Personal injury cases can arise from a wide range of circumstances, but generally involve situations where an individual has been harmed due to the negligence or wrongdoing of another party. Some of the most common examples are car accidents, slip and fall accidents, workplace injuries, and medical malpractice.
If you have been harmed in any of these ways, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and other damages. However, determining whether you have a valid case can be complicated, and that’s where the expertise of a personal injury attorney comes in.
What Are the Key Factors That Qualify a Case for a Personal Injury Attorney?
Negligence or Wrongdoing
The most important factor in a personal injury case is whether the other party was negligent or engaged in wrongful conduct that caused your injuries. This can include things like failing to properly maintain a property, ignoring safety regulations, or acting recklessly.
Actual Harm
Another key factor is whether you have suffered actual harm as a result of the other party’s actions. Instances that could be considered actual harm may include physical injuries, financial losses and even emotional distress.
Causation
There must be a clear connection between the other party’s actions and your injuries. This is known as causation. Your attorney will help you establish this link by gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and consulting with experts.
Damages
To have a valid personal injury case, you must be able to demonstrate that you have suffered damages as a result of the other party’s actions. Medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering can be considered damages.
Statutes of Limitations
Another important consideration is the statute of limitations, which limits the amount of time you have to file a claim. In California, the statute of limitations for most personal injury cases is two years from the date of the injury or discovery of the injury.
Additional Considerations For California Personal Injury Cases
Comparative Negligence
California follows a comparative negligence system, which means that if you are found to be partially at fault for the accident or incident that caused your injuries, your compensation may be reduced proportionally. For example, if you are deemed 20% responsible for a car accident that resulted in $100,000 in damages, your compensation may be reduced to $80,000.
Specialized Legal Requirements
It’s also worth noting that certain types of personal injury cases may involve specific legal requirements or considerations. For example, medical malpractice cases require expert testimony from medical professionals to establish the standard of care and how it was breached. Product liability cases may require extensive research and analysis to determine the cause of a defect and who is responsible for it.
Finding The Right Attorney In Los Angeles For Your Personal Injury Case
If you have been injured in Los Angeles due to the negligence or wrongdoing of another party, it’s important to consult with a personal injury attorney who can evaluate the specifics of your case and advise you on the best course of action.
Finding a highly successful law firm that consistently wins every case is a daunting task. However, after carefully examining the reviews and performance records of various law firms based in Los Angeles, we highly recommend reaching out to Cohen & Marzban Personal Injury Attorneys.
