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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?
Your initial consultation is completely free. We will review your situation, explain your legal options, and give you an honest assessment of your case — at no cost and no obligation. Contact us today to schedule yours.
How do your fees work?
Most of our cases are handled on a contingency fee basis, which means:
  • 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?
Our main office is in Claremont, California. We represent clients throughout:
  • 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?
Every case is different. Some matters resolve in a few months through negotiation or administrative proceedings, while complex litigation or cases that go to trial can take a year or more. During your free consultation, we will give you a realistic timeline based on the specifics of your situation.
What should I bring to my consultation?
Bring any documents related to your case, including:
  • 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?
California is an at-will employment state, which means employers can generally terminate employees without cause. However, there are major exceptions. Your employer cannot fire you:

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?
Take these steps to protect yourself and your rights:
  1. Document everything — dates, times, what was said or done, and any witnesses
  2. Report in writing to your supervisor or HR department, and keep a copy
  3. Save evidence — emails, texts, photos, or other communications
  4. 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?
Most non-exempt employees in California are 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?
The deadlines depend on whether you file a state or federal 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?
The deadlines depend on the type of claim:
  • 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 delaycontact us as soon as possible to preserve your rights.

What damages can I recover in a personal injury case?
You may be entitled to compensation for:
  • 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?
California follows a "pure comparative negligence" rule. This means you can recover damages even if you were partially at fault — your recovery is simply reduced by your percentage of responsibility.

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?
Be cautious. Insurance adjusters work for the insurance company, not for you. Anything you say can be used to minimize or deny your claim.
  • 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?
A class action is a lawsuit filed on behalf of a group of people who have been harmed by the same company in a similar way. Instead of each person filing individually, a class action allows the group to pursue their claims together.

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?
We handle a wide range of consumer protection cases, including:
  • 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?
You may have a claim if a company:
  • 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?
No. Class action lawsuits are typically handled on a contingency fee basis, meaning:
  • 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.