Understanding the Role of Local Jurisdictions in National City Personal Injury Cases
In a personal injury lawsuit, the injured person can sue the at-fault parties for compensation. This compensation can cover medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other costs related to physical and emotional injuries.
Personal injury lawyers settle most claims out of court. Otherwise, some cases may be taken to trial for a judge and jury to hear. The type of case you have, where the parties involved live, and where the accident occurred determines which court will hear your case.
Harker Injury Law can ensure your case is assigned to the appropriate court so you can pursue the compensation you need to restore your quality of life. Contacting us is easy; just stop by one of our San Diego county offices or fill out this brief form to tell us about your personal injuries. We will get in touch with you soon.
What You Need to Know About Jurisdiction
Jurisdiction determines which court will handle your personal injury case. A court must have authority, or jurisdiction, over the accident’s location and the people involved.
There are two main types of jurisdiction, described as follows.
Subject matter jurisdiction
Subject matter jurisdiction is a court’s power to hear and decide certain cases. Each court handles specific types of legal issues.
In California, the Superior Court of each county generally handles personal injury cases involving claims with $12,500 or more in damages. Personal injury claims for lesser amounts are the focus of the Small Claims division.
Different types of courts have different kinds of subject matter jurisdiction. Some courts have exclusive jurisdiction, meaning they are the only courts with the authority to decide on specific types of cases.
Examples include:
- The U.S. Supreme Court has original but not exclusive jurisdiction over cases involving foreign diplomats like ambassadors and public ministers and appellate jurisdiction over some issues involving the U.S. Constitution.
- Federal courts are the only ones who handle bankruptcy cases, so state courts cannot decide on these types of claims. The 90 bankruptcy courts are considered units of the U.S. district courts but have differing local laws and regulations.
- Maritime courts exercise authority over admiralty law cases involving acts committed on the high seas or navigable waters. The U.S. Constitution gives this jurisdiction to the federal courts.
- The Court of International Trade is the only court where someone can file civil actions against the United States.
When a court can only hear certain types of cases, this court has limited jurisdiction. For example, federal courts have limited jurisdiction because they can only hear cases about federal laws or parties from different states.
State courts, however, have general jurisdiction because they can handle many different types of cases, such as:
- Personal injury lawsuits
- Family disputes
- Contract disagreements
- Probate matters like wills and estates
- Vehicle accidents involving a reckless or negligent driver
Understanding subject matter jurisdiction is essential because this determines where to file a lawsuit. For instance, what would happen if you bring a family dispute about your relatives’ wills to a federal court?
Since the federal courts do not handle this subject matter jurisdiction, they cannot legally decide the case for your family members. The law would require your case to be dismissed.
In the worst-case scenario, you will forfeit your right to collect compensation because you don’t have time to restart the process in the correct court. Even when you can file elsewhere before it is too late, a subject-matter-jurisdiction misstep could cost you valuable resources and money.
Personal jurisdiction
Personal jurisdiction is a court’s authority to make legal decisions affecting a specific person or business.
For a court to have personal jurisdiction, the person being sued must have some connection to the place where the court is located, namely, he or she:
- Lives in the area
- Owns or operates a business in the counties served by the court
- Was involved in an accident that took place in the jurisdiction
- Was served legal papers while in the state
- Caused harm or injuries in the state
No matter what harm you suffered, a court without jurisdiction over the person in question cannot review your case. Jurisdiction laws are designed to protect your rights, ensuring fair juries and proper connections between the county where the court is located and the people involved in the law dispute.
How Federal Law Affects You
Federalism is a system of government that spreads power between national and individual authorities. The states make up the political units of the federal government of our nation.
This system results in state courts typically regulating the application of state laws. Federal courts tend to have jurisdiction over national issues that affect the central government.
Though laws fall into these two categories, the federal government is considered superior to the state. When there is a conflict, state courts must respect legislation passed by Congress, presidential orders, and the decisions of the federal courts.
What if a decision cannot be settled in federal court? The case might be heard in the Supreme Court, where a final decision would be made.
Just as differences exist between federal court and state court, personal and subject matter jurisdiction differs between cities and counties. Each may have its own rules for handling personal injury cases.
Following the rules of subject matter jurisdiction in your state is essential for a successful claim. For example, in National City, CA, specific regulations apply to personal injury cases.
Regulations That Apply in National City, California
If you have been in an accident in National City in San Diego County, you may already realize that preparing a lawsuit requires understanding the principle of jurisdiction in the state courts. Let’s examine some differences in the laws and regulations that apply to your claim.
Filing deadlines
In the State of California, there is limited time to file a lawsuit after an injury. Failure to do so by the date set by the statute of limitations can result in losing your right to sue.
Appealing decisions in state and federal courts
If you lose a case in a state or federal court, you may be able to appeal. Both parties must accept the final ruling from the higher court of law.
Since many courts in California have general jurisdiction, you should check online to learn where your case type will be heard.
Get Help From Us Anywhere in California
Federal and state laws give you the right to resolve legal issues, but the various statutes can be confusing. Not to worry; our experienced legal team is ready to help you understand the differences.
In National City or elsewhere in California, our attorneys have the knowledge and resources to seek compensation for your personal injuries. If you have already received an unfavorable outcome in court, we can review your claim and strengthen your defense if you qualify for an appeal.
Let’s get your life back on track together. Contact Harker Injury Law at your earliest convenience to determine what subject matter jurisdiction applies to your case. The consultation is free, and we charge no fees unless we win money for your claim.
