Redondo Beach Personal Injury Lawyer

Redondo Beach, CA Personal Injury Lawyer

Most people place a high value on their health and safety and take certain personal measures to protect themselves from a variety of dangerous situations. It is discouraging, then, when our protective efforts fail against the negligence or poor behavior of other people.

Personal injury law allows victims to take action after another person’s behavior leads to an accident or injury. Though the settlements from these cases cannot undo the damage or suffering you have endured, they can prevent you from facing financial insecurity following an accident. With the help of a qualified personal injury attorney, you can seek justice, get the medical support you need, and protect your family from ongoing economic damage.

Shaffer Law: Redondo Beach Personal Injury Lawyers

Our team has over 30 years of direct experience in the personal injury sector. During our decades in practice, we have seen hundreds of personal injury claims of all kinds. This diverse experience gives us the confidence and the resources to properly build and argue cases for our clients, giving them an advantage in the courtroom. We take a results-driven approach to all of our cases, which yields desirable outcomes for many of our clients.

If you are searching for a personal injury attorney in Redondo Beach, CA, look no further than our team at Shaffer Law.

What Is a Personal Injury Claim?

Personal injury claims can occur when one individual or group causes damage to another individual or group by being negligent. Through personal injury law, the victim of one of these situations can seek compensation from the person who was responsible for their injury.

Personal injury claims fall under the jurisdiction of civil law, meaning the court is involved only to resolve a conflict between two people. There is no possibility of jail or similar punishments in these cases. The only potential outcome would be compensation paid to the victim.

Negligence in Personal Injury Claims

Proving negligence is central to winning your personal injury claim. For someone to be held responsible for their actions, they must have been overlooking or disregarding their responsibility. Without negligence, these accidents are honest mistakes, and it is difficult to hold someone responsible for a mutual or unavoidable error.

The specific type of negligence in your situation will depend on the type of case you have. Generally, any time a person fails to meet the requirements of their job or breaks the law and someone gets hurt, they are considered to be negligent and can be held responsible for their actions. Your attorney will explain negligence further in relation to your specific case type.

Types of Personal Injury Claims

There are many categories of personal injury claims you may face. In all scenarios, your attorney will work to collect evidence that definitively proves the other party was responsible for your injuries.

Slip and Fall Accidents

Slip and fall accidents are a common category of personal injury law, and they normally occur in public places such as stores, bars, restaurants, theaters, and similar locations. The owners and managers of these establishments are legally obligated to follow a certain protocol that keeps patrons safe.

One such protocol is to keep floors clean, dry, and free of tripping hazards. If this is not possible, they must post signs and attempt to alert guests about the obstacle. If they fail to do so, they have neglected their responsibility. If someone gets hurt, that person can file a personal injury claim for a slip and fall accident.

Car Accidents

Car accidents are a common type of personal injury claim because many people drive daily. When a driver gets their license, they agree to follow all rules of the road. If they fail to do so, they are being neglectful. If this negligence causes an accident or injury, they are liable for the damage.

Common examples of negligence in car accident cases include:

Dog Bites

Dog owners have a legal responsibility to control their pets when other people are around. Failing to do so, under any circumstances, is considered neglect. If a dog bites someone, the victim can press charges against the dog owner for failing to control their animal.

Dogs are rarely permitted to bite someone, regardless of if they are at home or in a public space. The only two circumstances in which a dog can legally bite someone are:

Medical Malpractice or Neglect

Medical professionals, including doctors, nurses, and nursing home staff, are tasked with caring for those who cannot care for themselves. There is a significant responsibility that comes with this, and when medical professionals fail to fulfill their responsibilities, they can be held accountable for the consequences.

Common types of medical malpractice include:

Wrongful Death

Sadly, some victims of personal injury scenarios do not survive their accidents. In these cases, the family of the deceased may file a wrongful death claim against the responsible individual or group. Though a settlement cannot undo the immense pain of losing a loved one, it can help to pay for funeral and burial expenses and provide ongoing support for the dependents of the deceased.

Wrongful death cases operate similarly to personal injury claims, but the family of the victim files them rather than the victim themselves.

Redondo Beach Personal Injury Lawyer FAQs

Q: What Percentage Do Most Personal Injury Lawyers Take in California?

A: Though every attorney charges differently for their services, the average contingency fee for a personal injury claim is 33% of the settlement amount. For example, if you ultimately earn $20,000 from your settlement, your attorney would take approximately $6,600 of that. However, not all attorneys charge this way or this amount. Be sure to ask potential attorneys how much they charge and the expectation for payment for your case. This ensures you can afford legal services.

Q: What if You Can’t Afford a Lawyer for a Personal Injury Case?

A: Many people believe they cannot afford an attorney when they actually can. Many personal injury attorneys charge a contingency fee, so you do not have to pay until you receive the money from your settlement. Also, keep in mind that unlike in criminal defense scenarios, the court does not guarantee you free representation if you cannot afford an attorney. The most optimal option is to shop around, as most people can find a firm or attorney within their budget.

Q: What Is the Average Personal Injuries Settlement in California?

A: The average personal injury settlement is approximately $21,000. However, the exact amount you receive depends on the circumstances of your case. You will receive more money if you suffered from severe injuries, if you are unable to return to your job, or if the offender acted egregiously when they caused the accident. Your attorney can give you a more accurate estimate of what you can receive given your specific circumstances.

Q: Do I Need a Personal Injury Lawyer?

A: If you are filing a personal injury claim, it is important to hire legal representation. Those who represent themselves often lose their claims or end up with much less than they deserve. Though the scenario may seem obvious to you, your opponent’s lawyer will work hard to make their client seem innocent. Without the ability to properly refute or argue their claims, the court will likely side with your opponent. Hiring an attorney is crucial to your claim.

Q: What Does a Personal Injury Settlement Cover?

A: Your personal injury settlement will likely cover the medical bills that are associated with your injury. It can also cover your lost income from the time spent off of work to heal and go to doctor’s appointments, as well as other necessary care. Some cases warrant vocational retraining, which may be an additional factor in your settlement amount.

Contact Shaffer Law

When facing a personal injury claim, do not try to endure the process alone. Our team at Shaffer Law is here to help and offer reliable representation for the duration of your personal injury claim.

For more information, contact Shaffer Law today.