Accident Liability Laws in CA

Tort Laws in San Jose

California personal injury laws, also called tort laws, are constantly being changed and revised to make the legal system more fair and just for plaintiffs and defendants alike. The changes that occur in terms of accident liability may have an affect on your case, restricting the type and how much compensation you can receive. The Mitchell Law Firm of San Jose explains some of the tort reforms that have affected California personal injury claims in the last 20 years.

Admission of Defendants Sympathy (2002): This 2002 reform made expressions of a defendant’s sympathy towards the plaintiff inadmissible as admissions of a defendant’s guilt. This means that a plaintiff can not use a sympathetic or benevolent statement made by a defendant as proof that they are guilty of the act being accused.

Noneconomic Damages Limit (1975): After this law was enacted in 1975, a plaintiff became unable to seek more than $250,000 in noneconomic damages during a medical liability case. Noneconomic damages are those that do not have a set dollar amount affixed to them, such as pain and suffering.

Product Liability (1986): This law states that products that are known to be inherently dangerous, such as alcohol or tobacco can not be used as the basis for a product liability case. In this 1986 law, manufacturers of such products can not be held liable for injuries their products may cause.

The above are only a few of the ever changing laws that affect personal injury cases in California. For more information, speak with a personal injury attorney.

The Mitchell Law Firm of San Jose understands the impact an accident and personal injury can have on the lives of our clients. We offer free consultations in accident and personal injury cases.

For more information or to speak with a personal injury attorney, call 866-616-9947, or use our online contact form.