After a serious accident, you may face mounting medical bills and need to take time off from work. You may feel uncertain about how you will pay for treatment and how you will support your family during this time. If you were injured through the fault of another person or entity, you may be able to recover compensation by bringing a lawsuit. You should consult the experienced personal injury attorney South Gate at the Knoll Law Group about your situation. We represent people across Southern California and statewide. Our firm has recovered settlements and verdicts worth millions of dollars.

Types of Personal Injury Cases

Some of the most common personal injury cases involve motor vehicle accidents. All drivers in California are expected to use reasonable care and operate their vehicles safely. If a driver does not use reasonable care in the circumstances, and this causes an accident, a victim can establish liability. For example, if a driver fails to stop at a stop sign and T-bones you while you have the right of way, you should be able to hold that driver responsible for the damages he caused.

Slips and falls are another common type of personal injury case. Property owners and occupiers in California must protect people who enter their property from sustaining injuries due to a dangerous condition that they know or should know. You can hold a property owner or occupier accountable for the harm caused by a slip and fall if you can show that the property owner or occupier knew or should have known about the dangerous condition, the property owner or occupier failed to repair or provide adequate warnings of the danger, and you were injured as a result of the dangerous condition.

Employer Liability in Personal Injury Cases

Sometimes, a personal injury lawyer in South Gate can help a victim hold a defendant’s employer indirectly or directly liable for harm caused by the employee. Vicarious or indirect liability can be imposed on an employer if an employee was in the course and scope of employment when they caused an accident. An employer can also be held directly liable for its own negligence in hiring, training, or supervising an employee who causes injuries. For example, in a truck accident case, a trucking company could be held responsible under a theory of negligent hiring for hiring an unfit truck driver who caused an accident.

Comparative Negligence in California

Defendants in personal injury lawsuits often raise the affirmative defense of comparative negligence. This requires them to prove that the plaintiff was partly responsible for the accident. As a plaintiff, your damages will be reduced by an amount equal to your percentage of fault, if any. California follows the principle of pure comparative negligence, meaning you will not be barred from recovering damages if you were partly at fault. A knowledgeable South Gate personal injury attorney will know how to counter these allegations and maximize a victim’s damages.

Recovering Compensatory Damages

If you establish liability in a personal injury lawsuit, you likely can recover compensatory damages. Your damages could include both economic and non-economic losses stemming from your injuries. Economic losses are concrete and tangible; often, they are substantiated with documentation. They can include medical bills, lost income, property damage, replacement services, and out-of-pocket costs. Non-economic losses are intangible harms and can vary dramatically depending on your testimony and the skill of the attorney presenting your case. They may include loss of enjoyment of life, pain and suffering, mental anguish, and loss of consortium.

Legal Fees and Statute of Limitations

Understanding Legal Fees in Personal Injury Cases: Our firm operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay us if we win your case. This ensures that you can pursue justice without worrying about upfront costs.

Statute of Limitations in California: It is crucial to file your personal injury lawsuit within the statute of limitations, which in California is typically two years from the date of the injury. Failing to do so can bar you from recovering any damages.

Accidents may result in catastrophic injuries that require expensive care and permanent changes to a victim’s lifestyle. Often, accident victims do not have enough money saved in case of serious injuries. Their best option may involve bringing a personal injury lawsuit. You should consult the Knoll Law Group if you were injured in a serious accident anywhere in California. Call us at (800) 954-5459 or complete our online form for a free consultation with a personal injury attorney in South Gate, CA, and other communities statewide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do immediately after an accident?
First, ensure that you and others involved are safe and seek medical attention. Document the scene, gather witness information, and report the accident to the authorities. Contact a personal injury lawyer in South Gate, California, as soon as possible to discuss your case.

How long does a personal injury case take?
The duration of a personal injury case can vary depending on its complexity, the severity of injuries, and whether the case goes to trial. Some cases settle within months, while others may take several years.

Can I still recover damages if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Yes, under California’s pure comparative negligence rule, you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault. Your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of your fault.

Do I have to go to court for a personal injury case?
Not necessarily. Many personal injury cases are settled out of court through negotiations. However, your case may go to trial if a fair settlement cannot be reached.

Types of Personal Injury Cases We Handle

• Bicycle Accident
• Dog Bite Accident
• Pedestrian Accident
• Premises Liability
• Wrongful Death
• Slip and Fall Accidents

Local Hospitals and Medical Resources: If you are injured, it’s important to seek medical attention promptly. In South Gate, notable hospitals include St. Francis Medical Center and PIH Health Downey Hospital.