When you suffer a serious injury due to someone else’s negligence, the physical pain is only the beginning. Medical bills can add up, lost wages may mount, and your quality of life can change. Dordick Law Corporation represents injured residents throughout San Francisco who have been harmed in accidents and incidents caused by negligence. Our attorneys review the facts, identify potentially liable parties, and work to recover the compensation you deserve. We handle cases on a contingency fee basis, so you do not pay attorney’s fees unless there is a recovery. Contact Dordick Law Corporation today for a free consultation to discuss your case.
Why Choose Dordick Law Corporation for Your San Francisco Personal Injury Case
When you hire Dordick Law Corporation, you work with attorneys who understand both the legal and practical aspects of your case. Each matter receives careful attention and preparation.
We offer a free, confidential consultation to discuss your situation. During this meeting, we listen to your account of events, review available medical records, and provide an honest assessment of your potential claim. There is no obligation, and we never pressure clients into retaining our services.
Dordick Law Corporation represents personal injury clients on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no attorney’s fees unless we recover compensation for you through settlement or verdict. We advance the costs of investigation, expert witnesses, and litigation, and we recover these costs only if your case succeeds. This arrangement aligns our interests with yours.
We maintain direct relationships with our clients. You can communicate with your attorney about significant developments in your case. We work to keep you informed throughout the process, respond to your questions promptly, and pursue your claims with professionalism and dedication.
Types of Personal Injury Cases We Handle in San Francisco
Dordick Law Corporation handles a wide range of personal injury claims throughout San Francisco. Our experience includes:
- Car accidents, including drunk driving, rideshare accidents, and hit-and-run collisions.
- Motorcycle accidents.
- Bicycle accidents.
- Pedestrian accidents.
- Truck accidents.
- Premises liability cases, including slip and fall incidents and dog bite injuries.
- Medical malpractice.
- Wrongful death claims.
- Catastrophic injuries involving spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, severe burns, and amputations.
- Product liability claims.
Each case is evaluated on its own merits, with attention to how the injury occurred, who may bear responsibility, and what evidence is available to support your claim.
Understanding Personal Injury Claims in California
What Constitutes Negligence
Negligence occurs when someone fails to exercise reasonable care, resulting in injury to another person. California law defines negligence through four essential elements that must be proven in every personal injury case.
First, the defendant must owe you a duty of care. In most situations, people have a legal duty to act reasonably and avoid harming others. Second, the defendant must breach that duty by failing to act reasonably. Third, that breach must directly cause your injury. Fourth, you must suffer actual damages that can be measured in monetary terms.
For example, a driver has a duty to obey traffic laws and drive safely. If that driver runs a red light and hits your vehicle, they breach that duty. If you suffer injuries as a result, you have grounds for a negligence claim.
Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Cases
California law provides a two-year statute of limitations for most personal injury claims. This means you have two years from the date of your injury to file a lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to pursue compensation through the courts.
There are exceptions to this rule. For minors, the statute of limitations is tolled until they turn 18. For claims involving government entities, different deadlines apply, and those claims often require a pre-suit claim presentation within six months. Because missing a deadline can bar your claim, it is important to speak with an attorney as soon as reasonably possible after an injury.
How We Investigate and Build Your Case
The investigation process is structured to preserve and analyze key evidence. When possible, we promptly review the accident scene, documenting it with photographs and measurements before conditions change. We collect witness statements while recollections are fresh.
We obtain police reports, incident reports, medical records, and imaging studies to document your injuries. We review insurance policies to identify all potentially applicable coverage. Medical and other experts may be consulted to evaluate the nature and extent of your injuries and to provide opinions about prognosis and future needs.
By examining liability issues and identifying all parties who may share responsibility, we develop a comprehensive picture of your case before making demands or filing suit. This approach strengthens your position during settlement negotiations and prepares us for trial if necessary.
Damages You Can Recover in a Personal Injury Case
California law allows victims of personal injury to recover several categories of damages.
- Economic damages compensate you for quantifiable financial losses. These include past and future medical expenses related to treating your injury, lost wages from time away from work, rehabilitation costs, and expenses for ongoing care or medical equipment.
- Non-economic damages address the non-financial impact of your injury. These include pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and permanent scarring or disfigurement. While these damages are harder to measure, they often represent a significant portion of your recovery.
- Punitive damages may be awarded in cases involving particularly egregious conduct. These damages are designed to punish the defendant and deter similar conduct by others. However, punitive damages are only available in limited circumstances and require clear and convincing evidence of malice, oppression, or fraud.
Wrongful Death and Survival Actions
California law provides two separate claims when a personal injury results in death. A survival action compensates the decedent’s estate for losses the decedent suffered before death, including certain medical expenses and lost wages. A wrongful death action compensates surviving family members for losses they suffer after the death, including funeral and burial costs, loss of financial support, loss of companionship, and loss of parental guidance for minor children.
Medical Malpractice Damages
California’s Medical Injury Compensation Reform Act limits non-economic damages in medical malpractice cases. Economic damages such as medical expenses and lost wages remain uncapped. The firm works to maximize compensation within the applicable legal limits.
Available When You Need Help
Dordick Law Corporation understands that injuries do not happen during business hours. That is why the firm is available 24/7 to assist you. When you call, you can reach a team ready to discuss your situation and answer your questions.
We offer immediate case evaluation to help you understand your legal options. Our team responds quickly to client inquiries and works to schedule consultations at times that are convenient for you. We maintain a San Francisco office to serve the local community.
Whether you need to discuss your case late at night, on weekends, or during holidays, we are here to help. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can begin investigating your claim and protecting your rights.
Frequently Asked Questions About Personal Injury Cases
How much does it cost to hire a personal injury lawyer?
Dordick Law Corporation works on a contingency fee basis. You pay no upfront costs or hourly fees. We only collect a fee if we recover compensation for you through settlement or verdict. Our fee is typically a percentage of any recovery, and we discuss the specific terms with you before you retain our services.
How long does a personal injury case take?
The timeline varies based on case complexity. Simple cases with clear liability may settle within a few months. Complex cases involving multiple defendants or serious injuries may take one to three years or longer.
What if I am partially at fault for the accident?
California follows comparative negligence rules. You can recover damages even if you are partially at fault for the accident. However, your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are 20% at fault and your damages total $100,000, you would recover $80,000.
Do I need a lawyer for my personal injury case?
Legal representation is not required, but it can make a significant difference in how a claim is handled. Insurance companies use trained adjusters and defense strategies to reduce what they pay. An attorney can investigate, identify liable parties, and negotiate for fair compensation.
What should I do immediately after an injury?
Seek medical attention first, even if you feel fine. Document the scene with photos if possible. Collect witness contact information. Report the incident to relevant parties such as police, property owners, or business managers. Contact an attorney as soon as possible to preserve evidence and protect your rights.
What if the at-fault party does not have insurance?
You may have options through uninsured motorist coverage on your own auto policy, underinsured motorist coverage, or other sources. We review all available avenues for recovery and pursue compensation where possible.
Contact Dordick Law Corporation Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in San Francisco due to someone else’s negligence, do not face the insurance company alone. Contact Dordick Law Corporation for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney. We will evaluate your case, explain your rights, and discuss your options for recovery.
Call (310) 551-0949 or complete our online contact form to schedule your consultation. We are available 24/7 to assist you. We represent clients on a contingency fee basis, so you do not pay attorney’s fees unless we recover compensation for you. The statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of injury, so do not delay in reaching out. Review our case results to see examples of substantial recoveries we have achieved.
Related Posts
- What to Do After a Personal Injury in Los Angeles
- Comparative Negligence in California
- Pain and Suffering Compensation in California
- How Wrongful Death Claims Work in California
- What to Know About Pedestrian Accident Claims in Los Angeles
