Personal injury cases involve situations where someone suffers harm from an accident or injury, and someone else might be at fault. This can include car accidents, bicycle accidents, dog bites, work injuries, slip and falls, medical malpractice, and more.

No, it’s not mandatory, although it is highly recommended. Personal injury law can be complex, and an experienced lawyer can help naviate the legal system, deal with insurance companies, and ensure you receive fair compensation. Each county courthouse has resources for individuals who would like to file claims on their own behalf. Search your county's Superior Court website for webpages that mention "self-service" or "self-help" in the Civil Division section of the website.

At California Personal Injury Lawyers we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if you win your case. Typically, the fee is a percentage of the settlement or award.

Yes, our law firm has a diverse practice that extends beyond personal injury cases. We are committed to providing comprehensive legal services in various areas, including elder abuse, harassment, wrongful termination, and whistleblower complaints.

The time limit, known as the statute of limitations, varies by claim. For the typical personal injury claim, it is two years from the date of the incident. It's crucial to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to avoid missing the deadline or losing evidence.

Compensation can include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and sometimes punitive damages. The amount varies based on the case's specifics, including the severity of the injury and the impact on your life.

Yes, emotional distress is considered a form of damage. You can claim for psychological impact such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD resulting from the injury. Pain and suffering damages are limited though in medical malpractice cases and are not permitted in workers’ compensation cases.

Fault is determined based on evidence, such as eyewitness testimony, accident reports, medical records, and expert opinions. The legal standard is typically who was negligent or acted carelessly.

Even if you are partially at fault, you may still recover damages. California follows a comparative negligence rule, which allows you to recover damages even if you are 99% at fault for an accident. However, the amount of compensation you will receive is reduced by your own percentage of fault. For example, if you are found to be 30% at fault for an accident and the total damages amount to $100,000, you would be able to recover 70% of the damages, or $70,000. This system ensures that each party is held responsible for their share of the fault in an accident or injury.

Most personal injury cases are settled out of court. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, your case may go to trial. We will prepare you for this possibility, and whether or not to go to trial on you claim will always be your decision.

If you were just injured in an accident, seek medical attention, report the incident (e.g., to the police or your employer), document the scene and your injuries, and contact a personal injury attorney. Avoid discussing fault or making statements to insurance companies before consulting a lawyer.

A wrongful death lawsuit is a legal action brought when someone dies due to the negligent, reckless, or intentional actions of another person or entity. The purpose of this lawsuit is to provide compensation for the survivors who have suffered financial and emotional losses as a result of the death.