Personal injury lawyers assist persons who have been injured in an accident in obtaining the financial support they deserve from the responsible party (or their insurer). While personal injury is a niche in and of itself for lawyers, they may have more specific areas of focus. For example, a workers' compensation specialist may not be as successful with car accidents as an attorney who specializes in that area. Finding the appropriate personal injury lawyer necessitates thought and knowing what to search for. When looking for a personal injury lawyer in Los Angeles, consider the following factors. Start with referrals. Before you start a Google search, ask relatives and friends for suggestions from personal injury lawyers in your region. Most people know someone who has been injured in an accident and needed a lawyer. If you've already used a lawyer for a divorce, bankruptcy, or traffic citations, contact them and get a referral.
You should also ask the Los Angeles County Lawyer Reference Service for a reference. The California Bar Association also provides a reference service. By asking for referrals, you might immediately obtain a list of recommended lawyers—or lawyers to avoid. Seek Experience with Your Type of Claim. You might want someone who specializes in your type of claim. For example, a motorcycle accident is handled differently than a workplace injury. Claims involving defective products differ from pedestrian accidents. Inquire with the lawyer whether they have handled similar issues in the past. Having experience allows them to understand the situation, identify the parties at fault, and determine the most effective way to build your case for success. This often leads to better service and higher settlement amounts. Search for Litigators. While 96% of personal injury cases are settled, you want to know that you have someone who is prepared to go to trial if necessary. If your claim is complicated, involves a significant injury, or stems from an unusual or unique situation, you may need to go to trial to receive the compensation you deserve. Ask about the lawyer's history with trials and the percentage of successful outcomes. If the attorney does not have a track record of success, you may have to evaluate whether they possess the required skills for the position.
Works with contingency fees. Do not hire a lawyer that wants to charge you by the hour. Look for a lawyer that accepts contingency. Contingency implies they will only be paid if and when you are paid. They are invested in your success. Los Angeles personal injury lawyers often charge between 33% and 40% of the settlement or award for their services. Anyone who charges more than the average should have extensive expertise and success to back up their charges. Maintain a professional office. You can recognize a professional office as soon as you walk in. It should appear clean, ordered, and attractive. Listen to how the receptionist interacts with calls and assess whether the attorney has a strong understanding of their clients and their case information. When you phone with inquiries, a professional office will usually make you feel more confident in the lawyer's abilities and give you the impression that you have been heard. It is also true that an attorney must be somewhat prosperous in order to maintain a comfortable, pleasant, and well-staffed office. Consider how the attorney and staff interact with other people. This is a decent indication of the level of respect and consideration you may expect as a client.
Los Angeles' Statutes Affect Personal Injury Claims Personal injury claims against private individuals or businesses in Los Angeles are subject to the same statutes as elsewhere in California. However, if your claim is against the City of Los Angeles, additional regulations apply. A personal injury lawsuit against the city must be filed within six months of when the claim arose. This is significantly shorter than the statewide statute of limitations for personal injury claims. To launch a lawsuit, you must first submit a claim form to the City Attorney's Office. Hiring a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer who is experienced with claims against the city will help you avoid mistakes that could jeopardize your case. Product Liability. Injuries are caused by defective or unsafe products, such as design flaws, manufacturing flaws, or a lack of adequate warnings. Dogs bite. Dog attacks can result in injuries, and the owner may be held accountable for their pet's behavior. Wrongful death. Cases filed by surviving family members when another's negligence or wrongdoing caused a person's death.