If You Suffered an Injury or Disease
Due to Someone Else’s Negligence,
You May Be Entitled to Compensation.
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IVC Filters
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Talcum Power Cancer
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Hernia Mesh
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Roundup Cancer
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Camp Lejeune Toxic Water
Asbestos Exposure: What You Need to Know
At WernikLaw, we are committed to helping individuals and families affected by toxic exposure, including asbestos-related illnesses. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, or another asbestos-related condition, you may be entitled to compensation.
What Is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was once widely used in manufacturing due to its durability and resistance to heat. It was commonly found in building materials such as roofing shingles, ceiling and floor tiles, asbestos cement products, and paper products. Asbestos was also used in automobile parts (like clutches, brakes, and transmissions), heat-resistant fabrics, gaskets, packaging, and coatings. Inhaled or ingested asbestos fibers can become trapped in the body, causing inflammation, scarring, and fatal diseases.
Diseases Caused by Asbestos
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Mesothelioma
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Lung Cancer
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Asbestosis
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Other asbestos-related cancers
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a rare but aggressive form of cancer that’s almost always caused by exposure to asbestos. It affects the thin lining (mesothelium) that surrounds the lungs, abdomen, heart, or testicles. The most common type is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs and chest wall.
Symptoms often take decades to appear– typically 20 to 50 years after asbestos exposure. They may include:
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Shortness of breath
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Chest or abdominal pain
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Persistent cough
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Fatigue and weight loss
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Swelling in the abdomen or chest
Because symptoms are slow to develop and mimic other illnesses, mesothelioma is often diagnosed at a later stage.
Over 80% of mesothelioma cases are linked to asbestos exposure. People who worked in construction, shipbuilding, military service, or manufacturing– as well as those who lived with asbestos workers– face higher risks. Even washing the clothes of someone exposed to asbestos can increase the chance of developing mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is diagnosed through imaging scans, fluid tests, or a biopsy. Treatments can include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or a procedure called pleurodesis to manage fluid buildup in the lungs.
Unfortunately, the prognosis is poor, with a five-year survival rate of just 8–12% in the U.S. However, early detection and treatment can improve outcomes and quality of life.
Why Mesothelioma Matters
Understanding the link between asbestos and mesothelioma is critical for prevention and for holding responsible parties accountable. If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos- especially in a workplace setting– it’s important to be aware of the signs and seek medical advice.
How Asbestos Exposure Happens
Exposure typically occurs in the workplace, especially in industries like:
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Construction and demolition
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Shipbuilding
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Automotive repair (brake and clutch work)
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Mining and milling
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Military service (especially Navy)
People can also be exposed at home, especially if they live in older buildings that still contain asbestos insulation, flooring, or roofing materials.
What to Do If You've Been Exposed
If you think you've been exposed to asbestos, it’s important to:
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See a doctor for a full evaluation, especially if you have symptoms like a chronic cough or difficulty breathing.
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Inform your doctor about your exposure history.
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Avoid further exposure and inform your employer if workplace-related.
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Consider legal consultation– many companies knowingly exposed workers to asbestos without proper protection.
Legal Remedies and Compensation
Multiple manufacturers have contributed to the asbestos exposure fund, a collection of trust funds created through Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings to compensate victims. As of today, this fund is estimated to hold approximately $30 billion.
At WernikLaw, we help clients navigate the claims process to access the compensation they deserve– often without going to court. Right now, it’s more affordable than in previous years to pursue an asbestos claim, making this a great time for victims to take action.
WernikLaw is Here to Help
If you have been affected by or have questions about asbestos exposure, contact WernikLaw for a free consultation. We’ll listen to your story, explain your options, and help you take the next step forward.
Serious & Catastrophic Injuries: Understanding Your Legal Rights
Some injuries change everything. A serious or catastrophic injury can impact every part of your life– from your health and independence to your finances, relationships, and future plans. At WernikLaw, we help individuals and families navigate the overwhelming aftermath of life-altering injuries with skill and care.
If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to significant compensation to help you move forward.
What Is a Catastrophic Injury?
Catastrophic injuries are typically defined as those that result in long-term or permanent disability, disfigurement, or significant impairment. These include:
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Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
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Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
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Amputations or loss of limb function
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Severe burns
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Multiple fractures
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Organ damage
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Permanent loss of hearing or vision
These injuries often require extensive medical treatment, long-term care, rehabilitation, and home or lifestyle modifications. They also frequently lead to loss of income or the inability to work altogether.
Common Causes of Serious Injuries
At WernikLaw, we handle serious injury cases resulting from:
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Car, truck, or motorcycle accidents
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Pedestrian and bicycle accidents
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Slip and fall incidents
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Construction site and workplace accidents
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Defective products or equipment
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Medical negligence
Whatever the cause, if someone else’s carelessness contributed to the injury, we’re here to help you hold them accountable.
Why These Cases Require Experienced Legal Support
Catastrophic injury cases are complex. They often involve large damages, multiple parties, and aggressive insurance defense teams. You need an attorney who understands both the legal and medical aspects of your case– and who knows how to fight for the full compensation you deserve.
At WernikLaw, we work closely with experts and specialists to calculate the full impact of your injury over a lifetime – not just the immediate costs:
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Medical experts
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Life care planners
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Vocational specialists
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Economists
What You May Be Entitled to Recover
A serious injury affects far more than just your physical health. Our goal is to pursue compensation that reflects the full scope of your losses, which may include:
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Past and future medical expenses
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Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
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Pain and suffering
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Emotional distress
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Loss of enjoyment of life
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Costs of long-term care or home assistance
We build every case with the care and attention it deserves, always prepared to take it to trial if needed.
Let WernikLaw Help You Rebuild
We know how devastating these injuries can be – not just for victims, but for entire families.
If you have been affected by or have questions about serious or catastrophic injuries, contact WernikLaw for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, answer your questions, and help you take the first steps toward justice and recovery.
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Pedestrian Accident
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Burn Injury
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Dog Bite Injury
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Traumatic Brain Injury
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Wrongful Death
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Brain and Spine injury
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Aviation Incident
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Plumbing Incident
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Construction Incident
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Negligence Curb Incident
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Negligence Product Failure
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Government Incident
From slippery grocery store floors to broken apartment staircases, dangerous property conditions can lead to serious injuries. Under California law, property owners have a duty to keep their premises safe. If they don’t, and someone gets hurt, they may be held legally responsible.
Slip & fall accidents can happen in an instant – but the injuries can have lasting effects. Whether you slipped on a wet grocery store floor or tripped over a loose sidewalk in a parking lot, you may be entitled to compensation if someone else’s negligence caused your fall.
At WernikLaw, we help people navigate the legal process after a fall so they can focus on healing and getting their lives back on track.
Then have a “Learn More” button which reveals the additional slip & fall information that is currently on the site (common causes of slip & fall accidents, what to do after a slip & fall accident, etc.).
Vehicle Accidents: What You Need to Know After a Crash
Every day, thousands of drivers across California find themselves involved in vehicle accidents. Whether it’s a minor fender bender or a serious collision, the aftermath can be overwhelming. Medical bills pile up. Insurance adjusters start calling. And you're left trying to figure out what to do next.
At WernikLaw, we’re here to help you cut through the confusion and protect your rights from day one.
Common Causes of Vehicle Accidents
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Distracted driving (texting, GPS, eating)
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Speeding
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Driving under the influence
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Reckless or aggressive driving
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Failure to obey traffic signals
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Fatigued driving
Even if you’re not at fault, insurance companies may try to downplay your claim. That’s why it’s important to have a knowledgeable attorney in your corner.
What to Do Immediately After a Vehicle Accident
Here are the first steps you should take after an accident:
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Check for injuries – all 911 if anyone is hurt.
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Document the scene – Take photos, exchange contact info, and collect witness statements if possible.
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Get medical attention – Even if you feel “fine,” some injuries take hours or days to show up.
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Report the accident – Notify your insurance company, but be careful with what you say.
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Speak to a lawyer – Before accepting any settlement, talk to a personal injury attorney.
Be Cautious When Dealing with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies are businesses, and their goal is to pay out as little as possible. They may:
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Offer a lowball settlement
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Try to pin blame on you
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Push you to settle before the full extent of your injuries is known
An experienced accident attorney can evaluate your case, deal with the insurance companies, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
What Can You Recover in a Vehicle Accident Claim?
Depending on the facts of your case, you may be entitled to:
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Medical expenses (past and future)
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Lost income
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Pain and suffering
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Property damage
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Emotional distress
We work with doctors, accident reconstruction experts, and investigators to build a strong case on your behalf.
Schedule a Free Consultation.
If you have been affected by or have questions about vehicle accidents, contact WernikLaw for a free consultation. We’ll listen to your story, explain your options, and help you take the next step forward.