Personal Injury Law
How Coates Law Helps in Establishing Liability in PI Cases

When someone is injured due to another party’s negligence, the road to recovery can be filled with more than just physical pain; it can also involve emotional distress, lost wages, and rising medical expenses. In such situations, holding the responsible party legally accountable becomes essential. This process, known as establishing liability, is a critical step in any personal injury case.
That’s where Coates Law Office, PLLC, plays a vital role. Founded by attorney Bradford Coates, it is known for its dedication to personal injury claims. The firm helps clients understand their rights, gather necessary evidence, and build strong cases that prove fault. With a clear, structured approach, Coates Law supports injury victims through each stage of their legal journey.
Understanding How Liability Is Proven in a Personal Injury Case
In personal injury cases, the injured party (plaintiff) must prove that another party (defendant) is at fault for their injury. This involves establishing three key elements.
- Duty of Care: The defendant must have a legal responsibility to avoid harming others, such as drivers following traffic rules and store owners keeping their premises safe.
- Breach of Duty: The plaintiff must show that the defendant failed to meet this duty, either through careless actions or negligence.
- Causation and Damages: The plaintiff must connect the breach to their injury, demonstrating that the negligence directly caused actual harm, like physical injuries or medical expenses.
Example: If a customer slips on a wet floor in a store without warning signs and breaks their arm, the store has a duty to keep the area safe. Their failure to do so directly led to the customer’s injury, illustrating a personal injury claim.
How Coates Law Helps Prove Liability in Personal Injury Cases
Coates Law Office guides clients through the entire process of proving liability with a careful, step-by-step approach.
1. Identifying the Duty of Care
The legal team at Coates Law begins by examining the relationship between the injured person and the other party. They determine whether the defendant had a legal responsibility in that situation. For example:
- Was the person a driver, property owner, employer, or medical provider?
- What standard of care were they supposed to follow?
By identifying the specific duty of care, the firm sets the foundation for building a strong case.
2. Proving the Duty Was Breached
Next, Coates Law gathers all the evidence needed to show that the duty was broken. This could include:
- Accident scene photos
- Police and incident reports
- Medical records
- Surveillance footage
- Witness statements
- Expert analysis (such as accident reconstruction)
They use this evidence to clearly demonstrate that the defendant acted in a careless or unsafe way, and didn’t meet the legal standard expected of them.
3. Connecting the Breach to the Injury
The most critical part is proving that the defendant’s actions actually caused the injury. Coates Law works closely with medical professionals, financial experts, and other specialists to:
- Show the extent of the physical injuries
- Calculate lost income or work hours
- Evaluate long-term effects, such as disability or emotional distress
They make sure that all the harm suffered by the client is documented and connected directly to the defendant’s negligence.
Ensuring Fair Compensation
Once liability is clearly established, Coates Law focuses on getting the compensation the client truly deserves. They carefully calculate the total impact of the injury, covering current and future medical expenses, emotional suffering, lost income, and any lasting disabilities.
The firm negotiates strongly with insurance companies and, if necessary, takes the case to court to secure a fair outcome. Their goal is to make sure clients are financially supported through recovery and beyond.

Conclusion
Establishing liability in a personal injury case is complex and requires a deep understanding of legal principles, detailed evidence gathering, and strategic presentation. Coates Law Office provides injury victims with the legal guidance and support needed to prove fault and recover fair compensation.