Business Details
50 Years
experience
Riverside Personal Injury Attorneys
Heiting & Irwin is a premier personal injury law firm based in Riverside, CA, with over 45 years of dedicated service to clients across Southern California. Founded in 1976, our firm was established on the principles of justice, integrity, and unwavering advocacy for individuals harmed by the negligence of others. Our team of attorneys brings over 100 years of combined legal experience, specializing in catastrophic injuries, wrongful death, car accidents, workers' compensation, product liability, and premises liability cases. We pride ourselves on direct attorney access, transparent communication, and a contingency fee model that ensures clients pay nothing unless we win.Recognized for our track record of securing over $500 million in recoveries, we combine aggressive litigation with compassionate representation to protect clients' rights and secure fair compensation. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our state-certified specialists, such as Richard Irwin in workers' compensation, and our ability to leverage a network of experts to build compelling cases. We operate with full transparency, offering free consultations and prioritizing client well-being throughout the legal process.
Services
Catastrophic Injuries
Wrongful Death
Car Accidents
Workers Compensation
Product Liability
Premises Liability
Details
- Year established: 1976
Highlights and features
- Over 100 years of combined legal experience in personal injury cases
- Track record of securing over $500 million in verdicts and settlements
- Direct attorney access with 24/7 availability for urgent matters
- Contingency fee basis: No payment unless we win your case
- State-certified workers' compensation specialist on staff
Associations and certifications
- California State Bar Certified Specialist
What people say
Amazing office and staff
Went above and beyond
Professionalism and thorough assistance
Compassionate and patient
Highly recommend
Services
Catastrophic Injuries
Catastrophic injury cases involve life-altering harm such as paralysis, amputations, and traumatic brain injuries. Our firm secures compensation for medical expenses, long-term care, and lost income. We employ day-in-the-life videography to document client challenges and advocate for comprehensive settlements. With decades of experience, we navigate complex medical and legal landscapes to ensure clients receive adequate financial support for recovery and future needs.
Wrongful Death
Wrongful death litigation addresses fatalities caused by negligence, seeking compensation for surviving family members. We handle claims for economic losses, funeral costs, and emotional damages. Our team approaches these cases with sensitivity, conducting thorough investigations to identify liable parties and secure fair settlements. With over four decades of experience, we provide compassionate guidance while aggressively pursuing justice for grieving families.
Car Accidents
Car accident claims address injuries from collisions involving automobiles, trucks, and motorcycles. We negotiate with insurers to cover medical bills, vehicle repairs, and lost wages. Our attorneys handle complex scenarios like uninsured motorists and delayed injuries. With over 45 years of experience, we ensure clients receive full compensation for physical, emotional, and financial damages resulting from accidents caused by others' negligence.
Workers Compensation
Workers' compensation cases involve injuries sustained on the job. Certified specialist Richard Irwin advocates for benefits covering medical treatment and lost income. We handle disputes with insurers and identify third-party liability when applicable. Our contingency-based approach ensures clients focus on recovery while we pursue maximum compensation for workplace-related harm.
Product Liability
Product liability litigation targets manufacturers of defective or dangerous products. We represent clients injured by faulty consumer goods, medical devices, and industrial equipment. Our team investigates supply chain liability and pursues compensation for medical costs and suffering. With decades of experience, we build robust cases against corporations to hold them accountable for unsafe products.
People
James Otto Heiting
Managing Partner
James Heiting, former California State Bar President, specializes in personal injury litigation. With over $500 million recovered for clients, he focuses on wrongful death, transportation accidents, and professional malpractice. He has served the Inland Empire for 45+ years.
Richard H. Irwin
Partner
Richard Irwin, a California Bar Certified Workers Compensation Specialist since 1995, focuses exclusively on workplace injury cases. With 40+ years of experience, he advocates for clients' rights in workers' comp claims and third-party liability cases.
Jean-Simon Serrano
Associate
Jean-Simon Serrano, a Super Lawyers honoree, handles personal injury and wrongful death cases. Admitted to California State and Federal Courts, he combines legal expertise with compassionate client advocacy to achieve favorable outcomes in complex litigation.
Sara B. Morgan
Associate
Sara Morgan, a Chapman University School of Law graduate, focuses on personal injury litigation. She provides pro bono services and volunteers at legal clinics, combining community engagement with dedicated client representation in injury cases.
Joshua Cates
Of Counsel
Joshua Cates has practiced personal injury law for 38+ years. His expertise extends to estate planning, trusts, and civil litigation. Transitioning from banking law, he brings a multidisciplinary approach to personal injury claims and client advocacy.
Questions
What types of personal injury cases do you handle?
We specialize in catastrophic injuries, wrongful death, car accidents, workers' compensation, product liability, and premises liability cases caused by others' negligence.
Do I need auto insurance to file a claim?
California law requires proof of financial responsibility. We recommend carrying liability, medical payments, and uninsured motorist coverage to protect against inadequate compensation.
What should I do immediately after a car accident?
Gather contact and insurance information, document the scene, seek medical attention, report to police, and contact our attorneys promptly to preserve evidence.
How are workers' compensation claims handled?
Notify your employer, seek medical treatment, and consult our certified specialist to navigate claims. We address disputes and identify third-party liability when applicable.
What compensation can I recover in a wrongful death case?
Survivors may claim funeral expenses, lost income, emotional damages, and loss of companionship. Our attorneys advocate for comprehensive compensation reflecting your family's loss.
How much does it cost to hire your firm?
We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we win your case. Fees are a percentage of recovered compensation, with no upfront costs.
