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Irvine Personal Injury Lawyer

Are You in Need of a Personal Injury Attorney?

A catastrophic injury may cause astronomical medical bills and jeopardize your ability to earn a living. Without a lawyer advocating for you, it can be difficult to get a fair result because insurance companies may try to deny your claim, dispute your losses, or pressure you to accept less compensation than you may be entitled to receive.

Irvine personal injury attorney Chris Peterson handles personal injury cases for Peterson Law Group PC. If you or someone you love has suffered a serious injury in Orange County, we can help you understand your rights and pursue maximum compensation from those responsible.

You may want to contact a catastrophic injury lawyer if:

• Your injuries require extensive or ongoing medical treatment.
• You are unable to work or return to your previous occupation.
• Your injuries may result in permanent disabilities or limitations.
• You need long-term rehabilitation, therapy, or in-home care.
• Your injuries have significantly affected your independence or quality of life.
• The insurance company disputes your claim or minimizes the extent of your losses.

No Attorney Fees Unless We Win

A serious injury can affect your health, career, and financial future. Contact Peterson Law Group PC at (949) 955-0127 to learn more about your options.

Personal Injury Practice Areas We Handle

Serious personal injury claims can arise in many ways. The common denominator is that another person's or entity's negligence or wrongful conduct has caused substantial harm.

Auto Accidents

A serious car accident can result in traumatic brain injuries, spinal injuries, fractures, internal injuries, chronic pain, disability, and months or years of medical treatment. Peterson Law Group PC can investigate the collision, examine available evidence, deal with insurance companies, and pursue compensation for losses caused by a negligent driver or other responsible party.

We focus on significant injury claims where the consequences extend well beyond damage to the vehicle. Read our full guide to auto accident claims in Irvine.

Catastrophic Injury

Catastrophic injuries can permanently change how a person works, lives, and interacts with family. Depending on the circumstances, compensation may involve medical expenses, rehabilitation, future care, lost earnings, diminished earning capacity, pain and suffering, and other damages.

A meaningful evaluation must consider the long-term cost of the victim’s injuries.Read our full guide to catastrophic accident claims in Irvine.

Premises Liability

Premises liability cases can involve falls, unsafe walkways, inadequate maintenance, dangerous property conditions, and other hazards. Property owners, landlords, and other parties who are responsible for maintaining premises may face liability when dangerous conditions cause serious injuries. Landlord liability may arise when a landlord fails to address unsafe conditions on property they own.

These claims depend on evidence showing what dangerous condition existed, who owned or controlled the property, and what the landlord or another responsible party knew or reasonably should have known before the accident occurred.

Why Choose Peterson Law Group Over Other Personal Injury Lawyers in Irvine?

Choosing a personal injury lawyer is an important decision. Chris Peterson brings a straightforward approach to representing injured clients. He draws on years of legal experience when confronting difficult cases.

Chris can investigate how the accident happened, identify liable parties, evaluate the full extent of your injuries, and negotiate compensation with insurance companies. If the other side refuses to make a reasonable settlement offer, Chris is always prepared to take your case to trial.

Here’s what sets our firm apart:

• Recognized by Super Lawyers through a selection process that includes peer evaluations and independent research to identify attorneys who have demonstrated notable professional achievement.
• Named as a Top 40 Young Lawyers on the Rise by the National American Bar Association, recognizing professional accomplishments and contributions within the legal community.
• Serves on an Executive Committee of the Orange County Bar Association, demonstrating continued involvement and leadership within the local legal community.
• Serving clients since 2001: Peterson Law Group represents clients in personal injury cases with dedicated guidance through every stage of the process.
• We Provide Straightforward Representation: Chris is known for his direct approach, strong communication skills, and commitment to finding practical solutions to challenging legal matters.
• Prepared for Trial: Peterson Law Group prepares cases with the possibility of trial in mind, building a strong strategy and remaining ready to advocate for clients in the courtroom when necessary.

Types of Injuries Caused by Personal Injury Accidents

Personal injury accidents may cause devastating injuries. These injuries can require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing assistance while affecting a person’s ability to work and complete everyday activities.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when a sudden impact or force causes damage to the brain. These injuries can result from car crashes, falls, workplace accidents, and other serious incidents. Symptoms of TBI may include headaches, dizziness, memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and changes in mood or behavior.

TBIs may affect a person’s speech, mobility, cognitive abilities, and independence. A person with a serious TBI may require rehabilitation, ongoing medical care, and assistance with daily activities.

Back and Spinal Cord Injury

Back and spinal cord injuries can significantly affect a person’s mobility, comfort, and ability to perform everyday tasks. These injuries may include herniated discs, fractured vertebrae, nerve damage, or damage to the spinal cord itself. The long-term effects of a back or spinal cord injury can interfere with employment, family responsibilities, and overall independence.

A serious spinal cord injury may result in partial or complete paralysis. Depending on the location and severity of the damage, an injured person may experience chronic pain, loss of sensation, loss of mobility, and loss of bladder or bowel control.

Treatment may involve surgery, physical therapy, rehabilitation, medication, and other forms of ongoing medical care. Victims may require mobility equipment or modifications to their homes and vehicles.

Filing a Wrongful Death Claim in California

California law allows surviving family members file a wrongful death claim when another person's wrongful act or neglect causes a loved one’s death. This may include the victim’s spouse, domestic partner, children, and others.

Damages that may be available in a wrongful death claim include funeral and burial expenses, lost financial support, and compensation for the loss of the deceased person’s companionship, care, assistance, protection, affection, and moral support.

No Attorney Fee Unless We Win

Peterson Law Group PC handles personal injury matters on a contingency fee basis. You do not pay an upfront attorney fee; instead, the attorney fee is contingent on obtaining a recovery for you.

A contingency fee arrangement helps level the playing field by making experienced legal representation accessible to injured people who may not have substantial financial resources to pay an attorney upfront.

You Don’t Have to Face the Insurance Company Alone

An insurance company's offer may not reflect the full impact of your injuries and future losses. Call (949) 955-0127 before accepting a settlement.

What to Do After a Serious Accident in Irvine

The actions you take after an accident can affect both your health and a future personal injury claim.

1. Seek medical attention. Get appropriate medical care promptly, particularly after a significant impact or when you experience pain, confusion, dizziness, weakness, numbness, or other concerning symptoms.
2. Document the accident scene. If you can safely do so, preserve photographs or video of vehicles, property conditions, visible injuries, roadway conditions, and other evidence.
3. Collect available information. Obtain names, contact information, insurance information, and witness information when appropriate.
4. Preserve records. Keep medical documents, bills, accident reports, photographs, employment records related to missed work, and correspondence from insurance companies.
5. Do not rush into a settlement. An early offer may arrive before the long-term effects of an injury are known.
6. Contact a personal injury attorney. Obtaining legal advice before signing a release can help you understand what rights you may be giving up.

How Much Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Cost in California?

Most personal injury lawyers in California charge a contingency fee, meaning you pay no upfront fees, and the lawyer is paid only if they recover compensation for you. Instead of charging an hourly rate, the attorney receives an agreed-upon percentage of the amount recovered through a settlement or verdict.

Contingency fees commonly range from about 33% to 40% of the recovery, although the percentage may vary depending on the firm, the complexity of the case, and whether a lawsuit or trial becomes necessary. The fee arrangement should be explained in a written agreement before representation begins.

Clients should also ask how case-related costs, such as filing fees, medical records, depositions, and other litigation expenses, will be handled. These costs may be separate from attorney’s fees. A contingency arrangement allows an injured person to pursue a claim without paying hourly attorney’s fees while the case is underway.

What Clients Are Saying About Us

You are the best of the best! - J.H.

Our family appreciates what an amazing resource you are and the job you did for us. You are the best of the best!... I can’t say enough about Peterson Law Group and respect you as much as any company I have ever worked with.

I would recommend Chris to anyone- I.K.

Chris helped turn a stressful case into a great result. He was very professional and knowledgeable about all the complex details of the law and my case, and he fought hard for me. I would recommend Chris to anyone.

Frequently Asked Questions About Personal Injury Claims

Do I have a personal injury case?

You may have a personal injury case if another person, business, or entity acted negligently or wrongfully and caused you to suffer an injury and damages. A claim requires evidence connecting the negligent party's conduct to your injuries. A personal injury lawyer can review what happened and explain whether you may have a viable claim.

How much does a personal injury lawyer cost in California?

Personal injury attorneys commonly work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you do not pay an upfront attorney fee. Peterson Law Group PC handles personal injury cases on a no-attorney-fee-unless-we-win basis. The attorney receives an agreed-upon portion of the recovery if the case is successful. The specific fee arrangement and responsibility for case-related costs will be explained in your written agreement.

How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in California?

For many California personal injury lawsuits, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the injury under California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1. But exceptions and shorter deadlines can apply, particularly when a government entity is involved. Contacting an attorney right away can help protect your claim and ensure deadlines are identified.

What is my personal injury case worth?

The value of a personal injury case depends on factors including the severity and permanence of your injuries, medical expenses, future treatment, lost income, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, available insurance coverage, and the strength of the liability evidence. In a catastrophic injury case, accurately evaluating future medical and financial consequences can be especially important before settlement.

Do I need a lawyer if the insurance company already offered me a settlement?

An insurance company's settlement offer does not necessarily represent the full value of your claim. An early offer may come before you know whether you will require additional treatment or experience long-term limitations. Before signing a release, consider having an attorney evaluate the offer, your injuries, and your potential future losses because accepting a settlement generally ends the claim.

What compensation can I recover in a California personal injury case?

Depending on the circumstances, compensation may include medical expenses, future medical care, lost wages, diminished earning capacity, pain and suffering, and other legally recoverable damages. The compensation available in a particular case depends on the injuries, evidence, liability, insurance coverage, and other facts.

Serving Irvine and Orange County

Peterson Law Group PC represents people who have suffered serious and life-changing injuries throughout Irvine and Orange County, including Tustin, Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, Lake Forest, Orange, and surrounding communities. Our Irvine office at 19800 MacArthur Boulevard, Suite 290 provides a convenient local base for serving injured clients throughout the region.

Serious injury cases in Orange County may involve treatment at major regional hospitals and trauma centers, including UCI Medical Center, particularly when an accident results in traumatic brain injury, spinal cord damage, multiple fractures, internal injuries, or other catastrophic harm. When litigation becomes necessary, personal injury lawsuits arising in the area may be filed in the Superior Court of California, County of Orange, depending on jurisdiction and venue.

Speak With an Experienced Irvine Personal Injury Lawyer

When another party’s negligence causes an injury, you may have options for pursuing compensation for your losses.

Peterson Law Group PC is committed to helping seriously injured people pursue justice and hold negligent parties accountable for the harm they cause. Chris Peterson brings that commitment to every personal injury case, working to protect his clients’ rights and pursue the compensation they deserve.

To find out how we can help, call (949) 955-0127.

You won’t owe us anything unless we win your case!