Personal Injury FAQs Los Angeles CA — Opal Law Group

Question 1

How do I know if I have a personal injury claim in Los Angeles?

Accepted Answer

A personal injury claim may arise when you are harmed because of another person's or entity's negligence or wrongful conduct. If you were injured in a car accident, a slip and fall, a dog attack, or a similar incident caused by someone else, you may have a claim. Whether you do depends on the specific facts, which is what an initial evaluation is for.

Question 2

Can I still recover compensation if I was partly at fault for the accident?

Accepted Answer

Often yes. California follows a pure comparative negligence rule, which means a plaintiff may recover even when partially at fault, with the award reduced by their percentage of fault. How fault is apportioned in a given case depends on the evidence.

Question 3

What should I do if an insurance company contacts me after an accident?

Accepted Answer

Consider speaking with an attorney before giving a recorded statement to the other party's insurer. Adjusters are trained to evaluate and limit claims, and statements made early can affect a claim later. Contact Opal Law Group for a free evaluation before responding.

Question 4

Are there deadlines for filing a personal injury claim in California?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and they are strict. Deadlines vary by the type of claim and who the defendant is. Claims involving government entities carry significantly shorter deadlines than claims against private parties, and missing one can end a claim regardless of its merits. Contact Opal Law Group as soon as possible so the deadlines that apply to your situation can be reviewed.

Question 5

Who can file a wrongful death claim in California?

Accepted Answer

California law sets out who may bring a wrongful death action, generally including a surviving spouse, domestic partner, and children, with other relatives able to bring a claim in certain circumstances. Who is eligible in a particular case depends on the family situation and should be reviewed with an attorney.

Question 6

What compensation may be available in a personal injury case?

Accepted Answer

Depending on the case, recovery may include past and future medical expenses, lost wages and loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and property damage. Wrongful death claims involve their own categories of damages. What is recoverable, and in what amount, depends entirely on the facts, the evidence, and available insurance coverage.

Question 7

What should I do after an accident?

Accepted Answer

Seek medical attention first, even if you feel fine, as some injuries are not immediately apparent and a medical record documents the injury. Report the incident where appropriate, and if you are able, photograph the scene and get contact details for any witnesses. Keep records of medical treatment and expenses. Then contact an attorney before speaking with the other party's insurer.

Question 8

Is the information on this page legal advice?

Accepted Answer

No. This information is general in nature and is not legal advice about your situation. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws and deadlines change, and outcomes depend on the specific facts. Contact Opal Law Group for advice about your circumstances.

Personal Injury FAQs in Los Angeles, CA

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Personal Injury FAQs in Los Angeles, CA

Employment Law

General Questions​

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General Questions