Personal Injury Law

At Tan Ngo Law, we are dedicated to delivering expert counsel and steadfast representation to those navigating difficult legal situations. Our experienced team specializes in overcoming complex legal obstacles, fighting tirelessly to secure the justice and favorable outcomes you deserve.

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Personal Injury Law - Areas of Expertise

Here are some of the most common types of civil cases:
Personal injury claims

Accidents can disrupt your entire life. We work tirelessly to handle the legal burden so you can focus on healing and getting back to normal.

Medical malpractice

You trusted them with your health. When that trust is broken by an error, we fight to get you the answers and accountability you deserve.

Employment disputes

Facing unfair treatment at work is isolating. We stand by your side to ensure your voice is heard and your workplace rights are fully respected.

Breach of contract

A broken promise can damage your business or personal finances. We are dedicated to upholding the deal you signed and protecting your interests.

The Basics

What Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Do?

  • Investigates claims and gathers evidence
  • Calculates total damages and future losses
  • Handles all insurance communication
  • Negotiates for maximum settlements
  • Advocates for you in court

A personal injury attorney manages the entire legal burden of your accident, from filing paperwork to fighting insurance adjusters, so you can focus 100% on your physical recovery.

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What Kind of Compensation Can We Recover?

From hospital bills to long-term injuries, we fight to get you the compensation needed to cover your physical recovery.

Facing unemployment is overwhelming, but you aren't alone. We understand the challenges of losing a job and are here to protect your rights.

Missing work shouldn’t ruin your finances. We help individuals and families recover the wages they were unable to earn during their recovery.

When your vehicle or personal property is damaged, the cost adds up. We help you secure the value of your property so you can repair or replace what was lost.

Physical injuries often limit long-term career potential. We fight for compensation to cover the gap in your ability to earn a living moving forward.

Not all damage is financial. Our compassionate team pursues justice for the emotional distress and moral injury toll taken on you and your family.

When unforeseen circumstances lead to lost wages, the financial impact can be daunting. At our law firm, we specialize in helping individuals and families recover the compensation they deserve.

We recognize the significance of non-material or moral damage and the toll it can take on individuals and families. Our compassionate legal team is dedicated to helping you seek justice for the emotional harm you've experienced.

Personal Injury Law - Frequently Asked Questions

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Statutes of limitations and legal rights can vary based on specific facts and circumstances. You should not rely on this information without consulting a qualified attorney about your particular situation.
How hard is it to win a personal injury lawsuit?

The honest answer: winning at trial is hard—but most cases never get there.

The vast majority of personal injury claims (often cited around 90–95%) resolve through settlement before a jury ever hears the case. In practice, “winning” usually means securing a fair settlement, not a courtroom verdict.

Whether a case settles favorably depends on two things more than anything else:

  1. The strength of the evidence, and
  2. How clearly fault can be established

Insurance companies do not pay based on sympathy. They pay based on risk. The stronger your proof and the more credible the threat of trial, the better the outcome.

What is the role of a personal injury attorney?

A personal injury attorney’s job is not just paperwork—it’s leverage.

Your lawyer acts as your advocate and strategist by:

  • Investigating the incident and preserving evidence early
  • Proving liability through documents, witnesses, and experts
  • Calculating the true value of your damages, including future medical care and lost earning capacity
  • Managing deadlines, filings, and procedural traps
  • Negotiating directly with insurance companies whose goal is to pay as little as possible

If a fair settlement cannot be reached, a competent attorney must be prepared to file suit and take the case through litigation. Insurance companies adjust their behavior dramatically depending on whether they believe the lawyer on the other side is willing—and able—to go to trial.

What percentage do most personal injury lawyers take?

Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they are paid only if there is a recovery.

In California, the typical structure is:

  • 33⅓% (one-third) if the case resolves before a lawsuit is filed
  • 40% if litigation is required or the case proceeds toward trial

This increase reflects the additional time, cost, and risk involved once a lawsuit is filed. The exact percentages should always be clearly stated in a written fee agreement before representation begins.

What is defined as a personal injury?

In legal terms, a personal injury is harm to a person’s body, mind, or emotional well-being, as opposed to damage to property.

Personal injury law (a branch of tort law) allows an injured person to seek compensation when that harm is caused by another party’s:

  • Negligence
  • Recklessness
  • Intentional misconduct

Common examples include car accidents, slip-and-fall injuries, defective products, dog bites, and certain workplace incidents. At the core of every personal injury claim is the same question: Did the other party owe a duty of care, and did they fail to meet it?

What evidence do I need for a personal injury Claim?

Strong cases are built, not assumed.

Key evidence typically includes:

  • Accident documentation, such as police reports or incident reports
  • Photographs or video of the scene, vehicles, or hazards
  • Medical records linking the injury directly to the incident
  • Witness statements or contact information
  • Proof of financial loss, including lost wages and out-of-pocket expenses

Medical records are especially important. They not only document the injury but also establish timing, causation, and severity—three issues insurers routinely challenge.

How much do most personal injury cases settle for?

There is no meaningful “average” settlement.

Case values vary widely depending on:

  • Severity and permanence of the injury
  • Amount of medical treatment required
  • Lost income or diminished earning capacity
  • Available insurance limits
  • Strength of liability

Minor injury cases may resolve for a few thousand dollars. More serious cases involving long-term or permanent injuries frequently resolve for $75,000 or far more. Many moderate injury cases fall somewhere in the $20,000–$50,000 range, but every case turns on its specific facts.

How much of a $25,000 settlement will I actually receive?

Settlement value and take-home recovery are not the same thing.

From a $25,000 settlement:

  • Approximately $8,333 may go to attorney fees (33⅓%)
  • Medical liens or outstanding bills must be paid
  • Case costs (records, filing fees, etc.) may be reimbursed

Depending on medical bills and liens, a client might net somewhere between $8,000 and $12,000. A good attorney will also attempt to negotiate medical liens downward to maximize the client’s recovery.

Who pays legal fees in a personal injury case?

Under a contingency arrangement:

  • Legal fees are paid from the settlement or verdict
  • If there is no recovery, attorney fees are generally not owed

Depending on the contract, case costs may or may not be the client’s responsibility if the case is unsuccessful—this should be clarified in advance.

On the defense side, the at-fault party’s legal fees are usually paid by their insurance carrier. Fee-shifting (where the losing party pays the winner’s legal fees) is rare in personal injury cases.

What is the most common personal injury claim?

Motor vehicle accidents—car, truck, and motorcycle collisions—are by far the most common personal injury claims.

Other frequent categories include:

  • Slip and fall (premises liability) cases
  • Workplace injuries (often handled through workers’ compensation)
  • Medical malpractice and product liability cases

While auto cases are common, complexity varies significantly depending on injuries, liability disputes, and insurance coverage.

Common mistakes that hurt injury claims

Some mistakes can significantly reduce—or destroy—the value of a claim:

  • Delaying medical treatment, which allows insurers to question causation
  • Posting on social media, even seemingly harmless photos
  • Settling too early, before the full extent of injuries is known
  • Admitting fault, even casually, at the scene

Insurance companies look for reasons to minimize payouts. Avoid giving them ammunition.

Bottom Line

Winning a personal injury case is not about luck. It’s about evidence, preparation, and leverage.

A well-documented case handled by a lawyer who understands how insurers evaluate risk will almost always fare better than one rushed, underdeveloped, or handled without strategy.

Reminder:
This content is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as legal advice. Every case is different. If you have questions about your rights or deadlines, consult a qualified attorney promptly.

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