Shahab, as a skilled trial lawyer who has devoted his practice to helping individuals who have been wrongfully injured and holding negligent individuals responsible for their actions, when did you decide to become a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer?
I decided to become a personal injury lawyer after witnessing firsthand the profound impact that legal representation can have on individuals. As a Deputy Public Defender, I represented clients who had been wrongfully accused of crimes, were overcharged by the prosecutor, or were guilty, but the prosecution sought excessive punishments. For me, these issues underscored the importance of diligent legal representation in safeguarding the rights of the marginalized and indigent. During this time, I also became acutely aware of the devastating effects of negligence outside the realm of criminal law. My decision to transition into personal injury law was fueled by a desire to continue serving as a steadfast advocate for justice while addressing the complex challenges faced by individuals who had been wrongfully injured.
By leveraging my legal expertise and passion for advocacy, I sought to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those grappling with the aftermath of traumatic accidents and unsure of what their rights were.
In tort law, the victim—the plaintiff—has suffered injury or loss due to someone else’s negligence. Torts are civil actions, not criminal ones, meaning the wrongdoer is charged financially. In which areas does Omega Law Group help accident victims file lawsuits aimed at securing financial compensation?
Omega Law Group provides comprehensive legal assistance to accident victims seeking financial compensation in various areas of personal injury law including auto accidents, rideshare accidents, bike accidents, motorcycle accidents, truck accidents, wrongful death, brain injuries, slip and falls, pedestrian accidents, bus accidents, scooter accidents, dog bites, drunk driving accidents, catastrophic injuries, and spine injuries.
What is a qualifying personal injury lawsuit in Los Angeles, and how do I know if I have a case?
In California, to qualify for a personal injury lawsuit, certain criteria must be met. These include establishing that the defendant owed a duty of care to the plaintiff, that this duty was breached through negligent or wrongful actions, that the breach directly caused the plaintiff’s injuries, and that measurable damages were incurred as a result. Additionally, California has a statute of limitations that sets a time limit within which a lawsuit must be filed, typically within two years of the date of the injury, unless it involves a governmental entity.
What should I do after suffering an accident or serious injury in Los Angeles?
After suffering an accident or serious injury, it’s important to do two things without delay, seek medical care for any injuries and gather as much evidence as you can. While at the scene, take photos of the vehicles, get contact information for witnesses, and make sure to exchange insurance and contact information with all involved parties. I also encourage everyone to contact a lawyer immediately, if for nothing else, to get educated on your rights and your options.
When it comes to personal injury cases, how can you determine their chances of success?
Determining the chances of success in personal injury cases involves a thorough evaluation of various factors, including the strength of evidence, extent of damages, liability, and the credibility of witnesses. Ultimately, a comprehensive analysis of these factors allows for an informed assessment of the case’s prospects and helps in devising effective legal strategies to maximize the chances of a favorable outcome.
The best personal injury lawyers in Los Angeles are experienced with California law, have a track record of success in negotiating settlements and are ready and able to win verdicts in court. As a top rated and skilled personal injury trial lawyer that has recovered millions of dollars in personal injury claims, are there any notable or standout cases you can discuss?
Very early in my practice, in fact one of the first clients I ever had the pleasure of representing, was a woman who had a relatively small claim. The property damage was minimal, and she had several gaps in her medical care, and had a bad history of substance abuse. At mediation, we attempted to settle her claim for $25,000 but the insurance adjuster refused to resolve the case for anything beyond “nuisance value.” We ended up in arbitration and, in the process of preparing her case, I spent hours and hours with her at her home talking about how her life had been impacted. Through the process of preparing her case for arbitration, I learned so much more about how the seemingly small collision had a huge impact on her life.
The arbitration award was over four times what the client was willing to take at mediation. It really opened my eyes to how important the human story is in what we do.
Personal injury law is a huge responsibility as lawyers often meet clients at their lowest point. The whole purpose of a personal injury claim is to restore an individual back to the position they would have been had the incident never occurred. How important is the lawyer-client relationship?
The lawyer-client relationship is the foundation for everything. Establishing trust, open communication, and empathy are essential in understanding a client’s needs, concerns, and goals. A strong relationship fosters collaboration, allowing us to tailor legal strategies to the client’s specific circumstances and priorities. Moreover, it provides emotional support to clients during what is often a challenging and stressful time, ensuring they feel heard, valued, and empowered throughout the legal process.
In 1998, when 46 states rallied together against America’s four largest tobacco companies (Philip Morris Inc., R. J. Reynolds, Brown & Williamson and Lorillard) to recover the costs of caring for lifelong smokers, the original participating manufacturers agreed to pay a minimum of $206 billion in settlement. What are the factors that affect the amount of compensation a victim receives in Los Angeles?
Several factors impact the amount of compensation a victim receives for a personal injury. These include the severity of the injuries sustained, the extent of medical expenses incurred, the degree of lost wages or income, the level of pain and suffering endured, any property damage involved, comparative fault if applicable, insurance policy limits, and the effectiveness of legal representation in negotiating a fair settlement or presenting a compelling case in court.
With an estimated 50,000+ personal injury lawyers & attorney’s businesses in the US as of 2023 what should you look for when searching for a personal injury attorney in Los Angeles?
While there are several important concerns, I think the most important thing a client should look for is if to feel comfortable and trusting of an attorney. Hiring a lawyer often feels like an arranged marriage. There will be ups, there will be downs, but if you feel comfortable and can trust the attorney working on your case, it’s very likely you will have a great outcome. Beyond that, it’s also crucial to consider factors such as the attorney’s experience, specialization in personal injury law, general reputation, and transparency about fees and outcomes. Evaluating these factors carefully can help ensure you find the right representation to advocate effectively for your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.
Shahab Mossavar-Rahmani
Omega Law Group, PC
8350 Wilshire Blvd., Third Floor
Beverly Hills, CA 90211
Published by: Lawyer Monthly – 1st May, 2024