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Personal Injury

CLICK HERE TO SEE IF YOU QUALIFY FOR COMPENSATION 

An accident can change your life in an instant. One moment you’re living normally, and the next, you’re facing pain, medical bills, lost work, and a long road to recovery—all because someone else failed to act responsibly. In those moments, you deserve more than apologies or half-measures. You deserve justice, accountability, and full compensation for the harm you’ve suffered. 

At Timothy D. McGonigle, PC, we have spent more than 40 years standing up for injured individuals and families across California. From catastrophic car accidents to complex premises liability claims, we fight to hold negligent parties accountable and to ensure our clients receive every dollar they are entitled to under the law. Compensation isn’t just about paying bills—it’s about restoring dignity, rebuilding lives, and giving families the security they need to move forward. 

A Trial Lawyer with Proven Results 

At the helm of our personal injury practice is Timothy McGonigle, a veteran trial lawyer and respected member of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA). Membership in ABOTA is reserved for attorneys with extensive jury trial experience and a demonstrated record of excellence in advocacy. Over four decades, Timothy has tried numerous cases before juries and secured substantial verdicts for his clients, often against insurance companies with deep pockets and aggressive defense teams. 

This trial experience is not just a credential—it is leverage. Insurers know which lawyers are willing and able to take cases to trial, and they treat those lawyers, and their clients, with more respect. With Timothy on your side, you are represented by an attorney with the credibility and courtroom reputation to maximize your outcome, whether through settlement or verdict. 

What Compensation Covers 

Personal injury law is about making the injured whole again. That means not just covering immediate bills, but addressing the full scope of harm caused by negligence. Depending on your case, compensation may include: 

  • Medical expenses – hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, medication, and future care. 

  • Lost wages and reduced earning capacity – income lost during recovery and diminished ability to work long-term. 

  • Pain and suffering – the physical and emotional impact of your injuries. 

  • Property damage – repairs or replacement of vehicles or personal items. 

  • Out-of-pocket costs – transportation, home modifications, or support services. 

Insurance companies often try to minimize these categories, offering quick settlements that barely cover initial bills. We push back—calculating the true long-term costs of injury and fighting for the full measure of damages you deserve. 

Common Personal Injury Cases We Handle 

Over four decades, we’ve represented clients in nearly every type of personal injury case, including: 

  • Car, truck, and motorcycle accidents 

  • Pedestrian and bicycle accidents 

  • Slip-and-fall and premises liability claims 

  • Construction and workplace accidents 

  • Product liability and defective products 

  • Catastrophic injuries – traumatic brain injury, spinal cord damage, severe burns, and amputations 

  • Wrongful death – fighting for families who lost a loved one due to negligence 

Each case is unique, but the principle is the same: if negligence caused your injury, you have the right to hold the responsible party accountable. 

Taking on Insurance Companies 

Facing off against insurance companies can feel intimidating. They have teams of adjusters, lawyers, and experts all working to reduce payouts and protect their bottom line. Many injured people accept lowball offers simply because they feel powerless to fight back. 

That’s where we come in. With decades of litigation experience, Timothy knows the strategies insurers use and how to dismantle them. We build strong cases from day one, gathering evidence, consulting experts, and preparing as if every case will go to trial. This thorough, aggressive approach forces insurers to take your claim seriously and drives better settlements and verdicts. 

No Fees Unless We Win 

We believe everyone deserves high-quality legal representation, regardless of financial circumstances. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis: you pay nothing upfront, and no attorney’s fees at all unless we secure a settlement or verdict in your favor. Our success is tied to yours. 

Why Choose McGonigle Law 

  • 40+ Years of Experience – Decades of trial-tested advocacy across California. 

  • ABOTA Membership – A mark of excellence in courtroom advocacy and trial success. 

  • Personalized Representation – Every client gets hands-on attention and a tailored legal strategy. 

  • Relentless Advocacy – We don’t settle for less than what you deserve. 

  • Proven Results – Millions recovered for injured clients and their families.  

Take the First Step Toward Justice 

If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. At McGonigle Law, we combine compassion for our clients with relentless advocacy in the courtroom. Our goal is not just to win your case—it’s to help you rebuild your life with dignity, security, and peace of mind. 

👉 Call (800) 713-5260 today or complete our confidential intake form to schedule your free consultation with a California personal injury lawyer. Let us fight for the justice and compensation you deserve, while you focus on healing. 

CLICK HERE TO SEE IF YOU QUALIFY FOR COMPENSATION 

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Personal Injury Cases

Q1: What qualifies as a personal injury case in California?
A personal injury case arises when someone is harmed due to another party’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct. Common examples include car accidents, slip-and-fall incidents, workplace injuries, defective products, and wrongful death claims.

Q2: How much is my personal injury case worth?
The value depends on the severity of your injuries, medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and long-term impact on your life. We work with medical and financial experts to calculate the full scope of damages and fight for maximum compensation.

Q3: How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit in California?
Generally, you have two years from the date of the injury to file. Certain cases—like those involving government entities—have shorter deadlines. It’s important to act quickly to preserve evidence and protect your rights.

Q4: What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
California follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning you can still recover compensation even if you were partly responsible. Your recovery may be reduced by your percentage of fault.

Q5: Do I have to go to court for my personal injury case?
Not always. Many cases settle through negotiation or mediation. However, if the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, we are prepared to take your case to trial.

Q6: How long does a personal injury case take?
Timelines vary depending on the complexity of the case and whether it goes to trial. Some cases resolve in months, while others may take over a year. We keep clients informed at every stage.

Q7: What damages can I recover in a personal injury case?
You may recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, property damage, and other out-of-pocket costs. In wrongful death cases, families may also recover funeral expenses and loss of companionship.

Q8: How much does it cost to hire a personal injury lawyer?
At our firm, there are no upfront costs. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if we win your case.

Q9: What should I do immediately after an accident?
Seek medical attention first. Then, document the scene if possible, gather witness information, and avoid making statements to insurance companies before speaking with a lawyer.

Q10: Will the insurance company try to minimize my claim?
Yes. Insurers often offer quick, low settlements or argue that injuries are less severe than they are. Having an experienced lawyer ensures your claim is taken seriously.

Q11: What if the at-fault party doesn’t have insurance?
You may still have options, such as pursuing compensation through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage or exploring other liable parties.

Q12: How do I know if I need a personal injury lawyer?
If your injuries are serious, medical bills are piling up, or the insurance company is pressuring you to settle, you need an attorney. A lawyer protects your rights and ensures you don’t settle for less than your case is worth.

To schedule an appointment with one of our attorneys, please call us at 1-800-713-5260 or by completing our intake form.

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