Should I give a recorded statement to the insurance company after a brain injury in Pico Rivera?
No, do not give a recorded statement to an insurance company without speaking to a lawyer first. Insurance adjusters often try to get you to say things that can be used against your claim, especially when dealing with injuries as complex as a traumatic brain injury.
You have no obligation to give a recorded statement to the other party's insurance company. Anything you say can be twisted to suggest your injury is less severe or that you were at fault.
What types of brain injury cases does Casa Legal Los Angeles handle in Pico Rivera?
Our law firm represents individuals in Pico Rivera who have suffered various types of brain injuries due to someone else's carelessness. This includes concussions, diffuse axonal injuries, hematomas, and other forms of traumatic brain injury (TBI).
We work with clients whose brain injuries resulted from car crashes, truck accidents, slip and falls, and other incidents. These injuries often have long-lasting effects on a person's cognitive function, mood, and physical abilities. If you or a loved one in Pico Rivera suffered a brain injury, we can help you pursue full compensation available under California law.
What should I do immediately after a brain injury in Pico Rivera?
- Seek immediate medical attention. Even if you feel fine, a brain injury's full effects might not appear until later. A medical professional can diagnose your injury and document it, which helps your case later.
- Report the incident. If your injury occurred in a car crash, call the police. If it happened at a business, report it to the manager. Make sure an official record of the incident exists.
- Gather evidence. Take photos of the scene, your injuries, and any vehicles involved. Collect contact information from witnesses.
- Do not admit fault or give a recorded statement. Anything you say can be used against you.
- Contact a lawyer. A lawyer can advise you on your legal rights and help you protect your claim from the start. Our attorneys focus on personal injury and employment law.
Where does a brain injury claim from Pico Rivera get filed?
In Los Angeles County, a personal injury case is generally filed in the judicial district where the incident occurred and is assigned to that district's Personal Injury Hub department (LASC Local Rule 2.3; General Order re Assignment and Transfer of Personal Injury Cases, effective May 17, 2024). For incidents in Pico Rivera, your brain injury claim would typically be filed in the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles, Southeast District, at the Norwalk Courthouse, located at 12720 Norwalk Blvd, Norwalk, CA 90650.
Though the Norwalk Courthouse is the usual filing location, catchment boundaries change. It is always wise to confirm the filing courthouse on the court's official locator before relying on it.
How long do I have to file a brain injury lawsuit in Pico Rivera, and what can I recover?
Most California personal injury claims, including those for brain injuries, must be filed within two years (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1). This deadline applies from the date of the injury. However, if your claim is against a city, county, or other public agency in Pico Rivera, you must present a written claim within six months from the date of injury (Cal. Gov. Code § 911.2) before you can file a lawsuit.
The deadline is generally paused while an injured person is a minor under Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 352. However, Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 352(b) removes that pause for claims against public entities under the Government Claims Act. What you can recover includes medical expenses, lost earnings, future loss of earning capacity, and non-economic harm like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
What does working with Casa Legal Los Angeles involve?
When you work with Casa Legal Los Angeles, we handle every aspect of your brain injury claim. This begins with a free consultation where we discuss your injury and the circumstances that caused it. Our team gathers all necessary evidence, including medical records, accident reports, and witness statements.
We work with medical experts to fully understand the extent of your brain injury and its impact on your life. We then negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, aiming to secure the full compensation you deserve. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to court. Our focus is on relieving your stress so you can concentrate on your recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a traumatic brain injury?
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) results from a sudden blow or jolt to the head or a penetrating head injury that disrupts normal brain function. The severity ranges from mild (a brief change in mental status or consciousness) to severe (an extended period of unconsciousness or amnesia after the injury). These injuries can cause lasting physical, cognitive, and emotional effects.
Can I still file a claim if I delayed seeking medical treatment for my brain injury in Pico Rivera?
Yes, you can still file a claim even if there was a delay in seeking treatment, but it can make your case more complex. Insurance companies may argue that the delay indicates your injury was not severe or that something else caused it. It is crucial to explain any delay in treatment with a clear medical reason. A lawyer can help you prepare your argument and connect your injury to the incident despite the time lapse.
How do brain injuries affect daily life?
Brain injuries can profoundly affect many aspects of daily life. Physically, a person might experience headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and issues with coordination or balance. Cognitively, problems with memory, concentration, problem-solving, and decision-making are common. Emotionally, changes in mood, increased irritability, anxiety, or depression can occur. These effects can impact work, relationships, and overall independence.
Are there specific deadlines for filing a claim against a public entity in Los Angeles County?
Yes, claims against public entities like the City of Pico Rivera, Los Angeles County, or a transit agency have special, shorter deadlines. You must present a written claim to the public entity within six months of the injury (Cal. Gov. Code § 911.2). Missing this deadline can permanently bar your right to sue, even if your underlying personal injury claim would normally have a two-year statute of limitations.
If you or a loved one in Pico Rivera has suffered a brain injury, call us at 888-585-2529 for a free consultation. There are no attorney's fees or case costs unless we win.