UNDERSTANDING THE ESSENTIALS OF A PERSONAL INJURY CASE
One of our firm’s primary practice areas is helping people who have been seriously injured. Personal injury is a broad term that encompasses auto accidents, hit and runs, slip and falls, animal attacks and premises liability. In all types of personal injury cases, the victim experiences physical and emotional injuries as a result of another’s careless actions.
Most personal injury cases are taken on a contingency basis. Contingency fee arrangements allow the attorney to advance all costs and expenses of representation instead of the client paying out of pocket. When the case resolves in favor of the client, the attorney receives a percentage of the monetary award.
A qualified attorney will also arrange for the medical treatment an injured party needs. An experienced personal injury attorney will have the resources to arrange for the medical care and physical therapy needed for recovery at no out of pocket cost to the client. Personal injury attorneys have a relationship with these medical care providers and can defer payment until after the case has been settled or a verdict is reached.
Successful personal injury cases result in the Plaintiff receiving monetary damages. There are two main types of recovery for damages in a case. The first is for out of pocket expenses including medical expenses and lost earnings. The second type is to compensate the victim for the hardship they have experienced such as pain and suffering, emotional distress and loss of consortium.
Finally, in California it is important to note that the statute of limitations to bring a lawsuit for personal injuries is generally 2 years from the date of injury. However, victims should not delay. Often, personal injury cases are fact intensive and it’s better to consult with an attorney as soon as the injury takes place.
If you or a loved one has experienced an injury and would like to speak to an attorney, the Kitsinian Law Firm provides free consultations. You may request to schedule an appointment by calling (818) 471-4132 or emailing at info@kitsinianlaw.com.