Personal Injury Attorneys in California
Why Choose Ghitterman, Ghitterman & Feld?
Choosing the right personal injury attorney is crucial for your case outcome. At Ghitterman, Ghitterman & Feld, we bring decades of experience and a comprehensive understanding of California's complex legal landscape to each client. Our practice is built on a foundation of trust, open communication, and relentless advocacy for our clients’ rights.
We believe in transparent processes, which means you'll know exactly what to expect and understand every step of the way. With a team committed to thorough investigations and exploring every avenue, we ensure no detail is overlooked, driving us to secure the compensation our clients rightly deserve.
Understanding the Personal Injury Claim Process in California
The personal injury claim process in California involves several key steps that individuals should be aware of:
- Filing a Claim: In California, most personal injury victims have two years from the date of injury to file a claim in court seeking damages. This timeline is critical because failing to file within the statute of limitations can lead to forfeiture of the right to seek compensation. Understanding these timeframes and exceptions, such as those involving minors or public entities, can significantly impact the success of a claim.
- Legal Representation: It's advisable to hire a personal injury lawyer who will gather information through thorough investigation and legal research to support the claim. An experienced attorney can navigate the legal system, negotiate with insurance companies, and potentially increase the compensation received.
- Establishing Legal Standing: The process involves establishing legal standing, determining the venue for the lawsuit, and filing the claim within the statute of limitations. Properly establishing these elements ensures that the claim is actionable and grounds for litigation are solidified.
- Settlement and Court Proceedings: After completing medical treatment and submitting a demand package, the process may lead to negotiation for a settlement, compromise of liens, or initiation of a lawsuit in court. Strategic negotiation is key to reaching a settlement that fairly compensates for the injuries sustained.
- Claims Settlement Payout: Once a settlement is reached, the insurance company will write a check after the claimant signs the release form. Ensuring that all settlement agreements are comprehensive and account for all possible future medical needs or financial losses is crucial for the claimant’s long-term well-being.
These steps provide a general overview of the personal injury claim process in California, but it's important to seek legal advice and representation to navigate the complexities of the legal system effectively. For those injured, understanding the nuances of California's personal injury laws, including comparative negligence rules, can dramatically affect the outcome of their case.
Hear From Our Happy Clients
At Ghitterman, Ghitterman & Feld, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.
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"Experienced the Utmost Professionalism"They are well organized, very knowledgeable of the workers' compensation industry, and have had an excellent reputation for many years.- Nadine
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"They Make You Feel Like Family"Ben Feld was a terrific attorney as he guided me through the disability process. Most importantly, he would return my calls or my texts very quickly. I cannot recommend GG&F more highly. They make you feel like family.- Kellie D.
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"It Was a Miracle! I Am So Thankful and Grateful!"Mr. Feld got me my SSDI in 2 month on contingency, which was greatly appreciated! That was 2 years faster than the nightmares that everyone hears about. I was crying! It was a miracle! I am so thankful and grateful!!! Thank you so much Benjamin Feld!!!- Kathy G.
What Type of Personal Injury Cases Does Ghitterman, Ghitterman & Feld Handle?
Our California personal injury lawyers represent clients who have been hurt in all types of accidents caused by negligence, including, but not limited to:
- Auto Accidents
- Bicycle Accidents
- Construction Site Accidents
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Negligent Security
- Pedestrian Accidents
- Premises Liability, including Slip-and-Fall Accidents
- Product Liability
- Truck Accidents
- Workers' Compensation
- Wrongful Death Claims
Our personal injury attorneys specialize in catastrophic and complex injuries caused by negligence on our roads, inside businesses, and workplaces throughout California. If you have suffered an injury or have lost a loved one to neglect, contact our skilled Southern CA personal injury lawyers for help today.
We understand that getting hurt in an accident caused by another person’s negligence is life-changing. Our skilled attorneys and support staff apply our decades of experience and extensive resources to help our clients pursue maximum compensation for their injuries as we stand side-by-side throughout the legal process. Understanding the specifics of your case, we focus on building a tailored legal strategy, ensuring that all elements such as liability and damages are comprehensively addressed.
California-Specific Considerations in Personal Injury Cases
California's unique laws, such as its comparative negligence rule, significantly impact personal injury claims. Under this law, a plaintiff’s compensation is reduced by their percentage of fault. Understanding how this affects a case is crucial for formulating a strong legal strategy and effectively arguing for the fullest compensation possible.
Additionally, many California cities have dense traffic and varying climates, which can contribute to the nature and frequency of incidents. For instance, increased rainfall can lead to more roadway accidents. At Ghitterman, Ghitterman & Feld, we are well-versed in navigating these local considerations to benefit our clients.
What Type of Financial Recovery Can I Pursue After Suffering a Personal Injury Caused by Negligence in California?
Based on how the injuries have affected their lives, the damages we pursue for each client are unique and may differ from another case’s recovery options.
Common forms of compensation our California personal injury lawyers pursue may include:
- Past and Future Medical Expenses.
- Loss of Past and Future Wages.
- Loss of Wage-Earning Capacity.
- Reduced Future Earning Capacity.
- Past and Future Pain and Suffering.
- Past and Future Mental Anguish
- Physical Impairment.
- Physical Scarring & Disfigurement.
At Ghitterman, Ghitterman & Feld, our personal injury attorneys in California handle every aspect of our client’s cases and produce real results for real people who need our help.
We pride ourselves on our reputation for obtaining the best result possible due to our expertise, tenacity, and accessibility, and we welcome the opportunity to review your personal injury claim during a free consultation. By conducting a thorough assessment of your case, we can better outline potential recovery opportunities and mitigate any issues that may arise during settlement discussions or litigation.
The Role of Insurance Companies in Personal Injury Cases
Insurance companies often play a significant role in personal injury cases, and understanding how they operate is vital. Insurance adjusters may attempt to minimize payout amounts to protect their company’s bottom line.
At Ghitterman, Ghitterman & Feld, we leverage our understanding of insurance company tactics to advocate vigorously on your behalf, ensuring fair negotiations and holding insurers accountable. We prepare each case meticulously, using robust evidence and expert consultations, enabling us to counteract any attempts to downplay the claim's value.
We Have a Relentless Commitment to Protect Our Client’s Rights. Always.
We know that no matter where or how you were injured, the insurance company will not simply write a blank check for your complete recovery needs. Instead, it will put up seemingly insurmountable resistance, making your pursuit of fair and just compensation feel hopeless.
You deserve more. We are dedicated and persistent advocates for our clients who leave no stone unturned when managing their unique cases. We can do the same for you and your family.
We have eight physical offices in Fresno, Bakersfield, Santa Barbara, Ventura, Santa Maria, Visalia, and Turlock and our top-tier technologies provide a virtual reach to serve clients throughout California.
We offer free in-person, telephone, and virtual consultations to offer straightforward legal advice for your unique needs. Our local presence amplifies our understanding of the nuances in regional laws and allows us to give more personalized service to meet our community’s demands.
Contact us today to learn more about your legal rights and options to pursue the negligent party that caused your injuries so you can confidently move forward with a personal injury claim against their insurance provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the First Step I Should Take After a Personal Injury in California?
Immediately after sustaining a personal injury, prioritize your health by seeking medical attention, even if injuries do not seem severe initially. Documenting injuries promptly is critical for your health and legal claim.
Following medical evaluation, contact a qualified personal injury attorney in California to guide you through the legal process. Ghitterman, Ghitterman & Feld offers free consultations to evaluate your case and discuss potential pathways to compensation, ensuring no valuable time is wasted in pursuing justice.
How Long Does the Personal Injury Lawsuit Process Take?
The timeline for a personal injury lawsuit in California can vary based on the case complexity, the willingness of parties to settle, and the court’s schedule. Some cases resolve in months, while others may take several years. Engaging legal counsel early can expedite the process, as experienced attorneys can efficiently navigate procedural requirements and keep your case moving forward. At Ghitterman, Ghitterman & Feld, we aim to settle matters efficiently without compromising the quality of the outcome.
Can I Afford to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer?
Ghitterman, Ghitterman & Feld operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe no legal fees unless we successfully recover compensation on your behalf. This arrangement ensures anyone with a legitimate claim can access quality legal representation without upfront costs. Our commitment is to support you throughout by providing proficient legal services tailored to your needs.
Why Choose Ghitterman, Ghitterman & Feld?
Relentless Commitment to Protect our Clients’ Rights. Always.
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