Many different situations could result in a viable personal injury claim. Whether or not an injured person has a right to compensation depends on if negligence played a role in the accident. When another individual is at fault, they could face liability for any damages the injured party sustains.
A competent attorney in California could pursue personal injury claims under the following circumstances:
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Collisions that occur between trucks, cars, and motorcycles make up a major portion of personal injury lawsuits. These crashes can lead to devastating injuries due to the size and the speed at which vehicles travel.
Medical Errors
Mistakes made by doctors and surgeons could have life-changing effects on their patients. Some of the most common examples of medical errors include surgical mistakes, birth injuries, and misdiagnosis.
Defective Products
Dangerous or defective products could also serve as grounds for a civil lawsuit. This is true for both consumer and industrial products. If a defect results in an injury, the manufacturer could be liable for the damages.
Falls
Slips, trips, and falls routinely lead to serious injuries. If these bodily injuries occur due to the negligence of a property owner or occupier, it could serve as the basis for a personal injury lawsuit. Some common fall hazards include loose extension cords, spilled drinks, or dim lighting.
California Statute of Limitations
California Code of Civil Procedure §335.1 generally allows an injured party two years from the date of the accident that caused their injury to file a lawsuit. Exceptions to this rule include if the person was a minor at the time of the injury, in which case they have two years from their 18th birthday to bring a claim. In rare circumstances, a knowledgeable attorney could argue that the claimant did not immediately connect the incident as the cause of their injury.
Learn How a California Personal Injury Attorney Could Help
From car accidents to slip and falls, pursuing a personal injury case on your own is risky. It is possible that the at-fault party will have legal counsel on their side and moving forward without an attorney could put you at a disadvantage.
If you sustained injuries through no fault of your own, A California personal injury lawyer could help. Call today to learn more.