Siskiyou County 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 Siskiyou County Personal Injury Lawyers Offer Focused Legal Representation For Accident Victims
Getting injured in an accident may not be the end of the world for many people, but it can be a life-changing event for others. If your injuries make it impossible for you to live the life you once had, our Siskiyou County personal injury lawyers can help you seek compensation for your injuries and losses. We offer free initial consultations. Call us at (888) 488-1391 to find out if you have a valid case.
Located just across the Oregon border in northern California, Siskiyou County offers stunning natural landscapes and charming towns like Mt. Shasta, Weed, and Dunsmuir. Amidst the promise of adventure and opportunities that the county offers its residents and tourists lies the constant risk of accidents due to hazardous road conditions, negligent drivers, or unsafe premises. Many fall victim to slip-and-fall incidents and minor or severe traffic accidents.
Our Siskiyou County lawyers have helped plenty of injured victims and their families pursue legal claims against negligent parties. We work to hold negligent parties accountable and aim to achieve compensation for our clients in accordance with California law.
Personal Injury: 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
Why Should You Hire Our Siskiyou County Personal Injury Lawyers?
Our personal injury lawyers in Siskiyou County are dedicated to protecting the rights of injured victims. We understand how personal injury claims work. Whether it’s assessing the long-term impact of your injuries or helping you hold negligent parties accountable, we are ready to assist you.
Whether you were in an Uber accident or slipped and fell on someone else’s property, our lawyers offer legal guidance. Here’s how we support you as a client:
- Our lawyers will investigate your case thoroughly.
- We will use our knowledge of personal injury laws and local rules to build your case.
- Our team will gather and preserve key evidence to back up your claim.
- We will create personalized strategies and provide clear guidance throughout the process.
Our Siskiyou County personal injury lawyers can also negotiate with the insurers on your behalf. Contact our personal injury attorneys in Siskiyou County to understand your legal options. We’ve handled a variety of personal injury claims and have helped clients and their families seek compensation for their losses.
Common Personal Injury Claims Our Attorneys Handle
Someone else’s negligence can lead to minor or severe bodily injuries. These are some of the personal injury claims our Siskiyou County lawyers handle:
Amputations
Losing a body part, whether a fingertip or a whole limb, can have immense physical and psychological effects on anyone. It can affect the way you move and work. Losing a limb can also impact your relationships and attitude in life. Patients who had amputations were more prone to anxiety, anger, hostility, and depression, as stated in a 2021 study from Frontiers in Psychology.
Severe traffic and workplace incidents involving heavy machinery can lead to traumatic amputations. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, traumatic amputations account for around 45% of all amputations. The extreme force from these accidents can cut off body parts, especially fingers or limbs. In some cases, the body part is so badly damaged that it needs to be surgically removed. Although it is possible to reattach the amputated body part, it may not function the same way it did before the accident happened.
Additionally, amputees experience a sensation of severe pain known as phantom limb syndrome. The causes of these syndromes are yet to be fully understood. However, it is believed that the body “remembers” the part that was removed, and so it also recalls the sensations, whether painful or otherwise, that the amputated limb used to feel.
The following types of accidents can lead to amputations:
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Construction accidents
- Crane accidents
- Electrocution accidents
- Fire-related accidents
Head Injuries
Injuries to the scalp, skull, and brain are among the serious consequences of accidents. The brain is the control center of the body. It regulates our heartbeat, breathing, and practically all bodily functions, so any damage can cause life-threatening situations. Victims may be unable to walk or feed themselves. They won’t be able to work and enjoy the hobbies they once enjoyed.
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a common head injury. TBI is the result of a violent blow to the body. It is common in traffic and slip-and-fall accidents where the head hits a hard surface, such as the interior of a vehicle or the ground. Mild TBI can affect the brain cells temporarily, while more serious cases can result in bleeding, bruising, and other physical damage to the brain.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there were 69,473 TBI-related deaths in 2021. Around 28% of these fatalities are among people aged 75 and older.
Symptoms of a TBI include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Speech problems
- Dizziness
- Sensory problems
- Sensitivity to light
- Loss of consciousness
- Memory issues
- Mood changes
- Convulsions or seizures
- Comatose
Eye Injuries
Bruises, scratches, punctures, and vision loss are some injuries that can stem from blunt force to the eye area or penetrating trauma from accidents.
For example, a truck accident victim might crash into the windshield. The force of the impact could scratch the corneas or break the bones around the eyes. The broken windshield pieces might even puncture the eyeball.
Aside from traffic accidents, eye injuries are common among people exposed to various chemicals. According to Harvard Medical School, the eyes can be damaged by chemicals in aerosols, whether in liquid, solid, or powder form. Utility and factory workers who handle chemicals, such as solvents and cleaners, are at a high risk of chemical eye injury, even those in agricultural settings.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 18,510 eye-related injury or illness cases were reported in 2020 among workers. Of these, 11,980 cases were due to contact with objects or equipment.
Victims with eye injuries should promptly seek medical care. Immediate action can help with your injury’s prognosis. Early detection and treatment can also help prevent permanent vision loss.
Back Injuries
Accidents, particularly car collisions and slip-and-falls, often lead to back pain and injuries. The impact of colliding with a speeding vehicle or slamming onto the concrete floor in a fall can damage the back’s soft tissues or bones.
Here are some of the common types of back injuries:
- Sprains and Strains — These affect the soft tissues of the back, particularly the ligament (sprain) and muscles or tendons (strain).
- Herniated Disks — The backbone consists of 26 vertebrae. Soft disks cushion the vertebrae and keep them in place. Herniated disks happen when a disk ruptures and its jelly-like center leaks, irritating nearby nerves.
- Fractured Vertebrae — Landing on your back is one way to break the backbone. It can cause severe pain and limited mobility.
Treatments vary depending on the type and severity of your back injury. Regardless of its severity, however, prompt medical care is important to prevent your injury from getting worse.
Catastrophic Injuries
Some injuries have lasting consequences and are even life-threatening for the victim. Most of the time, catastrophic injuries leave the victim unable to fend for themselves, if ever they survive. They require constant care and medical treatment, which incurs high medical bills. There are also other costs, such as outfitting a home to accommodate their disability.
Aside from the financial burden of these devastating injuries, victims are also left with intangible losses, which our personal injury attorneys in Siskiyou County consider when estimating the value of a claim. These include the following:
- Loss of Consortium — Disabilities may prevent them from having the same relationship with their spouse or children.
- Decreased Quality of Life — Many victims are unable to return to their lifestyle before the injury. In addition, many are in constant pain and rely on medication daily for long periods.
- Mental Health Issues — Victims are more prone to mental health issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression.
- Isolation — Staying in the hospital or indoors for a long time often makes victims feel lonely and isolated, which can negatively affect their mental health and overall recovery. Meanwhile, some victims choose to self-isolate to avoid triggers such as loud noises.
Construction Injuries
Due to heavy pieces of machinery and constantly moving massive objects, construction accidents often lead to some of the most severe injuries. In California alone, the construction industry sector had 75 fatal workplace injuries in 2022, according to the BLS.
Some threats to construction workers’ safety are:
- Getting hit by heavy objects.
- Being crushed by heavy machinery.
- Asbestos exposure
- Chemical exposure
- Fire and explosions
Slipping, tripping, and falling are also commonplace in the construction industry. Workers can trip on exposed cables or fall out of buildings. Typical injuries associated with these accidents are:
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Fractures
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Lacerations
- Internal Organ Damage
Electrocution is another risk construction workers face, which can lead to devastating construction injuries such as burns and nerve damage. They are often unaware of potential electrical hazards.
If you get injured while working in Siskiyou County, our personal injury lawyers can help you in seeking workers’ compensation benefits. Under California law, workers may be eligible to pursue financial benefits if they did not intentionally cause their injuries.
Dog Bites
According to California Code CIV § 3342, the owner is responsible if a dog bites someone in a public place or lawfully in a private place. Dog owners will also be liable, whether or not they know of the dog’s past vicious behavior.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), more than 4.5 million people in the United States are bitten by dogs yearly. Around 800,000 people receive medical attention for these attacks. At least half of these victims are children.
Dog bites often lead to puncture wounds. If not treated immediately, these wounds can worsen due to infection. In some cases, dogs can transmit rabies to the victims, which could turn deadly.
A dog may also “bite” someone if it snatches their clothing or slightly nicks them. Although the dog does not break the skin, these incidents can still lead to injuries if the victim falls. In these cases, the dog owner may still be held liable for their damages.
In addition to physical injuries, victims of dog bites also develop a fear of dogs and PTSD. These non-economic losses are typically taken into consideration in the victim’s compensation claim.
Burn Injuries
Healthcare providers determine the degree of a burn injury based on how much it has damaged the layers of the skin.
- First-degree burns affect the top layer of skin (epidermis). The affected area turns red and feels painful, but it doesn’t usually blister. Healing can take days and often requires topical medications that can be bought over the counter.
- Second-degree burns damage the top and lower (dermis) layers. Victims typically experience intense pain, swelling, redness, and blistering. A second-degree burn will require a visit to the hospital for proper treatment.
- Third-degree burns damage all skin layers, from the epidermis to the dermis and subcutaneous tissue. These injuries also destroy hair follicles and sweat glands, so even if the affected area heals in time, the victim won’t be able to grow hair or produce sweat there. Additionally, third-degree burns damage nerve endings, so victims only feel the pain in adjacent areas. Such damage requires intensive medical treatment. Healing may also take months or years.
Traffic and workplace accidents are among the common causes of burn injuries. In some cases, defective products also cause burns. A defective appliance may explode while the victim uses it, causing second- to third-degree burns. The victim may be able to file a claim against the appliance’s manufacturer and retailer under the product liability laws of California. Victims don’t need to prove negligence in such claims, just that the defective product caused their injuries.
Our personal injury lawyers in Siskiyou County can also help you file a claim against these big companies. We’ll explain your legal rights and help you make informed decisions.
Spinal Cord Injuries
The spinal cord is a tube-like band of soft tissues that carries messages from the brain to the rest of the body and vice versa. Since it is integral to the body’s functions, any damage it sustains can negatively affect the victim.
Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) typically happen when the spine is bent or compressed. Any damage to the backbone, which protects the spinal cord, increases the risk of harming the spinal cord. Falls and motor vehicle accidents are some of the main causes of SCIs.
One of the common results of spinal cord injuries is paralysis, which is the loss of feeling and control of movement. The types of paralysis are:
- Monoplegia — Affects one limb (either an arm or a leg).
- Hemiplegia — Affects one arm and one leg on the same side of the body.
- Paraplegia — Affects both legs.
- Quadriplegia — Affects both the arms and legs.
If you’ve been in an accident that damaged your spinal cord, consult with our Siskiyou County personal injury attorneys. We can assist you in obtaining treatment for your injury and pursuing compensation from the responsible parties.
Other Personal Injury Cases We Handle
We also handle these accident cases:
- Bicycle Accidents
- Pedestrian Accidents
- Rain Accidents
- RV Accidents
- Charter Plane Crash
- Commercial Vehicle Accidents
- Uber Accidents
- Lyft Accidents
- Intersection Accidents
- Wrongful Deaths
Our lawyers have handled a variety of cases in different practice areas. Contact our personal injury lawyers in Siskiyou County if you sustained injuries or lost a loved one because of someone else’s negligence. You may also fill out our contact form to know if your claim is valid.
How Is Negligence Proven In California?
In most personal injury cases, the victim must demonstrate that another party’s negligence led to their injury. To do this, the plaintiff must establish four elements of negligence:
- The at-fault party owes the victim a duty of reasonable care.
- You must prove that the liable party breached their duty.
- The victim sustained injuries because of the liable party’s action or inaction.
- The victim suffered damages and losses because of their injuries.
Proving these elements requires solid evidence. Our law firm works with accident reconstructionists and other professionals to help gather evidence to support your case.
Who Should Be Held Responsible For An Accident?
Whether it’s a negligent driver, property owner, healthcare provider, product manufacturer, or employer, our personal injury lawyers work to help hold at-fault parties accountable for the harm they have caused. Here are some possible liable parties in an accident:
- Negligent Drivers — In car accidents, negligent drivers who disobey traffic laws, drive recklessly, or get distracted and cause an accident may be held liable for the resulting injuries and damages. Speeding, running red lights, or driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs are other forms of negligence that many drivers commit.
- Property Owners — In slip-and-fall accidents and other premises liability claims, property owners or managers can be held responsible for the dangerous conditions on their premises that caused the injuries. These hazards include failure to maintain safe conditions, inadequate warning signs, or negligence in addressing known dangers.
- Product Manufacturers — In product liability cases, manufacturers, distributors, or sellers can be held accountable for injuries caused by defective or dangerous products. Customers’ injuries may stem from design defects, manufacturing defects, or failure to provide adequate warnings or instructions.
- Employers — Workplace accidents due to employer negligence, unsafe working conditions, or failure to provide proper training or equipment can result in employee injuries or illnesses. Employers can be held liable, while injured employees may be able to seek damages through workers’ compensation or personal injury claims.
If you or someone you know is injured due to someone else’s negligence, our Siskiyou County personal injury attorneys are committed to helping you pursue compensation for your injuries and losses.
Legal Process For Personal Injury Cases In Siskiyou County
Pursuing accountability for damages involves understanding each step of the process, from initial consultations and settlement discussions to potential courtroom proceedings. Our Siskiyou County personal injury lawyers support your case by:
- Drafting a Demand for Compensation — After completing an initial investigation to determine fault, our attorney will write a demand letter. This letter is sent to the responsible party or their insurance company, outlining your intent to seek damages. It explains why the party is liable, the extent of your injuries, and your compensation demand.
- Filing a Claim for Damages — If the demand letter is rejected or ignored, your attorney will file a formal claim for damages with the court, presenting your case for compensation based on a thorough investigation and legal research. We build well-documented cases using relevant laws, facts, and evidence to support your claim.
- Preparing for the Discovery Phase — Once the claim is filed and the defendant responds, the case moves to the discovery phase. Here, both parties exchange evidence and information relevant to the case. This phase supports the initial investigation conducted by your attorney.
- Negotiating a Settlement — Most personal injury cases are settled outside of court. Your attorney will use the information gathered during discovery to pursue a settlement on your behalf. The possibility of a formal legal action may prompt at-fault parties to offer reasonable settlements.
- Taking Your Case to Trial — If settlement negotiations fail, your case may proceed to trial. Our Siskiyou County personal injury attorneys will advocate for your rights in court.
At trial, a judge or jury will determine your compensation. Appeals can be made by either party following the trial’s outcome.
What Damages Can Victims Pursue?
In California, settlements are determined based on the specifics of each case, as every situation is unique. Our lawyers in Siskiyou County will evaluate your personal injury case and the damages you may be able to include in your claim. Commonly available damages in California include:
- Economic Damages — The tangible losses incurred after an accident are economic damages. These include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Medical Bills — The negligent party can be held financially responsible for current and future medical expenses resulting from injuries.
- Lost Income — Your claim may include compensation for wages lost due to injury-related work absences, including missed work and medical appointments.
- Loss of Earning Capacity — Victims may also be able to pursue financial compensation for their long-term inability to work or perform previous job duties.
- Non-Economic Damages — These are the intangible losses of the victim, such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Reduced quality of life
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Punitive Damages — These are awarded in rare cases to punish the defendant for extremely reckless conduct and deter similar behaviors in the future.
- Wrongful Death — If eligible, surviving family members may be able to pursue financial compensation for the loss of a loved one due to negligence, covering loss of income, companionship, funeral expenses, and more.
Statute Of Limitations For Filing Injury Claims In Siskiyou County
Successful personal injury claims require careful preparation and time. As such, there’s a two-year window from the date of your injury to file a lawsuit in California. There may be exceptions, such as cases involving minors and government entities. Missing this deadline can bar you from seeking financial compensation for your injuries.
If you’ve been injured in an accident, contact our personal injury lawyers in Siskiyou County for a free initial consultation. We can start on your case promptly, working to build a personalized and well-documented case to present during negotiations and litigation.
Benny and Brian Beecher represented a 3-year-old boy who sustained a mild traumatic brain injury after he was run over by a golf cart at a fair. The insurance company for the fair argued that the child was already born disabled and that the blame was on the child’s parents for allegedly failing to supervise him. Benny and Brian fought this case for years until justice was served for our deserving client. The settlement was obtained during jury selection in Sacramento County.– BENNY KHORSANDI
What To Do After Being Injured In An Accident In Siskiyou County
If you get hurt in an accident, it’s important to know what to do afterward to help keep you safe and protect your ability to seek compensation. Here are some steps you can take after an incident:
- Stay Safe — If possible, move to a safe spot away from the accident site.
- Check for Injuries — Check if everyone involved is okay, and call for help if needed.
- Call the Police — It’s important to report the accident, even if it seems minor. Get a copy of the official police report.
- Get Medical Help — Even if you feel okay, get checked by the paramedics dispatched to the scene. Also, get a thorough follow-up at a hospital.
- Document Everything — Collect information from everyone involved, take photos, and note details from the accident. Get the at-fault party’s name, address, insurance policy, and ID.
- Watch Your Words — Be careful of what you say, as your statements could be used during the claims process.
- Talk to a Lawyer — Reach out to our personal injury lawyers in Siskiyou County. We can guide you through the process, deal with insurance companies on your behalf, and help you seek compensation.
What Not To Do After An Accident
After an accident that causes injuries, victims must avoid common pitfalls that could potentially impact their case, such as:
- Admitting Fault — Avoid saying sorry or anything that could be interpreted as accepting blame for the accident, as it could impact your ability to seek compensation later on.
- Leaving the Scene — Stay at the accident site until authorities arrive, as leaving could hinder investigations and have legal consequences.
- Waiting to Get Medical Help — Avoid delaying your treatment. Seek medical attention promptly, even for seemingly minor injuries, to ensure your well-being. Document your condition when pursuing compensation.
- Talking About the Accident With Others — Avoid discussing the details of the accident with anyone other than the authorities and your attorney to prevent misunderstandings.
- Signing Anything Without Understanding — Do not sign any documents or accept a settlement without fully understanding their implications. It’s recommended to get legal representation first.
- Posting the Accident on Social Media — Avoid sharing details or opinions about the accident on social media platforms. These could be used against you.
- Handling Legal Matters Alone — Seek guidance from our personal injury attorneys in Siskiyou County. They can help protect your rights while guiding you throughout the legal process.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How Much Do Personal Injury Lawyers Charge In Siskiyou County?
Most personal injury lawyers in California and, by extension, Siskiyou charge on a contingency fee basis. Under this arrangement, we only get paid for our legal services if there’s a settlement or verdict. Our fees are a certain percentage of the final settlement amount. The exact percentage will depend on several factors, such as the complexity of the case and our attorney’s experience. If there’s no compensation, you won’t owe us attorneys’ fees. This will be discussed and agreed upon during your onboarding process, as well as other case-related costs that will be charged separately, regardless of the outcome.
How Do I Find Experienced Personal Injury Attorneys In California?
Your choice of legal representation can affect the outcome of your claim. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you find an attorney suited to your needs:
- Consider Their Experience — The lawyer must have experience handling cases similar to yours.
- Evaluate Their Reputation — You can check their website or their office for any awards they have received. See whether they’re a member or leader of any legal association.
- Pay Attention to How They Treat You — You’re looking for a partner who can represent you efficiently. If they are respectful and empathetic, they may be able to provide appropriate legal support throughout your case.
- Understand the Law Firm’s Payment Model — If they operate on a contingency fee basis, ask what percentage they will take from your compensation.
- Ask What Else They Can Do for You — Ask if they can connect you with healthcare providers who can assist with medical treatment and may offer services on a medical lien basis.
I’m An Undocumented Immigrant. Can I File A Personal Injury Lawsuit?
In California, the law allows injured victims to pursue justice and compensation from those responsible for their injuries. Your residency status has nothing to do with your legal rights, and you shouldn’t have to face deportation while asserting your rights. If you’re an undocumented immigrant, talk to our Siskiyou personal injury lawyers. We’ll explain your rights and options.
How Do I File A Personal Injury Claim In California?
Filing a personal injury claim can be complex. Here are the general steps involved in the process:
- Hire a Personal Injury Attorney in Siskiyou County — Attorneys can investigate the accident and gather evidence to help hold the liable parties accountable.
- Determine Who You Should File a Claim Against — In some personal injury cases, more than one negligent party is involved. A lawyer can help you investigate and identify potentially liable parties for your injuries and losses.
- File a Claim With the At-Fault Party’s Insurance Company. To be guided on what amount is reasonable, consult an attorney, and let them handle negotiations.
- File Within the Deadline — Keep the statute of limitations in mind. If you’re unsure which deadlines apply to your case, talk to our Siskiyou personal injury lawyers.
How Much Compensation Can I Pursue For My Personal Injury Claim?
It’s difficult to tell how much you can seek from a personal injury settlement without looking at the details of your case. The value of a claim is largely determined by various factors, including the extent of the injury, the type of accident, and the insurance policy limits.
For economic damages, our personal injury attorneys will consider your financial losses in medical treatments, medications, rehabilitation, property repairs, and missed wages. We will also consider any future expenses you might incur due to your injuries.
Meanwhile, pain and suffering are much more challenging to calculate. California has no limit to how much you can claim for these damages. We’ll have to closely examine your case and work with professionals to give you a good estimate. Call us to schedule a free initial consultation. Let our Siskiyou County attorneys evaluate your personal injury claim.
Speak With Our Personal Injury Lawyers In Siskiyou County
Injuries caused by negligence often lead to significant financial strain for the injured individual and their family. Medical expenses and related costs can quickly accumulate, especially if the injured victim cannot work and contribute to the family’s income.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, reach out to our experienced personal injury lawyers for a free case review. You can also contact us online for assistance.
Arash Law prioritizes the needs of the victim and their family, providing dedicated support through every step of the claims process.
The legal services of our personal injury lawyers extend beyond Siskiyou County to various locations, including Shasta Lake, Redding, Eureka, Fortuna, Trinidad, Crescent City, Anderson, Chester, Cedarville, Lake City, Shingletown, Willow Creek, Burney, Susanville, Arcata, Harper, Palo Cedro, Weaverville, and Cottonwood.
