When we place our trust in doctors, nurses, and hospitals, we expect safe and competent care. Unfortunately, medical errors happen — and when they do, the consequences can be life-altering. In California, medical malpractice laws are in place to protect patients who suffer harm due to the negligence of a healthcare provider. If you or a loved one has been injured by substandard medical care, it’s important to understand your legal rights. What Is Medical Malpractice? Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider fails to meet the accepted standard of care, resulting in injury or death to the patient. This can include errors in diagnosis, treatment, surgery, medication, or aftercare. Common examples include: Surgical errors: such as operating on the wrong body part or leaving surgical instruments inside a patient Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis: leading to worsening of a condition Birth injuries: caused by improper monitoring or delivery techniques Medication errors: including incorrect prescriptions or dosages Failure to obtain informed consent: before a procedure To bring a successful medical malpractice claim in California, a plaintiff must prove that: 1. A provider-patient relationship existed; 2. The provider was negligent (i.e., did not meet the standard of care); 3. The negligence directly caused injury or harm; and 4. The injury led to specific damages such as medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering. California’s Medical Malpractice Laws California has specific rules that apply to medical malpractice cases: Statute of Limitations: You generally have one year from the date you discovered (or should have discovered) the injury, and no more than three years from the date of the injury, whichever comes first. Birth injuries are an exception and the child has longer to file their case. MICRA Cap on Non-Economic Damages: Under the Medical Injury Compensation Reform Act (MICRA), non-economic damages (such as pain and suffering) are capped. As of 2023, the cap is $350,000, increasing gradually to $750,000 by 2033 and $1,000,000.00 for death cases. Expert Witness Requirement: Plaintiffs must present testimony from a qualified medical expert to establish the standard of care and how it was breached. Mandatory Arbitration: Some medical providers include arbitration clauses in their contracts with patients, which may require disputes to be resolved outside of court. Why You Need an Experienced Medical Malpractice Attorney Medical malpractice cases are complex, expensive, and heavily contested by insurance companies. A skilled attorney can help by: - Investigating your case and gathering critical medical evidence - Consulting with medical experts to establish negligence - Calculating the full extent of your damages - Negotiating with insurance companies or litigating in court if needed Team Mason is committed to holding negligent healthcare providers accountable. Our team has extensive experience representing victims of medical negligence across California and securing the compensation they deserve. Get a Free Consultation If you believe you or a loved one has been the victim of medical malpractice, don’t wait. Contact Team Mason today for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your rights, and guide you through the legal process — so you can focus on healing. Visit our webpage at www.themasonfirm.com/medical-malpractice for more information.

If you’ve recently been involved in a car accident, you’re not alone. Every year, millions of Americans are injured in auto collisions, many of which result in serious and long-term consequences. Team Mason understands how overwhelming the aftermath of an accident can be—from medical bills to lost wages and dealing with insurance companies. That’s why it’s crucial to know the right steps to take immediately following a crash to protect your health, your rights, and your potential personal injury claim. Step 1: Prioritize Safety and Seek Medical Attention Your health comes first. If you or anyone else is injured, call 911 immediately. Even if you feel fine, it’s wise to get evaluated by a medical professional. Some injuries—like whiplash, concussions, or internal bleeding—may not show symptoms right away but can have serious consequences if left untreated. Step 2: Call the Police and File a Report Always contact the police, even for seemingly minor accidents. A police report can serve as critical evidence in your personal injury case, providing an official record of the accident, parties involved, and initial observations. Step 3: Gather Evidence at the Scene If you're able, take photographs of the accident scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries. Collect contact and insurance information from all drivers involved, and ask for names and phone numbers of any witnesses. This information can be vital in building a strong claim later. Step 4: Notify Your Insurance Company Report the accident to your insurance provider as soon as possible. Stick to the facts and avoid speculating about fault or the extent of your injuries. Be cautious about giving recorded statements without legal guidance. Step 5: Speak with a Personal Injury Attorney Before accepting any settlement offer from an insurance company, it’s important to consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer. Insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts, and without legal representation, you could receive far less than you deserve. Team Mason helps accident victims recover compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and more. Why Choose Team Mason of Gomez Trial Attorneys? With years of experience handling personal injury cases across San Diego and all of California, our team is dedicated to fighting for justice and securing the maximum compensation our clients are entitled to. We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis—meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case. Injured in an Accident? We’re Here to Help. If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, contact Team Mason at Gomez Trial Attorneys today at 858-444-5256 or fill out our online form for a free, no-obligation consultation. Let us handle the legal process while you focus on healing. For more information visit our car accident webpage located at www.themasonfirm.com/Motor-Vehicle-Accidents .

In today's fast-paced world, our smartphones have become indispensable tools. From managing work emails to staying in touch with loved ones, these devices are integral to our daily lives. However, this convenience comes with significant risks, particularly when it comes to texting while driving. This dangerous practice has profound legal and safety implications that every driver should be aware of. The Dangers of Texting and Driving Texting while driving is one of the most hazardous distractions on the road. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for about five seconds. At 55 mph, that's like driving the length of a football field with your eyes closed. This level of distraction dramatically increases the likelihood of accidents, leading to severe injuries and fatalities. Studies have shown that texting while driving impairs a driver's reaction time more than driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The cognitive load required to read or compose a message diverts attention from the primary task of driving, reducing situational awareness and reaction time. Consequently, drivers are less capable of responding to sudden changes in traffic conditions, increasing the risk of collisions. Legal Consequences of Texting and Driving Given the significant dangers, many jurisdictions have implemented stringent laws to curb texting and driving. These laws vary by state and country but generally fall into a few categories: Primary Enforcement Laws: In states with primary enforcement laws, police officers can pull over drivers solely for texting while driving. These laws are the most effective in deterring the behavior because they allow law enforcement to take immediate action. Secondary Enforcement Laws: In states with secondary enforcement laws, officers can only issue a citation for texting if the driver has been pulled over for another violation, such as speeding or running a red light. Total Bans: Some states have enacted total bans on the use of handheld devices while driving, including texting, calling, and using apps. These comprehensive bans aim to reduce all forms of distracted driving. Violating these laws can result in hefty fines, points on your driving record, and increased insurance premiums. Repeat offenders may face more severe penalties, including license suspension. In cases where texting while driving leads to an accident, drivers may be subject to civil lawsuits for damages and, in extreme cases, criminal charges for negligent driving or vehicular manslaughter. Preventive Measures and Best Practices To mitigate the dangers and legal risks associated with texting and driving, drivers should adopt the following best practices: Use Hands-Free Technology: Utilize hands-free options such as Bluetooth, voice commands, or car systems designed to handle calls and texts without manual input. Activate Do Not Disturb Mode: Most smartphones have a "Do Not Disturb While Driving" feature that silences notifications and sends automatic replies to incoming texts, informing the sender that you are driving. Plan Ahead: If you need to send a text or make a call, do so before you start driving or pull over to a safe location. Educate and Advocate: Spread awareness about the dangers of texting and driving. Encourage friends, family, and colleagues to prioritize safety and comply with local laws. Conclusion Texting while driving poses severe risks to public safety and carries significant legal consequences. By understanding the dangers and adhering to best practices and legal requirements, drivers can contribute to safer roads and protect themselves and others from the devastating effects of distracted driving. Remember, no message is worth risking your life or the lives of others. Prioritize safety and stay focused on the road. If you have been injured by a distracted driver, call Team Mason today at 858-444-5256 or visit www.TheMasonFirm.com .

The Mason Firm, a San Diego based injury law firm, provides some helpful safety tips for avoid pedestrian accidents.

Attorney Brian R. Mason, of San Diego, was elected to the American Board of Trial Advocates. ABOTA is a prestigious invitation only group of trial lawyers and judges from around the country. Brian is an award winning personal injury lawyer representing injury victims in San Diego, Carlsbad, Escondido, San Bernardino, Riverside, Orange County and Los Angeles.

The Mason Firm, a San Diego based injury law firm, provides some helpful safety tips for training children to ride bikes as well as fitting a proper helmet.

Studies report that many Uber and Lyft Vehicles contain unrepaired safety defects. Attorney Brian R. Mason represents injury victims involved in ride share accidents with Uber, Lyft and Taxi drivers.