Being injured because of someone else’s negligence is always a frustrating experience. You’re probably dealing with medical expenses, lost wages, and other issues – financial and otherwise. Fortunately, you may have legal recourse against the responsible party. To figure out what your next steps are and what you may be entitled to, reach out to us today to schedule a free consultation with a Huntington Beach personal injury lawyer.
Why Hire Bridgford, Gleason, & Artinian Trial Attorneys For Your Personal Injury Case?
When it comes to an Orange County personal injury case, selecting the right legal team is crucial. Here’s why you should work with us:
- We have more than 30 years of experience in handling personal injury cases, providing unparalleled experience and judgment.
- You don’t owe any attorney fee unless we win, offering peace of mind and access to high-quality legal services for anyone who needs it.
- We have recovered over 1 billion dollars on behalf of our clients, showing a track record of success in securing substantial settlements and verdicts.
With our extensive experience and commitment to client success, Bridgford, Gleason, & Artinian Trial Attorneys is the right choice if you’re facing an injury caused by someone else’s negligence. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
How an Attorney Can Help You With a Personal Injury Case
Understanding how an attorney can assist with your personal injury case is essential. Our team stands by your side from start to finish, handling each aspect of the process with care and dedication. Here’s an overview of how we can help:
Evaluate Your Case
We start by evaluating the details of your case thoroughly. By understanding the specifics, we can determine the best course of action and provide you with a realistic outlook.
Gather Necessary Documentation
We take care of collecting all necessary documents, such as medical records and accident reports, to build a strong case. Our attention to detail ensures nothing is overlooked.
Handle Insurance Companies
Dealing with insurance companies can be frustrating. Our attorneys communicate directly with insurers on your behalf, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Represent You in Court
If your case goes to trial, we represent you with confidence and skill. Our experienced attorneys present a compelling argument to achieve the best possible outcome. By choosing us, your case is in good hands, allowing you to focus on your recovery while we handle the legal aspects of your claim.
Areas We Serve
We take pride in serving communities across California and beyond with dedicated legal support. Below are the primary areas we currently serve:
- Newport Beach
- Orange County
- Anaheim
- Fullerton
- Santa Ana
- All of California
- Hawaii
We are proud to support clients across these locations, ensuring they receive the help they need when they need it. If you’ve been injured in any of these locations or nearby, don’t hesitate to reach out to us to schedule a free consultation to discuss a possible personal injury claim.
What is a Personal Injury Case?
A personal injury case arises when someone suffers harm from an accident or injury, and another person is legally responsible for that harm. A personal injury case enables the injured party to seek compensation for their injuries and losses – you’re requesting that the responsible party, or their insurance company, pay for medical costs, lost wages, and other damages. The goal is to ease the financial burden on you while you’re healing.
Personal Injury Lawsuit vs. Insurance Claim
When it comes to addressing a personal injury, you have two main paths to consider: filing an insurance claim or pursuing a lawsuit.
Insurance Claim
Filing an insurance claim is often the first step after an injury. You’ll inform the insurance company about your injury and the circumstances leading to it. This process involves negotiation where the insurer may offer a settlement to cover medical bills, repair costs, and other damages related to the incident. It can be a quicker and less formal way to resolve your claim without going to court.
Personal Injury Lawsuit
A personal injury lawsuit, on the other hand, is filed in court when an agreement can’t be reached through an insurance claim. This legal action seeks compensation from the responsible party. Unlike an insurance claim, a lawsuit allows for a more comprehensive examination of evidence and often results in a judicial decision. Although it can take longer, a lawsuit may lead to a more favorable outcome, especially if the insurance offer was insufficient. Understanding these options helps you decide what choice to make.
Most Common Types of Personal Injury Claims
Personal injury claims come in various forms, each addressing different situations where an individual has been harmed. Understanding these types can help you identify what category your situation may fall under. Some of the most common types we handle include the following:
Car Accidents
Car accidents are one of the most common sources of personal injury claims. They can range from minor fender benders to serious collisions, causing injuries that might include whiplash, broken bones, or even more severe outcomes.
Slip and Fall
These incidents occur when someone slips or trips on another person’s property due to hazardous conditions like wet floors or uneven surfaces. Property owners are often responsible for maintaining safety, so if they fail to do so, an injured party may have the basis for a claim.
Medical Malpractice
When healthcare professionals fail to provide the standard level of care, patients might suffer harm or injury. Medical malpractice claims can involve various situations, from surgical errors to misdiagnoses, and typically require detailed evidence to prove negligence.
Workplace Accidents
Injuries at work can happen in any setting, from construction sites to office environments. If an injury occurs due to unsafe working conditions or inadequate safety measures, workers may be eligible for a claim under worker’s compensation or other legal avenues. Workers’ compensation provides benefits like costs for medical treatment, rehabilitation, and a portion of lost wages. If you get hurt at work, this system ensures you receive the necessary support without having to file a lawsuit against your employer or proving that anyone was negligent. The process typically starts with reporting your injury to your employer, who will then guide you through the steps to file a claim.
Dog Bites
When someone’s pet causes harm, the injured party might file a claim against the pet owner. In California, if a dog bites someone, the law imposes strict liability on the owner. This means the owner is legally responsible for the injuries caused, even if the dog has never bit someone or shown aggression before. (a) The owner of any dog is liable for the damages suffered by any person who is bitten by the dog while in a public place or lawfully in a private place, including the property of the owner of the dog, regardless of the former viciousness of the dog or the owner’s knowledge of such viciousness. The point here is that it doesn’t matter if the dog has never bitten anyone before or if the owner was unaware of any dangerous behavior. California law is designed to protect victims by ensuring dog owners are held accountable. If you’re bitten, you have the right to seek compensation for your injuries, and you don’t have to prove the owner was negligent.
Business Litigation
We offer legal services in business litigation. Whether it’s a contract dispute or partnership disagreement, we’re here to help resolve your business conflicts effectively.
Trust Litigation
When disputes arise over trusts, it can be stressful for everyone involved. Our team steps in to clarify misunderstandings and enforce the terms of the trust. We work to ensure that your rights are protected and that the trust is administered as intended.
Wildfire Claims
In the wake of a wildfire, dealing with the aftermath can be overwhelming. We assist those affected by filing claims to recover losses. Our mission is to ensure that victims receive the compensation they deserve to rebuild their lives.
Mass Tort Litigation
Mass torts involve many people affected by a single product or event. We advocate on behalf of our clients to secure compensation for health issues, financial loss, or other damages.
California Employment Law
Employment disputes in California come with their own unique challenges. We provide guidance and representation on matters such as wrongful termination, discrimination, and wage disputes. No matter what kind of injury or loss you’re facing, we can help. Reach out today to speak with an experienced attorney.
How to Prove Liability and Negligence in a Personal Injury Claim
When you’re involved in a personal injury claim, you must prove that someone else is liable in order to recover compensation from them or their insurance company. This generally involves proving negligence. Here’s how to do it:
Establish a Duty of Care
First, you need to show that the other party had a legal responsibility to act carefully and avoid causing harm. For example, drivers must operate their vehicles safely to protect others on the road.
Demonstrate a Breach of Duty
Next, provide evidence that this duty of care was not upheld. This might involve showing that the other party acted recklessly or carelessly. For instance, failing to stop at a red light can be a clear breach of duty.
Show Causation
It’s required that you show a direct connection between the breach of duty and your injury. Collecting medical records, witness statements, or photos can support this link, demonstrating how the actions of the other party led to your harm. For example, the driver ran a red light and crashed into you, causing injuries.
Prove Actual Damages
Finally, you’ll need to provide documentation of the actual damages you suffered. This can include medical bills, proof of lost income, or evidence of pain and suffering. Having concrete records will help strengthen your claim. The best way to prove negligence in a personal injury claim is to work with a personal injury attorney.
What Happens if The Victim is Partially to Blame? Comparative Negligence
In California, the law recognizes that sometimes more than one person can be at fault in an accident. In these cases, California follows a system known as pure comparative negligence. This means you can still pursue a personal injury claim even if you were partially responsible for the accident, and each defendant will be liable only for compensation proportionate to their percentage of fault. (a) Everyone is responsible, not only for the result of his or her willful acts, but also for an injury occasioned to another by his or her want of ordinary care or skill in the management of his or her property or person, except so far as the latter has, willfully or by want of ordinary care, brought the injury upon himself or herself. The design, distribution, or marketing of firearms and ammunition is not exempt from the duty to use ordinary care and skill that is required by this section. The extent of liability in these cases is defined by the Title on Compensatory Relief. In this case, your compensation is reduced by the percentage of your fault. For example, if you’re found to be 25% at fault for an accident and your total damages are $10,000, you would still be eligible to receive $7,500. Whether you were slightly or mostly at fault, you can still seek damages, but the final payout will match your share of the blame.
Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Cases in California
If you’ve suffered a personal injury in California, it’s important to act quickly. The standard deadline for filing a lawsuit, known as the statute of limitations, is typically two years from the date of the injury. This means you generally have two years to take legal action and potentially receive compensation for your injuries. 335.1. Within two years: An action for assault, battery, or injury to, or for the death of, an individual caused by the wrongful act or neglect of another. However, every situation is unique, and exceptions do exist. Some circumstances might allow for a longer filing window, while others require quicker action. To make sure you’re fully informed and your rights are protected, it’s always a good idea to consult with a lawyer as soon as possible after you’ve been injured, because you will lose your chance to recover any compensation if you miss the deadline.
Contact Bridgford, Gleason, & Artinian Trial Attorneys To Schedule a Free Consultation
Understanding your rights and legal options in the aftermath of a personal injury is crucial for securing fair compensation for your injuries. California laws are in place to protect victims and hold negligent parties accountable. If you have been injured due to someone else’s actions, don’t hesitate to seek legal advice from a qualified attorney. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a Huntington Beach personal injury lawyer.