Westlake Village Personal Injury Lawyer

The aftermath of an accident can be physically, emotionally, and financially devastating. When someone else’s reckless or careless actions are the cause of your injuries, you could have legal options for getting the compensation you need and deserve.

Our dedicated team at Block LLP is here to help, no matter the exact cause of your personal injury. A Westlake Village personal injury lawyer could listen to your story, dig into your case, and fight for what is right.

Examples of Personal Injury Civil Claims

Whether you were hurt by a negligent driver or slipped and fell on dangerous property, Block LLP is here to help. Other injury claims we handle include:

Bicycle, truck, bus, and pedestrian accidents
Dog bites and animal attacks
Instances of medical malpractice
Product liability lawsuits resulting from dangerous and defective products or medication
Traumatic brain injuries
Spinal cord injuries
Severe burn injuries
Elder abuse happening in nursing homes and long-term care facilities
Wrongful death

A Westlake Village personal injury attorney could provide more information on whether a particular situation is legally actionable during an initial consultation.

Proving Liability After an Injury

In a personal injury claim, a lawyer will work to prove to the court that the defendant’s actions caused the plaintiff to suffer bodily injuries and financial losses. A Westlake Village attorney also has the experience and knowledge to fairly valuate someone’s losses and pursue a just damages award. Possible damages available to the plaintiff include:

Medical bills, including ongoing care
Home renovations, medical equipment, and medication
Lost pay, earning potential, and benefits
Emotional distress and psychological injuries
Pain and suffering
Permanent scarring and disfigurement

The court will consider the plaintiff’s monetary losses and the non-monetary subjective damages they sustained because of the defendant’s negligence.

Acting Quickly After an Accident Is Vital

The civil statute limits the time to prepare and file the claim with the court. Per the provisions of the California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1, the party seeking relief must commence legal action within two years of the accident caused by the negligent party. Specific circumstances could lengthen the time frame, such as cases involving injured minors or when the defendant leaves the state before the claimant files the lawsuit. Even so, quickly preparing and filing the claim is in the plaintiff’s best interest. Starting the process as early as possible gives a Westlake Village lawyer ample time to gather evidence and build a tailored claim that falls within the state’s guidelines.

Timeline for Cases Involving Government Agencies

When the defendant in the suit is a state or federal government agency, the timeline is shorter, and other regulations may vary. The time to petition the court is generally six months, and there are additional steps to notify the agency before filing.

What If The Injured Person Is Partly At Fault?

California civil laws follow the pure comparative negligence rule for cases where the plaintiff or other third parties share a portion of fault for the damages. Rather than barring the claimant from recovery if the court determines they are partly at fault, they will diminish the settlement amount by their percentage of liability.

It is not uncommon for defendants and their insurers to try to shift blame onto the injured party to avoid paying a fair damages award. Skilled injury attorneys in Westlake Village understand the tactics employed by opposing parties and are adept at countering these strategies.

Reach Out to a Westlake Village Personal Injury Attorney Today

A personal injury can turn your life upside down. Trying to deal with it all on your own is nearly impossible. Let our compassionate team at Block LLP take over the logistics of your claim so that you can focus on what matters: healing.

A Westlake Village personal injury lawyer could guide you with sound legal advice and handle the legal work and negotiations on your behalf. Contact our office today to set up your free initial consultation.