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Stockton Personal Injury Lawyer

Most accidental injuries can be prevented. Often, they result from the reckless, negligent, or intentional actions of others. In these situations, California law permits victims to seek compensation through legal damages.

An experienced Stockton attorney can help in obtaining these damages. At Heidari Law Group, P.C., we represent a wide range of accident victims and their families. We understand that recovering from an accident can be a difficult and expensive process. Therefore, we use our comprehensive experience to forcefully advocate for the compensation you are entitled to under the law.

What You Need to Know About Liability and California Personal Injury Claims

Personal injury claims cover a wide array of accidents, including those involving cars, trucks, and other vehicles, especially in Stockton’s busy urban and suburban areas. Many of these claims also arise from premises liability, where a property owner’s failure to maintain a safe environment leads to incidents like slip and fall accidents. Moreover, professional negligence, such as in cases of medical malpractice, can also result in injuries.

Regardless of the cause of a personal injury claim in Stockton, the legal procedure to seek compensation usually follows a consistent approach. The plaintiff – the person bringing the claim – is tasked with showing that the defendant was negligent. It’s crucial to note that negligence doesn’t have to be deliberate. This means that the plaintiff isn’t obligated to prove that the defendant intended to cause harm. Rather, proving negligence in Stockton involves demonstrating these essential elements:

  • The defendant owed the plaintiff some legal duty of care.
  • The defendant breached that duty of care in some way, whether it was intentional act, negligence, or failure to act.
  • The defendant’s breach caused the plaintiff some sort of injury.
  • The plaintiff’s injury resulted in a loss or damages.

The exact nature of the duty of care is dependent on the specifics of each case, especially in a city like Stockton. For instance, in the context of a car accident, the duty of care relates to the responsibility of all drivers to adhere to traffic regulations and operate their vehicles safely. In premises liability situations, a property owner in Stockton is required to keep their property in a safe state, ensuring it is devoid of hazards. When it comes to medical malpractice, the duty of care is determined by the professional duty of the medical provider to deliver services that align with the accepted standards of their particular medical field.

Why Do You Need to Work with a Stockton Personal Injury Attorney?

In a personal injury case, damages are a financial award given to compensate the plaintiff for their losses. These are categorized into economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages account for measurable costs incurred due to an injury, such as medical bills and lost income. Non-economic damages, while more challenging to quantify, are also recoverable. These include the plaintiff’s pain and suffering and reduced quality of life.

In rare cases, a California court, including those in Stockton, may award punitive damages. These are not aimed at compensating the victim but rather at punishing particularly egregious conduct, such as drunk driving.

It’s important to note that most personal injury cases in California, including Stockton, are settled outside of court. Settlements are frequent, especially when an insurance company is involved. As an accident victim, consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney for settlement negotiations is wise. A lawyer can help avoid insufficient offers and work towards a more favorable settlement. If a settlement cannot be reached, an attorney can guide the filing of a lawsuit and the progression to trial. Contact Heidari Law Group today for a free consultation.

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