FAQ

FAQ
- Why do I need a lawyer?
  
  Law is complex. To ensure that your legal rights are protected, it is imperative that you seek legal counsel from an experienced, knowledgeable attorney. At the Law Offices of Larry S. Buckley, our team of attorneys has the skill and resources necessary to litigate your claim. We provide clients throughout the state with the tools and aggressive representation needed to obtain just and fair compensation for their losses. To successfully litigate a claim, one must have a thorough and comprehensive understanding of law; attempting to represent yourself places you at a severe disadvantage against the defendant, who will almost certainly be represented by a professional.
- Can I file a claim?
  
  If you have been injured as a result of another party's negligence or have suffered an on-the-job injury, you may be eligible to file a personal injury or workers' compensation claim against the liable party or parties. In the event of an accident, any party liable for injuries can be held accountable for damages; if a worker is injured on the job while performing job-related duties, he or she can file a claim for compensation from the employer. If either of these situations applies to you, we encourage you to contact a Northern California attorney from our office via telephone or contact form on our website to arrange a free, no-obligation consultation.
- When should I file a claim?
  
  Statutes of limitations establish a set amount of time in which you are eligible to file a personal injury lawsuit; once this time expires, you may no longer pursue damages in a court of law. In most cases, this time window begins immediately. For this reason, we encourage individuals who are considering legal action or have questions regarding personal injury or workers' compensation litigation to seek legal counsel.
- To which damages am I entitled?
  
  In a personal injury case, you may be eligible to recover damages for medical expenses, present and future; loss of wages, present and future; property damage, if applicable; and pain and suffering. In some cases, it may also be possible to recover punitive damages, which are monies rewarded as a means of punishing the defendant for his or her gross negligence. As each case is unique, the damages that you may be eligible to recover will be determined during your free consultation.
- Who can be held liable?
  
  It may be possible to bring suit against more than one party in your personal injury case. Alternatively, it may be possible to file suit against a government or commercial body, such as in a premises or product liability case, or a medical malpractice claim. Any party that contributed in some manner to your injuries can be held accountable. During your initial consultation with our lawyers, we'll discuss liability. At our Chico practice, we've successfully litigated claims on behalf of clients throughout Northern California, including Roseville and Sacramento, and would be happy to speak with you. We are educated, experienced, and energetic attorneys who take an analytical and scientific approach to our cases.
- How long will my case last?
  
  It's impossible to say how long a client's case will last, as each is unique. In many cases, we are able to settle out of court with the defendant, eliminating the need for a court case. This drastically reduces the time required to obtain damages. If your claim does go to court, the duration can last weeks or months. If we believe that your needs can be met and just and fair compensation can be obtained without going to court, we will likely make such a recommendation as it greatly expedites the process, allowing you to recover sooner.
- Should I settle?
  
  If we believe that you will be fairly and justly compensated for damages and that your needs will be met through settlement, then we will advise you of this option. Many of our cases are settled out of court, and for most of our clients, it's an attractive option as it eliminates the need for a court trial, guarantees compensation, and drastically speeds up the litigation process. However, we inform all of our clients that every case is unique and it may not be possible, or advisable, to settle out of court. If a trial is necessary, you can rely on us to aggressively represent your needs on your behalf.
- How much is my case worth?
  
  The amount that your claim is worth will depend on what damages you are eligible to recover. During your initial consultation, we can discuss the various aspects of your claim, including what type of compensation for which you can file.
- What kind of claims do you handle?
  
  At the Law Offices of Larry S. Buckley, we have workers' compensation and personal injury lawyers on staff. We litigate throughout Chico, Roseville, Sacramento, Redding, and the entire Northern California area. If you have been injured as a result of another party's negligence, or suffered an injury on the job, we can provide you with sound legal counsel and representation every step of the way.
- How is a settlement reached?
  
  In personal injury cases, a settlement is reached with a defendant agrees to pay a plaintiff a specified amount in order to drop the case. In most instances, this is how the majority of personal injury cases end - a settlement is usually reached before a lawsuit is even filed. There are several factors that are taken into account when deciding a settlement amount, including the severity of the injury and pain and suffering.