Wrongful Death & Serious Injury Lawyers in San Jose

Dedicated Representation When You Need it Most

“Justice for our clients means full and fair compensation for all damages caused by another party’s negligence.”

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40+ Years

Of Legal Experience

Millions

Of Dollars Recovered

Dozens

Of Legal Honors

Golden State Lawyers

San Jose Personal Injury Attorneys

A catastrophic event has the potential to change a person’s life, sometimes forever, particularly in cases of wrongful death. If you were injured by someone else’s negligence or recklessness, protect your rights and get the legal help you deserve from an experienced San Jose personal injury lawyer.
The San Jose personal injury lawyers at Golden State Lawyers, APC have built their reputation by achieving excellent results for clients with unmatched personalized service. For over 40 years, our Injury and Death Attorneys in San Jose, California have focused on representing people who suffer injury or damage due to the fault of others.

“It’s our calling, not just our job, to earn the very best results for our clients who we consider to be a critical part of our team.”

Being a plaintiff in a personal injury case without quality representation can be stressful and confusing. This is especially true if you are still recovering from physical injuries and accumulating medical expenses. If your injury prevents you from working, then your lost wages can compound your family’s financial burdens.

Our San Jose personal injury lawyers will aggressively seek justice for you. Our San Jose attorneys have experience in all types of personal injury law and are known throughout San Jose and Northern California as premier trial attorneys. We have the experience and resources to recover full compensation for our clients either by settlement or jury trial.

The attorneys at Golden State Lawyers are experienced and compassionate professionals. We tirelessly fight for the rights of injured Californians and their families. Our number one goal is to achieve full and fair compensation from the parties who are responsible for causing harm to our clients.

If you have suffered an injury caused by someone else’s negligence or recklessness, contact Golden State Lawyers in San Jose at (408) 279-4222 or online today and schedule a free consultation to discuss your case and learn if we may be able to help you.

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Why Choose Golden State Lawyers, APC?

With so many law firms to choose from after being hurt in an incident, you may be wondering what sets Golden State Lawyers, APC apart. Our skilled and battle-tested personal injury lawyers have helped injured people and families of people killed by others for decades. Unlike most injury law firms, we provide individually tailored counsel and representation to every client we take. If you want a big-advertiser, McDonald’s-type of legal counsel, we are not your firm. If you want real and dedicated lawyers, who have the respect of defense lawyers and judges, we are your lawyers.

We know that every case is different, just like our clients, and take a personal interest in the outcome of each case. In addition to protecting your legal rights and fighting for the full compensation the law allows, we can also connect you with skilled and ethical medical providers and other help should that become necessary.

We are skilled negotiators who know how to get insurance companies and those responsible for causing harm to pay fair compensation. That said, we believe in obtaining fair value for our clients, not just negotiating quick and easy settlements. When at-fault parties or their insurance companies and lawyers refuse to make reasonable settlement offers, we will do the hard work of litigating a case and not hesitate to go to trial to get our clients fair compensation.

Attorney Robert Bohn
Attorney Robert Bohn - Read Bio

Steps To Take After A Personal Injury

1. Report The Accident Or Incident To Appropriate Authorities

No matter how your injury happened, there will often be someone “official” to whom you can report it.

2. Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Always do everything necessary to protect your own health and well-being.

3. Talk To An Experienced San Jose Personal Injury Lawyer As Soon As Possible

Schedule a free case review as soon as possible with an experienced San Jose personal injury lawyer from Golden State Lawyers, APC.

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Damages for San Jose Personal Injuries

It is very rare that a personal injury affects only one facet of a victim’s life. Instead, victims typically find that their injuries take a toll in every aspect of their lives, and in each of those areas, compensation may be appropriate.

The compassionate and experienced attorneys at Golden State Lawyers strive to help their clients recover rightful compensation for all of the physical, emotional, and financial injuries they have suffered because of the negligence or recklessness of someone else.

Our San Jose Law Office And Headquarters

 

333 W. Santa Clara Street, Suite 620, San Jose, CA 95113.

 

Drop by our office to speak with an attorney about your San Jose personal injury claim at no cost.
You can also contact us to set up an appointment for a free consultation.

 

Do I Have A Personal Injury Case?

Ask Our San Jose Personal Injury Attorneys

Golden State Lawyers offers a free consultation to potential clients, and if our attorneys agree to take a case they will do so on a contingency fee basis. This means that the cost of any necessary litigation and attorney’s fees is not paid by the client but from any eventual settlement or judgment they may receive. If there is no recovery, the client is not responsible for any costs or fees.

If you have suffered an injury because of someone else’s negligence or recklessness, the legal team at Golden State Lawyers, APC in San Jose may be able to help you.

Our experienced attorneys understand personal injury law, and know that the right legal help may ensure a victim has the ability to move forward with their life. Contact Golden State Lawyers, APC in San Jose at (408) 279-4222 or online today and schedule a free consultation to discuss your case and learn if we may be able to help you.

The San Jose personal injury lawyers at Golden State Lawyers, APC have built their reputation by achieving excellent results for clients with unmatched personalized service. For over 40 years, we have focused on representing people who suffer injury or damage due to the fault of others.

“Justice for our clients means full and fair compensation for all damages caused by another party’s negligence.”

Being a plaintiff in a personal injury case without quality representation can be stressful and confusing. This is especially true if you are still recovering from physical injuries and accumulating medical expenses. If your injury prevents you from working, then your lost wages can compound your family’s financial burdens.

Our San Jose personal injury lawyers will aggressively seek justice for you. Our San Jose attorneys have experience in all types of personal injury law and are known throughout San Jose and Northern California as premier trial attorneys. We have the experience and resources to recover full compensation for our clients either by settlement or jury trial.

The attorneys at Golden State Lawyers are experienced and compassionate professionals. We tirelessly fight for the rights of injured Californians and their families. Our number one goal is to achieve full and fair compensation from the parties who are responsible for causing harm to our clients.

If you have suffered an injury caused by someone else’s negligence or recklessness, contact Golden State Lawyers in San Jose at (408) 279-4222 or online today and schedule a free consultation to discuss your case and learn if we may be able to help you.

Common San Jose Personal Injuries

No two cases are ever alike; each comes with its own set of unique facts and circumstances.

While the injuries listed here are some of the more common examples of the physical damages that personal injury victims may suffer, there are almost always other damages as well.

 

  • San Jose Traumatic Brain Injury: An impact, jolt, penetrating blow, or prolonged period without oxygen can cause lasting injuries to a human brain, known as traumatic brain injury (TBI). Brain injuries may involve a range of complications, some even permanent, including coma and/or severe cognitive and physical impairments. The symptoms of a TBI may occur immediately after an accident but often may take hours or days to fully manifest. TBI frequently results from motor vehicle accidents, construction accidents, and slip-and-fall accidents. A San Jose brain injury lawyer can help you get the compensation you need to realize as full a recovery as possible.
  • San Jose Spinal Cord Injury: Injuries to the vertebral column can damage or destroy the spinal cord’s ability to function with the brain and the body. Spinal cord injuries may result in permanent, partial, or total paralysis, thereby changing a victim’s life forever. Spinal cord injuries often occur due to a blow or other trauma to the vertebral column, such as when a worker on a construction site falls or an occupant of a motor vehicle suffers the impact of a collision. Speak with a San Jose spine injury lawyer about your claim as soon as possible.
  • San Jose Traumatic Amputation and Crush Injuries: These injuries tend to be especially common in violent motor vehicle accidents and workplace accidents involving heavy machinery. They often occur when a victim’s limb gets pinned, trapped, or severed by equipment. Victims of traumatic amputations and crush injuries may be left without the function of a limb and suffer reduced quality of life. Victims usually must endure surgeries, and lengthy and painful rehabilitation, and need assistive devices to help them return to function moving forward.
  • San Jose Burns: Whether caused by fire, chemicals, or electricity, second and third-degree burns inflict extreme physical and emotional pain. They frequently mean victims must suffer months of hospitalization, surgeries, and rehabilitation. Even after extended and painful recovery periods, burn victims may have disfiguring scars, psychological trauma, and permanent disabilities that limit their everyday lives. Personal injury victims with severe burns may have received them from a motor vehicle accident, construction accident, or incident at a place of public accommodation.
  • San Jose Laceration and Penetrating Trauma: In violent motor vehicle collisions, workplace accidents, and dog maulings, among other circumstances, victims often suffer injuries that break the skin, and cause major bleeding and internal injury to muscles and other soft tissues. Even after surgeries and treatment of these wounds, disfiguring scars and impaired functionality often remain. In children attacked by animals, as well as other cases, emotional scars may also be a lasting issue.
  • San Jose Broken Bones: Victims sometimes delay seeking legal help if they have suffered from these types of injuries because they usually aren’t life-threatening and may not seem “serious.” However, injuries like broken bones, torn knee ligaments, and damaged rotator cuffs can result in significant damages. Such injuries may severely limit a victim’s ability to earn a living, at least for the short term, and sometimes longer. As well, they may also cause chronic pain and other lasting complications. A San Jose broken bone lawyer can assist with all aspects of your claim so you can get the compensation you need.
  • San Jose Toxic Exposure: Workers and homeowners who have been exposed to harmful substances and materials often do not realize the damage that has been done to them until long afterward when serious and sometimes irreversible injuries have already occurred. Toxic exposure may lead to severe health issues, including cancer, respiratory illness, birth defects, and compromised immune systems. The psychological trauma from toxic exposure may be particularly severe and debilitating. A victim may be unable to live without anxiety and fear of a recurrence or new exposure to substances that may be life-altering or even fatal.

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Questions People Frequently Ask San Jose Personal Injury Lawyers

The aftermath of an accident or incident that caused personal injuries may be chaotic and confusing. Our personal injury clients often have many questions about their rights. While broad answers are offered here, please contact us to get specific answers for your particular circumstances:

 

How much time do I have to file a personal injury claim in San Jose?

Under California law, the statute of limitations for personal most injury claims is generally two years from the date of the injury; however, there are some caveats and also rare exceptions to that rule. For example, notice of a claim against a government entity must be given within six months. Missing the statute of limitations deadlines may preclude your opportunity to recover damages, so be sure to talk to a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to avoid that worst-case outcome.

Can I still seek compensation for my injuries if I was partially at fault for the San Jose accident?

Under California law, a victim may be able to seek damages from anyone who was even partially responsible for causing their injuries. However, if you were partially at fault for your accident, any award you eventually receive may be reduced by the percentage of fault attributable to you. For example, if you were in a motor vehicle accident with another driver and had $100,000 in damages but you were found to be 10 percent at fault, your compensation would be $90,000. It is therefore very important to build the strongest possible case using the facts that show the correct allocation of liability.

What can I do if a family member died in a San Jose accident that was caused by someone else?

If a close family member was involved in a fatal accident or incident, you may be eligible to recover damages through a wrongful death claim against the responsible party. Wrongful death claims may be made by particular members of the decedent’s family, and usually benefit survivors such as spouses, partners, children, parents, or other financially dependent relatives. The damages that may be claimed in a wrongful death suit are limited to the loss are limited to damages related to the loss of value of the relationship, with some additional damages such as funeral and burial costs. For more information contact a skilled San Jose wrongful death lawyer today to discuss your case.

What are some San Jose Accident Statistics?

According to the City of San Jose's Department of Transportation, the city reported the following accident statistics over a five-year period from 2018 to 2023:

  • 24,565 total traffic accidents
  • 10,329 minor injuries, 4,064 moderate injuries, and 1,065 serious injuries
  • 278 total traffic-related fatalities

Severe and fatal injuries reached a peak in 2021 and have declined somewhat in subsequent years. Speeding, distracted driving, and impaired driving were all named as major contributors to serious and fatal traffic accidents in San Jose and throughout California. Reach out to an experienced San Jose personal injury attorney right away if you suffered injuries or lost a loved one in a San Jose accident someone else caused.

Can I still seek compensation for my injuries if I was partially at fault for the San Jose accident?

Under California law, a victim may be able to seek damages from anyone who was even partially responsible for causing their injuries. However, if you were partially at fault for your accident, any award you eventually receive may be reduced by the percentage of fault attributable to you. For example, if you were in a motor vehicle accident with another driver and had $100,000 in damages but you were found to be 10 percent at fault, your compensation would be $90,000. It is therefore very important to build the strongest possible case using the facts that show the correct allocation of liability.

What can I do if a family member died in a San Jose accident that was caused by someone else?

If a close family member was involved in a fatal accident or incident, you may be eligible to recover damages through a wrongful death claim against the responsible party. Wrongful death claims may be made by particular members of the decedent’s family, and usually benefit survivors such as spouses, partners, children, parents, or other financially dependent relatives. The damages that may be claimed in a wrongful death suit are limited to the loss are limited to damages related to the loss of value of the relationship, with some additional damages such as funeral and burial costs. For more information contact a skilled San Jose wrongful death lawyer today to discuss your case.

How Do Accidents Happen in San Jose?

The San Jose area is a great place to live and work, and far more than a million people choose to do so.  However, living in such a highly populated area accident and injury risks.  Thousands of people in the area are injured each year in incidents caused by no fault of their own.

Many people refer to San Jose as the capital of Silicon Valley, and its famously mild weather and cultural attractions draw people from across the globe. Unfortunately, this also means that there are many ways to get hurt in an accident caused by someone else.

Some of the ways that you can suffer injuries include:

  • Using bikeways or one of the area’s many bike paths or trails;
  • Commuting on one of the city’s many freeways or expressways, such as Highways 17, 85, or 237, Interstate 280, 680, or 880, Capitol Expressway, Lawrence Expressway, or San Tomas Expressway;
  • Slipping and falling while shopping at places like Santana Row, Valley Fair, Oakridge Mall, Eastridge Mall, or the Great Mall;
  • Getting hit by a drunk driver in the SoFa District.

Many accidents in the area involve motor vehicles.  Some locations are more prone to crashes than others.

How does the Personal Injury Process Works in San Jose?

While you might feel that you deserve compensation for your injuries, it is common not to be familiar with how the personal injury claim process works.

Identifying liability - To have a valid claim, you must show that someone else was legally responsible for causing your injuries.

Many different parties can be negligent and lead to injuries, such as:

  • Drivers;
  • Employers of negligent employees;
  • Rideshare companies;
  • Trucking or bus companies;
  • Property owners and managers;
  • Stores and businesses;
  • Product manufacturers;
  • Dog owners.

In some cases, more than one party will share liability for your injuries and losses. We must identify all possible sources of liability to ensure that you receive the full and fair compensation to cover your past and future losses.

Calculating your losses - You must prove the compensation you deserve as part of your claim.  These calculations are not always easy. We consider your past and future medical bills, out-of-pocket expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, disfigurement, and more to assess the full value of your claim.

Filing insurance claims - In some cases, the process begins with submitting a claim to the appropriate insurance companies, parties, or other liable entities.  Almost always, the insurance companies or responsible parties want to take as little responsibility as possible for the harm caused. This means that the first settlement offer you receive might be very low.  We are not easily deterred and have the experience, knowledge, confidence, and record to fight insurance companies and other defense interests to achieve the maximum settlement for you.

Filing a personal injury lawsuit - In cases where pre-litigation settlements do not occur or the case is better served by immediately starting litigation, we can initiate a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible parties. We will work to reach an out-of-court settlement or, if a settlement is not advisable, we will represent you at trial.  Unlike many others, we won’t hire someone else at the last minute to try your case.  We handle every case we take from intake to verdict.

How Long Will It Take to Resolve My San Jose Personal Injury Claim?

The time it takes to resolve a personal injury claim in San Jose, California, or anywhere else, can vary widely depending on numerous factors. It is challenging to provide an exact timeline because each case is unique, and several variables can influence the duration of the process. Here are some key factors that can affect the timeline for resolving a personal injury claim:

  • Severity of Injuries: The extent and seriousness of your injuries play a significant role in the timeline. Cases involving minor injuries may be resolved more quickly, while cases with severe or long-term injuries often require more extended medical treatment and evaluation.
  • Medical Treatment: You should reach a point of maximum medical improvement (MMI) before pursuing a personal injury claim. This ensures that all medical expenses and the full extent of your injuries are known. The duration of your medical treatment and recovery can vary.
  • Liability Disputes: If there are disputes over who is at fault for the accident or if liability is unclear, it can prolong the claims process. Insurance companies may need time to investigate and gather evidence to determine liability.
  • Insurance Company Response: The responsiveness and cooperation of the insurance company involved can also impact the timeline. Delays may occur if the insurance company disputes the claim, requests additional documentation, or takes a long time to respond to settlement negotiations.
  • Negotiations: Settlement negotiations can take time, especially if there are disagreements over the value of your claim. It may require several rounds of negotiation and communication between your attorney and the insurance company.
  • Litigation: If a settlement cannot be reached through negotiations, the case may need to go to court, which can significantly extend the timeline. Litigation involves court procedures, discovery, and potentially a trial, which can take months or even years to complete.
  • Statute of Limitations: Be mindful of the statute of limitations for personal injury claims in California. You have a limited time to file a lawsuit after the injury occurs, so it's essential to take action within the prescribed timeframe.
  • Complexity of the Case: Complex cases involving multiple parties, disputed liability, or extensive damages may require more time to resolve compared to straightforward cases.

It's advisable to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney in San Jose to assess the specific details of your case and receive guidance on the expected timeline. An attorney can help you navigate the legal process, negotiate with insurance companies, and work toward a fair resolution of your claim as efficiently as possible. Keep in mind that while some cases can be resolved relatively quickly, others may take several months or even years to reach a resolution.

What Types of Damages may be Included in a Personal Injury Case?

  • Medical expenses: The cost of emergency transportation, hospitalization, radiology, surgery, medication, rehabilitation, and other treatment, including ongoing care and assistive devices, are compensable damages.
  • Lost wages and lost earning capacity: Personal injuries often force victims to take time off of work to recover. Some victims with permanent disabilities can never fully return to employment in their prior capacity. Lost wages from time off and any permanently diminished ability to earn a living may be compensable.
  • Pain and suffering: Most personal injury claims include compensation for the physical and emotional pain inflicted by an injury. The amount that may be awarded for these damages depends on a variety of factors, including the severity of the injury, the length of recovery, and any permanent disabilities.
  • Emotional distress or mental anguish: These damages compensate victims for the emotional and psychological trauma of their injuries.
  • Loss of consortium: Victims and/or their loved ones may be able to seek damages to compensate for a loss of consortium, meaning the negative impact their injuries have had on their relationship with their spouse or partner.
  • Loss of enjoyment of life: Any significant impact on a victim’s ability to engage in activities typical of their prior lifestyle may be compensable damages.
  • Property damage: If a victim’s property is damaged or destroyed, as is often the case in motor vehicle accidents, they may receive damages for repair or replacement value of their property.
  • Punitive damages: While rarely awarded in negligence cases, if there are particularly egregious circumstances such as the acts or omissions of the defendant involved malice, oppression, or fraud, a victim may be entitled to punitive damages.

An experienced San Jose personal injury lawyer can best advise you on the claims you may make and will have the knowledge and resources to accurately calculate the value of your total damages.

Additional Resources

San Jose Emergency Rooms

 

  • Regional Medical Center Emergency Room: 225 N Jackson Ave, San Jose, CA 95116
  • Santa Clara Valley Medical Center Emergency Room: 751 S Bascom Ave, San Jose, CA 95128
  • Good Samaritan Hospital Emergency Room: 2425 Samaritan Dr, San Jose, CA 95124

*Disclaimer – Golden Gate Lawyers does not endorse these medical providers, nor do we profit from having them listed on our website.

San Jose Courthouses

 

  • Superior Court of Santa Clara County: 191 N First St, San Jose, CA 95113
  • County of Santa Clara Hall of Justice: 190 W Hedding St, San Jose, CA 95110
  • U.S. District Court: 280 S 1st St, San Jose, CA 95113
  • Sixth District Court of Appeal: 333 W Santa Clara St #1060, San Jose, CA 95113