DiJulio Law Group handles a range of personal injury and liability matters, including claims arising from accidents, negligence, premises liability, defective products, and related civil disputes. The firm focuses on the legal and litigation strategy needed to pursue or defend these claims in California courts.

In California, the general statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the injury. Different deadlines can apply in certain situations — for example, claims against government entities have much shorter notice requirements. Because missing a deadline can bar a claim entirely, it is important to consult an attorney promptly.

Negligence is the failure to exercise the level of care a reasonable person would use under similar circumstances. To prove negligence in California, a claimant generally must establish four elements: a duty of care, a breach of that duty, causation linking the breach to the injury, and actual damages resulting from the breach.

California follows a "pure comparative negligence" rule, which means an injured party can recover damages even if they were partially at fault — but their recovery is reduced by their percentage of responsibility. For example, a claimant found 20% at fault would have their damages reduced by 20%.

Recoverable damages can include economic damages (such as medical expenses, lost wages, and future care costs) and non-economic damages (such as pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life). In cases involving particularly egregious conduct, punitive damages may also be available.

Premises liability holds property owners and occupiers responsible for injuries caused by unsafe conditions on their property. To prevail, an injured person generally must show the owner knew or should have known about a dangerous condition and failed to address it or warn of it within a reasonable time.

Timelines vary widely depending on the complexity of the case, the severity of the injuries, the willingness of the parties to settle, and the court's schedule. Some claims settle within months, while contested matters that proceed toward trial can take one to two years or longer.

You should consult an attorney as soon as possible after an injury. Early involvement allows for prompt preservation of evidence, proper documentation of the injury and its effects, timely compliance with notice and filing deadlines, and informed decisions before dealing with insurers or opposing parties.

Far shorter than an ordinary injury claim. A claim against a California public entity generally must be presented to that entity within six months of the incident before a lawsuit may be filed, and missing that deadline usually bars the claim entirely regardless of its merits. Because ownership of a sidewalk, roadway, or facility is not always obvious, the responsible party should be identified immediately after an incident.