San Francisco Personal Injury Lawyer

Accidents happen. That is part of life. However, when we cause accidents, we must accept the consequences of those acts. These consequences often involve negligence or another legal claim for damages. While the actor may not have intended to harm the victim, they can still be held financially responsible for that harm.

At Bogaards Law, we use this same simple and straightforward approach in every claim we handle. We start by making sure that the victim obtains needed medical help. Nothing is more important than your well-being. Next, we gather evidence that supports your claim for damages. There is normally a direct relationship between the amount and quality of evidence the victim/plaintiff presents and the amount of compensation the jury awards. Finally, we stand up for your legal rights, both in court and at the negotiating table.

Types of Claims We Handle

Personal injuries come in many forms. A few of them are one-off accidents, but for the most part, negligence, or a lack of care, causes these injuries. At Bogaards Law, we handle a diverse array of personal injury claims, including:

• Car Accidents: Vehicle collisions are the leading cause of unintentional death and serious injury in the United States. Some car crashes involve negligence, which is a violation of a legal duty. Other claims involve negligence per se, which is a violation of a safety law.
• Bicycle Accidents:
• Slip and Falls: These incidents are especially hard on older adults. They are more likely to fall due to a loose handrail, wet spot on the floor, or other hazards. The injuries are usually more serious in these cases. These injuries often have lasting psychological consequences, as well. Many older fall victims are so afraid of falling again that they essentially become prisoners in their own homes.
• Dog Bites: Today, doctors better understand the nature of dog bite injuries, so they are able to more effectively treat both physical and emotional wounds, but these advanced treatments are not cheap. So, the average dog bite settlement amount has increased significantly since 2003.

At Bogaards Law, we also help swimming pool drowning victims and other types of negligence claims.

Damages Available in San Francisco County

In a nutshell, negligence victims are usually entitled to compensation for both their economic and noneconomic losses.

A serious injury, like a head injury, is incredibly expensive. The hospital bills alone might easily exceed $100,000. That figure does not include things like lost wages and property damage.

Personal injuries also result in significant intangible damages, such as pain and suffering, loss of consortium (companionship and contribution to household affairs), emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment in life. Money alone cannot possibly compensate for losses like these, but the damages awarded often help victims move on with their lives.

In some cases, particularly defective product, substantial punitive damages may be available, as well. These damages are warranted if there is clear and convincing evidence that the tortfeasor (negligent actor) was extremely reckless or ignored a known risk. Companies and doctors who place profits before people fall squarely into that category. The same can be said of tortfeasors like drunk drivers with very high BAC levels.

Reach Out to Compassionate Lawyers

Personal injuries often cause devastating personal losses. For a confidential consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney in San Francisco, contact Bogaards Law. We do not charge upfront legal fees in these matters.