Frequently Asked Questions
We understand that navigating the legal system can feel overwhelming. Below are answers to questions we hear most often from clients. If you do not see your question here, call us for a free consultation.
General Questions
How much does an initial consultation cost?
How do your fees work?
- You pay nothing upfront
- You owe no attorney fees unless we recover money for you
- If we win, our fee is a percentage of the recovery
We will explain the specific terms before you sign anything.
What areas do you serve?
- Los Angeles County
- Orange County
- The Inland Empire (Riverside and San Bernardino counties)
- All of Southern California
For employment and consumer matters, we are available statewide via phone and video consultations.
How long will my case take?
What should I bring to my consultation?
- Employment contracts, termination letters, or offer letters
- Pay stubs, timecards, or wage statements
- Medical records or police reports
- Correspondence with the other party (emails, texts, letters)
- Photographs or other evidence
- Any notes you have about what happened, including dates and witnesses
If you do not have documents yet, that is fine — we can still discuss your options.
Employment Law
Can my employer fire me for any reason in California?
- For discriminatory reasons based on age, gender, disability, religion, national origin, pregnancy, or marital status
- In retaliation for reporting illegal activity or unsafe conditions
- For exercising your legal rights, such as taking medical leave
- In violation of an employment contract or collective bargaining agreement
If you believe you were wrongfully terminated, contact us for a free case evaluation.
What should I do if I am being harassed at work?
- Document everything — dates, times, what was said or done, and any witnesses
- Report in writing to your supervisor or HR department, and keep a copy
- Save evidence — emails, texts, photos, or other communications
- Consult an attorney — especially if your employer fails to act, or if reporting would be futile or dangerous
California law protects employees from sexual harassment, as well as harassment based on race, age, disability, religion, and other protected characteristics.
Am I entitled to overtime pay?
- 1.5× your regular rate for hours worked beyond 8 in a day or 40 in a week
- 2× your regular rate for hours worked beyond 12 in a day
Some employers misclassify employees as "exempt" to avoid paying overtime. If you believe you have been misclassified or denied overtime, you may have a wage and hour claim.
What is the deadline to file an employment discrimination claim?
- California (CRD): Generally 3 years from the discriminatory act to file with the Civil Rights Department (formerly DFEH)
- Federal (EEOC): Typically 300 days from the discriminatory act
These deadlines can be complicated by continuing violations or other factors. Do not wait — consult an attorney as soon as possible to preserve your rights.
Personal Injury
How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit in California?
- General personal injury: 2 years from the date of injury
- Claims against government entities: You must file an administrative claim within 6 months
- Wrongful death: Generally 2 years from the date of death
- Elder abuse: May have different deadlines depending on the specific claims
There are exceptions that can shorten or extend these deadlines. Do not delay — contact us as soon as possible to preserve your rights.
What damages can I recover in a personal injury case?
- Medical expenses — past, current, and estimated future treatment
- Lost wages — income lost during recovery and diminished future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering — physical pain and loss of enjoyment of life
- Emotional distress — anxiety, depression, PTSD, and related conditions
- Property damage — repair or replacement of damaged property
- Punitive damages — in cases involving particularly egregious conduct
The specific damages depend on the nature of your injuries. We handle cases involving vehicle accidents, truck accidents, brain and spinal injuries, and more.
What if I was partially at fault for my injury?
Example: If you were 20% at fault and your total damages are $100,000, you could still recover $80,000.
Do not assume your case is hopeless because of shared fault. Contact us for a free evaluation of your personal injury claim.
Should I talk to the insurance company after an accident?
- Do provide basic information: your name, contact info, and the date and location of the accident
- Do not give a recorded statement without legal counsel
- Do not admit fault or apologize — even casually
- Do not discuss the extent of your injuries in detail
- Do not accept a settlement offer before consulting an attorney
Speak with us first — we can handle communications with the insurance company on your behalf.
Consumer Litigation
What is a class action lawsuit?
Class actions are particularly effective because they:
- Hold large corporations accountable for widespread misconduct
- Allow consumers to pursue claims that may be too small to justify individual lawsuits
- Create industry-wide changes in business practices
- Provide efficient resolution for large groups of affected consumers
What types of consumer cases do you handle?
- False advertising and deceptive marketing
- Unfair business practices and fraud
- Defective products and failure to warn
- Unauthorized charges and billing disputes
- Data breaches and privacy violations
- Other corporate misconduct that harms consumers
California has some of the strongest consumer protection laws in the nation, including the Unfair Competition Law (Bus. & Prof. Code §17200) and the Consumers Legal Remedies Act (CLRA).
How do I know if I have a consumer protection claim?
- Misled you about a product or service through false advertising
- Charged you fees you did not agree to or understand
- Failed to honor a warranty or guarantee
- Engaged in deceptive billing practices
- Violated your privacy or mishandled your personal data
Many California consumer protection laws allow you to recover not only your actual damages but also statutory penalties and attorney fees. Contact us for a free evaluation of your situation.
Do I have to pay to join a class action?
- There is no cost to join or participate
- Attorney fees are paid only out of any recovery obtained for the class
- If the case is unsuccessful, you owe nothing
If you believe you have been affected by corporate misconduct, reach out to us — there is no risk in exploring your options.
Still Have Questions?
Every situation is unique. Call us for a free, confidential consultation and get answers specific to your case.