Have you ever been hurt in an accident and wondered if you should call a lawyer? Many people aren’t sure what a personal injury attorney actually does or how one could help when injuries, whether physically or psychologically, were caused by another party's negligence.
A personal injury attorney in Los Angeles or anywhere else takes on the role of investigating what happened, gathering evidence, proving liability, and handling insurance negotiations. Their goal is straightforward: protect your rights and secure fair compensation so you can focus on recovery while they manage the legal process on your behalf.
What Does a Personal Injury Attorney Do?
A personal injury attorney protects your rights and guides you through the legal process. You get clear advice, steady communication, and focused legal representation.
Your lawyer handles case evaluation, gathers records and evidence, and explains personal injury law. You’ll always know what’s happening and why it matters.
They negotiate with the insurance company and prepare the case for court if needed. You make informed choices while your personal injury lawyer does the heavy lifting.
The goal is simple: resolve your personal injury claim for fair compensation. You focus on recovery while your attorney manages each step.
Key Responsibilities of Your Injury Lawyer
Case Evaluation & Investigation
We begin with a focused case evaluation to identify liability, deadlines, and available coverage for your personal injury case. You get a straightforward plan for what comes next.
We collect medical records, police reports, and witness statements. We also act quickly to preserve evidence that can fade with time.
When helpful, we work with medical or accident experts to clarify injuries and fault. This strengthens proof and keeps your personal injury claim on track.
Legal Guidance & Client Advocacy
We explain your rights and options in plain terms. You get clear answers before you make any decision.
We handle communications with insurers so adjusters speak to us, not you. This helps you avoid claim-killing mistakes like recorded statements.
You receive regular updates and next steps. You’ll always know where your personal injury case stands.
Case Valuation & Damages
We total medical expenses, lost income, and other costs. We also assess non-economic harm to support fair compensation.
We present damages in a simple breakdown or chart you can review at a glance. Every number ties back to medical records and proof.
This valuation guides strategy for your personal injury claim. It helps set realistic settlement goals from day one.
Negotiation With Insurance Companies
We lead negotiations with a detailed demand that explains fault, injuries, and damages. You see the strategy and the timeline.
Our negotiation skills counter common tactics such as delays or low offers. We respond with facts, deadlines, and documentation.
You review every offer and counter with us. We discuss pros and cons together before you decide.
Litigation and Trial Representation
If settlement isn’t fair, we file suit and move the case forward. Discovery helps secure the evidence and testimony your case needs.
We prepare motions, take and defend depositions, and get ready for court as part of full litigation and trial representation.
Being ready for trial builds leverage at the table. You get candid guidance on risks, timelines, and likely outcomes at each stage.
What Cases Do Personal Injury Lawyers Handle?
You want to know if your situation fits a personal injury case. We focus on where someone’s carelessness led to harm and a clear path to fair compensation.
These cases often involve motor vehicles, unsafe property conditions, medical errors, dangerous products, workplace incidents, and animal-related injuries. Each area has rules that affect timing, proof, and available insurance.
Some categories are widely linked to high injury rates, like falls and traffic collisions. Knowing this helps set expectations about the legal process and evidence needs.
We guide you through the legal process with clear steps, from case evaluation to legal representation, so you can make informed choices.
1. Motor vehicle accidents (cars, trucks, motorcycles)
Car accidents, truck accidents, and motorcycle accidents are among the most common personal injury claims. Liability turns on traffic laws, crash reports, medical records, and available insurance coverage.
2. Slip-and-fall incidents
Slip and fall accidents fall under premises liability, focusing on whether a property owner failed to fix or warn about hazards. Documentation and prompt reporting help show what happened and why.
3. Medical malpractice
These cases address preventable medical errors that cause harm. We review records and expert opinions to assess whether care fell below accepted standards.
4. Workplace injuries and workers' compensation claims
Workplace injuries may allow workers’ compensation and, in some cases, a separate personal injury claim against a third party. We coordinate benefits, timelines, and evidence so nothing is missed.
5. Product liability (injuries from defective products)
Product liability claims involve unsafe design, manufacturing defects, or inadequate warnings. Preserving the product and related paperwork is key to proving fault.
6. Dog bites and animal attacks
Animal-related injuries focus on owner responsibility and local rules. Medical documentation and incident reports support damages and help identify coverage.
7. Wrongful death claims
Wrongful death claims seek accountability when negligence leads to a fatality. Families can pursue damages for financial losses and the impact on the household.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
Compensation aims to make you whole under the law. We explain what’s available in your personal injury claim and how we prove it.
The categories include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and future damages when the effects last. Clear records and timelines help support fair compensation.
For serious injuries or reckless conduct, additional remedies like punitive damages may apply under specific rules. We discuss what fits your case and why.
Our process pairs case evaluation with transparent updates, so you understand each step toward settlement or trial.
Economic Damages
These cover medical bills, therapy, medication, assistive devices, and lost wages or loss of earning capacity. We organize records and estimates to match every dollar to proof.
Non-Economic Damages
These address pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. We connect the day-to-day impact of the injury to your treatment and recovery story.
Future Losses and Lien Resolution
Future damages include ongoing medical care, future treatment, and reduced earning capacity. We also negotiate liens with Medicare, Medicaid, or health insurers to help maximize your net recovery.
Personal Injury Claim Process: Step by Step
You shouldn’t have to guess how a personal injury claim works. Here’s the claims process so you know what to expect.
We walk you through evidence collection, demand letters, legal proceedings, and the discovery phase when a lawsuit is filed. You’ll always know the next step.
Every decision aims toward a fair settlement offer or, if needed, a courtroom result. You stay focused on recovery while we handle the legal process.
1. Intake and Strategy
What happens during the initial consultation? We learn your story, review key records, and confirm deadlines that protect your rights.
We outline a strategy for your personal injury claim, including coverage checks and a timeline you can follow. You’ll leave with clear next steps.
You get direct answers about risks, strengths, and documentation needs. No legal jargon, just a plan.
2. Evidence Build
How does evidence collection work? We gather medical records, bills, photos, video, and witness statements to support fault and damages.
We track treatment progress and organize proof so the file is ready for negotiation or legal proceedings. Strong files lead to stronger outcomes.
You’ll know what to save and what to share, and we’ll handle requests so nothing gets missed.
3. Demand and Negotiation
What is a demand letter? It’s a detailed request that explains liability, injuries, and losses, backed by evidence.
We review each settlement offer with you, explain the numbers, and prepare counters when the offer is too low. You make informed choices at every turn.
Negotiation is about timing, documentation, and leverage. We keep you updated on progress and strategy.
4. Filing a Lawsuit and Discovery
When a fair resolution isn’t reached, we file suit and move into the discovery phase. This is where both sides exchange information and testimony.
We prepare written responses and depositions in simple steps, so you feel ready and supported. The goal is clarity and momentum.
You’ll understand what’s required, why it matters, and how it fits into the bigger picture of your case.
5. Mediation, Arbitration, and Trial
Mediation brings in a neutral third party to help both sides reach agreement. Arbitration is a private process where a decision-maker rules on the case.
If trial becomes necessary, we present your case clearly with the evidence we built from day one. Being trial-ready also strengthens negotiations.
You’ll get clear guidance on pros, cons, and timing for each path. No surprises, just informed decisions.
6. Settlement, Verdict, and Disbursement
When your case resolves, we review the settlement or verdict terms with you. You’ll see the numbers in a simple, line-by-line summary.
We handle paperwork, releases, and final signatures. Then we move to disbursement.
You receive a clear breakdown of funds, including fees, costs, and your net recovery. Transparency comes standard.
A straightforward process reduces stress and keeps you in control. We stay focused on results and communication from start to finish.
How Attorney Fees Work (Contingency Explained)
You deserve to know how attorney fees work before you sign anything. A contingency fee means you don’t pay lawyer fees unless we recover for you.
We explain the agreement in plain language and answer every question. No pressure, just clarity on costs and case proceeds.
This helps you choose skilled representation without upfront expenses. You can focus on your health while we focus on the claim.
Typical Percentages and Case Costs
Most contingency fees fall in the 33–40% range based on the stage and complexity of the case. Some states cap fees in medical malpractice matters.
Case costs are separate from attorney fees and cover things like records, experts, and filing fees. We track each expense and share updates.
Your agreement spells out percentages, sliding scale fees if used, and when rates may change. Everything is written and easy to understand.
Who Pays Expenses and When
Our firm typically advances case costs during the legal process. They are reimbursed from the recovery at the end.
If there is no recovery, the agreement explains what happens with costs. You will know this upfront.
Clear terms protect you from guesswork and surprises. We review the cost section with you before you sign.
Understanding Your Net Recovery
How do you see your final number? We show the gross settlement or verdict, subtract attorney fees, then subtract reimbursed costs.
We address medical liens and bills so you know how much is paid and why. Policy limits and coverage can affect the final figure.
You get a simple, written breakdown of your net recovery in plain numbers. Transparency builds trust and helps you plan next steps.
When to Call a Personal Injury Attorney
If you have severe injuries or catastrophic injuries, reach out early to a personal injury attorney. Quick contact protects your rights and keeps your personal injury case on track.
Call if fault is disputed or the other side is blaming you. A lawyer can address comparative negligence arguments and gather the proof you need.
Get help when insurance delays, gives a low settlement offer, or won’t cover all medical bills and lost wages. This includes workplace injuries, construction accidents, and wrongful death matters.
Don’t wait on statutes of limitations or special deadlines for claims against a government agency. Missing a date can end a claim before it starts.
FAQs on Personal Injury Claims and Compensation
Do I need a lawyer if the adjuster seems helpful?
A friendly tone doesn’t mean the insurer protects your interests. A lawyer gives legal advice, manages the claims process, and helps you avoid mistakes that reduce fair compensation.
How long does a case usually take?
Simple personal injury claims can resolve in a few months, while cases with serious injuries or disputes take longer. Treatment timelines, liability issues, and court schedules all affect timing.
What if I was partly at fault?
You may still recover under comparative negligence, though your compensation can be reduced. A lawyer clarifies how fault is allocated and builds evidence to support your side.
Will my case go to trial?
Most cases settle before trial. Only a small share proceed to court, often under 3%.
What should I bring to my first meeting?
Bring any medical records, bills, photos, police reports, and insurance letters. A list of dates, doctors, and missed work helps your attorney evaluate the claim.
Do most cases settle before trial?
Yes, the majority end in a settlement offer after evidence is exchanged. Settlement gives you control over timing and outcome.
What if the other driver has no insurance?
Your policy may include uninsured or underinsured coverage for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. A lawyer reviews limits and seeks other sources to pursue fair compensation.
Speak With a Personal Injury Attorney About Your Case
There’s no cost to explore your options, most attorneys offer free consultations. Schedule an initial consultation to get a clear case evaluation and answers to your questions.
The Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti, Accident & Injury Lawyers offers legal representation on a contingency fee, so you don’t pay attorney fees unless we recover. We explain your legal rights, next steps, and the litigation process in terms that make sense.
Call (626) 793-8607 or use our contact form online to get started. We’re here to help you make informed decisions about your path forward.
