Los Angeles Personal Injury Lawyers
We’ll tell you if you have a case or not, call (888) 488-1391 — We’re here 24 hours a day.
Our Los Angeles Personal Injury Lawyers Offer Legal Guidance When The Unexpected Happens
If you or a loved one has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, our Los Angeles personal injury lawyers can help you seek just compensation for your losses. Reach out to us for legal assistance as you navigate this difficult journey. Contact Arash Law at (888) 488-1391 for a free initial consultation.
It can take less than a second for a serious accident to happen, but the resulting pain and emotional distress can last for months and even years. It is an incredibly difficult and overwhelming time when you or a loved one suffers serious injuries or, tragically, loses a life due to another party’s negligence. At Arash Law, we understand the immense emotional and physical toll such events can take on you and your family.
Our experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyers are here to offer support, guidance, and advocacy during this challenging period. We can help you seek justice and protect your rights throughout the legal process.
It’s not all sunshine, leisure, and excitement in Los Angeles. The high number of residents, tourists, and activities increases the risk of an accident leading to personal injuries, from traffic crashes to slip-and-falls and dog bites. These incidents can result in significant medical expenses, lost wages, and other financial burdens, especially in cases of severe injuries.
No accident victim should bear the financial burden of injuries caused by another person’s negligence. Dealing with the legal process while still recovering can be overwhelming. Hiring an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer near you can guide you through the claims process, protect your rights, and pursue the compensation available under the law. They can handle the legal matters on your behalf so you can focus on getting better. Call us at (888) 488-1391 or complete our “Do I Have A Case?” form here for a free initial consultation.
Why Hire Our Los Angeles Personal Injury Lawyers
Arash Law has decades of experience representing accident victims across California. Our experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyers handle various types of personal injury cases, including:
- Auto Accidents
- Motorcycle Collisions
- Bicycle Accidents
- Boat Accidents
- Airplane & Other Aircraft Accidents
- Public Tour & Other Bus Accidents
- Train Accidents
- Dog Bites & Other Animal Attacks
- Slip & Fall Accidents
- Premises Liability
- Product Liability
- Wrongful Death
Each type of accident can lead to a distinct injury claim. Personal injury laws can be challenging to navigate without legal knowledge and experience. Our attorneys can offer guidance to help you better understand your rights and options.
There are several factors in a case, such as liability, evidence, and damages, that can affect the outcome. Our personal injury lawyers have the knowledge and experience to help you manage the legal process. We can help you seek justice and compensation for your losses. Contact our injury firm in Los Angeles to get started.
Our client was working as a window washer when he fell several feet while cleaning a gutter and sustained a traumatic brain injury as well as injuries to his spine. Our firm uncovered liability beyond workers’ compensation and secured a $5,325,000 global settlement on behalf of our client.
– ARASH KHORSANDI
Why Hire Personal Injury Attorneys From Arash Law
Our personal injury lawyers in Los Angeles are committed to helping people who have suffered an injury due to the negligence of other parties. Our goal is to help victims seek the financial compensation available under the law.
When you hire us, we conduct a thorough independent investigation into your accident to determine fault and preserve available evidence. We work diligently to help you pursue fair compensation that reflects your specific situation. Whether you were injured in a car accident, slipped in a Walmart, suffered an animal bite, or are grieving the wrongful death of a loved one, our attorneys can help protect your rights.
After an accident, you may find yourself scouring the internet for the best personal injury attorneys in Los Angeles. There are several factors to consider, including experience, knowledge of local laws, and a track record of results.
Arash Law has supported numerous clients in various types of personal injury cases. We have the resources and experience to help you navigate the complexities that may arise in your claim.
What An Injury Lawyer Can Do To Help
A personal injury attorney does not just litigate disputes in California courtrooms. As a law firm in Los Angeles, Arash Law can represent you throughout the entire process, from case filing to resolution. Our personal injury lawyers in Los Angeles aim to protect your rights and help you pursue compensation for the harm you suffered because of someone else’s negligence.
In personal injury law, negligence refers to recklessness or failure to exercise due care to prevent harm to another person. Someone who acts negligently can be held financially liable for damages.
The first step is to identify all potential parties who may be liable for your losses. Sometimes, there’s more than one party at fault. In this case, they have a shared responsibility to compensate you. Our Los Angeles lawyers carefully consider all possible sources of liability when building a case and exploring avenues for recovery.
Afterward, we’ll file a claim with all of the insurance companies responsible for covering the damages. This process often requires a significant amount of paperwork and administrative effort. Our personal injury attorneys in Los Angeles can manage these responsibilities on your behalf and work to negotiate fair settlement offers while addressing any policy limitations.
While many personal injury cases are settled before going to trial, our attorneys build a case as if we’re heading to court, so we’re prepared for whatever comes next.
Feel free to reach out if you have questions like, “How can a lawyer help me?” or “How much do personal injury lawyers charge?” Call (888) 488-1391 for a free initial consultation with our lawyers in Los Angeles.
Benefits Of Hiring A Personal Injury Lawyer
It’s normal to ask yourself, “Do I really need a personal injury lawyer in Los Angeles?” after sustaining injuries in an accident. While some may consider handling a claim on their own, doing so can be challenging due to the complexities of insurance processes, legal requirements, and the need to accurately document damages.
Some benefits of hiring a personal injury lawyer can include:
- Protection of Legal Rights — Our personal injury lawyers in LA take extensive steps to protect your legal rights and help you pursue just compensation under the law.
- Handling Communications — We manage all interactions with insurance companies, reducing the risk of miscommunication or inadvertently providing information that could affect your claim.
- Claim Evaluation — Our attorneys follow a thorough process to assess the full value of your claim, considering medical expenses, lost income, and other damages.
- Review of Offers — Our Los Angeles attorneys can review settlement offers on your behalf and assess if they address the extent of your injuries and losses. We’ll advise you whether an offer is fair or if further negotiation is needed.
- Litigation Support — If a fair offer isn’t reached with the insurance company, we’ll consider filing a lawsuit. Our experienced attorneys can help you navigate evidentiary issues and witness credibility to build a strong case.
- Establishing Fault — Our attorneys help assess liability and gather the necessary evidence to support your claim for compensation.
If you believe you have a case and need legal assistance, consider contacting our Los Angeles personal injury lawyers. We offer a complimentary case review to help you understand your legal options and your potential next steps.
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Common Cases Our Personal Injury Lawyers Handle
Los Angeles is home to nearly 10 million people. Accidents are bound to happen in such a densely populated area, a busy county, and a thriving economy. Some of the cases that our Los Angeles personal injury lawyers handle are motor vehicle collisions, workplace accidents, and boating disasters.
Car Accidents
Auto accident claims are among the most common types of personal injury cases our Los Angeles lawyers handle. A higher volume of traffic often leads to more collisions, and here in Los Angeles, we have some of the worst traffic in the country. As of 2023, there are a total of 6.2 million automobiles registered in the county, which contributes to road congestion. Accidents also occur in Los Angeles due to factors like:
- Drunk Driving
- Distracted Driving
- Speeding
- Reckless Driving
- Poor Road Conditions
- Defective Vehicles And Parts
After an accident, you may be looking for free legal advice. At Arash Law, we offer complimentary case reviews to car accident victims in Los Angeles, whether you’re a driver, passenger, or pedestrian. Our Los Angeles personal injury lawyers handle various types of cases, such as fender benders, head-on crashes, and rear-end collisions. Call our car accident lawyers for a no-obligation consultation.
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Many of the personal injury cases our lawyers handle in Los Angeles involve other motor vehicles. These accidents were a leading cause of injury and death in the county from 2021 to 2023. In the City of Los Angeles alone, 289 people were killed in traffic accidents in 2021, a 21% increase from 2020. This includes 128 pedestrians and 18 bicyclists. Another 1,465 people were critically injured in vehicular accidents, according to data from the Los Angeles Police Department.
The Los Angeles Police Department also revealed that in 2023, traffic accidents caused more deaths than homicides for the first time in nine years. The end-of-year report further elaborated:
- Felony hit-and-run cases rose by 23% compared to 2022.
- DUI-related crashes increased by 32%.
- Traffic collisions causing fatal injuries to pedestrians increased by 13%.
Motor vehicle traffic (MVT) injuries and fatalities have been decreasing in Los Angeles County. In 2022, the California Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS) recorded the following data:
- Around 40,503 crashes led to a total of 58,147 fatalities and injuries, a 2.7% decrease from 59,603 cases in 2021.
- Traffic accidents caused fatalities and injuries to 3,691 pedestrians, 2,000 bicyclists, and 2,825 motorcyclists.
- Drunk driving contributed to 6,072 fatalities and injuries. Drugs were involved in 463 cases.
- Around 20,840 fatalities and injuries were due to speeding, accounting for over 30% of the total.
- Distracted driving resulted in 2,246 fatalities and injuries.
Regardless of the cause, our injury attorneys in LA can handle your case from start to finish. We have in-depth knowledge and experience in accidents involving trucks, electric scooters, rideshare vehicles, and multiple vehicles.
Regardless of the cause, our Los Angeles injury attorneys can manage the legal aspects of your case, from investigating the accident to gathering evidence and negotiating with insurers. We have experience handling complex incidents involving trucks, electric scooters, rideshare vehicles, and multi-vehicle collisions. We thoroughly investigate all contributing factors and potential liabilities.
Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents can cause far more serious injuries than those involving only passenger cars. This is because the riders have very little protection from the impact of a collision. Vehicle occupants have seatbelts, airbags, and a solid steel vehicle frame that is designed to absorb the impact. Motorcycle riders typically wear only a helmet and protective gear.
For this reason, motorcycle accident victims are often left with injuries that are more severe than those sustained by vehicle occupants in the same collision. They usually face higher medical expenses and longer-lasting consequences. It is important to find a local motorcycle accident attorney in L.A. who can properly protect your case.
The rules that determine who is at fault for causing an accident (“liability”) are the same for auto and motorcycle accidents. One driver could be at fault, both motorists could share liability, or a third party, like a vehicle manufacturer, could be responsible. However, because the injuries are usually more serious for bikers, there are far more complicated losses to calculate.
Dog Bites And Animal Attacks
Animal attacks have become a serious matter in California in recent years. In 2022, the rate of hospitalizations due to dog bites doubled from 2006 to 2022. ER visits totaled 48,596, or 135 visits per 100,000 residents. That’s a sharp 70% increase from 2005. Although rare, deaths from dog bites also increased by about 70% from 2006 to 2022.
Children, especially, are prone to dog bites. They accounted for 64% of dog bite victims who required medical attention after an attack. Still, even adults are at a high risk of sustaining life-changing or fatal injuries.
Around 20,000 people are bitten annually in the county. In 2023 alone, various horrific incidents occurred. In August, two men were mauled in Woodland Hills. A dog attacked a deliveryman in Palmdale, and a separate dog bite incident along Gladys Avenue left a 60-year-old victim injured.
In most cases, owners are held strictly liable for the damages if their dog bites someone. This means you don’t have to prove they were negligent or that they knew of their pet’s aggressive tendencies beforehand. However, you may have to prove you did not intentionally provoke the dog.
Animal attacks can also happen at a zoo, aquarium, or other place that is open to the public. Owners of these facilities must keep their businesses safe for visitors. They must properly train and supervise their staff, handle their animals responsibly, and implement procedures to protect guests from animal attacks. If they neglect these responsibilities, the facility may face legal liability for your injuries and other losses. Talk to our Los Angeles personal injury lawyers for an estimate of your potential compensation available under the law.
Product Liability
The product liability law imposes a higher duty of care on manufacturers because they derive financial benefits from the public. The law has strict requirements to make goods safe. Manufacturers are subject to the rule of strict liability. This means that a manufacturer is liable for all injuries caused by their products, regardless of whether they exercised due care.
There are certain exceptions to this rule. For example, if the product is being used in a manner the manufacturer did not intend, they may not be liable. However, in general, strict liability is a strong rule that imposes high legal obligations on manufacturers of consumer products.
This is why there are so many product recalls. It is usually less expensive for a company to go through a costly recall than to pay thousands of personal injury claims for consumers who were injured by a defective product.
One example is the recall of magnetic balls from Walmart. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) banned the toy, forcing the retail giant to pull it out of its stores. This decision came after 2,000 hospitalizations and seven deaths.
This specific product posed ingestion hazards, but more risks are present among other consumer goods. If you or a loved one suffers from a personal injury due to faulty merchandise, talk to our product liability lawyers in Los Angeles.
Slip-And-Fall Accidents
Even a seemingly minor slip, trip, or fall can cause severe and long-lasting injuries. Our experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyers, who handle premises liability cases, can help you seek compensation for your losses.
Premises liability is a legal doctrine that requires property owners to keep their premises safe for those who enter them. The level of care required might vary based on the specific circumstances:
- For businesses, the owner has a higher duty of care. They must inspect the property and make it safe to protect the paying public. This rule applies to owners of grocery stores, shopping malls, retail stores, sporting venues, theme parks, and other commercial venues.
- For residential properties, the landowner should warn of any hidden dangers that they are aware of. This rule generally protects friends or family members visiting someone else’s home. Because the homeowner has no financial interest in inviting the guest onto their property, the duty of care is lower.
- In cases of trespassing, the owner’s only duty owed to the trespasser is to avoid intentionally harming them. Many states have various laws that protect landowners from being civilly or criminally liable to trespassers. Here in California, we have a statute under Obligations of Owners that protects homeowners from civil liability for injury or death that occurs to an unwelcome guest who was committing a specified felony on the property.
Premises liability can be complex without a clear understanding of the law. Our Los Angeles lawyers can explain how the relevant laws apply to your personal injury case and help you understand your legal options.
Boating Accidents
The boating scene in Los Angeles is thriving, particularly in the world-renowned Marina del Rey and Santa Catalina Island. Recreational boaters also frequently visit Long Beach, which has big waves and perfect winds. However, this recreational activity carries inherent risks that result in thousands of accidents each year.
In February 2023, a sailboat capsized and displaced four occupants in the waters off the shore of Redondo Beach. In February 2024, a 40-foot vessel crashed into rocks amidst a disastrous storm. The incident left 19 people stranded along the Long Beach breakwater.
In 2022, the U.S. Coast Guard recorded 4,040 accidents nationwide, resulting in 636 deaths and 2,222 injuries. Around 387 of these accidents occurred in California, including collisions, flooding, grounding, and capsizing. The state had 43 fatalities and 198 non-fatal injuries due to these incidents.
Many of these cases are due to negligence and not just the weather. The operator of the boat, for instance, could have made a bad call or a mistake that put other people in danger. If you’re injured due to somebody else’s recklessness, our personal injury lawyers in Los Angeles can help you establish liability and pursue the compensation available under the law.
Bicycle Accidents
Like auto collisions, bicycle accidents can be caused by many different factors. Distracted driving, impaired driving, unsafe turns, and other negligent driving behaviors put cyclists in danger. Like a motorcycle rider, a bicyclist has little or no protection from the force of an impact.
This, too, can lead to serious injuries that can permanently disable a bicyclist. Paralysis, amputation, and even death are possible in the face of such severe physical trauma. Our bicycle accident attorneys provide legal representation to injured cyclists. We guide them in filing claims for damages and connecting them with medical providers for proper evaluation and treatment of their injuries.
Plane, Bus, & Train Accidents
When you pay for transportation like a boat, plane, bus, or train, the provider is considered a common carrier and is held to higher legal standards because the public is paying for their services. Understanding the following key points can help clarify these standards:
- Higher Standards — Common carriers must maintain safe practices, train and supervise operators, and address unsafe conditions.
- Private Vehicles — Even in privately owned vehicles, such as a friend’s aircraft or boat, the operator must exercise due care. If their negligence causes an accident, they are legally obligated to compensate the victim.
- Insurance — Boats, planes, buses, and trains have specialized insurance policies. Common carriers have commercial policies for many passengers, while private vehicles have varied liability coverage.
- Legal Representation — The terms and limits of insurance policies can significantly affect settlement outcomes. Having an experienced personal injury attorney review and investigate the case can help identify all potential sources of compensation and support a fair evaluation of the claim.
Workplace Accidents
Los Angeles and California have their fair share of workplace accidents as well, as witnessed by our personal injury lawyers. According to the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR), fatal occupational injuries in California have been on a downward trend since 1999. From 600 cases, workplace deaths decreased to 504 in 2022.
Over the years, however, transportation incidents remained the leading cause of deaths on the job. Fatalities jumped to 142 from 122 cases recorded in 2020. The next most dangerous factor that killed 103 Californian workers that year was exposure to harmful substances.
Falls, slips, and trips were also a common factor, contributing to 78 instances. Around 44 fatalities resulted from contact with objects or equipment, while the remaining eight were due to other causes.
There were no fatal injuries related to fires or explosions, a 100% decrease from 2020’s five deaths.
In some cases, a workplace accident can lead to a personal injury claim. Our lawyers in Los Angeles can review the circumstances of your case and explain the legal options that may be available to you.
Wrongful Death Cases
In tragic cases, accidents can lead to death. Even if the victim passes away, a claim may still exist. In California, the representative of the victim’s estate or a successor in interest (e.g., surviving spouse, family member) may work with personal injury lawyers in Los Angeles to pursue a wrongful death claim against the party whose negligence is alleged to have caused the loss of life.
Not every death results in a wrongful death claim. The 82,411 fatalities all over Los Angeles County in 2021 had varying causes, including natural illnesses. Wrongful deaths are those that occur from negligence. Here are just a few examples of circumstances that may lead to a wrongful death claim:
- Workplace Accidents
- Construction Accidents
- Car Accidents
- Medical Malpractice
- Nursing Home Neglect/Abuse
In some cases (such as a car accident), proving that the other party caused the victim’s death is straightforward. In some other cases, this matter is much more difficult to establish. In nursing home cases, for example, the victim is often elderly and sick with underlying medical conditions. When they pass away, a medical examiner may report the death as “natural,” even when the nursing home may have been negligent.
Determining The Negligent Party For Your Injury
The party whose negligence caused an accident may be legally responsible for resulting medical expenses, property damage, and other losses. However, identifying all individuals and entities that contributed to the incident often requires careful investigation. Liability is not always as straightforward as it might appear when the incident occurs.
A variety of factors can cause an accident. A number of these may go unnoticed at the time of the incident. Let’s take an auto collision as an example. One might quickly assume that the driver who crashed their car into another is the only one at fault. However, an investigation might reveal that the brakes were not working, the vehicle swerved to avoid hitting a jaywalking pedestrian, or the other motorist didn’t actually have the right of way. Who will then compensate you?
This complexity highlights the importance of a thorough legal review. Our Los Angeles personal injury lawyers work to identify every potentially responsible party. Depending on the type of accident, some individuals and organizations that can be liable include, but are not limited to:
- Owners of motor vehicles or private property.
- Businesses renting space.
- Service providers and contractors.
- Parents, when the liable parties are underage children.
- Employers of individuals who cause accidents while at work.
- Governmental agencies.
- Manufacturers of faulty products.
It can be challenging to identify all liable parties and seek compensation from each of them. In many cases, victims have no idea how many other people or entities are responsible for their accidents. Our Los Angeles personal injury attorneys understand these challenges and have the resources to investigate and document the facts of your case thoroughly.
How To Establish Negligence In A Personal Injury Case
In a personal injury lawsuit in California, the victim (or plaintiff) typically has the responsibility of showing that another party’s actions contributed to their injuries. Our experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyers can help you gather evidence, identify witnesses, and demonstrate negligence. To establish negligence, we will need to prove four major elements:
- Duty of Care — At the time of your accident, the individual alleged to be at fault (the defendant) owed you a duty to act with a reasonable level of care.
- Breach of Duty — The defendant must have failed to meet that duty in a manner that a reasonably careful person would not have.
- Causation — There must be a connection between the defendant’s breach of duty and your injury.
- Damages — Evidence must show that you experienced losses, such as medical expenses, lost wages, or other impacts, as a result of the incident.
Our personal injury attorneys in Los Angeles gather evidence to establish negligence and pursue a claim that reflects the full extent of your losses. We develop legal strategies based on California law, the facts of your case, and the procedures of Los Angeles County courts. With our attorneys handling the legal matters, you can focus on your recovery while we manage the complexities of your case.
How Shared Fault Affects Your Personal Injury Claim
California is known as a pure comparative fault state, meaning a person can still file a claim for damages even if they are 99% liable for their accident. This policy is very different from other states, which use modified comparative fault systems that prohibit people from recovering any damages when they are 50% or more at fault. The catch to pure comparative fault, however, is that a person’s award can be reduced by their share of negligence.
For example, if a person is found to be 25% responsible for a motor vehicle accident, their compensation will be reduced by the same percentage. If there are multiple other liable parties, each one’s degree of responsibility is also assessed. The result is that every person who contributed to an accident is partly liable for compensating the victim according to their degree of fault.
A personal injury lawyer in Los Angeles can help evaluate each party’s degree of fault and explain how it may affect your potential compensation. With their legal knowledge and experience in settlement discussions, they can protect you from unfair assessments and incorrect assignments of fault. They can also assist in negotiating with insurance companies and pursuing claims involving multiple parties under California’s pure comparative fault system.
Types Of Injuries Caused By Accidents
The injuries a person sustains often depend on the nature of the accident. At our Los Angeles personal injury law firm, we have helped accident victims recover from a wide range of injuries, including but not limited to:
- Bone Fractures
- Loss Of Limbs And Amputations
- Nerve Damage
- Internal Organ Damage
- Paralysis
- Burn Injuries
- Chest Injuries
- Head And Brain Injuries
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Whiplash And Other Neck Injuries
- Back Injuries
- Trauma To The Eyes And Face
- Hearing Loss
- Crushing Injuries
- Joint Injuries
Accidents can be traumatic, and we understand that things may be difficult at first. You don’t have to navigate the situation alone. While you focus on your recovery, our Los Angeles personal injury lawyers can handle the legal matters on your behalf. We can help you file a claim for damages, including your medical expenses and other losses.
Types Of Damages Available In A Personal Injury Case
A personal injury lawsuit seeks to compensate a person for the mental, physical, economic, and emotional harm caused by another person’s negligence or wrongful action. In cases of severe or life-changing injuries, compensation may also cover the impact on a person’s ability to care for themselves, work, maintain personal relationships, or pursue activities they enjoyed before the accident.
Your Los Angeles personal injury lawyers can help you pursue compensation for three types of damages: special, general, and punitive.
Current And Future Medical Expenses
These are special or economic losses that are specific, measurable, and documented costs. Some examples are:
- Hospitalization costs, including confinement and surgery.
- Rehabilitation expenses, such as chiropractic care.
- Medications and assistive devices.
Medical bills for serious injuries can be costly. The victim may require physical therapy and other rehabilitation for years to come, long after the lawsuit is over. If you have devastating injuries that require long-term recovery and care, you may be able to seek more substantial compensation. In that case, the claim must also include their future medical expenses. Our experienced personal injury lawyers in Los Angeles may work with expert witnesses, including medical professionals and economists, to help calculate your potential compensation.
Lost Income And Reduced Earning Capacity
More serious injuries are also more likely to affect the victim’s ability to work. If they are unable to return to work full-time, the lost wages can significantly impact their ability to pay bills and other expenses. In the worst case, a victim may be permanently unable to get a job.
An expert witness can help calculate the full value of future income and lost employment benefits (such as health insurance). Our personal injury lawyers in Los Angeles can also present documentation, including payslips and employer statements, to demonstrate these losses. The responsible party may be legally obligated to compensate the victim for lost wages and employment benefits.
Pain And Suffering
A major component of any personal injury claim is non-economic damages, like pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, emotional distress, and mental trauma from being unable to live the lifestyle they had before the accident. These damages are more difficult to quantify because they don’t come with receipts or bills. Our Los Angeles lawyers may collaborate with expert witnesses to quantify the financial impact of your personal injury.
You may be seeking advice from the best personal injury attorneys in Los Angeles near you to get an idea of what your non-economic losses are actually worth. Our lawyers can help calculate the monetary value of your non-economic losses. They also take into account the accident’s impact on your emotional and mental well-being. Factors such as an inability to enjoy previous hobbies or symptoms of PTSD may also be considered as part of your claim.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are not common in personal injury cases. They don’t serve to compensate victims for losses. Rather, the court awards punitive damages as punishment and a preventative measure against further malicious activities. Exemplary damages may be appropriate in cases of deliberate injury or lawbreaking.
An attack that took place when a homeless man used an unsecured baseball bat in the Walmart store to attack a husband and wife who were shopping nearby. The jury found that Walmart was 50 percent liable for the attack, and the amount of the judgment against the company exceeded $30,000,000.
– BRIAN BEECHER
How Damage Caps Work In California
A damage cap is the maximum amount of compensation available in a personal injury case, meaning people cannot pursue more than the specified limit. The basic idea of damage caps is to protect certain types of defendants in these actions so they don’t go bankrupt. The larger effect is to try and avoid gross payouts in these cases.
In California, there’s no damage cap on both economic and non-economic losses for personal injury lawsuits. The only exception is a medical malpractice case, as outlined in the Medical Injury Compensation Reform Act (MICRA). As of the update to MICRA in January 2023, the limit has been increased to $350,000 for non-economic damages. It will continue increasing for 10 years to $750,000.
For cases involving a patient’s death, the cap would be $500,000. It will incrementally increase to $1,000,000 for 10 years. These new limits will be adjusted by 2% annually for inflation after the 10-year period.
Note that these caps for medical malpractice claims don’t apply to economic damages, such as hospitalization bills and lost wages. A personal injury lawyer in Los Angeles can help evaluate the full extent of a claim, including both economic and non-economic losses, and explain how these caps may affect recovery in a medical malpractice case.
How To Collect Information Following An Accident
Here are some guidelines for documenting the accident and gathering valuable evidence for your personal injury claim:
- Call 911 to get law enforcement on the scene. They can take your statement and create a police report. This records the accident and the parties involved.
- Take note of the accident’s time, date, and location. Describe any unusual circumstances. Rain, fog, ice, construction, heavy traffic, and other factors can all contribute to a car accident. Note any hazards, wetness, construction, or other conditions in a workplace, home, or public place that could lead to an accident.
- Gather as much information as possible at the scene. Include the contact information of anyone involved in the accident, any witnesses, and the owners of the vehicle or property.
- Take photographs and record the scene’s details. Pay close attention to any potential hazards or unusual conditions in the area.
- Seek medical attention for yourself and anyone involved in the accident. Even if you feel fine, see a doctor or go to an urgent care facility immediately. Doing this also allows you to get medical documentation.
- Contact a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer. Talk to an attorney about your case. You should also notify your insurance company of the accident, but refrain from further communications without first seeking legal advice.
Procedure For Filing Personal Injury Claims
Our Los Angeles lawyers will explain the personal injury claim process during your onboarding. While the exact steps may vary depending on the specific facts of your case, the process generally includes the following stages:
- Filing a Claim — The first step is filing an insurance claim. Depending on the circumstances, our lawyers may file a claim with multiple insurers if there is more than one negligent party.
- Sending a Demand Letter to the Insurance Company — The next step is to send a demand letter to the insurance company. Our personal injury lawyers in Los Angeles will explain your injuries and demand compensation in this letter.
- Negotiating a Settlement — From here, we’ll engage in settlement talks with the opposing party.
- Filing a Lawsuit — If we cannot reach a fair settlement agreement, we can file a lawsuit and take the case to court. Depending on how the case progresses, we may file suit while still in settlement negotiations or earlier in the process.
- Reaching a Settlement or Receiving a Verdict — Either an agreement will be reached, or a verdict will be rendered.
Statute Of Limitations For Personal Injury Cases In California
Under California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1, victims only have two years to file a legal action for personal injuries or death caused by the wrongful act or neglect of another. While a couple of years may sound like a long period, it’s important to be mindful of this time limit. Our Los Angeles personal injury lawyers can help you keep track of critical deadlines for your case. This is true for any type of injury claim, whether it is a slip-and-fall, a motorcycle accident, or a car collision.
However, the statute of limitations has some exceptions, including:
- When a victim under 18 years of age suffers injuries in an accident, the two-year deadline does not begin to run until they reach the age of majority, which is 18 in California. The victim will have until their 20th birthday to file a lawsuit.
- If a negligent party leaves the state, is in prison, or is found to be legally insane, then the deadline can be tolled (delayed) until the person returns to the state, is released from prison, or becomes sane again.
- The statute of limitations can also involve tolling for victims who do not have the physical capacity to take legal action. For example, a victim in a coma can file a lawsuit once they regain consciousness, even if two years have passed.
A personal injury lawyer in Los Angeles can explain the deadline or exemption applicable to your case. They can help you prepare and submit the necessary paperwork within the required timeframe.
How To Find The Best Personal Injury Attorney In California
Los Angeles personal injury attorneys have different specializations, strategies, and levels of experience. Some might focus on motor vehicle accidents, while others have greater skills and knowledge in premises liability claims. To find the best personal injury lawyers in Los Angeles and California, you must consider factors like their track record, communication style, and level of attention to clients.
Here’s how to choose a personal injury lawyer who best fits your needs:
- Go to Google. To identify lawyers in your region, start with online research. Legal directories may give you essential information about a lawyer’s education, experience, and reputation.
- Ask for referrals from your family and friends. Personal recommendations are valuable because they come from those who have faced similar legal issues and can attest to a lawyer’s skills. These references also lend to the lawyer’s credibility and their reputation for providing high-quality legal services.
- Schedule consultations. Most personal injury attorneys provide free initial consultations, so take advantage of this chance to discuss your case and assess the lawyer’s communication style and readiness to address any issues you may have. This meeting will help you establish if you are comfortable working with them.
- Ask questions, such as:
- How many years have you been practicing personal injury?
- Do you have experience handling cases like mine?
- What is your success rate?
- Do you have courtroom experience?
- Do I need to pay anything up front?
Look for signs that they genuinely want to help their clients, such as being patient when explaining complex legal concepts and making sure you understand them. A good Los Angeles personal injury lawyer is honest, transparent, and dedicated to their client’s case. At Arash Law, we provide personalized legal guidance and support, helping clients navigate each step of the claims process while keeping them informed and involved in decisions affecting their case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Personal Injury Attorneys Necessary For A Minor Accident?
Not every minor accident requires a personal injury attorney, but consulting one can help you understand your rights and the potential value of your claim. Even accidents that seem minor can have delayed or hidden effects on your health, finances, and daily life.
Our Los Angeles personal injury lawyers can review your case to determine whether pursuing legal action may be worthwhile. We can help with the following:
- Review your medical records and consult with healthcare professionals to assess the full extent of your injuries.
- Consider the injury’s possible effects on your current everyday activities and your future health.
- Evaluate the emotional and mental impacts of your injuries.
- Review the policy limits of all involved insurance companies to determine potential compensation.
Our personal injury lawyers will also review applicable laws in Los Angeles, the state, and the country to strengthen your case. We work to hold the responsible party accountable for their recklessness and wrongful acts.
How Much Can You Sue For A Personal Injury In California?
The potential value of a personal injury claim depends on several factors. Our Los Angeles lawyers will consider the following factors in your personal injury case:
- Medical Bills
- Medication Costs
- Lost Wages
- Pain And Suffering
- Loss Of Consortium
- Other Related Costs
Our Los Angeles personal injury lawyers can review all aspects of your case to help identify and evaluate these damages. While we cannot predict an exact settlement amount, we can provide an informed estimate or range based on the facts of your case, applicable laws, and insurance coverage.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire Los Angeles Personal Injury Lawyers Near Me?
Personal injury lawyers may work under different fee arrangements. Many handle cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you generally pay nothing unless your case results in a recovery. Some lawyers may charge hourly rates, while others offer sliding-scale or flat fees depending on the case and your circumstances.
At Arash Law, we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t owe any attorney fees unless compensation is obtained. Please note that you may still be responsible for certain case-related costs. Our lawyers will discuss the fees and any other potential costs during your initial consultation and answer any questions you may have.
How Much Do Personal Injury Lawyers Take From A Settlement?
When you hire our firm, we typically work on a contingency fee basis, meaning our payment is a percentage of any compensation you recover. The exact percentage can vary depending on factors such as the complexity of your case. During the onboarding process, our Los Angeles personal injury lawyers will explain our fees and any other costs you may incur.
When Do You Need A Personal Injury Lawyer?
You can contact a personal injury lawyer at any point after an accident, though earlier consultation can be helpful. Speaking with a lawyer soon allows them to:
- Gather pieces of evidence while they’re still fresh and available.
- Interview witnesses before their memories of the accident fade.
- Guide you so you can avoid making a mistake that could harm your case.
A personal injury lawyer can review your case, explain your options, and help you understand the potential value of your claim. If you are unsure, you can contact Arash Law for a free initial consultation.
Contact Our Personal Injury Lawyers In Los Angeles
Arash Law has represented injured clients across California for decades. Our experienced attorneys in Los Angeles handle a wide range of personal injury claims and work to help clients pursue compensation for their injuries. We assist in filing claims for damages such as medical expenses, lost income, property damage, and other losses resulting from an accident. By guiding you through each step of the legal process, we aim to make pursuing your claim as clear and manageable as possible.
Call us at (888) 488-1391 or complete our “Do I Have A Case?” form here for a free initial consultation. Our team is available to answer any questions you may have.
We also serve clients in Alhambra, Anaheim, Arcadia, Azusa, Bakersfield, Baldwin Park, Bellflower, Boron, Burbank, Buttonwillow, Carson, Camarillo, Chino, Compton, Culver City, Delano, Diamond Bar, Downey, Edison, El Monte, Fillmore, Fullerton, Frazier Park, Garden Grove, Glendale, Hawthorne, Huntington Beach, Huntington Park, Inglewood, Irvine, Lake Forest, Lakewood, Lancaster, Long Beach, Malibu, Mission Viejo, Ontario, Orange County, Oxnard, Norwalk, Palmdale, Pasadena, Pomona, Rancho Cucamonga, Ridgecrest, Riverside, Rosemond, San Bernardino, Santa Ana, Santa Clarita, Santa Monica, Santa Paula, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks, Torrance, Wasco, West Covina, and many others.
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