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What Does Contingency Fee Mean?

The word “contingent” means “conditioned. When this phrase is used in relation to personal injury matters, it typically means that the lawyer’s fee is conditioned on the outcome of the case. This is a common way that personal injury attorneys are paid. How Do Personal Injury Lawyers Get Paid? Many lawyers work on an…

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What Evidence Is Needed for a Successful Personal Injury Claim in California?

The evidence you need in a personal injury case will depend on the type of case and the evidence you need to overcome the defendant’s version of events. In a personal injury claim in California, the plaintiff (victim) has the burden of proving that the defendant was responsible for the accident and the resulting…

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Are There Damage Caps in California Accident Cases?

No, there are generally no damage caps in California personal injury cases. However, there is one notable exception for medical malpractice cases.  Keep reading to learn more about damages and damage caps in California personal injury cases. What Are Damages? Damages generally make up the losses that people suffer because of someone else’s actions….

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Are Punitive Damages Awarded in California Injury Cases?

Yes. Punitive damages are sometimes awarded in California injury cases, but they are limited by the law and don’t apply in every case. Recovering punitive damages is also more difficult than recovering other types of damages in California personal injury cases. Here is what you need to know about punitive damages in California. What…

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Will a Pre-Existing Condition Affect My Personal Injury Claim?

A pre-existing condition can affect a personal injury claim, but not usually to the extent that the insurance company may try to make it.  By understanding how pre-existing conditions can affect your personal injury claim, you can better anticipate and respond to challenges. A personal injury attorney can help. What Is a Pre-Existing Condition?…

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Do I Need a Lawyer for an Accident That Wasn’t My Fault?

Yes. You need a lawyer for an accident that wasn’t your fault so that the insurance company doesn’t take advantage of you, you aren’t unfairly blamed for the accident, and you have a legal advocate who can protect your right to compensation following an accident caused by someone else’s negligence. A knowledgeable personal injury…

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How Can I Get Compensation for an Injury After an Uber or Lyft Accident?

You can recover compensation after an Uber or Lyft accident by filing an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party. This can help you seek compensation for your property damage, medical expenses, and lost wages, among other losses. California’s Car Insurance Laws California is an at-fault state for car accidents, meaning…

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What Types of Damages Can Be Recovered in a Personal Injury Case?

Personal injury victims can generally pursue compensation for special damages and general damages. Together, these damages are called compensatory damages, which are designed to make a plaintiff whole after being injured due to the negligence of others, as explained by Civil Code §3333. If you have questions about the compensation you may be entitled…

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Are Personal Injury Settlements Taxable in California?

Personal injury settlements are generally not taxable in California, but there are some exceptions. Here are the details you need to know about the tax effect of personal injury settlements if you live in Carlsbad, CA. General Tax Treatment In most situations, personal injury settlements are not taxable because they are not considered income….

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How Are Pain and Suffering Damages Calculated in California?

Because pain and suffering damages do not have a direct financial value tied to them the same way that medical bills or property repairs do, they can be difficult to assign such a value to. Properly valuing these damages requires a Carlsbad personal injury attorney who understands what is included in this form of…

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