What Types of Cases Do Personal Injury Lawyers Handle

Our experienced team of attorneys have represented personal injury victims in California and Nevada for many years. With a proven track record of success, we are committed to providing top-notch legal services to those who need it most.

We are proud to have offices located in every major city across California and Nevada. Whether you are in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Fresno, San Jose, or elsewhere, you can count on us to be there for you. Our widespread presence ensures that you receive the local expertise and personalized attention you deserve.

Our team understands the complexities of personal injury law and is dedicated to fighting for the compensation you deserve. From car accidents to slip and fall incidents, we handle many personal injury cases with the utmost professionalism and care.

What is Personal Injury Law?

Personal injury law applies when one has been injured by another negligent party. Personal injury law could apply to a variety of different circumstances. Almost all accidents fall under personal injury law. It is very important that you seek an experienced personal injury attorney who is knowledgeable about the specific accident that you have suffered.

What is Negligence?

The majority of personal injury lawsuits are based on the legal theory of negligence. This implies that the responsible party was careless or negligent, leading to the victim’s injuries. To establish negligence, several elements must be demonstrated:

1. Duty of Care: The at-fault party had a legal obligation to act in a certain way to prevent harm.
2. Breach of Duty: The responsible party failed to meet this standard of care.
3. Causation: This breach directly caused the victim’s injuries.
4. Damages: The victim suffered actual harm or losses as a result.

For instance, if you were involved in a car accident, you would need to prove that the other driver owed you a duty of care, breached that duty by driving recklessly, and caused the accident that resulted in your injuries.

According to the National Safety Council, motor vehicle deaths in the U.S. increased by 8% in 2020 despite a significant reduction in miles driven due to the pandemic. This underscores the persistent risk of road accidents and the importance of legal accountability.

In addition, local news outlets often report on significant personal injury cases. For example, KTLA recently covered a multi-vehicle collision in Los Angeles, highlighting the potential for severe injuries and the role of negligence in such incidents.

Understanding the framework of negligence is crucial for anyone involved in a personal injury case. By recognizing these elements and consulting with a knowledgeable attorney, victims can better navigate the legal process to seek the compensation they deserve.

What type of cases does a personal injury attorney handle?

There are several different types of cases personal injury lawyers handle and will be able to help you with. This includes:

• Car accidents: Examples of personal injury car accidents include hit-and-run accidents, T-Bone accidents, rear-end collisions, head-on collisions, side-impact collisions, sideswipe, multiple vehicle accidents, rollover car accidents, blind spot accidents, low-speed accidents, and merging car accidents. The most common examples of car accidents, especially in Los Angeles are Uber and Lyft accidents. Car accidents could lead to very severe catastrophic injuries, which is why it is important that you hire an experienced car accident attorney who will investigate your claim and determine how the at-fault party is liable for causing your injuries. 
• Dog bite accidents: Dog bites can cause serious physical and emotional trauma, especially when the dog’s owner is negligent in preventing such incidents. When a dog bite occurs due to an owner’s negligence, the victim may have the right to pursue a legal claim against the dog owner for the injuries sustained. Dog bite injuries can be incredibly devastating, often resulting in severe consequences such as infections or internal bleeding. These injuries not only cause immediate pain and suffering but can also lead to long-term health issues, emotional distress, and significant medical expenses. According to the CDC, approximately 4.5 million dog bites occur in the United States each year, with nearly 20% of these bites becoming infected. Victims of dog bites have legal options available to seek compensation for their injuries. Filing a claim against the dog owner can help cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related costs. It is essential for victims to understand their rights and the legal process to ensure they receive the justice and compensation they deserve.
• Nursing home abuse: Nursing home abuse cases involve holding facilities and/or nursing home employees accountable for any nursing home abuse and neglect. Examples of nursing home abuse include overdose, poor hygiene, failing to administer medication, unexplained bruises, etc.
• Bus accidents:  Being involved in an accident with a large vehicle such as a Metro bus, tour bus, minibus, shuttle, school bus, or low-floor bus can have devastating consequences. Due to the sheer size and weight of these vehicles, collisions often result in severe injuries and permanent disabilities. Bus accidents are particularly hazardous because the mass of these vehicles can cause extensive damage upon impact. Victims may suffer from life-altering conditions, requiring long-term medical care and rehabilitation. This can place an immense physical, emotional, and financial burden on the affected individuals and their families. Moreover, data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicates that bus accidents, while less frequent than car accidents, often result in higher injury severity rates. This underscores the importance of taking legal action to secure compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
• Premises liability: Premises liability is a legal claim that an injured party asserts when they have suffered injuries on another person’s property. This area of law holds property owners responsible for maintaining a reasonably safe environment. When property owners fail to do so, they can be held liable for accidents and injuries that occur on their premises. Injuries on another’s property can lead to premises liability claims under various circumstances. Common examples include slip and fall accidents, which often result from wet floors, uneven surfaces, or poor lighting. Additionally, electrocution from negligent wiring, insufficient or absent security measures, swimming pool drowning incidents, and exposure to harmful chemicals are all situations that can lead to premises liability claims.
• Product liability: Product liability claims arise when a person is harmed by a defective product. In such cases, several federal, California, and Nevada laws are in place to protect victims from suffering injuries due to faulty products. These laws ensure that individuals have the right to seek compensation for their injuries. Product liability claims can hold both the product manufacturer and the retailer accountable for selling and distributing a dangerous product. This legal responsibility aims to ensure that all products on the market meet safety standards to prevent consumer harm. When a product fails to meet these standards and causes injury, affected individuals have the right to pursue a claim against those responsible. To support your case, it’s crucial to understand the specific laws and regulations that apply in your state. For instance, California’s product liability laws are designed to protect consumers by holding manufacturers and retailers liable for defective products. Similarly, Nevada has stringent regulations to ensure product safety and consumer protection.
• Medical malpractice: this occurs when a victim is injured as a result of medical professional negligence. A variety of medical professionals could be held liable under a medical malpractice claim, such as doctors, nurses, doctor assistants, surgeons, physical therapists, pharmacists, hotel facility managers, radiologists, urgent care centers, anesthesiologists, etc. Examples of medical malpractice cases include medical misdiagnosis, birth injuries, birth defects, and negligent surgeries.
• Assault: Assault and battery are typically criminal charges, but did you know you can also file civil charges against someone who has assaulted you to seek compensation for personal injuries suffered? This dual avenue for justice can provide you with the financial resources needed to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages resulting from the incident. Filing assault and battery claims can be intricate and challenging, especially when multiple parties are involved. These complexities often require the expertise of seasoned legal professionals who understand the nuances of both criminal and civil law. Our experienced personal injury attorneys are well-versed in handling such cases and can guide you through the process, ensuring your rights are protected and you receive the compensation you deserve. To determine if you are eligible for compensation for the assault or battery you have endured, it is crucial to consult with a knowledgeable attorney. Our team is dedicated to helping victims like you navigate the legal system and achieve the justice they seek.
• Wrongful death: When an injured victim passes away due to the actions of a negligent party, it is considered a wrongful death. In these tragic cases, the family members of the deceased can assert their legal rights and seek compensation. This compensation can cover a range of expenses and losses, including funeral and burial costs, loss of consortium, and loss of society. Wrongful death claims provide a way for families to gain financial support during such a difficult time. Funeral expenses can be overwhelming, and burial costs add another layer of financial strain. Compensation for these expenses can significantly ease the burden on the grieving family. Additionally, families may be entitled to compensation for loss of consortium and loss of society. Loss of consortium refers to the deprivation of the benefits of a family relationship due to the death, such as affection, comfort, and companionship. Loss of society encompasses the loss of the deceased’s presence and emotional support, which can have a profound impact on the surviving family members.

When Can I File a Personal Injury Lawsuit?

When considering filing a personal injury claim, it’s crucial to understand that each state has different statutes of limitations. This legal timeframe determines how long a victim has to file a claim against the at-fault party. Missing this deadline can result in losing the right to pursue a lawsuit and seek compensation.

For instance, California and Nevada have varying statutes of limitations, which depend on the specifics of the claim. In California, the standard statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident. However, certain circumstances, such as claims against government entities, may have shorter deadlines. In contrast, Nevada generally allows victims two years as well, but exceptions can apply based on the case’s particulars.

To avoid losing your right to file a lawsuit due to missing the statute of limitations, it’s essential to act promptly. Determining the correct statute of limitations for your specific personal injury claim can be complex, and it’s wise to seek legal advice to navigate these laws effectively.

Contact our top-rated personal injury attorneys today to ensure your claim is filed within the appropriate timeframe. Our experienced team will help you understand the legal deadlines applicable to your case and guide you through the process to secure the compensation you deserve.

What Kind of Compensation Could I Receive For My Personal Injuries?

There are a variety of damages you can receive from the at-fault party in a personal injury lawsuit. Examples of compensation include:

• Past lost wages: this refers to the wages you missed out on while in the hospital or suffering from injuries.
• Future lost wages: this refers to the future hours that you could potentially miss as a result of the injuries. Usually, permanent disabilities will result in a larger amount of future lost wages.
• Hospital bills: this refers to the costs associated with the medication and treatments received, along with the hospital stays and physical therapy required.

Who Are Potential Defendants in Personal Injury Lawsuits?

The different examples of defendants include:

•   Product Manufacturers
•   Products Retailers
•   Hospitals
•   Doctors
•   Landowners
•   Business Owners
•   Hotels
•   Casinos
•   Malls
•   Drivers of Cars
•   Bus Drivers
•   Pedestrians

Our attorneys understand that suffering an injury could have devastating and lifelong consequences. Oftentimes, personal injuries suffered could result in permanent disabilities; examples of injuries suffered from personal injury lawsuits include:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Broken bones
• Internal bleeding
• Spinal cord injuries
• Head injuries

Contact our experienced California personal injury lawyers today for a free, no-risk consultation to discuss whether you have a claim against the at-fault party, along with what type of compensation you could receive for your injuries.

***Disclaimer: This page is created by Heidari Law Group for educational purposes. This article provides a general understanding of the law. It does not provide specific advice. By using this site and reading through this page, there is no attorney-client relationship created between you and any member of Heidari Law. Further, due to the constant change of the law, some parts of the information above may no longer be good law.