Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Palmdale

FAQs

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

  The non-emergency contact number for the Palmdale Sheriff's Station is 661-272-2400.

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

  You can request a copy of a police report relating to your case in Los Angeles County by calling (562) 345-4441 and requesting an appointment. You can pick up a copy of the report in person at the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department or request it to be delivered through mail.

• Is a person injured due to a defective product entitled to seek compensation in Palmdale?

  Palmdale residents that have suffered damages or have been injured as a result of a defective product are entitled to seek compensation through a lawsuit or product liability claim. Injured individuals may be able to receive compensation for lost wages and medical bills that came as a result of the accident.

• Who is responsible if an individual is injured on someone else's property in Palmdale?

  In Palmdale and throughout California, property owners are required by law to protect others from conditions that can cause damage or injury while on their property. Injured individuals may also seek compensation from a party controlling the property, such as store managers or property managers. Premises liability cases can include any person that controls, leases, rents, or possesses the property during the time the accident took place.

• What can be considered an act of negligence in premises liability cases in Palmdale?

  Under California premises liability laws, property owners should repair or warn others about dangerous conditions such as uneven stairs or slippery floors. The exception is if the unsafe condition is apparent enough that the owner is not required to warn others. Premises liability claims in Palmdale require the injured person to provide proof that the property owner's negligence caused the accident.

• In Palmdale, can a parent take legal action if their child was injured at birth?

  Yes, parents in Palmdale can take legal action if their child suffered birth injuries due to the negligent actions of the attending doctor or nurses. Birth injuries could constitute a partial or total disability and may require extensive ongoing medical treatment for the child. Parents can sue the doctor or the hospital if their child suffers from birth injuries, including facial paralysis, fractured bones, and birth asphyxia.

• How can a Palmdale attorney help an individual make a personal injury claim?

  People in Palmdale that are planning to file a personal injury claim are advised to have an attorney to be able to seek the maximum amount of compensation for their case. Personal injury lawyers can help clients investigate their claims, navigate through the legal process, gather evidence for the case, and determine who is liable for the accident.

• 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.