Personal injury
San Diego personal injury lawyer
When someone else's carelessness leaves you hurt, the costs add up fast. We pursue full and fair compensation so you can focus on recovering, and we work on contingency, so there is no fee unless we win.
Help after a serious injury in San Diego
No one plans for an injury or the way it can upend your life. A serious accident can be frightening, painful, and expensive all at once. You may be wondering whether you even need a lawyer, or whether you can handle the insurance company on your own. The honest answer depends on your situation, and we are happy to talk it through with you at no cost.
We represent people hurt in many kinds of incidents, including motor vehicle collisions, dangerous property conditions, and injuries caused by defective products. Insurers know that an unrepresented claimant is easier to underpay. Having an attorney who has dealt with these companies, and who knows how they evaluate claims, changes that dynamic.
How we approach your case
We take personal injury cases on contingency, which means our fee comes out of the recovery, not your pocket, and only if we win. That lets you focus on healing while we investigate what happened, establish who is responsible, document the full extent of your losses, and push for a settlement that reflects both your current costs and what you will need going forward. If a fair settlement is not possible, we are prepared to take your case to trial.
Common questions
Personal injury FAQs
What should I do after an accident?
Get medical attention first, even if you feel fine, because some injuries surface later. Do not admit fault or apologize at the scene, since anything you say can be used against you. Document what happened with photos and the names of any witnesses if you safely can, and speak with an attorney before giving a recorded statement to an insurer.
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in California?
In most California personal injury cases the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the injury. Some situations, such as claims against a government entity, have much shorter deadlines. Because the rules and exceptions are narrow, it is best to talk with an attorney early so you do not lose your right to recover. [CONFIRM: confirm deadlines for your specific claim type]
What damages can I recover?
Compensatory damages fall into two groups. Economic damages cover measurable losses such as medical bills, lost income and earning capacity, and property damage. Non-economic damages cover pain and suffering, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life. In rare cases involving especially reckless conduct, punitive damages may also be available.
What if I was partly at fault?
California follows a pure comparative negligence rule. You can still recover even if you were partly to blame, and your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20 percent at fault, you can still recover 80 percent of your damages.
Do I need a lawyer for a personal injury case?
Some minor claims can be settled on your own. But if your injuries are serious, liability is disputed, or a meaningful amount of money is at stake, an experienced attorney usually recovers more than you would alone, even after fees. Our consultation is free, so it costs nothing to find out where you stand.
Talk to an attorney for free
Tell us what happened. We will explain your options and the benefits you may be owed. No cost, no obligation.
Client reviews
What our clients say
Verified 5-star Google reviews. Patrick Hollingsworth is named throughout.
Patrick assisted me in my case for over two years. He fought for me to obtain a very excellent settlement and treated me like a family member. I will absolutely use his services again and recommend him to my friends and family. Thank you, H&H team.
Mr. Patrick is an excellent attorney. Great communication, and he explains the process. He always responded promptly and worked around my work schedule. I was rear-ended by an underinsured motorist, but he still got me outstanding medical care and a settlement. Highly recommend!
If anyone is looking for an attorney with your best interest in mind, Mr. Patrick is your guy. I was hit by a cement truck. He sent me to some of the best providers in San Diego, everyone was responsive and professional, and he helped me get a great settlement I was happy with.
I had no idea how I was going to handle my burn injury claim, so I reached out to Hollingsworth & Hollingsworth. I'm really glad I did. From the very beginning they went above and beyond. The team is understanding and empathetic, and they delivered a huge settlement for my injuries.
A great option if you're looking for a caring and passionate attorney for a work injury or workers' compensation case. I hired them for my ankle and foot injury. They responded very quickly and settled my case. Thanks.
Honest, accurate, and smart. I would definitely use their services again and refer my friends and family. Wonderful consultation and resolutions.
H&H deserve a six-star rating!
Wonderful and fast results.