Living and working in Tulare County and across the Central Valley means long days in the fields, dairies, citrus groves, produce markets, and food processing plants. Whether you’re in Visalia, Hanford, Porterville, Lemoore, or smaller communities like Raisin City and Lucerne, accidents can happen anywhere—on the road, in the workplace, or even while shopping in town.
If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, knowing whether you have a personal injury case can help you protect your rights and recover the compensation you deserve.
1. Was There Negligence or Wrongdoing?
The foundation of most personal injury claims is negligence—when someone fails to act with reasonable care, causing harm. Examples include:
- A distracted driver causing a collision with your truck or tractor
- Unsafe irrigation ditches left unmarked near work areas
- A store failing to clean up a spill in time, leading to a slip and fall
- A dog owner failing to control a dangerous animal
2. Did You Suffer Measurable Damages?
You must have suffered actual harm—physical, emotional, or financial. This can include:
- Medical bills from emergency room visits or ongoing care
- Lost wages from time away from your dairy, orchard, or ag tech work
- Pain and suffering, including emotional distress
- If you walked away unharmed, you may not have a viable case.
3. Can You Prove Liability?
Even if you’re injured, you must show that another person or business was responsible. Evidence such as photos, witness statements, police reports, or video footage can strengthen your claim. In California, comparative negligence laws allow you to recover damages even if you share some fault—so long as you are not more responsible than the other party.
4. Are You Within the Legal Time Limit?
California’s statute of limitations generally gives you two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. Deadlines are even shorter when suing a public entity, such as a city or county agency. You can find more information on filing deadlines from the California Courts.
Why Talk to a Lawyer Early?
An experienced attorney can:
- Gather evidence and interview witnesses
- Deal with insurance companies and settlement offers
- Make sure your claim is filed on time
- Maximize compensation for medical bills, lost income, and ongoing care
Whether your injury happened in a cotton field, during cattle work, at a produce market, or on a busy road along the Fresno Line, the legal team at Nelson, Rozier, and Christenson is here to help. We know the agricultural and rural communities of the Central Valley—and the unique risks faced by farmworkers, drivers, and families in our region.
If you’ve been injured and believe someone else is at fault, contact our office at 559-713-0159 for a free consultation today.