What are the Basics of Personal Injury Law?

Personal injury law is an area of law that seeks to provide legal remedies to individuals who have suffered harm. This harm is a result of someone else’s negligent or intentional actions. Personal injury cases can be complex, and it is important to understand the basics of this area of law before pursuing a case.

Types of Personal Injury Cases

Personal injury law covers a broad range of cases, including car accidents, slip and fall accidents, and wrongful death. There are several other areas that my fall under a personal injury case, but in this blog we will focus on these common personal injury cases. In each of these cases, the injured party must show that another person or entity was responsible for their injuries.

Car Accidents

Car accidents are one of the most common types of personal injury cases. If you are involved in a car accident and are injured, you may be entitled to compensation. This compensation will be for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. In order to prove negligence in a car accident case, you must show that the other driver failed to exercise reasonable care while operating their vehicle.

Slip and Fall Accidents

Slip and fall accidents occur when someone is injured as a result of a hazardous condition on someone else’s property. This could be a wet floor, uneven pavement, or a broken stair. If you are injured in a slip and fall accident, you may be able to file a personal injury claim. This claim will typically be filed against the property owner.

Wrongful Death

Wrongful death cases involve the death of a person due to the negligence or intentional actions of another person or entity. A wrongful death case can arise from car accidents, medical malpractice, and other types of incidents.

Elements of a Personal Injury Case

In order to bring a successful personal injury case, you must prove several elements. First, you must show that the defendant had a duty to exercise reasonable care toward you. For example, in a car accident case, the defendant had a duty to operate their vehicle in a safe and responsible manner.

Second, you must show that the defendant breached their duty of care. This means that they failed to act as a reasonable person would in the same circumstances. For example, if the defendant was texting while driving at the time of the accident. This would mean the defendant (person at presumably at fault) may have breached their duty of care.

Third, you must show that the defendant’s breach of duty caused your injuries. This means that there must be a direct link between the defendant’s actions and your injuries. For example, if you were injured in a car accident, you must show that the accident caused your injuries and not some other factor.

Finally, you must show that you suffered damages as a result of your injuries. Damages can include medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Statute of Limitations

In personal injury cases, there is a time limit for filing a claim known as the statute of limitations. The statute of limitations varies depending on the type of case and the jurisdiction in which the case is being filed. In some states, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is two years from the date of the injury, while in other states it may be longer or shorter.

It is important to file your claim within the statute of limitations, as once this period has passed, you may be barred from pursuing your case. It is always best to consult with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible after an injury to ensure that you do not miss any important deadlines.

Damages

Damages in a personal injury case can include economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are tangible expenses that you have incurred as a result of your injury, such as medical expenses and lost wages. Non-economic damages are more subjective and may include things like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.

Calculating damages can be a complicated process, and it is important to have an experienced personal injury attorney on your side to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries.

Settlement vs. Trial

In many personal injury cases, the parties may choose to settle the case outside of court. Settlement negotiations can take place at any point during the case, and they may be initiated by either party.

A settlement can be a faster and less expensive way to resolve a personal injury case, as it avoids the time and expense of going to trial. However, it is important to ensure that any settlement offer fully compensates you for your injuries before accepting it.

If a settlement cannot be reached, the case may proceed to trial. Trials can be lengthy and expensive, but they may be necessary to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries. Your personal injury attorney will work with you to determine the best course of action for your case.

Choosing a Personal Injury Attorney

If you have been injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, it is important to choose an experienced personal injury attorney. A good personal injury attorney will have a thorough understanding of personal injury law. Additionally they will have the resources and experience necessary to build a strong case on your behalf.

When choosing a personal injury attorney, it is important to look for someone who has experience. It’s especially important they have experience with cases similar to yours. You should also look for an attorney who is responsive and communicative, and who will keep you informed throughout the process.

In addition, you should look for an attorney who works on a contingency fee basis. This means that the attorney will not charge you any fees unless they recover compensation for you. This can be a more affordable option for those who cannot afford to pay upfront legal fees.

Personal Injury Law is Complex

Personal injury law is a complex area of law that covers a broad range of cases. If you have been injured you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. To bring a successful personal injury case, you must prove several elements. Including the following.

• The defendant had a duty of care toward you.
• They breached their duty of care.
• That their breach caused your injuries.
• You must also show that you suffered damages as a result of your injuries.

Contact a Los Angeles Personal Injury Lawyer

If you or someone you love has been involved in a personal injury case you should contact a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. At B|B Law Group, we genuinely care about our clients and want to make sure they are taken care of following their accident. 

At B|B Law Group, our goal is simple: preserve and protect the legal rights of the people of Southern California. Our award winning team of attorneys are experienced in the fields of personal injury, employment and habitability law. It is our mission to provide our clients with the best legal representation.

If we don’t win, you don’t pay

If your case isn’t successful, you have our guarantee that you won’t have to pay for anything. No hidden fees, costs or conditions — that’s our promise.