When Life Takes An Unexpected Turn, We’re Here To Help You Fight Back
An accident turns your world upside down, leaving you with injuries, medical bills, and a mountain of uncertainty. You’re not just dealing with physical pain; you’re grappling with stress, financial strain, and the overwhelming question: What happens now?
If you’re considering a personal injury lawsuit in Los Angeles, you’re likely feeling a mix of frustration, confusion, and even fear. That’s completely understandable. The legal process can seem like a maze, especially when you’re already dealing with so much. But here’s the good news: You don’t have to navigate this alone.
At First Law Group, we’ve spent the last 25 years helping clients like you, people who’ve been hurt through no fault of their own, find clarity, justice, and the compensation they deserve. We don’t just handle cases; we see you through them. From your first call to the final resolution, we’ll be by your side, fighting for your rights while you focus on healing.
In this article, we’ll walk you through what to expect in a personal injury lawsuit in Los Angeles, from the initial claim to potential outcomes. Our goal? To ease your worries, answer your questions, and help you take the next step with confidence.
When Does A Personal Injury Claim Turn Into A Lawsuit?
Most personal injury cases start as insurance claims, not lawsuits. After an accident, whether it’s a car crash, slip and fall, or dog bite, you (or your attorney) will typically file a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company. The hope? To reach a fair settlement without stepping into a courtroom.
But what if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair amount, or denies your claim altogether? That’s when a claim can escalate into a lawsuit.
When Filing A Lawsuit Becomes Necessary
A personal injury claim may turn into a lawsuit if:
- The insurance company denies liability, arguing their policyholder wasn’t at fault.
- The offered settlement is unreasonably low, failing to cover your medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering.
- The insurer acts in bad faith, delaying payments or refusing to negotiate fairly.
- The statute of limitations is approaching, and a lawsuit is needed to preserve your right to compensation.
Key Takeaway: Lawsuits aren’t the first step, they’re often the last resort when insurance companies fail to do the right thing. At First Law Group, we aggressively negotiate with insurers to avoid litigation when possible. But if they won’t budge? We’re ready to take them to court.
How Long Do Personal Injury Lawsuits Typically Take In LA County?
One of the first questions we hear from clients is: “How long will this take?” The answer? It depends. Every case is unique, but here’s a general timeline for personal injury lawsuits in Los Angeles County:
- Initial Investigation & Demand Letter | 1–3 months |
- Negotiations with Insurance | 2–6 months |
- Filing the Lawsuit | 1–2 months (if negotiations fail) |
- Discovery Phase | 6–12 months |
- Mediation or Settlement Talks | 3–6 months |
- Trial (if necessary) | 1–2 weeks (but scheduling can take 1–2 years) |
Factors That Can Speed Up Or Delay Your Case
- Severity of Injuries: Cases involving long-term or permanent injuries (like spinal cord damage or traumatic brain injuries) often take longer because we need to fully understand your future medical needs.
- Insurance Company Cooperation: If the insurer is willing to negotiate fairly, we may settle in months. If they drag their feet, it could take years.
- Court Backlogs: LA County courts are busy. Trials may be delayed due to scheduling conflicts or judicial availability.
- Your Recovery Timeline: We never rush a case if it means sacrificing your compensation. Your health comes first.
Our Promise to You: We’ll keep you informed every step of the way; no surprises, no unnecessary delays. While we can’t control the court’s schedule, we can control how hard we fight for you.
The Key Stages In A Personal Injury Lawsuit: What To Expect
Facing a lawsuit can feel overwhelming, but breaking it down into clear stages can help ease the stress. Here’s what your journey may look like with First Law Group by your side:
1. Initial Consultation & Case Evaluation
Before anything else, we listen. We’ll ask about:
- How the accident happened
- Your injuries and medical treatment
- How this has impacted your life (missed work, emotional distress, etc)
- Any communication you’ve had with insurance companies
Why This Matters: This isn’t just about legal strategy; it’s about understanding your story so we can fight for what you truly deserve.
2. Investigation & Gathering Evidence
We leave no stone unturned when building your case. This may include:
- Obtaining police reports, witness statements, and accident scene photos
- Collecting medical records and bills
- Consulting experts (like accident reconstruction specialists or medical professionals)
- Documenting lost wages and future earning potential
Our Approach: We don’t just gather evidence; we craft a compelling narrative that shows the full impact of your injuries.
3. Filing The Lawsuit (If Necessary)
If negotiations fail, we’ll file a complaint in the appropriate LA County court, officially starting the lawsuit. The defendant (usually the at-fault party’s insurance company) will then have 30 days to respond.
4. The Discovery Phase
This is where both sides exchange information. Expect:
- Depositions (sworn out-of-court testimony)
- Interrogatories (written questions)
- Requests for documents (medical records, employment history, etc.)
How We Help: We prepare you thoroughly for depositions and handle all legal paperwork so you don’t have to stress over the details.
5. Mediation & Settlement Negotiations
Before trial, most cases go through mediation, where a neutral third party helps both sides reach an agreement. Over 90% of personal injury cases settle before trial, but we never pressure you to accept a lowball offer.
6. Trial (If Needed)
If we can’t reach a fair settlement, we’ll take your case to trial. Here’s what to expect:
- Jury Selection (voir dire)
- Opening Statements (where we present your case)
- Witness Testimony & Evidence Presentation
- Closing Arguments
- Verdict
Our Trial Experience: With 25 years of litigation experience, Dean Hakkak isn’t afraid to take on insurance companies in court. We’ve secured millions for clients who were told to “just take the offer.”
7. Post-Trial & Appeals (If Applicable)
If we win at trial, the defendant may appeal. If we lose, we’ll explore legal options for overturning the decision.
Our Commitment: Even after a case closes, we’re still here. Text us, call us, we’re your lawyers for life.
How Are Damages Calculated In A Personal Injury Lawsuit?
One of the biggest concerns we hear is: “How much is my case worth?” The truth? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Damages in a personal injury lawsuit fall into three main categories:
1. Economic Damages (The Tangible Losses)
These are quantifiable costs directly tied to your injury, such as:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages (if you missed work or can’t return to your job)
- Property damage (e.g., vehicle repairs after a car accident)
- Out-of-pocket costs (transportation to medical appointments, home modifications, etc.)
How We Prove It: We gather bills, receipts, pay stubs, and expert testimony to ensure every dollar is accounted for.
2. Non-Economic Damages (The Intangible Losses)
These compensate for pain and suffering, including:
- Physical pain and discomfort
- Emotional distress (anxiety, depression, PTSD)
- Loss of enjoyment of life (can’t play with your kids, enjoy hobbies, etc.)
- Loss of consortium (impact on your relationship with a spouse)
How We Prove It: We use medical records, personal testimony, and psychological evaluations to paint a full picture of how your life has changed.
3. Punitive Damages (Rare but Possible)
In cases of extreme negligence or intentional harm (like a drunk driving accident), the court may award punitive damages to punish the at-fault party.
Key Takeaway: Insurance companies undervalue non-economic damages because they’re harder to quantify. We don’t. We fight to ensure every aspect of your suffering is compensated.
What Are The Potential Outcomes Of Filing A Lawsuit In LA County?
When you file a personal injury lawsuit in Los Angeles, there are three possible outcomes:
1. Settlement Before Trial (Most Common)
The majority of cases settle out of court. If we reach a fair agreement, you’ll receive compensation without the stress of a trial.
Pros: ✅ Faster resolution ✅ Less emotional strain ✅ Guaranteed compensation (no trial risk)
Cons: ❌ Settlement amounts may be lower than a trial verdict (but we never accept less than you deserve)
2. Trial Verdict in Your Favor
If your case goes to trial and the jury rules in your favor, you’ll receive compensation as awarded. In some cases, this amount can be higher than settlement offers.
Pros: ✅ Potential for greater compensation ✅ Justice served in a public forum.
Cons: ❌ Trials are time-consuming and emotionally taxing ❌ There’s always a risk of losing.
3. Unfavorable Verdict or Dismissal
While rare, it’s possible to lose at trial or have your case dismissed. If this happens, we’ll explore appeals or alternative legal strategies.
Our Strategy: We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial, even if we expect to settle. This strong negotiation position often leads to better offers from insurance companies.
Should You Settle Or Proceed To Trial? Key Factors To Consider
Deciding whether to accept a settlement or go to trial is one of the biggest choices you’ll face. Here’s what we consider when advising clients:
Factors Favoring Settlement
✔ You need money quickly (e.g., mounting medical bills)
✔ The offer covers all your losses (medical, lost wages, pain and suffering)
✔ You want to avoid the stress of a trial
Factors Favoring Trial
✔ The insurance company’s offer is unreasonably low
✔ Your case is strong with clear liability (e.g., drunk driver, clear negligence)
✔ You’re willing to wait for potentially higher compensation
Our Advice: We never make this decision for you, but we’ll give you honest, experienced guidance so you can choose with confidence.
Why Choose First Law Group For Your Personal Injury Lawsuit?
When you’re hurt and facing a legal battle, you need more than just a lawyer; you need a partner who truly cares. Here’s why clients trust Dean Hakkak and First Law Group:
✅ 25 Years of Experience – We’ve handled thousands of cases and know how to maximize compensation.
✅ We Litigate & Try Cases – Unlike firms that only settle, we’re ready to go to court if needed.
✅ Personalized Attention – You’re not just a case number. We text, call, and check in, even after your case closes.
✅ No Upfront Fees – You pay nothing unless we win.
✅ Multilingual Support – We serve Spanish-speaking clients with fluency and respect.
Our Promise: “We’ll do the worrying for you.” From finding the right medical care to negotiating with insurance companies, we handle the details so you can focus on healing and moving forward.
Take The First Step Toward Justice. Contact Us Today
You didn’t ask for this. You didn’t deserve it. But now that you’re here, you don’t have to face it alone.
At First Law Group, we fight for people like you every single day. Whether you’re dealing with mounting medical bills, lost wages, or the emotional toll of an accident, we’re here to listen, guide, and advocate for you.
Your next step is simple: 📞 Call us at (844) 471-1LAW for a FREE, no-obligation consultation. 💬 Text us, we respond quickly, even after hours. 🌐 Visit firstlg.com to learn more.
Time is limited. In California, you typically have just two years from the date of your injury to file a lawsuit. Don’t wait, reach out today.
