Accidents can shake up your life in ways you never expected. From mounting medical bills to the struggle of recovering from injuries, the aftermath of an accident can leave you overwhelmed. However, if your injuries result from someone else’s actions, you deserve compensation that helps you rebuild. To secure this compensation under California law, you must prove fault—demonstrating that another party’s actions directly caused the harm you’ve suffered.
Understanding the role of fault in personal injury cases is key to setting realistic expectations and building a strong case. Below, our attorneys at the Law Office of Scott Righthand, P.C., break down what fault is, its importance in personal injury claims and how the right legal representation can help prove it.
Fault in personal injury law refers to responsibility for causing an accident. It determines who is legally responsible for the injuries or damages.
California uses a “pure comparative fault” system, meaning you can still recover damages even if you’re partially at fault. However, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if someone ran a red light but you were speeding, a court might find you 20% at fault, reducing your award by that percentage.
Fault may result from negligence, strict liability or a breach of duty of care.
Fault is the foundation of any personal injury case. To receive financial compensation for injuries such as medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, you must demonstrate that another party’s actions led to the harm you experienced.
Here’s how fault shapes the outcome of a case:
The process of proving fault in a personal injury case can be complex. It requires thorough investigation, strong evidence, and legal insight. That’s where an experienced attorney can make all the difference:
Fault is a critical element in any personal injury case, and proving it is often the difference between fair compensation and an unjust outcome. Whether you’ve been hurt in a car accident, through medical negligence, or by a dangerous product, the Law Office of Scott Righthand, P.C., is here to help. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.