When you’re involved in an incident that results in a personal injury, it can be challenging to navigate the following legal proceedings on your own. If you’re unsure what steps to take or when to hire a California personal injury lawyer, the smartest thing you can do is consult one right away. The longer you wait to consult an experienced professional, the more issues can arise with your claim.
By working with an adept personal injury attorney, you can receive legal advice, guidance, and strategic representation that helps you work toward fair and just results. With our understanding of local laws and regulations, we can consider all viable legal options for remedying your personal injury and are prepared to advocate for you along the way.
Details to Consider When Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney
There are certain accidents that can be remedied with the help of a personal injury attorney. The following factors are indicators that your case would benefit from the assistance of a personal injury lawyer:
- Serious Injury: If you or others involved in an accident have sustained serious and severe injuries, you may seek compensation to cover medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages. A personal injury attorney can assess the damages and advocate through negotiations and/or litigation for a fair recovery for these expenses.
- Long-Term or Permanent Disabilities: In the case that an accident resulted in a long-term or permanent disability, you may be owed compensation. Attorneys understand the life-altering effects a long-term illness or disability can have on their client’s life, which is why they work to ensure proper compensation is awarded.
- Disputed Liability: In some cases, both parties may have a dispute over who is at fault for an accident. A personal injury attorney can conduct a detailed investigation around the circumstances of the accident and build a legal strategy supporting their client’s reports.
- Complicated Legal Issues: If the legality surrounding your case is complex and overwhelming, the support of an attorney can prove vital. An attorney is familiar with the legal process and regulations surrounding a personal injury claim, and even in the most challenging of circumstances, is prepared to step in and offer their professional and dedicated care to the claim.
- Insurance Company Complications: It is unfortunately common to come across challenges with insurance companies, including delayed payments, inadequate settlement offers, and denied claims. Personal injury attorneys have experience negotiating with insurance companies to advocate and insist upon the fair treatment of their clients.
- Statute of Limitations: If the deadline by which you are able to file a personal injury lawsuit is approaching, it is important to consult with a lawyer to initiate the legal claims process while you are still rightfully able to pursue damage recovery. The statute of limitations in California for a personal injury claim is two years from the incident.
Consulting with a personal injury attorney at any point in your case can prove useful, but it is highly recommended to reach out as soon as you consider filing a claim. Even if you just reach out for an initial consultation, an attorney can offer insight into the viability of your claim and offer a careful look into the next steps you’ll need to take.
FAQs
Q: What Percentage Do Most Personal Injury Lawyers Take in California?
A: In California, many personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only receive payment from their clients if there is a successful recovery of compensation. The standard contingency fee percentage can vary, but on average, can range from around 30% to 40% of the final settlement or court-awarded amount. Some firms may have a standard percentage, while others may be open to negotiation depending on their client’s financial ability.
Q: What Is the Time Limit for Personal Injury Claims in California?
A: California follows a general statute of limitations for personal injury claims. This means that legal action must take place within two years of the date of an injury or discovery of an injury. If individuals wait beyond this time frame, they may lose their right to pursue a claim and seek damages. There are exceptions to this rule; for example, if an injury involves a government entity, individuals need to proceed quickly, as 6 months are allowed for the initiation of a claim.
Q: How Long After a Work Injury Can You File a Claim in California?
A: The limit for filing a workers’ compensation claim in California is generally one year from the date of the work-related injury or from the date that you learned your injury or illness was related to your employment. When seeking compensation for a work-related injury, individuals typically file a workers’ compensation claim against their employer. However, if the claim is against a third party, individuals can file a personal injury claim within two years of an injury.
Q: How Long Do Most Personal Injury Claims Take?
A: The amount of time that a personal injury claim takes can vary dramatically depending on the specific factors and complexities of a case. Some claims may only take a few months, while others require several years to completely wrap up. A case’s time requirements hinge on the severity of injuries, the willingness and efficiency of all parties involved, the availability of the court, and much more.
Contact a California Personal Injury Lawyer Today
If you are navigating a personal injury claim, the Kreeger Law Firm’s personal injury attorneys are here to help. Our team is dedicated to vigorously defending the rights of our clients and seeking their desired outcomes through negotiations and litigations. We tirelessly advocate on behalf of our clients and are open to discussing any questions and concerns along the way.
Reach out to our firm to schedule a consultation and learn how we can step in and support you as you seek a fair settlement. You do not need to fight for your well-being and fair treatment on your own. You can count on us for substantial legal support.
