The California personal injury attorneys at Shouse Law Group have helped plaintiffs recover millions of dollars in damages. Led by Harvard Law School graduate Neil Shouse, we can help you as well.
California law allows victims of wrongful acts to recover money for both physical and emotional injuries. This can include compensatory damages for out-of-pocket losses such as
- medical bills and lost wages,
- as well as “non-economic” damages such as pain and suffering.
Every case is different. That’s why we examine all the evidence to put together the most compelling case possible to present to the responsible party or insurance company or, when necessary, the jury.
If you or someone you know has been injured by someone else’s negligence, recklessness or intentional wrongful act, we invite you to call our experienced California personal injury lawyers. We offer free consultations and take no money unless and until we settle or win your case.
- 1. Types of California personal injury cases we handle
- 2. What personal injury damages can I recover in California?
- 3. Our case results
- 4. No upfront fees or costs
- 5. Can Shouse Law Group help me get medical care?
- 6. Frequently asked questions
For a comprehensive list of topics, please browse our A-Z personal injury library.
One common type of injury lawsuit is for construction/work site accidents
1. Types of California personal injury cases we handle
If you have been injured by another person or a company, our experienced California courtroom lawyers may be able to help you. Some of the types of cases we handle include:
- Bicycle accidents,
- Bus accidents,
- Catastrophic injuries (including spine and brain injuries),
- Construction accidents,
- Dog bites,
- Drowning accident lawsuits,
- Electric scooter injury lawsuits,
- Fitness center and gym accidents,
- Garage door injury lawsuit,
- Hernia mesh lawsuits,
- Horseback riding accidents,
- Medical malpractice,
- Motor vehicle accidents/collisions,
- Motorcycle accidents,
- Paragard IUD lawsuits,
- Pedestrian accidents,
- Philips CPAP lawsuits,
- Premises liability,
- Product Liability,
- Slip-and-fall accidents,
- Swimming pool injuries,
- Truck accidents,
- Valsartan lawsuits,
- Workplace injuries/workers compensation,
- Wrongful death, and
- Zantac lawsuits,
2. What personal injury damages can I recover in California?
California personal injury law permits recovery for many types of damages, including (without limitation):
- Medical bills,
- Long-term care,
- Physical or occupational therapy,
- Lost wages,
- Lost earning capacity,
- Pain and suffering,
- Scarring or disfigurement,
- Negligent infliction of emotional distress,
- Injury to reputation,
- Wrongful death, and
- Punitive damages.
Our attorneys will work diligently to get the compensation you deserve.
3. Our case results
Our recent achievements include a number of multi-million dollar settlements on behalf of our clients.
But whether you have been a small case or a large one, our lawyers and experts will review all the evidence and interview witnesses to make sure you get the most from insurance adjusters and opposing lawyers.
And unlike some firms, we are not afraid to take cases to trial in front of a jury.
Our practice is headed by California trial lawyers Neil Shouse and Michael Scaffidi. Together they have tried over 100 cases with an impressive success rate.
Neil Shouse is a Harvard Law School graduate who has been a litigator with some of the nation’s top law firms — including
- global law firm Sidley Austin LLP and
- a Deputy District Attorney with the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office.
Michael Scaffidi is a former police officer and Avvo 5-star rated lawyer who handles both civil and criminal/DUI matters throughout Southern California. Thanks to his background as a police sergeant and a private investigator, he is particularly skilled at handling cases involving such practice areas as
- catastrophic injuries,
- vehicle accidents,
- wrongful death and
- anything requiring the use of technical or medical experts.
Neil and Michael oversee a team of knowledgeable lawyers, investigators, medical professionals, paralegals, and legal assistants with years of experience and who will make sure that you and your case get the attention you need.
4. No upfront fees or costs
Unlike some firms, we charge clients no upfront costs or fees. We do not receive a dime unless and until you settle your claim or win at trial. Our legal team operates by contingency fee.
And while we will fight to get you the biggest settlement possible we will never pressure you to settle your claim quickly just to make a quick buck. With years of courtroom experience, we are not afraid to take a good case to trial in front of a jury.
If you have been injured in California and you think someone else might be to blame, we invite you to call us to discuss your case at no cost with a caring California personal injury attorney.
5. Can Shouse Law Group help me get medical care?
Our lawyers work with a network of caring doctors, chiropractors and therapists willing to provide medical treatment to our clients on a medical lien basis in California. That means that you owe them nothing for medical expenses – even for serious injuries – unless and until you settle or win your personal injury lawsuit.
But however you find your medical professionals, we will work closely with them to make sure your injuries are properly documented. This will help avoid delays and make sure you are fully and quickly compensated for ALL your losses.
6. Frequently asked questions
6.1. I was just in an accident. What do I do?
If you are injured in an auto accident or another incident, get medical help right away. Then call an attorney as soon as possible.
An attorney can take the case from there so you can concentrate on healing. An attorney can also connect you with medical providers that work on a lien basis.
If it was a car accident, the attorney can walk you through your legal obligations. These may include exchanging information with the other driver and filing an insurance claim.
If possible, document the accident. Take photos or videos of the injuries and the aftermath. And write down all your recollections. Evidence is crucial to maximizing your settlement.
6.2. How long do I have to sue?
Injury victims usually have two years after the injury to sue. But the statute of limitations can be longer. Or it can be shorter. It depends on the circumstances.
Injured people should seek legal counsel immediately to discuss their legal rights. This gives the attorney more time to gather evidence and prepare a strong case before the statute of limitations passes.
6.3. What do I need to prove to recover damages?
When a personal injury case goes to trial, the plaintiff usually has the burden to prove “by a preponderance of the evidence” that the defendant is liable. In other words, that it is more likely than not that the defendant is responsible for the plaintiff’s injuries.
Therefore, attorneys work to compile all the evidence available. This may include:
- Medical records
- Expert medical testimony
- Video surveillance footage
- Photographs
- Eyewitness testimony
- Accident reconstruction expert testimony
- Deposition testimony
- Written or recorded communications (emails, texts, phone calls)
If the plaintiff can produce enough evidence, the defendant’s attorney may be willing to settle without a trial.
6.4. Will my case settle or go to trial?
The vast majority of cases settle. That way, plaintiffs get some money and avoid a possible loss at trial.
But sometimes it makes sense to press for trial. And if successful, plaintiffs stand to recover hefty punitive damages.
An attorney can help plaintiffs decide whether a trial is worth the risks.
6.5. How long does it take to reach a settlement?
It depends on the case. Insurance defense law firms like to drag out negotiations since they get paid by the hour. But personal injury attorneys work as fast as we can to secure the largest settlement possible.
Some insurance defense firms try to make cases “go away” by proposing an offer upfront, but these offers are usually far less than what the victim is entitled to. Good personal injury attorneys never accept a subpar settlement just to get a case over with. So while we work as quickly as possible, we take as long as necessary to maximize our clients’ payday.
See our page on the average time it takes to settle a personal injury case.
6.6. Do I need an attorney?
It is highly recommended to have legal representation for your personal injury claim.
Insurance defense firms have one purpose: To pay victims nothing. Therefore, insurance defense firms want accident victims to have no lawyer. That way, they can take advantage of their lack of legal experience. They may try to win the case on a technicality that only an attorney knows how to fight.
Also, insurance defense firms bill by the hour. Therefore, they have nothing to lose by throwing constant procedural hurdles in victims’ ways.
But experienced personal injury attorneys are undaunted by these stalling and scare tactics. And insurance defense firms know this. So when plaintiffs are lawyered up, the other side is far more likely to agree to a large settlement and much more quickly.
Injured in California? Contact us for help…
Call our law offices for a free case evaluation on accident cases.
If you or a loved one has been injured by someone else’s wrongful actions in California, we invite you to contact our accident attorneys 24/7 for a free consultation and legal advice.
Call our personal injury law firm to discuss your case with a caring, knowledgeable lawyer. Or fill out the form on this page and a lawyer will contact you at a convenient time.
The clock is ticking on your right to sue, so don’t wait. Call us today to get the maximum compensation you need and the justice you deserve.
Our accident lawyers serve clients throughout the state of California, including Los Angeles, Orange County, Riverside, Fresno, San Francisco, San Diego, Ventura, Bakersfield, and more.
And if you have been injured in Nevada, contact the Nevada injury lawyers at the Las Vegas Defense Group.