Los Angeles Personal Injury Lawyers
Los Angeles Personal Injury Lawyers Helping 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. When you suffer serious injuries or your loved one is killed as the result of another party’s negligence, immediately seek the help of our experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyers. Contact Arash Law at (888) 488-1391 today for a free confidential consultation.
Los Angeles is an international destination featured in all kinds of media. The palm-lined streets of Beverly Hills and the iconic Hollywood sign atop the Santa Monica Mountains are all familiar sights to many, even those who have yet to visit California. Aside from the thriving entertainment industry, the county also features diverse culinary delights, natural landscapes, and vast cultural experiences.
However, it’s not all glamor and glitz in the City of Angels. The high number of residents, tourists, and activities lead to various types of personal injuries. Sadly, some victims never make a full recovery. When they don’t, it can result in medical expenses, lost wages, and other financial losses that can quickly add up to millions of dollars.
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.
Our acclaimed injury firm in Los Angeles hires the best personal injury attorneys in Los Angeles. We believe that accident victims deserve the most experienced and aggressive representation in Southern California. Reach out to our top-rated team in L.A. by filling up our online form.
Aggressive Los Angeles Personal Injury Law Firm With An A+ Reputation
Our experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyers at Arash Law, founded by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., have handled all 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, train accidents, dog bites & other animal attacks, slip & fall accidents, premises liability, products liability, wrongful death, and other personal injuries.
Each of these types of cases results in a different personal injury claim. Personal injury lawyers must have the knowledge and expertise required in these cases to successfully protect your rights. We have years of experience in helping Los Angeles accident victims pursue justice and compensation.
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
How Do I Know Who Is The Best Personal Injury Lawyer In Los Angeles?
Los Angeles personal injury lawyers aren’t all the same. Some might have more experience working on car accident claims, while others might be more successful handling premises liability cases. Choosing the right attorney depends on the unique circumstances and needs of your case. By asking these questions, you’ll be better equipped to find a personal injury attorney in Los Angeles who can provide the right support for your unique situation:
- How Many Years Of Experience Do You Have With Personal Injury Cases? — Ask how long they’ve been practicing personal injury law in Los Angeles and whether they’ve handled cases similar to yours. The more experience they have, the better they’ll be able to navigate legal procedures, local court rulings, and other case-related nuances.
- What Is Your Success Rate For Out-of-Court Proceedings? — It’s important to know how successful the lawyer has been in securing fair settlements for their clients without the need for lengthy court proceedings. A high success rate here can indicate strong negotiation skills, which may lead to a quicker, less stressful resolution of your case.
- Have You Taken Personal Injury Cases To Trial, And What Were The Outcomes? — While many cases settle out of court, some will require going to trial. You’ll want an attorney who isn’t afraid to take a case in front of a judge and jury if it’s necessary to secure maximum compensation.
- Do I Need To Pay Anything Upfront? — Most injury law firms in Los Angeles operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if they win your case.
- Can You Provide References Or Testimonials From Previous Clients? — Hearing what past clients have to say about the lawyer you’re speaking to can give you valuable insight into their professionalism, communication, and overall effectiveness. An attorney with a positive reputation in the community will likely be someone you can trust to handle your case effectively.
Why Hire Our Personal Injury Attorneys?
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.
Every day, people in Los Angeles suffer injuries in serious accidents, where there’s usually more than one party at fault who caused it. The recklessness or failure of a person to take proper care in exercising certain actions is legally known as negligence. In a negligence claim, the responsible party can be financially liable for damages.
If more than one party is found to be negligent, they will share the compensation owed to you. Our Los Angeles lawyers will take this into account when calculating how much you can get in your personal injury case.
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.
Arash Law, founded by famous attorney Arash Khorsandi, Esq., is a powerhouse law firm in California that has recovered more than $500 Million for its clients in all kinds of personal injury cases. Contact our Los Angeles personal injury lawyers today by filling up our “Do I Have a Case?” form.
Statute Of Limitations For Personal Injuries In California
Under California Code of Civil Procedure (CCCP) § 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 of time, it’s best to act quickly. Our Los Angeles personal injury lawyers can better preserve your rights if you hire them right 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.
Exceptions To The Statute Of Limitations
The statute of limitations does offer some exceptions, including:
- When a child 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 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 mental capacity to take legal action. Meaning an injury victim in a coma can file a lawsuit once they regain consciousness, even if it takes longer than two years.
- If a negligent party files for bankruptcy, the court can assume they won’t have the money to pay a judgment against them. A civil action can be tolled until the bankruptcy proceedings are complete.
- If a victim is a member of the United States Armed Forces engaged in active duty, their claim can also be paused for the duration of their time in the military.
- If a victim dies within six months of the conclusion of their statute of limitations, their personal representative has six months to commence legal action on their behalf.
- Another major exception to the statute of limitations concerns the California Tort Claims Act (CTCA). This law protects state governmental agencies from liability in certain personal injury cases and establishes sovereign immunity for most agencies. According to the California Government Code §§ 810-996.6 people must file claims with governmental entities within six months of the date of the accident for personal injury, wrongful death, or property damage.
Contact our personal injury lawyers in Los Angeles to learn when your deadline is, when you can file, and if tolling applies to your case.
Personal Injury Attorneys For Los Angeles Car Accidents
Auto accident claims are among the most common types of personal injury cases our Los Angeles lawyers regularly encounter. More traffic leads to more collisions, and here in Los Angeles, we have more traffic than anywhere else in the country. As of 2022, there are a total of 6,291,868 automobiles registered in the county. This hugely outnumbers the 3.8 million population.
Because car accidents occur so frequently here, all injury victims need to have access to good legal advice. Here are just some of the types of car accident cases our Los Angeles personal injury lawyers handle:
- Drunk driving accidents
- Fender benders
- Head-on and rear-end collisions
- Distracted driving accidents
- Collisions caused by poor road conditions
- Multiple vehicle accidents (chain collisions, pileups)
- Truck accidents
- Bus accidents
- Scooter accidents
- Rideshare accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Accidents that cause catastrophic injuries
- Pedestrian accidents injuries
- Car crashes caused by defective vehicles and parts
- Auto accidents resulting in a wrongful death
What Exactly Do Los Angeles Personal Injury Lawyers Do?
A personal injury attorney is not just for litigating disputes in California courtrooms. Our trusted firm in Los Angeles can represent you throughout the entire legal process. Injured people are entitled to compensation under the law for the harm they suffered. You can pursue damages if another person or company was negligent and you were injured as a result. Our personal injury lawyers in Los Angeles protect this right.
The first step is to identify all potential defendants who may be liable for your damages. 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.
Most personal injury cases are settled before going to trial. Our attorneys will negotiate a settlement deal with the insurance company 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.
You can count on our personal injury attorneys in Los Angeles to handle these matters and more on your behalf. If your case does move to litigation, we will be able to represent you.
Does My Case Really Require The Help Of 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. Our personal injury lawyers in LA take extensive steps to protect your legal rights. First, we’ll do all the communicating with the insurance company. Once you have legal representation, they can no longer contact you about the case. All communications must be routed through our lawyer’s office.
Having our top personal injury attorneys in Los Angeles communicate with the insurance company protects you from accidentally disclosing information that could jeopardize your case. It also prevents them from telling you how much your case is worth or convincing you that you will lose at trial.
The insurance company is not on your side. In fact, they will do everything in their power to settle your case for the least amount of money possible, including misrepresenting your rights to you. As a result, you should only seek legal representation and never seek advice from an insurance adjuster.
Second, your Los Angeles personal injury lawyer will be able to provide you with an honest assessment of the value of your case. Our attorneys in your area have handled similar cases and have many years of experience. We will be able to tell you if a settlement offer is reasonable or if you would fare better in court. If the insurance company fails to meet our demands, we’ll let them know we’re not afraid of filing a lawsuit.
If your case goes to trial, Arash Law is fully prepared to represent you. Our Los Angeles attorneys are well-versed in personal injury law and can determine a fair settlement amount. We also have a deep understanding of the usual challenges in court. All experienced with litigation, our attorneys will consider evidentiary issues, witness credibility, and many other factors to build a solid case.
While it is possible to file a lawsuit on your own, you will almost certainly require the assistance of our L.A. personal injury lawyers to complete the process. You will have a better chance of success in court if your attorney is involved in the case from the beginning.
Protecting Your Personal Injury Settlement Against Insurance Companies
Insurance companies for negligent parties will often try very aggressively to settle cases outside of court. A significant majority of personal injury cases are resolved through settlements rather than trials, but negotiating with an insurer on your own is tricky. That’s why you must immediately seek the help of our personal injury lawyers in Los Angeles.
Insurance providers will attempt to reach out to a victim as soon as they can. They’ll discourage the injured party from hiring a lawyer, assuring that they will take care of them. Such reassurance is always an empty promise.
An insurer is beholden to its shareholders. It’s more concerned about its own bottom line than it is about taking care of you. It employs a number of tricks to reduce the value of personal injury claims. One tactic they most often use is persuading victims to agree to a recorded statement. They would ask seemingly innocent questions that would lead you into making potentially damaging answers. These statements would be used to reduce the settlement value or deny the claim altogether.
The bottom line to any effective settlement involves skilled Los Angeles personal injury lawyers who can help prove the other party’s fault for your accident. We will demonstrate that you deserve maximum compensation to cover all necessary medical care to fully treat all your injuries. We’ll ensure that the negligent party will pay for all your losses. You will also be compensated for any lost income relating to time away from work and non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering.
Why You Need Los Angeles Personal Injury Lawyers For Maximum Settlement
Many are reluctant to hire an attorney for their personal injury case. They believe that they can get more money on their own without having to pay any legal fees. Such a belief is a common misconception. One Insurance Research Council (IRC) study entitled “Paying for Auto Injuries: A Consumer Panel Survey of Auto Accident Victims” found that victims who hired attorneys obtained 40 percent more in settlements with insurance companies than those who represented themselves.
Our Los Angeles lawyers can negotiate a personal injury settlement or achieve a jury verdict that delivers far more money to you than you might expect. We have a comprehensive process for calculating claims and proving you deserve much more.
You will want to retain legal counsel as soon as possible after an accident because our Los Angeles lawyers know the best way to handle your personal injury case. We can also ensure that you have all the support you need for recovery. When you’re dealing with overwhelming medical bills because of your injuries, our law firm can negotiate a medical lien with a hospital or other care providers so that you can continue receiving care at no cost. Your payment will instead come from your settlement or jury award.
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 or $1,000 per hour – even higher here in Los Angeles. Luckily, this is not how personal injury attorneys are paid in real life.
Our experienced personal injury lawyers at Arash Law, led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay us absolutely nothing until we win or settle your case.
We don’t get paid unless you get a settlement or an award at trial. When you hire us, you agree to pay us a percentage of your total compensation. Our fee comes out of this award. 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.
Are You An Injured Motorcyclist Who's Looking For The Best Los Angeles Personal Injury Lawyers In Your Area?
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, more expensive, and more permanent than those sustained by car passengers in the same collision. 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 drivers could share a portion of fault, or a vehicle manufacturer could be responsible for defective auto parts. But because the injuries are usually more serious for bikers, there are far more complicated losses to calculate. Here are some examples:
Current And Future Medical Expenses
Medical bills are more expensive for motorcycle accident injuries. The victim might require physical therapy and other rehabilitation for years to come – long after the lawsuit is over. 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. Again, an expert witness will be required to calculate the full value of all future income and lost employment benefits (such as health insurance). Our personal injury lawyers for motorcycle accidents in Los Angeles will also show your payslips and a letter from the employer to prove your losses. A negligent defendant has the legal obligation to pay the full value of all lost income and employment benefits.
Non-Economic Damages
The largest component of any personal injury award is for non-economic damages, like pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life. These are also losses that must be compensated by the person who is legally at fault for causing your injuries. But it is difficult to calculate intangible concepts. As such, insurance companies will often deflate the value of your pain and suffering and make a lowball offer.
It is important to seek the advice of the best personal injury attorneys in Los Angeles near you to provide an expert opinion on what your non-economic losses are actually worth. 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. 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.
Motorcycle accidents, especially, can have detrimental effects on every part of the victim’s life.. All these factors can increase the amount of money it will take to compensate you for your pain and suffering, trauma, and other losses fairly.
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 ensure your costs for recovery will be covered.
Are Personal Injury Attorneys Necessary For A Minor Accident?
Some accidents only result in minor injuries or 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 are going to look at all the facts of your case to determine whether you might be entitled to much more than you were thinking. 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 find all cases of negligence. We will ensure that the responsible party will be held accountable for all their recklessness, failures, and wrongful acts.
Los Angeles Accident Statistics
Los Angeles is home to nearly four million people. Accidents are inevitable in such a densely populated area, a busy county, and a thriving economy. The most common cases that our Los Angeles personal injury lawyers handle are motor vehicle collisions, workplace accidents, and boating disasters.
Motor Vehicle Accident And Traffic Injuries Data
Most of the personal injury cases our lawyers handle in Los Angeles involve car collisions. Recent data supports this observation. Motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of injury and death among Los Angeles residents from 2021 to 2023.
According to data from Los Angeles Police Department, 289 people were killed in traffic accidents in 2021, a 21% increase from 2020. Another 1,465 people were critically injured in car accidents. That year, 128 pedestrians and 18 bicyclists were killed in collisions.
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 40,427 crashes led to a total of 58,047 fatalities and injuries. This is a 2.7% decrease from 59,603 cases in 2021.
- Traffic accidents caused fatalities and injuries to 3,675 pedestrians, 1,991 bicyclists, and 2,822 motorcyclists.
- Drunk driving is a major concern, contributing to 6,050 casualties. Drugs were involved in 460 cases.
- Around 20,820 fatalities and injuries were due to speeding, accounting for over 30% of the total.
- Distracted driving resulted in 2,239 fatalities and injuries.
The Los Angeles Police Department also revealed car accidents caused more deaths than homicides in 2023, marking 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%.
Number Of Workplace Accidents In California
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 462 in 2021.
Over the years, however, transportation incidents remained as 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.
Around 87 deaths involved assaults and violent acts. Homicides accounted for 57 of these cases (42 involving firearms), and 28 were suicides.
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.
Boating Accidents In L.A. County
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 with its 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. Our personal injury lawyers have previously handled boat-related accidents in Los Angeles that involved recklessness on the operator’s end. If you’re injured in one, you can count on us to help you.
Bicycle Accidents In The City Of Angels
Like auto collisions, bicycle accidents can be caused by many different factors. Distracted driving, impaired driving, unsafe turns, and other negligent driving behaviors are more dangerous for bicyclists than vehicle occupants. 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. It is important for injured cyclists to be represented by our trustworthy bicycle accident attorneys. We have qualified Los Angeles lawyers who have extensive skills and experiences representing cyclists in a personal injury claim.
Plane, Bus, & Train Accidents In And Around Los Angeles County
When you are paying for any form of transit – whether a boat, plane, bus, or train – the transportation company is known as a common carrier. They are held to a higher legal standard because the public is paying for their services.
While all drivers and operators must use due care, common carriers must take additional steps to ensure safe practices in their businesses. This includes the training and supervision of operators, finding unsafe conditions on the vehicle or tracks, and other steps that a reasonable business would take to protect paying customers.
Of course, it is also possible to be injured in a private vehicle. This could be a small private aircraft, a friend’s boat, or another privately-owned vehicle. Though the operator does not have the duty of a common carrier, they must still operate the vehicle with due care.
This is the same standard applied to every driver on the roads of California. It means that the operator acts as another reasonably prudent driver (or pilot) would in the same circumstances. If they fail to do so, and this negligence leads to an accident, then they have a legal obligation to compensate the victim for injuries and financial losses.
Boats, planes, buses, and trains are usually covered by a special type of insurance policy. Common carriers have commercial policies that are designed to cover a large number of passengers. Our personal injury lawyers in Los Angeles will review their limits and ensure you get that amount and, possibly, more. We will investigate the case thoroughly to determine all negligible parties and pursue more compensation from them.
Private boats and aircraft also have insurance policies. Their liability coverage will vary depending on the provider and the specific program purchased by the owner.
The policy limits, exclusions, and other provisions of a specific policy can affect the settlement value for your injuries. Here, too, it is important to be sure that you are represented by the best Los Angeles personal injury lawyers who know how to deal with all types of insurance policies.
Liable Parties For Accidents And Personal Injuries
Some of the different individuals and organizations that can be liable for accidents and personal injuries include, but are not limited to:
- Owners of motor vehicles or other property
- Businesses renting space
- Parents when the liable parties are underage children
- Service organizations providing services to buildings or parks when their carelessness or other actions contribute to an accident
- Employers of employees who cause accidents
- Third parties on worksites that manufacture products for commercial use or provide services to another company
- Governmental agencies with a responsibility for the care and maintenance of streets and public areas; local, state, or federal agencies can be liable for unsafe conditions in areas they were responsible for
- Other government agencies overseeing the actions of certain industries or organizations, such as the trucking industry; when an agency does not identify unsafe or hazardous situations, it can be liable for personal injuries that ensue
- Manufacturers responsible for personal injuries caused by faulty design or the manufacturing process of parts or products
- Repair services that improperly fix motor vehicles or other products can also be liable if faulty repairs contribute to an accident
The main benefit of hiring our Los Angeles personal injury lawyers is we know how to hold every single potentially liable party accountable. In many cases, victims had no idea how many other people were responsible for their accidents.
Dog Bites And Animal Attacks In L.A. That Our Personal Injury Attorneys Deal With
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 a dog attack 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, able-bodied adults are also at a high risk of sustaining fatal injuries.
Our lawyers are also seeing more personal injury cases in Los Angeles caused by dog bites. Around 20,000 people are bitten annually in the county. In 2023 alone, the city experienced many horrific incidents. 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.
Dog owners have a legal duty of care over their pets. They must exercise the care and supervision of a reasonably prudent dog owner in order to prevent their pets from biting someone. If they fail to prevent an attack and their dog injures another person as a result, they’re strictly liable for compensating the victim.
Animal attacks can also happen at a zoo, aquarium, or other place that is open to the public. Owners of these facilities have a duty to 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.
What To Do After A Dog Bite Injury Occurs In Los Angeles
Dog bites are often violent and hectic events, sometimes with more than one dog attacking the person. If the victim survives the attack, they will likely have puncture wounds, scratches, or crush injuries. If the animal’s vaccinations were not up-to-date, the dog bite victim may have to receive a rabies shot or other treatments to avoid infection.
Puncture wounds from dog bites can be very painful and take weeks to heal. Sometimes, a victim might have to undergo stitches and surgical procedures. In the most tragic cases, an animal attack can lead to death.
The most important thing to do after a dog attack is to seek medical attention. The faster doctors treat these injuries, the better your prognosis may be. Then, contact our award-winning personal injury lawyers in Los Angeles. We’ll help you pursue compensation for your dog bite accident!
What Types Of Injuries Do Accidents Cause?
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
- Traumatic brain injuries and other head 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.
Determining The Negligent Party For Your Personal 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/or companies that contributed to the unfortunate event. That determination is not always as clear-cut as it appears when the incident occurs.
An accident can be caused by a variety of factors. 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?
It can be challenging to identify all liable parties and ensure you get compensation from each of them. 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 Do You 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 have experience proving negligence and persuading a judge or jury to side with you based on the evidence. To obtain a 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 reasonable care.
- The duty of care was violated. The defendant must have intentionally or negligently 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 establish causation 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 have a network with the local LA County courthouses. Hiring our aggressive Los Angeles personal injury lawyers will increase your chances of receiving a fair compensation award.
What Is The 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 will be 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.
What Damages Can I 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 consider 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. Special or non-economic losses are specific, measurable, and documented costs. Some examples are:
- Hospitalization costs, including confinement and surgery
- Rehabilitation expenses
- Medications and assistive devices
- Costs of repair or replacement of property
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
General or non-economic damages are more difficult to quantify because they include pain and suffering, emotional distress, and mental trauma because a person is unable to live the lifestyle they had before the accident. These losses 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.
Punitive damages are awarded for wrongdoing and 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.
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. Cameras are built into cell phones and computers. Use them to 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.
Personal Injury Lawyers For Product Liability In Los Angeles
The product liability law imposes a higher duty of care when the defendant is making money off of the injury victim. This rule also applies to consumer products. Because manufacturers are in the business of selling products to the public, the law has strict requirements to make these goods safe. They 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 it is used with reasonable 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. But, 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 magnetic balls from Walmart. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) banned the toy, forcing the retail giant to pull it out from its stores. This decision comes 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.
Wrongful Deaths In Los Angeles
The most serious personal injury a person can sustain is death. Even if the victim passes away from his or her injuries, a claim still exists. California – like other states – has enacted a “survival statute.” (See Section 377.30 of the California Civil Code.) This allows the victim’s personal representative (such as the executor of his 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 personal injury 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 can support a wrongful death claim:
- Workplace accidents
- Construction accidents
- Car accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Medication errors
- Nursing home neglect/abuse
In some cases (such as a car accident), our Los Angeles personal injury lawyers can easily prove that the victim’s death occurred as a direct result of the defendant’s negligence. In other cases, this question is far more difficult. In nursing home cases, for example, the victim is often elderly and sick with underlying medical conditions. It can be difficult to separate these conditions from the nursing home’s negligence. In many such cases, the medical examiner may officially list the death as being from “natural causes.”
This does not mean there is no wrongful death case in this scenario. The case can still be presented to a jury, who don’t feel much sympathy for nursing homes that abuse or neglect their vulnerable charges. 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.
How Damage Caps Work In California
A damage cap is a 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). When it was passed in 1975, it had the intention of lowering medical malpractice liability insurance premiums for healthcare providers by decreasing potential tort liability. Under this law, there was a cap of $250,000 on pain and suffering damages in cases involving medical malpractice.
However, MICRA has since been updated. As of 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.
Slip-And-Falls In Los Angeles
Slip-and-fall accidents are a common source of personal injuries. Some people mistakenly view these cases as simple accidents with no long-term effects. But, even a seemingly minor slip, trip, or fall can permanently injure the victim. Our experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyers will be able to invoke the law of premises liability effectively to help you access compensation for your losses.
Premises liability is a legal doctrine that requires property owners to keep their premises safe for those who enter it. The level of care required might vary based on the specific circumstances:
- For businesses, the owner must inspect the property and make it safe. This rule applies to owners of grocery stores, shopping malls, retail stores, sporting venues, theme parks, and other commercial venues. Because these property owners are inviting customers onto their land for the purpose of spending money, the law imposes a higher duty of care in order to protect the paying public.
- For residential properties, the landowner has a duty to warn of any hidden dangers that they are aware of. This rule generally protects friends or family members visiting someone else’s home. Notice that the landowner or property owner does not actually have to go over the property and find dangerous conditions – the only duty is to warn of dangers that they are already aware of. Because the homeowner has no financial interest in inviting the guest onto his or her property, the duty of care is lower.
- In case of trespassing, the owner’s only duty owed to the trespasser is to avoid intentionally harming them. Many states have invoked various laws that protect landowners from being civilly or criminally liable to trespassers. Here in Los Angeles, California, we have a unique statute that protects homeowners from civil liability in similar circumstances.
Section 847 of the California Civil Code provides that a landowner cannot be liable for injury or death that occurs to an unwelcome guest who was committing a specified felony on the property. These felonies include: murder, voluntary manslaughter, mayhem, rape, lewd acts on a child under the age of 14, any felony punishable by death or imprisonment in the state prison for life, any other felony in which the defendant inflicts great bodily injury on any person or uses a firearm, attempted murder, certain assaults, arson, burglary, robbery, kidnapping, any felony in which the defendant personally used a dangerous or deadly weapon, and selling certain drugs to a minor.
Premises liability could be a complicated issue. Nevertheless, our Los Angeles lawyers will properly explain all applicable laws to your personal injury case
Comparative Negligence In California
California is known as a pure comparative fault state, meaning a person can still recover damages even if they were 99 percent liable for their accident. Such a policy is very different from other states using modified comparative fault systems that prohibit people from recovering any damages when they are 50 percent or more at fault.
The end result is that every person that contributed to an accident will be partly liable for compensating the victim. 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 awarded $100,000 in a motor vehicle accident, and they are found to have been 25 percent responsible. They will have their award reduced by $25,000 and ultimately recover $75,000. You will want our personal injury lawyers in Los Angeles who can help maximize your payout and prove the other party’s fault.
Local Los Angeles Personal Injury Lawyers With A Proven Track Record
The best personal injury attorneys Los Angeles turns to are right here. We are experienced in personal injury claims and know how to fight hard for the compensation you deserve. Whether you have been injured in an auto accident, slipped at a Walmart, sustained an animal bite, or suffered the pain of a loved one’s wrongful death, our attorneys can protect your legal rights.
Arash Law has a 99% success rate in settlements or verdicts. 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.
Call (888) 488-1391 today for a free initial consultation with our zero-out-of-pocket personal injury lawyers in Los Angeles. The law entitles you to full and fair compensation from a negligent party for all the losses you have sustained as the result of an accident.
Frequently Asked Questions About Personal Injuries In California
How To Find The Best Personal Injury Attorney In California?
To find the best personal injury lawyers in Los Angeles and California, you must consider the following:
- Experience in similar cases
- Client testimonials
- Track record
- Communication style
- Support
All these are important values at Arash Law. Our legal team has decades of combined experience in winning compensation for our clients and providing compassionate support.
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.
What Is Considered Personal Injury In California?
Personal injury refers to physical or emotional harm to an individual as a result of another party’s negligence or wrongful actions. In these cases, the victim can pursue a claim for compensation.
Reach Out To Our Personal Injury Lawyers In Los Angeles And Win Your Case
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 and help ensure that all medical bills are paid by the negligent party. 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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