Can I still claim compensation in Calabasas if I waited to get help?
Many people wait to seek legal advice after an injury, for various reasons. The law in California sets specific deadlines for filing personal injury claims, but these are not always straightforward.
Knowing your deadline is crucial because missing it can mean losing your right to compensation forever. Your right to compensation depends on your specific facts and when you became aware of your injury.
Where do you file a personal injury case in Los Angeles County?
Most personal injury lawsuits stemming from incidents in Calabasas are filed in the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles. Specifically, the case will go to the Van Nuys Courthouse East, located at 6230 Sylmar Ave, Van Nuys, CA 91401.
In Los Angeles County, a personal injury case is filed in the judicial district where the incident happened. It is then assigned to that district's Personal Injury Hub department, following LASC Local Rule 2.3 and the General Order re Assignment and Transfer of Personal Injury Cases, effective May 17, 2024.
How long do you have to file a personal injury claim in California?
For most personal injury and wrongful death claims in California, you generally have two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1). This deadline applies to most cases against private individuals or companies.
However, if your claim involves a city, county, or any other public agency in Calabasas or elsewhere, you must present a written claim to that entity much sooner. This claim must be presented within six months from the date of injury (Cal. Gov. Code § 911.2). Failing to meet this six-month deadline can prevent you from filing a lawsuit later, even if the two-year personal injury deadline has not passed.
The deadline is generally paused while an injured person is a minor (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 352). However, this pause does not apply to claims against public entities. If a minor is injured by a public agency, the six-month government claim deadline still applies and is not tolled.
California law allows recovery for medical costs, lost earnings, and non-economic harm. What a claim is worth depends on its specific facts.
What steps should you take after an injury in Calabasas?
- Get Medical Care Immediately: Your health is the first priority. See a doctor or go to an urgent care clinic right after an injury, even if you feel fine. Medical records are critical evidence if you pursue a claim.
- Report the Incident: For car crashes, call the police. For injuries on someone else's property, tell the property owner or manager and ensure an incident report is made.
- Document Everything: Take photos and videos of your injuries, the accident scene, and any property damage. Gather contact information from witnesses. Keep all medical bills, receipts for expenses, and records of lost wages.
- Do Not Discuss Fault: Avoid admitting fault or discussing the incident in detail with anyone other than medical professionals or your attorney. Do not give recorded statements to insurance adjusters without legal advice.
- Contact a Personal Injury Attorney: An attorney can explain your rights and the specific deadlines that apply to your situation. This is especially important for catastrophic injury or traumatic brain injury cases, where future costs are high and claims are complex.
What types of personal injury cases do we handle in Calabasas?
Casa Legal Los Angeles provides legal representation for a wide range of personal injury claims in Calabasas. Our practice concentrates on helping individuals harmed by the carelessness or wrongdoing of others. We represent victims of car crashes, truck collisions, and motorcycle accidents on local roadways like the 101 Freeway and Las Virgenes Road.
We also handle cases involving injuries on someone else's property, such as slip and falls in local businesses or residential areas. Additionally, we represent families in wrongful death claims when a loved one dies due to another's negligence. Our firm helps those who suffered harm through no fault of their own, pursuing the full compensation available under California law.
Personal injury and employment law is all we do, whether you're in Calabasas or a neighboring community like La Puente or Glendale. We focus on recovering compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and other damages.
What does working with Casa Legal Los Angeles involve?
When you choose Casa Legal Los Angeles, your initial consultation is always free. This meeting allows you to discuss your injury and legal options without obligation.
If we take your case, we begin by investigating the incident thoroughly. This includes gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and consulting with experts. We handle all communication with insurance companies, protecting you from tactics meant to minimize your claim.
Our firm works on a contingency fee basis. No attorney's fees unless we win — and no case costs either. This means you do not pay us anything upfront, and we only get paid if we successfully recover compensation for you. We aim to secure a fair settlement through negotiation, but we are ready to go to court if needed to fight for your rights.
Our commitment extends beyond Calabasas to other Los Angeles County communities, like Long Beach and Westminster. Learn more about how we help injured people across the state on our main personal injury law page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the deadline for a personal injury claim in Calabasas?
For most personal injury claims in Calabasas, you generally have two years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1). However, if your claim is against a government entity, such as the City of Calabasas or Los Angeles County, you must present a formal claim within six months (Cal. Gov. Code § 911.2).
Do I have to go to court for my injury claim?
Not all personal injury claims go to court. Many cases are resolved through negotiations with insurance companies or through alternative dispute resolution methods like mediation. We always prepare your case as if it will go to trial, which often strengthens our position in settlement discussions.
What if I was partly at fault for my accident?
California operates under a system of pure comparative negligence. This means you can still recover damages even if you were partly responsible for an accident. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20% at fault, you would receive 80% of the total damages.
What kind of compensation can I expect in a personal injury case?
What a claim is worth depends on its specific facts. California law allows recovery for economic damages, which include medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. You may also recover non-economic damages for pain, suffering, and emotional distress. The goal is to pursue the full compensation available under California law for all your losses.
If you've been hurt in Calabasas and have questions about your rights, call Casa Legal Los Angeles today at 888-585-2529 for a free consultation. No attorney's fees unless we win — and no case costs either. This content is general legal information, not legal advice, and creates no attorney-client relationship. Deadlines have exceptions and you must confirm what applies to your own facts with an attorney.