A serious injury can affect much more than your physical health. It can disrupt your ability to work, provide for your family, stay active, and manage everyday responsibilities. At James Hawkins APLC, our California personal injury attorneys take the time to understand what happened and how the injury has affected you. We look at the full picture of your losses, including your medical treatment, time away from work, ongoing recovery, and the ways your injuries have changed your daily life. With a clear understanding of what you have experienced, our team can develop a case focused on the compensation you need and hold the responsible parties accountable.
Representing individuals injured in car, truck, motorcycle, and other vehicle accidents caused by negligent drivers in California.
Helping people injured because of unsafe conditions on another person’s property, including slips, falls, and other preventable accidents.
Representing individuals harmed by defective, dangerous, or improperly designed products.
Representing injured workers and others harmed in construction and workplace accidents, including claims involving negligent third parties.
Advocating for individuals whose serious injuries require extensive treatment, rehabilitation, long-term care, or significant changes to their way of life.
Representing families after the loss of a loved one caused by another party’s negligence or wrongful conduct.
Representing individuals affected by dangerous products, toxic substances, environmental contamination, and other widespread exposures.
After an accident, it is not always clear whether you have a personal injury claim, what your case may be worth, or what steps you should take next. Our California personal injury attorneys help injured individuals understand their rights and evaluate their legal options. Below are answers to questions we commonly hear from people dealing with serious injuries. If you would like to discuss your circumstances directly, we offer free consultations with our personal injury team.
Negligence generally means that someone failed to use reasonable care and that failure caused another person to suffer an injury. Depending on the circumstances, negligence could involve a distracted or impaired driver, an unsafe property condition, a defective product, or another person’s careless conduct. Establishing negligence typically requires showing that the responsible party owed a duty of care, failed to meet that duty, and caused your injuries.
California generally gives an injured person two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit under California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1. Different deadlines can apply in certain situations, including claims against government entities, which may involve much shorter claim requirements. The deadline can also depend on the type of injury and the circumstances of the case. Because failing to meet an applicable deadline can prevent you from pursuing compensation, it is important to have your situation evaluated promptly.
An insurance company may make a settlement offer before you fully understand the extent of your injuries or what your recovery will require. You do not have to accept an offer simply because it has been presented to you. Before signing a release, our team can evaluate whether the proposed settlement accounts for your medical expenses, lost income, future treatment, and other losses associated with your injury.
At James Hawkins APLC, we offer free consultations so you can discuss your situation and understand your legal options before deciding how to proceed. We handle personal injury cases on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you do not pay attorney fees upfront. Our fee is typically based on the recovery obtained in your case, and we explain the fee arrangement and any case-related costs before representation begins.
Depending on the circumstances, a personal injury claim may include both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages can include medical expenses, lost wages, diminished earning capacity, rehabilitation costs, and other financial losses. Non-economic damages can include pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and other effects that are more difficult to measure financially. We look at the whole picture when evaluating a claim. That means considering not only the bills and financial losses associated with an injury, but also how the injury has affected your health, work, relationships, independence, and everyday life. Our goal is to pursue compensation that reflects the full extent of what you have experienced.
Contact us today for a free consultation and let our team review your specific circumstances. Navigating employment law can be daunting, but taking action can be simple. If your workplace feels unfair, confusing, or concerning, speak with someone who listens, explains clearly, and provides guidance you can trust.
Call Us Today (949) 387 – 7200
