Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Inglewood

FAQs

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

  Call 310-412-8771 to report non-emergencies to the local police station in Inglewood.

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

  The Police report for an incident in Inglewood can be secured at the Records Division of the police department at 1 West Manchester Boulevard. Requests can be mailed to the following address: Inglewood Records Division 1 West Manchester Boulevard P.O. Box 6500 Inglewood, CA 90301 Request forms have to be submitted for each request and can be downloaded at: https://www.cityofinglewood.org/DocumentCenter/View/14107/Request-for-Records. Call 310-412-5215, email pdrecords@cityofinglewood.org, or fax 310-412-5149 for further assistance.

• Can a person sue a company for a defective non-medical product in Inglewood?

  Yes, a person can sue a company for a defective non-medical product in Inglewood. However, there must be some form of bodily injury or property damage, along with evidence that links the damage or injury to the faulty product, for the case to be eligible. The defect can take many forms, such as flaws in the product's design or manufacturing process, or failure to provide sufficient warnings or instructions.

• How many people does it take to file a mass tort case against an entity in Inglewood?

  It only takes at least two people to file a mass tort case against an entity in Inglewood. Such cases usually involve multiple accidents due to the negligence of employers, manufacturers, or property owners. Because of the severity of the case, mass torts are usually filed in a state or federal court.

• How long does a person have to file an injury lawsuit against the at-fault party in Inglewood?

  As per state laws, Inglewood residents have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit against the person responsible for an accident. However, if the at-fault party is part of or owned by the government, a person has only six months to sue. Additionally, if the victim is a minor or is in prison, the time frame starts when they turn 18 years old or are released, respectively.

• Who can claim compensation on behalf of a person who passed away due to someone's negligence in Inglewood?

  If a person passed away due to someone's negligence in Inglewood, their current or previous spouse, registered domestic partner, children/stepchildren, or parents can claim compensation on their behalf. However, if the deceased individual does not have any of these family members, a legal guardian or a minor who was dependent on the victim for at least 180 days before the accident may be eligible to file a claim.

• Is it necessary to have an attorney in a personal injury case in Inglewood?

  No, having an attorney in a personal injury case in Inglewood is not necessary, especially for small claims. However, individuals representing themselves need to collect evidence, evaluate damages, and determine if the compensation offered by the insurance company is fair. They must also justify the amount they are seeking before the jury if the case proceeds to trial.

• 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.