Personal Injury Attorney in Phoenix, Arizona

Law Offices of Michael Cordova

1700 North 7th Street
Phoenix, Arizona 85006-2230
USA

(602) 265-6700

www.mcordova.com

Contact the Firm

Law Firm Overview Free Consultation

The Law Offices of Michael Cordova is a personal injury and accident law firm with offices in Phoenix and Tempe, Arizona. We have experienced attorneys who obtain outstanding results for our clients. Since 1994, we have helped our clients secure the outcomes they deserve, including many millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts.

We provide the quality and professional legal service you expect from an experienced law firm. We have a commitment to personal and individual attention for each client that is delivered by an experienced team of attorneys and staff who are accessible and responsive to the needs and concerns of each client.

We understand the uncertainty and fear our clients face when they have the need to hire an attorney. We ensure that our clients and their families receive the guidance, compassion, counsel and representation they need. At the Law Offices of Michael Cordova, we do more than just resolve our clients' cases. We help our clients get through a very difficult time.

Year this Office was Established: 1994

Languages: Spanish; English.

Practice Areas

Additional Practice Areas: Cerebral Palsy; Dog Bites; Drowning Accidents; Drunk Driving Accidents; Jet Ski Accident; Strict Liability Accidents; Passenger Van Accidents; Elevator Accidents; Escalator Accidents; Amusement Park Accidents; Theme Park Accidents; Water Park Accidents; Beauty Salon Accidents; Barbershop Injuries; Daycare Accidents; Golf Course Accidents; Nightclub Injury; Zoo Accidents; Suspended License; Disorderly Conduct; Misdemeanor Crimes; Probation Violations; Property Crimes; Indecent Exposure; Public Sexual Indecency; Voyeurism; Child Molestation; False ID.

Practice Areas Description

The Law Offices of Michael Cordova offers legal representation in the following practice areas:

- Personal Injury

Accidents that happen because of the lack of care, or negligence of others, often result in serious injury and sometimes wrongful death. Your injuries will have an impact on you for the rest of your life. As experienced Phoenix Personal Injury Attorneys we have helped people who have been injured and their families, during very stressful and emotional times. Our clients' cases have included construction site accidents, accidents on the premises of others, motor vehicle accidents, school injuries and accidents involving dangerous products. We have experience in dealing with the many issues in these cases, including complex issues in fields such as law, engineering, medical treatment, and economics. This experience is crucial in making sure the responsible corporation or individuals are held accountable.

* Animal Attack

Dangerous animals, animals that have been mistreated and abused, or animals trained to injure another person can cause an animal attack injury. Despite the reason why an animal might have attacked, the owner of the animal should be held accountable for any injuries that were incurred by the animal attack. According to Arizona law, the animal owner is responsible for the animal attack. In Phoenix and throughout Arizona, the owner of the animal is required to take certain precautions on restraining the animal. Animal attacks can take place in a number of locations. These places may include the following: at a local Phoenix Zoo; on a neighborhood street; at a friend's home; at a public Phoenix park.

* Asbestos / Mesothelioma

Asbestos is a mineral fiber that was used in construction building due to its fire resistant qualities. Despite its fire resistance, it is extremely detrimental to a person's health. Three major health hazards that can take place from inhaling or ingesting an asbestos fiber are Asbestosis, Lung Cancer & Mesothelioma. Although construction companies have tried to limit their use of asbestos, it is still possible to become exposed to asbestos. If you or a loved one is suffering from health effects due to asbestos exposure, we can help.

* Auto Accident

Car accidents, truck accidents, and automobile accidents cause numerous injuries every day. These injuries can range from relatively minor to serious injury, brain injury, and sometimes wrongful death. The most common injury arising out of automobile accidents in Phoenix, Arizona are injuries to the neck, back, spine area. If you are involved in an auto accident in Phoenix, Arizona, and you are injured, you have legal remedies under Arizona law. Our car accident lawyers will assist you to recover compensation. Our attorneys have the experience to advise an injured victim and their family regarding the diverse issues involved with an auto accident.

* Aviation Accidents

When there is an aviation accident, there may be more than one party who is responsible for your injuries. Airlines, pilots, and manufacturers may all share a portion of the airplane accident liability when something goes wrong in the air or on the runway. The involvement of multiple parties in an aviation accident may make it difficult to determine who is at fault. Nevertheless, our Aviation Accident Attorneys assemble an experienced team of reconstruction and engineering experts who work together to investigate and develop your case in order to ensure that all responsible parties are included in your claim.

* Birth Injury

Birth injuries are usually caused by the negligent actions of a doctor and/or hospital staff member. Birth injuries may include bruising, head trauma, brain damage, cerebral palsy, or death. Unfortunately, many times a birth injury will cause unexpected expenses for the entire life of the infant. Medical mistakes that bring about birth injuries include, but are not limited to, the following: Failure to anticipate birth complications; Failure to respond promptly to bleeding; Failure to respond to umbilical cord complications; Failure to respond to fetal distress; Failure to order a cesarean section in a timely manner; Failure to use forceps or vacuum extractor properly.

* Bicycle Accident

Many people ride bikes everyday all over the country. With rising gas prices, a bicycle has proven to be an economical way to travel. However, with millions of people and automobiles in the Phoenix area, accidents are bound to happen. If you are struck by a car while riding your bike, this impact can cause serious injury and even wrongful death. A negligent motorist can cause great damage to a bicycle rider. After colliding with an automobile, one may be left with: Extensive medical bills; Severe Physical Injury; Spinal and Brain Injury; Loss of income; Permanent Impairment; Psychological Trauma. Our skilled attorneys at the Law Offices of Michael Cordova have experience in helping victims of bicycle accidents.

* Boating Accident

Boating accidents typically occur because operators underestimate the dangers of operating a boat. Similar to vehicle accidents, boating accidents occur due to a number of factors: Mechanical or equipment defects; Operator inexperience; Operator inattentiveness; Dangerous weather conditions. Any of these factors can be aggravated if the boat is being operated while under the influence of alcohol. Some common boating accidents include: Collisions with other watercrafts; Capsizing; Drowning accident because of ejected passengers; Swimmers being hit by a boat; Swimmers being injured by the boat propellers.

* Bus Accidents

Our Bus Accident Lawyers agree that the use of mass transportation is a good way to save on gas and car expenses. Riding the bus has also gained popularity due to environmental awareness. Unfortunately, the relaxing bus ride may turn dangerous and lead to serious injury if a bus accident should occur. The most common bus accidents occur due to cars maneuvering to get around a bus and cars staying in a bus driver's blind spot while the bus driver attempts to make a wide turn. Tire blow outs, inclement weather, low-quality roads, or driver negligence can also cause a bus accident. School buses, mass transit buses, and commercial buses have all experienced collisions due to these circumstances.

* Construction Accidents

Some of the most dangerous working conditions faced by employees in any industry are those faced by construction workers. At the Law Offices of Michael Cordova, your Phoenix construction accident lawyers, we know this. Construction accidents occur for many reasons, including mistakes in judgment, falls from scaffolds, fires, explosions, being struck by falling materials or machinery, defective or unreasonably unsafe equipment, chemical leaks or electrical accidents. As experienced Phoenix construction accident lawyers, we understand the difficulties you face when you are injured and cannot work to support your family. These difficulties include the physical pain that you are experiencing as a result of the accident, and also the financial pressures you're facing from not being able to work.

* Dangerous Drugs

Dangerous drugs can be the consequence of inaccurate drug testing results or unknown long-term side effects. Prior to drugs being approved by the FDA (Federal Drug Association), drug companies are required to have their drugs undergo various tests. Unfortunately, despite undergoing different drug tests and having an FDA approval, some drugs may still be quite harmful and possibly life threatening. The FDA and drug companies are obligated to ensure that Phoenix consumers will not suffer any harmful drug side effects. Unfortunately, seemingly reliable prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs may be the main cause of the distribution of dangerous drugs. Such dangerous drugs can be caused by, but are not limited to, inaccurate test results or unknown side effects.

* Defective and Dangerous Products

Product defect injuries can be caused by, but are not limited to, negligence, defective construction, or a conscious violation of safety codes and standards. When a person is injured because of a defective and dangerous product, those who make the product available, such as manufactures, distributors, or retailers, are responsible for any injuries that take place; this is called product liability. If precaution and thoroughness in regards to safety are not a manufacturer's main priorities, then a dangerous product injury or death will likely ensue.

* Daycare Accidents

A parent's main purpose in using a daycare is so the daycare employees will care for the well being of their child. Daycare accidents can potentially cause a child pain, suffering, and/or permanent emotional and physical damage. Daycare accidents can be caused by a multitude of things such as negligence or child abuse. When a minor (someone under 18 years of age) has a personal injury claim, in many cases, there is an extra set of procedures that apply to protect the interests of the minor. Specifically, the minor, usually through their attorney, will petition the probate court for approval of the minor settlement. This includes the amount of the settlement, the medical expenses to be paid from the settlement, the attorney's fees and costs, and the net settlement for the minor claimant.

* Dog Bites

According to Arizona law, the dog owner is responsible for the dog bite. This holds true whether the dog attack occurred on the dog owner's property or not. These dog attacks can be severely traumatic to the dog bite victim. Although it is quite rare that a dog infected with rabies attacks a person, it can be one of the unhealthiest of dog bites. If a person has been bitten by a dog with rabies, that person will have to receive seven rabies shots in order to avoid being infected with rabies. This, of course, can cause an increase in medical bills. If caution and various restraints are not heeded by a dog owner, then a dog bite injury or death will likely ensue.

* Drowning Accident

Drowning accidents can be caused by a number of factors such as: Inability to swim; Lack of fencing; Swimming alone; Slip and fall accidents; Consuming alcohol near a pool or body of water; Experiencing a seizure while swimming. The most common factor in drowning accidents is negligence. If a child or an elderly person is in a pool or in a bathtub, they are usually in the care of a babysitter or caregiver. The person in charge has a duty to care for the person in or near the water. It is important to note that drowning accident deaths can occur in less than a minute and in as little as a foot of water or less.

* Drunk Driving Accidents

Despite what an intoxicated person may believe; alcohol significantly inhibits reaction time. On the road, driving conditions constantly change from one moment to the next. These changes may include traffic light changes or a car changing traffic lanes. Because of this, it is important to always be alert and ready to react and adjust to these sudden changes. However, when a driver is under the influence of alcohol or drugs, their judgment and coordination are impaired, and they are unable to respond to the conditions of the road in a timely manner. Their inability to properly operate their vehicle causes vehicle accidents that can end in serious injuries or death.

* Elder and Nursing Home Abuse

Elder abuse can be caused by a multitude of things such as negligence or mistreatment in a local Phoenix nursing home. The main purpose that adult children or friends use a nursing home is so the nursing home employees will care for the well being of their parents or elders. Elder abuse can potentially cause an elderly person pain, suffering, and/or permanent emotional and physical damage. It is the duty and obligation of a Phoenix nursing home to ensure the safety of all elders. Elder abuse in nursing homes can be caused by, but is not limited to, nursing home negligence, inattentiveness, or a conscious mistreatment of elders, whether physically or emotionally.

* Head Injury Accidents

A person who was injured in an accident and suffered a head injury may be presented with a host of issues that can be very difficult, stressful, and exasperating. These head injuries may include, but are not limited to, the following: Brain Injuries; Bruising of the Brain; Cerebral Palsy; Dizziness; Headaches; Loss of Hearing; Loss of Memory; Paralysis; Ringing in the Ears; Vision Problems. If the head injury is extreme enough, it can result in Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). This occurs when external physical influences (i.e. car accidents) traumatize the brain - not when the brain is damaged because of a degenerative or congenital influence. The external force can diminish or alter the state of consciousness.

* Jet Ski Accidents

A majority of jet ski accidents are due to collisions in which a rider is going too fast and is unable to avoid a crash. The rider is usually ejected from the jet ski by the impact and is susceptible to landing on the boat or object they collided with. Often times, swimmers, water skiers, and people in boats are injured by inexperienced jet skiers. The causes of jet ski accidents are mainly attributed to: Rider inexperience; High speeds; Improper operating techniques. Some common jet ski injuries include: Abdominal trauma; Broken bones; Closed head injury; Chest trauma; Wrongful Death; Drowning Accident; Hip fractures.

* Light Rail and Train Accidents

A public transit system can be a wonderful part of any city, but the potential for light rail and train accidents is still there. Pedestrians and drivers of vehicles can suffer serious injuries or wrongful death if they are struck by a light rail or train. Being struck by a railcar can be a physically and emotionally devastating experience. This is because some people may become handicapped or face years of physical rehabilitation. These types of accidents usually involve the following: Accidents involving another light rail or train; Accidents involving other vehicles.

* Motorcycle Accidents

The driver of a motorcycle has very little protection if they are involved in a collision with a car or a truck. Since motorcycles do not have airbags or seatbelts, the rider will often be ejected from his or her motorcycle upon impact. As a result, the driver of the motorcycle frequently suffers very serious injuries. Our Motorcycle Accident Lawyers have substantial experience in representing people injured in motorcycle accidents. We assist motorcycle accident victims in recovering compensation. Such compensation includes the following: Lost and Future Lost Wages; Loss of Consortium; Loss in the Quality of Your Life; Medical Bills and Expenses; Motorcycle Damage; Pain and Suffering; Permanent Impairment.

* Medical Malpractice

Medical professionals and doctors, like everybody, make mistakes. The difference is that when doctors and medical professionals make mistakes and commit medical malpractice, the consequences from their mistakes can result in serious injury, brain injury, and even wrongful death. When medical malpractice occurs, doctors and other health care professionals are violating the Hippocratic Oath that doctors take in which they vow to "never do harm to anyone". Victims of medical malpractice have had their lives destroyed or severely damaged by the very people who pledged to take care of them. Our medical malpractice attorneys understand the complexity of the litigation process involved in medical malpractice cases. These medical malpractice cases are among the most difficult to prove.

* Pedestrian Accident

Our pedestrian accident lawyers have experience in all aspects of pedestrian accidents, which can include a variety of complex issues. Most often, a pedestrian accident is the result of an inattentive or negligent driver. Frequently, a pedestrian accident can occur because of a defective product in an automobile. Our pedestrian accident attorneys work to obtain compensation for the damages you suffer as a result of being involved in a pedestrian accident. These damages include: Medical bills and expenses; Pain and suffering; Lost wages, and Future Lost Wages; Permanent Impairment you have suffered; Loss of the Quality of your life; Loss of consortium; Permanent disfigurement you have suffered.

* Strict Liability Accidents

Strict liability accidents can be caused by a multitude of things, whether it is due to negligence, a defective product, or a construction accident. Strict liability is enforced on those who are responsible for any injuries sustained by victims because of the guilty party's decisions or dangerous activities. Unfortunately, these accidents can potentially cause a person pain, discomfort, and/or permanent emotional and physical damage. One common cause of a strict liability accident is when a product is defective. For example, a manufacturer/owner can be neglectful by deciding to sell a product despite its flaws being harmful to the general public.

* Large Truck Accidents

The consequences of a truck accident can be devastating. Many semi-trucks, tractor trailers, 18-wheelers, and big rigs are carrying loads of 60,000 pounds or more on our interstate highways and city streets. If a driver falls asleep, is inattentive, or if their brakes fail, the resulting accident can lead to serious injuries and Wrongful Death. Our Large Truck Accident Lawyers have extensive experience in all types of large truck accidents, whether a person was injured by a semi-truck, tractor trailer, 18-wheeler, or a big rig. We are familiar with federal and state laws, as well as federal regulations that regulate the interstate trucking industry. The knowledge of these laws and regulations is a key component in the successful handling of a truck accident case.

* Premises Liability / Slip and Fall Accident

Unsafe and dangerous property can lead to injuries, including serious injury, brain injury, and in some cases, wrongful death. Thousands of injuries occur every year as a result of dangerous premises. Many times, a slippery floor in a supermarket like Safeway, Fry's, or Albertson's can cause someone to fall and suffer a back injury or broken bones. Property owners have a responsibility to maintain their premises in a reasonable manner to avoid accidents and dangerous conditions. Our premises liability lawyers accept your case on a contingent fee, which means there is no recovery unless we obtain compensation for you.

* Products Liability

Manufacturers, distributors, and retailers of consumer products have a responsibility to make and sell consumer goods in compliance with accepted standards regarding health and safety. Furthermore, they must provide sufficient warnings in the event that their products are hazardous, and if dangerous they must take those dangerous products off the market. Yet, because of corporate greed, irresponsibility, or simple incompetence they do not always comply with their responsibilities. Our products liability attorneys recognize that corporations take shortcuts and risks in the name of corporate profit. We work with a team of experts, including engineers, accident reconstruction experts, and investigators to prove that a negligent corporation has allowed a dangerous and defective product into the hands of consumers.

* Wrongful Death

Wrongful death can occur as a result of many different kinds of negligence, including auto accidents, motorcycle accidents, large truck accidents, medical malpractice, construction site accidents, defective products, SUV Rollover, and pedestrian accidents. Our wrongful death attorneys assemble an experienced team including accident reconstruction experts, engineering experts, private investigators, all of whom worked together to investigate, and develop and prosecute wrongful death cases. We have extensive experience in handling wrongful death claims

* Serious and Catastrophic Injury

When an accident victim suffers serious or catastrophic injuries, such as limb amputations, spinal cord injuries, like paraplegia and quadriplegia, brain injury, or other serious and catastrophic injuries, their life is forever changed. Frequently, these injury victims may need medical care for the remainder of their life. They lose their ability to work and earn income. These victims may also need somebody to provide care for them because they cannot care for themselves. Our serious injury attorneys have experience assembling a team of experts to ensure your case is strong as possible and maximize the compensation you are legally entitled to.

- Criminal Defense

The attorneys at the Law Offices of Michael Cordova have extensive experience in representing the accused in criminal cases. A criminal charge can be a very frightening and confusing situation for an individual and his or her family. As such, those charged with a crime need to be aware of their rights and need to talk to a skilled attorney who can provide quality representation. Our Criminal Defense Lawyers have handled many criminal cases. These criminal cases include, but are not limited to, these following areas:

* Domestic Violence

If you have been accused of domestic violence, we understand how difficult, and sometimes emotional, your situation can be. Whenever you are accused of a crime, you are facing the possibility of incarceration, and that by itself is very serious. Domestic violence can arise because of numerous factors including marital problems, alcohol and/or drug abuse, anger management issues, to name a few. If that is your situation, our domestic violence lawyers can not only assist you with your case, but also provide guidance to professional and/or counseling services that can help you deal with the fundamental issue.

* Driver's License Suspension

The consequences involved in a driver's license suspension can be very severe if you're driving on a suspended license and are pulled over. You can face even more serious charges, particularly if you are accused of DUI. Driving on a suspended license while committing DUI is an aggravating circumstance, which can lead to larger fines and more jail time, if convicted. If your suspended license is a result of failing a breath test, you have the right to request an administrative hearing with the Arizona Motor Vehicle Department to avoid the automatic suspension. Provided you timely request the administrative hearing, the automatic suspension will not go into to effect until a ruling is made on your appeal. Our criminal defense attorneys have experience with MVD hearings, and can assist you in this process.

* Drug Crime Defense

Drug activity is becoming an area in which law enforcement is focusing more time and effort. If you are charged with a drug related crime, there are serious potential considerations you may have to face relating to work, family, and friends. It is extremely stressful and difficult to be face criminal charges for drug-related crimes. Depending upon the specific drug and quantity involved, the charges may be designated as a felony or a misdemeanor. Some of the more common charges include: Drug possession; Drug manufacturing; and Drug trafficking. These charges, depending upon specific facts and quantities involved will determine specific charges. The most common drugs involved include: Marijuana; Methamphetamine; Cocaine; and Other illegal drugs.

* DUI and DWI

In September 2007, new DUI laws went into effect and instituted new penalties for driving under the influence (DUI). These new DUI laws are being vigorously enforced by local police and prosecutors. It is more serious and expensive than ever if you are convicted on DUI charges. Therefore, it is important that you promptly consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney who can assist you with any DUI charges you are facing. There is more mandatory jail time for convictions of Extreme DUI. In addition, it is mandatory that drivers convicted of DUI have an ignition interlock device installed on their vehicle.

* Misdemeanor Defense

In Arizona, criminal charges can be defined as either misdemeanors or felonies. Misdemeanors are less serious crimes than felonies. There are three separate classes of misdemeanor, ranging from class one misdemeanor, which are the most serious and which can include a jail sentence of up to six months and a fine of up to $2500, to class three misdemeanors which can include jail time of up to 30 days, and a fine of up to $500. Common misdemeanors include: DUI; False ID; Domestic Violence; and License Suspension. Our criminal defense lawyers can assist you in the defense of your case. We have been successful in the defense of misdemeanors charged against our clients and have been able to frequently avoid any time in jail, and also reduce fines.

* Probation Violations

Probation violations can be very serious for a number of reasons. People who are on probation and fail to follow the terms of the probation may face time in jail, or even prison. The person accused of violating probation usually will be facing the same punishment that they could have received for the crime they were originally accused of committing. In some cases, that could be years in prison. Our criminal defense lawyers can represent you as soon as you learn that you are being charged with a probation violation. We will work to understand the basis for the probation violation charge, and the reasons why there may have been noncompliance. We will make every effort to explain the circumstances to the prosecutor even before the probation violation hearing, to try to resolve that matter without having a probation violation hearing.

* Robbery Defense

Theft, and particularly, robbery are extremely serious charges. People accused of committing robbery are usually facing the possibility of years in prison. One of the distinguishing features of robbery is that in addition to theft, it includes an aspect of violence or intimidation. Therefore, law enforcement officials, including police, prosecutors, and even judges are rarely sympathetic to those convicted of committing robbery. Our criminal defense lawyers can provide representation on the following cases: Robbery; Theft; and Burglary. Our criminal defense attorneys will spend time with you and on your case to prepare a strong defense. We will also conduct a thorough investigation and evaluate any and all evidence that prosecutors may use against you, and interview any relevant witnesses.

* Theft

Theft, much like a property crime, is punished based upon the value of the stolen property. At the Law Offices of Michael Cordova, we understand that law enforcement may have conducted an incomplete investigation and simply charged a person because it was easier, faster, and cheaper than thoroughly scrutinizing all the witnesses and evidence. Despite this carelessness, our Criminal Defense Lawyers will invest the time and effort needed to strengthen the defense of a case. If no person spoke to the witnesses, we will interview them. If surveillance videos were not obtained, we will retrieve them. If there are holes in the prosecution's case, we will explore them.