According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2023, unintentional injuries ranked as the third leading cause of death in the United States, with 227,039 fatalities attributed to these tragic events. These injuries disproportionately impact the elderly, with poisonings, motor vehicle accidents, and falls among the most common causes of unintentional injury-related deaths. Beyond fatalities, millions suffer life-altering injuries each year, leading to financial hardship, emotional distress, and long-term medical care.
At OC Trial Group, our team of knowledgeable personal injury attorneys in Orange County is here to help. We understand the devastating impact that serious injuries and wrongful deaths have on individuals and families. Whether you or a loved one has been harmed due to someone else’s negligence, we are committed to providing compassionate guidance, aggressive advocacy, and unwavering support to pursue the justice and compensation you deserve.
Types of Personal Injury Cases We Handle
Personal injury cases come in many forms, but they all have one thing in common—someone else’s negligence caused harm. We represent clients in a wide range of claims, including:
- Car accidents – From rear-end collisions to multi-vehicle crashes, negligent drivers must be held accountable.
- Truck accidents – Commercial trucks can cause devastating injuries, and these cases often involve multiple liable parties.
- Motorcycle accidents – Riders face serious risks on the road, especially when drivers fail to watch for them.
- Slip and falls – Property owners have a duty to maintain safe conditions; when they don’t, injuries happen.
- Dog bites – California law holds pet owners responsible for attacks that cause injuries.
In addition to these personal injury cases, we also represent families in wrongful death claims when negligence results in the tragic loss of a loved one.
Personal Injury vs. Wrongful Death Claims
While both personal injury and wrongful death claims arise from negligence or wrongful actions, they serve distinct legal purposes.
A personal injury claim is filed by an individual who has suffered harm due to another party’s negligence. These cases include car accidents, slip and falls, and medical malpractice. Compensation may cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages related to recovery. A wrongful death claim is brought by surviving family members when negligence results in a fatality. Compensation may include funeral costs, loss of financial support, and emotional distress.
The key difference is who files the claim and the type of compensation sought. As personal injury attorneys in Orange County, we will guide you through your legal options and fight for the justice and financial recovery you deserve.
Statute of Limitations
In California, strict time limits apply when filing a personal injury or wrongful death claim. For personal injury cases, you generally have two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit. For wrongful death claims, you have two years from the date of death to take legal action. Failing to file on time can bar your claim, so contact us as soon as possible to protect your rights.
Understanding Comparative Negligence in California
California follows a pure comparative negligence rule, meaning you can still recover compensation even if you are partially at fault for your injury. However, your compensation will be reduced based on your percentage of fault.
For example, if you are found 30% at fault in a car accident and awarded $100,000, your compensation would be reduced to $70,000. Even if you are 99% at fault, you may still recover 1% of your damages.
Our team will fight to ensure fault is fairly assessed and that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Compensation for Your Injuries
If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, you have the right to seek compensation for your losses. A personal injury claim can help cover a range of damages, including:
- Medical expenses – Emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment.
- Lost wages – Compensation for income lost while recovering, as well as reduced earning capacity if you cannot return to work.
- Pain and suffering – Physical pain, emotional distress, and the impact of your injuries on your daily life.
- Property damage – Repairs or replacement of damaged personal property, such as a vehicle after a car accident.
- Punitive damages – In cases of extreme negligence or reckless conduct, additional damages may be awarded to punish the responsible party.
Insurance companies often try to limit payouts, but we won’t let them take advantage of you. We will fight to secure the full compensation you deserve.
The Role of Personal Injury Attorneys in Orange County
When negligence leads to serious injury or loss, having the right legal team on your side can make all the difference. At OC Trial Group, we are committed to providing unwavering support to individuals and families in Orange County facing the challenges of a personal injury or wrongful death claim.
We handle every aspect of your case—from gathering evidence and negotiating with insurance companies to aggressively pursuing justice in court if necessary. While you focus on recovery, we take on the legal complexities to ensure your rights are protected.
If you are dealing with the aftermath of an accident, you don’t have to face it alone. With extensive experience in personal injury claims, we are dedicated to securing fair and just resolutions. Our compassionate approach and relentless advocacy make us the trusted legal ally you can count on.
Contact Our Experienced Orange County Personal Injury Attorneys
If you or a loved one has suffered due to someone else’s negligence, OC Trial Group, APC is here to help. Don’t wait to seek the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us fight for your rights while you focus on healing.