What is the "Karns & Karns Advantage" in new territories like Florida?
It is the combination of deep financial “litigation muscle” and the personal involvement of trial attorneys like Bill and Mike. We have the resources of a national firm with the focus of a boutique abuse practice.
How do 2,500+ five-star reviews help me trust a lawyer?
Reviews are proof of consistency. They show that across 31 locations, we treat our clients with empathy while delivering the results we promise.
Why should I call a lawyer before my own insurance company?
Your insurance company is a business, and their goal is to pay as little as possible. Calling us first ensures that your statements are protected and that your claim is valued correctly from day one.
Do I have to pay anything out of pocket to hire Karns & Karns?
No. We work on a contingency fee basis. We front all the costs of the investigation and experts; you only pay a fee if we win your case.
How many case managers are dedicated to my file at Karns & Karns?
We maintain a high ratio of staff to clients to ensure you never feel like a number. You will have a dedicated team assisting with your medical care, insurance coordination, and legal updates.
What is a "contingency fee" agreement?
It means our legal fee is a percentage of your final recovery. If we don’t win your case, you owe us nothing for our time or the costs we advanced.
How does Karns & Karns use accident reconstruction experts?
We hire experts to recreate the crash using physics and digital modeling, proving exactly how the defendant’s negligence caused the collision.
What is a "subpoena" and how is it used in my civil case?
A subpoena is a formal, written court order used to compel a witness to provide testimony (at a deposition or trial) or to force a party to produce documents (e.g., medical records, cell phone data, or employment files).
What is the difference between "common carrier" liability and standard negligence?
A common carrier (e.g., bus company, train operator) is held to a higher standard of care than a regular driver. This means they must exercise the utmost care and diligence for the safe carriage of their passengers, making it easier to prove negligence when an accident occurs.
What is "comparative negligence" in the context of a California personal injury case?
California uses Pure Comparative Negligence. This means you can recover compensation even if you are 99% at fault, but your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if your damages are $100,000 and you are 20% at fault, you still recover $80,000.
What is a "demand package" and what documents are included in it?
A demand package is a comprehensive set of documents that your attorney sends to the insurance company to start settlement negotiations. It includes the demand letter, all medical bills, all medical records, lost wage information, and any other evidence that proves your damages. A well-prepared and organized demand package is a critical step in a successful case.
What is a "spoliation letter" and why is it important?
A spoliation letter is a legal document sent to the at-fault party demanding that they preserve all evidence related to the case, such as video surveillance footage, phone records, or vehicle data. This is a critical first step to prevent the destruction of key evidence.
What is the legal concept of "res ipsa loquitur"?
Res ipsa loquitur is a Latin term that means “the thing speaks for itself.” It is a legal doctrine that allows a plaintiff to prove negligence without direct evidence if the accident is of a type that doesn’t ordinarily happen without negligence (e.g., a surgical instrument being left in a patient’s body).
How can I get a copy of the police report for my accident?
Your attorney can request the police report on your behalf. While police reports are often a great starting point for a case, they are not always admissible in court. It is a good starting point for gathering facts about the accident, but your attorney will conduct a full, independent investigation.
What is the legal doctrine of 'res judicata' and when does it bar a second lawsuit? Res judicata
(Latin for “a matter judged”) is a principle that prevents a plaintiff from bringing a lawsuit against the same defendant on the same issue once a final judgment has been entered. It ensures finality in legal disputes and means you generally only get one chance in court.
What is the legal concept of 'duty of care' and how is it established in negligence?
Duty of care is the legal obligation every person has to avoid causing harm to others. To win a personal injury case, your attorney must first prove the defendant owed you a duty of care (e.g., a driver has a duty to obey traffic laws), that they breached it, and that the breach caused your injuries.