If you or a loved one suffered a dog bite in Stanford, California, you need clear information about your rights and next steps. Dog bite incidents can cause serious physical injuries, emotional distress, and unexpected medical bills. This guide explains what typically happens after a bite, how local laws in Santa Clara County may apply to your case, and what evidence is most important. Law Republic APC represents people in personal injury matters across California and can help evaluate whether you have a claim, how to document your injuries, and how to protect your interests while pursuing compensation.
This page focuses specifically on dog bite cases in Stanford and nearby communities within Santa Clara County. We cover common causes of incidents, legal responsibilities of dog owners under California law, and practical tips for preserving evidence and seeking medical care. Whether the bite happened on public property, at a private residence, or on business premises, timely actions can affect the strength of your claim. Our goal is to provide homeowners and visitors in Stanford with the information they need to make informed decisions about recovering damages and holding a negligent owner accountable.
Seeking legal assistance after a dog bite can help ensure your medical costs, lost income, and pain and suffering are addressed. In Stanford, navigating local ordinances, county reporting requirements, and insurance claims can be confusing. A focused legal approach helps identify responsible parties, contact insurers, and secure documentation such as medical records and witness statements. Legal representation can also help manage communications to prevent statements that might harm your claim. For injured parties, that support often leads to better negotiation outcomes and a clearer path toward financial recovery and peace of mind during a stressful time.
Law Republic APC handles personal injury matters, including dog bite claims across California and throughout Santa Clara County. Our team focuses on investigating incidents, gathering medical and photographic evidence, and communicating with insurers while protecting client rights. We prioritize clear client communication, timely case management, and aggressive pursuit of fair compensation. For residents and visitors in Stanford, we combine local knowledge with an understanding of state law to build effective cases. From initial consultation through resolution, our approach emphasizes practical solutions and full support for clients dealing with the aftermath of a dog bite.
Dog bite claims can involve several legal theories depending on incident details. California’s dog bite laws assign responsibility for injuries caused by dogs under various circumstances, and local Santa Clara County rules may require animal control reporting or quarantine. Understanding who owned or controlled the dog, where the event occurred, and whether the animal had prior aggressive behavior can shape the claim. Immediate steps such as seeking medical treatment, photographing injuries, obtaining witness information, and filing a report with local authorities strengthen your position. This section outlines key legal concepts and practical actions to take after an incident in Stanford.
A successful claim typically requires proving liability and damages. Liability may be based on owner negligence, violation of leash laws, or state rules that hold owners accountable for bites. Damages can include medical bills, ongoing treatment expenses, lost wages, and non-economic losses like pain and suffering. In many cases, insurance coverage held by the owner will play a central role in recovery, making early interaction with insurers important. We help injured parties evaluate coverage, collect supporting documentation, and weigh settlement offers against the full value of their losses so they can make informed decisions.
A dog bite claim seeks compensation for harm caused by a dog’s actions. Claims vary from minor lacerations to severe injuries requiring ongoing medical care. Key elements include proving the owner’s liability and showing the extent of your damages. In California, certain circumstances may impose owner responsibility even if the dog had no prior history of aggression. Beyond physical injuries, claims often consider emotional trauma and scarring. Gathering prompt medical documentation, photographs of wounds and scene, and witness statements creates a record that supports the claim and establishes the connection between the incident and resulting losses.
Building a strong dog bite case involves several interrelated steps. First, document injuries and scene details with photos and medical records. Second, report the incident to the proper local authority in Santa Clara County to create an official record. Third, identify witnesses and secure their statements. Fourth, assess potential defendants, which can include the dog owner, property owner, or others who had control of the animal. Finally, calculate damages by compiling medical bills, wage loss, and non-economic impacts. Timely action and thorough documentation help preserve evidence and support negotiations with insurers or litigation if needed.
Understanding common legal terms helps you follow your claim. Terms such as liability, negligence, damages, premises liability, and indemnity often appear in dog bite matters. Liability refers to legal responsibility for injuries. Negligence involves a failure to act reasonably to prevent harm. Damages represent financial and non-financial losses resulting from the injury. Premises liability may apply when a bite occurs on someone else’s property. Knowing these words and how they apply to your incident will make conversations with insurers and attorneys more productive and help you recognize important elements of your potential recovery.
Liability in a dog bite case refers to who is legally responsible for harm caused by the animal. In California, owners can be held accountable under certain statutes or theories of negligence depending on the facts. Establishing liability often requires identifying the owner, the dog’s history, and whether the owner failed to take reasonable precautions to prevent the incident. Liability may also extend to property owners or caretakers who had control over the environment where the bite occurred. Demonstrating liability is a fundamental part of recovering compensation for injuries and related losses.
Damages are the losses an injured person seeks to recover after a dog bite. These commonly include economic losses like medical bills and lost wages, and non-economic losses such as pain, suffering, and emotional distress. In more severe cases, damages may include long-term care costs, disfigurement compensation, and future lost earning capacity. Properly documenting all expenses and impacts of the injury is essential when negotiating with insurers or presenting a case in court. Accurate damage calculation ensures settlement discussions reflect the true cost of the incident.
Negligence refers to a failure to exercise reasonable care to prevent harm. In dog bite claims, this can include allowing a known aggressive dog to roam off leash, failing to secure a gate, or not warning visitors of a dangerous animal. To prove negligence, an injured person typically must show that the defendant owed a duty of care, breached that duty, and caused injuries as a result. Evidence like prior complaints, eyewitness testimony, and unsafe conditions at the scene can support a negligence claim in a dog bite case.
Premises liability arises when injuries occur on someone else’s property due to unsafe conditions. In Stanford dog bite cases, premises liability may apply if a property owner failed to secure a dog or maintain a safe environment for visitors. Factors include whether the owner knew or should have known about the risk, whether warnings were provided, and the reason the injured person was on the property. Premises liability claims often overlap with owner liability and negligence theories, and they require careful documentation of scene conditions and access points where the incident occurred.
In dog bite matters, injured parties can pursue limited actions such as filing an insurance claim or seek more comprehensive legal strategies including full investigation and potential litigation. A limited approach may be appropriate where liability is clear and injuries are minor, while a comprehensive approach tends to be better when liability is disputed, injuries are significant, or when long-term consequences are likely. Deciding which route to take depends on the complexity of the incident, available evidence, and the scope of damages. Our discussion highlights the pros and cons of each strategy so Stanford residents can choose the right path.
A limited approach can be appropriate if the circumstances clearly show the dog owner’s responsibility and injuries are relatively minor with straightforward medical treatment. In such cases, direct negotiation with the owner’s insurer may resolve medical bills and minor damages without extensive investigation. If witnesses corroborate the event and the owner accepts responsibility, a focused insurance claim can be efficient and timely. Injured parties should still document treatment and collect evidence to support the claim and avoid accepting an undervalued settlement.
A limited approach may also suffice when recovery is expected to be short, and future medical needs are unlikely. If an injury requires minimal follow-up care and lost wages are limited, negotiating a settlement directly with the insurer can save time and legal expense. That approach assumes the insurer offers fair compensation that fully covers all current costs. It is important to confirm that a settlement does not preclude later claims for additional treatment, and to assess whether the offer appropriately addresses non-economic harms like scarring or emotional impact.
A comprehensive legal strategy is often necessary when liability is contested or where insurance coverage is inadequate to compensate for injuries. In such circumstances, thorough investigation is required to identify additional responsible parties, obtain witness statements, secure surveillance or other evidence, and build a persuasive case. Comprehensive representation also helps challenge low settlement offers and pursue litigation when insurers refuse fair compensation. For serious injuries or complex liability scenarios, this more detailed approach increases the likelihood of recovering full damages necessary to cover long-term consequences.
When injuries are severe, disfiguring, or require long-term medical care, a comprehensive approach ensures your claim accounts for future treatment costs and ongoing impacts. This includes calculating projected medical expenses, potential loss of earning capacity, and compensation for pain and suffering. A careful economic assessment and medical expert opinions may be needed to support those projections. By developing a full picture of the long-term consequences, a detailed claim seeks fair compensation that addresses both current and future needs for recovery and rehabilitation.
A comprehensive approach to a dog bite claim helps protect your rights and maximize potential recovery. It involves collecting medical evidence, obtaining statements, investigating the dog’s history, and evaluating insurance coverage. Detailed case preparation can reveal additional liable parties and prevent insurers from undervaluing claims. For Stanford residents, this method also ensures compliance with local reporting and animal control procedures. A careful and thorough strategy supports stronger negotiation positions and, when needed, readiness for court proceedings to pursue compensation for both immediate and long-term losses.
Beyond compensation, a comprehensive approach reduces the stress of handling complex claim matters alone. It provides experienced case management, protects you from making inadvertent statements to insurers that could weaken your claim, and ensures all damages are considered. This approach also helps secure timely medical care and preserves evidence that can deteriorate over time. For cases involving significant injuries, the work invested at the outset to document needs and liabilities often results in more favorable settlements or verdicts that better match the true cost of recovery.
A comprehensive approach supports a more accurate valuation of damages by compiling thorough medical records, bills, and expert opinions when needed. This process helps quantify past and future treatment costs, lost wages, and non-economic impacts like pain and disfigurement. Proper valuation gives leverage in negotiations with insurers, reducing the risk of accepting inadequate settlement offers. For injured parties in Stanford, careful documentation helps ensure that recovery reflects both short-term and potential long-term needs, improving the likelihood of attaining compensation that adequately addresses all aspects of the injury.
Comprehensive case preparation gathers critical evidence such as witness statements, scene photos, local code violations, and animal control reports. This evidence strengthens credibility and supports legal arguments if negotiations fail and litigation becomes necessary. Thorough preparation also identifies potential defenses and routes to counter them, including linking owner actions to the incident and establishing patterns of behavior when relevant. In Stanford and across Santa Clara County, timely preservation of evidence and careful documentation often separates successful outcomes from settlements that fall short of clients’ needs.
Prompt medical evaluation is essential after a dog bite, both for your health and for documenting injuries. Even if a wound seems minor, infection risk and deeper tissue damage can develop. Keep careful records of all treatments, medications, and appointments. Save receipts and obtain copies of medical reports and imaging. These records form the backbone of any claim and support calculations of economic damages. Accurate and timely documentation also helps establish a causal link between the dog bite and your medical needs when engaging with insurers or legal representatives.
Notify appropriate local authorities in Santa Clara County and seek a record of the incident through animal control or law enforcement when applicable. Reporting helps establish an official record and may be required for public health steps like quarantine. When interacting with dog owners or insurers, avoid making detailed recorded statements about fault until you have legal guidance. Provide factual information about your injuries and conditions, but be cautious about admitting anything that could be used to dispute your claim. Legal counsel can help manage communications and advise on proper steps with insurers and other parties.
You should consider professional legal assistance when injuries lead to significant medical bills, time away from work, or when liability is disputed. Legal help is also advisable if the dog has a history of aggressive behavior, if the owner lacks insurance coverage, or if multiple parties share responsibility. An attorney can guide preservation of evidence, interact with insurers, and advise whether settlement offers fairly compensate for both current and projected future costs. For Stanford residents, legal guidance helps navigate local reporting requirements and pursue full recovery for tangible and intangible losses.
Legal assistance can also be valuable when emotional impacts or scarring affect quality of life, as these non-economic damages often require careful documentation and persuasive presentation. If you face complications from infection, surgery, or ongoing therapy, capturing those consequences for a claim early on matters. Additionally, when offers from insurers seem insufficient, representation helps evaluate alternatives and determine whether negotiation or formal litigation is appropriate. The right guidance supports informed decision making and helps ensure you do not inadvertently give up rights in exchange for a low settlement.
Dog bite claims often arise from off leash dogs in public, inadequate restraint on private property, failures to secure gates or fences, and attacks on children or delivery personnel. Other scenarios include bites by neighbor dogs, incidents at parks, or provoked encounters where liability may still be argued. Each circumstance involves different evidence needs and potential defendants. Understanding the context of the incident allows for tailored investigations and strengthens the ability to demonstrate negligence or statutory liability as applicable in Stanford and throughout Santa Clara County.
When dog bites occur in public spaces such as sidewalks or parks, questions about leash law compliance and local ordinances often arise. Evidence from nearby surveillance, park staff, or other witnesses can be critical. Reporting the incident to local animal control and documenting the setting help establish an official record. Injuries sustained in public places sometimes allow claims against owners or others responsible for supervising the animal, depending on the circumstances. Prompt preservation of information and witness details supports establishing liability in these public-space incidents.
Private property bites can involve both the dog owner and the property owner if maintenance or access issues contributed to the incident. For example, unsecured gates, broken fencing, or misleading signage may be relevant. Guests, service providers, and trespassers face different legal considerations, but documentation of the scene and any warnings provided can clarify the situation. Collecting medical records and witness accounts, together with a prompt report to animal control, helps create a comprehensive record supporting recovery efforts from responsible parties.
When children or vulnerable individuals are bitten, the consequences can be especially serious both physically and emotionally. These cases may require careful advocacy to secure appropriate medical care and to address long-term impacts. Documentation of injuries, developmental effects, and psychological consequences may be necessary when calculating damages. Families should document treatment plans, therapy sessions, and any educational or social impacts. Ensuring the child’s safety and obtaining prompt medical attention are the first priorities, followed by steps to preserve evidence and records to support a claim.
If you were injured by a dog in Stanford, Law Republic APC is available to discuss the incident and your options. We provide focused guidance on immediate steps such as medical care, reporting to animal control, and documenting evidence. Our approach emphasizes clear communication, prompt investigation, and protecting your legal interests while you recover. We can evaluate potential defendants, identify available insurance coverage, and explain the likely next steps. A timely consultation helps you understand whether pursuing a claim is appropriate and what outcomes to expect based on local legal standards.
Law Republic APC handles personal injury matters across California and understands the unique considerations of dog bite cases in Santa Clara County and Stanford. We assist clients in documenting injuries, interacting with animal control, and negotiating with insurance carriers. Our priority is to protect your rights, seek full recovery for medical expenses and other losses, and offer steady support during the claims process. We focus on clear communication and individualized attention so clients understand the strengths and challenges of their cases and can make informed choices.
When pursuing a claim, having consistent advocacy can simplify complex interactions with insurers and the parties involved. We take on the burden of investigation, evidence collection, and claim preparation so injured parties can focus on recovery. For those in Stanford, our familiarity with local procedures and contacts in Santa Clara County helps move cases forward efficiently. We work to identify all potential avenues for compensation and to present claims in a way that reflects the true scope of medical and economic impacts.
Clients benefit from focused case management that includes timely follow-up, transparent fee structures, and straightforward explanations of legal options. We guide decisions about settlement offers and potential litigation while emphasizing realistic expectations and proactive planning for future needs. If a case requires court involvement, our preparation ensures the claim is well-documented and supported. Our commitment is to provide diligent representation that seeks fair outcomes while keeping clients informed throughout the process.
Our legal process begins with a thorough intake and case assessment to understand the circumstances and severity of your injuries. We then advise on immediate steps such as obtaining medical documentation and reporting to local authorities. Next we investigate the scene, identify potential defendants, and gather evidence including witness statements and any available records. We calculate damages and attempt settlement negotiations with insurers, all while keeping you informed. If settlement is insufficient, we prepare to file a lawsuit and move forward with litigation to pursue fair compensation on your behalf.
The first step is a focused discussion about the incident, injuries, and available documentation. We collect medical records, scene photos, witness statements, and any reports filed with animal control or law enforcement. This initial stage determines the strength of the claim, identifies potential defendants, and clarifies insurance coverage. We explain legal standards that apply in Stanford and Santa Clara County, outline likely timelines, and discuss initial strategies for preserving evidence and documenting ongoing medical needs. This foundation is critical for later negotiations or court proceedings.
A central element of early case building is obtaining detailed medical records and treatment plans. These documents include emergency room reports, surgical notes, imaging results, therapy records, and medication lists. They show the nature and extent of injuries and provide a basis for calculating economic and non-economic damages. Ensuring continuity of care and timely follow-up appointments strengthens the case by showing the relationship between the bite and resulting treatment. Accurate medical documentation is essential when presenting a claim to insurers or in court.
Investigating the scene and interviewing witnesses helps corroborate the injured party’s account. This step includes photographing the location, noting environmental factors, and identifying potential surveillance footage sources. Witness statements provide valuable third-party perspectives about the event and the dog’s behavior. We work quickly to secure contact information and record witness accounts before memories fade. Effective early investigation can reveal details such as owner negligence, prior incidents, or conditions that contributed to the bite, all of which support the claim.
After gathering evidence and assessing damages, we prepare a comprehensive claim package for insurers or the opposing party. This includes medical records, bills, wage-loss documentation, and a clear statement of non-economic impacts. We present this information in settlement negotiations aimed at securing fair compensation without resorting to litigation when possible. Our team manages communications with insurance companies, responds to requests for information, and advises clients on the merits of offers. If insurers refuse reasonable compensation, we prepare for formal legal action.
Identifying available insurance policies is a key part of claim preparation. We determine whether the dog owner’s homeowner or renter insurance covers the incident, and whether additional policies exist. When coverage is limited, we also evaluate other possible defendants who may share liability. Understanding insurance limits and legal exposure guides negotiation strategy and informs decisions about whether to file a lawsuit to pursue full damages. This careful evaluation ensures claims are presented to the parties most likely to provide compensation.
We prepare a demand package that lays out the factual record, medical documentation, and a detailed calculation of damages. Presenting a well-supported demand positions clients for stronger settlement offers and reduces the likelihood of undervalued resolutions. During negotiation, we handle insurer communications, propose settlement terms, and advise on whether offers align with the full cost of recovery. If negotiations stall, we evaluate the potential benefits of filing a lawsuit to pursue maximum compensation through the courts.
If settlement negotiations do not produce fair compensation, litigation may be the next step. This stage involves filing a complaint, engaging in discovery to exchange evidence, and preparing for trial if needed. Discovery can include depositions, interrogatories, and requests for documents that further clarify liability and damages. Throughout litigation, we continue to evaluate settlement opportunities while building a case for trial. The goal is to secure the best possible outcome, whether through continued negotiation or a verdict that compensates for all medical, economic, and non-economic losses.
Filing a lawsuit formally initiates the litigation process and allows for discovery, where both sides gather additional evidence. Discovery tools include written questions, requests for documents, and sworn depositions. These steps can uncover insurance records, witness testimony, and other information that strengthens the injured party’s position. Discovery also clarifies the opposing party’s defenses, enabling targeted responses. Effective use of discovery often leads to settlement discussions grounded in a clearer factual record and realistic assessment of litigation risks.
If a case proceeds to trial, thorough preparation is essential. This includes preparing witnesses, organizing exhibits such as medical records and photographs, and developing persuasive legal arguments to present to a judge or jury. Throughout the litigation process, parties may continue settlement talks and mediation to resolve the dispute without a trial. If mediation or settlement negotiations succeed, the case can conclude sooner. If trial is necessary, strong preparation increases the likelihood of securing fair compensation for both current and future impacts of the injury.
The first priority after a dog bite is to seek medical care for your injuries. Prompt medical attention not only protects your health but also creates a documented record linking the bite to your treatment. Photograph wounds, clothing, and scene conditions, and obtain contact information for witnesses. Report the incident to animal control or local authorities in Santa Clara County to create an official record and to address public health concerns such as rabies monitoring. Preserving evidence and obtaining medical documentation early strengthens any potential claim and helps ensure appropriate follow-up care is provided. After addressing immediate health needs, limit discussions about fault with the dog owner or their insurer until you have had a chance to consult about your rights. Provide factual information about what happened but avoid detailed recorded statements that could be used to dispute aspects of the claim. Consider contacting a legal representative to discuss next steps such as collecting further evidence, calculating damages, and communicating with insurers while you focus on recovery.
Reporting a dog bite to local authorities or animal control in Santa Clara County is an important step for public safety and for documentation. Local agencies can provide guidance on quarantine or vaccination requirements and create an official record of the incident. That record can be useful when pursuing a claim, as it corroborates the event and its details. Even if the owner cooperates, filing a report protects public health interests and supports any future legal or insurance processes related to the bite. Filing a report also helps authorities track repeat incidents involving the same animal. If the dog has a history of aggressive behavior, prior reports can be critical evidence showing known risk. Keeping a copy of the report and any case numbers aids communications with insurers, attorneys, and medical providers as you pursue recovery for injuries and related losses.
In California, personal injury claims, including many dog bite cases, are subject to a statute of limitations that generally requires filing within two years of the injury. Missing the filing deadline can result in losing the right to pursue a claim in court. There are exceptions and nuances depending on the specifics of the case, such as when the injury was discovered or the identity of the responsible party, so early consultation is important to protect your rights and preserve legal options. Even when you do not plan to file immediately, taking prompt steps to document injuries and preserve evidence is essential. Speaking with a legal advisor soon after the incident helps ensure you understand applicable deadlines, required reports, and strategies to secure compensation while staying within statutory time limits.
Liability for a dog bite can rest with the dog owner, caretaker, or even a property owner in some cases. California law can impose responsibility on owners for injuries caused by their dogs in certain circumstances, and negligence theories may extend liability when owners fail to take reasonable precautions. Identifying the appropriate defendant involves determining ownership, control of the animal at the time of the incident, and whether any property conditions contributed to the event. In complex situations, other parties such as landlords, property managers, or business owners may share liability if they had a duty to maintain safe premises. A careful investigation, including witness statements and local reports, helps identify all potentially responsible parties and supports the claim for fair compensation.
Many dog bite claims are covered by the dog owner’s homeowner or renter insurance policy, which often includes liability coverage for injuries caused by pets. Insurance can cover medical bills, lost wages, and other damages up to policy limits. Identifying insurance coverage early and filing a timely claim helps access available benefits and prevents delays in receiving compensation for immediate medical costs and related expenses. However, coverage limits may not fully compensate for severe or long-term injuries, and insurers sometimes dispute liability or minimize settlements. If the insurer’s offer is insufficient, further negotiation or legal action may be necessary to pursue the full value of damages. A detailed damage calculation and documentation support stronger settlement positions and help determine whether litigation is warranted.
California follows comparative fault rules, which means recovery may still be available even if the injured person bears some responsibility for the incident. Under comparative fault principles, any recovery is reduced by the injured person’s percentage of fault. For example, if a court finds the injured person 20 percent at fault, recovery would be reduced accordingly. This rule allows injured parties to pursue compensation while recognizing that courts will consider each party’s role in the incident. Because comparative fault can reduce recoverable damages, clear documentation and credible evidence are important to minimize assigned fault. Legal representation can help present facts that reduce the perception of the injured person’s responsibility and maximize the available recovery after apportionment is considered.
Damages in a dog bite case commonly include economic losses such as medical expenses, prescription costs, therapy bills, and lost income. These tangible financial impacts are often the first items addressed in a claim and are supported by medical records, bills, and employer documentation of lost wages. Out-of-pocket expenses related to transportation to medical appointments and medical equipment may also be recoverable. Non-economic damages include pain and suffering, emotional distress, scarring, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life. These damages are more subjective and require careful presentation of evidence such as photographs, treatment records, and testimony about the injury’s impact on daily life. When future treatment or long-term care is required, projected future costs and loss of earning capacity can also be included in the damage calculation.
The time to resolve a dog bite claim varies widely depending on case complexity, severity of injuries, and insurer cooperation. Minor claims with clear liability and limited damages can settle in a few months. More complicated matters involving disputed liability, serious injuries, or insufficient insurance may take one year or longer and sometimes require litigation and additional discovery steps. Variables such as the speed of medical treatment documentation, witness cooperation, and court schedules also affect timelines. While faster resolution is preferable, rushing to accept a low offer can lead to inadequate recovery. A measured approach that gathers necessary evidence and accurately evaluates damages usually produces better long-term results, even if it requires more time to reach a fair settlement or trial outcome.
You should carefully evaluate any initial settlement offer from an insurer before accepting. Early offers are sometimes made to quickly close a file and may not fully account for future medical needs, rehabilitation, or non-economic losses. Review all medical documentation and potential future treatment needs to determine whether an offer fairly compensates the full scope of damages. Consulting with knowledgeable counsel can help assess the adequacy of an offer and whether it addresses both current and projected costs. Accepting a settlement typically releases the insurer and the responsible party from further claims related to the incident, so it is important to confirm the amount covers all anticipated expenses and impacts. If an offer is insufficient, negotiations or legal action can pursue a higher recovery that better reflects the long-term consequences of the injury.
Law Republic APC assists clients by evaluating incidents, guiding immediate steps for documentation and medical care, and investigating the facts needed to support a claim. We help identify responsible parties, assess insurance coverage, and compile medical and economic evidence to present a comprehensive demand to insurers. Our team also manages communications with insurers and other parties so clients can focus on recovery while we pursue appropriate compensation on their behalf. If negotiations do not produce a fair outcome, we prepare for litigation and pursue claims through the courts when necessary. Throughout the process, we strive to keep clients informed, present realistic expectations, and advocate for recovery that addresses both immediate and future needs stemming from the injury.
