Personal Injury FAQ

The Manhattan Beach accident attorneys at Dinsmore & Sandelmann, LLP have been providing exceptional legal representation in a wide variety of personal injury claims for over 30 years. If you have been injured in an accident and are considering filing a personal injury lawsuit, you probably have a lot of questions about the process, so let’s try to answer some of them.

What is a “personal injury” case?

“Personal injury” cases are civil legal disputes that arise when a person is injured through the negligent actions of another person or business, and the injured party seeks compensation for the damages and losses caused by those injuries.

What are some common type of personal injury cases?

• Vehicle accidents – auto accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, bicycle accidents, school zone accidents and pedestrian accidents
• Medical malpractice – injuries caused by negligent doctors, nurses, medical technicians, hospitals, etc.
• Premises liability – accidents caused by unsafe premises such as trip and falls
• On the job accidents – construction sites, oil fields, etc.
• Dog bites and other animal attacks
• Consumer product liability – defective products and medications

Why do I need an attorney for a personal injury case?

Personal injury cases can be very complicated. A personal injury attorney will know how to gather the evidence needed to establish proof that your injuries were caused by the negligent actions of another, effectively negotiate with the insurance companies, argue your case in front of a judge or jury, and obtain the biggest settlement or jury award possible.

What damages am I entitled to recover through a personal injury lawsuit?

Damages are the losses – physical, emotional and economic – resulting from your accident. Some of the damages you can be compensated for include:

• Present medical expenses
• Future medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Loss of future wages or earning capacity
• Pain & suffering
• Physical disabilities
• Disfigurement
• Mental anguish and emotional trauma
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of love & affection
• Property damage

There are two basic types of compensatory damages: special and general. Special damages are damages that can be assigned a specific dollar amount, such as medical expenses or lost wages. General damages are for damages that can’t be assigned a specific dollar amount, such as mental anguish, long term pain and suffering and future medical expenses.

How much is my Manhattan Beach personal injury case worth?

Unfortunately, we can’t give you an exact dollar figure as to what your personal injury claim is worth without detailed information about the nature of your injuries. Each case is different, and every individual’s situation is unique. But after we analyze your case we can give you a good range as to value.

What we can tell you is that we will put all of our legal expertise and resources to work to get you the biggest settlement possible.

How soon after I am injured should I file a lawsuit?

Under the statute of limitations in California, in most cases you have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit. Some cases, such as medical malpractice may have a one year statute of limitations.  Minors may have a longer status of limitations.  The statutes of limitations are complicated and vary in each case.  After the statute of limitations, the courts will decline to consider your personal injury claim. We recommend that you speak with a lawyer as soon as possible after an accident; the longer you wait, the more difficult it may become to find the evidence that supports your claim.

How long does a personal injury case last?

Personal injury cases are often complicated, time consuming proceedings. Depending on the circumstances, a personal injury case can take anywhere from several months to a few years to be resolved. Usually, the quicker you settle, the less money you’re likely to receive.

Do all personal injury claims go to trial?

No. In fact, the vast majority of personal injury claims are settled before going to trial. Due to the legal costs and unpredictability of a jury award amount, the at-fault party’s insurance company is usually eager to settle a case instead of going to trial.

Why should I consider Dinsmore & Sandelmann to represent me in my personal injury case?

Our Manhattan Beach accident attorneys are dedicated to obtaining financial compensation for people who have been seriously hurt in a wide range of accidents caused by the negligence of others. We’re tested trial lawyers who bring considerable skill, resolve and perception to the table. Our reputation as personal injury lawyers has been earned through hard work and proven results.

We have the legal skills and resources to take on the biggest insurance companies. Our lawyers have exceptional experience and skill in gathering the evidence that will be crucial to proving your claim. We will effectively negotiate on your behalf with the insurance companies and, if necessary, take your case to court.

How much will it cost to meet with Dinsmore & Sandelmann about a personal injury claim?

We offer a free initial consultation to all personal injury clients. We will discuss your case, answer any questions you may have, and provide professional legal advice on the best way to proceed with your claim.

How much do you charge for your services?

At Dinsmore & Sandelmann, we handle personal injury cases on a contingency basis. That means that if we decide to accept your case, there are no up-front costs for you — our fee is a percentage of the compensation we obtain in your case. If we don’t win your case, you owe us nothing.

Have more questions? Call us today!

Have some questions about your particular case? Call the law offices of Dinsmore & Sandelmann and schedule a consultation with one of our esteemed Manhattan Beach personal injury lawyers. We are eager to hear your story, answer all legal questions you may have, and advise you on the best way to proceed in your situation. There is no charge for this meeting. Weekend and after hours consultations are available, and if you are too injured to make it into our offices, then we can arrange to meet in your home or hospital room.