One moment of negligence can change your life forever. In the blink of an eye, you go from your normal routine to a chaos of physical pain, mounting medical bills, and uncertainty about your future.
While you are trying to recover, the insurance company is already working against you. Their adjusters are trained to minimize your payout. They will call you pretending to be helpful, hoping you say something on a recorded line that ruins your case.
Do not face them alone.
At Haffner Lawyers, we are the shield between you and the insurance giants. We understand that this is not just a legal case; it is your life. Our job is to handle the legal battles, the paperwork, and the aggressive negotiations so you can focus on the only thing that matters: your recovery.
If you or a loved one has been injured in Los Angeles or anywhere in California, our personal injury attorneys are ready to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Why You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer (Not Just a Claim Number)
Many people assume they can handle a “simple” injury claim themselves. This is exactly what the insurance companies want. Without an attorney, you are fighting a billion-dollar corporation with one hand tied behind your back.
We Stop the Adjuster Harassment
Once you hire Haffner Lawyers at one of our office locations, the phone calls stop. The insurance company is legally required to communicate only through us. We prevent them from tricking you into accepting a lowball settlement or admitting fault.
We Calculate the True Cost of Your Injury
Most unrepresented victims only count their current medical bills. They forget about future surgeries, rehabilitation, lost earning capacity, and the lifetime cost of pain and suffering. We work with medical experts and life care planners to ensure every penny of your future needs is accounted for.
High-Stakes Representation, Zero Upfront Cost
We believe justice should not be reserved for the wealthy. Haffner Lawyers operates on a Contingency Fee basis.
- $0 Upfront Cost: You pay nothing to start your case.
- We Advance All Costs: We pay for the investigators, experts, and court filings.
- No Win, No Fee: We only get paid if we win your case. If you don’t get paid, we don’t get paid.
Personal Injury Cases We Handle in California
Personal injury law covers a wide spectrum of negligence. We have deep experience in the specific statutes and case law governing each of these areas.
Car Accidents
California roads are among the busiest in the world. Whether you were hit by a distracted driver, a drunk driver, or an uninsured motorist, we know how to prove liability and find every available insurance policy to cover your damages.
Truck Accidents
Crashes involving 18-wheelers and commercial vehicles are not just “big car accidents.” They involve complex federal regulations (FMCSA) and massive corporate defense teams. We know how to secure the “black box” data and driver logs before they disappear.
Motorcycle Accidents
Riders often face unfair bias from police and juries. We fight to correct the narrative, proving that the biker was not at fault and deserves full compensation for their often-severe injuries.
Premises Liability (Slip and Fall)
Property owners in California have a legal duty to keep their premises safe. If you slipped on a wet floor in a grocery store or tripped on uneven pavement, the property owner may be liable for your injuries.
Medical Malpractice
When a doctor, nurse, or hospital deviates from the standard of care, the results can be tragic. We navigate the complex MICRA laws to hold medical professionals accountable for surgical errors, misdiagnoses, and birth injuries.
Wrongful Death
There is no greater loss than the death of a loved one due to negligence. We help surviving families find justice and financial security, pursuing damages for funeral costs, lost future income, and loss of companionship.
Dog Bites & Animal Attacks
California is a “strict liability” state for dog bites. This means the owner is often responsible even if the dog has never bitten anyone before. We fight for children and adults scarred by dangerous animals.
Workplace Accidents (Third-Party Claims)
Workers’ Comp covers your wages, but it doesn’t pay for pain and suffering. If your injury was caused by a third party (like a negligent subcontractor or defective equipment manufacturer), we can file a personal injury lawsuit on top of your workers’ comp claim.
Product Liability
When a defective product causes harm—whether it’s a faulty airbag, a dangerous toy, or a toxic chemical—the manufacturer should be held accountable. We take on the big corporations that put profits over safety.
Rideshare Accidents (Uber/Lyft)
Rideshare cases are complex because they involve multiple insurance policies. We know how to navigate the “insurance gap” between the driver’s personal policy and Uber or Lyft’s corporate coverage.
Your Injury Is More Than Just a Medical Bill
At Haffner Lawyers, we specialize in catastrophic injury cases. We understand that severe injuries require a lifetime of care, and “average” settlements are not enough.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): From concussions to severe cognitive impairment, brain injuries can change a person’s personality and ability to work. We fight for the long-term support TBI victims need.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: If an accident has resulted in paralysis (paraplegia or quadriplegia), you need a settlement that covers home modifications, wheelchairs, and lifetime attendant care.
- Severe Burns: Burn injuries cause excruciating physical pain and permanent scarring. We seek compensation for the physical and psychological trauma of disfigurement.
- Orthopedic Injuries: Broken bones, torn ligaments, and joint damage often lead to arthritis years later. We ensure your settlement accounts for these future complications.
Understanding Damages: What Is Your Case Worth?
In California, the goal of a personal injury claim is to make the victim “whole.” While money cannot undo the accident, it provides the resources you need to rebuild your life.
Economic Damages (The Financial Costs)
These are the objective, calculable losses you have suffered:
- Medical Expenses: Past and future ER visits, surgeries, medication, and physical therapy.
- Lost Wages: Paychecks missed while recovering.
- Loss of Earning Capacity: If you can no longer perform your old job and must take a lower-paying position (or cannot work at all).
Non-Economic Damages (The Human Cost)
These are subjective damages that compensate you for the impact on your quality of life:
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical agony.
- Emotional Distress: Anxiety, depression, PTSD, and sleep disturbances.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: The inability to participate in hobbies, sports, or family activities you once loved.
Punitive Damages
In rare cases where the defendant’s actions were malicious or extremely reckless (such as drunk driving), the court may award punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer.
The Personal Injury Process: From Accident to Settlement
Navigating the California civil court system can be overwhelming. Here is how Haffner Lawyers manages the process for you:
1. Immediate Investigation
Evidence disappears quickly. We deploy investigators to photograph the scene, interview witnesses, and secure surveillance footage. We also ensure you are seeing the right medical specialists to document your injuries.
2. The Demand Package
Once your medical condition has stabilized (reached “Maximum Medical Improvement”), we send a comprehensive legal demand to the insurance company. This outlines the facts of the case, the extent of your liability, and the full value of your damages.
3. Negotiation and Litigation
We reject lowball offers. If the insurance company refuses to pay what is fair, we file a lawsuit. While many cases settle during mediation, we prepare every case as if it is going to trial. Insurance companies know which firms are afraid of court—and they know Haffner Lawyers is not one of them.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a claim in California?
For most personal injury cases, California has a strict Statute of Limitations of two years from the date of the injury (Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1). However, if your claim is against a government entity (like a city bus or public school), you may have as little as six months to file. Do not wait—calling us early protects your rights.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
You can still get paid. California follows a “Pure Comparative Negligence” rule. This means you can recover damages even if you were 99% at fault. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you have $100,000 in damages but were 20% at fault, you would receive $80,000. We fight to minimize your percentage of fault.
How much is my personal injury case worth?
No honest lawyer can give you a dollar amount over the phone. The value depends on the severity of your injuries, the insurance policy limits available, and the clarity of liability. We offer a free case evaluation to review the specific details of your situation and give you an honest assessment.
Will I have to go to court?
Most personal injury cases (over 90%) are resolved through settlements before a trial is necessary. However, sometimes a trial is the only way to get fair compensation. We will guide you through every step, ensuring you are prepared and confident.
Don't Let the Insurance Company Win. Call Us Today.
The clock is ticking on your claim. Every day you wait is a day the insurance company uses to build their defense against you.
Take control of your future. Contact Haffner Lawyers today for a confidential consultation. We will listen to your story, explain your options, and help you understand exactly what your claim is worth.
Call us now at (213) 212-6946 or fill out our online contact form to get started.
Seek Justice. Seek Haffner Lawyers.