If you suffered an injury in Sylmar, California, you deserve clear information about your legal options and how to pursue compensation. Law Republic APC represents clients across Los Angeles County with a focus on personal injury matters, including car accidents, slip-and-fall incidents, and other harms caused by negligence. This page explains common types of claims, how a legal team evaluates damages, and what to expect during a claim. We emphasize practical steps you can take right away to protect your rights and improve the chances of a favorable outcome while focusing on the local laws and conditions affecting Sylmar residents.
Many people injured in Sylmar are unsure how to begin after an accident, which is why we outline the process and typical timelines here. From the initial facts-gathering to settlement discussions or court filings, understanding each stage helps you make informed choices. This guide describes common evidence used in personal injury claims, the role of insurance companies, and how local procedures in Los Angeles County can influence case timing. If you need personalized guidance, contacting Law Republic APC by phone or through the website can start a conversation about your situation and the practical options available to you in Sylmar.
Effective personal injury representation helps people recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, ongoing care needs, and non-economic harms like pain and suffering. For Sylmar residents, working with a local firm familiar with Los Angeles County practices can save time and reduce confusion when interacting with insurers and courts. A knowledgeable legal team can gather evidence, coordinate with healthcare providers, and present a clear demand for what you have lost. By managing negotiations and paperwork, a firm relieves much of the administrative burden on injured parties, letting them focus on healing while legal advocates pursue fair compensation based on the specifics of each incident.
Law Republic APC serves clients throughout California, including Sylmar and greater Los Angeles County, handling personal injury, real estate, and lemon law matters. Our attorneys bring years of courtroom and negotiation experience to each case, guiding clients through evidence collection, medical documentation, and claims against insurers. We prioritize clear communication, timely updates, and practical solutions tailored to individual circumstances. When handling a Sylmar injury claim, our team coordinates local resources, works with medical providers, and advocates for compensation that reflects both immediate expenses and long-term impacts. Contacting the firm starts with a confidential discussion of your situation.
Personal injury law covers situations where another party’s negligence or intentional conduct causes harm. In Sylmar, common scenarios include vehicle collisions on local streets, pedestrian incidents, property owner negligence, and workplace injuries. Success in a claim depends on establishing duty, breach, causation, and damages. Gathering medical records, witness statements, photographs, and police or incident reports is essential. Timely action matters because statutes of limitation and evidence preservation affect outcomes. Our overview describes the elements of a claim and practical steps to protect your rights after an incident in the Sylmar area, paying attention to local resources and procedures.
Insurance companies are often central to personal injury claims, and understanding policy limits and coverages is important for realistic case planning. In many Sylmar cases, multiple insurers or parties may share responsibility, making careful fact development necessary. Decisions such as whether to accept an early settlement or pursue further negotiation require weighing the total cost of current and future care against the offers on the table. This guide describes how investigators build a damage picture, how liability is evaluated, and how local court practices can affect a case’s path toward resolution. Knowing these factors helps injured individuals make informed choices when pursuing compensation.
A personal injury claim is a legal avenue for seeking compensation when someone else’s negligent acts or omissions cause physical or psychological harm. In practical terms, this involves documenting injuries, demonstrating how the defendant’s conduct caused those injuries, and proving the costs and losses that resulted. Compensation may cover medical care, rehabilitation, lost income, property damage, and non-economic harms such as diminished quality of life. For Sylmar claimants, an early and organized approach to evidence collection, medical treatment, and communication with insurers strengthens the claim and supports a fair assessment of damages during settlement talks or court proceedings.
A typical personal injury matter moves from initial consultation and investigation to demand, negotiation, and, if necessary, litigation. Investigation includes gathering medical records, accident reports, witness statements, and any available surveillance or scene photography. After damages and liability are assessed, a demand package is presented to liable parties or insurers. Negotiations may lead to a settlement, but cases that cannot be resolved may proceed to filing a lawsuit and, ultimately, trial. Each phase requires documentation and strategic decision-making to protect recovery prospects and legal rights of injured Sylmar residents.
Understanding common legal terms helps people make informed choices during a claim. This glossary covers frequently used concepts such as negligence, liability, damages, comparative fault, and statute of limitations as they apply in California and locally in Sylmar. Knowing these definitions clarifies court filings, insurance correspondence, and medical documentation that arise throughout a claim. When clients understand the terminology, they are better equipped to ask meaningful questions, evaluate settlement proposals, and participate in decisions about their case. This resource complements consultations with Law Republic APC and is tailored for residents of Sylmar and surrounding areas.
Negligence refers to a failure to exercise reasonable care that a reasonably prudent person would use under similar circumstances, resulting in harm to another person. In personal injury claims in Sylmar, negligence is often the foundation for liability, such as when a driver disobeys traffic laws, a property owner fails to address hazardous conditions, or a professional’s conduct falls below accepted standards. Establishing negligence requires showing duty, breach, causation, and damages. Plaintiffs must collect evidence demonstrating how the defendant’s conduct differed from acceptable behavior and directly led to the injuries and losses claimed in the case.
Comparative fault is a legal concept that reduces a plaintiff’s recovery proportionally when they share responsibility for an incident. California follows a pure comparative fault standard, meaning an injured person can recover damages even if they are partially at fault, but their total award is reduced according to their percentage of responsibility. In Sylmar cases, evaluating comparative fault requires careful review of the facts, witness reports, and evidence such as video or accident reconstructions. Understanding how negligence is apportioned helps clients and legal advocates calculate realistic compensation expectations during negotiations or trial preparation.
Damages are the monetary compensation sought for losses resulting from an injury. They include economic damages like medical expenses and lost wages, as well as non-economic damages such as pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life. In some cases there may be punitive damages intended to punish particularly harmful conduct, though those are less common. Effective claims document both present and anticipated future costs, supported by medical opinions and cost projections. For Sylmar claimants, precise documentation strengthens demands and helps insurers or juries understand the full impact of the injury on daily life.
The statute of limitations is the legal deadline for filing a lawsuit. In California, most personal injury claims must be filed within two years of the injury, though exceptions and different timelines can apply depending on circumstances. Missing the deadline can bar recovery, so timely evaluation and action matter. For Sylmar residents, early consultation and preservation of important records ensure rights are protected while evidence remains available. Understanding the applicable deadline in your situation allows for appropriate investigation and, if needed, prompt filing of a claim in the relevant Los Angeles County courthouse.
When considering legal help after an injury, there are different levels of involvement available, from brief consults or document review to full representation that includes investigation, negotiation, and litigation. Limited assistance can be appropriate when liability and damages are straightforward and the injured person wants help with a specific step, such as reviewing a settlement offer. Full representation becomes more appropriate when injuries are serious, multiple parties are involved, or insurance disputes arise. Assessing which option fits depends on the complexity of the facts, expected future needs, and the injured person’s comfort navigating claims on their own in Sylmar.
A limited approach may be reasonable when fault is clear, injuries are minor, and medical expenses or lost wages are modest, making the potential recovery relatively small. In such situations, a short consultation, document review, or limited representation can help ensure the injured person understands a settlement offer and the likely outcomes without engaging in a longer legal process. For Sylmar residents, this option can expedite resolution and reduce legal costs when the case facts do not justify extended investigation or litigation, provided the injured party is comfortable handling routine communications with insurers.
A limited approach can also suit matters where the insurer accepts liability promptly and offers a fair settlement early in the case. When documentation is complete, medical treatment is concluded, and the insurer’s position aligns with the injured person’s expectations, an efficient, limited intervention may wrap up the claim without extensive negotiation. In Sylmar cases, this path may be appropriate for straightforward car accidents where fault is undisputed and policy limits cover the full scope of damages, allowing a simple resolution without long-term involvement by outside counsel.
Full representation is often necessary when liability is disputed, multiple parties share fault, or injuries are severe and require long-term care. These circumstances demand thorough investigation, coordination with medical professionals, and often negotiation across insurers. In Sylmar, complex incidents like multi-vehicle collisions or premises injuries with ambiguous liability benefit from comprehensive legal efforts to collect evidence, retain experts for medical or accident reconstruction opinions, and advocate for fair compensation that reflects both current and future needs of the injured person.
When insurance limits are inadequate or the insurer refuses a fair settlement, comprehensive legal service becomes more important. A full-service approach includes preparing a strong demand, negotiating aggressively, and, when necessary, filing a lawsuit to pursue additional recovery. For Sylmar residents facing coverage disputes or underinsured parties, experienced representation helps identify alternative recovery paths such as negligent third parties or umbrella policies, and coordinates litigation strategy that preserves options for trial if negotiations fail to produce fair compensation.
A comprehensive approach provides continuity from initial investigation through resolution, ensuring evidence is preserved and claims are presented persuasively. By handling communications with insurers, coordinating medical documentation, and preparing legal filings, a full-service team reduces stress and helps avoid mistakes that could limit recovery. For Sylmar clients, this means a focused effort to document current and future needs, manage timelines, and present a clear narrative to adjusters or juries, increasing the likelihood of fair compensation that accounts for both tangible and intangible losses.
Comprehensive representation also provides access to resources such as investigators and medical consultants, which can be critical when liability is contested or causation is disputed. Through coordinated evidence gathering and strategic negotiation, a full-service team can often secure better settlement terms and avoid unnecessary compromises. In Sylmar cases where local knowledge of road conditions, traffic patterns, or property characteristics matters, a consistent legal presence can adapt strategy to local factors and maintain momentum toward a resolution that addresses an injured person’s full range of financial and personal recovery needs.
Thorough evidence development ensures that key facts are recorded while they remain fresh, including witness statements, scene photos, surveillance requests, and medical treatment records. For Sylmar incidents, preserving dashcam footage, requesting incident reports, and obtaining timely medical opinions strengthen causation and damages claims. This detailed documentation supports stronger negotiation positions and, if necessary, trial presentations. Investing time early in gathering and organizing evidence helps avoid surprises later in the case and maximizes the injured person’s ability to recover a full accounting of losses tied to the incident.
Focused case management streamlines interactions with insurers, medical providers, and the court system, ensuring deadlines are met and settlement discussions are handled strategically. Skilled negotiation based on complete documentation often yields better offers and prevents premature acceptance of inadequate settlements. For Sylmar claimants, having a single team coordinate the claim frees injured individuals to focus on recovery while legal advocates work to secure compensation that reflects both immediate expenses and long-term needs. Consistent representation also means continuity if litigation becomes necessary.
After an injury, attend to medical needs first and obtain a thorough record of treatment. Seek medical attention even if symptoms initially seem mild, because delayed documentation can weaken a future claim. Take photographs of the scene, your injuries, property damage, and any visible hazards. If there are witnesses, collect their contact information. For Sylmar incidents, noting location details and environmental conditions, such as lighting or signage, can be important. Early documentation supports both insurance claims and potential legal action by creating a reliable record of events and treatment.
Maintain a dedicated file with medical bills, treatment summaries, receipts for out-of-pocket costs, and documentation of missed income or reduced earning capacity. These records are essential when calculating economic damages and supporting a claim for compensation. For Sylmar residents, keeping organized digital copies and notes about how injuries affect daily activities and earning potential helps create a comprehensive picture of losses that insurers and courts will evaluate. Detailed records also speed up negotiations and reduce disputes about the scope and value of damages claimed.
Consider legal representation if your injuries require ongoing medical care, if liability is disputed, or if insurers are offering settlement amounts that do not fully address future needs. A legal team can help calculate long-term costs, identify responsible parties beyond an immediate at-fault driver or property owner, and develop a strategy to pursue appropriate compensation. For Sylmar residents, local knowledge and coordination with Los Angeles County procedures can improve efficiency and case outcomes, making representation a practical choice when stakes are high or facts are unclear.
Representation is also advisable when the insurance company delays investigations or fails to communicate clearly, or when multiple parties and policies create complexity. Legal advocacy helps ensure deadlines are met, evidence is preserved, and settlement proposals are fully evaluated against anticipated future needs. If you are unsure about liability proportions or how to value non-economic harms, discussing your situation with a law firm familiar with Sylmar matters will clarify options and consequences, enabling you to make an informed decision about the best path forward for recovery.
Typical circumstances include motor vehicle collisions, pedestrian or bicycle accidents, slip-and-fall incidents on private or commercial property, dog bites, and industrial or construction accidents. These events can produce physical injuries, emotional distress, and financial losses that require careful documentation and negotiation. When property conditions, traffic patterns, or multiple liable parties complicate fault determination, injured individuals often seek representation to coordinate investigation, manage communications with insurers, and pursue full compensation for both immediate and long-term impacts.
Collisions involving cars, motorcycles, or trucks are among the most common personal injury matters in Sylmar. These incidents can result from distracted driving, failure to yield, speeding, or road hazards. Injuries range from minor soft-tissue harms to more severe trauma requiring surgery and long-term rehabilitation. Documenting police reports, vehicle damage, and medical treatment is essential. When multiple vehicles or uninsured drivers are involved, the claim can become complex, and legal assistance helps protect recovery rights against adjusters and other involved parties.
Slip and fall injuries or other hazards on private or commercial property often raise premises liability issues when owners or managers fail to address dangerous conditions. Evidence such as incident reports, maintenance logs, security footage, and witness accounts helps show notice of a hazard and failure to remedy it. Injuries sustained on the premises can create claims for medical expenses and pain and suffering, and legal evaluation helps determine whether the property owner’s conduct contributed to the harm and how best to pursue compensation for affected Sylmar residents.
Some injuries occur at or near work or involve third parties whose conduct creates risk, such as defective products or negligent contractors. While workers’ compensation covers many workplace injuries, third-party claims may offer additional recovery when another party’s negligence contributed to harm. Determining the most effective path depends on the facts and insurance structures involved. In Sylmar, assessing potential third-party liability requires coordination with employers, insurers, and medical providers to build a comprehensive claim that reflects the full scope of losses.
Law Republic APC is available to answer questions, review your case, and explain options for pursuing compensation after an injury in Sylmar. Beginning with a confidential discussion, we evaluate liability, damages, and next steps tailored to your situation. Our approach emphasizes clear communication and practical guidance about timelines, likely costs, and achievable outcomes. Whether you need assistance gathering evidence, dealing with insurers, or preparing for court, we offer a structured process designed to support recovery while protecting your rights under California law.
Law Republic APC offers dedicated personal injury representation with a focus on attentive client service and thorough case preparation. We work to collect the facts, document medical and financial impacts, and communicate clearly about options at each stage of the claim. Clients from Sylmar and surrounding areas benefit from our familiarity with Los Angeles County procedures and local resources, which helps streamline evidence collection and court filings when necessary. Our goal is to pursue fair compensation while reducing the administrative burden on injured people so they can prioritize recovery.
When cases involve complex liability, multiple defendants, or disputed insurance coverage, we take a methodical approach to investigation and negotiation. That includes obtaining necessary records, consulting with medical professionals as needed, and preparing persuasive presentations to insurers or the court. For Sylmar claimants facing aggressive insurer tactics or unclear fault determinations, our team provides steady guidance and a consistent point of contact to keep the claim moving forward toward resolution.
Communication is a core element of our service. We keep clients informed about progress, deadlines, and settlement considerations so they can make timely decisions. From initial consultation to resolution, we build a case strategy based on each client’s priorities, whether that is maximizing recovery, securing prompt compensation, or avoiding protracted litigation. If you were injured in Sylmar, contacting Law Republic APC by phone or through the website is an efficient first step to understand next steps and protect your rights.
At Law Republic APC, the legal process begins with a confidential consultation to review facts and documents and determine potential liability and damages. If representation proceeds, we investigate the incident, collect medical records, and contact witnesses. We then present a demand to insurers and negotiate toward settlement, filing a lawsuit when necessary to protect recovery options. Throughout the process, we maintain communication about strategy, offers, and potential outcomes. Our goal is to resolve claims efficiently while preserving avenues for fair compensation if negotiations stall.
The intake and investigation phase focuses on preserving evidence and building a factual record. This includes obtaining police and incident reports, medical records, photographs or video, and witness statements. Early investigation can also involve requesting security footage and documenting scene conditions. For Sylmar cases, quick action helps ensure key details are preserved, which strengthens negotiations and any eventual litigation. Clear documentation at this stage forms the backbone of a compelling demand for compensation and informs decisions about whether to pursue settlement or file a lawsuit.
Collecting and organizing medical records, treatment plans, and billing statements is essential to support claims for economic damages. We work to obtain complete treatment histories, diagnostic tests, and provider statements that explain injury severity and projected care needs. In Sylmar matters, documenting the relationship between medical treatment and the incident is key to proving causation and calculating compensation for current and future medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and any ongoing care requirements.
Scene documentation and witness statements help establish liability and clarify how the incident occurred. We seek photographs, surveillance footage, maintenance logs, and statements from people who observed the event. For accidents in Sylmar, noting environmental factors, signage, and road or property conditions can be important evidence. Timely collection of these materials reduces the risk of loss or alteration and strengthens the factual foundation for negotiations or trial preparation.
After compiling evidence and assessing damages, we present a demand to the liable party or their insurer outlining the basis for liability and the amount of compensation sought. Negotiations involve exchanging information, discussing settlement options, and responding to insurer inquiries or defenses. In Sylmar cases, effective negotiation often depends on clear medical documentation, persuasive presentation of liability, and readiness to escalate to litigation if offers do not fairly reflect losses. The negotiation stage seeks to resolve the claim without trial when possible.
A demand package contains a summary of facts, liability evidence, and a detailed accounting of damages, including medical bills, wage loss, and non-economic harms. We assemble these materials to present a concise and persuasive case to insurers, supporting the requested compensation with documentation. For Sylmar claims, including local context and the impact on daily life helps adjusters understand the full harm and can improve settlement outcomes without the need for prolonged litigation.
During negotiations, we handle communications with adjusters, respond to requests for additional information, and evaluate offers against projected future needs. If the insurer makes an inadequate offer, we advise on next steps, which may include targeted additional investigation or filing a lawsuit to preserve the claim. Our approach focuses on obtaining a fair outcome while avoiding unnecessary delay, ensuring injured Sylmar residents understand the pros and cons of each proposed resolution.
If settlement cannot be achieved, filing a lawsuit becomes necessary to pursue compensation. Litigation includes drafting pleadings, conducting discovery, taking depositions, and preparing witnesses and evidence for trial. Trial preparation also involves coordinating experts and finalizing demonstrative materials to present a cohesive case to a judge or jury. For Sylmar claimants, this stage preserves legal rights and compels further disclosure of information, and it is undertaken when litigation is the best path to achieving a full and fair recovery.
Filing a lawsuit formally initiates the court process and starts discovery, where parties exchange documents and take depositions to clarify facts and test witness credibility. Discovery helps narrow contested issues and can prompt settlement once parties better understand the strengths and weaknesses of their positions. In Sylmar cases, discovery may reveal essential evidence previously unavailable, shaping final strategies for resolution and trial preparation while ensuring procedural requirements and deadlines are observed.
Trial preparation includes witness preparation, assembling exhibits, and developing courtroom presentations that clearly communicate liability and damages. Alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation, may also be pursued to reach a negotiated settlement before trial. For Sylmar claimants, these efforts aim to secure a fair outcome while balancing the costs and time involved in full litigation. A carefully prepared trial posture often strengthens settlement leverage and ensures the client’s interests are fully represented if the case proceeds to court.
In California, the general statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits is two years from the date of injury, which means a lawsuit must typically be filed within that period. There are exceptions that can extend or shorten the timeframe depending on the circumstances, such as claims involving government entities or delayed discovery of injury. It is important to assess deadlines promptly after an injury so that preservation of rights and timely filings are not jeopardized. Because exceptions can apply, injured parties in Sylmar should seek early guidance to determine the exact deadline that applies to their situation. Prompt action helps preserve evidence and avoid missed deadlines that could prevent recovery. If you believe a claim may exist, initiating discussions and record collection as soon as possible reduces the risk of procedural issues.
Immediately after an accident, prioritize your health and safety by seeking medical attention for any injuries, even if they seem minor at first. Document the scene with photographs, exchange contact and insurance information with other parties, and collect witness contact details if possible. If law enforcement responds, obtain a copy of any official reports or incident numbers that can later support a claim. Preserving evidence and obtaining early medical records strengthens any future claim. Avoid providing recorded statements to insurers until you understand the implications of your statements. For Sylmar residents, contacting a legal representative early can help organize documentation and advise on interactions with insurers while preserving the ability to pursue full compensation.
Whether medical bills are covered while a claim is pending depends on the circumstances and available insurance. In many cases, your own health insurance or auto medical payments coverage may pay for immediate treatment, and those insurers can be reimbursed from any recovery. Sometimes defendants’ liability policies will cover medical expenses after liability is acknowledged or as part of a settlement. Prompt documentation and billing records are vital to make these arrangements clear. If bills are accumulating, it is important to communicate with providers and insurers about payment options and lien possibilities. A legal team can help coordinate payments, explain how bills will be handled in correspondence with insurers, and seek to include outstanding and future medical costs in any demand or settlement to ensure proper coverage and reimbursement.
Fault in multi-vehicle accidents is determined by reviewing the circumstances, traffic laws, witness statements, vehicle damage, and any available video or reconstruction analyses. Investigators and insurance adjusters piece together what happened to determine each party’s role. In California, comparative fault principles mean that responsibility may be divided among drivers according to the degree each contributed to the accident. Accurate evidence collection, such as police reports, photographs, and witness accounts, is essential to establish fault shares. For Sylmar incidents, local traffic patterns and road conditions can also be relevant. A careful investigation and presentation of facts improves the ability to negotiate a fair settlement that reflects each party’s responsibility.
Yes. California follows a pure comparative fault system, which allows an injured person to recover damages even if they are partially at fault. Under this rule, a plaintiff’s recovery is reduced by their percentage of responsibility. For example, if a court or jury finds the plaintiff 25 percent at fault, any award would be reduced by 25 percent to reflect that share. Evaluating and contesting fault percentages is often an important part of negotiations and litigation. Clear evidence and persuasive presentation of circumstances can help minimize an injured person’s assigned percentage and preserve a larger recovery. For Sylmar residents, gathering timely documentation and witness statements helps challenge or confirm fault apportionment claims.
Personal injury damages typically include economic losses such as medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and lost wages, as well as non-economic losses like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life. In limited cases, and where the law permits, punitive damages may be available to punish particularly harmful conduct, though such awards are relatively rare and fact-specific. Documenting both present and anticipated future needs is important when seeking full compensation. Medical records, expert opinions on future care, and proof of lost income all help quantify economic damages, while careful testimony and documentation of daily impacts support claims for non-economic harms. For Sylmar claimants, a thorough presentation of damages improves the chances of a settlement or award that reflects total losses.
The time to resolve a personal injury claim can vary widely depending on case complexity, the willingness of insurers to negotiate, and whether litigation is necessary. Simple claims with agreeable insurers may resolve in a few months, while cases involving disputed liability, serious injuries, or multiple parties can take a year or more, especially if lawsuits and trials become necessary. Throughout the process, timely medical treatment and thorough documentation help keep the claim moving. Regular communication about the status of negotiations and potential trial timelines helps clients manage expectations. For Sylmar residents, local court schedules and discovery timelines in Los Angeles County can also affect overall duration, so early planning and active case management matter.
You do not always have to go to court for a personal injury claim. Many cases resolve through negotiations or alternative dispute resolution like mediation. If both sides can agree on a fair settlement, the matter can be concluded without a trial, saving time and expense. Negotiation outcomes depend on the strength of evidence and the willingness of insurers or defendants to offer reasonable compensation. However, when negotiations stall or offers are inadequate, filing a lawsuit and preparing for trial may be necessary to protect recovery rights. Preparing a solid trial posture often improves settlement leverage. For Sylmar clients, understanding these options helps decide whether pursuing litigation is the most appropriate path to secure full compensation.
To document injuries effectively, maintain a detailed file that includes medical records, imaging reports, provider notes, receipts, and bills related to treatment. Keep a daily journal describing pain levels, limitations in activities, and emotional impacts to support claims for non-economic damages. Photographs of visible injuries and any property damage, as well as records of missed work, strengthen the evidentiary record. Promptly obtain copies of all treatment documentation and preserve any physical evidence when feasible. For Sylmar cases, capturing scene photos and witness details soon after the incident complements medical documentation and forms a comprehensive evidentiary basis for negotiating or litigating a claim.
To contact Law Republic APC about an injury in Sylmar, you can call the office at 818-532-5323 or visit the website to request a confidential consultation. During the initial contact, provide basic details about the incident and any immediate documentation you have, such as police reports or medical records, so the team can assess next steps and advise on evidence preservation. If you decide to proceed, Law Republic APC will outline the process, discuss potential timelines, and explain how case handling and communications will be managed. Early contact helps ensure that key evidence is preserved and deadlines are observed, protecting your ability to pursue compensation.
