Personal Injury Lawyers
Personal Injury Lawyers in Los Angeles , CA
Los Angeles moves without warning. One moment you are merging onto the 405 near Inglewood, walking through Koreatown after a long day, or riding through Silver Lake — and the next, an accident changes everything. Medical bills arrive before you have had a chance to breathe. Your employer wants answers. And the insurance company is already working to settle your claim for as little as possible.
At the Law Offices of Kenneth C. Odiwe, we are a personal injury law firm in Los Angeles built around one idea: injured people deserve a real fight, not a rushed settlement. Attorney Kenneth Odiwe personally handles every case — no handoffs, no junior associates, no case numbers on a spreadsheet. If someone else’s negligence hurt you, we want to hear from you today.
Do You Have a Personal Injury Claim in Los Angeles?
Most people are not sure whether what happened to them qualifies as a legal case. Here is a simple way to think about it. If you can say yes to all three of the following, there is a strong likelihood that you have a claim worth pursuing:
- Someone else — a driver, property owner, employer, or government agency — acted carelessly or wrongfully
- Their actions directly caused your injury or the death of a family member
- You suffered real damages: medical expenses, lost income, pain, or lasting impact on your quality of life
You do not have to be certain. That is what the free consultation is for. Our job is to review the facts honestly and tell you where you stand. Call (669) 315-4431 any time to find out.
What Compensation Can You Recover in Los Angeles?
California law allows injury victims to recover two broad categories of damages. Understanding both is important — because insurance companies routinely try to limit your recovery to the most obvious financial costs while ignoring the deeper, harder-to-quantify losses that are equally compensable under law.
Economic Damages (Financial Losses) | Non-Economic Damages (Personal Losses) |
Medical bills — past and future | Pain and suffering |
Lost wages and income | Emotional distress |
Loss of earning capacity | Loss of enjoyment of life |
Property damage (vehicle, etc.) | Loss of consortium |
Rehabilitation and therapy costs | Disfigurement or permanent disability |
In-home care expenses | Psychological trauma |
Funeral / burial expenses (wrongful death) | Grief and bereavement (wrongful death) |
Punitive damages may also be available in cases where the defendant’s conduct was especially reckless, malicious, or fraudulent — for example, a drunk driver who caused a fatal accident, or a property owner who knowingly concealed a serious hazard. California courts can award punitive damages as a form of punishment beyond your actual losses. Kenneth evaluates punitive exposure in every applicable case.
It is also worth noting that California does not cap economic or non-economic damages in most personal injury cases — unlike some other states. The only statutory cap applies to non-economic damages in medical malpractice claims. This means that in a serious injury case, the full value of your losses — including pain, suffering, and future impact on your life — is recoverable.
Types of Personal Injury Cases We Handle in Los Angeles
The personal injury attorneys in Los Angeles at our firm handle the full range of serious injury and wrongful death cases across LA County. From freeway collisions on the I-10 to premises liability in downtown high-rises, to civil rights violations involving the LAPD or LASD — we are built for complex cases in this market.
Car Accidents
Los Angeles has some of the most congested roads in the country, and with that volume comes serious accidents every day. Whether it is a rear-end collision on the I-405, a T-bone at an Inglewood intersection, or a hit-and-run in Downtown LA, we handle insurance negotiations and fight for every dollar — medical bills, lost wages, future care, and pain and suffering. We know the defense tactics used by LA-area insurers and we are ready for them.
Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcyclists face dangers that most drivers never think about — lane splitting near aggressive drivers on the PCH, blind spots on the 101 and 110 interchange, and inattentive drivers throughout the Valley. When a rider is seriously hurt because someone else was careless, we build the case to prove fault and recover the maximum available: hospital costs, rehabilitation, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents
Pedestrian fatalities in Los Angeles remain among the highest in California. If you or a family member was struck while walking near Koreatown, cycling in Venice, or crossing a street in Mid-City, you may have a strong claim against a negligent driver or against a city that failed to maintain safe infrastructure. We pursue both private and government liability where applicable.
Truck and Commercial Vehicle Accidents
The LA port corridor near Long Beach and Compton carries some of the heaviest commercial truck traffic in the country. Accidents involving semi-trucks, big rigs, and other commercial vehicles frequently cause catastrophic and fatal injuries. We know how to take on trucking companies, their insurers, and fleet operators — and how to hold all responsible parties accountable.
Rideshare Accidents (Uber and Lyft)
Rideshare accidents are more legally complex than standard car accidents because three or more parties may be involved: the driver, the rideshare company, and the other vehicle. Uber and Lyft maintain tiered insurance policies that vary depending on whether the driver was actively on a trip, waiting for a ride request, or offline. Navigating those layers requires experience. We represent riders, drivers, and third parties injured in Uber and Lyft accidents throughout Los Angeles County.
Bus and Public Transit Accidents
Accidents involving LA Metro, Big Blue Bus, Foothill Transit, or other public transit systems introduce government liability — which means different legal rules apply. Under California Government Code, claims against public entities must be filed within six months of the incident — not two years like most personal injury claims. Missing this deadline permanently bars your claim. If you were injured on or by a public transit vehicle in Los Angeles, contact us immediately.
Slip and Fall and Premises Liability
Property owners in Los Angeles — whether it is a commercial landlord in Westwood, a grocery chain in East LA, or a residential complex in North Hollywood — have a legal obligation to maintain reasonably safe conditions. Premises liability cases include slip and falls, broken stairways, inadequate lighting, elevator accidents, negligent security, and swimming pool accidents. When an owner’s negligence causes a serious injury, we pursue full compensation.
Dog Bite Injuries
California has one of the strictest dog bite liability laws in the country. Under Civil Code § 3342, a dog owner is liable for injuries caused by their dog even if the dog has never bitten anyone before and even if the owner had no reason to expect aggression. You do not need to prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous. If you were bitten in Los Angeles, you have a right to pursue compensation for medical treatment, scarring, emotional trauma, and any lasting injury.
Medical Malpractice
When a doctor, hospital, surgeon, or other healthcare provider in Los Angeles fails to meet the accepted standard of care — through a misdiagnosis, a surgical error, a medication mistake, or a failure to act — the consequences can be permanent. Medical malpractice claims in California are time-sensitive and complex. We work with medical experts to evaluate exactly where the standard of care was breached and fight to hold those responsible accountable.
Wrongful Death
Losing someone you love because of another person’s negligence is one of the most devastating experiences a family can face. Whether it is a fatal car accident on Sepulveda Boulevard, a workplace death in Commerce, a fatal dog attack, or a death at the hands of law enforcement, we pursue the full legal value of your loved one’s life. This includes lost income and financial support, loss of companionship, and funeral expenses. We handle wrongful death claims with the seriousness and care they deserve.
Police Misconduct and Civil Rights Injuries
The Law Offices of Kenneth C. Odiwe is one of the few personal injury law firms in Los Angeles that also practices serious civil rights law. If you were injured, wrongfully arrested, or harmed by an officer from the LAPD, LASD, or any other law enforcement agency in LA County, you may have both a personal injury claim and a civil rights claim. Kenneth handles both — and that dual expertise can significantly increase what you are able to recover.
Catastrophic Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, amputations, severe burns, and permanent disfigurement do not just create immediate medical costs. They reshape careers, relationships, and daily life for years — sometimes permanently. Our catastrophic injury practice is built around understanding the full long-term picture of what our clients have lost and fighting for the resources they will need going forward.
How We Build Your Case
Winning a serious injury claim in Los Angeles requires more than filing paperwork. It requires a thorough investigation, the right experts, and a strategy built around the specific facts of your situation. Here is what happens after you hire us:
- Immediate investigation — We gather evidence before it disappears: accident scene photos, surveillance footage, police reports, witness contact information, and any available black box or dashcam data.
- Medical record review — We work with your treating doctors and, where necessary, independent medical experts to document the full scope of your injuries, your treatment timeline, and your long-term prognosis.
- Liability analysis — We identify every party whose negligence contributed to your injury — drivers, property owners, employers, manufacturers, government agencies, or any combination.
- Damages calculation — We calculate not just your current medical bills but future costs, lost earning capacity, pain and suffering, and all non-economic losses that California law allows you to recover.
- Insurance negotiation — We handle all communication with the insurance company. You will not take a single call or sign a single document without our review.
- Trial preparation from day one — Every case we take is built as if it is going to trial. Insurers settle for more when they know the other side is genuinely prepared to go in front of a jury.
Steps to Take After an Injury in Los Angeles
What you do in the hours and days after an accident can significantly affect your ability to recover full compensation. Here is what we advise every client:
- Get medical attention immediately — Even if you feel fine, some injuries (concussions, internal trauma, soft tissue damage) do not show symptoms right away. A medical record from the day of or day after your accident is critical evidence.
- Call the police and get a report — For car accidents, file a report with the LAPD or CHP. For other incidents, report to whoever has jurisdiction. Get the report number.
- Photograph everything — The scene, your injuries, any hazardous conditions, vehicle damage, skid marks, broken sidewalks — whatever is relevant. Take more photos than you think you need.
- Collect witness information — Names and phone numbers of anyone who saw what happened. Witnesses become harder to reach quickly.
- Do not speak to the other party’s insurance company — Refer all insurance calls to your attorney. Anything you say can be used to minimize your claim.
- Do not post about the accident on social media — Insurance defense teams monitor social media. Even an innocent post can be taken out of context.
- Contact us for a free case review — The sooner we can begin preserving evidence and evaluating your claim, the stronger your case will be. Call (669) 315-4431 any time.
About Attorney Kenneth C. Odiwe
Kenneth Odiwe grew up in Vallejo, California, where he saw firsthand how ordinary people are affected when powerful institutions avoid accountability. That experience shaped his path into civil rights and personal injury law. After earning his law degree from Golden Gate University School of Law, he began his career at the Law Offices of John L. Burris — one of California’s leading civil rights and personal injury firms. There, he built strong experience handling cases against government agencies, insurers, and large institutions.
Today, Kenneth represents clients across multiple cities throughout California — including Los Angeles — bringing the same level of focus, preparation, and commitment to every case, no matter where it arises.
He is admitted to practice in all California Superior Courts and the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, with credentials publicly verifiable through the State Bar. What sets him apart is his combined focus on both civil rights and personal injury law, allowing him to pursue every available path to recovery when cases involve law enforcement or public entities.
Professional Recognition
AV Preeminent® Rating — Martindale-Hubbell
Best Lawyers® — One to Watch
National Trial Lawyers — Top 100 Member
Top 10 — Wrongful Death Settlements (2020)
Top 100 — Personal Injury Settlements (2022)
40 Under 40 — Rising Legal Talent
Why Los Angeles Clients Choose Kenneth Odiwe
Choosing the right legal team matters when you are dealing with a serious case. We focus on giving you clear guidance, strong representation, and personal attention from start to finish.
- We personally handle your case — not an associate. When you hire the Law Offices of Kenneth C. Odiwe, you work directly with us from your first call through resolution. Your case is not passed to someone you have never met. You will always know exactly who is handling your matter and where things stand.
- We bring civil rights expertise that most personal injury lawyers don’t have. Cases involving law enforcement, government entities, and public institutions require a deeper legal understanding. Our foundation, including training at the Law Offices of John L. Burris, allows us to pursue multiple legal angles where applicable — often leading to stronger results.
- We understand how Los Angeles’s insurance defense system operates. This is one of the most competitive legal markets in the country. We know how insurers and defense firms approach these cases and how to respond effectively to protect your claim.
- We only get paid when you win. All cases are handled on a contingency fee basis. No upfront costs. No hourly charges. If we do not recover for you, you owe us nothing. Our success is directly tied to yours.
- We are direct and honest with you. We explain your case clearly — the process, the risks, and the realistic outcomes. No inflated promises, no pressure, just straightforward guidance you can trust.
Communities We Serve Across Los Angeles County
Our firm represents injury victims throughout Los Angeles County and surrounding areas. No matter where in LA you are located, our Beverly Hills office is accessible and our attorneys are ready to meet you.
- San Jose: 2880 Zanker Road, Suite 203, San Jose, CA 95134
- San Francisco: 580 California Street, Financial District, 12th & 16th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94104
- Oakland: 1901 Harrison St, Suite 1100, Oakland, CA 94612
- Sacramento: 500 Capitol Mall #2350, Sacramento, CA 95814
- Vallejo / Concord: 1320 Willow Pass Rd, Suite 600, Concord, CA 94520
- Modesto: 931 10th St, Modesto, CA 95354
- Los Angeles (Beverly Hills): 8383 Wilshire Blvd #800, Beverly Hills, CA 90211
- Fremont: 43160 Osgood Road, Fremont, CA 94539
- Antioch: 5179 Lone Tree Way, Antioch, CA 94531
- Dublin / Pleasanton: 4900 Hopyard Road, Pleasanton, CA 94588
- Fresno: 1690 W Shaw Ave, Suite 220, Fresno, CA 93711
- Stockton: 2453 Grand Canal Blvd, 1st & 2nd Floor, Stockton, CA 95207
- Richmond: 3223 Blume Dr, 1st Floor, Richmond, CA 94806
- San Diego: 501 W Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101
Not sure if we cover your area?
Call us. We serve clients across California and will give you a clear, honest answer about your case.
Talk to a Los Angeles Personal Injury Attorney Today — It’s Free
Every day after a serious injury, evidence fades, witnesses become harder to locate, and the insurance company’s defense team continues building their case against you. You do not have to face any of this alone — and you do not need money upfront to start.
The Law Offices of Kenneth C. Odiwe offers a completely free, no-obligation case review to every person who contacts us. Kenneth personally reviews every matter and will give you a straight, honest picture of where you stand. There are no upfront costs and no attorney fees unless we win your case.
→ Beverly Hills Office: 8383 Wilshire Blvd #800, Beverly Hills, CA 90211 → Call or Text 24/7: (669) 315-4431 → Email: kenneth@kennethodiwelaw.com Free case review. No fee unless we win. No obligation. |
Frequently Asked Questions — Personal Injury in Los Angeles
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in Los Angeles?
For most personal injury cases, California gives you two years from the date of your injury to file a lawsuit, as established under California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1. However, there are important exceptions:
- Claims against a government agency (LAPD, LASD, City of LA, LA Metro, Caltrans) — you must file a government tort claim within 6 months of the incident, or your right to sue is permanently barred
- Child injuries — the statute of limitations is typically tolled until the child’s 18th birthday, at which point the two-year clock begins
- Discovery rule — in cases where an injury was not immediately apparent (certain medical conditions, toxic exposure), the clock may begin when you discovered or reasonably should have discovered the injury
- Medical malpractice — three years from the date of injury, or one year from when the injury was discovered, whichever comes first
- Wrongful death — two years from the date of the deceased’s death
The safest course of action is to contact an attorney as soon as possible after any injury. Evidence disappears, witnesses become harder to reach, and missing a statutory deadline permanently destroys an otherwise valid claim.
What is my Los Angeles personal injury case worth?
There is no standard answer, and you should be cautious of any attorney who quotes you a number before reviewing the full facts. The value of your claim depends on: the severity and permanence of your injuries, your medical expenses both past and projected, the impact on your ability to earn income over your lifetime, how clearly fault can be established, available insurance coverage, and the pain and non-economic losses you have suffered. A free consultation with us will give you an honest, informed starting point.
What if I was partially at fault for my accident?
California follows a pure comparative negligence rule (California Civil Code § 1714), meaning you can still recover damages even if you were partly responsible for what happened. Your compensation is simply reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were 25% at fault in a $200,000 case, you can still recover $150,000. Insurance companies routinely try to inflate your share of fault to reduce what they pay — having a lawyer representing you significantly changes that dynamic.
Do I need a lawyer if the insurance company already offered me a settlement?
Insurance companies make early offers for one reason: to close your claim before you fully understand what you are owed. These initial figures almost always undervalue your case, particularly when future medical costs and long-term lost earning capacity have not yet been calculated. Before you accept anything — even if it sounds reasonable — speak to us. The consultation is completely free.
Can I still file a claim if I was hit by an uninsured driver in Los Angeles?
Yes. If the at-fault driver has no insurance or insufficient coverage, your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) policy may cover your losses. We can also investigate whether third parties — a vehicle owner, an employer who owns the vehicle, or a government entity responsible for road conditions — share liability. Los Angeles has a significant uninsured driver problem. We know how to navigate these claims.
What is the difference between economic and non-economic damages?
Economic damages are your quantifiable financial losses — medical bills, lost wages, future treatment costs, property damage. Non-economic damages cover the harder-to-measure personal losses — pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of consortium. California law allows you to pursue both. In cases involving reckless or intentional misconduct, punitive damages may also be available as an additional form of recovery.