Your role, kept manageable
Your involvement is important but usually manageable — mostly it comes down to sharing information, staying in touch, and making key decisions, while the legal work is handled for you.
Early on, your main role is explaining your situation honestly and providing what documentation you have — photos, communications with your landlord, records of losses, and so on. As the case develops, you may be asked to help fill in details, provide additional records, or stay reachable for updates and questions. At certain points, you will make important decisions, like whether to accept a settlement, since those choices are ultimately yours.
What you generally do not have to handle on your own is the legal strategy, paperwork, negotiation, and procedure — that is what having representation is for. The goal is to lighten your load, not add to it, while keeping you informed and in control of the big decisions.
So you can pursue your rights without it taking over your life. If you have been avoiding action because you fear it will be overwhelming, a free, confidential review can help you understand what your involvement would realistically look like.
This is general information about California tenant rights, not legal advice. Every situation is different.