California personal injury laws cover a wide range of incidents that involve recovering compensation when someone else’s actions or negligence cause your injuries. If you’re involved in an accident, it’s pertinent to know what steps to take to make it through the personal injury lawsuit process in California. You don’t have to do it alone when the time comes, but before you get there, it’s helpful to learn more about what to expect from your personal injury case.

Personal Injury Cases in California

The personal injury lawsuit process in California is fairly straightforward, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy to win. Depending on the incident, the filing process may look a bit different.

For example, you typically have two years from the date of the incident to file a personal injury claim. In the case of construction defects, however, you may have up to 10 years. In the case of medical malpractice claims, you typically have three years to file.

Common types of personal injury cases we’ve handled here at Thon Beck Vanni Callahan & O’Connor, A Professional Corporation, include:

  • Medical malpractice cases. It can be daunting to go against a healthcare provider when you believe you’ve been wronged, but it’s important to exercise your rights. A personal injury attorney can support you so that you can recover the compensation you deserve.
  • Motor vehicle accidents. One common cause of wrongful death cases in West Covina is car crashes. These can include bicyclists, motorcyclists, other drivers, or pedestrians. There were a total of 5,059 motor vehicle accident fatalities recorded in California in 2024, which averaged out to about 12 deaths per day. While you can’t avoid every risk on the road, you can do your part to stay safe and be prepared if you are in an accident.
  • Premises liability incidents. Property owners can be held liable for issues like known property hazards, lack of handrails and other safety measures, poor lighting, slippery surfaces, and uneven flooring. Other premises liability cases can include animal attacks and negligent security.
  • Workplace injuries. There were a total of 363,900 injuries and illnesses reported by private industry workers in a single year in California. Of these cases, 236,700 involved severe injuries. You usually must try to settle a workplace injury case internally before seeking legal action against an employer or third party.
  • Wrongful death cases. Unfortunately, some injuries are fatal, rendering the personal injury claims process moot. Instead, surviving family members or named beneficiaries may be able to recover damages on their behalf through a wrongful death claim. Accidents are the third-leading cause of death in California. It’s important to understand your options if you find yourself facing the sudden death of a loved one.

Recovering Damages From Personal Injury Claims in California

You can recover economic and non-economic damages from a personal injury claim after a fall in West Covina, compensating you for direct costs associated with the accident as well as more abstract losses. Recoverable damages can include:

  • Emotional distress
  • Lost wages and loss of future earning potential
  • Medical bills
  • Ongoing related costs
  • Pain and suffering

FAQs

Q: Can I Represent Myself When I File a Personal Injury Claim in California?

A: While you can potentially represent yourself when you file a personal injury claim in California, it can be complicated to tackle on your own. Instead of navigating a complicated legal case alone while recovering from your injuries, you can count on a personal injury attorney from our firm to guide you through every step of the process. We can be there from the case evaluation to negotiations to litigation if necessary.

Q: How Long Does a Personal Injury Claim Take to Settle in California?

A: The time it takes to settle a personal injury claim in California can vary depending on the details of the incident and the case that follows. The majority of personal injury cases are settled out of court, which is typically faster than going through litigation. Even so, the case can only be settled once you reach an agreement with the opposing party. This can be an uphill battle, which is why it’s wise to hire a personal injury lawyer.

Q: Is It Difficult to Recover Damages From a Personal Injury Case in California?

A: It can be difficult to recover damages from a personal injury case in California, especially if you’re trying to represent yourself. Winning a case involves gathering enough solid evidence to prove that another party caused your injuries and to present a cohesive case. A personal injury attorney can evaluate your case and ensure you’re set up to receive the maximum amount of compensation.

Q: What Damages Can I Recover From a Personal Injury Case in California?

A: You are eligible to recover both economic and non-economic damages from a personal injury case in California. Economic damages refer to any direct costs related to the incident, including loss of future earning potential, medical bills, vehicle damages, and costs for ongoing care. Non-economic damages can include pain and suffering and a reduction in quality of life.

Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer to Help With Your Case in California

Recovering from an accident goes beyond physically healing from your injuries, especially when the incident was someone else’s fault. It’s important to act quickly to secure the compensation you deserve through a personal injury claim. Fortunately, a California personal injury lawyer can help you through your case.

Thon Beck Vanni Callahan & O’Connor, A Professional Corporation, has been in business for over 40 years, earning a stellar reputation along the way as trusted negotiators and litigators. Members of our team are:

  • Lead Counsel Rated
  • Members of the American Board of Trial Advocates
  • Los Angeles County Bar Association members
  • Los Angeles Trial Lawyers Association members
  • Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum members
  • Rated by SuperLawyers®
  • Recognized by the Consumer Attorneys of California

Our team brings over decades of experience navigating complex personal injury cases to the table, so we’re confident we can evaluate your situation and build a strong case that secures you the compensation you deserve.

If you’re ready to discuss your personal injury claim in more detail, contact a member of our team to set up an initial consultation. Call our office to schedule your appointment today.