Los Angeles Personal Injury Lawyers
Serving Clients Throughout the Counties of Riverside & Ventura
Every day in California, innocent individuals are seriously injured due to the negligence of others. Their injuries arise from car crashes, defective products, slip-and-fall accidents, and many other dangerous situations. If you’ve been hurt and are incurring costly medical bills, experiencing pain and suffering, or unable to earn a living, financial recovery isn’t a luxury; it is an absolute necessity. You need a tenacious Los Angeles personal injury attorney on your side. At Arshakyan Law Firm, we’re dedicated to helping people injured in a wide variety of accidents recover compensation.
We regularly work with clients who have suffered injuries as a result of:
- Car Accidents
- Pedestrian Accidents
- Bicycle Accidents
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Trucking Accidents
- Rideshare Accidents
- Boat Accidents
- Construction Accidents
- Slip and Fall
- Defective Products
- Dangerous Drugs
- Medical Malpractice
- Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect
- Intentional Acts of Violence
We help individuals and their families who have suffered all types of injuries, including catastrophic impairments, such as spinal cord damage and traumatic brain injuries, as well as those who have lost loved ones in wrongful death. If you think that you may have sustained a personal injury, the best course of action is to reach out to our team at Arshakyan Law Firm as soon as possible. We can evaluate your situation to determine if you have a valid claim and help you take the next appropriate steps. Your personal injury attorney can partner with you to pursue the full compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.
Request a free consultation with a personal injury attorney by contacting us via our website or by phone at (818) 650-9985. Armenian language services available. Hablamos español.
Key Elements of Negligence in Personal Injury Law
Personal injury claims typically arise from the negligence of another person or party. For claims to be successful, the injured party or their attorneys need to establish the elements of negligence with reliable evidence. Depending on the complexity of the claim, this is sometimes challenging and not something that you should try to handle on your own.
The elements of negligence include:
- Duty: One party owed a duty of care to the other. This duty of care can change depending on the circumstances. For instance, a driver must yield to oncoming traffic, or a property owner must prevent ice from forming on his walkways. Understanding the breadth of duty owed can often involve an analysis of industry standards or specific laws relevant to the parties involved, underscoring the necessity of legal guidance.
- Breach of Duty: This occurs when one party violates his or her duty of care. Perhaps a driver failed to stop at a stop sign, or a doctor prescribed the wrong medication. Documenting a breach can often involve gathering witness testimonies, reviewing surveillance footage, and analyzing accident reports, which illustrate the importance of thorough investigative processes in these situations.
- Injuries: As a direct result of one party’s breach of duty, the other party suffered injuries. This could be any type of injury requiring medical care, such as severe whiplash or broken bones. Often, medical records, expert testimonies, and comprehensive treatment assessments are essential in establishing the extent and impact of these injuries on the victim's quality of life and financial stability.
- Compensable Damages: That injuries suffered by the victimized party caused damages for which that person can be financially compensated under the law. These damages often cover a broad spectrum, including lost income, future medical expenses, and other unforeseen financial burdens. Establishing a comprehensive list of damages is critical to ensure that victims receive adequate financial relief to aid in their recovery and future wellbeing.
Our Encino personal injury lawyers will investigate the circumstances surrounding your accident or personal injury event to gather and preserve any evidence available to prove each of the above points. This diligent process ensures that your claim is meticulously prepared, which can be pivotal in securing a favorable outcome, whether through settlement or in court.
Why Choose Arshakyan Law Firm for Personal Injury Representation
When selecting a legal partner for your personal injury claim, the choice of law firm can significantly impact the course and outcome of your claims. At Arshakyan Law Firm, we combine deep local knowledge, a strategic approach, and a commitment to personalized care. Our clients benefit from our extensive experience dealing with the complexities of California law and our proactive case management that prioritizes their needs.
We provide not just legal representation, but also work as allies and guides to help navigate the often intricate waters of insurance claims, settlement negotiations, and litigation proceedings. Our bilingual capabilities ensure that language never becomes a barrier to receiving the support you need. With over twenty years in service, our proven track record spans numerous successful client representations, all documented by client testimonials and professional accolades.
Frequently Asked Questions About Personal Injury Claims in California
What Steps Should I Take After a Personal Injury in Los Angeles?
In the case of a personal injury, your actions immediately following the incident can significantly influence the outcome of your claim. First, always prioritize medical attention, even if injuries appear minor initially; this supports both your health and your claim. Documenting the event thoroughly is crucial—take photos of the scene, gather witness contacts, and file a police report if necessary. Maintain a diary of your medical visits and keep all related invoices as these evidential materials are invaluable. Contacting a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible is critical, as they can guide you through legal nuances and negotiations with insurance companies.
How Is Fault Determined in a Personal Injury Claim?
Determining fault in a personal injury claim involves demonstrating negligence on the part of the defendant. This process incorporates gathering evidence such as photographs, police reports, and eyewitness accounts. In some instances, expert testimonies are pivotal in illustrating how the negligence occurred and its consequences. Legal professionals analyze the duty, breach, causation, and damages to build a compelling argument, and sometimes utilize accident reconstruction specialists to recreate the event for clearer understanding. California's comparative negligence rule also allows clients to collect damages even when they share some fault.
WHAT IS YOUR PERSONAL INJURY CLAIM WORTH?
Determining what your claim might be worth can be complex. However, we can usually give you an estimate of what you might be able to receive for damages. Your damages represent the financial and other losses you have suffered because of your injuries. Most injured individuals have experienced both economic damages and non-economic damages.
Economic damages or special damages are the financial losses or costs you’ve incurred, typically documented by invoices or bills. It’s usually easy to calculate these damages because they already have a value attached to them. Examples of economic damages include:
- Medical bills
- Other medical expenses such as prescriptions or equipment
- Travel expenses for medical appointments
- Lost wages and income
Non-economic damages or general damages do not come with a predetermined value. They are subjective and can include:
- Pain and suffering
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of consortium
- Humiliation
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
In addition to damages, other factors may exist that can impact your claim’s value. These are factors beyond your control. Having a respected and proven law firm on your side can help mitigate any detrimental factors to maximize your claim’s value.
Factors that can impact how much compensation you can receive include:
- The at-fault parties and their insurance companies
- The policy limits of the applicable insurance companies
- If you had any liability in causing your injuries
- The credibility of any witnesses
- If you are willing to agree to a negotiated settlement
- The extent of your injuries
- Your future medical prognosis
Working with knowledgeable attorneys ensures that every factor is meticulously reviewed to quantify your claim accurately. Additionally, navigating through complex legal intricacies and settlement negotiations can be formidable without seasoned legal guidance, making professional assistance crucial for safeguarding your interests and securing favorable outcomes.
WHY YOU SHOULD HIRE A PERSONAL INJURY LAWYER
If you have been injured in an accident due to no fault of your own, working with a skilled and experienced personal injury lawyer can help you receive the compensation you need to recover. Our Encino personal injury lawyer will help navigate the complex legal procedures, rules, and regulations associated with your claim. We can also evaluate the details of your claim, including the extent of your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
Additionally, In the event that your claim goes to trial, our law firm can provide strong representation in court. They can present your claim effectively, cross-examine witnesses, and argue for your rights and compensation.
What Makes Los Angeles Personal Injury Laws Unique?
Los Angeles, being a part of California, adheres to unique legal stipulations and precedents when it comes to personal injury claims. Understanding California's pure comparative negligence standard is crucial, where claimants can recover damages reduced by their percentage of fault. Additionally, California has specific regulations regarding wrongful death claims, allowing certain family members to seek damages.
Navigating the traffic-heavy landscape of Los Angeles often involves addressing accidents caused by congestion, emphasizing the region-specific insight that our firm provides. Our strategic location gives us a distinct advantage in understanding local courts' tendencies and procedural nuances, ensuring clients receive locality-informed representation.
LOS ANGELES PERSONAL INJURY LITIGATION
Most personal injury claims are settled outside of court through negotiation with the other party. These generally involve negotiations with that party’s insurer, whose main goal is to pay you as little as possible. Legal representation from our firm will ensure that these insurers do not get away with devaluing your claim.
Furthermore, where claims cannot be fairly settled through negotiations, our attorneys will take your claim to court. Through our intensive investigation, gathering and preserving of evidence, and thorough claim preparation, we will put you in the strongest legal position possible. Our attorneys know how to go up against the large corporate interests of insurers in court; we fight aggressively to help you secure compensation that reflects the full extent of the losses you have endured.
HOW LONG DO YOU HAVE TO FILE A PERSONAL INJURY CLAIM?
California has a statute of limitations that applies to personal injury claims. This statute provides a strict deadline for injured parties to bring legal action. Most claims are subject to a two-year statute of limitations. The clock starts running from the day the injury occurs or, in some cases, when it is discovered or should have reasonably been discovered. If your claim happens to be against a government entity, you have only six months, or in some cases one year, to file a claim.
Missing the filing deadline is detrimental to your claim. Once the statute of limitations expires, you no longer have a valid legal claim. Since different deadlines can apply depending on the type of claim you have, it’s crucial to work with a knowledgeable legal team as soon as possible after your injury.
Understanding and adhering to these legal deadlines is critical, as failing to file within the stipulated time frame can nullify your chances of compensation. That's why engaging experienced attorneys early on is beneficial as they adeptly manage timelines, ensuring your pursuit for justice remains viable and timely. Moreover, knowing potential exceptions and special conditions related to statutes is another area where legal insight is invaluable to safeguard your rights.
OUR L.A. PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEYS ARE READY TO HELP
If you recently suffered a personal injury, you know the severe impacts it can have on nearly every aspect of your life. You might not be able to participate in the activities you once enjoyed; you might not be able to go to work; you might need to take medication that gives you side effects, and your relationships might have been impacted. You might also be worried about how you will afford your ordinary living expenses plus all your medical expenses.
A personal injury is an enormous burden to bear. You don’t have to do it alone nor should you. Put one of our trusted legal professionals on your side while you focus on your recovery. When you retain our services, you can rely on our team for all your legal needs at this critical time.
From the moment you hire our Los Angeles personal injury law firm until settlement or litigation is completed, we will be advocating for your best interests. In addition to legal representation, we provide clients with updates and communication throughout the process, assuring that their concerns are addressed promptly and thoroughly.
Request a free consultation with a personal injury attorney today by calling us at (818) 650-9985