Privacy Policy for The Krolikowski Law Firm
Last Updated: April 8, 2025
The Krolikowski Law Firm (“we,” “us,” or “our”) is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your personal information when you visit our website (usethelaw.com), engage our legal services, or interact with us via SMS, email, or other channels. By using our services, you agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy.
1. Information We Collect
We collect the following types of information:
- Personal Information: When you contact us, sign up for SMS updates, or engage our services, we may collect your name, email address, phone number, mailing address, and other contact details.
- Protected Health Information (PHI): As a law firm handling personal injury and workers’ compensation cases, we may collect health-related information (e.g., medical records, treatment history) to provide legal representation. This is protected under HIPAA and California’s Confidentiality of Medical Information Act (CMIA, Cal. Civ. Code § 56.10).
- Case Information: Details about your legal case, such as accident reports, employment records, or workers’ compensation filings.
- Website Usage Data: We collect non-personal data like IP addresses, browser type, and pages visited via cookies and analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics) to improve our site.
- SMS Interactions: If you opt into our SMS campaign, we collect your phone number and message history (e.g., opt-in/out requests).
2. How We Use Your Information
We use your information to:
- Provide legal services, including case updates and appointment scheduling.
- Send informational SMS messages (e.g., “Your WCAB hearing is on 5/1/2025. Reply YES to confirm. Reply STOP to opt-out”).
- Communicate via email, phone, or mail about your case or legal resources.
- Improve our website and services through analytics.
- Comply with legal obligations, such as court orders or California Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) requirements.
3. How We Share Your Information
We do not sell or rent your personal information. We may share your information:
- With Your Consent: For example, sharing medical records with a Qualified Medical Evaluator (QME) for your case, with your authorization.
- For Legal Services: With third parties (e.g., courts, opposing counsel) as necessary to represent you, in compliance with HIPAA and CMIA (§ 56.10).
- Service Providers: With vendors like AT&T Office@Hand for SMS campaigns, Google Analytics for website data, or Lawmatics for case management, all under strict confidentiality agreements.
- Legal Requirements: If required by law (e.g., court orders, subpoenas), per HIPAA § 164.512 and CMIA § 56.10(b).
- Emergencies: To protect your safety or public health, as permitted by law.
4. SMS Privacy
- Consent: By opting into our SMS campaign, you consent to receive informational messages (e.g., case updates, appointment reminders). We log your consent (e.g., via usethelaw.com form) with timestamps and details.
- Security: SMS is not encrypted. We avoid sending PHI (e.g., “Your troponin results are high”) via SMS, using general prompts instead (e.g., “Call us for your test results”) to comply with HIPAA (§ 164.502) and CMIA (§ 56.10).
- Opt-Out: You can opt out anytime by replying STOP to any message. We log all opt-out requests.
- 5. Your Rights
- Access and Correction: You can request access to or correction of your personal information, including PHI, within 15 days under CMIA (§ 56.10(d)) and 30 days under HIPAA (§ 164.524).
- Refusal of Care: You have the right to refuse medical care, per Health & Safety Code § 1262.6, which we respect in our representation.
- California Privacy Rights: Under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA, Cal. Civ. Code § 1798.100), you can request disclosure of data we’ve collected, request deletion, or opt out of sales (we don’t sell data).
- HIPAA Rights: You can request an accounting of disclosures (HIPAA § 164.528) and file complaints with the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) if your privacy is violated.
6. Data Security
We implement reasonable safeguards to protect your information:
- Encryption: Electronic PHI (e-PHI) is encrypted per HIPAA (§ 164.312).
- Access Controls: Only authorized staff access your data, with training on privacy laws.
- Physical Security: Paper records are stored in locked files at our Santa Ana office (930 W 17th #d, Santa Ana, CA 92706).
- Breach Notification: If a breach occurs, we’ll notify you within 60 days (HIPAA § 164.404) or as required by CMIA (§ 56.101).
7. Third-Party Links
Our website may link to third-party sites (e.g., WCAB resources). We’re not responsible for their privacy practices—review their policies before sharing information.
8. Children’s Privacy
Our services are not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly collect data from children, per the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).
9. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy. Changes will be posted on usethelaw.com with the updated date. If significant, we’ll notify you via email or SMS.
10. Contact Us
For questions or to exercise your rights, contact us:
The Krolikowski Law Firm 930 W 17th #d, Santa Ana, CA 92706
Phone: (888) 687-5778
Email: info@usethelaw.com
SMS Terms of Service for The Krolikowski Law Firm
Last Updated: April 8, 2025
The Krolikowski Law Firm (“we,” “us,” or “our”) offers an SMS messaging program to provide informational updates to our clients, such as case updates, appointment reminders, and legal resources. By opting into this program, you agree to these SMS Terms of Service.
1. Program Description
- Purpose: Our SMS program sends informational messages to clients of The Krolikowski Law Firm, including case updates (e.g., WCAB hearing dates), appointment reminders, and links to legal resources on usethelaw.com.
- Frequency: Message frequency varies based on your case needs (e.g., 1–5 messages per month).
- Cost: There is no fee to receive messages, but standard message and data rates may apply per your mobile carrier plan.
2. How to Opt In
- Consent