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 Help Injured Victims Recover Millions
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 take on you and your family. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us for assistance and understanding as you navigate this difficult journey. Contact Arash Law at (888) 488-1391 today for a free confidential consultation.
Our experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyers are here to offer support, guidance, and advocacy during this challenging period, ensuring that justice is served and your rights are protected.
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 have to pay this much for injuries caused by another person’s negligence. You need our skilled Los Angeles personal injury lawyers near you to protect your rights to compensation.
Seasoned Los Angeles Personal Injury Lawyers With An A+ Reputation
Our experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyers at Arash Law handle various types of personal injury cases. These are just some of the many claims we can win for you: auto accidents, motorcycle collisions, bicycle accidents, boat accidents, airplane & other aircraft accidents, public tour & other bus accidents, and train accidents. We can also handle dog bites & other animal attacks, slip & fall accidents, and cases involving premises liability, product liability, or wrongful death.
Each of these types of cases results in a different personal injury claim. Personal injury laws can be challenging to navigate without legal knowledge and experience. You need expert guidance to understand your rights and options. There are several legal layers to a case that can determine the outcome you’ll receive.
Our personal injury lawyers have the knowledge and expertise required in these cases to protect your rights successfully. We have years of experience in helping Los Angeles accident victims pursue justice and compensation.
Our acclaimed injury firm in Los Angeles hires the best personal injury attorneys. We believe that accident victims deserve the most experienced and aggressive representation in California. Reach out to our top-rated team in L.A. today.
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 deeply care about helping people who have suffered an injury due to the negligence of other parties. We work hard to ensure that victims will recover every last dollar of financial compensation they deserve. As soon as you hire us, we will conduct a thorough independent investigation into your accident to determine fault and preserve all available evidence.
We are experienced in personal injury claims and know how to fight hard for the compensation you deserve. 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 protect your rights.
Here are only a few of the recent accomplishments of our esteemed attorneys:
- Tina Eshghieh, Esq. secured $11.25 Million in a workers’ compensation settlement for a severely injured victim.
- Brian Beecher, Esq. battled against Walmart to secure a $42 Million settlement for the victim of a horrific baseball attack.
- Our very own founder, Arash Khorsandi Esq., won a lemon case against Mercedes Benz for a client having various issues with his car.
The best personal injury attorneys Los Angeles turns to are right here. Arash Law is a powerhouse law firm in California that has recovered more than $750 Million for its clients in different kinds of personal injury cases. Contact our Los Angeles personal injury lawyers today by filling out our “Do I Have a Case?” form.
What An Injury Lawyer Can Do To Help
A personal injury attorney does not just litigate disputes in California courtrooms. Our trusted law firm in Los Angeles can represent you throughout the entire legal process. Our personal injury lawyers in Los Angeles protect the right of the injured to get compensation for the harm they suffered because of someone else’s negligence.
In personal injury law, negligence is the recklessness or failure to exercise due care to prevent harm to another person. In an injury case, 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 will take this into account when building your case and exploring all possible avenues for compensation.
Afterward, we’ll file a claim with all of the insurance companies that are responsible for covering the damages. Doing so requires a lot of paperwork and administrative effort. Nonetheless, you can count on our personal injury attorneys in Los Angeles to handle these matters and more on your behalf.
After hiring our personal injury attorneys in Los Angeles, you will no longer have to worry about negotiating a settlement amount, benefit restrictions, or dealing with claims adjusters. While most personal injury cases are settled before going to trial, our attorneys build a case as if we’re heading to court, ensuring 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 today for a free initial consultation with our personal injury 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. A common misconception is that victims can save money by handling their cases alone. According to the Insurance Research Council (IRC) study “Paying for Auto Injuries: A Consumer Panel Survey of Auto Accident Victims,” those who hired attorneys obtained 40% more in settlements with insurance companies than those who represented themselves.
Some other benefits of hiring a personal injury lawyer are:
- Protection of Legal Rights — Our personal injury lawyers in LA take extensive steps to protect your legal rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
- Communication Handling — When you hire us, we’ll take over all communication with the insurance company. This protects you from inadvertently sharing information that could weaken your claim and ensures there are no misunderstandings about your rights and entitlements.
- Accurate Claim Evaluation — We have a comprehensive process for calculating claims, allowing us to provide a more accurate evaluation of your case’s worth.
- Review of Offers — Our Los Angeles attorneys review all settlement offers on your behalf to ensure they fully address the extent of your injuries and losses. We’ll advise you if an offer is fair or if further negotiation is needed for the amount you truly deserve.
- Litigation Advantage — If the insurance company doesn’t meet our demands, we’ll consider filing a lawsuit. Having an attorney significantly improves your chances of success in litigation, as our experienced attorneys can navigate evidentiary issues and witness credibility to build a strong case.
- Proving Fault — We will prove the other party’s fault so that you can receive the compensation you need for all your losses.
Don’t face this challenging time alone. Contact us today to ensure your rights are protected, and you receive the compensation you deserve.
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Common Cases Our Personal Injury Lawyers Handle
Los Angeles is home to nearly 10 million people. Accidents are inevitable 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 encounter. 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
Arash Law provides free legal advice 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, or rear-end collisions. Call us today 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 are 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 a pedestrian climbed 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, 2000 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 expertly handle your case from start to finish. We have specialized knowledge and vast experience in accidents involving trucks, electric scooters, rideshare vehicles, and multiple vehicles. Call us at (888) 488-1391 for a free case evaluation.
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 often have nothing but their 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.
Are you an injured motorcyclist who’s looking for the best Los Angeles personal injury lawyer “near me” in your area? Contact Arash Law today, and we’ll work to secure the money you need for your full recovery.
Dog Bites And Animal Attacks
Animal attacks are becoming a very 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 delivery man 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 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 ensure that their businesses are safe for visitors. They must properly train and supervise staff, ensure that their animals are handled properly, and put procedures in place to protect guests from animal attacks. If they fail to do so, the facility can be required to pay for your injuries and other losses. Talk to our expert Los Angeles personal injury lawyers to know how much you’re entitled to recover.
Product Liability
The product liability law imposes a higher duty of care on manufacturers because they are making money off of 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 great care.
There are certain exceptions to this rule. If, for example, the product was being used in a way the manufacturer did not intend, they may not be liable. However, in general, the rule of strict liability is a strong one 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.
The perfect 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 today.
Slip-And-Fall Accidents
Some people mistakenly believe that slip-and-fall accidents are simple accidents with no long-term effects. However, even a seemingly minor slip, trip, or fall can cause severe and long-lasting injuries. Our experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyers, who specialize in premises liability cases, can help you secure 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 could be a complicated issue. Nevertheless, our Los Angeles lawyers will properly explain all applicable laws to your personal injury case.
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 has inherent risks that lead to thousands of accidents each year.
In February 2023, a sailboat capsized and displaced four occupants into 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, you can count on our personal injury lawyers in Los Angeles to help you.
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. Injured cyclists need to be represented by our trustworthy bicycle accident attorneys. We have qualified Los Angeles personal injury lawyers who have extensive skills and experience representing cyclists in a claim.
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 ensure safe practices, train and supervise operators, and address unsafe conditions.
- Private Vehicles — Even in privately owned vehicles like a friend’s aircraft or boat, the operator must use 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 — Insurance policy details can affect settlement values. It’s crucial to have experienced personal injury lawyers who understand these nuances and will investigate thoroughly.
We guarantee your protection and ensure you receive the compensation you’re entitled to.
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 in 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. Consult with our lawyers in Los Angeles so we can assess your legal options.
Wrongful Death Cases
The most serious personal injury a person can sustain results in death. Even if the victim passes away, a claim may still exist. California allows the representative of the victim’s estate or successor in interest (such as a surviving spouse or business partner) to hire personal injury lawyers in Los Angeles to file a wrongful death claim against the party whose negligence caused the loss of life.
Of course, not every death results in a 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 other cases, this matter is far more difficult. 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 was negligent.
This is yet another example of why it is so important for victims to be represented by our trusted Los Angeles personal injury lawyers. Knowledge, experience, and resources are all critical to a successful wrongful death claim.
Determining The Negligent Party For Your Injury
The negligent party in an accident is responsible for compensating the resulting medical expenses and property damage. However, this first requires determining all the at-fault individuals and companies that contributed to the accident. That determination is not always as clear-cut as it appears 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?
The main benefit of hiring our Los Angeles personal injury lawyers is that we know how to identify every potentially liable party. Depending on the type of accident, some of the different 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 ensure you get compensation from each of them. In many cases, victims have no idea how many other people are responsible for their accidents. Nonetheless, our award-winning Los Angeles personal injury attorneys are aware of these factors and have the resources to research and document your case.
How To Establish Negligence In A Personal Injury Case
In a personal injury lawsuit in California, the injured party’s (the plaintiff) side bears the burden of proving someone’s guilt. This is why it is critical to hire our experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyers to handle your claim. Our attorneys are adept at proving negligence and persuading a judge or jury to side with you based on the evidence. To obtain a favorable settlement or jury verdict on your behalf, we will need to prove four major elements:
- A duty of care is owed. At the time of your accident, the person allegedly at fault for your injuries (the defendant) owed you a duty to exercise the level of care expected from them.
- The duty of care was violated. The defendant must have breached a duty of care to you in a way that another reasonable party would not have done.
- Causation has been established. Our attorneys will prove the direct link between the defendant’s breach of duty of care and your accident.
- You sustained damages. Our Los Angeles personal injury lawyers will also show evidence that you suffered damages due to the defendant’s actions, such as hospital bills or lost wages.
Our personal injury attorneys in Los Angeles with years of experience will know exactly how to shape your case for the best possible chances of success. We understand the applicable laws in Los Angeles, and we know how to navigate the rules of LA County courthouses. Hiring our aggressive Los Angeles personal injury lawyers will increase your chances of receiving a fair compensation award.
How Shared Fault Affects Your Personal Injury Claim
California is known as a pure comparative fault state, meaning a person can still recover 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, a person is found to be 25% responsible for a motor vehicle accident. If their damages total $100,000, it will be reduced by $25,000. They will only recover $75,000 to account for their share of liability.
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 will be partly liable for compensating the victim according to their degree of fault.
You will want our personal injury lawyers in Los Angeles, who can help maximize your payout and prove the other party’s fault.
Types Of Injuries Caused By Accidents
A person’s injuries will depend on the type of accident they were involved in. Our L.A. personal injury law firm has provided help to accident victims who have suffered injuries of all kinds, 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
- Wrongful death
Accidents are traumatic, and we understand that things may be difficult at first. The situation doesn’t need to be handled alone. Get in touch with the top personal injury lawyers Los Angeles trusts to discuss your case. We will help you recover your medical expenses and other losses.
Damages Victims Can Receive For A Personal Injury
A personal injury lawsuit compensates a person for the mental, physical, economic, and emotional harm caused by another person’s negligence or wrongful action. Compensation can include the cost of changes that affect a person’s ability to care for themselves, hold a job, maintain personal relationships, or pursue interests they had prior to the accident in cases where the injuries are severe or life-changing.
Your Los Angeles personal injury lawyers will secure 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 are more expensive for serious injuries. The victim might 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, your award might be greater than if your injuries were less severe and painful. In that case, the claim must also include their future medical expenses. Our experienced personal injury lawyers in Los Angeles will hire expert witnesses, such as an economist, who can help calculate a precise number.
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 go back to work full-time, the lost wages will significantly affect 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 all future income and lost employment benefits (such as health insurance). Our personal injury lawyers in Los Angeles will also show your payslips and a letter from the employer to prove your losses. The liable party has the legal obligation to pay the full value of all lost income and employment benefits.
Pain And Suffering
The largest component of any personal injury award 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. That’s why our Los Angeles lawyers will work hard to attach a dollar value to the personal injury’s impact on your life.
It is important to seek the advice of the best personal injury attorneys in Los Angeles near you to get an idea of what your non-economic losses are actually worth. We will also consider the accident’s impact on your emotional and mental state. Being unable to enjoy your previous hobbies or having PTSD will be calculated as a 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, they serve 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 recovery in a personal injury case, meaning people cannot obtain 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 for economic damages, such as hospitalization bills and lost wages. To know the extent of your claim, reach out to our personal injury lawyers in Los Angeles.
How To Collect Information Following An Accident
Here are some guidelines for recording 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. Avoid accepting responsibility or blaming others for what happened. Just go over the facts of the accident: who, what, where, and when it happened.
- 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 our Los Angeles personal injury lawyers right away. You should also notify your insurance company of the accident but avoid further communications without your legal representatives.
Procedure For Filing Personal Injury Claims
Our Los Angeles lawyers will properly explain the personal injury claim process during your onboarding. It might vary depending on the specific facts of your case, but there are a few common 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 best to act quickly. Our Los Angeles personal injury lawyers can better preserve your rights if you hire them from day one. 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.
Contact our personal injury lawyers in Los Angeles to know more about the deadlines specific to your case and if any exceptions might apply.
How To Find The Best Personal Injury Attorney In California
Los Angeles personal injury attorneys have different specializations, strategies, and 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 on Google. To identify top-rated lawyers in your region, start with online research. Legal directories may give you essential information about a lawyer’s education, expertise, 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 first consultations, so take advantage of this chance to discuss your case and analyze 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 the right 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 upfront?
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, all these are important values. Our legal team has decades of combined experience in winning compensation for our clients and providing compassionate support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Personal Injury Attorneys Necessary For A Minor Accident?
Some accidents only result in minor injuries and property damage. Still, victims should approach these situations with caution. Many accidents that initially seem to be minor can turn into much bigger deals later on.
This emphasizes the importance of speaking to a lawyer so people can fully understand whether they might have a larger case. Our Los Angeles personal injury lawyers will look at all the facts of your case to determine whether you might be entitled to much more than what you might expect. We will do the following steps:
- Review your medical records and consult with healthcare experts to know the full extent of your injuries.
- Consider the injury’s possible effects on your current everyday activities and your future health.
- Help you discover the emotional and mental impacts of your injuries.
- Check the maximum policy limits of the involved insurance companies to know how much you’re entitled to.
Our personal injury lawyers will also review all applicable laws in Los Angeles, the state, and the country to strengthen your case. We will ensure that the responsible party will be held accountable for all their recklessness, failures, and wrongful acts.
How Much Can You Sue For A Personal Injury In California?
Your settlement value will depend on several factors. Our Los Angeles lawyers will consider the following elements in your personal injury case:
- Medical bills
- Medication costs
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Other related costs
We’ll review all aspects of your case to come up with an amount that accurately reflects your losses, whether economic or non-economic.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire Los Angeles Personal Injury Lawyers Near Me?
You might be overwhelmed by the idea of hiring a lawyer. After all, lawyers in mainstream media are always dressing nicely and driving expensive cars. Their hourly rates are said to be $500 to $1,000 per hour or even higher here in Los Angeles. Luckily, this is not how most personal injury attorneys are paid in real life. So, how do personal injury lawyers get paid?
Our experienced personal injury lawyers at Arash Law work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay us nothing until we win or settle your case. If you don’t get paid, we don’t get paid. This shows how much we believe in our clients and their rights to compensation.
How Much Do Personal Injury Lawyers Take From Settlement?
When you hire us, you agree to pay us a percentage of your total compensation. Our fee is usually between 33% and 40%, but it still depends on a lot of factors, such as the complexity of your case. Our personal injury lawyers in Los Angeles will thoroughly explain our fees and all the costs you can expect during your onboarding process.
When Do You Need A Personal Injury Lawyer?
If you’re wondering when to get a personal injury lawyer, the answer is as soon as possible after an accident. Getting started on your claim right away allows your lawyer to:
- Gather 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.
Still unsure if you need a personal injury lawyer? Contact Arash Law today. We offer a free first consultation.
Contact The Personal Injury Lawyers Los Angeles Relies On
Arash Law, under the guidance of Arash Khorsandi, Esq., has been working consistently to help all kinds of injury victims in California. The attorneys at our law firm in Los Angeles have decades of combined experience handling personal injury claims. We help our clients recover maximum compensation for their injuries. We also help people recover lost income, get motor vehicles repaired, and get people access to the best medical specialists.
Feel free to visit our offices all over Los Angeles and California to discuss your case with the best personal injury lawyers. You can call (888) 488-1391 or contact us online for a free consultation. We make ourselves available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so we are always prepared to take your phone call.
Our team of experienced personal injury lawyers proudly serves the greater Los Angeles area. We also extend our services to 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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