No Fee Promise

Our personal injury law firm never charges any upfront fees of any kind. We work on a contingency fee basis. That means unless we win your case, we don’t get paid. If we are unable to get you compensation – we don’t charge any fee at all. We advance all of the fees associated with your case. We do this because we want you to know we’re invested in your recovery. We don’t look at you as a client – we look at you as a partner. We’re in this with you – as long as it takes. Our one, and only goal, is to get you the most compensation possible for your injuries. That’s why you’ll never get a bill for us, until we win your case. It’s our iron-clad promise to you. It’s also why we we’ll never take on a case, unless we truly believe we can help you win.

Concierge Service

We take on fewer clients, because we believe that each and every client deserves the best possible service. All of our clients have 24/7 access to their dedicated personal injury lawyer. We work harder than other firms – because we believe that each client should get the most amount of money possible. We don’t settle for less. We spend as much time as necessary to help build a clients case, and to negotiate the most amount of compensation possible. If we find the opposing insurance company is not negotiating in good faith – we go to court, and win, if needed. Our goal, as your personal injury lawyer – is to help you succeed in life – by getting the financial compensation you’re owed.

Don’t delay – otherwise you lose your right to file a claim

Personal injury claims must be filed within a certain amount of time. If you delay, then that time period may run out – and you may be unable to file a claim. If you are nearing the end of the timeframe, we encourage you to contact our law offices immediately. We can advise you on your rights, and if needed – file the injury claim based on the evidence, medical records, and other expert testimony that is available. We can advise you on how strong or weak your case is.

We have offices all over Southern California

The El Dabe Law Firm is extremely flexible. We don’t want you to feel like it’s a burden working with our lawyers. Often, we come to our clients. Because of their injuries, they might be feeling unwell and cannot travel. We come to them, at their place of work, their home, or even the hospital. Our only goal is to help you heal and recover. We also have offices all over Southern California. That way, regardless of where you’re located, we can help you. We encourage you to visit one of our offices, or we can come to you.

Use a personal injury attorney – don’t do it on your own

We typically recommend hiring a lawyer to handle your case. ABC News once reported that the AllState Insurance Company circulated internal documents which said that an injured person with an attorney, received 3x more money than someone who didn’t use an attorney. This should tell you that it’s better to hire an attorney. When you hire an attorney, you hire someone who has a deep understanding of the law – and can help you in more ways than one. For example, the personal injury attorney might be able to find numerous responsible parties – and thus, sue all of them on your behalf in order to increase the compensation you get. Remember, most lawyers work on a contingency fee basis – that means they don’t win, unless you win. It makes total sense to arm yourself with an expert who can help you get more money.

If you’re involved in a personal injury law suit, you may be entitled to compensation for a wide array of different things. Your final settlement’s value is based on these types of damages. There are two main types of damages that are available: compensatory and punitive. These damages are paid to the plaintiff’s insurance company. Below are some of the more typical types of damages we see.

Medical Expenses

This is common to many cases. If you’re a victim, you’re entitled to compensation for all of the medical care associated with your accident. You can get compensation for expenses already paid, or future expenses. If you have a disability, or need long term treatment, then it’s important you get all of your future medical expenses covered in your personal injury settlement/verdict. Often, compensation for future medical expenses can dwarf any other compensation you may get.

Lost Wages

Many victims often are unable to work, while getting treatment. In the event your injury is very severe – it may hinder your future work capacity. Our attorneys can help you get compensated for lost time from work. If you have a reduced work capacity, then our lawyers can help you get compensation for what your future estimated income potential would have been.

Property Damages

If any property was lost, damaged, or destroyed, as a result of your personal injury – then we can help you get compensation. Property damages are more straightforward, since it’s easier to recoup and estimate the value of the damaged property.

Pain and Suffering

Most personal injury victims get compensated for the emotional, psychological, mental, pain and suffering they endured as a result of their accident. This is typically in addition to the property damages, medical expenses, lost wages, and other compensation you may receive.

Loss of Consortium

This is less common form of compensation. Plaintiffs have to prove that their accident, or injury, resulted in a negative impact on their relationship with their spouse/partner. If you are unable to maintain a normal sexual relationship, or are unable to maintain a healthy emotional relationship – this could be grounds for loss of consortium damages. The damages for loss of consortium go directly to the affected spouse, or family member, rather than the plaintiff.

Punitive Damages

This form of damages is given above, and beyond, any compensatory damages. They are only given, in cases where serious injury has occurred – or where the defendant was so negligent, that the judge wants to set an example. The judge does this by adding additional financial penalties, in order to make a “point.”  These are hard to quantify, and fall squarely on the judge. Judges use them as a deferent.

Don’t wait until injuries get worse

Many people think that their injuries are minor, and don’t need medical attention. That might be true. But you don’t know – until you get medical attention. Often, many victims inadvertently harm their future personal injury claim by delaying treatment. It’s crucial to get treatment as quickly as possible. Many injuries, if not treated quickly, can become worse and cause serious pain later on. If you delay getting treatment, it’s common for the other insurance company to deny your claim – saying you delayed treatment. What they mean to say – is that your injuries happened from something after the accident. They don’t believe you. That’s why it’s crucial you get medical attention and treatment immediately after the accident. Any lawyer will tell you this. It creates a documented track record of your injuries – and it’s something that the injury attorney you hire – will expect. Not having this lowers your chance of getting the full compensation you rightfully deserve.

We can help you determine the value of your claim

Understanding the value of your claim is an important question. During your initial consultation with one of our lawyers, we can help clarify what your personal injury claim might be worth. There’s not exact way of predicting it, but we can tell you the general things judges/insurance companies given compensation for. For example, you can get compensation for past/future medical bills, lost wages (past and future), loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering – and in some cases, if you go to trial – punitive damages. There’s no real blueprint on what a case’s value is worth. Some cases which could be worth a lot – end up being worth nothing, because the client didn’t follow the suggested medical treatment plan. As a result, the insurance company didn’t believe the client was truly hurt. Based on our experience, we may be able to estimate the value of your case once we gather you medical records, witness statements and other evidence – which will improve, or worsen, your case. Typically, the severity of your injuries, your degree of fault, your employment history and ability to work, in addition to your life expectancy, are all factors which can result in a higher than expected settlement/verdict.

Our personal injury lawyers can help you get compensation

When you’re in an accident, you’re hurt, you’re confused, and you don’t know what to do. One of the best decisions you can make is speaking to a lawyer. Our firm has the experience, resources, and ability to help victims of all accidents. Our lawyers can help you win compensation from the responsible party. We have years of experience and ten’s of millions in verdicts and settlements. We have a history of handling tough cases, and going to trial if needed. We handle all types of injury matters, regardless of how the accident happen. Above all, our lawyers have a track record of winning. We have a long history of getting compensation for our clients – which should be important to you, if you’re going to work with us. We have investigators, and evidence experts, who can help us reconstruct the scene of the accident – in order to prove you’re not at fault – whether it be to the opposing insurance company, or the judge and jury. We’re 100% committed to our clients. From the minute you call our office, you speak to one of our trial attorneys who want to meet you, and learn more about your case. Our lawyers can meet you at any hour of day, at any of our offices.

When most people become victims of car accidents, the first thing they think about is whether they need a lawyer. While it’s possible to get compensation without hiring a personal injury lawyer – it’s not a great idea. Many people mistakenly believe they can’t afford a lawyer. Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. That means they don’t collect any money upfront. They only get paid if they are able to get compensation on behalf of the victim. In exchange for this, the lawyer takes a % of the final proceeds as payment.

Often, we find people who try to negotiate directly with an insurance company get paid less than those with representation. The thing to remember is that insurance companies make money – by making the lowest payout possible. Many victims often sustain lifelong injuries. Some victims incur serious damages, like spine problems, joint damage, and even brain damage. Some have permanent disabilities and can never work. When this happens, the victim loses his/her income and has to live on measly disability checks.

In addition, with rising medical costs – it’s crucial you ensure that not only current expenses – but future medical expenses as well be covered. It’s likely that if you work with a personal injury attorney, you’ll be able to secure a much higher final verdict/settlement.

Is A Personal Injury Settlement Taxed?

Personal injury litigation can take months, or years, before it concludes. After you pay the medical liens and legal fees, the plaintiff ends up with a lump sum, or a structured settlement. The next big question you probably have, is “will my settlement be taxed.” The answer is yes, and sometimes – no. It all depends on what the settlement money is for.

What part isn’t taxed

Any settlement which is for compensation for a physical injury, or illness, is not taxed. On-going medical costs, past+future lost wages, and compensation for mental anguish – can be included in the untaxed component of your settlement – so long as it was the result of a physical condition.

What part is taxed?

It’s always good to speak to a personal injury law firm to get the answer, since each case is different. If a settlement is compensation for the effect of a mental condition – not related to a physical injury, then it will be taxed. In large mass tort cases, the time between filing and the final verdict can be years. In cases like this, it’s common for the interest that’s accrued to be awarded to the plaintiff. The base compensation may not be taxed, but the interest on this settlement can be taxed.

If you have received proceeds from a settlement that may qualify to be taxed, then it’s important you realize that the funds will be taxed as capital gains – not income.