After being in a personal injury incident, it’s normal for survivors to contemplate whether it’s worth pursuing a legal case. It may feel hopeless and not worth the headache. Researching some pain and suffering settlement examples in California can help victims feel more confident about filing their claim.

Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer That California Residents Trust

For decades, the personal injury attorneys at Thon Beck Vanni Callahan & O’Connor have worked tirelessly to secure the compensation our clients deserve. We don’t believe in giving up or settling for less than what’s fair, which should include compensation for your pain and suffering.

Our team works to resolve legal matters as efficiently and quickly as possible, so our clients can move on with their lives. However, we aren’t afraid to go to trial if necessary. After suffering through a traumatic event, you deserve to work with a lawyer who treats you with empathy and respect, and advocates for a fair settlement that covers all of your losses, not just economic.

Types of Personal Injury Cases

A personal injury is a broad category of incidents that were the fault of another party. They can include:

  • Car accidents. In 2023, there were 4,061 fatal car accidents in California. Accidents and liability can range in severity, making it essential to hire a personal injury lawyer to help you understand what options are available to you.
  • Premises liability. These cases happen when an owner or occupier of a property fails to safely maintain it. It can include accidents where grocery store shoppers slip on spilled liquids, or hotel visitors fall down stairs due to broken handrails.
  • Product liability. These cases happen when a product is defective, either in its design or manufacturing. It can also include false marketing, such as a cleaning product with incorrect instructions, leading to hazardous exposure.
  • Workplace injuries and illnesses. In 2023, there were 63,900 nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses reported in California’s private industries.

How Compensation Is Determined in California

Courts determine compensation based on the losses suffered by the victim after the incident. They allow recovery for two main types of damages:

  1. Economic damages. These damages are based on the monetary losses suffered after an incident. It can include your medical bills, lost income due to missing work from your injury, and damage to your personal belongings during the incident, such as your clothing or cell phone.
  2. Non-economic damages. These damages cover emotional losses, such as pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life. Pain and suffering can include physical pain and conditions such as depression, anxiety, insomnia, and PTSD. Combined with economic damages, this can make your compensation request substantial.

It’s important to have clear documentation after your incident to prove pain and suffering damages. This not only includes physical evidence, but detailed notes written by you about your injuries and how they have affected your life.

Keeping a detailed journal with dates and times of the losses you’ve incurred can help show courts the severity of your pain and suffering. Track disruptions to your life, such as lack of sleep, grief, humiliation, or strained relationships, since your injury. Log all of the hardships that have occurred as a direct result of the negligent act.

Cases We’ve Fought and Won Compensation For

Because of the wide range of incident types and specific details of cases, the amount of compensation you may receive can vary drastically, and pain and suffering can contribute considerably to a maximized settlement. At Thon Beck Vanni Callahan & O’Connor, we’ve been able to fight and secure substantial settlement amounts for our clients, including:

  • $500,000 for a client who developed a rare blood clot in his carotid artery after a car moved into his path while he was biking in Malibu
  • $1,410,203 for a client who was struck by an elderly driver and, after a jury verdict and comparative negligence reduction, recovered nearly a million dollars despite a pre-trial maximum offer of $200,000
  • $7,094,003 for a client who suffered third-degree burns over a significant portion of his body from an arc flash while evaluating a switchgear at Qualcomm, resulting in permanent injuries
  • $285,000 for a client who fractured his foot and required two surgeries after a dog escaped its cage and attacked him while he was conducting a real estate appraisal
  • $500,000 for a client who was shot in the pelvis during an armed robbery outside his apartment
  • $2,000,000 for an elderly client who suffered multiple fractures after an 18-foot decorative arch fell on him at a festival in Orange County

Even our lower-value settlements have helped our clients seek brighter futures after their incidents. Our team understands that a fair settlement should not only cover your economic losses, but also the pain and suffering you have endured.

FAQs

What Are Punitive Damages?

Punitive damages are a third type of damage that can be pursued in specific cases where the wrongdoer acted with extreme malice, negligence, oppression, or fraud. These damages are meant to further punish the wrongdoer and deter any similar behavior from happening in the future. Your lawyer can help you determine if punitive damages apply in your case.

How Long Do I Have to File My Personal Injury Claim in California?

Victims generally have two years to file their personal injury claim in California. While this timeline may seem long, it’s critical to act quickly after an incident. Evidence tends to fade fast, such as witness memories or footage of the accident. Your losses will continue to pile up the longer you wait.

What Is California’s Comparative Negligence Rule?

California courts use a comparative negligence rule to assign a percentage of fault to everyone involved in the incident. Any money awarded to the victim is reduced by their percentage of fault. For example, if you were speeding before your car accident, you may be assigned 30% fault. If the driver who hit you was texting, they may be assigned 70% fault. If you won a $100,000 settlement, it would be reduced by 30%, making your compensation $70,000.

Choose an Experienced Personal Injury Law Firm in California

California residents choose to work with Thon Beck Vanni Callahan & O’Connor because of our years of professional experience, competency, and compassion. We know how devastating a personal injury can be for victims. Reach out to us today to schedule your confidential consultation. During your appointment, your lawyer will be able to explain California’s complex laws and your options so you can take back control of your life.