How to Know if You Have a Strong Personal Injury Case?
If you've recently endured a personal injury in an accident—whether a car accident, slip and fall accident, dog bite, or other type of accident brought about by someone's negligence—you're likely asking yourself if you have a personal injury claim. Personal injury law under California law grants individuals injured the right to recover damages for their injuries, but all accidents don't necessarily qualify an individual to claim. At Noble Attorneys, we represent the victims of injury in Los Angeles, Glendale, and nearby communities to navigate their legal options and pursue justice.
Here’s what you need to know to determine if you have a strong personal injury case in California.
1. Was Someone Else Legally at Fault?
The foundation of any personal injury claim is negligence—meaning another party acted carelessly or failed to take reasonable action, causing your injury. You must be able to prove the following four elements:
Duty of care: The other person or entity owed you a legal duty (e.g., drivers must follow traffic laws).
Breach of duty: They failed to act reasonably or violated that duty.
Causation: Their actions directly caused your injury.
Damages: You suffered losses (medical expenses, lost wages, emotional distress, etc.).
If these elements apply to your situation, you may have a valid claim.
2. Common Types of Personal Injury Cases in California
Some of the most common personal injury claims we handle include:
Car accidents: Distracted driving, speeding, or DUI-related crashes.
Slip and falls: Unsafe conditions in stores, apartment complexes, or public spaces.
Workplace injuries: Especially if a third party (not your employer) was involved.
Dog bites: California holds owners strictly liable for dog attacks in most cases.
Wrongful death: If a loved one died due to another’s negligence, surviving family members may file a claim.
Every case is unique, which is why speaking with a qualified attorney is key.
3. Have You Suffered Actual Damages?
A successful personal injury claim must involve tangible or measurable damages. This includes:
Medical bills (current and future)
Lost income or reduced earning ability
Pain and suffering
Property damage
Emotional trauma
Even if your injuries seem minor at first, symptoms can worsen over time. That’s why it’s important to seek both medical attention and legal advice as soon as possible.
4. Time Limits: The Statute of Limitations in California
In most California personal injury cases, you have two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit. If the injury was not discovered immediately, you may have one year from the date of discovery. Missing this deadline can bar you from recovering any compensation.
Certain exceptions exist (e.g., cases against government entities require filing within 6 months), so don’t wait.
5. How Noble Attorneys Can Help
At Noble Attorneys, we offer free consultations to evaluate your case and explain your legal rights. We don’t charge upfront fees—we only get paid if we win your case. Our attorneys handle everything from insurance negotiations to trial litigation, allowing you to focus on healing while we fight for the compensation you deserve.
We proudly serve clients in English, Spanish, and Armenian, and are available 24/7 to answer your call.
