Ladera Heights Personal Injury Lawyer
Even in the best of circumstances, an unexpected accident can disrupt your daily plans and potentially leave you with financial expenses and personal losses that you were not prepared to take on. In more serious cases, accidents caused by another person’s misconduct could have devastating and even life-altering effects—not just on you, but possibly on your entire family.
If you sustained any physical injury requiring professional medical care through an accident you did not cause, you may have grounds for civil litigation that a qualified attorney could help you through. Once retained, a dedicated Ladera Heights personal injury lawyer could explain what rights you have in your unique situation, walk you through the process of building a settlement demand or lawsuit, and tirelessly advocate for your interests from start to finish of your legal proceedings.
The Basics of Personal Injury Litigation in Ladera Heights
As established under California Civil Code §1714, everyone bears responsibility for the consequences of their actions, whether they willfully cause harm to someone else or they accidentally do so through a lack of “ordinary care or skill.” In practice, this means that if someone causes an accident by acting recklessly or carelessly, and that accident results in injuries, the reckless or careless individual could bear financial liability for all your injuries and losses.
“Negligence,” as it is referred to in legal contexts, can take different forms in different situations. For instance, negligence behind the wheel of a motor vehicle typically involves a violation of a traffic law, or alternatively just a momentary lapse in concentration or poor use of judgment.
On the other hand, negligence by a medical professional specifically entails a failure to meet a “standard of care” applicable to other professionals with similar skills and experience. Guidance from a knowledgeable Ladera Heights attorney can be crucial to effectively examining what led up to your injury and determining whether it could justify a civil claim.
Recovering Compensation for Your Losses
If you can prove someone else is directly to blame for your accident can seek restitution for all your economic and non-economic damages, including past and future losses. However, if you are found partially responsible for your injuries, you could be subject to a reduction in your compensation based on the percentage of total blame the court assigns you.
It is also worth noting that California Code of Civil Procedure §335.1 establishes a filing period of two years for most personal injury claims, meaning you have two years at most after sustaining an injury to start pursuing civil litigation over it. An accident lawyer could explain the laws applicable to your particular claim during a private initial meeting.
Contact a Ladera Heights Personal Injury Attorney Today
Getting hurt in any kind of accident can be overwhelming and immensely stressful, even if your injuries will ultimately heal over time. If you suffer long-term or permanent harm because of another person’s misconduct, holding that person financially accountable for your losses could be essential to preserving your quality of life.
Seeking assistance from a Ladera Heights personal injury lawyer is often a critical first step to effectively pursuing much-needed civil compensation. Call today for a free consultation.