Accidents happen every day in Los Angeles, from car crashes and medical malpractice to hard falls and defective product injuries. However, the lack of intent in these cases does not mean no one bears the blame. Accident victims have the right to compensation for their injuries, yet they’ll struggle to win their case without legal support.

At Dordick Law Corporation, our Los Angeles personal injury lawyers proudly represent accident victims and fight for their rights. We’ve stood up for our community’s injured for nearly 40 years while winning record-breaking settlements and trial verdicts for our clients. We know you’re struggling and will make the legal process as painless as possible while you heal. We offer free initial consultations and don’t charge any upfront fees to minimize your financial stress during this time. Call now or complete our contact form to learn more.

Los Angeles Office 1122 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90017 (310) 551-0949
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    What Is a Personal Injury Claim?

    A personal injury claim is a legal action you can take against someone if their carelessness injured you. These cases cover many situations, such as car accidents, slip-and-falls, or injuries from dangerous products.

    You can’t send someone to jail through a personal injury claim. However, you can demand that they compensate you for your injuries and other losses (like your lost income).

    To win a personal injury claim, you must show that the other party was negligent. That means demonstrating how they failed to take reasonable steps to prevent the incident. You must also prove that their actions (or failure to act) directly caused your injury. Finally, you must show that you suffered real losses – like medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering – because of the accident.

    Your legal team is vital in helping you recover compensation after an accident. They gather evidence, talk to witnesses, and work with experts to build your case. Your Los Angeles personal injury attorney can also explain the legal process, answer your questions, and document your losses.

    Why Choose Our Los Angeles Personal Injury Attorneys?

    Our firm brings over 35 years of experience to personal injury cases in Los Angeles. Founded in 1987 by Gary A. Dordick, we’ve grown from a solo practice into a legal powerhouse with more than 60 staff members and 18 attorneys.

    Firm founder Gary A. Dordick has personally tried over 150 jury trials and is renowned for securing landmark verdicts. Our notable results include a $2.25 billion verdict in Riverside County, believed to be the largest single-plaintiff personal injury verdict in history. Dordick’s dedication has earned him many honors, such as the Trial Lawyer of the Year award from the Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles.

    Finally, we take pride in our selective approach. We handle a limited number of severe injury cases to ensure each client receives personalized attention. Our team is committed to guiding clients through every step of the legal process with compassion. Read real experiences from those we’ve had the privilege to serve. If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, Dordick Law Corporation stands ready to fight for you.

    Steps in a Los Angeles Personal Injury Claim

    Most Los Angeles personal injury cases follow a similar legal process:

    • Evaluating Your Case – Your personal injury claim begins when you talk to a lawyer about your situation. The attorney will review the facts, accident reports, and other available evidence to decide if you have a valid claim.
    • Investigating and Gathering Evidence– If your lawyer decides you have a valid case, the next step is for them and their team to collect evidence. They’ll gather your medical records, interview witnesses, take photos of the scene, and consult expert witnesses.
    • Establishing Liability – Based on their initial investigation, your attorney will identify the at-fault party and build a case showing how they caused the accident.
    • Calculating Your Losses – The next step is for your lawyer to calculate the harm you’ve suffered, both economic and non-economic. Your attorney will review your medical bills, financial documents, and other evidence to get a complete picture of your losses.
    • Filing a Claim – After calculating your losses, your lawyer will send a demand letter to the at-fault party or their insurer. This letter outlines your losses, the compensation you’re demanding, and why the at-fault party is liable.
    • Negotiating a Settlement – The demand letter serves as the starting point for settlement negotiations. Your lawyer will negotiate on your behalf for maximum compensation and push back against any attempts to minimize your losses. Many personal injury claims conclude at this stage without a trial.
    • Filing a Lawsuit (if Necessary) – If negotiations fail, your attorney can file a lawsuit in civil court to pursue compensation through litigation. The threat of a trial often brings reluctant defendants (the person being sued) back to the bargaining table.
    • Going to Trial – A trial is only necessary if settlement negotiations fail. During the trial, a judge or jury decides fault and what compensation (if any) you receive.

    Personal Injury Cases We Handle

    Our firm has decades of personal injury experience and handles many types of cases. Some personal injury claims we take include:

    Compensation in Los Angeles Personal Injury Claims

    There are two main types of compensation (also called “damages”) you can receive in a personal injury claim. The first type is compensation for your economic losses. These are the direct costs you’ve incurred due to an accident. Some economic losses for which you can claim compensation include your lost wages, medical expenses, and damaged personal property.

    You can also recover compensation for your non-economic losses from an accident. These are the intangible but still real effects you’ve experienced due to your injuries. Eligible non-economic losses include your pain and suffering, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life.

    In some situations, you can seek additional compensation called “punitive damages” in a personal injury claim. Punitive damages are not based on your losses. Instead, they’re additional compensation you can receive to punish someone for particularly reckless conduct or intentional wrongdoing. However, there are special rules for obtaining punitive damages, and they’re only available if you take your case to trial. Your attorney can evaluate your case to see if you qualify for punitive damages and whether they’re worth pursuing.

    Protecting Your Rights After an Accident in Los Angeles

    You want to give yourself the best possible chance of winning your case and maximizing your compensation in a personal injury claim. That means following the right steps and avoiding common mistakes. Here’s what to do:

    • Document Your Medical Care – Keep detailed records of every appointment, treatment, and diagnosis. Save copies of your medical bills, prescriptions, and discharge instructions. These records link your injuries directly to the accident and are key to proving your losses. Continue following your doctor’s orders, and don’t skip any appointments. Insurance companies may use any gaps in your care against you.
    • Request the Police or Incident Report – If the police responded to the scene, request a copy of their report. if there is no official report, contact the appropriate agency or property owner to document the incident. This report provides an official record of what happened and can help you prove fault later.
    • Gather Supporting Documents – Save any accident-related photos, emails, letters, or receipts. If there were witnesses, try to collect their names and contact information. Keep your pay stubs and employment records if your injuries affect your ability to work. These items help document your financial and personal losses.
    • Avoid Speaking with the Other Party’s Insurer – Insurance companies may ask for statements or pressure you to accept a quick settlement. Saying the wrong thing can hurt your case. Direct any communication to your attorney instead.
    • Speak with a Personal Injury Attorney – An attorney can guide you through the legal process, handle communication with the insurance companies, and protect your rights from start to finish. The sooner you involve an attorney, the better they can preserve key evidence.

    Frequently Asked Questions About Los Angeles Personal Injury Cases

    Personal injury claims involve complex rules and legal procedures. Here are the answers to some common questions we receive about these cases:

    How much does a personal injury lawyer cost?

    We don’t charge any upfront fees in personal injury cases. Instead, our fees come from a portion of whatever compensation you recover. This approach lets us provide representation to anyone who needs it, regardless of their resources.

    How long does a personal injury case take?

    That depends on the case. Simpler cases without complex liability questions may conclude within a few months. More detailed cases or claims involving catastrophic injuries may take a year or longer. The important thing is to be patient and let the process play out while your lawyer defends your rights.

    How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit?

    In most cases, you must file a personal injury lawsuit within two years of the accident. Missing this deadline means you will most likely lose your chance to recover compensation.

    Areas We Serve in LA

    Dordick Law Corporation is available to clients in Los Angeles and the nearby areas, including:

    • Westlake (90057)
    • Koreatown (90005)
    • Pico-Union (90006)
    • Boyle Heights (90033)
    • Echo Park (90026)
    • Silver Lake (90026)
    • Chinatown (90012)
    • Mid-City (90019)
    • University Park (90007)
    • Lincoln Heights (90031)

    Contact Our Los Angeles Personal Injury Lawyers Now

    The longer you wait to talk to a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer about your case, the greater your risk of missing out on the full compensation you deserve. Call the Downtown LA office of Dordick Law Corporation now at (310) 551-0949 or complete our contact form for a free consultation.

    Last Updated: August 1, 2025
    Testimonials
    I want to sincerely thank my attorney, Terry, and the entire team at Dordick Law for their incredible support and dedication. Although my case wasn’t a large one and the settlement was modest, they treated it with the same care and commitment as any major case. Terry’s time, effort, and compassion meant the world to me during a very challenging time. I’m especially grateful to my friend Jannette Cerda for referring me to Dordick Law and for being there every step of the way as my case manager. Her guidance and support made such a difference throughout the process. I’d also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Araceli Alvarez and Brittney Rodriguez, the legal assistants on my case, for their professionalism, kindness, and constant communication. Their attention to detail and willingness to help at every step did not go unnoticed. Thank you again to Terry, Mr. Dordick, Jannette, Araceli, Brittney, and the entire Dordick Law team for everything. Your work makes a real difference, and I’m so thankful for all you’ve done.
    — Nicole D.
    Terry Cole is an excellent attorney, and I greatly appreciated his advocacy, advice, and expertise throughout a difficult time in my life. I highly recommend Dordick Law.
    — Eugene C.
    Gary Dordick and his entire team are fantastic trial attorneys. They fight for their clients and change lives one case at a time.
    — Evynne F.
    After sustaining several injuries resulting in surgical procedures and ongoing pain from a commercial vehicle dragging my car, I am grateful I was referred to Dordick Law Firm. My first meeting with Dorick Law was with the founder of the firm, Gary Dordick. My initial and lasting impression of Gary Dordick was that he listened, genuinely cared about what I had endured since my accident, and wanted to help me. My case was assigned to Attorney Nicholas Myers and an outstanding team that worked not only to secure a settlement for my case but to ensure I received the medical treatment I needed to improve the quality of my life. Nicholas was responsive, compassionate, and determined to end my case with a settlement to support my long-term needs due to the injuries I had sustained. Nicolas Myers, Maricruz, Ali, Cristina, and the entire team at Dordick Law are indeed the voice and advocate for their client. A sincere thank you to each of you.
    — Bonnie T.
    The Dordick Law team settled an injury case for us over the course of 3.5 years. They worked hard for us and really cared about making the process as painless as possible, honoring the sensitivity of our injuries. They succeeded in getting us a fair settlement WITHOUT having to go to trial. We will always be thankful to them and their large team. Cant recommend them enough!
    — Andrea F.
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    Dordick Law Corporation is committed to answering your questions about Motorcycle Collisions, Car/Truck Accidents, Wrongful Termination, Dog Bites, Sexual Harassment/Rape, Construction Injuries, Product Defects, Medical Malpractice, Trip/Slip and Fall, Food Poisoning, Negligent Security, Chemical Exposure, Birth Injuries, and Pedestrian Accidents legal issues in California.

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    Los Angeles, CA 90017
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