is not the answer most people want to hear, the average slip-and-fall settlement in California can vary significantly depending on your case’s specific facts and circumstances. If you are wondering how much a slip and fall claim pays, we advise meeting with a slip and fall attorney to assess your case thoroughly.  What Is the Average Settlement for a Slip and Fall?  It is difficult and even inappropriate to confidently say the average slip-and-fall lawsuit payout for several reasons, mainly because most settlements are confidential and not publicly disclosed. No database or central location exists for reporting and tracking slip-and-fall injury settlement amounts. In other words, it is simply impossible to know what other people have settled their cases for.  It is also difficult to formulate an average slip-and-fall settlement in California because each scenario is unique. While there is no formula or calculation for determining the average settlement, several factors will be considered.  Severity of Injuries As you might imagine, one of the most prominent factors to consider in your slip and fall lawsuit payout is the severity of your injuries. Think about it: if you only suffer superficial minor injuries and are expected to make a quick recovery, your settlement is likely to be much less than someone who suffered severe, permanent injuries. The more severe and permanent the injuries are, the more medical care you are likely to need, increasing your settlement amount. For instance, if you break your wrist in a slip and fall but expect to make a full recovery without necessitating surgery, your damages are going to be less than someone who requires multiple back surgeries with a bleak expectation of a full recovery.  Financial Loss Any potential settlement will also consider a slip and fall victim’s financial loss. There are many types of economic loss, but one of the most significant is lost wages and the loss of future earnings. If your injury causes you to miss work or makes you unable to return, you may be entitled to that compensation. Lost wages are intended to compensate you for any lost pay from the time of the accident until the settlement. Lost future earnings are designed to compensate you for any anticipated lost wages over your lifetime. For instance, if your injury is so severe that you will not be able to work for the remainder of your life, you will seek substantial compensation for that anticipated financial loss. You can also seek damages for diminished earnings if you are forced to take a job that pays less than what you previously earned. Other financial losses can include home or vehicle modifications and hiring outside help to assist you with household chores.  Applicable Insurance Policy Maximums The defendant’s insurance policy will also play a significant role in the amount of your settlement. You may have a severe injury with exponential damages, but your settlement may not be much if the defendant has little to no insurance. Generally, a plaintiff is bound by the insurance policy limits available and can only collect up to the maximum policy limits.  California Law Of course, any slip-and-fall case and potential settlement must be consistent with the applicable California law. California is a comparative negligence state, which means an accident victim can still recover damages even if they are partially at fault. Specifically, a plaintiff can still recover damages even if they are up to 99% responsible for their injury. The amount of fault will just reduce any settlement.  Joint and Several Liability Slip and fall cases can be more complicated than you might think. Often, several parties may be liable for damages. Slip and fall accidents are considered premises liability claims. Property owners, business owners, managers, or outside vendors can be partially to blame for the dangerous conditions. Identifying all potentially responsible parties can be challenging to do on your own. It can take a thorough investigation to determine fault. A knowledgeable and resourceful personal injury attorney can assist you with identifying possible defendants.  Other Factors Considered in a Slip and Fall Payout In addition to these five prominent factors, others will be considered in a slip-and-fall case. Whether the case settles or goes before a jury, additional factors to calculate your settlement include: Remember, each case is different, and each plaintiff is unique. There may be factors relevant to you that will not be relevant to someone else, even if the slip and fall are similar. The best way to determine the settlement you can expect is to consult a seasoned slip-and-fall lawyer for a case evaluation. Most slip-and-fall claims will settle outside of court, but we are ready to litigate your case before a jury if necessary. Get the Most Out of Your Slip and Fall Settlement in Long Beach, CA At The Beliz Law Firm, we are a small firm offering personalized attention to each case while still achieving large firm results. You may be entitled to compensation if someone’s negligence caused your slip and fall. At The Beliz Law Firm, we are always available to speak with you about your slip and fall claim and how we can help. Contact us today for a free case review.

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Attorney Portrait

Loss of Consortium in California: What to Know

| Read Time: 3 minutes

When a loved one suffers a severe injury, the emotional and practical repercussions extend far beyond the immediate physical effects. In California, if your spouse or registered domestic partner has sustained injuries due to someone else’s negligence, you may have the right to seek compensation not just for the medical bills and lost wages but also for the loss of companionship, affection, and support. Loss of consortium in California recognizes an injury’s profound impact on a marriage’s intimate, personal aspects. In this post, we’ll explore what you need to know about pursuing a loss of consortium claim—from understanding the legal definitions and eligibility requirements to proving your claim and calculating potential damages. Whether you are newly navigating these waters or seeking further clarification, our guide aims to provide clear and empathetic insights into how you can seek justice for the emotional and support-related losses you have endured. What Is a Loss of Consortium Claim? Loss of consortium as defined in California’s Civil Jury Instructions 3920 references the deprivation of the benefits of a specific type of familial relationship due to injuries caused by another party. This loss includes the loss of love, comfort, companionship, affection, solace, moral support, and, in some cases, the loss of the ability to have children or the sexual relationship between spouses. In California, the law recognizes these aspects. Although intangible and non-economic, they are invaluable to the quality of life and, thus, are compensable. The emotional toll on a spouse who must now cope with both the immediate and long-term implications of their partner’s injury cannot be understated. Loss of consortium goes beyond financial hardship; it encompasses the profound emotional and psychological distress experienced when the dynamic of a marital relationship is fundamentally altered. Who Can Bring a Loss of Consortium Claim in California? Only some people can legally file a loss of consortium claim in California. The right is reserved primarily for the uninjured spouse of someone directly harmed by another’s negligence or wrongful act. There must be a legally recognized marriage or, in some cases, a registered domestic partnership where the partners live together. It is crucial that the marriage or partnership existed legally at the time of the injury. Merely dating or being related in a way that is not marital would not qualify. Further, the spouse’s injury must be serious and significantly impact the couple’s relationship. Minor injuries with little to no long-lasting effects on the marital relationship typically do not qualify for loss of consortium damages.  Proving Loss of Consortium Proving a loss of consortium claim in California requires clear and compelling evidence demonstrating the negative impact on the marital relationship. Key elements include proving the: Evidence often involves: Photographs, videos, and personal diaries can also be instrumental in showing the quality of life and the couple’s interaction before the accident. The uninjured spouse may need to discuss intimate details of their marital life to convey the depth of their loss, which can include changes in affection, support, companionship, and even day-to-day interaction. This evidence helps paint a vivid picture of the loss and its profound effects on the uninjured spouse. Calculating Loss of Consortium Damages Determining the amount of compensation for loss of consortium damages can be complex due to the subjective nature of the losses involved. In California, juries and judges consider several factors when assessing these damages at trial, including the stability and closeness of the marriage, the living arrangements before and after the injury, and the life expectancy of both spouses. These factors help to measure the extent of loss and translate it into a monetary value. Economic experts may be employed to provide testimony on the loss’s impact on the spouse’s quality of life and future projections of this loss. While there is no fixed formula, the compensation typically reflects the severity of the injury and its long-term effects on the marital relationship. Have a Loss of Consortium Claim in California? Contact The Beliz Law Firm Understanding the intricacies of loss of consortium in California is crucial in advocating for the compensation you rightfully deserve. If you are grappling with the effects of an injury that has disrupted your relationship with your spouse, it’s important to seek legal advice.At The Beliz Law Firm, we’re dedicated to helping you through these challenging times with empathy. Our team has years of experience with loss of consortium claims and is well-equipped to guide you every step of the way. Don’t try to pursue a loss of consortium claim alone. Contact The Beliz Law Firm today for a consultation, and let us help you secure the compensation you need to begin the process of emotional and financial recovery.

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Attorney Portrait

Average Settlement for a Bus Accident in California

| Read Time: 3 minutes

When involved in a bus accident in California, understanding the potential financial compensation is a common concern for many victims. However, pinpointing the average settlement for a bus accident is more complex. Each bus accident case has its own circumstances, making it nearly impossible to establish a standard settlement figure. This post will explore the various factors that influence settlement amounts in bus accidents, providing insight into why each case must be evaluated on its merits. By understanding these factors, you can better anticipate the potential outcomes of your specific situation. How Much Money Do You Get If You Get Hit by a City Bus? Settlements in personal injury cases, such as those involving city bus accidents, vary significantly. These settlements are designed to compensate victims for injuries and financial losses. The complexity of calculating public transport accident compensation arises from the wide variability in case specifics, such as injury severity and legal liability. Each settlement is tailored to the details of the individual city bus accident, making it challenging to use average figures as a reliable benchmark. The same goes for other types of bus accidents. Calculating the average settlement for a school bus accident follows the same process. Factors Influencing Settlement Amounts Individual factors can significantly influence the potential settlement amount when calculating case value. Some of the most critical factors include injury type and severity, liability, damages, and the amount of available insurance coverage. Injury Type and Severity The type and severity of injuries sustained in a bus accident play a pivotal role in determining the settlement amount. More severe injuries often result in higher medical expenses, longer recovery times, and increased compensation for pain and suffering. For instance, a spinal cord injury that leads to permanent disability will typically command a higher settlement than minor bruises or temporary discomfort. Liability Liability—who is at fault and to what degree—significantly affects settlement outcomes. Establishing liability can be complex in bus accidents, especially when multiple parties, such as the driver, the bus company, or even local government entities, might be involved. The clearer the liability is established against the defendant, the more favorable the settlement. Damages Damages in a bus accident can be economic, such as medical bills and lost wages, and noneconomic, such as pain and suffering. The total of these damages forms the basis of the settlement negotiations. In rare cases, punitive damages may also be considered if the defendant’s conduct was particularly reckless or malicious. Insurance Coverage Another critical factor that impacts the settlement amount is the available insurance coverage. For example, settlements might be limited by the policy limits of the defendant’s insurance company. Understanding the details of all relevant insurance policies is essential for estimating potential compensation. Special Considerations in Bus Accidents Bus accidents often involve unique legal considerations, particularly when public transportation entities are involved. For instance, specific legal doctrines involving governmental immunity may apply when dealing with accidents involving city buses. These legal statutes can significantly alter the dynamics of a settlement. Suing a city or state entity can be more challenging than an accident involving two automobiles. Maximizing Your Settlement Taking comprehensive and strategic steps immediately following the incident is crucial to maximize your potential bus injury compensation after an accident. First, ensure that all aspects of the accident are well-documented, including detailed medical records and evidence from the scene. Hire a personal injury attorney experienced in bus accident cases. You need someone familiar with local laws and regulations. An attorney can effectively negotiate with insurance companies and, if necessary, litigate to secure the best possible outcome. Remember, the quality of legal representation can significantly influence the outcome of your settlement, especially in complex cases involving entities like schools or public transit systems. Not all personal injury lawyers have experience with bus accidents, so be sure to ask questions when initially meeting with a firm. Get the Compensation You Deserve for a Bus Injury – Contact The Beliz Law Firm Navigating the complexities of a bus accident claim in California requires a thorough understanding of the many factors that can influence the outcome. While predicting an average settlement for a bus accident is challenging, understanding the components, such as injury severity, liability, damages, and insurance coverage, can help set realistic expectations. Whether dealing with a school bus accident or a collision involving city transportation, having skilled legal representation is crucial.If you or a loved one has been affected by a bus accident in California, The Beliz Law Firm is here to help. Our experienced team is dedicated to protecting your rights and willing to fight to help you receive the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to discuss your case and explore your legal options.

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