Tom Paoli, Trial Lawyer

Providing first-rate, quality representation to seriously injured people.

Tom Paoli

I have been a civil trial lawyer representing only injured plaintiffs since 1986. I began by representing workers suffering from asbestos injuries. Since then, I have tried several dozen jury trials, resulting in the recovery of millions of dollars in compensation for my clients. Read more about me here. Read about my successful litigation here.

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Testimonials

"I had a really good experience being represented by Tom Paoli. This was my first time ever having to deal with legal issues, and Tom not only explained everything I needed to know, but he really cared about my case and seeing that I got what I deserved. . . . Over all, my patience and trust in Tom made the case a easy process and I am very happy with my decision to be represented by Tom."

Sarah

"Thank you so much for everything. I so appreciate your support, expertise and ethics. The outcome was significantly more than I ever anticipated. But mostly, I think the property owner has been held accountable for his negligence which changed my life."

Tori

"We are fortunate that Tom was one of our lawyers in our granddaughter's lawsuit for the wrongful death of our daughter. Tom heard us. He knew what was possible for a settlement of our case, and he helped us get it."

Jose and Maria

FAQs

Some frequently asked questions about personal injuries.

What should I do if I am injured because of someone else’s fault?

If you are injured in an accident, call the police, and when they come, get a report number. If the police don't come, try to get as much information as you can about the person or company that is at fault, including the name of their insurance company, and the identity of any witnesses. For example, if it is an automobile accident, get the other driver’s name, address, telephone number, insurance policy number, license plate, and driver’s license number. Tell your insurance company about the accident. And remember, you are under no obligation to speak with the other party’s insurance company, and it is often better to wait until you have a lawyer to do so.

What about liability for accidents caused by Uber or Lyft drivers?

Uber and Lyft drivers have their own insurance and the companies also carry $1 million in insurance covering their drivers when they are logged into the Uber or Lyft platform (computer program, even if they don't have a fare inside. If the claim exceeds $1 million, Uber or Lyft may be responsible for excess damages under the doctrine of respondeat superior. An employer's responsibility is for its employee's negligence, but the application of this legal principle is uncertain given the recent passage of Proposition 22 making these gig workers independent contractors. It is best to consult with a lawyer specializing in personal injury about ways to enforce "gig worker" employer liability.

Is it important that I seek prompt medical treatment?

The first thing you need to do if you are injured is take care of yourself by going to the nearest emergency room or by seeing your family doctor. If you think you are hurt, it is usually a good idea to seek medical care right away. Your doctor will recommend the best course of treatment. A delay in seeking treatment may be seen by others as evidence that you were not really injured in the accident.

Should I give a statement to the other party’s insurance carrier?

Should I authorize the release of my medical records to an insurance company?

What should I do if I am injured by a defective product?

An important piece of evidence in a product defect case is the defective product. If possible, you should preserve the product, or photograph it. For example, if you are injured by a defective household appliance, don’t let anyone throw it away. If you do not own the product, get an agreement from the owner that it will be preserved or, better yet, get permission to store it yourself at home. Then contact a lawyer specializing in personal injury to discuss your injury.

Is there a fee to speak with you about a case?

What is a contingent fee agreement?

All of our cases are done on a contingent fee contract. You do not have to pay any fees until your case is resolved by settlement or judgment after trial. Fees are a percentage of the settlement or judgment. There is no fee if you do not obtain a recovery. Contingent fee agreements are negotiable and must be in writing. We advance costs of prosecuting your case, and recover those from the settlement or judgment. It is always a good idea to take the time to study a fee agreement before signing it. We always ask prospective clients to take our fee agreement home instead of signing it at the first meeting.

How much is my case worth?

Every case is different, and the amount of compensation that can be recovered through legal action depends on many things. Whether liability is clear, and how severe is the loss or injury are the two most important factors. The amount of compensation that can be recovered in a case can be significantly affected by questions about the amount of fault of the other party. Permanent injuries that diminish a person’s ability to enjoy life are seen by insurance companies (and juries) as having much higher value to a person than milder injuries that have fully resolved. The amount of compensation can also be limited by the amount of insurance the responsible party has to cover the loss.

The other driver had no insurance or very little insurance. Do I have a case?

If you have uninsured motorist insurance (UIM) coverage on your own policy, you can be paid by your own insurance company the compensation you could have recovered from the uninsured or under-insured driver, up to the policy limit of your insurance. Even though you will now be dealing with your own insurance company, you will probably still need a lawyer to help you receive the compensation you deserve.

Have more questions? Click here to read more FAQs, or get in touch personally to discuss further.

Important Note: The materials available at this web site are for informational purposes only, not for the purpose of establishing an attorney client relationship or providing legal advice, and should not be relied on as legal advice. Use of and access to this web site does not create an attorney client relationship between Tom Paoli and the user or browser.