At Shea & Shea, we pride ourselves on being among Palo Alto’s most trusted and experienced personal injury law firms. With decades of legal experience, we’ve dedicated ourselves to helping injury victims in this Silicon Valley community recover the compensation they deserve.
Personal injury law is designed to protect individuals who have suffered physical, emotional, or financial harm due to another party’s negligence. Whether it’s a car accident, slip and fall, or a workplace injury, having a skilled attorney by your side is essential, as personal injury claims can be highly complicated. Shea & Shea’s team of experienced accident claim lawyers ensures that each case is thoroughly investigated, leaving no stone unturned when it comes to fighting for the compensation our clients deserve.
When someone is injured in an accident, the consequences can be life-altering. Our role as your Palo Alto personal injury law firm is to guide you through the legal process, so you can focus on recovery. With a proven track record of securing high-value settlements and trial verdicts for our clients, Shea & Shea brings experience and compassion to every case.
Hiring a Palo Alto personal injury lawyer from Shea & Shea can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. We offer free consultations to evaluate potential claims, providing guidance and ensuring that injury victims understand their legal rights and options. Don’t let the complexity of California’s personal injury laws stand in the way of your recovery—let the best personal injury lawyers near Palo Alto fight on your behalf to win proper compensation for your injuries.
Types of Personal Injury Cases We Handle
At the Palo Alto accident law firm of Shea & Shea, we specialize in a wide range of personal injury cases, calling on our decades of experience to help victims of negligence secure the compensation they deserve. We are committed to providing the highest level of legal representation for clients across Palo Alto, CA, and surrounding areas. Below are some of the key types of personal injury cases our firm regularly handles:
Car Accidents
Car accidents are one of the most common types of personal injury cases in California. Whether caused by distracted driving, speeding, drunk driving, or other forms of negligence, these auto accidents can leave victims facing significant physical, emotional, and financial hardships. That’s why you need to contact a Palo Alto car accident attorney as soon as possible.
At Shea & Shea, our car accident lawyers in Palo Alto have successfully represented countless victims, ensuring they receive compensation for medical bills, vehicle repairs, lost wages, and more. Our deep understanding of California traffic laws allows us to represent our clients effectively in insurance claims processes and personal injury lawsuits in Palo Alto, while advocating for full compensation.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents can occur anywhere—from a supermarket aisle to a public sidewalk—and often result in serious injuries, such as fractures or head trauma. Under premises liability law —California Civil Code 1714(a)—property owners in California are required to maintain safe environments, and failure to do so can make them liable for accidents that occur.
Shea & Shea’s slip and fall lawyers in Palo Alto are experienced in proving negligence in these types of cases, thoroughly investigating the circumstances of each accident to hold responsible parties accountable. Our Palo Alto slip and fall lawyers help clients recover damages for medical expenses, rehabilitation, and long-term care.
Workplace Injuries
Workplace injuries can range from minor accidents to life-threatening incidents, depending on the nature of the job. California law offers workers’ compensation benefits, but in many cases, additional legal actions may be necessary to secure full compensation.
As an experienced Palo Alto injury law firm, Shea & Shea is well-versed in handling these types of claims, including those involving third-party liability, unsafe working conditions, or employer negligence. Our Palo Alto workplace injury lawyers work closely with injured workers to ensure they understand their rights and explore all legal options, including filing personal injury claims when workers’ compensation is not sufficient.
Construction Accidents
Construction sites are dangerous places, with heavy machinery, elevated platforms, and hazardous materials creating significant risks for workers and passersby. When accidents occur, determining liability can be difficult, as these cases often involve multiple parties, such as contractors, subcontractors, and equipment manufacturers.
Fortunately, Shea & Shea’s Palo Alto construction injury lawyers are highly experienced with these types of cases, from falls and equipment failures to exposure to toxic substances. Our Palo Alto construction accident lawyers are skilled at identifying the responsible parties and holding them accountable for their negligence, ensuring that injured workers and their families receive the compensation they deserve.
Wrongful Death
Losing a loved one due to the negligence of another party is devastating. While no amount of compensation can make up for such a loss, a qualified Palo Alto wrongful death lawyer can help families file a claim that will aid them in recovering financially and holding the responsible party accountable.
Shea & Shea is compassionate and understanding in these sensitive cases, working diligently to provide families with the support they need. Our Palo Alto wrongful death attorneys will fight to secure compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, lost future income, and emotional suffering.
Extensive Experience Across All Case Types
Shea & Shea’s personal injury attorneys near Palo Alto possess deep knowledge and extensive experience in representing victims across a variety of case types. Our thorough understanding of California personal injury law allows us to craft tailored legal strategies that maximize the chances of success. From negotiating with insurance companies to aggressively representing clients in court, our team is dedicated to achieving the best possible outcome for each case. Whether you’re interested in filing a lawsuit for a wrongful death at the workplace or a straightforward car accident claim, Shea & Shea is here to provide legal support and guidance to victims seeking a personal injury law firm near Palo Alto.
In addition to the types of cases mentioned above, Shea & Shea also handles other personal injury matters, including but not limited to pedestrian accidents, bicycle accidents, and product liability cases. If you or a loved one has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, our experienced legal team is here to help you understand your options and take the next steps toward recovery.
Why You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer
Personal injury law in California can be complicated, which is why hiring an experienced Palo Alto personal injury attorney is crucial to securing the best possible outcome for your case. Personal injury claims often involve various legal processes, from dealing with insurance companies to negotiating settlements and preparing for potential trials. That’s why it’s important to hire a skilled personal injury attorney in Palo Alto.
The Role of a Personal Injury Lawyer in Managing Multiple Parties
Personal injury cases often involve dealing with multiple parties, including the at-fault party’s insurance company, your own insurance provider, medical professionals, and sometimes even third-party defendants. Without a qualified Palo Alto injury attorney in your corner, you may find yourself overwhelmed by these negotiations.
At the personal injury law firm of Shea & Shea, our Palo Alto injury compensation attorneys have a wealth of experience in managing these multi-party cases. We take on the heavy lifting when it comes to negotiating with insurance companies, ensuring that you don’t settle for less than you deserve.
Fighting for Full and Fair Compensation
One of the most important functions of your Palo Alto accident attorney is advocating for your right to full and fair compensation. The insurance company may try to settle your claim quickly for an amount that does not cover all your expenses, including lost wages and long-term rehabilitation. Our accident claim lawyers will push for the full scope of damages that you may be entitled to, including non-economic damages such as pain and suffering.
At the Palo Alto injury law firm of Shea & Shea, we work diligently to assess every aspect of your case, ensuring that no detail is overlooked when calculating your total compensation. By building a strong case backed by solid evidence, our Palo Alto injury attorneys aim to secure settlements or trial verdicts that reflect the true extent of your losses, not just the immediate costs of medical treatment or repairs.
Understanding Deadlines for Filing a Personal Injury Claim in Palo Alto
California’s legal system has specific rules and deadlines that must be followed, and missing any of these deadlines can result in losing your right to compensation. For example, California’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident (CCP § 335.1). However, certain situations may alter this timeline. For cases involving government entities, the deadline is only six months from the date of the incident. Your personal injury lawyer in Palo Alto will know the applicable deadline for your case and ensure that your claim is filed properly and on time.
In addition to understanding legal deadlines, your Palo Alto personal injury lawyer can help you avoid common mistakes that could jeopardize your claim. For example, many injury victims may unknowingly provide statements to insurance companies that can be used against them later. By working with an attorney, you can ensure that all communication with insurance adjusters and other parties is handled in a way that protects your best interests.
How Shea & Shea Proves Liability in Personal Injury Cases
In personal injury cases, proving liability is key to securing compensation for the injured party. At Shea & Shea, we carefully gather evidence to demonstrate that the defendant’s negligence caused the injury. To win a personal injury case, four elements must be established: duty, breach, causation, and damages. Here’s how Shea & Shea proves each element in personal injury claims:
1. Duty of Care
The first step in proving liability is to establish that the defendant owed a duty of care to the injured party. In California, this duty exists in many situations—drivers owe a duty to other motorists and pedestrians, property owners must maintain safe conditions for visitors, and employers are responsible for ensuring a safe workplace. Duty of care refers to the legal obligation to avoid causing harm to others. At Shea & Shea, our team of personal injury attorneys in Palo Alto begins by identifying the legal relationship between the parties involved to prove that the defendant had a responsibility to act in a certain way to prevent harm.
For example, in a car accident case, it’s easy to establish that the defendant driver had a duty to follow traffic laws and operate their vehicle in a safe manner. In a slip and fall case, the property owner had a duty to keep their premises free from hazards that could cause harm to visitors. By determining the nature of the relationship between the plaintiff and the defendant, Shea & Shea’s Palo Alto slip and fall lawyers can establish that the defendant owed a duty of care.
2. Breach of Duty
Once a duty of care is established, the next step is proving that the defendant breached this duty. A breach occurs when the defendant fails to act with the level of care that a reasonable person would exercise in a similar situation. Proving breach of duty involves showing that the defendant’s actions (or inactions) were negligent or reckless and contributed to the accident.
To do this, Shea & Shea’s personal injury settlement lawyers conduct thorough investigations to gather evidence of the defendant’s negligence. This might include obtaining surveillance footage, reviewing police reports, interviewing witnesses, or consulting with expert witnesses to demonstrate how the defendant failed to meet the standard of care. In a car accident case, this could mean proving that the defendant was speeding, texting while driving, or otherwise acting negligently behind the wheel. In a workplace injury case, it could involve demonstrating that the employer failed to follow Cal/OSHA regulations.
3. Causation
Even if it’s clear that the defendant breached their duty, we must also show that this breach directly caused the injury. This is known as causation, and it is one of the most critical elements of a personal injury claim. Causation requires proving that the defendant’s actions (or lack thereof) were the direct cause of the plaintiff’s injuries and that these injuries would not have occurred without the defendant’s negligence.
The Palo Alto personal injury lawyers at Shea & Shea build strong cases for causation by gathering medical records and other relevant evidence to establish a direct link between the accident and the injuries sustained. For instance, if a client suffers a neck injury in a car accident, we will work with medical experts to show that the injury was caused by the collision and not by a pre-existing condition. This step is vital to ensuring that our clients receive compensation for the full extent of their injuries.
4. Damages
Finally, Shea & Shea proves that the injured party suffered damages as a result of the accident. Damages can include a wide range of losses, such as medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and more. In personal injury cases, it’s important to quantify these damages accurately to ensure that victims receive fair compensation.
Our injury compensation lawyers work closely with clients to document all of their losses, from medical expenses and future medical care to lost income and diminished earning capacity. We also consider non-economic damages, such as emotional distress and the impact of the injury on the client’s personal relationships. Shea & Shea’s proven track record of securing high-value settlements and verdicts reflects our ability to successfully calculate and argue for full compensation on behalf of our clients.
Building Strong Cases
At Shea & Shea, we don’t just rely on the facts at hand—we bring in experts when necessary to strengthen our clients’ cases. For example, we may work with accident reconstruction experts to provide a detailed analysis of how an accident occurred, or consult with medical professionals to explain the long-term effects of an injury. By leveraging expert testimony and analysis, our accident attorneys in Palo Alto find compelling evidence that supports our clients’ claims.
We also interview witnesses, collect photographic evidence, and gather any other relevant documentation to build a strong case. Our accident compensation lawyers know how to present this evidence effectively, both in settlement negotiations and in the courtroom, to maximize the chances of a successful outcome. Whether through a settlement or trial, Shea & Shea’s Palo Alto accident lawyers are prepared to fight aggressively for our clients, ensuring that the responsible parties are held accountable for their actions.
Compensation in Personal Injury Cases
When you suffer a personal injury due to someone else’s negligence, you are entitled to pursue compensation for the physical, emotional, and financial tolls the injury has caused. Here’s an overview of the types of compensation available in personal injury cases and how we help our clients achieve the best possible outcomes.
Medical Expenses
Medical bills are often the largest and most immediate concern for personal injury victims. From emergency room visits to rehabilitation costs, medical expenses can quickly pile up, placing a financial strain on the injured party and their family. Our Palo Alto injury claim lawyers work diligently to ensure that all current and future medical expenses are factored into the compensation claim. This includes hospital bills, prescription medications, physical therapy, medical equipment, and any other related costs.
In some cases, personal injury victims may also need long-term or even lifelong care. Our attorneys work with medical experts to project future healthcare needs and costs to ensure that our clients receive the full compensation necessary to cover ongoing medical expenses. This is particularly important for severe injuries that result in permanent disabilities or long-term recovery periods.
Lost Wages and Future Earning Potential
In addition to medical bills, personal injury victims often experience a significant loss of income due to their inability to work. Compensation for lost wages covers the income that the victim would have earned had they not been injured. For those who suffer permanent injuries that prevent them from returning to their previous occupation or any occupation at all, future earning potential becomes a vital aspect of the compensation claim.
At Shea & Shea, we ensure that lost wages and diminished earning capacity are thoroughly calculated and included in the claim. By working with vocational experts and other professionals, our Palo Alto personal injury attorneys can accurately assess the long-term impact of the injury on the client’s ability to earn a living. This helps ensure that clients receive appropriate compensation for both their current lost wages and their future financial losses.
Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering is a non-economic damage that refers to the physical and emotional distress caused by the injury. While it’s difficult to assign a monetary value to pain and suffering, California law allows personal injury victims to pursue compensation for this form of harm. Pain and suffering may include physical discomfort, emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and loss of enjoyment of life.
The best accident lawyers understand that the true impact of an injury extends beyond medical bills and lost income. That’s why our Palo Alto injury claim attorneys work to ensure that clients receive compensation for the physical and emotional toll the injury has taken on their lives. By presenting detailed evidence of the client’s suffering, including medical records, psychological evaluations, and personal testimony, we build a strong case for non-economic damages.
For most types of personal injury cases, California does not impose a compensation limit on non-economic damages. Medical malpractice is an exception to the general rule. As of 2024, the State of California caps non-economic damages for medical malpractice cases to $390,000 for non-fatal cases and $550,000 for cases involving fatality. These caps are scheduled to increase each year until 2033, when the maximum amounts will be reached: $750,000 for non-fatal cases and $1 million for fatal cases.
Property Damage
In many personal injury cases, especially those involving car accidents, victims also experience property damage. Compensation for property damage covers the repair or replacement of damaged property, such as vehicles and personal belongings. Shea & Shea ensures that property damage is properly documented and included in the compensation claim to ensure that clients are fully reimbursed for their losses.
California’s Pure Comparative Negligence Rule
California follows the pure comparative negligence rule, which allows personal injury victims to recover compensation even if they are partially at fault for the accident. However, the compensation they receive will be reduced by the percentage of their fault. For example, if you were found to be 20% at fault for a car accident, your compensation would be reduced by 20%.
Shea & Shea is highly skilled in minimizing the impact of comparative negligence on our clients’ claims. Our Palo Alto personal injury lawyers work to prove that the defendant was primarily responsible for the accident, reducing the percentage of fault attributed to the client. This helps ensure that our clients receive the maximum compensation available under California law.
Steps to Take After a Personal Injury in Palo Alto
If you’ve been injured in Palo Alto, taking immediate action is essential for protecting your rights and ensuring you receive proper compensation. Follow these steps:
- Seek Medical Attention – Always prioritize your health. Even if you feel fine, some injuries may take time to show symptoms. A thorough medical evaluation will create documentation linking your injuries to the accident.
- Document the Scene – If possible, gather evidence at the scene. Take photos or videos of the accident site, your injuries, and any property damage. This visual evidence can be important for proving fault.
- Collect Witness Information – If there are witnesses to your accident, get their contact information. Witness statements can support your case by providing additional perspectives on how the accident occurred.
- File a Police Report (if applicable) – For accidents involving vehicles or criminal acts, a police report is an essential document that provides an official account of the incident. This report often contains key information about the parties involved and can be useful in insurance claims or court proceedings.
- Avoid Insurance Adjusters – Insurance companies may contact you shortly after an accident to offer a settlement. Be cautious, as these offers are often designed to minimize payouts. Do not provide a recorded statement or accept an offer without consulting an attorney.
- Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer Near You – Early consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer near Palo Alto is one of the most important steps you can take. At Shea & Shea, we offer free consultations to help you understand your options and begin building your case. A personal injury lawyer can help preserve evidence, guide you through the legal process, and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf.
By taking these steps, you can protect your legal rights and maximize your chances of securing fair compensation. Contact Shea & Shea today for a free consultation with a Palo Alto personal injury attorney to discuss your case and how we can help you recover.
Why Choose Shea & Shea for Your Personal Injury Case in Palo Alto
Shea & Shea stands out as a premier personal injury law firm near Palo Alto, offering decades of experience and a strong track record of successful outcomes. Our client-centered approach ensures personalized attention and skilled legal guidance every step of the way. If you’re searching for a wrongful death lawyer or workplace injury attorney in Palo Alto, you can find the representation you need at the personal injury law firm of Shea & Shea.
Contact Shea & Shea for a Free Consultation
If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, don’t wait to seek legal help. Shea & Shea is here to provide the skilled representation you need to maximize your chances of success in your personal injury case. Call us today at (408) 292-2434 for a free consultation to discuss your case, and let us help you get the legal support you deserve. Our legal team is dedicated to fighting for the rights of injury victims in Palo Alto and beyond, and we’re ready to go to work for you. Take the first step toward securing your future by calling Shea & Shea—the best injury attorneys in Palo Alto.