Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Burbank

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Burbank, California?

  To request a non-emergency police response from the Burbank Police Department, dial 818-238-3000.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Burbank, California?

  Copies of incident reports can be obtained from the Burbank Police Department's Records Bureau. The public counter in the lobby of the police station is open 24/7 and is situated at 200 North Third St., in Burbank. It can take 10 days for the reports to be released.

• Can you sue a vehicle manufacturer if your airbags did not deploy in a Burbank car accident?

  Yes. You can pursue a product liability lawsuit against the vehicle's manufacturer for cases involving malfunctioning airbags. This situation is classified as a manufacturing defect if the airbag failed to deploy during an accident in Burbank. Your injuries could have a long-term impact on your life so you have the right to seek compensation.

• How long do you have to submit a dog bite claim in Burbank?

  Under Section 335.1 of the California Code of Civil Procedure, the statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit for dog bite injuries is two years from the date of the incident. If a lawsuit is not filed in Burbank within two years of the incident, the victim loses the right to do so and has no remedy against the dog owner.

• Can you still file a lawsuit for a slip and fall in Burbank if there was a wet floor sign?

  You can still sue for compensation if you hurt yourself when you slipped and fell on a wet floor in Burbank, even though there was a warning sign. However, the property owner or manager has a defense through the installation of the wet floor notice since it serves as a warning to the public about the potential danger of the surface. But, if the sign did not do what it was meant to do, the defendant may still be responsible.

• How long do you have to make a claim for a slip-and-fall injury in Burbank?

  According to California's statute of limitations, you have two years to file a personal injury claim for a slip-and-fall incident in Burbank. However, the statute of limitations for filing a case against a government institution is shorter. If you bring a claim after the statute of limitations has expired, the defendant will likely seek a dismissal of your case. An exception applies if the manifestation of harm is delayed, the victim is a minor or has a mental disability, and the defendant flees the state.

• When is a dog owner strictly liable for an injury caused by a dog bite in Burbank?

  A dog owner in Burbank is strictly responsible for an injury if the person who got hurt was bitten in a public place or lawfully on private property, and the person who got hurt did not do anything to cause it. The owners are not however responsible if the injured person was trespassing or the injuries did not come from being bitten. Examples of non-dog bite injuries are bruises obtained when a dog jumps on a person or if the person falls when a dog chases them.

• How to choose a personal injury attorney?

  It's crucial to find a personal injury attorney who is experienced, but it's also important to feel comfortable. Take advantage of free consultations and ask questions about how long each candidate has been practicing, how their fee structure works, and who will be handling the majority of the casework (some big firms may hand off routine tasks to paralegals). Above all, find someone who listens well and believes they can achieve an optimal outcome. Still uncertain? Ask friends for referrals and check out online reviews.

• What does a personal injury lawyer do?

  Personal injury attorneys help those who have suffered due to the negligence of others get the compensation they deserve. That may include negotiating settlements with other people, insurance companies, or even government agencies or arguing the case in court. Some attorneys specialize in a certain type of injury, such as auto accidents or birth injuries, while others advocate for almost any injured party.

• What does personal injury law cover?

  In the legal world, "personal injury" is any kind of injury, physical or psychological, that results from the negligence of a person, business, or other entity. While visible or acute injuries such as a broken leg or concussion are among the most obvious types of personal injuries, this category also covers less tangible injuries such as emotional distress and issues such as asbestos exposure that may contribute to long-term problems.

• What are the most common types of personal injury claims?

  Personal injury claims encompass a wide variety of situations ranging from accidents on privately owned property to injuries in the line of duty to whiplash sustained during a commute. These claims may include car accidents, dog bites, slip and falls, medical malpractice, defamation, product defect accidents, premises liability, product liability, workplace accidents, food poisoning at a restaurant, and boating or aviation accidents.

• How do personal injury lawyers get paid?

  Many personal injury lawyers advertise that they don't get paid unless their client does. This is called "working on contingency," meaning the attorney is compensated only if they win their case. These payments are typically percentage based, giving attorneys a predetermined portion of the court-ordered award. Other lawyers may command an hourly rate or combine an hourly rate with a smaller contingency fee.

• How much do personal injury lawyers charge?

  Personal injury lawyer fees can differ from state to state and may be subject to local regulations. In general, personal injury attorneys work under contingency agreements entitling them to 33% of any related settlement or award. Sometimes lawyers use a sliding contingency, charging 33% for awards agreed upon during pre-trial negotiations and raising the fee to 40% once the matter goes to trial.

• When do I need to hire a personal injury lawyer?

  Anytime an injury is known or suspected to be the result of negligence, it's a good idea to consult with a personal injury attorney who can offer insight into the validity of a claim and whether or not that claim is worth pursuing legally. A consultation is particularly important if someone has suffered serious injuries that have left them disabled or otherwise impacted their financial future or quality of life.

• Can I file a personal injury claim without a lawyer?

  It's possible to pursue a personal injury claim without an attorney; however, it's best to save self-representation for cases involving minor injuries or are otherwise considered straightforward. Cases that involve serious injuries that are not completely resolved or where liability has yet to be determined are more complex. Those situations can quickly become stressful and time consuming as they require an understanding of tort law, resources for gathering medical records, and time to review photographs and evidence pertaining to the injury and scene of the accident (if applicable). Bringing on an experienced personal injury lawyer could result in a higher reward while giving the injured party more time to concentrate on their physical, mental, and emotional recovery.

• How long does a personal injury lawsuit last?

  The length of time it takes to settle a personal injury lawsuit is highly dependent on a number of factors ranging from the type of case to the length of medical treatment to whether the suit is settled before court or requires a long trial. While most personal injury cases are resolved within two years, more complicated suits could take longer.

• What are the benefits of hiring a personal injury lawyer?

  It's tempting to save on lawyer's fees by pursuing self-representation, but there are many benefits to hiring a personal injury lawyer including their years of experience. A good attorney will know how to properly assess your damages, including not just medical bills but other concerns, such as lost wages and pain and suffering, to craft a demand that fully reflects the compensation to which the injured party is entitled. They also have the resources and knowledge necessary to consult with experts, negotiate effectively with insurance companies, properly navigate the legal system, and otherwise ensure the best possible outcome.