This page provides general legal information about personal injury law in Los Angeles, California. It does not provide legal advice. Consult a licensed California attorney before making any legal decisions.
Courts & Filing in Los Angeles
Personal injury civil lawsuits from Los Angeles are filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court at Stanley Mosk Courthouse. Government entity claims require a six-month administrative claim before any lawsuit. Complex cases may be designated under California Rules of Court Rule 3.400.
Primary civil courthouse for personal injury lawsuits from Los Angeles and Los Angeles County. Government entity claims against the City of Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, or Caltrans require a written administrative claim within six months under Government Code Section 945.4 before any lawsuit can be filed in any California court.
California Personal Injury Law in Los Angeles
All personal injury claims from Los Angeles are governed by California law: pure comparative fault (Li v. Yellow Cab Co.); the two-year statute of limitations (CCP Section 335.1); the six-month Government Claims Act deadline for government entity claims (Government Code Section 945.4); MICRA caps for medical malpractice; and uncapped economic and non-economic damages for all non-malpractice personal injury categories.
Personal Injury Context in Los Angeles
Los Angeles has california's largest population center with the state's highest volume of personal injury claims across all categories; la county superior court's civil division handles thousands of personal injury cases annually. These local factors create the specific personal injury risk profile of Los Angeles and its surrounding community, generating the personal injury claims that are litigated in Los Angeles County Superior Court.
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Frequently Asked Questions — Los Angeles
Where do I file a personal injury lawsuit in Los Angeles?
Personal injury civil lawsuits from Los Angeles are generally filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court at Stanley Mosk Courthouse, 111 N Hill St, Los Angeles, CA 90012. Unlimited civil cases (over $35,000) are filed in the civil department. Claims against the City of Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, or other government entities require a written administrative claim within six months under Government Code Section 945.4 before any lawsuit.
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in Los Angeles?
Two years from the date of injury under CCP Section 335.1 for most personal injury claims. Medical malpractice: one year from discovery or three years from the act. Government entity claims: six months under Government Code Section 945.4. Minor victims: tolled until age 18 under CCP Section 352.
What makes Los Angeles a significant area for personal injury claims?
Los Angeles has california's largest population center with the state's highest volume of personal injury claims across all categories; la county superior court's civil division handles thousands of personal injury cases annually. This combination of population density, traffic volume, commercial activity, and employment creates substantial personal injury exposure across all categories of injury.
Does California's pure comparative fault apply in Los Angeles?
Yes. California's pure comparative fault from Li v. Yellow Cab Co. (1975) applies throughout California, including Los Angeles. Recovery is reduced proportionally by the victim's fault percentage but never eliminated. This applies to all personal injury cases in Los Angeles County Superior Court.
What if a City of Los Angeles vehicle or property caused my injury?
Government entity claims against the City of Los Angeles or Los Angeles County require a written administrative claim within six months of the injury under Government Code Section 945.4. Missing this deadline permanently bars the government entity claim. For state highway defects, a claim against Caltrans must also be filed within six months.
Can I recover for pain and suffering in a Los Angeles personal injury case?
Yes. California imposes no cap on non-economic damages (pain and suffering, emotional distress, disfigurement) in non-malpractice personal injury cases. Los Angeles County Superior Court juries determine non-economic damage amounts based on the severity, permanence, and impact of the injuries on the victim's life. Medical malpractice non-economic damages are capped by MICRA at $470,000 (2026).
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