Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Sunnyvale

FAQs

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

  Sunnyvale Police Department's non-emergency number is 408-730-7100.

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

  You may accomplish an online form or call the City Clerk at 408-730-7474 to request a copy of a police report or any public record. In addition, you can visit in person the Sunnyvale office located at 603 All America Way. There is a 10-cent-per-page charge for duplicating paper records, in addition to any applicable mailing fees.

• Is it possible to pursue a claim against the government for personal harm in Sunnyvale?

  Yes. It is possible to bring a lawsuit against the government or a government entity for their negligence and that of their employees. Government entity claims have a distinct procedure and varied statutes of limitations compared to other claims. Consult with a Sunnyvale personal injury attorney to determine if your claim involves any form of a government entity and to prevent missing the deadline, which will result in the dismissal of your claim.

• Can you pursue an injury claim in Sunnyvale if your child was born with a severe injury?

  Yes, you can bring a lawsuit if the birth injury resulted from medical malpractice or negligence in Sunnyvale. Under California law, if you are a victim of medical malpractice such as a birth injury and can show negligence, the at-fault party owes you compensation. You can file against health care facilities or the involved medical professionals. You may seek economic, non-economic, and punitive damages.

• What happens if a personal injury victim in Sunnyvale dies before filing a lawsuit?

  The surviving family may bring a wrongful death claim against the negligent parties if the victim dies before filing a personal injury lawsuit. Family members can receive compensation for damages, including financial support, the value of household services, loss of society, loss of consortium, and burial and funeral costs. It's crucial to hire a Sunnyvale personal injury lawyer because the death of a loved one can irreparably change the lives of the remaining family members.

• Is it true that Kaiser members in Sunnyvale do not have the right to sue for medical malpractice?

  Yes. All Sunnyvale Kaiser members have used the Kaiser Permanente Arbitration System to address medical malpractice claims since the early 1970s. Kaiser members have tried to argue against the system for many different reasons, but California courts said it is legal and constitutional. Arbitration is a way to settle disagreements. In medical malpractice cases, the goal is to settle outside of court. In a case, both sides present evidence, and the panel or judge decides based on that evidence.

• Can you still pursue your claim for compensation in Sunnyvale if you press criminal charges against a dog owner for a dog bite?

  Yes. Criminal charges can be filed against the owner if a dog seriously injures you in Sunnyvale due to the owner's negligence. The dog bite legislation in California is a strict liability law. The owner of a dog is liable for damages caused by the dog's bite if the injured person did not provoke the dog and was bitten in public or legitimately on private land. You can file a personal injury claim and criminal charges against the owner simultaneously.

• 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.