Callahan & Blaine was established in 1984 as a law firm focused on the resolution of complex disputes through superior litigation skills: pleading, discovery, depositions, law and motion, negotiation, and trial advocacy. First applied primarily to complex business litigation and corporate cases, for the last 15 years, our Orange County personal injury attorneys now have applied our exceptional trial and litigation skills on behalf of clients in Southern California and the United States in the areas of catastrophic personal injury and wrongful death litigation. We are California’s Premier Personal Injury Litigation Firm.
One of our recent settlements—a $50 million settlement in a complex municipal liability case—set the record as the highest personal injury settlement in the history of the United States. Our more than 20 highly experienced trial and litigation attorneys and our extensive experience with the litigation and trial of complex business matters provide Callahan & Blaine a huge advantage in personal injury cases. Callahan & Blaine is recognized nationally for winning the most complex and difficult cases, including the highest jury verdict in Orange County history, $934 million.
Why Choose Callahan & Blaine?
- Over $900M won for our clients
- 40+ years of record-breaking verdicts and settlements
- Largest personal injury verdict in U.S. history
- Highest jury verdict in Orange County history, $934 million
- 25+ highly experienced trial attorneys with minimum of 8 years litigation experience
- Attorneys named to “Top 100 Attorneys in Southern California” by Super Lawyers
If your personal injury or wrongful death claim involves damages in the millions, difficult insurance coverage issues, or complex projections of future treatment or life assistance needs on disputed facts, contact Callahan & Blaine in Orange County for an initial consultation about your litigation options. You will find that there are many advantages to working with trial attorneys with a national reputation for excellence in civil litigation.
Types of Personal Injury Claims We Handle
We use our experience with the demands of complex business litigation to inform our personal injury practice on the most challenging cases involving traumatic brain injury, spinal cord damage, or California wrongful death claims. We hold the record for the highest personal injury settlement in U.S. history*—$50 million in 2007 on behalf of two women who suffered quadriplegia when struck by a driver in a bicycle lane.
Our careful attention to detail in the identification of insurance coverage and the proof of damages in complex injury claims means that no potential source of compensation will be overlooked in developing your lawsuit. In the worst injury cases, it can be difficult to find a defendant whose coverage is adequate for your losses.
In the last five years alone, our personal injury attorneys in Orange County have won more than $1.5 billion in verdicts and settlements in complex civil claims. We handle personal injury and wrongful death claims throughout Southern California in cases involving:
- Car accidents: Injuries resulting from collisions, rear-end accidents, hit-and-run incidents, and other types of car accidents.
- Truck accidents: Complex cases involving commercial trucks, big rigs, and 18-wheelers often result in severe injuries due to these vehicles’ powerful size and weight.
- Motorcycle accidents: Representing motorcyclists injured due to negligent drivers, road hazards, or defective equipment.
- Pedestrian accidents: Advocating for individuals injured while walking, jogging, or crossing the street, particularly in cases involving distracted or reckless drivers.
- Bicycle accidents: Assisting cyclists who have been hit by vehicles or injured due to poor road conditions or other hazards.
- Slip-and-fall Accidents: Cases involving injuries sustained on public or private property due to hazardous conditions such as wet and uneven surfaces or poor lighting.
- Product liability: Holding manufacturers, distributors, and retailers responsible for damages caused by defective or dangerous products.
- Dog bites: Legal assistance for individuals injured by dog bites or other animal attacks, focusing on the owner’s liability.
- Rideshare: Like any other motor vehicle, Uber and Lyft vehicles face the risk of being involved in an accident.
- Dram Shop Liability: Reduce the liability of establishments, such as bars, for accidents involving intoxicated patrons, except in cases where alcohol is served to visibly intoxicated minors.
Our Orange County personal injury lawyer’s ability to apply broad litigation strategies and focused investigation and discovery tactics characteristic of complex business litigation can make a significant difference in the outcome of your personal injury or wrongful death claim.
7 Types of Evidence Needed in a Personal Injury Claim
At Callahan & Blaine, we understand that the success of a personal injury claim greatly depends on the quality and quantity of evidence presented. Strong evidence not only supports the validity of your claim but also helps in accurately determining the extent of your damages and the compensation you deserve.
The following are key types of evidence essential in personal injury claims:
- Medical records and reports: Comprehensive documentation of your injuries is paramount. This includes initial medical reports, treatment records, prescriptions, X-rays, MRIs, and any other relevant medical documentation that provides details about your injuries and treatment.
- Photographs and videos: Visual evidence of your accident, injuries, and property damage can be compelling. Photos and videos can help establish the cause of the accident and the severity of the damage.
- Witness statements: Testimonies from people who observed the incident can corroborate your account of the event. Witness statements can provide an objective perspective on how the accident occurred and the impact it had.
- Expert testimony: In some cases, expert witnesses such as accident reconstruction specialists, medical professionals, or vocational experts may be required to provide specialized knowledge that supports your claim.
- Police reports: If law enforcement was involved after the accident, their reports could provide an official description of the accident scene, including any citations or violations of law.
- Pain journal: Keeping a personal diary that chronicles your recovery, the pain you experience, and how the injury affects your daily life can be a powerful piece of evidence to demonstrate the impact of the injury on your quality of life.
- Incident reports: If the accident occurred at a business or public place, an incident report filed with the property owner can serve as additional evidence.
Our experienced Orange County personal injury attorneys at Callahan & Blaine can guide you through the process of gathering the necessary evidence and provide the legal support you need to strengthen your case.
Recoverable Compensation in a Personal Injury Claim
Our Orange County personal injury lawyers are here to help clients in Orange County and surrounding areas understand their legal rights and the compensation they may seek under the law. If you have suffered injuries due to negligence, you may be able to recover various types of compensation, restoring your financial well-being to what it would have been if the injury had not occurred.
The following are common types of recoverable compensation in a successful personal injury claim:
- Medical expenses: This includes compensation for present and future medical costs associated with your injuries, such as hospital bills, prescription medication, physical therapy, medical equipment, and any ongoing rehabilitation costs.
- Lost wages: If injuries prevented you from returning to work, you may recover compensation for the wages you would have earned during that period, including the loss of earning capacity if your ability to work and earn a salary has been permanently affected.
- Pain and suffering: This type of compensation is awarded for the physical pain and emotional trauma suffered as a result of injuries. It includes compensation for any ongoing discomfort, anxiety, stress, and the overall impact on your quality of life.
- Property damages: If your property was damaged, such as your vehicle, you can be compensated for repair or replacement costs.
- Loss of Enjoyment: If injuries keep you from enjoying day-to-day activities or hobbies that you participated in before the accident, you may be eligible for compensation for loss of enjoyment of life.
- Loss of Consortium: When an injury impacts your relationship with your spouse or partner, damages may be awarded for loss of companionship and support.
- Punitive Damages: In rare cases where the opposing party’s actions or inactions were particularly egregious or reckless, punitive damages may be awarded, intending to punish the opposing party and deter similar conduct in the future.
It is important to note that each personal injury case is unique, and the type and amount of compensation you may recover depend on the specifics of your case. At Callahan & Blaine, our experienced Orange County personal injury attorneys are dedicated to evaluating your case thoroughly and advocating for the full compensation you deserve.
Overview of the Personal Injury Claim Process
When you are injured in an accident caused by negligence, healing from your injuries should be your first priority. Working with the lawyers of Callahan & Blaine ensures every step of the legal process is handled with the utmost professionalism and care.
Knowing what you can expect when filing a personal injury claim may alleviate any stress and uncertainty, which is why we outlined the following:
- Immediate Care: Your health is the priority. Seek medical attention immediately after an accident, even if injuries seem minor. This ensures you protect your well-being and also provides medical records that serve as evidence of your injuries.
- Consultation with Callahan & Blaine: We will discuss the details of your case during this meeting, help you understand your legal options, and outline the best path forward.
- Gathering Evidence: Your attorney will investigate the incident by collecting police reports, witness statements, medical records, and possibly reconstructing the accident scene.
- Determining Liability: One or more parties may be liable for damages. Your Callahan & Blaine attorney will identify all potentially liable parties and sources of insurance, which includes showing a breach of duty of care and causation.
- Notification: Notify the responsible party’s insurance company about your intention to file a claim. Your attorney handles this communication to ensure all necessary information is provided and nothing is said that could undermine your case.
- Claim Review: The insurance company’s adjuster will review the claim. This might involve a review of your medical records, an independent medical examination, and an evaluation of property damage if applicable.
- Demand Letter: Once your condition stabilizes, we will send an official demand letter to insurance entities, outlining your injuries, the facts of the case, and the amount of money demanded for settlement.
- Negotiation: There may be a series of negotiations back and forth between your attorney and the insurance company to reach a fair settlement amount.
- If Settlement Fails: If negotiations do not result in a favorable settlement, your attorney may recommend filing a civil lawsuit.
- Pre-trial Processes: Includes the exchange of evidence (discovery), depositions, and possibly mediation or arbitration attempts.
- Presenting Your Case: If a settlement is not reached and mediation is unsuccessful, your case will go to trial. Both sides will present evidence and arguments.
- Settlement or Award: A judge or jury will make a final decision on who is liable for damages. If the case is resolved, arrangements will be made for the compensation to be paid.
Each step in this process can vary greatly depending on the specific circumstances of your case, the severity of injuries and the clarity of fault. The lawyers of Callahan & Blaine will guide you through every step, negotiate the best possible outcome, and advocate on your behalf if the case goes to trial.
How the Lawyers of Callahan & Blaine Can Help Your Claim
Having a legal team on your side makes a significant difference in the outcome of a personal injury claim. The attorneys at Callahan & Blaine bring decades of experience and a track record of success to every case, making them a powerful advocate for clients.
The following is how our attorneys can help strengthen and guide your personal injury claim:
Trial-Proven Success
One of the most important aspects of choosing the right legal representation is selecting a firm with proven trial experience. Callahan & Blaine has a reputation for winning high-stakes cases, including the largest jury verdict in Orange County history—$934 million. We bring this same level of dedication and commitment to every case, ensuring that our clients receive the best possible representation.
Comprehensive Case Evaluation and Strategy
Our attorneys take a meticulous approach to evaluating each claim. With over 700 years of combined trial experience, we assess all aspects of a case—whether it involves liability, medical expenses, or the impact on your life. A thorough analysis enables us to create a strategic plan tailored to maximize your compensation. Our team excels in dealing with insurance companies, and our deep understanding of insurance law allows us to handle the most complex issues.
Skilled Negotiators and Litigators
Callahan & Blaine attorneys are known for their ability to negotiate favorable settlements, but we are also prepared to take cases to trial if necessary. Whether negotiating a settlement or fighting in court, we use every legal tool at our disposal to ensure clients recover the compensation they deserve.
Speak With the Orange County Personal Injury Lawyers at Callahan & Blaine Today
As California’s Premier Personal Injury Litigation Firm, Callahan & Blaine’s track record speaks volumes, including a record-setting $50 million settlement in a complex municipal liability case and the highest jury verdict in Orange County history at $934 million. Our team of over 20 highly skilled trial and litigation attorneys brings a wealth of experience, especially in handling complex and challenging cases. From car and truck accidents to traumatic brain injuries and wrongful death claims, our meticulous approach ensures no stone is left unturned. We pride ourselves on our ability to uncover every potential source of compensation and apply sophisticated strategies typically reserved for high-stakes business litigation.
Trust us to navigate the complexities of your case and to fight tirelessly for the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact Callahan & Blaine today at 714-241-4444 or fill out a contact form for a consultation—because your case deserves the best.
